BLOG TOUR - I Owe You One

DESCRIPTION:

She saved my life. I faked her death…

I only came back home to lie low and reconnect with my sister, Bryony. Her life with her gorgeous husband Alex is perfect – a far cry from the disaster mine has turned into…

But almost immediately I can tell something is wrong. My once bubbly sister’s skin is pale, her hair dull, her eyes unfocussed. She tells me Alex has turned obsessive, controlling her every move. A tear tracks down her cheek as I stare at her in horror.

‘I have to fake my death,’ she whispers and I jolt back in shock. ‘And I need your help to do it.’ As I start to shake my head, mouth trembling, she lays her winning card ‘You owe me, Jess. I saved your life.’

But after she’s successfully disappeared, I realise there are holes in her story – things she’s told me about Alex that can’t be true. Threatening messages that can’t have come from him. Rumours in the village about the way she’s been acting. She doesn’t contact me like she promised – and rather than being angry she’s gone, Alex seems completely devastated…

So when I learn Bryony never actually saved me all those years ago, I start to question everything. Have I just saved my sister, or helped her get away with something terrible? And when the truth comes out, will I be the one whose life is in danger…?

An utterly page-turning, edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that will have you reading late into the night! Perfect for fans of The Housemaid, The Couple Next Door and The Family Upstairs.

BUY LINKS:

• Amazon: https://geni.us/B0GN95BL38social

Title:   I Owe You One

Author:  Lauren North

Publisher:  Bookouture 

Genre:   Psychological Thriller

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   322

Date of Publication:   April 8, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Repaying a debt to her sister Bryony is everything to Jess. Their childhood was undeniably tumultuous, and as adults, their lives are no less complicated. Jess has endured significant setbacks, including the loss of both her business and her relationship. Meanwhile, Bryony confides in Jess about the abuse she is suffering at the hands of her husband, Alex. This is a revelation that completely shocks her, given that Alex has long been one of Jess’s closest friends. It’s almost impossible for Jess to reconcile the man she knows with the one Bryony describes.

But Bryony reminds Jess of one undeniable truth: she owes her. Bound by this lingering debt, Jess feels compelled to help Bryony in exactly the way she asks. Bryony has a carefully crafted plan, and despite her doubts, Jess sees no way out but to go along with it. The story unfolds through a dual timeline, gradually revealing the past and the events that cemented Jess’s deep sense of obligation.

Jess’s perspective remains clear and grounded throughout, even as the tension steadily builds. The plot layers twist upon twist, creating a gripping pace that keeps the pages turning. By the time the story reaches its conclusion, the final revelations are nothing short of jaw-dropping. I was left genuinely stunned.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lauren writes psychological suspense novels that delve into the darker side of relationships and families. She has a lifelong passion for writing, reading, and all things books. Lauren’s love of psychological suspense has grown since childhood and her dark imagination of always wondering what’s the worst thing that could happen in every situation.

Lauren studied psychology before moving to London where she lived and worked for many years. She now lives with her family in the Suffolk countryside.

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Review - The Escape Game

Title:  The Escape Game

Author:  Marissa Meyer; Tamara Moss

Publisher:  G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Genre:   YA Mysteries & Thrillers

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   416 Pages

Date of Publication:   April 7, 2026

My Rating:  5 Stars 

DESCRIPTION:

It’s all fun and games until someone ends up dead.

Six months ago, season four of The Escape Game ended in horror when contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered on set.

Now season five is underway, and new contestants are ready to put their skills to the test solving the show's trickiest escape rooms. There's Adi, the cryptographer; Carter, the math whiz; Beck, the wannabe game master, and . . . Sierra Angelos, the girl who got away with her sister’s murder. Or so everyone believes.

But Sierra’s not just here to win. She’s here for justice.

When the contestants begin uncovering clues that hint at the identity of Alicia’s true killer, it becomes clear that the stakes aren’t high in this competition, they’re deadly. If these teens want to win—and survive—the game, they must solve the biggest mystery of who killed Alicia Angelos?

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer and rising star Tamara Moss comes a twisty thrill-ride, filled with sabotage, betrayal, and puzzles to die for.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Escape rooms have long been a popular pastime, especially for those who enjoy puzzles that require wit and logic. But the previous season of the television show The Escape Game took a dark turn when one of the contestants was murdered, leaving the case unsolved. Despite that shadow hanging over everything, season five moves forward with six new contestants, all hoping to put that tragedy behind them.

One of those contestants is Sierra, whose sister was the victim. Rumors still swirl, and some people - including a few of the current players - believe Sierra is the one who killed her sister. Determined to clear her name, Sierra enters the competition with more than just the goal of winning. She wants answers, and more importantly, she wants justice for her sister.

With the ongoing popularity of reality television, the concept of an escape-room-based show makes for an especially compelling backdrop. Locked-room mysteries have always had a certain appeal, largely because the suspect pool is so tightly contained. The story follows four main protagonists, each bringing their own strengths to the table, and their dynamic works particularly well when the tension ramps up.

What really stood out to me was how the author balanced the high-stakes competition with the underlying mystery. The puzzles and challenges added an extra layer of urgency, while the lingering questions from the previous season kept me guessing. At times, the shifting suspicions between characters made it hard to know who to trust, which only added to the suspense.

Overall, this was an engaging and cleverly constructed mystery that kept me invested from start to finish. If you enjoy closed-circle whodunits with a modern twist, this one is definitely worth picking up. I found myself just as eager to solve the crime as I was to see who would make it out of the escape room.

Many thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marissa Meyer is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, Heartless, The Renegades Trilogy, and Instant Karma, as well as the graphic novel duology Wires and Nerve. She holds a BA in Creative Writing from Pacific Lutheran University and a MA in Publishing from Pace University. In addition to writing, Marissa hosts The Happy Writer podcast. She lives near Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and twin daughters.

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Tamara Moss grew up in Perth, Western Australia. She has a BA majoring in Asian Studies and a teaching diploma, which she used to teach primary school for ten years. Inspired by her students' love of adventure, Tamara wrote the Lintang series, beginning with Lintang and the Pirate Queen.

Review - Sorry for Your Loss

 

Title:  Sorry for Your Loss

Author:  Georgia McVeigh

Publisher:  Dutton

Genre:   Psychological Thriller 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   320

Date of Publication:   March 31, 2026

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

The story of two people, both as magnetic as they are dangerous, who get caught in an electric game of cat and mouse

The question is, Who is the predator and who is the prey?

Meet Iris: a dark soul with a propensity for obsession, still reeling from a recent loss, who relies on a local grief group to keep her grounded and out of trouble. And now meet Jack: a cagey widower who shows up at a meeting one night and jolts both of them back to life.

From the moment Jack first takes a shabby plastic chair in the circle, he is positively dashing. And Iris can’t help but feel that fate has brought them together.

But their chance encounter sends them racing through a series of hairpin twists where nothing is as it seems and no one plays by the rules. As Iris is drawn deeper into Jack’s world, she begins to realize that her own deceptions may be no match—or maybe they're the perfect match?—for all the dirty secrets Jack has been hiding.

Edgy, intricately plotted, and totally chilling, Sorry for Your Loss is a blistering psychological thriller for fans of Ashley Elston, Ana Reyes, and Ashley Audrain.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Meeting in a grief group just might not be the best foundation for a new relationship. Iris is a troubled woman. Not only did she grow up with a fractious relationship with her mother, her relationship with her sister was just as troubled. Then, her romantic relationships have seemingly followed that same pattern. Perhaps the grief group would offer Iris some grounding stability, and brighten her hope for the future. 

Then we have Jack. He is also a part of the grief group that Iris has begun to attend. He has his own reasons for being a part of the group, proving that he is less than honorable. When Iris and Jack embark on a new relationship, yet things seem troubled right from the start. 

Their fateful romance unfolds like a thrilling game of cat and mouse, with each person certain that they have the upper hand. Georgia McVeigh’s debut novel, narrated primarily from the first-person perspective of Iris, establishes tension from the very beginning. This story delves into the depths of obsession, while Iris’s clear OCD tendencies add depth to the narrative. I appreciate how these elements were seamlessly woven into the story, effectively portraying her as an unreliable narrator. Congratulations, Ms. McVeigh! I eagerly anticipate reading more of your work.

Many thanks to Dutton and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Review - Love Blooms at the Cornish Cottage

Title:   Love Blooms at the Cornish Cottage

Author:  Kim Nash

Publisher:  Boldwood Books

Series:  Sandpiper Shore, Book 3

Genre:   Women’s Fiction; Romance

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   272

Date of Publication: April 1, 2026

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

The BRAND NEW instalment in the gorgeously uplifting, romantic Sandpiper Shores series, perfect for fans of Veronica Henry, Trisha Ashley and Cathy Bramley. ✨ 

Every book in the Sandpiper Shores series can be read as a STANDALONE

💔 How do you mend a broken heart? 💔

Michelle finally thought she’d found love with her hot Greek doctor. But when Demetri reveals he’s returning home to care for his sick mother, Michelle’s dream future crumbles. Choosing not to follow him feels like losing more than just love - it feels like losing who she’d started to become.

Determined not to fall apart, Michelle decides to throw herself into rebuilding her life in Sandpiper Shore, but then unexpectedly, Demetri’s brother, Makkis, arrives on her doorstep. Offering him a room seems like the kind thing to do… but the constant reminder of her lost love is difficult for her heartbroken soul.

And the more time she spends with Makkis, the clearer it becomes: there are parts of Demetri she never knew… Just as Michelle starts to heal with a little help from her friends, she’s faced with a decision: fight for the love she knows she deserves, or finally learn how to let go…

A heartwarming and hopeful story about second chances, rediscovering yourself, and finding love that feels like home. Perfect for fans Jessica Redland and Jo Bartlett.

Link to shop the series

MY THOUGHTS:

In this lovely third installment of the Sandpiper Shore series by Kim Nash, Love Blooms at the Cornish Cottage returns readers to the charming coastal village where Michelle has built a life she truly treasures. Having settled into the warmth of the Cornish community, she has found not only friendship and purpose, but also love with Demetri. He is a lovely man who left Greece to create a successful life as a doctor on the Cornish coast.

Demetri has long known that his mother’s health was fragile back home in Greece, but when her condition worsens, he is faced with an impossible choice. Duty calls him back to his homeland, and despite wanting Michelle to come with him, with a heart nearly ripped in two, she declines to go with him. Their love is real, but so are the responsibilities that threaten to undo it.

Michelle is left to navigate the painful space between holding on and letting go. Matters grow even more complicated when Demetri‘s brother, Makis, arrives in Cornwall, stirring emotions and questions Michelle isn’t prepared to face. Through it all, she leans on the steady support of her friends. These are lovely ladies like Jo, Emma, and the loyal members of the Lonely Hearts Club, whom we met in earlier books in this series. Although each book can be read as standalone novels, their presence adds warmth and authenticity to the story.

More women’s fiction than straightforward romance, this novel tenderly explores what it means to choose yourself, even when your heart is on the line. Michelle’s journey is not just about love lost or regained, but about resilience, self-worth, and trusting that life can still surprise you in beautiful ways. The closing chapters are especially moving, as the story gently unfolds into a hopeful, heartwarming conclusion that feels both earned and deeply satisfying. With warmth, tenderness, and a strong sense of community, this novel reminds us that even when life doesn’t unfold as planned, love can still find a way to bloom.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, feel-good, romantic fiction.

She lives in Staffordshire with son Ollie and Englis Setter Roni, is Head of Publicity for Bookouture and is a book blogger at www.kimthebookworm.co.uk

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Kim won the Romantic Novelists Association's Media Star of the Year in 2016, which she still can't quite believe. She is now quite delighted to be a member of the RNA.

When she's not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog, reading, standing on the sidelines of a football pitch cheering on Ollie and binge watching box sets on the TV. She's also quite partial to a spa day and a gin and tonic (not at the same time!) Kim also runs a book club in Cannock, Staffs.

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone else and you will only contacted about Kim's books.

Amazing Grace was her debut novel with Hera Books and came out in April 2019. Escape to Giddywell Grange is Kim's second novel and was published in September 2019. Sunshine and Second Chances is Kim's third novel and will be published on June 4th 2020.

You can read Kim's Blog here: www.kimthebookworm.co.uk

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Review - Dead Woman Walking

Title:   Dead Woman Walking 

Author:   Carolyn Arnold

Series:   Detective Amanda Steele #15
Publisher:  Bookouture 

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:   Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   318

Date of Publication:  February 25, 2026

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Preparing the empty house for another viewing, she knows she’s taking a risk showing it at night. She never told anyone she was here, but she desperately needs this sale. If she pulls it off, she can finally give her daughter the life she deserves. But as she climbs the stairs, goosebumps spread down her arms. She’s not alone…

When the body of realtor Christine Lane is discovered in one of Woodbridge’s most affluent homes, Detective Amanda Steele is left reeling. The victim was dating Amanda’s half-brother, making him an immediate suspect. They’ve never been close but Amanda knows he’s not a killer.

As forensics move in to process the crime scene, Amanda is ambushed by a well-dressed woman desperately trying to get inside the house. Dominique Sharp is a successful lawyer and expected her house to be sold by the time she returned from a business trip to DC. Could she have been the intended target?

Delving into Dominique’s business, Amanda and Trent discover a long line of disgruntled employees and a dark web of secrets that lead them to a killer who will stop at nothing to get their deadly revenge on her.

But can Amanda take the greatest risk of her career to lure the killer back into the light? And will she have to sacrifice someone close to her to ensure justice is finally served?

A totally addictive and pulse-pounding crime thriller that will have you turning the pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of Mary Burton, Elle Gray and A. J. Rivers.

MY THOUGHTS:

In Dead Woman Walking by Carolyn Arnold, Detective Amanda Steele’s relationship with her half-brother has always been strained, so when the woman he was dating is found dead, Amanda doesn’t hesitate. She knows she has to stand by him. As the person closest to the victim, he quickly becomes the primary suspect, and Amanda is determined to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

Throwing herself into the investigation, Amanda uncovers a troubling possibility. The victim, Christine Lane, may have simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time. The real target appears to be Dominique Sharp, a homeowner whose house was on the market and being shown while she was away on business. With this shift in perspective, Amanda refocuses her efforts, realizing that understanding Dominique’s life could be the key to unraveling the case.

This is far from an easy investigation for Amanda. The deeper she digs, the more personal and costly the case becomes. Still, her relentless pursuit of justice drives her forward, no matter the toll.

What I really appreciated about this story is how it blends a compelling mystery with Amanda’s personal stakes. The tension never lets up, and the emotional weight behind her choices adds an extra layer of depth. By the time the truth comes to light, it feels well-earned and satisfying. This is another solid installment that kept me engaged from beginning to end, and it’s clear that Amanda Steele’s determination is what makes this series so hard to put down. I look forward to the 16th book in the series, which is set for release in August.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carolyn Arnold was born in a small Canadian town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower. As an international bestselling and award-winning author, she has several continuing fiction series, including her popular Detective Madison Knight series. She offers readers nearly three dozen published books in genres ranging from crime thrillers and hard-boiled mysteries to cozy mysteries and action adventures. She currently lives north of London, Ontario, with her husband and two beagles.

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Review - Life: A Love Story

Title:  Life: A Love Story

Author:  Elizabeth Berg

Publisher:  Random House

Genre:   Contemporary 

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   208

Date of Publication:  March 17, 2024

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

In this warm, intimate novel, a woman celebrates the joy she finds in the ordinary things in life and discovers it’s never too late to start new adventures. By the New York Times bestselling author of The Story of Arthur Truluv and Open House

Florence “Flo” Greene is nearing the end of her life, and she decides to leave her house and an account of her life for Ruthie, the younger woman who grew up next door, moved away, and still is like a surrogate daughter. As Flo writes to Ruthie about the meaning of beloved things in her home and about events in her past, she also tries new adventures of her own. She intervenes in the lives of friends in her neighborhood.

Flo's project has been to encourage Teresa, a wise but unconfident woman, to open her heart to romance. Flo goes to the library to get advice from Mimi, a librarian. She encourages Ruthie, who is contemplating divorce, to try again with her husband, by sharing a startling secret long buried about Flo’s own seemingly perfect husband and marriage.

In her final weeks, Flo leaves an indelible mark on others, as this moving novel celebrates life, change, and ways to discover new happiness, friendship, and love.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

What a sweet story of an unexpected friendship. Flo Greene knows that she is dying, so she sets out to leave behind a meaningful legacy. It begins simply, with a letter to a woman named Ruthie who once lived next door, but that small act soon ripples outward. Through her words, Flo becomes a quiet yet powerful source of inspiration to a woman named Teresa.

The story feels like a chain of connected moments, each one leading naturally to the next. Flo’s desire to help Ruthie navigate her difficult marriage is just one example of how she reaches beyond herself. Her influence doesn’t stop there  It also touches another woman named Teresa as well, shaping the choices she may one day face. Through these connections, Flo’s vulnerability shines through in such a genuine way, making her presence all the more impactful.

In the end, this is a gentle, heartfelt story about the ways we leave pieces of ourselves behind in others. Elizabeth Berg captures the beauty of small gestures and quiet courage, reminding us that even in life’s final chapter, there is still so much opportunity to love, to guide, and to make a difference.

Many thanks to Random House and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Berg is an American novelist.

She was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and lived in Boston prior to her residence in Chicago. She studied English and Humanities at the University of Minnesota, but later ended up with a nursing degree. Her writing career started when she won an essay contest in Parents magazine. Since her debut novel in 1993, her novels have sold in large numbers and have received several awards and nominations, although some critics have tagged them as sentimental. She won the New England Book Awards in 1997.

The novels Durable Goods, Joy School, and True to Form form a trilogy about the 12-year-old Katie Nash, in part based on the author's own experience as a daughter in a military family. Her essay "The Pretend Knitter" appears in the anthology Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting, published by W. W. Norton & Company in November 2013.

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