#BlogTour! #Review – The Christmas Cafe at Seashell Cove by Karen Clarke (@karenclarke123)

After seeing loads of pretty Christmas decorations in a shop today, I am very much in the Christmas spirit, just in time to review Karen Clarke’s newest novel. Thank you to Bookouture for the blog tour invite and the ARC. Here is my review:

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the café at Seashell Cove, where there’s hot chocolate to keep you warm – and the man of your dreams could be waiting…

Interior designer Tilly Campbell loves being carefree and single. But her latest job is redecorating the cosy local café for a Christmas party, and when her friends confess their plans for the big night – including a proposal, a declaration of love and a pregnancy announcement – Tilly starts to wonder if she might be missing out…

Transforming the café into a winter wonderland is more of a challenge than she thought, so when she bumps into gorgeous newcomer Seth, Tilly welcomes the distraction. Seth is a single father, struggling to settle his son Jack into their new cottage, and Tilly is determined to help them make their house into a home in time for Christmas.

But with the café still in chaos just days before the party it looks like it’s going to be a Christmas to remember for all the wrong reasons… With friends old and new relying on her, can Tilly save the Christmas party?

And could she finally find love waiting for her under the mistletoe?

What does TWG think?

It feels like ages since I was last in Seashell Cove! I was so excited to catch up with all of the characters and find out what they have been up to since I last ‘saw’ them. At first I didn’t recognise the place, probably because I half expected to be back with Meg as the main character. It was wonderful to see snippets of her story live on in this one though, that’s for sure.

I did find the book to be a little of a slow starter as I took a while to warm up to Tilly, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the overall vibe of the book. Once I got further into the storyline, my opinion of Tilly changed and I found myself warming to her like marshmallows to a fire. How the hell she put up with her sister, Bridget, without committing a murder is beyond me!! Romy, Bridget’s little girl, had me in hysterics! She reminded so much of my own little girl. If only we all went through life without a care in the world like children!!

Tilly is a very independent character who is so set on doing things for other people, she sometimes forgets just how much one person can hold on their shoulders. Fortunately for her, newcomer, Seth, helps her see otherwise. As for his mother though, geezzzzzz!!!!!! I don’t get why he didn’t stand up to his mother! I know that Felicity wanted to do right by her grandson, but surely she must have realised that alienating him wouldn’t be the answer?

Even though this is a Christmassy book, the festive theme isn’t overpowering for those who dislike Christmas in October. I do think that as festivities were an apparent part of the book, that there should have been more oomph with it. That said, Gwen’s antics with the Christmas pudding kept Christmas on the map.

All in all, The Christmas Cafe at Seashell Cove kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish, with Romy being my star at the top of the Christmas tree. I really do hope we get to see more from the gang in Seashell Cove, as I can’t wait to find out what else others are hiding! A fun, light hearted and addictive read – a great follow up novel in an already fabulous series.

Buy now!

About the author.

Karen is the author of the popular BEACHSIDE and SEASHELL COVE series of romantic comedies, published by Bookouture. 

She’s also written three romcoms with a paranormal twist, all available to download

When she’s not working on her novels, Karen writes short stories for women’s magazines and has had over three hundred published globally. Some of them can be read in her short story collection ‘BEHIND CLOSED DOORS…and other Tales with a Twist’ 

Karen lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and three grown-up children, and when she’s not writing loves reading, walking, baking and eating cake.

 

Author Social Media Links: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.clarke.5682

Twitter:     https://twitter.com/karenclarke123

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard

Website: http://writewritingwritten.blogspot.co.uk/

#BlogTour! #Review – The Little Christmas Teashop of Second Chances by Donna Ashcroft (@donnashc) @Bookouture

I am thrilled to be able to share my thoughts of Donna Ashcroft’s latest novel with you all today, as I host today’s stop on the blog tour! Huge thanks, as always, to bookouture for the blog tour invite and the ARC. Here is my review:

Snow is beginning to fall around the cosy Castle Teashop, with its toasty log fire, scrumptious mince pies and delicious hot chocolates. Romance is in the air and Lily King is hoping some winter magic will help to make her dreams come true…

Twenty-five-year-old Lily King is wondering when her life is going to start. She adores working at the much-loved Castle Teashop, surrounded by familiar faces and delicious cakes. But she’s stuck in a rut. She’s just been dumped by her boyfriend and her dream job seems to be slipping through her fingers.

When her best friend Emily Campbell needs urgent help to organise her enchanting Christmas wedding, Lily realises it’s finally her moment to shine and reach for the opportunities she’s been wishing for. Can she pull off the biggest celebration Castle Cove has ever seen or will something – or someone – make things more complicated than she imagined?

Rebellious and handsome photographer Josh Havellin-Scott has always felt like an outsider, especially next to his perfect older brother, who is about to get married. At the last minute, Josh finds himself roped into plans for the Big Day, the very last thing he wants to do, until he is meets creative and quirky Lily King…

When Lily and Josh are thrown together, it’s clear they couldn’t be more different. But they begin to realise that opposites can attract – and sometimes when you’re not looking for love, it comes and finds you when you least expect it. With some festive magic, will they manage to work together and save the day?

And could they discover a winter romance of their very own along the way?

What does TWG think?

Oh my mince pies, could this book BE anymore fabulous?!?! I really did enjoy the first book in the series, but I have to say that this festive delight is something else! I was hooked from the very beginning, intrigued about Lily’s personal past as well as what made Josh tick. Yes, Josh is one of those characters who you should instantly dislike due to his arrogant nature, however I couldn’t help but be taken under his spell almost straight away. How the holly and ivy Lily managed to be immune to his charms for a little while was beyond me!

Even though this story is full of tantalising, stomach rumbling treats and friendships to last a life time, the thing that got right under my skin in such a beautiful manner , was the cleverly incorporated ‘hidden’ theme which made me relate to Lily on such a deep level. Take it from me, we have all felt as though we aren’t good enough, and I am sure we have always ensured other people were happy before ourselves. And, I am also sure that a lot of us have put our emotions aside and done something because of someone else, ignoring our own personal feelings about the situation. Yes? Of course we have – we are human. It’s not until you sit back and think about it or, in this case, read it in black and white, that you realise you have been living your life in the way that other people would prefer you to. Before anyone says anything, I know that it is our choice as to how we live our own life, but sometimes emotions get the better of us, just like Lily’s in this book.

Lily’s situation caught me off guard, despite seeing some of myself in the character. Weirdly, it was quite emotional. I also think that a certain family member of Lily’s needs to get caught by some holly and ivy. What a bleeping bleep bleep they are!!

I absolutely loved this book from reading about the yummy treats, to following the characters around as they plan nuptials, to watching Lily and Josh’s journey play out. Donna Ashcroft’s novel is such a feel good, life affirming, huggable and touching novel which will leave you wanting to plan your own nuptials to Josh. He’s definitely my sort of guy! Why are all the good ones fictional?!?! Pfft.

Honestly though, this book gave me the feels and I couldn’t have wished for anything more as Donna Ashcroft ticked every single box. In my eyes, she is now the Mrs Claus of Christmas reads.

Buy now!

About the author.

Donna Ashcroft was born in London and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She went to university in Lancashire and, among other things, worked as a copywriter, buyer, waitress, secretary and marketing manager. 

Donna wrote novels for over ten years before being published. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and was a joint winner of the Katie Fforde Bursary in 2017. 
Donna loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she’s escaping into a romance novel or movie. When she’s not reading or writing she’ll probably be found hoovering … or negotiating with her teenagers about who is doing the washing up.

Author Social Media Links: 

Website: www.donna-writes.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaAshcroftAuthor/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Donnashc

#BlogTour! #Review – Mystery at Maplemead Castle by Kitty French @KFrenchBooks @Bookouture

Welcome to Chapelwick, a leafy English town in the hills of Shropshire, where chocolate pecan cookies come with a helping of sabotage.

Maplemead Castle is crawling with ghosts, and the new owners need them gone. When Melody Bittersweet and the Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency arrive on scene, they quickly identify the troublemakers swinging from the chandeliers… literally.

A century ago, stunning trapeze artist Britannia Lovell plunged to her death, and has done every night since. But did she really just fall, or was there something more to her demise?

Forced to work with Leo Dark, her scoundrel ex, and infuriating, irresistible reporter Fletcher Gunn, Melody’s investigative powers are under strain (i.e. lost in a pink mist of lust and confusion). She needs her team on top form, but best friend Marina’s cake pipeline goes AWOL, assistant Artie’s distracted by a giant sausage roll, and the pug is scared witless by a lion.

Somewhere, hidden in the castle, is a heart-breaking secret, but what will it take to find it? And is there a chance it could set Britannia free, or is she doomed to repeat her last fateful act forever?

What does TWG think?

Happy publication day to the FABULOUS Kitty French and book two in the Chapelwick Mystery series, Mystery at Maplemead Castle! You may remember TWG HQ being extremely vocal about the first book in the series back in 2016, when it was previously titled ‘Melody Bittersweet and the Girls Ghostbusting Agency’ (Book review of ‘Melody Bittersweet and The Girls Ghostbusting Agency’ by Kitty French.). Well, fast forward a year and the first book has had a make-over and is now called ‘The Skeletons of Scarborough House’ (FYI it’s only 99p for a limited time only buy here). That book made my top books of 2016 list, and my top books of all time list. I didn’t think that the series could become even better than was (super brilliant btw)….until I read book number 2. I am beyond thrilled to be one of the blogs kicking off Kitty French’s blog tour today! I hope you enjoy my review:

Melody Bittersweet is back with a bang; even more flamboyant and a MUCH looser mouth. Put it this way, I can no longer look at certain chocolate bars in the same way after reading this book. When I see them out and about in shops, I just burst out laughing and think of Melody Bittersweet and her antics. Although, the images my mind conjures up about her antics, leave such a mark on my imagination whilst taking my innocence along with it. HAHAH, sorry, I couldn’t even type that with a straight face. Innocence my double decker….

In book one of the series, Melody Bittersweet had a love hate relationship with the sweet treats. Basically she loved them and hated anyone that went anywhere near them or attempted to eat them. Book two sees Melody’s love of sweet treats rank even higher and it is absolutely hilarious. Some familiar faces join Melody as she takes on ghosts at Maplemead Castle, finding herself caught in the middle of a love triangle with the ghosts, AND her personal life (she doesn’t want to admit it though). Melody and her team (including the pug who attempts to take down a lion…) have got their work cut out where these ghosts are concerned. None of the ghosts which to talk, and when they do, they think that the truth isn’t what Melody wants to hear..so they refrain.

Having LOVED book one (as you already know), I was in a constant state of bouncing excitement whilst pestering Bookouture about the next book in the series (sorry Kim!). I couldn’t wait to hang out with Melody again! Part of me was a little bit apprehensive about it though as I truly loved the first one and really hoped that Maplemead Castle wouldn’t disappoint. It didn’t disappoint, AT ALL. Kitty French managed to raise the bar even higher for herself with such a hilarious and intense storyline. Yes, Kitty French has a truly fantastic sense of humour and she has written Melody Bittersweet to be a character who everyone wants to be, however, Kitty French also knows when to switch the storyline from hilarity, to deep. I really don’t know how she manages to do that so flawlessly. The history of the ghosts this time around, completely moved me and I did end up with something in my eye, cough. I couldn’t help it though, it was beautifully described and totally unexpected.

Kitty French knows how to write THE perfect storyline; covering all basis with amazing humour, friendship, romance, dog love and sugar love, leaving the reader feeling as though they have just won a prize by reading this book. Even though Maplemead Castle is book two, Kitty French’s unique writing style and vivid imagination made everything about the book feel brand new, once again.

I ADORE Melody, she is such a brilliant character in more ways than one, I would love it if she was a real person so that I could hang out with her for real! Kitty French has managed to have me crying with laughter and unable to conform to human duties, aka breathing, AND even looking at chocolate bars in a completely different way. I thought the first book was great and couldn’t get any better, but oh my God THIS one is a-m-a-z-I-n-g!!! Absolutely fantastic!

THIS is by far one of my top 5 books of 2017. I have no idea how Kitty French manages to do it, but she does and she owns it. Absolutely BRILLIANT, I was devastated that the book had to end and I want another one in the series!!!!!! You’ll be missing out if you do not have Melody Bittersweet in your life, seriously.

Thank you Kim at Bookouture!

Buy from Amazon UK
Buy from Amazon US

#BlogTour! #Review – How to Mend a Broken Heart by Anna Mansell (@AnnaMansell) @bookouture

Sorry to break your hearts ladies and gentlemen, but we have come to the end of the blog tour for Anna Mansell’s debut, How to Mend a Broken Heart! TWG isn’t the only one helping to close the tour, so make sure you check in with my blogging buddy, Laura Bambrey Books too. Seeing as I have broken your heart by being the bearer of bad news in regards to the tour, I SUPPOSE I had better tell you how to mend your broken heart eh?
Oh, I can’t. Anna Mansell has already done that so read my review and you can mend your own heart via the Amazon ‘to buy’ link at the bottom! Enjoy!

Hello? Rhys Woods? I have a patient here I think you know. Yours is the only number in her diary…

When Rhys is called to the hospital to meet Susan, a woman he barely knows, he is compelled to help her. Still grieving the loss of his brother months earlier, Rhys knows all too well the feeling of loneliness.

There are years between them, but Rhys is the only person Susan will respond to, and when she asks him to bring her her most treasured possession, a book of fairytales, he is intrigued.

Hidden in the book is a clue to Susan’s past, and the painful regrets she carries with her. And as Rhys starts to unearth Susan’s secrets, he finds that his own grief begins to heal too…

Together, Susan and Rhys must learn to live again. Can they help each other to find happiness and finally mend their broken hearts?

How to Mend a Broken Heart is a heart-wrenching and absorbing story about second chances, forgiveness, and making every second count, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Lucy Dillon and Miranda Dickinson.

What does TWG think?

I really do feel like a worn out record saying this, BUT, if you think the cover hints that the storyline is a candyfloss type of chic lit/romance novel where the ending signifies walking off into the sunset, stop right there. Now, I adore the cover as it’s simple, pretty, and very eye-catching in a very intriguing way. However, all you really need to focus on with the cover is the title and the author as this storyline contains more grit than the front cover could ever hold. By all means, admire the cover, but don’t let yourself get hung up over it or try to question what lies behind the cover. How to Mend a Broken Heart has a storyline which needs to be savoured word by word, line by line and page by page…

I had a little nose at some of the reviews which have already been posted on Goodreads, before I started writing my review and a lot of readers have the cover as a talking point. Just like many others, my first reaction to the novel was based on its cover and an assumption. But, as soon as I got stuck into Anna Mansell’s novel, I quickly realised how my initial reaction to the book could not have been further off the mark if I tried.

The novel introduces the three main characters, Kat, Rhys and Susan pretty early on in the storyline, even though it is quite clear that things aren’t quite as simple as they first seem. Kat is nursing her broken heart after being dumped by her long-term boyfriend. Rhys heart got completely smashed when his brother committed suicide. And then there is Susan, her heart has been broken for many, many years and she is stuck in her own emotional jail. Which one of the characters, if any, will be able to find the right key to free Susan from her turmoil?

As soon as someone says that they’ve had their heart-broken we automatically assume it’s to do with a relationship. I know I do. I mean, the only way you get your heart broken is when your partner dumps you, right? Completely WRONG. Before I read Anna Mansell’s novel, my mindset was the same as the above, yet the complexity of each character within the storyline, opened my eyes to the fact that a lot of things can break someone’s heart; such as suicide, any other death related circumstances or horrific events involving people you know, love or care about, just to name a few. Every human being will have their own trigger where their heart is concerned, just like Kat, Rhys and Susan. Three individual people with one big thing in common; they all have had their heart broken yet no-one else will understand their own personal pain.

This storyline had me pinned against the sofa with a little voice whispering in my ear, ‘don’t you even think about putting this book down!’. Even if I wanted to put it down (which I didn’t), I couldn’t tear myself away from the emotional orb I had found myself temporarily residing. Even though the book contains a lot of intense moments, it also contains many, many heart-warming and uplifting scenes; it was as though you were walking the journey with the characters and holding their hands for comfort. Does that make sense? I love how Anna Mansell has been able to acknowledge heartbreak in various different forms, highlighting the fact that everyone’s life journey is exactly that…their own. I truly believe that a lot of readers will be able to relate to the three main characters as they all have such a powerful presence within the storyline.

It really blows my mind that ‘How to Mend a Broken Heart’ is Anna Mansell’s debut novel, as she has such a distinctive writing style which automatically made me feel as though I already knew her. I could tell that Anna Mansell has poured her heart and soul into every single line of the book, as though she had published 123248347 books previously.

‘How to Mend a Broken Heart’ made me wear my heart on my sleeve (for an Ice Queen that is unheard of), due to its intense, emotional and raw situations. I cried whilst reading this, more than once, and I’m not ashamed in the slightest. Anna Mansell, if I could hug you right now I would, truly!

A spellbinding novel full of love, tears and heart ache, How to Mend a Broken Heart not only shows how the heart can be broken, it also shows how broken hearts are mended with the right love, care and attention. To you that ‘thing’ may be small, but to another person it may just be the one ‘thing’ they have been searching for to fix their broken heart. Don’t judge, just love. Absolutely fantastic novel, Anna Mansell has set the bar incredibly high with her outstanding debut novel, How to Mend a Broken Heart.

Thank you Bookouture.

Buy: Amazon UK // Amazon US

About the author.

Anna spent almost twenty years trying to shoehorn writing in to her career as a marketing manager for dance and theatre companies. Eventually, she did what you are not remotely supposed to do and walked away from an excellent job in order to try to become a published author. Three years, lots of tears and some slightly hairy bank balances later, she met Kirsty Greenwood and the rest, as they say, is history. Anna lives in Cornwall with her husband and two kids. She feels very fortunate!

https://twitter.com/AnnaMansell

https://www.facebook.com/AnnaMansellAuthor

#BlogTour! #Review of Bad Little Girl by Frances Vick (@franvicksays) @Bookouture

There really should be some sort of club for Bookouture addicts as they produce some FAB books from FAB authors, and I am hooked on their books! Can you tell that this book was published by Bookouture? Thrilled to be one of the two blogs that Frances Vick is stopping at today, especially as the other blogger is super lovely! For my stop, I will sharing my review of Frances Vick’s new release, Bad Little Girl.

‘I’m not safe – you have to help me…’

Little Lorna Bell is from a notorious family on a rundown estate. Everyone thinks she’s a nasty piece of work. The schoolchildren call her a thief. But Lorna’s hair is matted, her shoes pinch her feet and school teacher Claire Penny can’t help herself; some kids just need a bit more support, a bit more love, than the rest.

As the bond between teacher and pupil grows stronger, Claire sees Lorna’s bruises, and digs to uncover the disturbing tale behind them. Heartbroken, Claire knows she has to act. She must make Lorna safe. 

Just when Claire thinks she has protected Lorna, a chance encounter brings enigmatic stranger Marianne Cairns into their lives. Marianne seems generous and kind but there is something about her story that doesn’t quite add up. Why does she feel so at home, and why is Lorna suddenly so unsettled? 

Claire has risked everything to save Lorna. But what can save Claire from the shocking truth?

What does TWG think?

Oh, my; I wish I knew how to begin! ‘Bad Little Girl’ had me changing my opinion on the book, multiple times throughout. One minute I was showing empathy and the next moment I was reading the book through my fingers. I found the storyline a little slow to begin with, as the first few chapters seemed to be centred around Claire and her instincts.

As Claire Penny is a teacher, she takes her job rather seriously and holds herself personally responsible when it comes to the pupils. Well, one pupil more than the others, Lorna Bell. Claire’s concerns over Lorna’s wellbeing, ends up taking over her mind and leaves her on tenterhooks every day. Can you really care TOO much?

Claire came across as an incredibly naïve and weak character as she always seemed frightened to say what she thought, and many times I shouted ‘get a backbone!’. Once the storyline got going, I’m surprised I didn’t break my kindle from the furious tapping to change the pages. There was  A LOT of information and wild characters to sink my teeth into (not the actual characters, just to clarify); it was really hard to step away from the book.

Lorna, Lorna, Lorna; I don’t think I can say too much about her as like Claire, she is one of the main characters, yet Lorna has a lot of layers to her. Frances Vick has written such a marmite character where Lorna is concerned as she is just a child, however, her antics made me go from empathetic to angry to concerned to shocked. The whole shebang to be honest. I think Lorna is going to get a lot of readers talking that’s for sure!

All of a sudden, the intensity of the storyline completely changed from an ‘on edge, looking over shoulder’ type feeling, to a ‘what the actual f…..’ kind of feeling. I will admit that the pre-bedtime-for-three-year-old wording was fudge and not the naughty word (that was used when she was in bed)! From that moment on, for me, the storyline became exceedingly uncomfortable to read. Not due to how the author had written it, no, it was because every situation and outcome was SO vivid in my mind, it was as though it was happening right in front of me there and then. All of the noises surrounding the characters grew louder in my head, as though a recording was getting played. It was a really surreal feeling but yes, I found those circumstances to be an uncomfortable read.

However!! The fact I felt uncomfortable didn’t deter me from finishing the book, at all. The author has quite clearly done what she set out to do where her genre is concerned, with a reader like me! I didn’t even guess the outcome of the book either!

Overall, despite having many, many goosebumps all over my body, Bad Little Girl is an intense rollercoaster ride of uncertainty. Full of a fair few ‘what the f…..’ moments, Frances Vick has written a novel which most certainly packs a punch….or two. Gritty, dark and intense, Bad Little Girl is a book you need to read, even if you’re a wuss, as you’ll be missing out!

Thank you Bookouture!

Buy now from Amazon UK
Buy now from Amazon US

About the author

The only child of parents who worked at a top security psychiatric hospital, Frances grew up receiving disquieting notes and presents from the patients. Expelled from school, she spent the next few years on the dole, augmenting her income by providing security and crewing for gigs, and being a guinea pig for medical trials. Later jobs included working in a theatre in Manhattan, teaching English in Japanese Junior High Schools, and being a life model in Italy, before coming back to London and working with homeless teenagers and refugees.
www.francesvick.com
https://www.facebook.com/FrancesVickAuthor/
https://twitter.com/franvicksays

#BlogTour! #Review of BLINK by K.L.Slater (@KimLSlater) @Bookouture #blink #ohmy

Today is the last day of K.L.Slater’s blog tour for, Blink, and I have the honour of being one of two blogs to help close the tour! If you have missed any of the tour stops so far, all the blogs that were involved are stated in the picture above! For my stop today, I have a review of ‘Blink’ where you will find out whether I BLINKed and I missed it, or whether I BLINKed just once due to being super engrossed. Enjoy!

What if the person you love most in the world was in terrible danger … because of you?

Three years ago, Toni’s five-year-old daughter Evie disappeared after leaving school. The police have never been able to find her. There were no witnesses, no CCTV, no trace.

But Toni believes her daughter is alive. And as she begins to silently piece together her memories, the full story of the past begins to reveal itself, and a devastating truth.

Toni’s mind is trapped in a world of silence, her only chance to save herself is to manage the impossible. She must find a way to make herself heard. She must find her daughter.

A compelling, gripping thriller with a breathtaking twist that will keep you awake until the early hours. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors and The Sister.

What does TWG think?

OH.MY.GOD!!!! Have you ever been SO engrossed in a book that you end up reading it whilst you’re cooking the dinner, or sorting out the washing? Of course you have! Now, have you ever been unable to remove your hands from said book as you found it rather impossible to put down; toying with the possibility of getting a prison sentence if anyone DARED to disturb you reading THAT book, which in turn meant you just HAD to finish reading the book whilst you were eating your dinner? Let’s just say that there is a slight possibility that what I’ve just said, could have been my actions where Blink was concerned. Wait, scrap that. No COULD, no SLIGHT, it was me! Usually I would hang my head in shame/embarrassment, but not this time!

I had never read a book whilst eating my dinner before; until Blink came along. This is where reviews become truly difficult to write, when all you want to do is shout about the book and everything you loved about it, including all the ‘OMG WHAT ABOUT THE TIME….’ moments. But, I can’t do that today as it would be highly unfair seeing as you can buy ‘Blink’ for a mere 99p (here), and you can find out for yourself!

‘Blink’ is probably one of THE most intense novels I have ever read. From the get go there was a lot of uncertainty and nervousness where a few of the characters were concerned, with those situations playing out very slowly over the course of each chapter. It felt as though each character had something to hide as the vibes they were giving off, even from the beginning, were very sketchy.

Toni came across as such a defeatist in terms of actions and responses to other people’s opinions. It was a shame as I felt that she deserved a little bit of luck sent her way. As the storyline spread its wings, character personalities became a little bit clearer and I ended up being on high alert for little pieces of information which I thought sounded a bit suss.

We all do it with books like this; try to play detective and think that we can get one over on the book. I’m not going to lie, about 3/4’s of the way through I was just about to go ‘HAH I’VE GOT IT’ to my living, being a smidge over-confident, when I read a little bit more and ended up with egg on my face. Not literally obviously, but you know. I was WAYYYYY off the mark. At least I know not to apply to be a detective!

Seeing as I was a teeny bit aware of what the storyline is centred around (shock horror I read 1/3 of the blurb), I tried to ease myself into the storyline very gently just in case I couldn’t handle it. Yeahhhhh, I tried and failed after the first chapter. Once I had opened that baby on my kindle, there literally was no turning back. Stupidly I started reading it in the early hours of the morning and had to do preposterous things like try to sleep. I mean, WHO INVENTED SLEEP WHERE BOOKS ARE CONCERNED! The following day whenever I was cooking or faffing about my house, my kindle had to come with me so that I could read and end up NOT cooking or faffing about. I’m not even being over the top when I say all of that, as I was actually like that with this book!

‘Blink’ is an intense, hair-raising and gripping read which will have you falling off the edge of your seat in suspense. K.L.Slater’s writing is PHENOMENAL and she has laced every single word with copious amounts of grit and uncertainty, enough to warrant a rapid heartbeat and sweaty palms without being uncomfortable. I have never, ever, read a book before which has pulled me into its storyline by every hair on my body; until now. It gripped me, shocked me, made my heart pound, made my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth when it went dry and even caused my eyes to leak. For a book to do all of that, and more, it just goes to show what an absolute BELTER of a book it is, and how extraordinary the author is to be able to expose such intense reactions from just one reader.

A SUPERB, powerful and gut wrenching read that will have you on tender hooks the whole way through. ‘Blink’ is an outstanding and extraordinary read, full of everything you could ever want within a book. A must-read from TWG!

It is safe to say that ‘Blink’ has clawed its way into my top FIVE books of ALL TIME. Seriously, the author is a genius. Absolutely fantastic.

Thank you so much Bookouture.

GO & BUY ‘BLINK’ NOW!!

#Tour! #BookReview of The Promise by Casey Kelleher (@caseykelleher) @bookouture

Growing up in squalor with their drug-addicted prostitute mother, sisters Georgie and Marnie Parker have had to endure the very darkest side of life.

When their mother is sentenced for brutally murdering a client, Georgie and Marnie’s already precarious lives are blown apart and they now share a terrible secret. Sent to a children’s home, the sisters hope this might finally be their safe haven after years of neglect. But they soon discover they’re in real danger.

Desperate to find a place of safety, Georgie and Marnie run for their lives, but end up in the hands of Delray Anderton. A violent London gangster and notorious pimp, Delray has big plans for beautiful teenager Georgie, seeing her as a chance to make some serious money.

Fiercely protective of each other, Georgie and Marnie must escape the clutches of a man who will do anything to keep the sisters for himself. And, they must keep the promise they made to each other – no one can ever know the truth.

What does TWG think?

Oh my! Today is the first day of Casey Kelleher’s blog tour for her BRAND NEW BOOK (released today FYI), The Promise. It is SUCH an honour to be kicking off the tour with my review of the book, thank you!

Well the hell do I start with this one?! Georgie and Marnie haven’t exactly had a childhood to be proud of; not that it was their own doing of course. Having heard (and seen) a lot of things that children should most certainly NOT be hearing, the sisters need to find a way protect their sanity, and fast. Unfortunately, due to their mothers extra curricular activities shall we say, Georgie and Marnie’s sanity isn’t the only thing which they need to protect; their lives are now hanging in the balance.

How? What? When? Why? Geeeeeez Casey! ‘The Promise’ had me hooked straight away; the squalor Georgie and Marnie were living in, as well as wondering what the hell their mother was playing at, were two HUGE reasons for me to keep reading. To be honest, I felt weary of stopping the book for even one second, in case I was in danger myself! That’s my excuse to have had the book glued to me the whole time and I’m sticking to it!

I just wanted to reach into the pages and pull Marnie out into safety. My maternal instincts went through the roof for both of the girls of course, but I needed to save Marnie! Poor souls! Their lives were a complete mess and so was their mother to be honest, but oh my goodness the suspense! I didn’t know which character needed more focus, I had no idea where the storyline was heading, nor had I a clue as to who was going to be the next ‘client’ in the door! But I’ll tell you something, I could NOT tear my eyes away from the gritty storyline that was unfolding before my very eyes.

I got about halfway through the book when I had to pause. All of a sudden the storyline became much darker than I ever anticipated, and it became a little hard for me to read. I had to pause, gather my thoughts and then pick up the book again. The intensity of the storyline changed so suddenly, the events that were happening at that moment in time actually made me jump. Casey Kelleher managed to not only hold my attention for a very long time, she also managed to make me forget my surroundings and placed me IN the storyline. Have you ever had that when you’re so invested in a storyline and the slightest thing, like patting your arm whilst reading, will make you jump? It’s as though your own reality is an intruder and the storyline is your current reality.

I’ll admit, yes the storyline at times was a bit difficult to read in places due to the harsh and powerful circumstances within. However, if an author is able to make you feel as though you cannot continue with the book, yet is also able to make you return to the novel as though it’s your addiction; it means that the author is phenomenal at their craft. Yes Casey Kelleher, I’m talking about you! I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, just like you shouldn’t judge people, but Casey, WOW! I had NO IDEA that she had those disturbing, real, gritty and dark situations up her sleeve. It.Blew.My.Mind.

What a completely disturbing, hard-hitting, head funk of a book that will have you hanging off of every single word the author has written. To tear your eyes away from such an intense storyline would be a travesty; for you.
‘The Promise’ is full of gut wrenching, spine tingling and hair-raising moments, enough to keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more (as well as giving your heart a good work out). Casey Kelleher has showcased her true writing ability within this novel and by golly it’s not one to be missed. Shame on you if you do!

Thank you Bookouture!

Buy: Amazon UK // Amazon US.

About the author.

Born in Cuckfield, West Sussex, Casey Kelleher grew up as an avid reader and a huge fan of author Martina Cole.

Whilst working as a beauty therapist and bringing up her three children together with her husband, Casey penned her debut novel Rotten to the Core. Its success meant that she could give up her day job and concentrate on writing full time.

She has since published Rise and Fall, Heartless, Bad Blood, The Taken and her latest release, The Promise.

For all news and updates:

www.caseykelleher.co.uk

www.facebook.com/officialcaseykelleher

http://caseykelleher.wordpress.com

Twitter: @caseykelleher

Make sure you keep following the rest of blog tour!

#BlogTour! #BookReview of Revenge by Nigel May (@Nigel_May) @bookouture

If you keep dangerous secrets you’ll pay the ultimate price…

In the South of France, playground of the rich and famous, world renowned chef Dexter Franklin is organising a night to remember. As he opens the doors to his exclusive restaurant for the first time, he’s handpicked a list of guests, as hot and dazzling as the St Tropez sun itself:

Mew Stanton: Fashionable, beautiful and a notorious TV chef, Dexter’s ex-girlfriend has all the ingredients for success. As her books fly off the shelves, a secret from her past is about to surface with explosive consequences. 

Holly Lydon: Ex girlband star who has fallen on hard times. Forced to make ends meet she’s having to sleep her way to the top. Now she’s making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Rosita Velázquez: Brazilian actress extraordinaire and girlfriend of Dexter’s brother, Leland. When she’s in town everybody needs to know about it, but this is one show-stopping entrance she’ll live to regret.

Three women have a past with Dexter and a grudge to bear against him. As fireworks ignite in the jet set capital of Europe, there’s murder on the menu. Who will be served their just desserts?

The sun is setting in the South of France. Pour yourself a glass of champagne and sit back for a read of revenge, regrets and shocking revelations that will have you hooked to the very last page.

What does TWG think?

Delighted to be one of the blogs that Nigel May is stopping at today, for the blog tour of his latest release; Revenge, which was published by Bookouture on 10th February 2017.

VA-VA-VOOOOOM! -fans self-, how the hell do you cool yourself down after THIS?! I am rather embarrassed; I need to admit something…awful. Before I read ‘Revenge’, I hadn’t read any other books by Nigel May before. Yes, that’s right, I popped my ‘Nigel May’ cherry with this novel. Sniff, will you forgive me? Although, what a belter of a book to pop your author cherry with! A first time guaranteed to hold no regret (yes, I am still talking about the book…maybe).

Seriously though (cough), WHAT A BOOK! ‘Revenge’ had my attention from the very beginning with its sassy, flirty yet edgy storyline, sowing seeds for enough drama to rival Paris Hilton & Nicole Ritchie’s friendship. Dexter Franklin, a man who most females know very well (inside of the bedroom that is), and has females falling over their feet to get to him OUTSIDE of the bedroom. Apparently he’s a looker but I can’t really see it myself..

The thing is, hunky Dexter has got himself into a bit of bother with three females and the score needs to be levelled out; where better to do it than in the South of France. Revenge is sweet…apparently.

The storyline flicks between several characters lives and it actually wasn’t as confusing as it sounds. Sometimes it takes me a while to get comfortable with a multi character switching storyline, but this time I didn’t. Each characters story flowed brilliantly into the next character’s life, without any trouble at all.

What surprised me and caught me off guard, was how the storyline seemed to contain snippets of various genres. One moment I was playing detective like Scott and Bailey, the next moment I was being a fly on the wall to several, highly charged sexual antics, and the next I was on the edge of my seat thinking ‘what the hell did I miss along the way?!’. Wait, no, I didn’t think that, I actually said it out loud as I was reading!

‘Revenge’ has everything you should ever want under one ‘roof’; suspense, raciness, romance, shock factor; the book has it all. I’m not going to lie, it got a tad hot hot hot, whilst I was reading the novel! Who wouldn’t be hot after reading THAT?! I adored everything about Nigel May’s ‘Revenge’, especially how the storyline gave you variety without diverting from the original situation. Incredibly clever.

A flirty, fun and toe curling novel which kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Full of gritty moments, shocking moments and extremely PHWOAR moments; ‘Revenge’ is a ‘dish’ which needs to be served up hot, and now.
Absolutely fantastic book! Thanks to this one, my Nigel May book collection is about to get a whole lot bigger!

Thank you Bookouture!

To buy: Amazon UK // Amazon US

About the author.

Nigel May is a true all-rounder in the media world, working as a TV presenter, author, journalist and craft personality. He has written two glam-fiction books, Trinity and Addicted, as well as featuring in Sunlounger – a chart-topping anthology of short stories.

Author contact: Website // Facebook // Twitter

#BlogTour! The Lost Daughter of Liverpool by Pam Howes (@PamHowes1) #Review @bookouture

Blurb.

Can she save herself, her marriage – and her daughter?

It’s 1946 and the war is over. In Liverpool, the blackout blinds may be coming down, but one family is about to face devastating misfortune…

Dora Evans is finally marrying the love of her life, Joe Rodgers, and her dreams of opening a dressmaking business look as if they might come true. With twin daughters on the way, Dora has everything she’s ever wanted.

But then tragedy strikes: one of Dora’s babies dies in infancy, and a catastrophic fire changes their lives forever. Dora is consumed with grief, struggling to get through each day and Joe is suddenly distant, finding solace in his colleague, Ivy.

With Ivy watching and scheming, and Dora battling against her own demons, can she keep her family together?

What does TWG think?

Before reading ‘The Lost Daughter of Liverpool’, I hadn’t really read that many historical fiction novels. Whilst war-time history, especially involving women workhouses etc, is a big interest of mine, it never really occurred to me to make it one of my ‘go to’ genres. Well, until now that is.

Set in 1946 Liverpool where the aftermath of the war is still prominent and rationing is still part and parcel of daily life, Dora is about to marry the love of her life. However, the newlyweds find that married life isn’t as plain sailing as people seem to think, especially where families and babies are concerned. The setting of the storyline was incredible as even though the war had finished, the war-time life was still extremely evident, making it feel as though I literally had stepped back in time.

Dora goes through some very harrowing times and despite them being heart breaking to read, the situations were very realistic and incredibly eye-opening. I couldn’t sympathise with Dora as I have never been in her position(s), but my heart went out to her multiple times and I may have shed a tear or two (may = obviously I did). Reading a novel in 2017 which is set in 1946 takes a little bit getting used to, especially if you weren’t born around that time. I know that sounds weird of me to say, but, life was extremely different back then due to the war, religious beliefs, rationing, lifestyle differences, money, health care, emergency services and so on. So, because of that, my FIRST thought during yet another devastating situation in the book was ‘GO IN!!!!’, and they couldn’t because certain things weren’t invented then. It was things like that, that opened my eyes big time and also made me think about how spoilt we are in this day and age.

Pam Howes made time stand still with her FANTASTIC new novel; The Lost Daughter of Liverpool. Emotion became the paper that the words sat on and reality became 1946 instead of 2017. I could not put the book down as I felt as though I would miss a birth, miss another heart breaking moment or the light at the end of the tunnel being switched on. My only irk towards this novel is the blurb because it gives a little bit too much away. The Lost Daughter of Liverpool is such a special momento of way back when and I just feel that the reader should embark on the journey through time themselves.

This HAS to be made into a movie, it just has to be. I really am in awe at the magic that my min and soul digested; I feel incredibly bad that I can only give this book five stars when it deserves way, WAY more. The Lost Daughter of Liverpool is a tale as old as time with enough spellbinding moments to warrant its own bodyguard. Absolutely BRILLIANT; I wish I could find the right words to say exactly how much this book moved me. I loved it.
Ladies & gentleman, you’re looking at my new favourite book of 2017 so far. Outstanding.

Thank you Bookouture!

The Lost Daughter of Liverpool by Pam Howes, published by Bookouture is available to buy right now, and I highly recommend that you do so: Buy now from Amazon (Amazon US customers: buy now).

#BlogTour #Review – Don’t Look Behind You by Mel Sherratt (@writermels) @bookouture

Blurb.

She got into bed but sleep didn’t come easily. Every creak in the house made her alert. She was waiting for him to come and get her.

The small city of Stockleigh is in shock as three women are brutally attacked within days of each other. Are they random acts of violence or is there a link between the victims? For Detective Eden Berrisford, it’s her most chilling case yet.

The investigation leads Eden to cross paths with Carla, a woman trying to rebuild her life after her marriage to a cruel and abusive man ended in unimaginable tragedy. Her husband Ryan was imprisoned for his crimes but, now he’s out and coming for her.

As Eden starts to close in on the attacker, she also puts herself in grave danger. Can she stop him before he strikes again? And can Carla, terrified for her life, save herself – before the past wreaks a terrible revenge?

What does TWG think?

Thrilled to be one of the blog stops today for the very talented, Mel Sherratt, and her new release; ‘Don’t Look Behind You’.

Detective Eden Berrisford is back; and boy is she back with a bang! Eden is leading the investigations for three separate, horrific incidents all involving women. If Eden can’t solve the crimes then who can? In Mel’s previous novel ‘The Girl Next Door’, Eden Berrisford showed promise as an influential character, especially given the fact that she is a tough nut! I would dread to be on the wrong side of her and Eden certainly moves her ‘showing promise’ status up a notch in this storyline.

The topics Mel Sherratt covered in the book, for me, were extremely difficult to read as I couldn’t switch off from them being too close to home. Even though the harrowing situations are happening in our world today, I did find it hard to be face to face with my demon. However, due to my own personal experiences with the topics, I was impressed at the attention to detail with those cases, and the careful steps Mel Sherratt took to ensure the situations were written sensitively, but real.

Right from the very beginning the storyline oozed depth and pure grit. It was pretty clear to see that the author wanted the reader to focus solely on the novel as the way she drip fed pieces of information, instead of just going WHAM with it, was enough to keep my curiosity and interest severely peaked. A very, very clever style of writing.

Detective Eden Berrisford is definitely THE heroine to look up to and keep on side. Her character is just phenonmenal and Mel Sherratt has really struck gold by writing such a kick ass detective that us ladies will aspire to become (even adults can have dreams, right?).

Overall, I enjoyed ‘Don’t Look Behind You’ because it was incredibly gripping and oozed power, showcasing Mel Sherratt’s phenomenal writing style. A style you’d need to be insane NOT to like. I did let my own personal demons overshadow my enjoyment of the storyline I admit, but even with that pesky demon, you can’t go wrong with a Mel Sherratt novel AND Detective Eden Berrisford can you?

Thank you Bookouture!

Don’t Look Behind You ~ Amazon Links

UK

US

In case you have missed any of the other bloggers stops on the tour: