Book Blast: Late for Love by M.K. Scott


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. M. K. Scott will be awarding a $40 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The senior sleuths love a good laugh, but this conundrum is no laughing matter. A missing journalist, an African Grey parrot, and a possible mob connection sound like the beginning of a bad joke. Unfortunately, there is no punchline and no one, aside from the seniors, who would dare to take the case on.

Will their first chance to handle a case on their own prove to be way too much for them to handle, and more importantly, could this first be their last?

Read an Excerpt

Gus placed his hand on the page. “I got it. We could ask her if there was anyone who wanted to kill her sister.”

The wide grin announced his friend thought this was an obvious question. To some it might be, but not to the parrot party club owners who knew nothing about Lyre’s disappearance. Jake shook his head before replying. “We don’t want direct questions that might make her suspicious. We might try some parrot talk and allow Lorelei to tell us stuff without realizing it.”

“Parrot talk? Are you the bird whisperer now?” Gus inquired with a dismissive sniff.

“No. I do watch television, especially on Saturday mornings when that vet show is on. Parrots tend to pick out their feathers when they are distressed. Sometimes, they’re aggressive. Other times, they won’t eat or talk as much and perform repetitive behavior. Lorelei will immediately tell us she’s not Lyre and her sister isn’t there, possibly hoping that’ll get rid of us. It’s important to listen to how she says it.”

“Got it.” Gus held up a thumb to indicate comprehension. “If she breaks into tears, then maybe she actually cared for her sis.”

“Possibly.” Jake tapped his pen on his friend’s hand to get him to move it, which he did. “I’m more interested in her explanation about her sister. Will she say her sister is dead? She might say her sister is missing. Could be she might say her sister isn’t there, indicating nothing.”

“Don’t forget she could just slam the door in our faces or possibly not open it at all.”

“There is that. I can only work with what I know currently. If we’re able to see the bird, I can make a visual inspection asking if the bird was pulling out its feathers when she got it. I’m not sure how long the bird was alone, but I’m sure it was distressed being locked up without food or water. Then I could mention that sometimes birds are impacted by the owner’s emotions. I might ask if Lyre was afraid of something.”

“I thought the sisters weren’t close,” Gus pointed out.

“Could be,” Jake conceded even though it galled him to do so. It sort of ruined his plan about questioning the sister. “People say stuff like that all the time, especially when they don’t want to talk to the police. Not being close could mean a lot of stuff, too. Maybe they didn’t do lunch or share clothes, but they did have a general idea of what was happening in each other’s lives. Lorelei could be good for supplying a friend’s name or a boyfriend. They might know more.”

About the Author: M. K. Scott is the husband and wife writing team behind The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries and The Talking Dog Detective Agency. Morgan K Wyatt is the general wordsmith, while her husband, Scott, is the grammar hammer and physics specialist. He uses his engineering skills to explain how fast a body falls when pushed over a cliff and various other felonious activities. The Internet and experts in the field provide forensic information, while the recipes and B and B details require a more hands-on approach. Morgan’s daughter, who manages a hotel, provides guest horror stories to fuel the plot lines. The couple’s dog, Chance, is the inspiration behind Jasper, Donna’s dog. Overall, both are fun series to create and read.

Social Media

Website: http://www.morgankwyatt.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMorganKWyatt
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/morgankwyatt
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5826299.Morgan_K_Wyatt
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/morgankwyatt/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/M-K-Scott/e/B01M4JGK1A/

The book will be on sale for $0.99 on the day of the tour.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FYX8SCL/ref=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sout

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Blog Tour: I Know You, Don’t I? by Bethany Askew

Cover_I Know You, Don't ITitle: I Know You, Don’t I?

Author: Bethany Askew

Genre: Women’s Fiction / General

Blurb: When Carly Spurway is mistaken for old school friend Caroline Westminster, she has the chance to re-invent her life.

As the lines between fantasy and reality become blurred, the web of deceit Carly weaves around herself for protection threatens instead to trap her.

But what has happened in her past to make Carly want to escape? And is Caroline’s life as perfect as Carly thinks it is?

This story explores how well we really know the people we have relationships with; the different versions of the truth we tell ourselves and others; and the impact of the past on the present.


Review:
fourstars
A tale of the grass is always greener, Carly believes the life of former classmate, Caroline, is better than her own, after seeing her Facebook photographs. Little does she know, appearances can be deceiving. I very much enjoyed this exploration of how we perceive others through the stories we tell on social media. It’s a stark reminder that not everyone has an easy ride through life, and coming to terms with who we really are is better than pretending to be someone we’re not.


Excerpt:

“I know you, don’t I?”

“No,” she says, “you must be mistaken…”

“Caroline,” he says firmly. “Caroline Westminster…”

She shakes her head but he’s seen the flash of recognition in her eyes. 

“I used to teach you,” he says. “At East Devon College. Maths. You were very good…”

He’s older, of course. His hair is greying and there are laughter lines around his eyes, but there’s no mistaking him. This is her moment to correct him.

“I’m not Caroline,” she should say. “I’m Carly. Carly Spurway.” but the moment’s gone and she finds herself shaking hands with him automatically. “Mr. Exton…” she says politely.

“Mark, please.” He laughs. “What’re you doing here?”

She glances around at the pictures on the walls.

“Not here, literally.” He laughs again and she can see now that he’s a bit nervous. “I mean, here in Taunton?”

“I live here. Well, only just. I’ve been here a few weeks. You?”

“Oh, we’ve been here for years. I’m teaching at Wyvern’s now. The sixth form college.”

The ‘we’ isn’t lost on her. Married, obviously. Well, of course, he would be by now. He must be, what, early forties? He was probably only a few years older than them when they were in the sixth form, though he seemed so much more mature, not long out of university; the good-looking Maths teacher that all the girls fancied and all the boys wanted to emulate. He’s still good-looking, despite the slightly greying hair. More confident now, though. Slim, athletic-looking. Clearly he looks after himself. He senses her examining him and his dark eyes hold hers. Embarrassed, she looks back at the painting.

Someone pushes past them, jogging his elbow so that his red wine spills slightly over the back of his hand. He bends his head to lick it off and says, “It’s getting crowded in here. Why don’t we go through to the bar?”

“I’ve got to go,” she says quickly, glancing at her watch for authenticity.

“Oh, please,” he says. “Just a few minutes. I don’t often bump into former students. You’ve all moved away…”

She knows she shouldn’t. This goes against everything she’s moved here for. But he doesn’t know who she is. He thinks she’s someone else. She doesn’t have to see him again.


Author Photo Bethany AskewAbout the Author:

Bethany Askew is the author of six novels: The Time BeforeThe World WithinOut of Step, Counting the Days, Poppy’s Seed and I know you, don’t I?

She has also written a short story, The Night of the Storm.

Bethany likes to write about women’s lives and is particularly interested in their role in society, their positions as wife and mother and the impact of marriage, children and divorce on family dynamics. 

Bethany was born and brought up in Somerset and has lived there all her life. A Dispensing Optician by profession, she was able to fulfil her lifelong ambition to be a writer when she retired from employed work seven years ago. She is married and has four grown-up children and six grandchildren.


 Links:

www.bethanyaskew.co.uk

www.onactiveservice.co.uk

Facebook: Bethany Askew Novelist

Twitter: @AskewBethany

Publisher’s Author Page: https://www.wallacepublishing.co.uk/bethany-askew.html

Amazon UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/I-Know-You-Dont/dp/1999613678/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bethany+Askew&qid=1603832764&sr=8-1

Amazon USA

https://www.amazon.com/I-Know-You-Dont-ebook/dp/B08KQGX83X/

Barnes and Noble: 

https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-know-you-dont-i-bethany-askew/1137848773

Blackwells UK:

https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/I-Know-You-Dont-I-by-Bethany-Askew-author/9781999613679

Andersons USA, 

https://www.andersonsbookshop.com/book/9781999613679


GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:

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Book Blitz: The Key to Death’s Door by Mark Tilbury

Back in 2018, I reviewed this novel when it first came out. Now, it has a brand-spanking-new cover! But it’s still the same AMAZING book inside! Check it out!

Blog-blitz


thekeytodeathsdoor coverTitle: The Key to Death’s Door

Author: Mark Tilbury

Genre: Supernatural Thriller

Blurb: 

If you could discover the murderous truth of a past life and seek justice in this one, would you?

Teenager Lee Hunter doesn’t have a choice when he nearly drowns after spending the night at a derelict boathouse with his best friend, Charlie Finch. After leaving his body and meeting a mysterious light that lets him to go back to the past, Lee finds himself reliving the final days of another life. A life that ended tragically.

After recovering from his near death experience, Lee begins to realise that he is part of two lives linked by the despicable actions of one man.

Struggling against impossible odds, Lee and Charlie set out to bring this man to justice.

Will Lee be able to unlock the past and bring justice to the future?

The Key to Death’s Door is a story of sacrifice, friendship, loyalty and murder.


Review:
fivestars

I’ve been following Mark Tilbury since The Revelation Room, and his novels only seem to be getting creepier and creepier, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing! Again, as with Abattoir of Dreams, Tilbury explores the supernatural (definitely his forte in the crime/thriller genre). Tilbury’s descriptions are so vivid, you almost can picture yourself there. I found it hard to put this book down, and then again, there were parts where I HAD to put it down, almost too terrified to pick it up again, hoping things would all work out for the best. No spoilers, but this is definitely on my top reads this year, and I can’t wait to see what disturbing tale he comes up with next.


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 serving in the Royal Navy and raising his two daughters after being widowed, 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 his fifth novel, The Key to Death’s Door published along with The Liar’s Promise, The Abattoir of Dreams, and The Ben Whittle Investigations relaunched, by Bloodhound Books.

When he’s not writing, Mark can be found trying and failing to master blues guitar, and taking walks around the beautiful county of Cumbria.

Social Media Links:

https://twitter.com/MTilburyAuthor

http://marktilbury.com/

https://www.facebook.com/marktilburyauthor/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13926121.Mark_Tilbury

Blog Tour: A Song for Another Day by Maria Imbalzano

perf5.000x8.000.inddTitle: A Song for Another Day

Author: Maria Imbalzano

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb: Gigi Jenson, an up-and-coming Broadway star, finds herself in Willow Springs, Vermont, for the summer as director of their first annual community revue. This sleepy town is worlds away from her vibrant and beloved New York City, but the experience she’ll gain will be invaluable to her career.

Jason Simmons has lived in Willow Springs his entire life. Working several jobs while writing music, he yearns for a contract to record his songs. The one chance he had to make it in Nashville he blew due to stage fright.

When Jason volunteers to help Gigi with the revue, sparks ignite but their dreams are taking them in different directions. Will their love for each other ever guide them to the same path?


Review:
fourstars
A Song for Another Day is what I would class as a mildly steam contemporary romance. I really liked Jason’s character, as it was nice to read a non-alpha male, who has some notable flaws. Gigi was fun and I related to her desire to act and dance as opposed to following her parents into entertainment law.

 

I have a few more points to make, but they would spoiler some parts of the novel, so I’ve made them over on Goodreads, where I can hide the review. Again, they didn’t really ruin my enjoyment of the novel, but they were points I did find lacking.


Excerpt:

“Are you ready to run screaming back to the city?”

Jason’s voice curled around her from the left, and she turned to see him planted on a bench beneath an old oak tree, his long jeans-clad legs stretched before him, arms snaked over the wooden back, as if to hold him up. He was too attractive for her own good.

She strode over to him. “So you think I’m a lightweight? That I can’t handle a hundred forty-nine participants in a community revue?”

The lazy grin on his mouth did funny things to her insides, and she couldn’t contain her growing smile.

“Once you shed your glossy outer layer, you’ll fit in better. People will warm up to you.”

She lost the smile. “People here don’t like me?”

“I didn’t say that. I just heard some comments around town today that they were looking for this revue to be fun. But the city woman in charge was all business, focusing on commitments and rules.”

She straightened her spine and clenched her jaw. “How can we have a successful revue if the townspeople don’t hear from me that their commitment to rehearsals is key, especially since we’re throwing them together to do something they’ve never done before?”

His eyes sparkled with amusement. “I’m just suggesting that you tone it down a notch. Make it fun. Exciting. The participants are already committed.” He unfolded his long, lean body from the bench and stood. “And get rid of the suit and heels.”

He ambled away, heading toward Main Street.

And here she’d been thinking Jason might be as attracted to her as she was to him.

Clearly, she needed to stop thinking.


AuthorPhotoAbout the Author:

Maria Imbalzano is a retired matrimonial lawyer who now writes full time. Instead of drafting motions, legal memoranda, and briefs, although fascinating, she now spends her days creating memorable characters and taking them on their emotional journeys through her contemporary romance novels. 

In addition to writing fiction, Maria is on the Friends of Thomas Edison State University Foundation Committee and is still involved with Dress for Success Central Jersey, having been a founding Board member. She also serves on the finance committee for The Present Day Club. She has received the distinguished Family of Edison Award for her work with The Thomas Edison State University Foundation, the Iron Mike Professional Achievement Award from Trenton Catholic Academy and was inducted into the Italian American National Hall of Fame. 

Her novel, “Unchained Memories,” won the Wisconsin Romance Writers Write Touch Readers’ Award and the ACRA Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence Award. “Sworn to Forget,” the first of the four-book Sworn Sisters Series was a finalist for the illustrious RONE award as well as the Book Buyers Best Award. 

Visit Maria at http://www.mariaimbalzano.com

https://www.facebook.com/mariaimbalzanoauthor

https://twitter.com/MariaImbalzano


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