Blog Tour: The Hostage by John Ryder

 

Book: The Hostage
Author: John Ryder
Pub Day: Nov 25th 2021


Buy Link:
https://geni.us/B09DPZCZ2Nsocial

Audible:

UK: zpr.io/C9Y7JxMtkpH3
US: zpr.io/G2nPDjSvkMRA


https://soundcloud.com/bookouture/the-hostage-by-john-ryder-narrated-by-josh-wichard

“You get us what we want. Or your wife dies. And we will make it hurt.”

Jerome Prentice is a good guy. Loyal to a fault, he always stays on the right side of the law.

But everything changes the night he is awoken by the sound of masked kidnappers entering his home. Holding him at gunpoint, they drag his beloved wife Alicia out of the house with a promise to kill her if he goes to the police. Their demand: betray the company he’s worked for his entire adult life.

They think he’ll do anything to save his wife. But they don’t know that they’re messing with the wrong man. Because Jerome might be a good guy. But betrayal doesn’t come easily to him. And he’s not a man who will go down without a fight.

What’s more, he will hunt the people who’ve taken Alicia to the ends of the earth. And if they’ve hurt even one hair on her head, he’s going to make them pay…

This utterly page-turning, jaw-dropping thriller is perfect for fans of Lee Child, David Baldacci and Mark Dawson.

                                                      MY REVIEW:

The Hostage by John Ryder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jerome wakes up and is being told to do what they want or his wife, Alicia pays the price. So he quietly waked up his wife and tells her what is going on. The wife is kidnapped and Jerome is on his own to get the millions that are asked of him. Jerome loves his wife very much and will do anything to get her back. He contacts a friend, who he trusts and is computer savvy, to help him. He knows he can't go to the police or his wife dies.
Jerome decides to also find his wife and rescue her.
Meanwhile he has to go to work to set up what needs to be done.
As he goes to try to find his wife, he also finds out who the kidnappers are and is surprised by one of them.
I thought this was action packed and fast pacing. For some reason I thought maybe one of the spouses was behind all this and then I thought maybe Jerome's friend was behind this. As I kept reading I kept waiting for everything to fall into place differently than it did and was surprised at the end.
I highly recommend this book and I received it from Bookouture and NetGalley for review

View all my reviews

John Ryder is a former farmworker and joiner. He’s turned his hand to many skills to put food on the table and clothes on his back. A life-long bibliophile, he eventually summoned the courage to try writing himself, and his Grant Fletcher novels have drawn inspiration from authors such as Lee Child, Tom Cain, Zoe Sharp and Matt Hilton. When it comes to future novels, he says he has more ideas than time to write them.

When not writing, John enjoys spending time with his son, reading and socialising with friends. A fanatic supporter of his local football team, he can often be found shouting encouragement to men much younger and fitter than he is.




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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRyder101

Website: https://johnryderauthor.com/

Blog Tour: Missing Daughter by Kiersten Modglin

 

Book: Missing Daughter
Author: Kiersten Modglin
Pub Day: Nov 8th 2021


Buy Links:
https://geni.us/B098FHX7VHsocial


Audible:

UK: zpr.io/D4pfP7MBbkRF

US: zpr.io/QJa6KTR7HhS9


https://soundcloud.com/bookouture/the-missing-daughter-by-kiersten-modglin-narrated-by-kate-handford-and-adam-sims


When I wake up with the sun in my eyes the morning after my daughter’s birthday party, I know something is very wrong. I go straight to her room but feel a surge of panic when I see an empty bed. Downstairs everything is totally quiet, and the front door is locked. Why didn’t I hear her scream? Who took our little girl?


My husband says I’ve been struggling since Skylar was born and that sometimes I forget things. But I remember every moment of my daughter’s party—including him locking the door after our family and friends left. Yes, we both had a drink and I slept heavily but I know I would have heard my child cry. A good mother always does.


My therapist says I need to stand up for myself. She wants me to confront my husband about the woman I heard him talking to the other night when he thought I was asleep. And about the child’s toy that I found that does not belong to Skylar. Is he hiding something?


But as the hours race by I soon realize I was totally wrong about everything that happened that night. I thought I’d put my past behind me long ago but I was wrong. All I know is this: I’ll do whatever it takes to save my child.


Will you believe me?


A heart-pounding, unbelievably twisty psychological thriller that will have you sleeping with the light on! Fans of Gone Girl, Behind Closed Doors and The Stepdaughter will be utterly gripped.

                                                   

                                                          MY REVIEW:

Missing Daughter by Kiersten Modglin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ginny had a tough pregnancy and labor. It seems it caused a lot of mental health issues and it is hard for her to get close to her daughter, Skylar. Her husband Cameron seems to find it easy to love Skylar. But so much is on him since Ginny can't seem to function. He has a full time job, does housework and takes care of Skylar.
Ginny starts taking Skylar to the park and they end up meeting Alex and her niece. Alex and Ginny become good friends and we find out Alex is a therapist and Ginny starts talking to her. That's when I started having doubts about what was really going on.
I thought Cameron had a lot on his plate plus trying to cope with Ginny. I know she was getting help but sometimes it didn't feel like it was helping.
Skylar's birthday party is really where the book started and then went months back up until Skylar went missing. Ginny and Cameron come together to find Skylar but we also find out more things about the parents.
I did not have post partem depression after my kids were born so I couldn't relate but I could sympathize with Ginny. I felt glad that I didn't go through that but at the same time felt bad that I felt that way.
I received this book from Bookouture and NetGalley to review.


View all my reviews

Kiersten Modglin is an Amazon top-30 bestselling author of award-winning psychological thrillers and a member of International Thriller Writers. Kiersten lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and their two Boston Terriers: Cedric and Georgie. She is best known for her unpredictable suspense and her readers have dubbed her 'The Queen of Twists.' A Netflix addict, Shonda Rhimes super-fan, psychology fanatic, and indoor enthusiast, Kiersten enjoys rainy days spent with her nose in a book.



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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kmodglinauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kierstenmodglinauthor

Blog Tour: The Last Time She Died by Zoe Sharp

 

Amazon: https://geni.us/B09B3JTTZWsocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/G6bu50FDsTL
Kobo: http://ow.ly/ZvlX50FDsRy
Google: http://ow.ly/Y7UZ50FEkwU

Audible:

UK: zpr.io/iFnrLJ4J4Lea
US: zpr.io/sUe4m4dUeYQH

“A totally unputdownable crime thriller with a mind-blowing twist.”

She came back on the day of her father’s funeral, ten years after she vanished. But she can’t be who she says she is…

When Blake disappeared as a teenager, on a cold dark night, her father never reported her missing. She is presumed dead.

Now, ten years later, a young woman with white-blonde hair sits comfortably in the family living room and smiles at the shocked faces around her.

“Don’t you recognise me?” she says. “I’m Blake.”

Detective John Byron isn’t sure whether she’s telling the truth. But as he investigates, he soon realises no one is happy to see her.

And the people who should be welcoming her back with open arms know she can’t be Blake. Because they killed her the night she vanished…

Didn’t they?

From the bestselling author of the Charlie Fox books, The Last Time She Died will have you gripped until the last mind-blowing page. Fans of Cara Hunter, Kendra Elliot and Rachel Abbott will love this action-packed crime thriller.

Prepare to be gripped by this mind-blowing suspense thriller, the first in a brand-new series from the bestselling author of the Charlie Fox books. Fans of Cara Hunter, Kendra Elliot and Rachel Abbott won’t be able to put this down..

                                                       MY REVIEW:

The Last Time She Died by Zoë Sharp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a series and grabbed me at the beginning.
Blake disappeared as a teenager, 10 years ago. She shows up on the day of her father's funeral. Her father never reported her missing and everyone thought she was dead.
Detective John Byron isn’t sure whether she’s telling the truth. But as he investigates, he soon realises no one is happy to see her.
And the people who should be welcoming her back with open arms know she can’t be Blake. Because they killed her the night she vanished…

Didn’t they?

And just who was it that killed her and was there more than 1 person.
This author threw so much at us with family drama, lies, and cover ups. Just who is telling the truth and is Blake who she says she is?
I received this from Boouture and NetGalley for review.

View all my reviews

                                             Zoë Sharp


Born Nottinghamshire, The United Kingdom

Website
http://www.zoesharp.com

Twitter
AuthorZoeSharp

Genre
Mystery & Thrillers

Member Since
January 2012

URL
https://www.goodreads.com/authorzoesharp



Zoë Sharp spent most of her formative years living aboard a catamaran on the northwest coast of England. She opted out of mainstream education at the age of twelve and wrote her first novel at fifteen. She became a freelance photojournalist in 1988 and started writing her Charlie Fox crime thriller series after receiving death-threats in the course of her work.

Blog Tour: A Lighthouse Christmas by Jenny Hale

 

Book: The Lighthouse Christmas
Author: Jenny Hale
Pub Day: Oct 14th 2021



Amazon: https://geni.us/B09F6P4R42cover
Apple: http://ow.ly/KVCD50G2QFW
Kobo: http://ow.ly/BGjK50G2QEh
Google: http://ow.ly/IWUL50G2V1v\

A heartwarming page-turner about the beauty of being at home with family, second chances, and the magic of Christmas, when anything is possible… A gorgeous festive treat for fans of Debbie Macomber, Pamela Kelley, and Sheila Roberts.


When her beloved grandmother passes away, Mia Broadhurst returns to the snow-covered seaside village of Winsted Cape, where Grandma Ruth ran the lighthouse overlooking the golden beach.

This will be Mia’s first Christmas without her, and she can’t bear to part with the lighthouse that has been in their family for generations. As she steps into it, childhood memories rush back to her. She can almost hear them playing tag on the steps… But her life is back in New York, dedicated to a busy PR firm, and she has no choice but to sell.

With the snow falling, turning the grounds into a winter wonderland, Mia works with real estate agent Will Thacker. As they restore the historical building, she tries not notice how handsome he is. After all, she’s only home for Christmas… And Will’s deep blue eyes, as stormy as the Atlantic Ocean, tells her he has his own heartbreak to contend with.

Warmed by a crackling fire, Mia packs up Grandma Ruth’s belongings with the help of her mother and sister. But waiting for them is a black-and-white photograph with a faded inscription. The mysterious message is the key to a family secret that has been hidden for decades––one that changes everything.


When Mia finds out the truth, will it save the precious lighthouse and show Mia where her heart belongs? Or will it tear her from Winsted Cape––and Will––for ever?

                                                        MY REVIEW:

A Lighthouse Christmas by Jenny Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When her beloved grandmother passes away, Mia Broadhurst returns to the snow-covered seaside village of Winsted Cape, where Grandma Ruth ran the lighthouse overlooking the golden beach.
This will be Mia’s first Christmas without her, and she can’t bear to part with the lighthouse that has been in their family for generations.
She works in NY and has a busy career but her marriage seems to be ending.
Mia works with real estate agent Will Thacker. As they restore the historical building, she tries not notice how handsome he is. There is an attraction there but she knows she is returning back to NY and he says he is leaving soon himself.
A note is found and it has a mysterious notation on it. Mia wants to find out the answers but will it help them save the lighthouse?
This is like a Hallmark Christmas movie mixed in with a little mystery and I enjoyed it very much.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the book to review.

View all my reviews

Author Bio
Jenny Hale is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic fiction. Her novels Coming Home for Christmas and Movie Guide Epiphany Award Winner Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses are Hallmark Channel original movies. Her bestselling novel The Summer House was named one of '19 Dreamy Summer Romances to Whisk You Away' by Oprah Magazine and her novel We'll Always Have Christmas was one of Southern Living's '30 Christmas Novels to Start Reading Now'. Her stories are chock-full of feel-good romance and overflowing with warm settings, great friends, and family. When she isn't writing in her favourite coffee shop, she's running around her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and two boys.



Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennyhaleauthor
Website: http://itsjennyhale.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jhaleauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jhaleauthor

BLOG TOUR: Her Rival by Emma Tallon

 

Book: Her Rival
Author: Emma Tallon
Pub Day: Sept 17th 2021


Buy Links:
https://amzn.to/3ED7j9v

Fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers will love this nail-biting new book from crime author Emma Tallon, set on the same mean streets as her bestselling Tyler Family series.

Scarlet Drew is new to London’s criminal underworld, but she’s hell bent on making a name for herself as joint head of the family firm alongside her aunt Lily. But when Scarlet finds herself alone with a rival business owner at a black-tie event, she is little prepared for what happens next.

Determined not to let the drunken lech get away with his crime, Scarlet hatches a plan for revenge – she’s going to steal his most valuable asset and put her name on the map. But as she gets to work, she fails to notice a silent stranger watching her every move. Someone knows exactly what she’s up to, and is plotting their own way to get their hands on the priceless goods.

Face to face with a new enemy, Scarlet fears the Drews may have finally met their match. With the whole family at risk, it’s going to take everything they have to stop their empire going up in smoke. But will everyone survive the fight?

Her Rival is a gripping and addictive crime thriller that has it all – strong women, explosive action and an ending that will have you gasping for breath!

                                                         MY REVIEW:

Her Rival by Emma Tallon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Set on the same mean streets as her bestselling Tyler Family series. Which is one of my favorite series that never wanted to end.
Now I have this series which is just as good. Another crime family series. This is the 2nd book and took off from where Her Revenge ended.
Scarlet is at a party when a circumstance landed in her lap and she decided revenge is oh so sweet. With her family's support they go after something bigger than they have ever dealt with. Hoping they haven't gotten in over their heads.
Meanwhile the black sheep of the family, Ruby, is also looking into something. Something in which Scarlett could get hurt emotionally.
This is a page turner and one I could not put down. The ending though leaves you with your mouth hanging open.
I will be looking towards the next book in the series.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the book to review.

View all my reviews

Author Bio


Emma Tallon is a British author of gripping, gritty, organised-crime thrillers and mother of two.

Having started her writing career as a freelance ghostwriter, Emma finished her first novel, Runaway Girl, in 2016, and became an author full time. Since then she has written several other novels for her publisher and has carved out a successful career for herself from her home in Milton Keynes, where she can usually be found typing away in her office surrounded by large stacks of books and Post-it Notes full of ideas for future stories.


Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmatallonofficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/emmaesj
Website: http://emmatallon.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my.author.life/

Blog Tour: The Couple Upstairs by Shalini Boland

 

                                                    Kindle Edition, 263 pages
                                        Published September 13th 2021 by Bookouture
                                                       Buy Links:
                                       Amazon: https://bit.ly/3BCnEJc
                                       Apple: https://apple.co/2UAM2KO
                                      Kobo: https://bit.ly/36pKd6c
                                       Google: https://bit.ly/3zQFurc

Our new home was supposed to be a chance to leave our past behind. But was moving here the worst mistake of our lives?

All our friends and family were gathered, glasses raised to toast our fresh start. It should have been a night for happiness and celebration. Zac and I had worked so hard for this: our first home together, just minutes from the sea. But the dream quickly turned into a nightmare…

We’d invited our neighbours too. I wanted to make a good impression – to show them we’re exactly the sort of people they want living on their street.

I hadn’t thought about who they might be, the strangers I was letting in.

It was going so well. There was laughter in the air and the wine was flowing. But then I noticed the narrowed eyes, the whispers.

And then the lights went out.

As my heart thumped in my chest, all the little things that had been going wrong since we moved here flashed through my mind: the food poisoning, the arguments, the flood of nasty reviews shaking my business.

Am I going crazy? Or is someone trying to destroy us?

From the USA Today bestselling author Shalini Boland comes an absolutely heart-thumping psychological thriller with a twist you won’t see coming. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl and The Wife Between Us.

                                                   MY REVIEW:

The Couple Upstairs by Shalini Boland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nina and Zac move into a downstairs flat. It is just what Nina wanted.
Their upstairs neighbors, Vanessa and Chris, seemed ok at first. Vanessa made them a chocolate cake to say hi. Was it a coincidence they became ill right after or is there something going around.
Nina has her own business and works from home and things are going great. Then all of a sudden things are not so great for her and her business isn't doing so well.
Vanessa is quiet and Nina can hardly get her out of her own apartment and when she does Vanessa is very quiet.
Chris on the other hand cant seem to mind his own business and rubs Nina the wrong way.
Slamming noises at night and fights during the day worries Nina, but Zac doesn't seem to believe her.
Shalini Boland one of those authors that I must read and this book is just as good as her other books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boookouture for th book to review.

View all my reviews

Author Bio:


Shalini lives in Dorset, England with her husband, two children and Jess their cheeky terrier cross. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer songwriter, but now she spends her days writing suspense thrillers (in between school runs and hanging out endless baskets of laundry).



http://someonewotwrites.blogspot.com/

https://www.instagram.com/shaboland/

https://twitter.com/ShaliniBoland

Book Review: The Liar Next Door by Nicola Marsh

 

Kindle Edition, 321 pages
Expected publication: August 23rd 2021 by Bookouture

Buy from Amazon

We live in a close-knit community. Thirty houses surrounding a square of garden that is perfect for our kids. We congregate here on major holidays, each family bringing a plate and sharing food and conversation. It’s in the garden that I first met her. The woman who would worm her way into my family and piece by piece tear it apart…

I should have known something was wrong from the very beginning. She seemed perfect in so many ways: she floated through the baby shower, a warm smile on her face, chatting to strangers with ease. At first I thought it was sweet that she offered to help me, that she made an effort to get to know us, that she brought over games and knew Luna’s favorite foods… I had no idea that I couldn’t trust another mother…

I should have known that someone would eventually discover the secret in my marriage. Why I never believe a word my husband says—and why he shouldn’t believe me. But how could a woman I only just met be the one to find it out?

If I’d known, I’d have called the police sooner.

And maybe I’d have prevented that dreadful scene. Every neighbor peering through their curtains as the sirens wailed in our street.

I could have protected my family.

I could have stopped what happened next…

                                                          MY REVIEW:

The Liar Next Door by Nicola Marsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow! I read this in 1 sitting and couldn't put it down.
Frankie is married and they have a daughter. He had cheated a few years ago but she forgave him. Now they are becoming friends with their neighbors and there is a gender reveal party for the couple next door that starts the book off. We find out Frankie had been married before, to walter and they talk once a year.
Celeste just moved into the neighborhood and is eager to be friends with Frankie and have her daughter and Frankie's daughter be best friends.
As we get to know all of these people you are wondering who do you trust. Are they who they seem to be. We know there is some blackmailing going on as well.
Things are not always as they seem and the ending, just wow.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC to review.

View all my reviews

                                                           Nicola Marsh


Website
http://www.nicolamarsh.com

Twitter
NicolaMarsh

Genre
Romance, Mystery and Thrillers, Women's Fiction


URL
https://www.goodreads.com/nicola_marsh


USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning Australian author Nicola Marsh writes feel-good fiction…with a twist.

She has published 70 books and sold over 8 million copies worldwide.

She currently writes contemporary romance for Penguin Random House Berkley USA, domestic suspense novels for Hachette UK's Bookouture, and rural romance for Harper Collins Australia's Mira imprint.

She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for awards including the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, Booksellers' Best, Golden Quill, Laurel Wreath, More than Magic and has won several CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Awards.

She loves chatting on social media!

Book Review: A Terrible Fall of Angels by Laurell K. Hamilton

 

                                                   Kindle Edition, 1st edition, 400 pages
                                             Expected publication: August 17th 2021 by Berkley
                                                      Buy on Amazon

Angels walk among us, but so do other unearthly beings in this brand new series by #1 New York Times Bestselling author Laurell K. Hamilton.

Meet Detective Zaniel Havelock, a man with the special ability to communicate directly with angels. A former trained Angel speaker, he devoted his life to serving both the celestial beings and his fellow humans with his gift, but a terrible betrayal compelled him to leave that life behind. Now he’s a cop who is still working on the side of angels. But where there are angels, there are also demons. There’s no question that there’s evil at work when he’s called in to examine the murder scene of a college student—but is it just the evil that one human being can do to another, or is it something more? When demonic possession is a possibility, even angelic protection can only go so far. The race is on to stop a killer before he finds his next victim, as Zaniel is forced to confront his own very personal demons, and the past he never truly left behind.

The first in a new series from the author of the Anita Blake and Merry Gentry series.

                                                         MY REVIEW:

A Terrible Fall of Angels by Laurell K. Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Zaniel Havelock is a man with the special ability to communicate directly with angels. A former trained Angel speaker. A terrible betrayal compelled him to leave that life behind. Now he’s a cop who is still working on the side of angels. But where there are angels, there are also demons. There’s no question that there’s evil at work when he’s called in to examine the murder scene of a college student. Zaniel is forced to confront his own very personal demons, and the past he never truly left behind.
Zaniel's marriage is also on the rocks and he wants to mske it work. I could not stand his wife. She seems a little self centered to me and I have a feeling that we will find out more about her in the books to come and what makes her tick. Zaniel is one of those guys that you want to meet in real life and see if he is to true to be real.
This is the first book of a new series and I can't wait to get reading more of this series.
Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC to review.

View all my reviews

                                  Laurell K. Hamilton



Born in Heber Springs, Arkansas, The United States
February 19

Website
http://www.laurellkhamilton.com/

Twitter
lkhamilton

Genre
Science Fiction & Fantasy, Horror, Romance

Influences
Robert E. Howard, Robert B. Parker ...more


URL
https://www.goodreads.com/lkhamilton


Laurell K. Hamilton is one of the leading writers of paranormal fiction. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Hamilton writes the popular Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novels and the Meredith Gentry series. She is also the creator of a bestselling comic book series based on her Anita Blake novels and published by Marvel Comics. Hamilton is a full-time writer and lives in the suburbs of St. Louis with her family.

Book Review: I Let Him In by Jill Childs

 

                                                     Kindle Edition
                                                Expected publication: August 17th 2021
                                                     Buy on Amazon

Last night I dreamt about the past for the first time in years. I thought I was over it. I thought I’d finally learned to block it out. But I’m right back there, all over again, inside the house, and I’m afraid...

When Louise Taylor is hit by a car as she cycles home in the rain following a fight with her boyfriend, she’s left hurt, confused, and housebound in her cramped apartment while she recovers. And worse, something tells her it wasn’t an accident.

Desperate to keep busy and distract herself from the flashbacks to her childhood that are beginning to resurface, she hires Edward – a friend of a friend – to repaint her shabby living room and, hopefully, keep the past at bay.

But when Edward arrives – quiet, considerate and handsome – Lou instantly feels like they’ve met before, that she can trust him. Tired of carrying the guilt alone after all these years, Lou tells Edward her secret. And to her surprise, he doesn’t pull away. He doesn’t gasp, or grimace or preach about what she did. And Lou is so relieved to finally be free of this burden at last.

Until she learns that Edward has a secret of his own. One he’s been waiting a very, very long time to tell...

                                                        MY REVIEW:

I Let Him In by Jill Childs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Louise Taylor is hit by a car, while cycling home, at night. It came from behind her so she didn't see the car or who was driving. She woke up in a hospital bed with a broken leg and her head hurt. Her sister takes her to her apartment to recover. she is the type of person always on the move and is a journalist who always lives dangerously so she has a hard time being layed up. She had just broken up with her boyfriend also, to the dismay of her sister.
She meets Ed , who is going to paint her apartment and they spend a lot of time with each other. They are also keeping a secret from years ago. During their exchange we do find out each other's secret. Neither one thinks they deserve to be happy or be in a relationship.
Just when you think they can be together then something happens to tear them apart. Then bam we are hit with something new going on which leads to a twist that I never saw coming.
This book is my favorite for this year. I could not put it down and read it in 1 sitting.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC to review.

View all my reviews

                                                           Jill Childs

Twitter
author_jill





eJill has always loved stories - real and imaginary. She's spent 30 years travelling the world as a journalist, living overseas and reporting wherever the news took her. She's now made her home in London with her husband and twin girls who love stories as much as she does.

Although she's covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she's found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home - in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.

Book Review: Blind Tiger by Sandra Brown

 

                                                       Kindle Edition, 448 pages
                                    Published August 3rd 2021 by Grand Central Publishing
                                                 buy from Amazon

The year 1920 comes in with a roar in this rousing and suspenseful novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown. Prohibition is the new law of the land, but murder, mayhem, lust, and greed are already institutions in the Moonshine Capitol of Texas.

Thatcher Hutton, a war-weary soldier on the way back to his cowboy life, jumps from a moving freight train to avoid trouble . . . and lands in more than he bargained for. On the day he arrives in Foley, Texas, a local woman goes missing. Thatcher, the only stranger in town, is suspected of her abduction, and worse. Standing between him and exoneration are a corrupt mayor, a crooked sheriff, a notorious cathouse madam, a sly bootlegger, feuding moonshiners . . . and a young widow whose soft features conceal an iron will.

What was supposed to be a fresh start for Laurel Plummer turns to tragedy. Left destitute but determined to dictate her own future, Laurel plunges into the lucrative regional industry, much to the dislike of the good ol’ boys, who have ruled supreme. Her success quickly makes her a target for cutthroat competitors, whose only code of law is reprisal. As violence erupts, Laurel and—now deputy—Thatcher find themselves on opposite sides of a moonshine war, where blood flows as freely as whiskey.

MY REVIEW:

Blind Tiger by Sandra Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is set in the 1920's during Prohibiton. Blind Tiger is another word for Speakeasy. A speakeasy is a place where alcohol beverages are sold illegally. A place of business would have a backroom that only certain people would know about. Reading about all this I did learn a few things.
Thatcher Hutton is a war soldier and on his way home he stows away on a train and this is where his life becomes complicated.
Laurel Plummer is married to a man who was in the war and came home a different person. He uproots her and their baby to go live with his dad, who didn't even know if his son was alive or dead.
The town in Texas is full of a lot of criminals. A corrupt mayor, a crooked sheriff, a cathouse, and moonshiners, which makes this full of adventure.
I loved the sheriff, even though he is crooked. He doesn't want to be and we learn more about him throughout the book.
Laurel and her father in law made me chuckle a few times and the interaction between them was of a great relationship.
Thank you to Grand Central and NetGalley for the ARC to review.

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                                                      Sandra Brown




Born in Waco, TX, The United States

Website
http://www.sandrabrown.net/

Twitter
sandrabrown_NYT

Genre
Mystery & Thrillers, Suspense, Romance

Influences
Oscar Wilde, Mary Stewart, Taylor Caldwell, Evelyn Anthony...too many ...more


URL
https://www.goodreads.com/sandra_brown



Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including STING (2016), FRICTION (2015), MEAN STREAK (2014), DEADLINE(2013), & LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011).

Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.

In 2009 Brown detoured from romantic suspense to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving historical fiction story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.

Book Review: The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee

 

Kindle Edition, 1st edition, 320 pages

                                              Published August 3rd 2021 by St. Martin's Griffin

                                                                Buy from Amazon 

With witty characters and heartrending romance, Jayci Lee, author of A Sweet Mess, returns with The Dating Dare—where two people might just find out how hard it is to resist falling in love with the right person.

No serious relationships. This is the one rule Tara Park made for herself and it has been working swimmingly, thank you very much. The occasional fling is fine, especially since she’s busy with Weldon Brewery. But when Seth Kim, temptation personified and her best friend’s new brother-in-law walks into her life, Tara might be willing to bend her golden rule…but only for four dates—the four dates she agreed to after a few good rounds of beer and a game of truth or dare. It’ll be fun. No biggie.

Seth Kim can’t believe Tara agreed to his dating dare. He’s leaving for a new job in Paris in a month and a no-strings attached fling seemed like a nice little distraction for both… But their secret dates, while sweet and sexy, always hit roadblocks straight out of a romantic comedy. Thankfully, their non-dates and chance meetings are smoother, frequent, and heated. However, the more Seth sees of Tara, the less willing he is to let her go—and what was supposed to be a little fun game turns into something that neither of them are ready for.

But sometimes, the best things in life are the ones we never see coming.

                                            MY REVIEW:

The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fun and quick read.
I enjoyed Tara and Seth. They both have come from relationships that made them feel unworthy and they now know better but don't want to be another relationship like that.
Tara met Seth at her best friend's wedding, who married Seth's brother. They were attracted to each other but wanted a friends with benefit relationship. Especially since Seth is moving to Paris in a month. They are also keeping this to themselves and don't want anyone else to know they are involved so they sneak around.
Thank you to St. Martin's and NetGalley for the ARC to review.

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                                                                          Jayci Lee
Website
http://www.JayciLee.com

Twitter
authorjaycilee

Genre
Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary




Jayci Lee writes poignant, sexy, and laugh-out-loud romance every free second she can scavenge. She lives in sunny California with her tall-dark-and-handsome husband, two amazing boys with boundless energy, and a fluffy rescue whose cuteness is a major distraction. At times, she cannot accommodate real life because her brain is full of drool worthy heroes and badass heroines clamoring to come to life.Because of all the books demanding to be written, Jayci writes full-time now, and is semi-retired from her fifteen-year career as a defense litigator. She loves food, wine, and travelling, and incidentally so do her characters. Books have always helped her grow, dream, and heal, and she hopes her books will do the same for you.

Book Review: The Summer Cottage by Annie Rains

 

                                                     Mass Market Paperback, 423 pages
                                                    Published May 25th 2021 by Forever
                                                     buy from Amazon

Somerset Lake is the perfect place for Trisha Langly and her son to start over. As the new manager for the Somerset Cottages, Trisha is instantly charmed by the property's elderly residents and her firecracker of a new boss, Vi Fletcher. But Trisha is less enchanted by Vi's protective grandson Jake. No matter how tempting she finds the handsome lawyer, Trisha knows that if Jake discovers the truth about her past, she'll lose the new life she's worked so hard to build.

Jake Fletcher left Somerset Lake after a tragic loss, but he's returning for the summer to care for his beloved grandmother, hoping Vi will sell the run-down cottages and finally slow down. There's just one problem: Trisha, Vi's new employee. She's smart, beautiful, and kind, but Jake's job is to protect his grandmother's interests, and his gut is telling him Trisha's hiding something that could jeopardize Vi's future. However, as they spend summer days renovating the property and bonding over their love for the town, Jake realizes that Trisha is a risk worth taking--if only she can trust him with her secrets . . . and her heart.

                                                  MY REVIEW:

The Summer Cottage by Annie Rains
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Somerset Lake is the perfect place for Trisha Langly and her son to start over. As the new manager for the Somerset Cottages, Trisha is instantly charmed by the property's elderly residents and her firecracker of a new boss, Vi Fletcher.
Jake Fletcher left Somerset Lake after a tragic loss, but he's returning for the summer to care for his beloved grandmother, hoping Vi will sell the run-down cottages and finally slow down.
Trisha has a past that she doesn't want anyone to know about. So she takes this job to get away from everything and is enjoying what she does. Then Jake shows up and he is there on bequest of the family ,for Vi to sell the property. But her life is here and she doesn't want to leave. There is a group of women that want to be Trisha's friend but she keeps them at arm lengths.
Then the truth comes out of who Trisha is. So she decides maybe she just better leave.

Thanks to Forever for the book to review.

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                                                                        Annie Rains
Website
http://www.annierains.com/

Twitter
https://twitter.com/AnnieRainsBooks

Genre
Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks




Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America's largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn't writing, she's spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

If you enjoyed the Hero's Welcome series, don't miss the short wedding story for Kat and Micah (Welcome to Forever). Get it here for FREE: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/aTSl1

For other books and happenings, sign up for my newsletter on my website: www.annierains.com

#Forever #Grandcentralpublishing

Book Review: Frayed Edges: A Quilting Cozy by Carol Dean Jones

 

                                                                 Kindle Edition
                                                               Published June 25th 2021
                                                                 Buy from Amazon

In the twelfth installment, excitement grows as the Tuesday Night Quilters plan an antique quilt show. But things go terribly wrong. Sarah and Sophie again throw themselves into the middle of the investigation, but this time Sarah finds herself in real danger. As always, Sarah and her retirement village cohorts offer fun, mystery, and lots of quilting.

                                                                  MY REVIEW:

Frayed Edges: A Quilting Cozy by Carol Dean Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 12th book in the series. I have not read the other books but I still knew who the characters were and their part in the series.
If you like quilting or any other crafts/hobbies then you will enjoy this. The friendships and how hey help each other is part of the friendships.
This is a cozy mystery and I was able to read this in 1 sitting.
The friends decide to hold a quilt show but when something happens then there is a mystery to solve and they will solve it if it is the last thing that they do.
Thank you to C&T Publishing along with Edelweiss for the ARC to review

View all my reviews

About Carol Dean Jones

I'm Carol Dean Jones, a retired geriatric social worker born in Kentucky and currently living in the West Virginia foothills. During my many years working with men and women facing the issues of aging, I learned a great deal about growing old. Sarah Miller was born out of my desire to share what I have learned. Sarah is the main character in my Quilting Cozy series and a woman of a certain age who has faced the loss of her husband, her young grandson, and the home where she raised her family. Yet, Sarah is a survivor.

The story begins in Cunningham Village, a retirement community, and follows Sarah as she finds ways to make a successful adjustment to this new way of life. From taking classes at the community center, making lasting friendships, and even exploring the possibility of a romantic connection, Sarah remains steadfastly determined to continue to be a vital, active woman engaged in life.
I love hearing from my readers and potential readers. Just leave a message on my website at http://www.caroldeanjones.com or send me an email at QuiltingCozy@gmail.com

Blog Tour: The Witness by John Ryder

 

  

“Find my daughter in twenty-four hours. Or she’s dead.”

Kyle Roche is a man whose job it is to stay invisible. Dark, mysterious, and only sometimes on the right side of the law, only a lucky few know how to reach him: Kyle can fix their problems, however dangerous.

Now he’s been hired to save a woman in Witness Protection, one who doesn’t officially exist anymore. But before he can keep her safe, he has to find her. And he has less than twenty-four hours to do it…

Savannah Nicholls is in hiding because of a tragic mistake. Her mother insists her daughter is just a nice girl, from a good family, that she’s never gotten in trouble in her life. But she also says someone knows where her daughter is. And they want to kill her.

If he’s going to keep Savannah safe, Roche needs to know who is after her, as well as what she witnessed, who her enemies are, and if they have really been able to find her. But how can he protect a woman who is as invisible as he is?

Because the clock is ticking…

This totally gripping, pulse-pounding thriller is perfect for fans of David Baldacci, JB Turner and Mark Dawson.

Buy Link

https://geni.us/B096B76TKBsocial

                                                              MY REVIEW:

The Witness by John Ryder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“I need you to find and protect my daughter. I can’t even tell you where she is. All I can say is that I’ve been told she’ll be dead by noon tomorrow.”
This is the phone call that Kyle Roche received. He fixes people's problems. He has to find a woman who doesn't officially exist anymore as she is in the witness protection program. He is the oly one who can find her and he has less than 24 hours. The daughter’s name is Savannah Nicholls. She had to go into Witness Protection because of a tragic mistake.
When I first started the book I thought Savannah was ok. Maybe she can take care of herself, seemed a little quiet and reserved and constantly looking over her back. The moment Kyle showed up she turned into a different woman and she wouldn't follow his directions and it got to the point where I kept yelling at my book "you are such a bitch". A little twist at the end that I didn't see.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC to review.

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                                                               Author Bio
John Ryder is a former farmworker and joiner. He's turned his hand to many skills to put food on the table and clothes on his back. A life-long bibliophile, he eventually summoned the courage to try writing himself, and his Grant Fletcher novels have drawn inspiration from authors such as Lee Child, Tom Cain, Zoe Sharp and Matt Hilton. When it comes to future novels, he says he has more ideas than time to write them.
When not writing, John enjoys spending time with his son, reading and socialising with friends. A fanatic supporter of his local football team, he can often be found shouting encouragement to men much younger and fitter than he is.



Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnRyderAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnRyder101
Website: https://johnryderauthor.com/

Book Review: The Life She Wants by J.M. Hewitt

 

                                                     Kindle Edition, 240 pages
                                                   Published July 8th 2021 by Canelo

                                                              buy from Amazon 

You want to save your marriage. She wants to destroy it.
Paula worries that her marriage to Tommy is hanging by a thread. She loves how safe her husband makes her feel, but lately, it seems like he’s pulling away from her, and he keeps avoiding a much-needed conversation about finally having children.

When Tommy suggests a cruise getaway for the two of them, Paula is thrilled. He’s fighting for this marriage, and he’s even promised that they will talk about growing their family. It’s Paula’s dream come true. Until the couple meets beautiful Anna.

From the moment Anna appears in their lives, things start to go wrong for Paula. She finds herself trapped in a sauna. Her hair is destroyed at the salon. Money goes missing from her cabin. At first, Paula thinks she’s paranoid in suspecting Anna is turning her dream holiday into a nightmare. But soon, it becomes clear that Paula may not be the only woman fighting for Tommy’s affections. The only question is why…

The Life She Wants is a suspenseful psychological thriller with a twist. Perfect for fans of Catherine Ryan Howard, Ruth Ware, and Lisa Jewell.

                                                               MY REVIEW:

The Life She Wants by J.M. Hewitt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Paula and Tommy and have been married for many years and all she wants is to have a family. He is all about his career and keeps having excuses to put off having kids. One day he surprises her with a cruise. She is thrilled, as she seems to think their marriage is in trouble. But when they get on the cruise he seems to have different ideas than she does.
On the first day she goes to the sauna only to find out she isn't alone. There is a naked, beautiful woman in there. She is Anna and when she leaves then Paula finds herself locked in the sauna. Not long after that Anna "saves" her. Of course Tommy doesn't believe that anyone would lock Paula in the sauna. Seems like everytime Paula turns around something is happening to her and it always seems to be when Anna is around. At first Anna and Paula seem to be friends and the first night Paula even invites Anna to eat dinner with her and Tommy. As the days go on though Anna seems to have Tommy in her sights.
This was a quick read in 1 sitting and I couldn't put it down. There was even a twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC to review.

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                                                            J.M. Hewitt


Website
http://www.jmhewitt.net

Twitter
jmhewitt

Genre
Crime





Silver Prize in the author v author competition 2008 (supported by the National Literary Trust)

Shortlisted for the Inspire and Mentor Campaign – selected by Jojo Moyes 2012

Two books independently published in 2010 and 2013

Longlisted for the Retreat West First Chapter Competition 2015

Winner of the BritCrime Pitch Competition 2015

Winner in the Twisted 50 Short Story Competition 2016. Short story 'Fingers' to be published in the Twisted 50 Anthology.

Appearing at the Felixstowe Book Festival in 2015 and 2016 and the East Anglia Author Festival 2016.

Member of the CWA, ITW and East Anglian Authors.

Exclusion Zone and The Hunger Within published 2016 / 2017 by Endeavour Media.

The Night Caller published by Bookouture 2019.

www.jmhewitt.com
Twitter: @jmhewitt
FB: www.facebook.com/j.mhewittauthor