I am delighted to share the cover, blurb and pre-order links for Caro Land’s forthcoming new release, Confessions, with you all today! 

Check this out…..

I am currently reading this gripping story. It is the second book on my #20BooksofSummer20 challenge list (Convictions by Caro Land being the first) and I’m loving it! Watch this space for my review!!

Blurb

A brilliant new drama by bestselling author Caroline England, writing as Caro Land.

Dig for the truth and you’ll get dirty…

Natalie Bach is facing personal turmoil, legal conundrums and challenges. While trying to make a difference, she walks the fine line between being a help and a hinderance.

Seconded to criminal law firm, Savage Solicitors, Nat finds herself out of her depth when she’s handed a complicated and tragic case of assisted suicide. Will she get to the bottom of what really happened?

With a heavy workload to juggle, can Nat untangle her own feelings from another very personal and troubling investigation?

Confessions is the second book in a gripping new legal, crime suspense series written by bestselling author Caroline England, writing as Caro Land, though can equally be read as an unmissable stand-alone.

It will appeal to fans of authors like Diane Jeffrey, Samantha Hayes and K.L. Slater as well as readers of women’s fiction.

Now available to pre-order….

KINDLE

PAPERBACK

ICYMI

Convictions by Caro Land @CazEngland @Bloodhoundbook #BookReview #20BooksofSummer20 #1

happy reading!

Hi and welcome to my Flashback Friday feature!

On the first Friday of each month I like to have a little look back at what I was reading during the same month in previous years, since starting my blog.

Feel free to join in (and share your post with us in the comments) 🙂

Here are my reviews from June 2019 + a link to previous June FBFs…..

The Silver Wolf (James Ryker Book 3) by Rob Sinclair @RSinclairAuthor #BookReview

#AnotherShot by Stephen Anthony Brotherton @FreddieJoJo1 #MiniBlogBlitz #BookReview @rararesources

31 Days Of Wonder by #TomWinter @CorsairBooks @LittleBrownUK #BookReview #Netgalley

Practicing Normal by Cara Sue Achterberg @CaraAchterberg #BookReview #Netgalley

The Infirmary: A DCI Ryan Mystery (Multicast Drama): An Audible Original Drama by L J Ross @LJRoss_author #BookReview @audibleuk

What Lies Around Us by Andrew Crofts @RedDoorBooks #BookReview

#TheGlitteringHour by @Iona_Grey #BookReview #Netgalley

#TheFriendWhoLied by @RachelAmphlett #BlogTour #BookReview @BOTBSPublicity

#TickTock (DS Grace Allendale Series Book 2) by Mel Sherratt @writermels @AvonBooksUK #BlogTour #BookReview

#TheBestOfCrimes by K.C. Maher @kcmaher3 with RedDoor Publishing @RedDoorBooks #BlogTour #BookReview

#FlashbackFriday June 2019 with @andrewgmarshall @RachelAmphlett & @LJRoss_author

happy reading!

Convictions

Caro Land

(Review written 04/06/2020)

I finished Convictions late last night. There was no way I was going to go to sleep until I had! This has been a real page turner for me. I’m only sorry that I’m this late to the party.

I’m not sure I’ve ever read any crime thrillers/mysteries written from the perspective of a solicitor before, but I really enjoyed the legal aspects of this story. Natalie Bach is a brilliant character. I warmed to her straight away. I loved the fact that she had returned home from Mallorca to be there for her mother, Anna, who had suffered a stroke, but had thankfully recovered well. Anna is a lovely character too. I found it interesting following Natalie’s progress finding her feet in the legal world again having run a bar in Mallorca and being dumped by her boyfriend, finding herself single again as she approaches her fortieth birthday. That can’t be easy for anyone. It doesn’t seem to take her long before she finds herself well and truly in the thick of things. She certainly works with some interesting characters! I think Gavin Savage is my favourite. Loved him!

I found Natalie’s relationship with Wes quite fascinating, although I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about it all for a good chunk of the story. The chemistry between them is palpable but their circumstances are far from ideal for the start of a new romance. I did hope there would be a happy ending, one way or another though.

As for the cases Natalie finds herself involved with, well what can I say…. It just goes to show that you never know what might go on behind closed doors or what anyone might be capable of when pushed to their limits. This story also puts a whole new spin on ‘a woman scorned’.

There are many shocking moments throughout this book.

This book is a completely compelling, fast-paced story full of secrets, lies, control, obsession, revenge and addiction but also humour, love, friendship, family loyalty and forgiveness. I LOVED it, and I read it in two days which anyone who knows me will know that’s quick for me. An excellent start to a new series. I can’t wait to read book 2!

Via AmazonUK

A stunning new drama from Caroline England, writing as Caro Land.

There are two sides to every crime…

Returning home to care for her ill mother, and approaching her fortieth birthday, Natalie Bach is devastated when she’s dumped without explanation by her long-term boyfriend.

Struggling to pick herself up, she’s offered her old job at Goldman Law. Jack Goldman’s estranged son Julian has been arrested for attempted murder and he wants Natalie to find out why.

With the help of fellow solicitor Gavin Savage, Natalie sets out to investigate, but with a series of red herrings ahead, will she ever discover the truth?

And can Natalie avoid her personal problems interfering with the case?

What everyone is saying about Convictions:

“A brilliant read with surprising twists and great characters”

“more twists and turns than you could count.” – Ginger Book Geek

“this book had everything; a peek into the legal world, great characterisation, compelling darkness complemented with a lightness of humour as well as a satisfying ending”

“A brilliantly crafted novel. I was totally engrossed in the characters and plot from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down.” – Amanda Robson, Sunday Times bestselling author of Obsession, Guilt and Envy

Convictions is the first book in a gripping new legal, crime suspense series written by bestselling author Caroline England, writing as Caro Land. It will appeal to fans of authors like Diane Jeffrey, Samantha Hayes and K.L. Slater as well as readers of women’s fiction.

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Convictions-absolutely-gripping-suspense-drama-ebook/dp/B0842TLYBH/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1591256289&sr=8-1

happy reading!

#20BooksofSummer20 Sign up post

I am absolutely OVER THE MOON  to be one of the lucky bloggers kicking off Mark Tilbury’s The Last One To See Her blog tour!!

I’m thrilled to be able to share my thoughts of this awesome book with you all.

The Last One To See Her

Mark Tilbury

(Review written on 31/05/2020)

WOW! Brilliant, as always!

Mark Tilbury’s writing never fails to grab my attention and The Last One To See Her kept me gripped from the very first page to the very last word.

When 11-year-old Jodie Willis goes missing whilst fetching milk from the local shop, just a few hundred yards away, her mother is understandably beside herself with worry. I can’t even begin to imagine, and my heart went out to her. Every parent’s worst nightmare!

Mathew Hillock, and just one other local man, were the last to see her alive. Mathew is convinced this man, not known for being the most pleasant of characters (he really did turn my stomach), had something to do with her disappearance but has no proof. However, Jodie’s body is found in Mathew’s garden shed, days later, and almost everyone is convinced of his guilt. He’s an odd character in most people’s eyes, due to his limitations caused by a childhood trauma, so he must be guilty. Mathew even starts to doubt himself even though there isn’t a scrap of evidence linking him to this murder. I honestly didn’t know what to believe and was as desperate as those involved to find out the truth! I really felt for Mathew as he seemed like an easy target. His back story is heart-breaking. I kept an open mind though as you never know which direction these stories will take. There are always plenty of surprises with Mark Tilbury and this book was no exception.

When I realised the truth, it made me feel quite sick.

#TwistedTilbury

A disturbing (as expected) but captivating read with a fascinating cast of characters, some you will love and others you really would not want to come across in real life. Fast paced and very clever with twists and turns galore. This author never ceases to amaze me.

I honestly don’t know what else to say other than buy it and read it for yourself. If you love a good psychological crime thriller you will love this as it’s nothing short of excellent.

 All the stars from me!

I will more than happily recommend to anyone and everyone.

Many thanks to Mark Tilbury for my review copy and for the opportunity to be a part of the blog tour.

Blurb

He says he is innocent. So why did he lie?

Mathew Hillock was the last person to see eleven-year-old Jodie Willis alive. When her dead body turns up four days later in his garden shed, the police think he’s guilty of her murder. So do most people in the town. But there’s no DNA evidence to link him to the crime.

Battling the weight of public opinion and mental illness due to a childhood head trauma, he sinks into a deep depression.

Can Mathew do what the police failed to do and find evidence linking the real killer to the crime?

The Last One to See Her is a terrifying story of what happens when you’re accused of a crime and no one believes you are innocent.

PRE-ORDER NOW!

About the author

Mark lives in a small village in the lovely county of Cumbria, although his books are set in Oxfordshire where he was born and raised.

After being widowed and raising his two daughters, Mark finally took the plunge and self-published two books on Amazon, The Revelation Room and The Eyes of the Accused.

He’s always had a keen interest in writing, and is extremely proud to have had seven novels published by Bloodhound Books. His latest novel, The Last One To See Her will be published 4^th June 2020.

When he’s not writing, Mark can be found playing guitar, reading and walking.

Follow, like and share the book love with these awesome book bloggers…..

ICYMI

The Abattoir of Dreams by Mark Tilbury @MTilburyAuthor @Bloodhoundbook #BlogTour #BookReview #AuthorInterview

The Revelation Room #BlogTour #BookReview @MTilburyAuthor @Bloodhoundbook @sarahhardy681

The Eyes of the Accused #BlogTour @MTilburyAuthor @Bloodhoundbook #BookReview @sarahhardy681

The Liar’s Promise #BlogTour Mark Tilbury @MTilburyAuthor #BookReview @Bloodhoundbook

The Key to Death’s Door by Mark Tilbury @MTilburyAuthor #BlogTour #BookReview @Bloodhoundbook @sarahhardy681

#YouBelongToMe by Mark Tilbury @MTilburyAuthor @Bloodhoundbook #BookReview

#Torment by Mark Tilbury @MTilburyAuthor @Bloodhoundbook #BlogBlitz #BookReview

happy reading!

KISS ME IN THE DARK compiles a selection of deliciously dark chapters from bestselling romance authors with additional, never-before-seen content. We’re hoping to introduce new readers to our world and also give our loyal readers a chance to get lost in the stories they love with these bonus scenes. It’s only a taste, just three chapters each…but it’s enough for you to get addicted and want more.

It includes:

Monica James—Bad Saint; bonus content is the first chapter of the upcoming release The Devil’s Crown—All the Pretty Things Trilogy spin-off.

Aleatha Romig—Unconventional; bonus content is the prologue, an outside prospective on this stalker romance. 

Amo Jones—In Fury Lies Mischief; bonus content: Eli’s Transition.

Callie Hart

Cora Reilly—Luca Vitiello; bonus content is the prologue and first chapter of the upcoming standalone Fragile Longing—an age-gap arranged marriage romance.

Giana Darling––Enthralled; bonus content is a new chapter from hero Alexander Davenport’s POV. 

K Webster—This is War, Baby; bonus content is a new thrilling “training” chapter in the villainous Gabe’s POV with Baylee.

Lili St. Germain—Vicious Prince; bonus content is never-before-seen chapters from the main characters past.

S.M. Soto—Deception and Chaos; bonus content is a never-before-seen chapter written from Creed’s POV. 

Parker S. Huntington—Devious Lies; bonus content is a never-before-seen email from Nash to Emery.

Willow Winters—A Kiss to Tell; bonus content is a never-before-seen chapter.

So come, sit, and enjoy a taste of the darkness…you just may like it.

ALL proceeds will be donated to:

NO KID HUNGRY: https://www.nokidhungry.org/

TLC FOR KIDS: https://www.tlcforkids.org.au/

Check this out!

KISS ME IN THE DARK ANTHOLOGY (A Taste of Dark Romance)

Monica James, Aleatha Romig, Amo Jones, Callie Hart, Cora Reilly, Giana Darling, K Webster, Lili St. Germain, Parker S. Huntington, S.M. Soto, Willow Winters.

@authormonicajames

@aleatharomig

@thatcrazykiwiauthor

@calliehartauthor

@corareillyauthor

@gianadarlingauthor

@authorkwebster

@lili_stgermain

@parkershuntington

@authorsmsoto

@willowwintersauthor

Release date: June 30^th

$0.99 Pre-order Links:

Kindle: https://tinyurl.com/yauge5ps

Nook: https://tinyurl.com/ycpumvhn

Kobo: https://tinyurl.com/y6twutld

Apple: https://tinyurl.com/y77cpo8d

Google Play: https://tinyurl.com/y7ttdswm

Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/ybmgosut

UK

Kindle: https://tinyurl.com/y8b8rdef

Australia

Kindle: https://tinyurl.com/ycb3yxjz

Canada

Kindle: https://tinyurl.com/ydfw8vgd

Author’s Note

This anthology was hatched because dark romances and their creators have a stigma associated with them. Yes, we like coloring outside of the lines, and no, we don’t write your run-of-the-mill stories, but that shouldn’t devalue our art. Nor should it be grounds for it to be censored.

Reading is subjective. What someone sees as black, others may see as pink, but that doesn’t make one opinion more valuable than the other. We all have different tastes in everything—that’s the beauty of being human.

Beyond this note, we have included samples of our works, hoping to introduce new readers to our world and also give our loyal readers a chance to get lost in the stories they love with these bonus scenes. It’s only a taste, just three chapters each…but it’s enough for you to get addicted and want more.

We cannot promise that when boy meets girl, they fall in love and then live happily ever after. However, what we can guarantee are kick-ass heroines and antiheroes you’ll love to hate from a bunch of authors who work their asses off to give life to the craziness inside their heads.

So come, sit, and enjoy a taste of the darkness…you just may like it.

We dare you.

Love,

Monica, Aleatha, Amo, Callie, Cora, Giana, K Webster, Lili, Parker, S.M. Soto & Willow.  

I have finally decided on my 20 books for the #20BooksofSummer20 challenge hosted by 746 Books

If you fancy joining in check out the details here – 20 Books of Summer 2020 with @cathy746books #20BooksofSummer 

Here are my choices (in no particular order)

I decided to use this challenge as a way to make a bit of a dent in my Netgalley list. Nine of these titles are from that list. The other eleven are a mixture of review commitments which fall within the challenge’s time frame and books I just don’t want to put off until September! (Field of Lies has been on my list for FAR too long already!)

It was SO hard to choose my next 20 reads out of the hundreds I have on my TBR list! If you’re joining in, how did you decide on your list? Feel free to share your sign up links in the comments so I can share your post, if I haven’t already.

happy reading 🙂

Days of Wonder

Keith Stuart

(Review written on 26/05/2020)

I have absolutely no idea how I’m going to explain to you how this heart-wrenching story is also uplifting and inspiring! I’m sure if you’ve already read it you will understand what I mean. If you haven’t read it yet, then you really should. It is so beautifully written.

I LOVED Keith Stuart’s A Boy Made of Blocks, which I read and reviewed in October 2016, so I was very much looking forward to reading Days of Wonder. Keith Stuart is an amazing writer and I know I could buy one his books, without even reading the blurb, and be confident that I will thoroughly enjoy whatever story he is telling.

Days of Wonder introduces us to Hannah and Tom. Hannah is Tom’s teenage daughter. He has brought her up singlehandedly since her mother left them a decade previously to pursue her career. I absolutely adored Hannah and Tom. Their relationship is just so lovely. A very realistic father/daughter relationship which isn’t without it’s ups and downs. Not least as Hannah has a serious heart condition which they both struggle to deal with at times, understandably. Hannah has her moments, but generally prefers for life to carry on as normal as possible. She does, however, try not to focus too far into the future. She lives for now, which we all should really. None of us knows how long we will have on this earth, but to be faced with your own mortality so starkly must be so scary. I admired her bravery and strength. Tom obviously can’t help but feel extra protective of her and quite terrified a lot of the time. I can’t even begin to imagine! He always treats Hannah with the respect she deserves though which I found totally endearing.

There is so much I loved about this story. I loved the fascinating array of characters, all of whom add depth to the story. I loved Hannah’s friendship with Margaret. I loved how she so desperately wants her Dad to find new love and happiness. I love how Tom and their theatre group put on a show for every one of Hannah’s Birthday’s as she grows up. I love that none of them are prepared to give up on their beloved theatre. I loved Hannah’s relationship with Callum. I loved her letters to Willow……. I loved it all! It made me cry so many tears, but it also made me smile equally as often.

The epilogue just broke my heart but made me love Tom even more.

A highly emotional, thought-provoking, stunningly beautiful story. One I am sure will stay with me for a long time to come.

My favourite line (which had tears streaming down my face) –

(Hannah) ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘There was always magic and wonder in my life.’

*Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via Netgalley*

ICYMI

A Boy Made of Blocks by Keith Stuart *Review* @keefstuart

happy reading 🙂

I have just discovered this challenge via Nicki @ Secret Library Book Blog and thought I might just have to give it go! Are you joining in? 

Check out the details via the host blog 746 Books

Are you going to go for the full 20 books or set your own personal challenge? The choice is entirely yours. No pressure! 

I’m off to have a think about the 20 books I’m going to aim for and I’ll get back to you. I look forward to seeing your posts if you’re joining in! 

happy reading! 🙂

Luna Tree: The Baby Project

Maya Berger

(review written on 24/05/2020)

Luna Tree is Maya Berger’s personal story of her struggle with chronic pain, depression and her desire to get well so she can fulfil her wish to become a mother. I can’t say I could relate to Maya as I don’t suffer from chronic pain, enough to affect my everyday life, as in her situation, and I was lucky enough to have two healthy children, in my early twenties, without too many problems (other than gestational diabetes with my second pregnancy). I can fully appreciate how disheartening it must be for couples who struggle to conceive though, for whatever reason, as I know I would have found this extremely stressful. I do count my blessings daily.

I did find Maya’s story quite fascinating. Her determination to get well is admirable as I imagine it is only too easy to fall into the trap of depression, when things seem hopeless, and find it impossible to find a way out. She seems to quite literally try everything going to attempt to improve her situation. Her ultimate focus on positive Energy as a means to achieve physical wellness is quite inspiring. There is a lot to be said for having a positive mental attitude, although this is all too often easier said than done.

I’m glad Maya achieved her dream and I loved the ending where we learn the relevance of the Luna Tree.

Many thanks to Maya Berger for my review copy.

Via AmazonUK

Maya is kicking up her heels, living the fabulous and mostly carefree life of a twenty-something young woman. However, in the back of her mind continuous longing for a good marriage and family lingered. How do you find the right man, the one who sticks through thick and thin? Will he provide you with the things you find essential in a relationship?
Maya kissed a few frogs before finding her Prince Charming, but what followed was of higher importance.
She started feeling chronic pain in her lower back, the pain that wouldn’t let her neither sit nor stand. Thus Maya began her relentless quest for diagnosis and healing, which she ends after discovering Energy healing. She travels the globe to receive and raise her own stored Energy, the one that changes everything.
Her ultimate desires come true.

happy reading 🙂

Minty

Christina Banach

(Review written on 20/05/2020)

WOW! What a beautifully written story Minty is.

Minty and Jess are teenage twin sisters. The story is set in Scotland and begins with a promised day out being cancelled. The girls are taken on a trip to the coast instead, with their parents and two dogs, Remus and Romulus (which I think are fabulous names!). Minty and Jess rush on ahead with the dogs. When Remus ends up in the rough sea, in obvious distress, Minty tries to save him and soon finds herself fighting for her life amongst the waves too as Jess runs to alert her parents who were catching them up. From this moment on their lives will never be the same again. My heart was hammering at this point. As a parent, and a sister, I can only imagine the distress.

I don’t really want to say anything more about the actual story as I don’t want to spoil anything for future readers. It has been a highly emotional read, but also quite amusing at times. It is told from the point of view of a teenager after all. Minty is a lovely, endearing character. Her own rollercoaster of emotions is very real and believable.

My heart went out to Jess. I’m very close to my sister, who is five years younger than me, but I know twins generally share an extra special bond. Her reaction to Minty’s accident is just heart-wrenching. She made me want to wave a magic wand and make everything better. No-one wants to see a child in such pain. As the story progresses though and she becomes more hopeful she really made me smile. There’s no way of knowing how we would cope in the same situation. It doesn’t bare thinking about.

I could totally relate to their parent’s reactions to the situation. Everyone deals with these things in their own way and I truly felt for them both. The story is predominately focused on Minty’s and Jess’s relationship though and I was completely captivated. I loved their obsession with the Romans. This was an interesting aspect.

Jack plays a big part too. He’s a fascinating and loveable character with his own compelling story. I liked the friendship the twins shared with Iona and Kirsty also. They are quite integral to the story adding depth and different perspectives. The dogs are just brilliant!

This book is so full of love and heart-breaking devastation, but also hope. I finished it this afternoon with a massive lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I could barely see what I was reading at one point if I’m being perfectly honest. Such a heart-warming, inspiring and hopeful conclusion to an emotional read. I have loved it and I highly recommend. My only regret is not reading it sooner.

Many thanks to Christina Banach for my review copy.

ICYMI

Q&A with author, Christina Banach

happy reading 🙂