I am absolutely delighted to be kicking off Anita Cassidy’s #APPETITE blog tour, with RedDoor Publishing.

Many thanks to Anna, at RedDoor publishing, for the opportunity to join in.

My review…..

#APPETITE is one of the most entertaining and thought provoking books I have ever read. Tackling some difficult, and often controversial, subjects it is quite an eye opener. I’m sure everyone will relate to one of the characters or another.

My favourite character is David. I warmed to him immediately. As an overweight person myself I can relate, although my weight isn’t as extreme as David’s is portrayed to be, I can understand his relationship with food to a certain degree. My mood totally dictates what I want to eat and other people can also influence what we consume. I don’t keep chocolate, sweets, crisps etc in the house though (generally! Christmas is different when people have bought them for us as gifts). I don’t do ready meals as I love to cook and I love nice food. I love all the good stuff, but who doesn’t like a pudding every now and then. I do bake sometimes, but nowhere near as often as I once did. I love my food, but I couldn’t imagine packing away chocolate, sweets and crisps the way David and his family do. However, the way they use these ‘treats’ almost as a way to bring them together as a family (especially since his father left home) is understandable and it’s easy to see how we can fall into such habits. I really felt for his mother, Kerrie.

It’s also typical of the society we live in to judge overweight people. It’s often assumed that we just sit on the sofa all day stuffing our faces, but this isn’t always the case. Some slim people have awful diets and can be much more unhealthy and unfit than overweight people, but no-one bats an eyelid at them. People who have never struggled with their weight have no idea how difficult it can be. The amount of times I’ve heard slim people say ‘just eat less and move more, simple!’ If it was that simple there would be no overweight people!

I’ve come across more than one Naomi. I have often been looked up and down in disgust by others who think they’re perfect. Noami’s character proves that these people are generally far from perfect themselves. Looking slim and pretty doesn’t make anyone perfect. We can all have our own cravings and some are much worse than craving a mars bar! Naomi isn’t a character I particularly warmed to. I don’t understand unfaithful people. I understand people can be unhappy and I totally agree that life is too short to be miserable, but if you’re miserable in a relationship just end it and move on. Easier said than done I’m sure, but surely a clean slate is easier than lies and deceit. The people who are being lied to and deceived don’t deserve to believe everything is rosy whilst you’re having your cake and eating it. Having said that I am very happily married and can’t even imagine feeling like I need something more, so it’s easy for me to judge. Needless to say I didn’t relate to Naomi. However, she proves again how powerful addiction and want can be, whether it’s addiction to sex, drink or food, and how circumstances can lead to unhealthy habits.

I liked Matthew, other than when he is being walked all over by Polly. Wow, she is a character! I’m all for people having passion in what they do, but wow!

I liked the positive influence Matthew has on David. As much as I think it’s a parents responsibility to ensure their child’s health and well being, I do think teachers can be a great influence. After all, our children spend nearly 6 hours a day with them during term time.

The issue of advertising junk foods etc. is a tricky one. Business is business and companies need to make money. The whole point of advertising is to influence. Every food advert I see makes me want what they’re offering (a standing joke in our house!) However, this doesn’t mean I rush out to buy it. We always have a choice.

Would we all eat less if food advertising was banned?

I do think supermarkets should put more offers on fruits, vegetables, lean meats and chicken though. It’s always the naughty stuff that’s on offer which is not at all helpful when trying to eat better, especially on a budget.

I also think ingredients should be clearer on some packaging, although this seems to be much better these days with so many food allergies to contend with, if for no other reason.

I could go on for days…..

APPETITE has really made me think and it’s a book that I’m sure will stay with me for a long time to come.

I’m also sure it will provoke many differing opinions and I look forward to reading other people’s reviews.

Many thanks to the author and Anna, at RedDoor Publishing, for my ARC. I am more than happy to recommend.

Because everyone hungers for something…

Food and Sex: two appetites the modern world stimulates, but also the ones we are expected to keep under control. But what happens when we don’t?

Embarking on an affair, lonely wife and mother Naomi blossoms sexually in a false spring while David, the fattest boy at the local comprehensive and best friend of her son, struggles to overcome bullying and the apathy of his divorced mother.

David finally starts to learn about the mechanisms of appetite through a science project set by his intelligent but jaded teacher, Matthew. David’s brave efforts to change himself open Matthew’s eyes to his activist girlfriend’s dangerous plans to blow up VitSip, a local energy-drink company where Naomi works.

At the mercy of their appetites, this exciting debut novel shows that some hungers can never be satisfied…

Out on 11th January, you can pre-order HERE

About the author…..

I am a writer, a relationship radical, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt and a friend. I am also a lover of old books, new music and (mostly) clean food. Whilst I understand the limitations of labels, I do identify as bi-sexual, polyamorous, kinky. Above all else, I am curious about everything: about life, about learning and about love.

I have been writing fiction and non-fiction since discovering National Novel Writing Month in 2012. Before that I was a sales manager and trainer in the world of regional press and recruitment advertising. I have two wonderful children and divide my time between London and Kent.

THE EXPLOSIVE SEQUEL TO THE UK #1 BESTSELLER HOLY ISLAND

The past never stays buried for long…

Detective Chief Inspector Ryan believes he has put his turbulent history behind him. Then, in the early hours of the summer solstice, the skeleton of a young woman is found inside the Roman Wall at Sycamore Gap. She has lain undiscovered for ten years and it is Ryan’s job to piece together her past.

Enquiry lines cross and merge as Ryan is forced to face his own demons and enter into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a killer who seems unstoppable.

Murder and mystery are peppered with a sprinkling of romance and humour in this fast-paced crime whodunnit set amidst the spectacular scenery of Hadrian’s Wall country in Northumberland.

My review…..

I finished this late last night (23^rd December) and now I can’t wait to start Heavenfield (The DCI Ryan mysteries Book 3).

Having read and loved Holy Island (The DCI Ryan mysteries Book 1) I was very much looking forward to reading Sycamore Gap.

DCI Ryan is the most intriguing character and I have thoroughly enjoyed catching up with him and his team again.

When the 10 year old remains of a young woman are found at Sycamore Gap DCI Ryan and his team are faced with the challenge of finding out who her killer is and how she remained undetected for so long. The fact that the discovery is made in the early hours of the summer solstice is unnerving considering their previous case on Holy Island. Is there a link or is it just paranoia?

This is a compelling, fast-paced murder mystery with excellent characters. It’s brilliantly written with a plot full of suspense. The twists and turns make you suspect almost everyone at some point in the story. It becomes quite tense at times, especially when certain team members put themselves in danger in an attempt to catch the killer.

I love that we see a more personal side to DCI Ryan, as well as his professional side. His relationship with Anna is particularly lovely, even though it’s not always rosy. The professional relationships he shares with his colleagues as well as the friendships they naturally develop give the characters depth and I really feel like I’m getting to know them. This is why I like to read a series in order, even if each book does work as a standalone.

If you haven’t read this series as yet, then I highly recommend that you do.

I have decided to have a DCI Ryan-a-thon, so I will be starting Heavenfield tonight (Christmas Eve)! Can’t wait!

You will find all of L J Ross’s books on her Amazon author page HERE

Enjoy!

Previous posts featuring L J Ross…..

Holy Island (The DCI Ryan Mysteries Book 1)

With very best wishes, Kerry

x

I am delighted to welcome Rachel Sargeant to Chat About Books today! 🙂

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

Thank you, Kerry, for hosting me at your blog and for asking me these fun questions. (My pleasure!)

I was born in Lincolnshire and studied German and Librarianship at Aberystwyth University. I worked in libraries management in the south east and later as an English teacher at a university in Germany. I now live in Gloucestershire and work as a school librarian, promoting books and reading to young children. I’ve had two previous novels published (a police procedural and a world war one novel) and I’m thrilled to be joining the HarperCollins Killer Reads list with my new psychological thriller, The Perfect Neighbours.

Main character Helen has left her life in England to join her husband Gary who teaches at an international school in Germany. At first everyone seems friendly but she senses something menacing beneath their polite veneer. Is she paranoid or are the neighbours as dangerous as she fears?

Where did/do you get your ideas from?

This novel came from two different ideas. I used to live in a small expat community in Germany and always intended to feature this type of setting in one of my books. When I read about a major crime committed in plain sight in a British city, I wondered if a similar crime could happen in a much smaller place where everyone knows each other’s business. The new novel places a similar crime in an expat setting.

Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

I don’t think real people could be moulded into book characters. The only way I’m inspired by real people is if I overhear someone talking in a shop or on the bus. Just one line of their conversation can set me off creating a story or a character. The end result will be nothing like the real person, and their words will have been used in a different context.

How do you pick your characters’ names?

Their names usually occur to me as I’m writing. Sometimes I look on the internet at lists of popular baby names for particular years to ensure names are appropriate to the age of the character and the era of the story. I change names if I notice I’ve chosen some that look too similar on the page and might confuse readers.

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

Because I work in a school, I am able to write my first drafts in the long holidays. If the weather’s nice, I’ll write longhand in the garden even though it takes longer to type everything up afterwards. The rest of the year I edit the draft and share it with my trusted writing buddies. We give feedback on each other’s work.

Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

Whenever I look at what I’ve written here, I know I’m going to regret leaving someone out. So these are the favourite five just for today: Agatha Christie – I haven’t liked all her books but there are plenty I do like, and I’ve got several still to read. I admire her output and how she pioneered the genre. Kate Atkinson – for her superb Jackson Brodie detective novels, not so keen on her literary titles. Friedrich Dürrenmatt – Post-war Swiss playwright. I like his plays and his unusual crime stories. Maeve Binchy – I love her charming, gently humorous Irish settings. Mark Haysom – I’m eagerly awaiting the third part of his nostalgic, heart-warming trilogy.

Were you a big reader as a child?

No, I hated reading. I wasn’t able to read until I was eight because my infants school taught us something called I.T.A. which was based on a phonics alphabet instead of normal English letters and words. Apart from the reading scheme books, there was nothing else available for me to read. I still blame I.T.A. for my poor spelling today. It wasn’t until I was eleven that I really enjoyed a book. My parents bought me a Jackie pony story by Judith M. Beresford. I was horse mad and read several in the series.

When did you start to write?

In the year 2001, eighteen months after a palm reader at a party told me I should. I’m sure it was only said as a bit of fun, but it’s led to a great hobby.

If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?

I would like to meet crime writer Priscilla Masters again. Before I’d started writing but after meeting the palm reader, I went to a talk by her in Shrewsbury. She gave the audience one piece of advice: “If you want to write a book, write a book.” And that’s it really. Just do it. I’d like to thank her.

If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?

I wouldn’t change the ending of anyone else’s book. Advice on technique can be welcome, but plot is personal.

Is there a book you wish you had written?

There are lots of writers I admire for their use of language and ingenuity of plot, but I’ve just got to be me when I write and hope for the best.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would your title be?

Thankfully I’m too ordinary to warrant an autobiography.

If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them?

Probably Captain Hastings (Poirot’s famous chum). We’d go to a cosy coffee shop. He’d make charming company, and as he’s a gentleman, I’m sure he’d insist on paying.

What are you working on right now?

Another psychological thriller, this time set in a university during Freshers’ Week.

Do you have a new release due?

The Perfect Neighbours is out this week. My police procedural Long Time Waiting has been updated and will be released as an eBook in March.

What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?

I’m too nervous to celebrate.

How can readers keep in touch with you?

Website: http://www.rachelsargeant.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelSargeant3

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

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

The Perfect Neighbours is out now in eBook, and the paperback follows in January. Available from Amazon:

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Rachel 🙂

Thank you, Kerry.

About the book

Published: 15th December 2017 (HarperCollins Killer Reads)

‘Builds from a creeping sense of unease to a jaw-dropping climax and a denouement I defy anyone to see coming.’ Chris Curran, author of Her Deadly Secret

The perfect neighbours tell the perfect lies… When Helen moves to Germany with her loving husband Gary, she can’t wait to join the ex-pat community of teachers from the local International School. But her new start is about to become her worst nightmare. Behind the shutters lies a devastating secret… As soon as the charming family across the way welcome Helen into their home, she begins to suspect that all is not as it seems. Then Gary starts to behave strangely and a child goes missing, vanished without a trace. When violence and tragedy strike, cracks appear in the neighbourhood, and Helen realises her perfect neighbours are capable of almost anything.

About the author

Rachel Sargeant grew up in Lincolnshire. The Perfect Neighbours is her third novel. She is a previous winner of Writing Magazine’s Crime Short Story competition and has been placed or shortlisted in various competitions, including the Bristol Short Story Prize. Her stories have appeared in My Weekly and the Accent Press Saucy Shorts series. Rachel has a degree in German and Librarianship from Aberystwyth University and a Masters in Creative Writing from Lancaster University. She spent several years living in Germany where she taught English and she now lives in Gloucestershire with her husband and children.

In this book that you hold, a true story unfolds,
Of a Christmas not too long ago.
Where I’m lead to believe, on a cold Christmas eve,
Three Siblings played out in the snow.

As all children do, when the snow bustles through,
They built an acquaintance to scale.
But not a snow man, as suggested by Dan,
They built a snow queen, Elaine Gale

And they started to tell, how she’d cast an old spell,
For every child to be cruel.
For if no names exist, on Santa’s nice list,
There would be no Christmas at all.

But little did they know, as they played in the snow,
Before the night was through.
That story they told, would find life in the cold.
And every word would come true.

My review…..

Well, I have been thoroughly entertained by this wonderfully clever rhyming Christmas story.

Daniel, Claire and Ben decide to build a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. There’s nothing unusual about that, I hear you say, but this is no ordinary snowman. She is to be an evil snow queen called Elaine Gale, which I think is the most fabulous name by the way! Little did they know that the story they make up for her was to come true and they must race against time to save Christmas.

This book is so original and so beautifully written I can’t imagine anyone, young or old, not enjoying it. It made me smile, a lot!

(My friend read it whilst she was here on Monday night and loved it to. She’s 40 like me!)

The illustrations are just brilliant also. I will be looking after my 6 year old niece tomorrow and will read it to her. I know she will love it!

Why not treat the children in your life to this captivating book. It will make an excellent last minute gift. They will enjoy it this Christmastime or at any time of the year really.

Many thanks to Daniel Thompson for sending me my beautiful copy. I’ll happily recommend to anyone!

Purchase on Kindle or paperback here…..

Enjoy!

Thrilled to be joining in with BK Duncan’s Foul Trade blog tour today 🙂

Many thanks to Sarah Hardy, at Bloodhound Books, for the opportunity to take part.

My review…..

Foul Trade is a very well written mystery which kept me intrigued all the way through. Having read and enjoyed The Last Post, which is a short, but punchy, introduction to this series, I was looking forward to catching up with the feisty May Keaps again and I have thoroughly enjoyed doing so. She is a very straight talking character who I can’t help but like. She’s seen her fair share of trauma and she’s one tough cookie.

We meet May again in 1920. She is no longer an ambulance driver, but the Poplar Coroner’s Officer and a very efficient one at that. She is very used to sourcing information relevant to their inquests, but finds herself in significant danger whilst trying to get to the bottom of one particular death. She is sure there is more to it than first appears and she’s determined to prove it. She doesn’t have only herself to worry about though. She has her sister, Alice, to think of too since they only have each other now. Will her determination prove fatal?

May’s investigation makes for interesting reading set in a time without forensics and mobile communications etc. A simpler time maybe, but not necessarily safer.

A great read for mystery/historical crime fans and one I am more than happy to recommend.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for my ARC.

It is March 1920. May Keaps, the Poplar Coroner’s Officer, has never failed to provide a jury with sufficient evidence to arrive at a just verdict.

The poverty, drunken fights between visiting sailors, drug trafficking, and criminal gangs, haunting the shadows of the busiest docks in the world, mean that the Coroner sees more than its fair share of sudden and unnatural deaths.

May relishes the responsibility placed upon her but there are many who believe it’s an unsuitable job for a woman. Even May begins to wonder if that is the case when the discovery of a young man’s body, in a Limehouse alley, plunges her into an underworld of opium dens, gambling, turf wars, protection rackets and murder.

As her investigations draw her into danger, it becomes increasingly clear that whoever is responsible intends to avoid the hangman’s noose by arranging to have May laid out on one of her own mortuary slabs.

Author Bio…..

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Patricia Asedegbega to Chat About Books 🙂

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

I live in sunny Spain and have been writing for about six years now. I started with a collection of cat stories to raise funds for a shelter and then moved on to my first suspense novel. I write both in Spanish and English and have series in both languages. I am currently working on my 13th book.

Where did/do you get your ideas from?

I get my ideas from everyday occurrences. Sometimes I get a light bulb moment and I develop the plot from that single thought.

Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

I write fiction so I create my characters and try to make them as real as possible (but they are still fictitious). Most of the mothers in my books are strong, opinionated hard working women…just like my mother.

How do you pick your characters names?

I don´t really have a system for that. I just try not to repeat them (especially as I’ve used all the ones I like).

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

I start off with an idea; normally the main theme of the book and work towards developing a storyline that I hope will captivate my readers.

Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

Agatha Christie, Elizabeth George, Alexander McCall Smith, Marian Keys, Enid Blyton (the child in me still rereads Mallory Towers).

If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?

Agatha Christie…I´d ask for another book.

Were you a big reader as a child?

I loved reading as a child; it was and still is one of the greatest pleasures in life.

When did you start to write?

In earnest…about six years ago.

If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?

If I could re-write an ending it would be that of a non-fiction novel. I would love to give a few of them a happy ending.

Is there a book you wish you had written?

Not really, I actually enjoy writing mine with my particular style as I enjoy reading those of others.

If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them?

Bertie Wooster…I would take him to Spanish Flamenco bar and dare him to get up and dance.

What are you working on right now?

I recently finished the sequel of “I stand corrected” and I´m working on part two of “…to the moon and back”.

Do you have a new release due?

I don´t have a date yet but I hope to have a few releases next year.

What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?

I do try to treat myself to something. Although just knowing a new book is out there, makes me walk around all day with a smile on my face.

How can readers keep in touch with you?

I can be reached through my social media:

https://www.facebook.com/PatriciasUniverse/

https://pasedegbega.wordpress.com/

https://www.instagram.com/patriciaspen/

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

I am a proud cat lover and am owned by a very grumpy British Shorthair.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Patricia 🙂

You will find all of Patricia’s books HERE

Enjoy!

Many thanks to Rachel for the opportunity to join in and for arranging the following interview with Liam Hurley 🙂

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

Hi all, my name is Liam and I am a writer from Manchester, UK. I like annoying people, buying new white t-shirts and drinking coffee by the gallon. I have just released my first novel You, Me and Us. My book tells the story of Jimmy Rowland and Erin Poppet, a whirlwind romance which sends Jimmy’s life into a downward trajectory, leaving him with nothing but a broken heart, a demon inside him and a useless vacuum. When he reaches rock bottom he decides to rebuild his life from scratch.

Where did/do you get your ideas from?

Life. Stories are all around us. If you look closely enough you’ll see mini stories playing out in front of your eyes every day. That woman running for the bus? Why is she running? Why does she need to catch that bus in particular? Just let your mind wander. You, Me and Us came from seeing a guy in Manchester City Centre marching down one of the main roads desperately searching for a cigarette. I just thought to myself, I wonder why he’s so stressed? Maybe he’s meeting his ex-girlfriend…

Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

Jimmy’s two best-friends and bandmates Tom and Ryan are based on an amalgamation of four of my best mates. The pair of them take on traits which my real friends have. A slight lack of logic, getting themselves into ridiculous situations, constant mocking of each other and fervent unbreakable loyalty to one another.

How do you pick your characters names?

Jimmy Rowland and Erin Poppet just came to me as I was writing they didn’t require any thought at all, it just was their names. Like when a parent names a child and they say ‘he just was a Keith’. Some of the other names though either have hidden meanings (Jimmy’s father-figure is called Joe after the very first step-dad in western literature), whilst the rest I tend to have to think about. I’ll inevitably look to Facebook and find friends of friends with names that jump out to me.

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

The first thing I need is the right environment. The essentials are for it to be quiet, coffee at hand and comfortable. Once I’ve got all of that whether it be in my own home or out in public, I just get on with it. You can sit and wait for inspiration all day long but it might never come, so I just get to typing. Once I’ve been writing for a solid ten to twenty minutes I just end up in a flow and three or four hours can go by in a blink.

Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

This changes pretty frequently based on what I’m reading but if I had to pick right now I’d go for David Nicholls, Danny Wallace, Nick Hornby, Stephen King and George RR Martin.

If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?

Stephen King, and selfishly I’d ask him to look at my work and give me pointers.

Were you a big reader as a child?

From about the age of eight I was a big reader. Started with the usual stuff, Harry Potter etc. and then graduated onto more mature stuff. I once visited a book shop so much at the age of twelve that one of the members of staff gave me a massive bundle of pre-publications copies of books for free.

When did you start to write?

I’m not 100% sure but I’d say when I was about twelve or thirteen I started writing short scenes and stories for my own
amusement. Obviously, this was kept very secret.

If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?

If I could re-write the end to any book it would be Mario Puzo’s The Godfather. I know, I know. It’s sacrilege to even suggest that story is anything but perfect. But for me, it’s not. I would’ve liked to see Michael walk away from the family at the end. I know the ending shows that he is corrupted by it all and brought to the fold as the new head-honcho. But by the end a lot of the main players have died, he gets his revenge, then I’d like to see him leave. Walk with Kay into the sunset.

Is there a book you wish you had written?

Mike Gayle’s The Stag and Hen Weekend. It’s a fantastic book with a real unique way of telling a story. For anyone who has not read it, the book is in two section one a stag party and the other a hen do. You can read either part first and the other second, it is entirely up to the reader. It has an ambiguous ending which some did not like but for me I always enjoy when the reader has to decide for themselves how certain aspects of a story play out. We shouldn’t be spoon-fed but challenged.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would your title be?

Remember Who You Are.

If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them?

It would be Hank Moody from Californication. I’d take him to Second Cup in Manchester which is one of my writing havens and pick his brain about his writing process and the books he wrote. I love the show but wish we could find out more about the actual books he writes, what’s the story, how does it read etc.

What are you working on right now?

At the minute I am in marketing over-drive for You, Me and Us. So, my actual writing time has been a bit thin on the ground at the minute, but I have written a short scene for my next book. I am still in two minds about the overall story but it is revolving around two themes; male infertility and a school reunion.

Do you have a new release due?

Not right now, I am still in the very embryotic stages of writing.

What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?

Well You Me and Us is my first release so I don’t have a tradition yet! More than likely go a for a meal with friends and have a few glasses of overpriced red wine.

How can readers keep in touch with you?

Through my website http://www.liamhurley.co.uk or on Twitter @LjHurleyWriter

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

If anyone else is reading this who is in two minds about writing a book or chasing any dream, then do it. Don’t pay attention to naysayers or negativity, get on with it. Work hard, and believe in yourself. Thank you for your time and letting me be a part of this blog!

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Liam 🙂 

“F*** you for breaking my f***ing heart…”
This is the heart-breaking yet hilarious story of Jimmy Rowland and Erin Poppet.
Jimmy Rowland has the perfect life. He works in his favourite bar by day, and by night he lives his dream with his two best friends in his band.
Erin Poppet crashes into Jimmy’s life like a beautiful storm. He falls in love with her as quickly and as deeply as possible. The intensity of their relationship leaves Jimmy with a broken heart, a useless vacuum and a demon inside him.
Jimmy’s dream life quickly becomes a nightmare when he loses his dream job and destroys his musical career live on stage.
When he hits rock bottom, he decides he only has one choice, to rebuild his life from scratch. He has to get back the life he had before Erin.
This is her story.

This is his story.

This is their story.
Or as Jimmy would say… “… this is the story of You, Me and Us.”

Purchase from Amazon –

Author Bio –

My name is Liam; I am an author from Manchester, UK. I love three things in this world, writing, reading and the viral video of the Irish family trying to catch a bat. (My girlfriend, family, friends and cats may be unhappy with this). My hobbies include listening to podcasts, watching grown men fight and trying every possible type of ground coffee in the world.

Here are my Top Ten reasons to read my book or spend the night with me…

1. It won’t cost you much.

2. It will be over relatively quickly.

3. I will be very grateful.

4. You can tell other people about it if you enjoyed it.

5. If not, don’t bother.

6. It’s always fun to have something in your hands to flick through.

7. You can review it online.

8. It will leave a mark on you.

9. You won’t want to put it down.

10. It’ll make you laugh.

Social Media Links –

http://www.twitter.com/LjHurleyWriter
http://www.liamhurley.co.uk
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15316750.Liam_Hurley

Giveaway –

Win a signed copy of You, Me and Us (Open to UK only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Happy Publication Day, Sun Chara! 🙂

Hi! Today I have the pleasure of bringing Recluse Millionaire, Reluctant Bride, by Sun Chara, to your attention 🙂

Many thanks to Rachel at Rach RandomResources @rararesources  for the opportunity to take part.

Is his reluctant bride a business risk or a personal necessity?
Stan Rogers, recluse millionaire, must negotiate a risky deal with Stella Ryan, the exotic beauty from his past, to gain custody of his son. But how can he close the deal with her, the one and only woman who flips his switches and pegs him as the enemy?
Martial artist Stella knows she should steer clear of Stan, the man who had shattered her heart and could still destroy her. Four years have passed since their hostile business deal, and now, the American financier is proposing holy matrimony…but she’s the reluctant bride wondering, what’s he up to?

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Author Bio –

Sun Chara, an Amazon top 100 bestseller, writes sexy, hip ‘n fun contemporary romance for Harper Impulse. JABBIC winner, Manhattan Millionaire’s Cinderella launched her writing career, spinning the ‘global millionaire’s series’. She makes her home in southern California, and has appeared on stage/film to rave reviews in How the Other Half Loves, General Hospital, and McGee and Me. With a Master’s Degree in Education, and membership in SAG/AFTRA and Romance Writers of America, she enjoys sipping designer Frappuccinos topped with whipped cream/sprinkles, and dancing on the beach…making everyday a celebration! Sun loves to hear from her readers at:

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Some of you may remember that I reviewed a short story called The Caretaker, by Dan Klefstad, back in January – https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/?s=the+caretaker

The Interview is a very cleverly written follow up to The Caretaker.

Daniel has dedicated most of his life to his employer. 35 years of his life, in fact, and he’s now looking for someone to take over.

He has an interviewee who is initially intrigued, unsurprisingly, by the pay. He soon realizes there is good reason for the six figure pay packet though and he isn’t sure he’s up to it, but too late…. he knows too much already. It’s safer for him to stay.

This interviewee is quite a character. We don’t know his name and I’m not sure discretion is his strongest trait which could be very dangerous in this particular job. He has a million questions, but he has to be patient, as do we. Will he suit his new role?

Daniel is still an intriguing character and I like that we see a little more of the boss in this story, but only vaguely. I’m still left wondering.

Why not have a read for yourself. You’ll find the story at the following link…..

http://www.aphelion-webzine.com/shorts/2017/12/TheInterview.html

Many thanks to Dan Klefstad for sharing his story with me.

Dan Klefstad wrote the novel “Shepherd & the Professor” (http://amzn.to/2paodWm) and the short story “The Caretaker” (http://bit.ly/2rpQw68). He writes in DeKalb, Illinois, and Williams Bay, Wisconsin.