Saturday, October 17, 2020

BLOG TOUR - Christmas at Fireside Cabins


DESCRIPTION:

Escape to the idyllic small town of Pinewood Hills in this enchanting romance, about falling in love under the mistletoe with a sprinkle of Christmas magic…

For Lila Evans, Christmas is the toughest time of year––a heartbreaking reminder of losing her father, and just how lonely she is… This year, she’s organized a blissful getaway with her closest friends: just the remedy for the December blues.

The countryside resort of Fireside Cabins, tucked away in the snowy Tennessee hills, seems like this year’s perfect setting to get into the festive spirit. But it’s far from a winter wonderland––the crumbling cottage is falling apart, and the owner, a widow named Eleanor Finely, confesses that the cabins are on the brink of closure. Lila and her friends should pack their bags right there and then, but Lila can’t bear to leave the tearful elderly woman. She clearly has no one, and Lila, more than anyone, knows how that feels.

In search of holiday cheer, the women find a local coffee shop. But the rugged, surly owner Theo Perry has an apparent aversion to Christmas, seeming downright angry when Lila asks for a peppermint latte. No one in the area knows who he is––but it’s clear he’s running from something.

Yet there’s more to this small town than Theo’s frosty reception. As much as his coldness infuriates her, Lila can’t deny that on the rare occasions when he does smile, it feels like coming home. Plus, the cabins are just calling for some festive sparkle.

And, unexpectedly, Pinewood Hills could hold a new beginning for Lila… But can she save Fireside Cabins in time for Christmas? With a dusting of festive magic, spiced apple cider and sugarplum pie, could this be the first holiday she doesn’t spend alone?

Indulge in this glittering page-turner that might just prove, at this magical time of year, that almost anything is possible. Christmas at Fireside Cabins is the perfect holiday treat for fans of Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery and Sheila Roberts.


BUY LINKS:

MY THOUGHTS:

Title:   Christmas at Fireside Cabins
Author:  Jenny Hale
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Romance; Women's Fiction
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   298
Date of Publication:   October 14, 2020  
My Rating:   4 Stars

Lila Evans always has a difficult time during the Christmas season, which is when she lost her father. She heads with a few friends to a countrywide resort, giving them time together. However, as their vacation draws to a close, Lila sticks around the small town in the Tennessee hills. The cabin where they stayed was lovely in many ways, but was also falling apart overall. 

As Lila draws close the the owner, Eleanor Finely, she feels like she has to help Eleanor get the place back up to speed, so she just can't leave. When she was with her friends they went to a no-name coffee shop and after running into the gruff, impersonal owner, Theo Perry, it was any wonder they ever went back. There is something about Theo, however, and Lila finds herself drawn to him. So between Theo and Eleanor, Lila is hard put to leave.

While Lila works out a way to help Eleanor , she begins to notice that there is something deep about Theo that he is hiding. It is this very thing that makes it seem impossible for anything brewing between Theo and Lila to flourish. She does not give up, not with Theo and not with Eleanor. 

In this touching story of friendship, love and hope, I found myself entertained from beginning to end. I enjoyed the slow burn romance, especially when there was more than a bit of mystery regarding Theo. I also enjoyed the characterization in this book. Lila was wonderful, and I felt for Eleanor and loved how close she and Lila became.

I love any book that Jenny Hale writes, and this one is no exception. She writes heartwarming character-driven stories, which always keep me interested. I wanted so much for Lila and for Theo to heal, so they were really the perfect couple, and watching things as they developed gave me such a warm feeling.

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


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jenny Hale is a USA Today, Amazon, and international bestselling author of romantic contemporary fiction. Her books have sold worldwide, have been translated into multiple languages, and adapted for television. Her novels Coming Home for Christmas and Movie Guide Epiphany Award winner Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses are Hallmark Channel original movies.

She was included in Oprah Magazine's "19 Dreamy Summer Romances to Whisk You Away" and Southern Living's "30 Christmas Novels to Start Reading Now." Her stories are chock-full of feel-good romance and overflowing with warm settings, great friends, and family. Jenny is at work on her next novel, delighted to be bringing even more heartwarming stories to her readers.

When she isn't writing, or heading up her romantic fiction imprint Harpeth Road, she can be found running around her hometown of Nashville with her husband, two boys, and their labradoodle, taking pictures--her favorite pastime.

Author Social Media Links:

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Friday, October 16, 2020

BLOG TOUR - Under a Sky on Fire


DESCRIPTION:

The child stood in the road wearing a blue flannel nightie, her feet bare and dirt-splattered. Her blonde flyaway hair was golden, aglow from the fires that lit her up from behind. Stumbling over, Lizzie reached her side. The little girl’s eyes were closed, her palms facing upwards. If she’d been in church, you would have thought she was praying.

September 1940, London

As the German Luftwaffe begin a terrifying bombing campaign that will come to be known as the Blitz, thousands are evacuated to safety. But Lizzie Mackenzie finds herself heading towards London.

She knows she must help in the war effort. But she has another reason for leaving the security of her Scottish village: the illegitimate child she gave up for adoption nearly five years before is somewhere in the city. And – as the bombs rain down – she will stop at nothing to find her and make sure her little girl is safe.

Then she finds herself trapped in a dark theatre during a bombing raid, where she meets Pilot Officer Jack Henson. Against all her instincts, she falls in love. But what chance is there for that love to flourish? Because if he discovers the secret shame of her past, he may never forgive her. And with Jack facing the enemy every day in the sky, and Lizzie’s job guiding pilots into battle – life and love has never felt so fragile.

Until a chance encounter with a little orphaned girl changes everything, forcing Lizzie to ask herself what truly matters. Because, in the darkest days of war, every life counts. And – when tragedy strikes – saving one child’s life might just give Lizzie a reason to survive…

An unforgettable story about sacrifice, love and heartbreak set in World War Two London during the Blitz. If you liked All the Light We Cannot See, My Name is Eva and A Fire Sparkling, you will love Under a Sky on Fire.




MY THOUGHTS:

Title:   Under a Sky on Fire
Author:  Suzanne Kelman
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Historical Fiction
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   361
Date of Publication:  October 13, 2020 
My Rating:   4 Stars

It is September 1940 in London and Lizzie McKenzie has two chances in front of her. She can play a very big role in the war effort. Mote importantly, however, she has the opportunity to look for a daughter she was forced to give up for adoption when she was a young teen. When she became pregnant at fourteen, her parents sent her away and she only saw her young daughter once, and very briefly at that. Due to her parents' shame, Lizzie lived with her aunt and uncle ever since, and was especially close to them. 

Now a young woman performing secretarial duties she gets the opportunity to perform special duties for the prime minister, Winston Churchill. While bombing has become rampant in London due to the war and thousands are rushing away from London, Lizzie is headed into the fray so to speak. While intent on doing a good job in helping soldiers, Lizzie already plans to use her time in London to look for her daughter.

One day, however, after a bomb goes off, Lizzie spots a young girl all alone. She grabs the girl and takes her to safety. When she tries to take the child to the authorities, things are such a mess with so many lives lost and so much confusion, that she ends up keeping the little girl longer than she planned. All the while she continues to search for her daughter. 

Something else special happens to Lizzie. She meets a pilot named Jack Henson and falls in love. Her special job - that of guiding pilots into battle - becomes ever more important because she knows of the grave danger Jack faces in his job. So Lizzie balances her job, her new relationship with Jack, and the care of the little girl, all while never once giving up hope of finding her daughter.

This tender story was equally captivating and heartbreaking. It proved that intense love could indeed flourish during those tenuous times. But it also showed the danger that swallowed so many lives during that terrible time in history. Suzanne Kelman did a fine job of writing this touching story with a fine balance between the two.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Kelman is an Amazon International Bestselling author in America, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Her WW2 historical fiction books "A View Across the Rooftops" and "When We Were Brave," together have sold over 150,000 copies and are published by Bookouture - an imprint for Hachette U.K. Her third WW2 Book, Under A Sky on Fire, publishes October 13th, 2020. Kelman's books have also been translated into five languages.

She is also the author of the bestselling book, "The Rejected Writers' Book Club", published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, "Rejected Writers Take the Stage" and "The Rejected Writers' Christmas Wedding".

Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.

In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition.

As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, "Over My Dead Body", had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.

Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.

Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch - https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com

Author Social Media Links:

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Tuesday, October 13, 2020

BLOG TOUR - My Husband's Daughter


DESCRIPTION:

Cara took a deep breath and let it out slowly. ‘She’s not just my daughter,’ she said as she turned in her seat to face Jack. This man she had once loved, but who she hadn’t seen for nearly five years. ‘Sophie is your daughter too.’

It is just past ten o’clock on a cold Friday evening when Rebecca and her husband Jack’s doorbell rings. Outside is a woman who introduces herself as Jack’s ex-girlfriend Cara. And she’s holding the hand of a shivering, blue-eyed, four-year-old girl. Who she claims is Jack’s daughter.

Rebecca is shocked to discover he has a child from his last relationship – even one he hadn’t known about. Because becoming parents isn’t part of their life plan. They like children, but they also love their freedom and spending time together uninterrupted; the way that, if they wanted to, they could travel the world at a moment’s notice.

But Cara needs them. Because Cara has a devastating secret that she can’t tell anyone yet. Not even her daughter. A secret with the power to change all of their lives.

A secret that will ultimately mean Rebecca has to ask herself – could she find it in herself to welcome her husband’s child into her home, and into her heart?

A heartbreaking and powerful emotional women’s fiction novel about love, friendship and what it truly means to be a parent, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Jodi Picoult and Kate Hewitt.


BUY LINKS:
MY THOUGHTS:

Title:   My Husband's Daughter
Author:  Emma Robinson
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Women's Fiction
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   266
Date of Publication:   October 13, 2020
My Rating:   4 Stars

Rebecca and Jack make for a very good couple. In Rebecca's previous relationships she made it quite clear that she did not want children, so those relationships fizzled away. When she met Jack and he pretty much felt the same way, what they had really worked. Things grew between them and they married, both having good careers and enjoying married life without children.

However, one day there was a knock on the door and it was a woman named Cara with a small child. Of course, Jack recognized her because they once were a couple. Well, Cara has news for Jack. The little girl with her is his daughter. Imagine how this affected Rebecca. Jack always agreed with her that he did not want children. Not only does he have a daughter, but he never told her about it.

What is more is that Cara is in a bad predicament and she needs a place for her and their daughter to stay. While Rebecca and Jack have but no choice to open their home to them, it soon becomes apparent that Cara has a deep secret, a secret that will change Rebecca and Jack's relationship forever. How far will Rebecca go for Jack's daughter, and by extension, Cara?

My Husband's Daughter is a deeply emotional tale of secrets and devastating upset. As I was reading this book I felt that I could not trust Cara, especially after springing Jack's daughter on him years later, but I soon learned that this story much o offer and even think about. We learn so much about Cara and the choices she had made and the choices in front of her and how they bring about serious change to Jack and Rebecca's lives. The emotional edge was quite powerful and extremely touching. 

This heartbreaking story took more than one turn and kept me riveted to what I knew would eventually come. There was a message in this book, one of love and change, but tinged with great sadness. Emma Robinson definitely did a fine job with this moving story

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Emma Robinson thinks of herself as one of the ‘Bridget Jones generation’ – who are now grown up and having children – and writes novels for women who feel the same.

She also has a blog, Motherhood for Slackers, which takes a humorous look at parenthood, and includes poems such as ‘Dear Teacher’ about her son starting school which has been shared around the world. Emma is an English teacher and lives in Essex with a patient husband and two children who are an endless source of material.


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Review - Invisible Girl

Title:   Invisible Girl
Author:  Lisa Jewell
Genre:   Psychological Thriller
Publisher:   Atria Books
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:  368
Date of Publication:  October 13, 2020
My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

The author of the “rich, dark, and intricately twisted” (Ruth Ware, New York Times bestselling author) The Family Upstairs returns with another taut and white-knuckled thriller following a group of people whose lives shockingly intersect when a young woman disappears.

Owen Pick’s life is falling apart.

In his thirties, a virgin, and living in his aunt’s spare bedroom, he has just been suspended from his job as a geography teacher after accusations of sexual misconduct, which he strongly denies. Searching for professional advice online, he is inadvertently sucked into the dark world of incel—involuntary celibate—forums, where he meets the charismatic, mysterious, and sinister Bryn.

Across the street from Owen lives the Fours family, headed by mom Cate, a physiotherapist, and dad Roan, a child psychologist. But the Fours family have a bad feeling about their neighbor Owen. He’s a bit creepy and their teenaged daughter swears he followed her home from the train station one night.

Meanwhile, young Saffyre Maddox spent three years as a patient of Roan Fours. Feeling abandoned when their therapy ends, she searches for other ways to maintain her connection with him, following him in the shadows and learning more than she wanted to know about Roan and his family. Then, on Valentine’s night, Saffyre Maddox disappears—and the last person to see her alive is Owen Pick.

With evocative, vivid, and unputdownable prose and plenty of disturbing twists and turns, Jewell’s latest thriller is another “haunting, atmospheric, stay-up-way-too-late read” (Megan Miranda, New York Times bestselling author). 


MY THOUGHTS:

Owen Pick is running out of places to turn. His mother passed away. His father remarried and turned his back on him. His aunt treats him horribly. Meanwhile, Owen's past was not spotless. He has lost his job as a geography teacher due to sexual misconduct accusations. Then a young woman goes missing, and Owen is charged with her kidnapping and possible murder. Owen turns to the internet for advice, and he joins a forum where he meets a woman named Bryn. 

Meanwhile, there is a family that lives across the street from Owen. The family is far from perfect. The father, Roan Fours is a psychologist and works with teens who have experienced trauma. The wife, Cate is a physiotherapist but her time is spent caring for her family, including two teens. Their home life is far from perfect. Also, they have never felt comfortable with Owen as their neighbor.

Their son, Josh, befriends Roan's former patient, Saffyre Maddox. Saffyre experienced great loss and tragedy. Saffyre has never been able to accept the fact that Roan would not treat her any longer. She is furious. How dare he concluded treatment and called her cured. As far as she is concerned, nothing could be further from the truth. So, she begins to stalk Roan, thus becoming an Invisible Girl. However, Saffyre disappears on Valentine's Day. Due to the fact that Owen was the last to see her, he is the prime suspect.

This book is literally filled with twists and turns - yes, an overused description, but that is the best way to describe it. This is something that Lisa Jewell excels in. There are some things that become slowly revealed in this story. I love how this story is layered - whether it is about Owen, Josh, Roan or Saffyre. This thrilling book had an exciting conclusion, but left me with my mouth hanging open nonetheless. WHY did she do that, lol? This is one of the best books I have read this year. Now I have to wait for her next release!!!

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


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa was born in London in 1968. Her mother was a secretary and her father was a textile agent and she was brought up in the northernmost reaches of London with her two younger sisters. She was educated at a Catholic girls’ Grammar school in Finchley. After leaving school at sixteen she spent two years at Barnet College doing an arts foundation course and then two years at Epsom School of Art & Design studying Fashion Illustration and Communication.

She worked for the fashion chain Warehouse for three years as a PR assistant and then for Thomas Pink, the Jermyn Street shirt company for four years as a receptionist and PA. She started her first novel, Ralph’s Party, for a bet in 1996. She finished it in 1997 and it was published by Penguin books in May 1998. It went on to become the best-selling debut novel of that year.

She has since written a further nine novels, as is currently at work on her eleventh.

She now lives in an innermost part of north London with her husband Jascha, an IT consultant, her daughters, Amelie and Evie and her silver tabbies, Jack and Milly.

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Monday, October 12, 2020

BLOG TOUR - Final Second



DESCRIPTION:

Sometimes it takes a stranger to find a killer…

In a small farming town in rural Wisconsin—where generations of families have lived in peace for decades—no one expects trouble to come calling.

But then a farmer’s beautiful young wife is found brutally murdered, with a chilling calling card that suggests she’s just the first victim of a serial killer. And the FBI elect not to send one of their own. Instead they send a stranger to town—former Royal Marine turned mercenary, Grant Fletcher. And they’re giving him no choice. Find the killer. Because we know what you’ve done.

With the threat of the executioner’s chair hanging over him, Fletcher finds himself in an impossible situation—and a race against time. Catch a murderer whose killings are escalating with every day that passes. Or face certain death…

Fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher, Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne and David Baldacci’s Amos Decker will love the Grant Fletcher series.

BUY LINK:

MY THOUGHTS:

Title:   Final Second
Author:  John Ryder
Series:  Grant Fletcher #2
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Mystery/Thriller
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   341
Date of Publication:   October 5, 2020
My Rating:   5 Stars

Grant Fletcher is working for the FBI again, with Special Agent Zoey Quadrago as his handler. This isn't a job he wants, but Zoey has something hanging over his head. Either take the job or go to jail. That simple. Murders are taking place on a small farm in Wisconsin and the killer left a calling card of sorts, and this indicates that this might be a serial killer in the making. Fletcher is a former Royal Marine turned mercenary and Quadrego insists he steps in to find out what is going on.

 Quadrego has Fletcher in a pinch, because she could as easily have him arrested. So, he has very little time to catch the killer, especially before more bodies begin to drop. As I read the first book in this series a few months ago, First Shot, so I had some familiarity with the intensity in which John Ryder writes. Fletcher is a straight-shooter, focused on his task, and doesn't take crap from anyone. I was already impressed with the first book, but this one was even better, especially considering the extra layers this book contained.

 While the main focus is on catching the murderer, there are snippets into Fletcher's character, and a bit about his past. These blended in seamlessly with the case at hand, never once allowing me to forget how serious things are for Fletcher. Again, for two reasons, one to stop a brutal killer, but also to save his own hide.

 While this story is self-contained and could read as a standalone, I think readers would benefit from reading the first book in this series prior to reading this one. What caught my attention to this book is the clues the killer was leaving, and watching Fletcher race to try and get one step ahead. We also see Quadrago in her element in this book.

 For heart-stopping tension, danger and incredible action in this compelling book, as well as a thrilling conclusion, look no further, Final Second fits the bill. I cannot wait for the third book in this series to be released.

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

John Ryder is a former farmworker and joiner. He’s turned his hand to many skills to put food on the table and clothes on his back. A life-long bibliophile, he eventually summoned the courage to try writing himself, and his Grant Fletcher novels have drawn inspiration from authors such as Lee Child, Tom Cain, Zoe Sharp and Matt Hilton. When it comes to future novels, he says he has more ideas than time to write them.

When not writing, John enjoys spending time with his son, reading and socialising with friends. A fanatic supporter of his local football team, he can often be found shouting encouragement to men much younger and fitter than he is.

Author Social Media Links:

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Sunday, October 11, 2020

BLOG TOUR - If Every Day Was Christmas


DESCRIPTION:

Snow is falling, fires are crackling merrily, and Lockton tradition has everyone hanging a promise they’re determined to keep this Christmas on the tree in the village square…

Meg Scott has promised to make a success of her first solo Christmas. She runs a year-round Christmas shop in the little Scottish village, and is a fan of all things mulled, sparkly and festive. So when her warring family shows up on her doorstep, ready to spread discord and tension, Meg is determined not to let them ruin her favourite time of the year.

Meanwhile, Christmas-hating Tom Riley-Clark has been called to the Highlands to help his old friend at The Apple Cross Inn. He’s ready to work hard and has no time for mince pies, tinsel or hanging a promise on the tree: the thought of every day being Christmas is his worst nightmare, and you wouldn’t catch him dead buying a bauble. So everyone is surprised when Christmas-loving Meg and grinch Tom start to get cozy under the mistletoe.

But Tom has a big secret about his past, and in a small town like Lockton it’s hard to keep anything hidden for long. Will everything fall apart when Meg discovers who he really is? The pair are about to learn the hard way that some promises are impossible to keep…

It’s time to curl up for an enchanting festive romance about learning to trust yourself, taking chances and not being afraid to fall in love. Perfect for fans of Nicola May, Debbie Macomber and Milly Johnson.


MY THOUGHTS:

Title:   If Every Day Was Christmas
Author:  Donna Ashcroft
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Romance; Woman's Fiction
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   236
Date of Publication:  October 9, 2020 
My Rating:   4 Stars

Not only does Meg Scott have a year-round Christmas shop, the holiday season is approaching and she plans on making it a memorable one. She has her own plans and she is also working with the town's members in the Scottish Village where she resides to make it really special. 

One day while driving she spots a stranded motorist named Tom Riley-Clark. He is in town to help his friend for a short while, but even though he arrives near Christmastime, he is pretty much a modern-day Scrooge. Enamored by the lady in the elf costume who gave him a lift when his car had a flat tire, when he soon learns why she is dressed like that and  how far she and the town's members go towards the enjoyment of Christmas, he second guesses his decision to be there to help his friend.

It is more than apparent in this romance that Meg and Tom will eventually get together, so it was interesting to see the two deal with their opposite natures while dealing with their attraction to one another. Then considering the very important fact that Tom is hiding something about himself adds an intriguing second layer to a well-written story. I thoroughly enjoyed this touching romance and found it to be quite a heartwarming read. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donna Ashcroft was born in London and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She went to university in Lancashire and, among other things, worked as a copywriter, buyer, waitress, secretary and marketing manager. 

Donna wrote novels for over ten years before being published. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and was a joint winner of the Katie Fforde Bursary in 2017.

Donna loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she's escaping into a romance novel or movie. When she's not reading or writing she'll probably be found hoovering ... or negotiating with her teenagers about who is doing the washing up.

Author Social Media Links:
Website: www.donna-writes.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaAshcroftAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Donnashc
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Saturday, October 10, 2020

BLOG TOUR - Watch Her Vanish

 


DESCRIPTION:

The beam from the lighthouse slices through the dawn sky as she runs down the rocky stairway to the beach. She tries to take it all in—the waves crashing against the cliffs, the whip of salt grass in the wind—before finally dragging her eyes down to the innocent girl’s blonde hair, strewn across the bottom step like seaweed…

Returning home to Fog Harbor, California, to be closer to her little sister, Olivia Rockwell is struggling to adjust to life in a town so small she can hardly breathe. That is, until the sound of a scream leads her to the body of a local teacher in the shallows nearby. All the evidence points to Olivia’s most threatening criminal psychology patient, Drake, who is safely locked up behind bars…

Convinced of Drake’s innocence—and desperate to believe in the system that’s keeping her murderer father in prison and away from her sister—Olivia gets to work on her own suspect list. All her life she’s run towards trouble, but this time she’s treading on the toes of Detective Will Decker, whose past mistakes mean this case is his last chance to make amends.

Then a second woman’s body is discovered, strangled while out on an evening jog. The strip of blue material used to choke her implicates Drake once again, forcing Will to admit he needs Olivia’s special talent for understanding the minds of killers. It’s clear more innocent women will die if they don’t get one step ahead of the murders, and Olivia knows she will need her estranged father’s help to get close to Drake. 

But when Olivia’s profile leads them to believe Drake could be masterminding murders from within the prison walls, a message written on a scrap of paper found in the latest victim’s car leads them to a terrifying realization: Olivia’s little sister will be next…

An addictive and unputdownable crime thriller that will keep you up all night. Perfect for fans of Melinda Leigh, Kendra Elliot and Mary Burton.

Readers love Watch Her Vanish:


‘PERFECTION! Be prepared to skirt your responsibilities because you won’t want to put this book down… keeps you guessing until the end. I cannot wait for the next installment!’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

‘A taut fast-paced thriller in every sense of the word. Dark and oozing with suspense. Well plotted and stunningly written. Loved it!’ Kelly Russo Reviews, 5 stars

‘WOWZA!!!... I cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment in this series!’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

‘Absolutely fantastic… I couldn’t put it down once I started.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘A scream!… Grabs a hold of you and keeps you reading till the end!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Loved!! Everything about this book was spot-on!… I was pulled in from the beginning and it didn't let up once! Can't wait for book 2.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘A fantastic book. Like wow! I really got into this read… This book will draw you in and you won’t be able to stop.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Grabs you by the heart, then grabs you by the throat and shakes up all your cells.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars


MY THOUGHTS:

Title:   Watch Her Vanish
Author:  Ellery A. Kane
Series:  Rockwell and Decker #1
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Mystery/Thrillers
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   441
Date of Publication:  October 9, 2020 
My Rating:   5 Stars

Criminal Psychologist Olivia Rockwell has been back home in Fog Harbor, California, since the death of her mother and has been caring for her younger sister. She really is not happy there, but she feels she must stay and make it work. When she hears a scream one night, she immediately reacts and rushes towards the chilling sound, only to see the body of a dead woman. 

She approaches the scene, not paying attention to protocol. When Detective Will Decker sees the crime scene disturbed by Olivia he is angry, thinking that his job just has been made more difficult. So the pair start of on rather bad footing. 

Olivia, always brilliant, sees right away where the evidence points. However, the suspect in question is behind bars. So how indeed does he come to mind? She has a very difficult job, that of counseling the most violent of prisoners, including a man named Drake, the man to whom the evidence points. Working at the prison is no easy task for Olivia, so despite the rocky start she had with the detective, she begins to search for answers, determined to prove Drake's innocence.

Meanwhile, Olivia has another huge battle on her hands, and this pertains to her family life. Despite the fact that she has cared for her sister since their mothers death, their relationship is on uneven terms. To further complicate Olivia's life, their father, a convicted murderer, is behind bars. Olivia will go the extra mile to keep her father there, and this includes having little or no contact with him.

So, Will Decker has his hands full with the case, and with Olivia butting in, things become quite complicated. What is worse is that the body of another woman is soon found and this hits too close to home for Olivia and her job at the prison, thus bringing her and Will in more contact than either would like.

There is yet another side story that begins to thread everything together regarding the two murders proving that danger is far too close to the lives and safety of others. Whether Olivia and Will manage to work past their differences to stop the killer so that no more young women lose their lives is the question at hand.

This excellent story is layered quite well, especially when it comes to seeing the reach that certain prisoners have even though they are behind bars. The element of danger is high and I was kept on the edge of my seat, especially as I endeavored to try and pinpoint the murderer. 

What an excellent first book in what is sure to be a terrific series. I love the fact that Olivia and Will began at odds with one another and I enjoyed watching their progression, especially knowing that there will be future books in this series. Concurrently, there were supporting characters who proved just about as interesting as Olivia and Will, thus making this quite a compelling read. The story, pacing and thrilling conclusion made this book near to impossible to put down.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Forensic psychologist by day, novelist by night, Ellery Kane has been writing--professionally and creatively--for as long as she can remember. Just like many of her main characters, Ellery loves to ask why, which is the reason she became a psychologist in the first place. Real life really is stranger than fiction, and Ellery's writing is often inspired by her day job. Evaluating violent criminals and treating trauma victims, she has gained a unique perspective on the past and its indelible influence on the individual. And she's heard her fair share of real life thrillers. 

Ellery lives in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, a picturesque setting that provides the backdrop for many of her novels. If you don't find Ellery interviewing murderers behind prison walls or pecking away at her latest novel, she is probably at the gym landing a solid jab-cross to a punching bag; riding bicycles with her special someone; or enjoying a movie the old-fashioned way--at the theater with popcorn and Milk Duds. 

Ellery was previously selected as one of ten semifinalists in the MasterClass James Patterson Co-Author Competition, and she recently signed a three book deal with Bookouture for her new Rockwell and Decker mystery thriller series.

If you'd like to receive a notification when new books are released, please sign up for Ellery's newsletter at ellerykane.com
. Ellery also signs e-books on authorgraph.com.

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Friday, October 9, 2020

BLOG TOUR - Last Girls Alive

DESCRIPTION:

Half-buried in the muddy earth and surrounded by puddles of water lies the naked body of a beautiful young girl. Her pale skin looks like porcelain in the early morning light. Her fragile arms bent and crooked like a broken doll.

When Detective Katie Scott is called to the discovery of a young girl buried on the grounds of a former children’s home in Pine Valley, California, she’s hopeful it’s the end to a devastating cold case she’s been working on. No one has seen Candace Harlan since she ran away from Elm Hill Manor five years ago. Her death will be a tragedy, but it will also bring peace to those who miss her most. But the girl in the ground is not Candace.

The victim is almost identical to Candace in every way, but fear grips Katie as she takes in the black ink that decorates the girl’s back—a terrifying message tattooed on her skin after she drew her last breath.

Forcing down traumatic memories of losing her own parents, Katie is certain someone mistook this poor soul for Candace, and that this crumbling home for lost girls is at the heart of this terrible crime. She sets to work digging into the tragic history of the owners who lost so many children of their own and tracking down the last six residents and the staff who cared for them—but no one wants to talk, let alone remember.

The next day, as second girl’s body is found down by the creek at high water, the same words etched into her skin. Katie’s worst fear is confirmed: someone is picking off the last of the Elm Hill girls one by one. But what does the tattoo mean? And what monster would target these innocent girls who have already been through so much?

Katie must dig deep to confront her own fears and protect the vulnerable—but as the body count rises further, will there be anyone left to save?

An absolutely gripping, dark, and totally unputdownable serial killer thriller that will keep you racing through the pages all night long. Fans of Lisa Regan, Rachel Caine and Melinda Leigh will read in one sitting!  

BUY LINKS:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/36fgQok
Apple: https://apple.co/2W0Vhly
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3gHgkS1
Google: https://bit.ly/2Ck152u  

MY THOUGHTS:

Title:   Last Girls Alive
Author:  Jennifer Chase
Publisher:  Bookouture
Series:  Detective Katie Scott #4
Genre:   Mystery Thrillers
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   364
Date of Publication:   October 7, 2020
My Rating:   4 Stars

Detective Katie Scott has her hands full when she begins an investigation after the body of a young girl is found. Along with being the niece of the sheriff and involved in a relationship, as well as dealing with the effects of serving tours in Afghanistan, Katie is juggling a lot of balls. Fighting off anxiety attacks with everything on her plate, while hoping to catch an elusive killer before another body is found hardly leaves Katie any time to even sleep.

Clues are difficult to follow, but things point back to a time when there was a home for wayward teen girls. What happened when those girls were in residence and how does that play into the murders happening now? Katie and partner Deputy McGaven are working feverishly to turn over any clues and interview any potential suspects all while looking for any of the other girls who were once at the home.

The killer is leaving a very specific clue. Katie and McGaven are certain that this clue is the answer to everything. Whether or not they find answers before another life is taken proves to be quite the challenge. All the while Katie is fighting her own battles and must struggle past this in order to give her all to the case at hand.

What a thrilling book and an excellent addition to this series. All while the story is focused on Katie and her investigation, the killer's point of view is peppered within certain chapters, thus pushing a chilling agenda forward while eliminating those poor girls. I felt for Katie throughout while she searched for the killer and felt her pain and the effects of PTSD. Often accompanied by her war dog Cisco, who was a strong emotional support to Katie as well as the love of firefighter boyfriend Chad offered a bit of levity to the difficult and sad story of the lives of girls being lost. 

I am a fan of police procedurals so I loved the investigative process as well as the personal moments this book offered. Suspense and danger play hand in hand in this exciting book. I love this series and am truly looking forward to the  next book in the series.  

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


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and best-selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells.

In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers.

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