Category Archives: Blog Tour

Blog Tour: Fated Always by Becky Flade

Posted on by under Blog Tour, Romantic Suspense

Cover_FatedAlwaysTitle: Fated Always

Author: Becky Flade

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Blurb:

Friendship. Secrets. Murder.

When her best friend, Sawyer Gavin, roars into town on his motorcycle, Tala Gael thinks life couldn’t get any better. What she couldn’t have anticipated was his appearance heralding a time of change in her quiet, comfortable existence.

With her life turned upside down, Tala resists Sawyer’s advances, clinging to the familiar.

Tragedy changes her mind, but as she takes the leap of faith into Sawyer’s arms, they find themselves suspects in a murder investigation. And Tala learns she’s not the only person in Trappers’ Cove keeping an impossible secret.

Jealousy is when you worry someone will take what you have; envy is coveting what someone else has; and both can lead to murder.

NOTE: The book is $0.99.

Review:
fourstars
A very sweet, closed door romance with a hint of suspense, Fated Always is a well-written novel with some interesting characters, and a pretty unexpected ending. I appreciated the sort of paranormal nod with Tala’s connection to the wolves. I will certainly look for other novels by this author, and probably take a journey back into the Fated series, even though this novel can be read as a standalone. 

Excerpt:

“How’s the wine?” His lips feathered over hers in a whisper. Twice. On his third pass, Tala’s eyes drifted shut as her body molded itself to his and she deepened the caress. His world spun as she clung to him. I knew it. I’ve always known it. He stepped away, steadying her when she swayed, waited for her eyes to open. “Excellent.”

“What?”

He smiled. “The wine’s excellent.”

Her fingertips rose to her mouth. Her eyes widened, confusion blurred them. He smiled and pulled her into his arms. It was not a passionate embrace. He offered comfort and she held on, squeezing tighter when he placed a gentle kiss at her temple. 

“Are you surprised?” he whispered.

“I have a boyfriend.” 

“I wasn’t expecting that but it’s an easy enough fix.” He tugged her braid. “Come on, Tee. We’re meant to be.”

“No, we’re not.”

She reared out of his arms, panic skating across her features as though threatened. Her reaction struck him like a fist to the gut. He suspected she hadn’t taken him, taken them, from the box where she thought they belonged. She hadn’t considered them from any other perspective. I thought once she saw, once she felt, once she knew, the rest would click into place. “You know that we are.” 

“Stop it! I. Have. A. Boyfriend.” She punctuated each word with a stab of her finger. 

“Fine. I’ll wait.” It’ll kill me. “You’re worth it. We’re worth it,” he stressed before grabbing her wrist and tugging her back into his arms. He held her there, though she didn’t struggle. He kissed her again, pouring his impatience into the kiss. He let her go and strode to the door, pulling it open, letting the cool snap of air scented by forest file past him into her house, and paused.

“You want me to stop?”

She nodded. 

“Then stop kissing me back.”

About the Author: 

When I was little I thought everyone had stories in their head. When I found out that wasn’t true and that only special people had stories to tell, I wanted to be one of the people who shared their stories with the world. Here I am, making my own dreams come true, one happily ever after at a time. 

I’d love to have you visit with me at any of my virtual homes or write to me directly at beckyfladeauthor@gmail.com 

Social Media Links:

https://beckyflade.blogspot.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/BeckyFlade 

https://twitter.com/beckyflade 

https://www.instagram.com/beckyflade/

Sign up for my quarterly newsletter & be entered for a chance to win a free book (one winner per month)!  http://eepurl.com/7WDZj 

Purchase links for Fated Always:

Kindle US http://www.amzn.com/B08CMNRKLF 

Kindle UK https://amzn.to/2VZwMVZ 

Kindle CA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08CMNRKLF

Kindle AU https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08CMNRKLF 

Nook https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fated-always-becky-flade/1137311546

Apple https://books.apple.com/us/book/fated-always/id1522714448

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/fated-always

Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1031829

Becky Flade will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Blog Tour: When Lions Roar by Karen Leigh Gruber

Posted on by under Blog Tour, Women's Fiction

Cover_When Lions RoarTitle: When Lions Roar

Author: Karen Leigh Gruber

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Blurb:

Two women from different lands, each struggling to survive; a child’s mysterious disappearance will alter both their lives forever…

Maggie has become unrecognizable to herself, succumbing to the predictability of being a mother and wife. Every day she reminds her daughter to brush her teeth, has the same conversation with her husband about what’s for dinner. Maggie struggles to cope with the disenchantment of the monotonous tedium that has become her life. Despite her boredom, when her husband David is called on assignment to South Africa, Maggie resents having to rearrange her life just because David has decided they all need to traipse halfway across the globe.

While on safari, Maggie awakens one morning to a mother’s worst nightmare; their daughter Hannah has gone missing. Just when things can’t get any worse, Maggie is confronted with the harsh truth of her emotionally abusive marriage and what she has allowed her life to become.

When Lions Roar is set against the backdrop of the exotic and intriguing landscape of South Africa, when the country is reeling from the aftershocks of apartheid. Will Maggie find the strength and courage to abandon the fragile ties of her marriage and confront her self-destruction in time to save the life of her daughter?

Review:
fourstars
This novel certainly wasn’t what I expected. It did leave me with a few questions about what really happened to Hannah while she was missing, however, there was an interesting parallel story to Maggie’s, based in African folklore, which encompasses the second half of the book. It almost feels more fantasy than women’s fiction. I also wondered what happened to Maggie’s husband in the end, as he didn’t seem to be a man who didn’t want to lose control of a situation. Overall, I have mixed feelings about the novel, however, I would be curious to read more by this author as her style is unique.

EXCERPT:

As we enjoyed our breakfast, my mind tended to wander. That morning, as I looked at my divine daughter, a million thoughts came rushing in. She is so kind, so smart, and so emotionally in tune, this young girl. As I watched her interact with the world and the people within it, I was touched by how compassionate and thoughtful she is. She was so respectful and engaging of the people around her, whether it’s a peer, a person of authority, and especially now, the personnel catering to our every need here in our little hotel bubble. Between the culture, the language, and the accents, there were challenges in communication. Hannah had a smile for everyone, and they, in turn, lit up when she spoke to them. Her demeanor truly reflected that a stranger was just someone she hadn’t met yet, and everyone we encountered responded in kind. I couldn’t help but be so proud of her. I thought back to all the moms I knew who insisted they could never travel that far away with their kids, which made me sad for them because I didn’t think I could ever travel that far away without her. She was such a wonderful travel companion. 

Getting to experience the world through her eyes was a true gift.

About the Author: Karen Gruber is an international #1 best-selling contributing author, inspirational speaker, and a Leadership Development Coach for women and moms. She specializes in inspiring moms to realize their potential as mothers, women, and leaders. Karen has had extensive specialized training in parenting, feminine spirituality, and leadership.  Over the past 15 years she has provided innovative leadership coaching for moms and has dramatically transformed her own life.

Sharing her life with her husband Jim and daughter Jaymie, presenting her message to other women, and traveling the world bring her the greatest joy.

She is the founder of The Inspired Mama, a company located in gorgeous Denver, Colorado that focuses on the inspiration, leadership, and wellbeing of women and moms.

When Lions Roar is Karen’s debut fictional work. She is freakish about Christmas lights and loves to play Baccarat.  

Social Media Links:

Website: https://theinspiredmama.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.kraussgruber

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

Book Pre-sale: https://theinspiredmama.com/product/when-lions-roar-pre-sale-copy/ 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/When-Lions-Karen-Leigh-Gruber/dp/1734976004

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

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Blog Tour: The Last Collection by Jeanne Mackin

Posted on by under Blog Tour, historical fiction, review

Cover_The Last CollectionTitle: The Last Collection

Author: Jeanne Mackin

Genre: Historical Romance

BLURB: An American woman becomes entangled in the intense rivalry between iconic fashion designers Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli in this captivating novel from the acclaimed author of The Beautiful American.

Paris, 1938. Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli are fighting for recognition as the most successful and influential fashion designer in France, and their rivalry is already legendary. They oppose each other at every turn, in both their politics and their designs: Chanel’s are classic, elegant, and practical; Schiaparelli’s bold, experimental, and surreal.

When Lily Sutter, a recently widowed young American teacher, visits her brother, Charlie, in Paris, he insists on buying her a couture dress—a Chanel. Lily, however, prefers a Schiaparelli. Charlie’s beautiful and socially prominent girlfriend soon begins wearing Schiaparelli’s designs as well, and much of Paris follows in her footsteps.

Schiaparelli offers budding artist Lily a job at her store, and Lily finds herself increasingly involved with Schiaparelli and Chanel’s personal war. Their fierce competition reaches new and dangerous heights as the Nazis and the looming threat of World War II bear down on Paris.

Review:
fivestars
A vivid exploration of fashion at the cusp of WWII, The Last Collection is exquisitely written, focusing around the three primary colors: blue, red, and yellow. I was captivated from the first page, and completely drawn in to Lily’s unusual experiences with Schiap and Coco.

This book is not rushed, exploring the theme beautifully, each color evolving as Lily does. Some other reviews say the story is unbelievable, but that’s why it’s fiction based around a historical context. The Last Collection is a prime example of how historical fiction should be written, with care. The slow burn and an amazing story that is definitely worth the read.

Interview with the Author:

If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?

Time travel, definitely!  I love historical fiction because it has that quality of transportation, taking us to a different time and place.  I’d love to have dinner with Ben Franklin (he was quite the ladies’ man), talk with Eleanor of Aquitaine about courtly love, be there on the opening night of The Cotton Club in Harlem, hear Jenny Lind sing. When I was writing The Last Collection, sitting down at my desk was like fastening my seat belt and going to Paris of the 1930’s.

What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to learn about you?

I study belly dancing.  I was really active as a child and need to move. A lot. But after a certain age the knees don’t enjoy ballet classes as much as they used to, right?  One day I needed to do something light-hearted and even a little silly and decided to try belly dancing. And I fell in love with it. The music is wonderful, there’s a wide variety of styles (I prefer Turkish) and the chink-chink of the sequined hip scarves is absolutely enthralling.  It’s an art form by women, for women.

When writing descriptions of your heroine, what feature do you start with?

Psychologically, I start with her current frame of mind. Is she happy?  Anxious?  Something must happen immediately to challenge that frame of mind. A letter arrives. A phone rings. A train pulls out of a station.  And the story begins. Physically, I first imagine the eyes. Eyes say so much, their color, the shape, if they look rested or not.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I hate having to develop outlines.  Usually, I’ll start with a single paragraph with a beginning and ending date for the story line (which usually changes several times during the drafting of the book) and a few sentences about the situation of the protagonist, who the antagonist is, the main action…and go from there.  The first page of every novel is always one of the most exciting moments of my life, because I never know what exactly is going to show up. I love being surprised.

Did you learn anything from this book? If so, what?

Germans prisoners of war were housed in this country, after the English camps got too full.  And as it turned out, the first home my mother and father had after the war was in a camp built for German prisoners. It had been repurposed as an apartment complex.  It was an awful place and my mother was miserable, but there were few other housing options at the time. What also surprised me during the research was finding out how many of the rich and powerful, in England, France and the United States as well, were admirers of Hitler. Like many wars, World War II was about class and wealth as well as ideology.  I think it’s important to know, and to remember, that borders were quite blurred in the 1930’s and 1940’s; it wasn’t as clear as we may think. And we need to remember that once we give people in power permission to imprison and eradicate one group of people, we give them permission to do that to everybody. Justice and compassion must rule.

About the Author:

Jeanne Mackin’s latest novel, The Last Collection, A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel takes the reader to Paris, just before world war II, and the intense, dangerous rivalry between the two queens of fashion. Her previous novels include A Lady of Good Family, the award winning The Beautiful American, The Sweet By and By, Dreams of Empire, The Queen’s War, and The Frenchwoman.        

Her historical fictions explore the lives of strong women who change their worlds…because we know the world always needs a lot of change! She has worked all the traditional ‘writers’ jobs’ from waitressing to hotel maid, anything that would leave her a few hours each morning for writing. Most recently, she taught creative writing at the graduate level.  She has traveled widely, in Europe and the Middle East and can think of no happier moment than sitting in a Paris café, drinking coffee or a Pernod, and simply watching, while scribbling in a notebook.

JeanneMackin.com

Facebook.com/JeanneMackinauthor

Twitter.com/JeanneMackin1

Penguin Random House – https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/531859/the-last-collection-by-jeanne-mackin/

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H71Q5FQ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect

GIVEAWAY:

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Blog Tour: The Ultimate Betrayal by Kat Martin

Posted on by under Blog Tour, review, Romantic Suspense

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Kat Martin will be awarding a $25 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.

Review: 

fourstars
A fast-paced, action packed romantic suspense, The Ultimate Betrayal by Kat Martin is everything I would come to expect from a novel of this genre, along with some steamy sex scenes! I found myself more drawn to Jessie as a character than Bran, who I felt lacked some depth. I wish he would have given a bit more to his past with Jessie’s brother, and why he hardened his heart so much. It would have been interesting to read why Danny thought Bran was a man who would never be tied down. The plot surrounding the chemical weapons and the framing of Jessie’s father made for a fascinating read as the pieces began to fall into place.

To prove her father’s innocent of treason, she’ll have to face a killer–and risk everything …

When journalist Jessie Kegan’s father is accused of espionage and treason, Jessie has no doubt the man she looked up to her entire life is innocent. Worse yet, before Colonel Kegan can stand trial, he’s found dead of a heart attack…but Jessie knows it was murder. Forcing down her grief, she’s determined to use her investigative skills and resources to clear her father’s name. But going after the truth means Jessie soon finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who wants that truth to stay buried with her father,

Protecting Jessie Kegan is a job bodyguard Brandon Garrett can’t refuse. Jessie isn’t just a client at Maximum Security—she’s the sister of his best friend, Danny, killed in Afghanistan. With dangerous forces gunning for Jessie from every angle, keeping her safe will mean keeping her close and Bran finds their mutual attraction growing, though being Danny’s sister puts Jessie out of bounds.

With their backs against the wall, Jessie and Bran will have to risk everything to expose her father’s killer—before his legacy dies with his daughter.

Read an Excerpt

Bran leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on her face. “So…no husband. No serious boyfriend, either?”

“No. Listen, if you’re finished with the third degree, I’m going to bed. It’s been a rough day.”

His gaze sharpened. “Sorry,” he said, not looking sorry at all and even more curious than before–unfortunately. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“What time?” she managed to ask calmly.

“We leave at six.”

“I’ll be ready. Good night, Bran. And thanks again. I really appreciate your help.”

Bran casually nodded, but his beautiful blue eyes never strayed as she turned and walked away. She shouldn’t have let his questions get to her. It was a dead giveaway to a guy as smart as Brandon that there was more to the story than she was willing to tell.

Far more.

She thought of the man whose brutality had changed her life. Jordan Duran, Jordy, the man who was currently serving a ten-year prison sentence. She didn’t like to think about him. She refused to let him control any more of her life than he already had. As she had learned to do, she pushed his image from her mind and just thanked God she was still alive.

Yawning, she packed up the computer so she would be ready to travel in the morning and headed to bed. After the drama of the day–being followed from the airport, shot at, meeting Brandon Garrett and his friends, and escaping a possible tail, she should have been exhausted, and she was. Still, she couldn’t seem to fall asleep.

Every time she started to drift away, she saw Bran’s perceptive blue eyes and wondered what he thought of her. Wondered if he found her attractive. It had been months since she had been interested in a man. After Jordy, none of her attempts at a normal relationship had worked out and eventually she had just given up.

But Bran intrigued her. Both his physical beauty and his mind. She also knew that getting involved with Bran on a personal level was a terrible idea. He was exactly the heartbreaker Danny had warned her about. He was also ex-military, an adrenaline junkie who loved to be in the middle of the action. Guys like that never changed. Just as before, her judgment sucked.

About the Author:

New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara where she majored in Anthropology and also studied History. Currently residing in Missoula, Montana with her Western-author husband, L. J. Martin, Kat has written sixty-five Historical and Contemporary Romantic Suspense novels. More than sixteen million copies of her books are in print and she has been published in twenty foreign countries. Kat is currently at work on her next Romantic Suspense.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Betrayal-Maximum-Security/dp/1335080600

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ultimate-betrayal-dwayne-t-martin/1125832346?ean=9781488056048

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-ultimate-betrayal-26

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kat_Martin_The_Ultimate_Betrayal?id=GqmqDwAAQBAJ

Itunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-ultimate-betrayal/id1477473206

Social Media

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katmartinauthor

Website: https://www.katmartin.com/

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Blog Tour: The Last on to See Her by Mark Tilbury

Posted on by under Blog Tour, Crime, Thriller

thelastonetoseeher-ebookTitle: The Last One to See Her

Author: Mark Tilbury

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.

Review:
fivestarsMARK TILBURY IS BACK, BABY!
I have to say, I was blown out of the water by this one. Not since Abattoir of Dreams have I been so captivated by a Tilbury novel (not to say they weren’t good!). Raising it up a notch with a protagonist who has learning disabilities to a twist and turn plot that left me guessing, this is a must read for any crime thriller fan. Get it on your kindle, NOW!

Mark Tilbury Author PicAbout 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 4th June 2020.

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

Follow Him at:

E-mail newsletter subscription: http://eepurl.com/bNSvJn
Twitter: @MTilburyAuthor

 

Blog Tour: Remember the Stars

Posted on by under Blog Tour, historical fiction, Women's Fiction

Thank you for visiting my stop on the Remember the Stars by Marisa Oldham and Carraine Oldham Blog Tour. This heartbreakingly beautiful book is available now!

Buy on Amazon

Add to Your Goodreads TBR List

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In 1941, Estherly Krauss, a seventeen-year-old Jewish girl, documents her struggles during the Holocaust. With Hitler’s reign coming down on Estherly and her family, her days of being a typical teen are over. While fighting for a forbidden love, the atrocities and horrors Estherly endures force her to grow up in an uncertain and dangerous time.
Estherly’s voice echoes through time when Ferrin Frazier discovers her diaries. Without realizing the effect these small books will have, a door opens for Ferrin to explore her own life and love. Consumed by Estherly’s story of survival, the secrets she kept, and the desire to know what became of her, Ferrin embarks on an adventure of discovery. Will she find the answers she’s looking for? Or will it end up leading her down a path she never predicted?

Review:

fourstars

A beautifully written and well researched piece of historical/modern fiction, Remember the Stars moves from present to past as Ferrin, having uncovered the diaries of a girl during the time of Nazi Occupation, works to unravel the mystery behind their author, Estherly, and what happened to her after the war.

Heart-breaking but hopeful, the resounding message that those who have been persecuted by great evil should not be forgotten resounds throughout the novel, very apt for these trying times today. The past should always be remembered and learned from, so as not to repeat it in the future. As a reader of many Holocaust memoirs and novels, I can say with certainty that the authors have done this time period justice and created an engaging novel for readers of historical/modern fiction.

About the Authors:

Marisa Oldham is an Amazon bestselling author of the popular The Falling Series – The Falling of Love, The Falling of Grace, and The Falling of Hope. A passionate writer with immense depth, Marisa published a highly emotional spinoff of the series, Learning to Breathe, that connected her readers with her by sharing her personal experiences in a fictional manner. In a short story collection, After We Fell, that follows Learning to Breathe, Marisa continued to dive into the trials and tribulations of her characters’ lives with Falling in Paris, Falling Apart, and Falling Forever. Marisa has also contributed to anthologies and has many works in progress.

Marisa lives in a small town in Tennessee with her sister Carraine and her adorable Yorkshire Terrier mix, Winnie. Outside of writing, Marisa enjoys photography, travel, reality TV, horror movies, and crafting. One of Marisa’s favorite aspects of being a writer is connecting with her
readers. You may reach Marisa via social media or email.

Carraine Oldham is a first-time author who discovered her talent and joy for writing as a teenager. While she kept her writing to herself, over the years she penned short stories in a journal that she only shared with Marisa. Carraine embarked on writing her first novel after pitching the idea for Remember the Stars to her sister and published author, Marisa Oldham. After thirteen-years of research, life-altering changes, and surviving tragedy, Carraine’s poetic writing has captured the hearts of her readers.
Carraine lives in a small Tennessee town with her sister Marisa and the love of her life, a six-pound Yorkshire Terrier mix, Winnie. When she’s not writing, Carraine enjoys travel, singing, crafting, and relaxing on the couch with Winnie and her favorite TV shows.

Visit Them Around the Web:

Facebook Reader’s Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/mogroupies
Instagram – https://Instagram.com /authormarisao

 

Blog Blitz: Torment by Mark Tilbury

Posted on by under Blog Tour, Bloodhound Books, Thriller

 

torment final

Title: Torment

Author: Mark Tilbury

Blurb: Who can you really trust?

Beth couldn’t be happier. She is eight weeks pregnant and married to the man of her dreams. But after returning home from a celebratory meal, she finds a wreath from her sister’s grave hanging above the bed and a kitchen knife embedded in her pillow. There are no signs of a
forced entry. Nothing is stolen. And no one other than the cleaner has a key to the house. Then a campaign of terror begins. Beth becomes increasingly paranoid as it becomes clear that someone close to the family is behind these disturbing events. But who would want Beth dead? Does the past hold the clue? And can Beth find the answer before it’s too late?

Torment is a story of misplaced loyalty, revenge and sacrifice.

Review:

fourstars

I have always enjoyed Mark’s books, and Torment does not disappoint. It kept me hooked from the first page and although I did guess who the stalker was, the suspense build up was worth the read. I am looking forward to Mark’s next book eagerly!

Mark Tilbury Author PicAbout 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, including his most recent release, Torment.
When he's not writing, Mark can be found playing guitar, reading and walking.

Torment Blog Blitz

Blog Tour: The Coop

Posted on by under Blog Tour, Bloodhound Books, Crime

After a much needed break, I’m happy to be blogging again! I’d like to introduced The Coop, a new release from independent publisher, Bloodhound Books.

coop revisedTitle: The Coop

Author: EC Deacon

Blurb: When a woman staggers, naked, from a river, she has no idea that she’s been
saved from a killer by a text message from a dead woman.
Laura Fell is horrified when she discovers of her friend Gina’s suicide. But when the
autopsy reveals Gina died before her arrival at the house, she is perplexed. Who then
answered her mobile phone?
Everton Bowe, a cop whose career is as dead as his marriage, insists there was no-one
else present. But he’s wrong.
Meanwhile, his ex-lover, DC Helen Lake, insists there are similarities between the
traumatized river woman and the cold case of three missing women; the victims, she
fears, of a serial killer.
So, when a strange Dove’s feather, matching one found on the river victim, is found
in Gina’s house, Everton and Helen are suspicious.
If there was someone inside Gina’s house could he also be the river attacker?
And could he also be responsible for the other missing women?
At the same time, Laura Fell uncovers a web of deceit that stains the relationships
around her and seems weirdly linked to Gina’s death, as well as the attacked woman.
Is there a serial killer on the loose?
If so, what is his motive, and the macabre significance of the feather?

Review:

There are several things that I have come to expect from any Bloodhound book — a well-presented story with an interesting serial killer and suspense or psychological twists. However, there were a few things that prevented me from enjoying the novel as much as I could. This one took some time to get into. I found it difficult to follow the story at times with the number of characters introduced right at the beginning and jumping around to them frequently. I could tell the author was used to writing screenplays as the novel often read better as a movie, when the scenes can change without much description.

Another bugbear of mine has to do with the description of women. We do not stand in front of mirrors inspecting our bodies and then rubbing lotion into our skin. Sorry, that just doesn’t happen!

However, in saying that, I did enjoy the quick read and the twist at the end, and would most likely read other novels by Deacon in the future.

About the Author:

ERIC COOPEric had a successful acting career, playing leading roles in TV and film
including, Penmarric and Kings Royal for the BBC. London’s Burning and Hard Cases for ITV. His films include the lead role in Peter Greenaway’s controversial A Zed and Two Noughts. He started writing screenplays after a family illness and found almost immediate success. His scripts include the Bafta nominated, Prime Suspect and the multi IFTA nominated Relative Strangers, starring another Oscar winner,
Brenda Fricker. His short film Engaged, which he wrote and directed, was short-listed for the Fuji Film and BBC awards. Whilst Orla’s Song won the Best
Horror UK Award.

Eric has four – yes, four – screenplays in development (hell). Which is probably
why he started writing novels. The Coop is his first and will form the basis of a
trilogy.

He has two sons, both working successfully in the television and film industry.
Eric is divorced and lives in Esher with his partner, in a house once occupied by
the Judge that jailed Oscar Wilde – which may or may not be a good omen for
his work.

Blog Tour: Bone Deep

Posted on by under Blog Tour, Thriller

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It is with great pleasure I am participating in this blog tour. I had the honor of helping Sandra with the pre-launch of this novel a few months ago at Hospitalfield House here in my hometown, reading the history of the “Twa” Sisters.

Congratulations on your release, Sandra!

BoneDeep finalTitle: Bone Deep

Author: Sandra Ireland

Blurb: What happens when you fall in love with the wrong person? The consequences threaten to be far-reaching and potentially deadly. Bone Deep is a contemporary novel of sibling rivalry, love, betrayal and murder. This is the story of two women: Mac, who is bent on keeping the secrets of the past from her only son, and the enigmatic Lucie, whose past is something of a closed book. Their story is underpinned by the creaking presence of an abandoned water mill, and haunted by the local legend of two long-dead sisters, themselves rivals in love, and ready to point an accusing finger from the pages of history.

Review:
fivestars

I knew I could expect greatness from this novel, having been privileged enough to hear snippets of it through meetings at our writers’ group. What I did not expect was how completely sucked in I was to the worlds of Mac and Lucie.

The author expertly weaves together two personalities, so alike, yet so different. The backdrop of the mill adds an even more sinister element to the already dark plot. I felt like I was holding my breath (and actually was at times) waiting to see what would happen next. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending and didn’t guess what was going to happen until it happened! This is a rarity, to be able to guide the reader on such a journey that they are left, heart in throat, not knowing what’s around the corner.

A haunting and suspenseful tale, Bone Deep explores the fine line between myth and reality, and begs the question, do we really know what we are capable of, and for that matter, what others are capable of?

Sandra Ireland (1)About the Author: 

Sandra Ireland was born in Yorkshire, lived for many years in Limerick, and is now based in Carnoustie. She began her writing career as a correspondent on a local newspaper but quickly realised that fiction is much more intriguing than fact. In 2013 Sandra was awarded a Carnegie-Cameron scholarship to study for an MLitt in Writing Practice and Study at the University of Dundee, graduating with a distinction in 2014. Her work has appeared in various publications and women’s magazines. She is the author of Beneath the Skin (Polygon, 2016).

Website: https://sandrairelandauthor.com

Bone Deep

Blog Blitz: No Place Like Home

Posted on by under Blog Tour, Bloodhound Books, Crime, Thriller

Rebecca Muddiman - No Place Like Home_coverTitle: No Place Like Home

Author: Rebecca Muddiman

Blurb:

What would you do if you came home to find someone in your house?
This is the predicament Polly Cooke faces when she returns to her new home.The first weeks in the house had been idyllic, but soon Jacob, a local man, is watching her.
What does he want and why is he so obsessed with Polly?
In a situation where nothing is what it seems, you might end up regretting letting some people in.

Review:

fivestars
I don’t give five star reviews lightly. However, this is one prime exception. No Place Like Home starts out with the reader going on a journey. Polly returns from her job to find that a man is watching her. However, as the story progresses, Muddiman introduces a number of twists and by the end, we’re wondering if we should have seen it coming all along. While the timeline does jump from past to present, I didn’t find the transitions jarring at all. She has an amazing gift for weaving together a believable, yet unbelievable plot line, leaving you thinking about the story long after the last sentence is written. In this case, can you really trust someone? I will definitely be looking for more novels by this author in the future.

rebecca+muddimanAbout the Author:

Rebecca Muddiman was born and raised in the North East and worked in the NHS for many years. She has published four crime novels – Stolen, Gone, Tell Me Lies, and Murder in Slow Motion. Stolen won a Northern Writers Award in 2010 and the Northern Crime Competition in 2012. She is also a screenwriter and was selected for the London Screenwriters Festival Talent Campus in 2016.
Most of her spare time is spent re-watching Game of Thrones, trying to learn Danish, and dealing with two unruly dogs. Sometimes all at the same time.