Category: reviews

blog tour, books, reviews

Blog Tour: The Sleepover – Keri Beevis

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When you’re a kid, you imagine monsters to have horns and fangs. That they hide under the bed or in the wardrobe. And you believe they can only come after you when it’s dark.
You don’t expect them to look like everyday people or that they may be someone you already know…
The summer in question started out with hot, fun-filled days and new friendships.
We had just turned thirteen and had our whole lives ahead of us.
But that was before her…
Before we became known as the Hixton Six and our lives become defined by one night.
It’s hard to believe twenty years have passed since she was locked away.
But now she’s free and strange things have started to happen.
When I close my eyes, the creeping anxiety and fear is overwhelming and all too real.
Because the monster is back, and I know she has a score to settle with us.
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Keri Beevis is the internationally bestselling author of Dying To Tell, Deep Dark Secrets, Trust No One, Every Little Breath and The People Next Door. Dying To Tell reached no. 1 in the Amazon chart
in Australia and was a top 25 hit in the UK. Keri wrote her first novel at age twenty, but it was a further twenty years before she was published, after winning a contract in a competition run by a small press. She lives in Norfolk, along with her two naughty kitties, Ellie and Lola, and a plentiful supply of red wine (her writing fuel).

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My thoughts: at first I wasn’t sure what the creepy Mrs W (more sinister, like De Maurier’s Rebecca, by her absence), had done to a group of young teenagers.

Eventually the story comes out and boy, she is awful, and her son Bill has some serious issues too. Poor Hannah and Rosie and Jill. Not so much Lauren and Tash who didn’t seem to suffer. But Hannah is still tormented by nightmares, Rosie’s never been ok since and Jill lost her brother.

I was a bit suspicious of Liam, but he wasn’t as monstrous as whoever it is writing the italicised sections – Mrs W, Bill or someone else? They were not messing around. No spoilers.

I was hooked after the slow start, by wondering who was targeting everyone after so long. And why? Mrs W did her time, surely sleeping dogs and all that. But no, someone has decided to settle old scores.

Also there are dogs, mostly Liam’s slobbery Tank, but also Hannah’s dog walking clients and two cute cats as well. And we all know pets in books make them better. Tank’s a hero too. Read it to find out why.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

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Blog Tour: The App – Stuart James

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The App…

Once you’re in, they’ll never let you leave.

Whatever happens, don’t download The App.

* It will come in the form of a link. Maybe in your DM’s on a social media account, the junk folder of your emails or a WhatsApp message from a friend.

* You’ll be enticed by the chance of winning one hundred thousand pounds on offer every Friday, wired straight into the winner’s bank account.

* It’s not a joke.

* This part is genuine.

* Someone can and will win the money.

* But at what cost?

Marty Benson gets the link sent to him by a friend. So what is the harm in looking?
He clicks it, downloads the app and enters a few basic details.
A message prompts him to wait while he’s loaded onto the system.
An hour later, another message.

• Do not delete the app.

• Do not tell anyone outside of your family about the app.

• Send the link to one person who is close to you.

* Do not throw your phone away.

* Always narrate while streaming.

• If you break any of the rules, we’ll kill a member of your family. Then we’ll kill you.

Marty is sent a picture of his wife, who is shopping with her mother in Oxford Street.

As Marty struggles to breathe, he clicks the links and watches the most recent streams, realising what happens within the
app.

Every Friday morning, a person is randomly picked from social media.

They now have a bounty on their head—a death warrant. But they don’t know it.

Their profile appears on the app’s main page; all their details are displayed.

Every app member must play the game at least once a month or face the consequences.

Kill the person randomly selected from social media.

Win one hundred thousand pounds.

As Marty watches the terror unfold and everyone streaming the hunt within the app, he realises he has to do something.

But how do you stop a murder, when everyone could be the killer? Buy Links

I have always loved scary stories, especially ones that shocked me, left me terrified, looking under my bed or in the wardrobe before going to sleep.

There was just a fantastic buzz whenever I watched or read something that took my breathe away.

I remember going to my nan’s house in Ireland as a youngster with my mother and sister, on the West Coast, staying in a cottage, surrounded by miles of fields and my family sitting around the table in the kitchen at night telling ghost stories. Going out and exploring derelict farmhouses in the middle of nowhere. I remember clearly the field at the end of the road was supposed to be haunted by headless nuns. My cousins often remind me of the great times we had, frightening each other and running for our lives whenever we’d see something that didn’t look right.

This is why I love nothing more than to tell a story.

I’m so grateful when people not only read my thrillers but also take the time to get in touch and leave a review. To me, that is the greatest feeling, hearing from people that have enjoyed my work. I know then that I’m doing something right.

I’m 49, married and have two beautiful children. Currently, I’m a full-time plumber but would love nothing more than to make a living from my writing. I hope I write stories and people continue to enjoy them for years to come. That would be completely amazing and a dream come true.

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My thoughts: this was super creepy. An app that essentially forces you into a terrible situation – murder a stranger or have a loved one murdered in front of you. All for the enjoyment of a sadistic millionaire and his equally disturbed minions. Oh, and if you do kill someone, streamed live, you get a chunk of money. But you probably lose your humanity. What a lovely choice.

Marty won’t play along, even when his beloved daughter becomes a target. He’s a genuinely good person and tries to stop the madness by warning potential victims and saving his family from the machinations of a madman.

His family are strong, and even his aggravating mother-in-law (there are more things in life than tv) comes along as the family attempt to stop the madness.

Heartstopping and tense, I cheered for Marty and co as they outran and then out thought the sinister figure behind the app and put a stop to it. Or did they?

Click the image for more of the tour

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

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Blog Tour: Three’s a Crowd – S.R. Booker

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What happens when an estranged father and son unwittingly fall in love with the same woman?

Out-of-work actor Harriet is recuperating from a crash-and-burn affair with Damian – aka ‘Cockweasel’ – and making ends meet as a barista when she meets two rather lovely men. Tom is a regular at the café, and seems like such a nice guy. Smooth-talking DJ Richard is older, but in great shape – a real silver fox.
 
Deciding to take a chance on both of them, Harriet doesn’t realise at first that she is actually dating father and son. Tom and Richard aren’t on speaking terms, and don’t share a last name – so how was she to know? By the time everyone finds out, both Tom and Richard are truly madly deeply in love with Harriet, and she’s faced with an impossible choice.
 
But as the battle for her affections intensifies, ‘Cockweasel’ makes an unexpected reappearance and begs her to give him another chance…

My thoughts: this was a really fun romp of a rom com. Harriet’s a fantastic character, riddled with self doubt and living with the grim reality of Pure OCD, which manifests as intrusive thoughts, often graphic, at the very worst moments.

But she’s also lots of fun, enthusiastic and attractive to both Tom and Richard, and sadly Damien the Cockweasle. Tom and Richard are both very different, despite their being father and son. They don’t even share a last name anymore. And are barely on speaking terms. They really need to sit down and have a proper heart to heart about a few things.

Enter ‘Gorgeous’ George – Richard’s dad, Tom’s grandad, lifelong cad and small time con man. Who throws spanners into the works casually and without much care. The three get caught up in the caper and find their relationships need a little re-evaluation.

Funny, sweet, clever and hugely entertaining. Definitely one for this winter’s cold and miserable weather, curl up and get cosy, then let this book keep you entertained.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

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Blog Tour: The Cursed Heir – Heather Atkinson

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Edinburgh 1896. At Alardyce House, the family are gathered to celebrate the engagement of the heir to the estate, Robert, to his childhood sweetheart. But what should be a precious memory for his
mother Amy, is marred by darkness. For Robert’s biological father was a demon and a criminal, and now Robert is coming-of-age, disturbing reports are beginning to emerge about his behaviour.
Amy is torn between her love and loyalty to her son, her hope that she can save his soul, and her growing sense of dread that the streets of Edinburgh aren’t safe when Robert is in town. Meanwhile the increasing distance between Robert and his stepfather Henry threatens the peace of her loving marriage.
The Alardyce family is riven by secrets and scandal, but will this most cursed heir of all, be the one to ruin their reputation forever, or can the power of a mother’s love save them all?
If you love Emily Organ, Kate Saunders and Ann Granger, you’ll love The Cursed Heir. Discover bestselling author Heather Atkinson and you’ll never look back…
Please note this book was previously published as Corruption of the Son.
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Heather Atkinson is the author of over fifty books – predominantly in the crime fiction genre.
Although Lancashire born and bred she now lives with her family, including twin teenage daughters, on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. Her gangland series for Boldwood, set on the fictional Gallowburn estate in Glasgow begins with the title Blood Brothers.

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My thoughts: terrified her son has inherited the dark traits of his biological father Matthew and her cousin Edward, both rapists and murderers, Amy Alardyce and her husband Sir Henry will do anything to stop Robert from marrying sweet, innocent Jane, and keep him from harming any more maidservants. But nothing seems to be able to stop Robert from his path.

Amy is haunted by her past (The Lost Girls of Alardyce House, currently 99p for the ebook, tells her story) and especially by the terrible Matthew. Henry is desperate to save his wife and stepson from the past that threatens to destroy the family they’ve built.

Robert is a repulsive creature, beating servants, raping women and carousing and whoring with his friends. Violence flows through him. Jane, completely unaware of who he really is and refusing to hear her family’s concerns, is basically an idiot. Nothing penetrates her romantic imaginings and since Robert is sweetness and light to her, she never will.

The lengths his parents go to to stop him are extreme – from sending him to stern Uncle Abel and hiring his own huge minder, to cutting him off. But he just won’t listen. Which culminates in a chase to Gretna Green – where you can still elope to and get married over an old anvil (I saw it on a travel show!).

Poor deluded Jane has a terrible time ahead of her if Amy and Esther’s experiences are anything to go by. Amy and Henry can do nothing more. And Robert’s super creepy pal Andrew is still loitering around too. I can’t imagine the horrors those two will get up to in the next book.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

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Blog Tour: What We Never Say – Paulette Stout

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SOMETIMES SECRETS ARE TOO BIG TO IGNORE.

After a lifetime of lacking confidence at work and in life, Rebecca has finally found her voice. Her blog for women is gaining traction, even getting noticed by the world’s top fashion magazine. When they request an article, Rebecca is beyond thrilled. So why is her boyfriend Kyle so concerned?

Kyle has a blank spot in his past he won’t share—not even with Rebecca. But his secret is blown when a powerful woman from Kyle’s fashion past, becomes desperate to get his attention. It’s attention he never wanted and has been trying to forget for eleven years.

As Kyle takes steps to heal, Rebecca’s article becomes a global sensation. Events force Kyle’s past and present to converge, putting Rebecca’s future at serious risk.

Kyle and Rebecca must now act to reclaim their lives before it’s too late.

With this bold novel, Paulette Stout delivers a deeply personal story that proves the power we hold to reclaim our own lives. What We Never Say is yet another bingeable read from a rising Women’s Fiction author.

This book includes delicate subject matter.

My thoughts: this book certainly packs a punch, covering some big issues; abuse of power, sexual assault in men, women’s sexual issues, relationships, work, ethics (stealing someone else’s work product is not ok) and weddings.

But it’s done really well and at no point does it feel like you’re being hit over the head with a book labelled “issues”. Instead through Rebecca and Kyle you come to see and understand the things that they’re struggling with, past and present, the impact it has on them individually and as a couple and how they deal with it.

The heaviness of some of the sybject matter is dealt with a lightness of touch. And while nothing is shied away from, you don’t end up feeling uncomfortable. Rebecca and Kyle are likeable people, they feel like the sort of people you might know – outwardly successful and happy, but with hidden depths and troubles.

I enjoyed this book and felt it brought things to the surface empathetically and realistically. These things can and do happen – and there is little understanding or support for men who are sexually manipulated and abused, and very rarely repercussions (much as with women who are victims of similar behaviour by men). The power imbalance is often too great.

The other issues are equally well handled and while some characters come out of this well, others do not (deservedly so). A clever and clearly well researched and developed set of characters and plots. Very interesting and thought provoking.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

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Blog Tour: Arianne the Mistress – Wendy L. Anderson

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ArianneTheMistress copy

Check out the exciting next installment in The Legends of Everclearing series by Wendy L. Anderson, Arianne the Mistress!

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Arianne the Mistress (The Legends of Everclearing #2)

Publication: September 14th, 2022

Genre: Fantasy/ Epic Fantasy

Arianne will stop at nothing to escape life as a prostitute, even committing murder.

She’s not just the mistress running a brothel, but a temptress and an alchemist. Arianne creates an addictive elixir that can bring pleasure or death.

Lord Torrent, her regular client, has secrets of his own, and once forced to reveal what is best left unknown, he has to leave her. Arianne quickly learns not everything is revealed and the truth is not always as it seems.

Running from the life she hates; Arianne avoids prosecution for her crimes and travels far across the sea to find forgiveness for breaking his trust and spurning his love. There were rules she broke, battles she lost, and triumph in surrender.

Blind hope drives Arianne to find out the truth as she faces the uncertainty of love while he faces a never-ending war. How far will she go to assuage a broken heart? As far as the legendary land of Everclearing?

Arianne the Mistress, book two in the Legends of Everclearing fantasy romance series. If you like heart-stuttering adventure, intriguing characters, and a fantasy world full of wonder and mystery then you will love this next journey in the Legends of Everclearing.

Find out if trust can be regained, love revived, and redemption won.

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Excerpt

Tonight, she was going to break the rules! Maybe not all the rules, but surely some of them. Well…maybe all of them. Some or all, it was a risk she was willing to take.

During the years Arianne had lived at the Maiden’s Bower brothel, she never had a client like him before. When he appeared the first time, he made his demands and made his rules. Why he always chose her and not one of the other girls to perform this service was a mystery. From the very first, he commanded that she follow certain rules of engagement. Yes, her life was just like a war. There were rules, battles, and surrender.

Her husband was the proprietor of the Maiden’s Bower. Arianne had been a young girl when they married. Marriage only meant that she no longer had to earn food and shelter on her back. Except for this one client who had requirements that, until now, she had willingly obeyed.

The story of her life was not a new one. When she was very young, her unwed mother sold her to the brothel’s owner, and she never knew her father. Arianne did not differ much from the other girls who lived and worked as prostitutes at the Maiden’s Bower. When she came of age she was put to work as one of them. One lesson she learned from a very young age was to trust no one!

Her husband was a louse whom Arianne only referred to as, ‘the Bastard’ and not by his given name which she deliberately forgot. He took a fancy to her. The Bastard taught her to read and write and developed an appreciation for her head for numbers and her skill with potions. Eventually, he forced her into marriage, though he was at least twenty years older than her. At the time, Arianne realized that there were advantages to the union. One of them was that she could help run the brothel and stop earning her living satisfying the customers.

Then, just when her desperation to escape was the strongest, Lord Torrent appeared. Tonight, Arianne was expecting him once again.

Available on Amazon

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Killian the Assassin (The Legends of Everclearing #1)

Publication Date: March 30, 2022

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Assassin, thief, arrogant rogue…

Pagan drumming in Killian’s veins would never let his sword fail or his heart stop thirsting for blood. It felt as if the old gods gathered around him, waiting for blood to spill.

Killian the Assassin has been hired to guard the daughter of a wealthy Lord. Blackmailed into going on a perilous journey over treacherous seas, and among violent mountains, he faces danger and demons. Fighting the bloodlust that always follows him, Killian discovers a lonely, innocent girl who did not betray but has been betrayed. She deserves love and protection, but is he the one to give her what she needs?

Tainted by the need for salvation, driven by sword lust, darkness follows them as together they become the first in the Legends of Everclearing.

Killian the Assassin! He’ll double-cross you, bed your wife, and steal your gold, all with a smile.

Amazon

About the Author

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Wendy L. Anderson is a Colorado native and mother of two boys. She has an English Degree from Regis University and writes books, short stories and poetry. Wendy is a devout reader of the classics, fantasy, sci-fi and historical fiction. She has decided it is time to write down the fantasies from her own mind. Writing about everything from fantastical worlds to the stuff of her dreams she takes her stories along interesting paths while portraying characters and worlds she sees in her mind’s eye. Her goal is to deviate from common themes, write in original directions and transport her reader to the worlds of her creation.

Wendy L. Anderson | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

My thoughts: I liked Arianne, forced into a life she doesn’t enjoy, she escapes and tries to build a better one but she isn’t safe from her past or enemies. Using her skills as an alchemist and seductress, she attempts to find a new life free from the past and the brothel.

She’s married to a horrible man, yes he taught her to read and write but he also pimps her out in his brothel. Forced into marriage, another form of prison for her, she’s miserable and frustrated. Quite rightly she’s determined to get away from him. She’s clever, resourceful and her determination sees her through many struggles, and leads to something better.

This series is a lot of fun and enjoyable, I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes next.

Book Tour Schedule

October 24th

R&R Book Tours (Kick-Off) http://rrbooktours.com

The Faerie Review (Spotlight) http://www.thefaeriereview.com

Cocktails & Fairytales (Spotlight) https://www.facebook.com/CocktailsFairytales

Bunny’s Reviews (Review) https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/

October 25th

Books Blog (Spotlight) www.booksblog.co.uk

@caffeinatedbibliophilia (Review) https://www.instagram.com/caffeinatedbibliophilia

@gryffindorbookishnerd (Review) https://www.instagram.com/gryffindorbookishnerd/

October 26th

I Love Books & Stuff (Spotlight) https://ilovebooksandstuffblog.wordpress.com

@better_0ff_read (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/better_0ff_read/

@booksintheirnaturalhabitat (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/booksintheirnaturalhabitat/

October 27th

Latisha’s Low-Key Life (Spotlight) https://latishaslowkeylife.com/

@latishaslowkeylife – https://www.instagram.com/latishaslowkeylife

@accio_mischief (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/accio_mischief/

Rambling Mads (Review) http://ramblingmads.com

October 28th

Sophril Reads (Review) http://sophrilreads.wordpress.com

Reads & Reels (Spotlight) http://readsandreels.com

@calmstitchread (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/calmstitchread/

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Blog Tour: Snowed in for Christmas – Sarah Morgan

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She’s snowed in with the family. The only problem? They’re not her family.

A family gathering
This Christmas the Miller siblings have one goal – to avoid their family’s well-meaning questions. Ross, Alice and Clemmie have secrets that they don’t intend to share, and they are relying on each other to deflect attention.

An uninvited guest
Lucy Clarke is facing a Christmas alone, and the prospect of losing her job – unless she can win a major piece of business from Ross Miller. She’ll deliver her proposal to his family home in the Scottish Highlands and then leave. After all, she wouldn’t want to intrude on the Miller’s perfect family Christmas.

A Christmas to remember
When Lucy appears on the Miller’s snow-covered doorstep, she is mistaken for Ross’s girlfriend. But by the time the confusion is cleared up, a storm has hit and Lucy is stuck. As everyone settles in for a snowed-in Christmas, tensions bubble to the surface and suddenly Lucy finds herself facing a big family fallout with a family that isn’t hers…

My thoughts: it’s time once more for the classic Sarah Morgan Christmas romance. And this time we’re in the Scottish Highlands with the Miller family and Lucy – a PR exec with a plan to save her boss and the company. But a few feet of snow means a change of plans.

The Millers are warm and welcoming, and meddling (I see you Nana Jean with your old lady schemes) and won’t let Lucy leave without some serious festive cheer. And will the Miller siblings find love in the snow?

These books are always a cheer, every family in them is delightful and they’re always very jolly – perfect in fact to read during Christmas.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

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Blog Tour: A Study in Survival – W.H. Lockwood

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Welcome the book tour for the second installment in the Endymion College trilogy, A Study in Survival by W.H. Lockwood!

ebook-1600x2400-book2

A Study in Survival (Endymion College #2)

Expected Publication Date: October 27th 2022

Genre: Cozy Horror Romance/ Dark Academia

She survived the spirit. She survived the demon. She survived term one.

Winter at Endymion College should mean only good things for Anna James: books, best friends, and studying Gothic Literature under the most handsome professor Anna has ever laid eyes on. Unfortunately, just as she prepares to relax and enjoy her very hard-earned place at this coveted university, an impossibly dashing stranger arrives to turn everything upside down.

Suddenly, Anna finds herself caught in a life-or-death struggle against a fiendish new supernatural assailant, and with explosive revelations and closely held secrets forced out into the open, a tragic history comes back to haunt Anna and her friends.

Knife skills and friendships will be put to the test as enemies, both human and paranormal, work to destroy everything Anna has fought to build.

Can Anna get to the bottom of her haunted apartment mystery and resist the eerily familiar charms of a gorgeous new interloper, all while trying to keep herself and her friends alive? Or will she and those she holds dearest be torn apart by a new kind of evil?

Equally as gothic, just as romantic, even more dangerous, packed full of ghost stuff and demon stuff, Endymion College 2: A Study in Survival is the inappropriately-amusing, cosy-horror sequel you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to enrol.

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About the Author

Author

W.H. Lockwood writes feminist gothic and historical fiction, dark academia and cosy horror, all with a romantic twist.

Raised on a diet of Point books and Pepsi, only willing to leave her den to attend chess club at public school, W.H. Lockwood started writing at a young age and has kept this passion throughout her life.

Always a voracious reader, she obtained an undergraduate degree in literary studies from a gorgeous sandstone university, following that with a master’s degree in publishing and editing, then another master’s degree in astronomy, thus uniting her two great loves of the arts and science, leaving her utterly unqualified to cope with the real world.

These days, W.H. Lockwood works as a professional editor and can often be found aimlessly wandering through the coffee shops and bookstores of the beautiful city she calls home.

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My thoughts: we’re back at Endymion College for a second term, and while Anna is getting to grips with her relationship with Eve and her insane jealousy, making a new friend in Percy and reading a lot of books (oh I remember that from my undergrad days, so many books!) new danger is coming, because of course it is.

Dark, funny, clever and entertaining. I think I actually liked this even more than book 1 as the characters are more rounded and bedded in. They know themselves and each other a bit better but when new horrors show up, Anna needs to depend on her wits and the skills she picked up last time to survive. I think I would have transferred schools by now!

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Blog Tour: Red as Blood – Lilja Sigurđardóttir, translated by Quentin Bates

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When entrepreneur Flosi arrives home for dinner one night, he discovers that his house has been ransacked, and his wife Gudrun missing. A letter on the kitchen table confirms that she has been kidnapped. If Flosi doesn’t agree to pay an enormous ransom, Gudrun will be killed. Forbidden from contracting the police, he gets in touch with Áróra, who specialises in finding hidden assets, and she, alongside her detective friend Daniel, try to get to the bottom of the case without anyone catching on.

Meanwhile, Áróra and Daniel continue the puzzling, devastating search for Áróra’s sister Ísafold, who disappeared without trace. As fog descends, in a cold and rainy Icelandic autumn, the investigation becomes increasingly dangerous, and confusing.

Chilling, twisty and unbearably tense, Red as Blood is the second instalment in the riveting, addictive An Áróra Investigation series, and everything is at stake…

Icelandic crime-writer Lilja Sigurdardóttir was born in the town of Akranes in 1972 and raised in Mexico, Sweden, Spain and Iceland. An awardwinning playwright, Lilja has written four crime novels, with Snare, the first in a new series and Lilja’s English debut shortlisting for the CWA International Dagger and hitting bestseller lists worldwide. Trap soon followed suit, with the third in the trilogy Cage winning the Best Icelandic Crime Novel of the Year, and was a Guardian Book of the Year. Lilja’s standalone Betrayal, was shortlisted for the Glass Key Award for Best Nordic Crime Novel. In 2021, Cold as Hell, the first in the An Áróra Investigation series was published, with Red as Blood to follow in 2022. The film rights have been bought by Palomar Pictures in California. Lilja is also an award-winning screenwriter in her native Iceland. She lives in Reykjavík with her partner.

My thoughts: this was very good, much like my favourite Russian dolls, this was plot within plot. The kidnapping, Flosi’s dodgy financial arrangements, the family’s complex relationships, all neatly stacked inside one another as Daniel and Áróra dig into Flosi and Gudrun’s lives and business, more things start coming to light and it gets scary.

And then there’s Daniel and Áróra and their tangled personal relationship. He wants her but she wants him to find her sister more. Throw in an extravagant drag queen who believes in the little folk, Helena’s system and you have a complicated, messy world that this case makes more so by throwing people together in new and not entirely happy ways.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.

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Blog Tour: Picture Perfect – Jeevani Charika

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Niro is a photographer who’s lost the joy of taking photos. Burned by a bad break-up, she’s in desperate need of inspiration.

Vimal is determined to win back his ex-girlfriend. When he hears she’s bringing her new boyfriend on a group holiday, he impulsively declares that he’s bringing a plus one too.

Their mutual friends have the perfect solution: Niro can pretend to be Vimal’s new girlfriend and join the holiday. Imagine the incredible photographs she could take in the Swiss alps…

She’s not thinking about love. He’s thinking about someone else. Can they fake a picture-perfect relationship – or will real feelings get in the way?

My thoughts: this was a fun and uplifting rom com set in a fancy lodge in the Swiss Alps. Vimal and Niro are thrown together by an interfering auntie (both are Sri Lankan, and like Asian aunties everywhere, they love to interfere). But Niro might just be able to help Vimal out with his ex-girlfriend, who’s also going to be on this trip.

There’s lots of romantic tropes to spot, and the characters are aware of them from rom-com movie nights. From the strangers to lovers, sharing a bed (awkward) and more!

There’s also some important messages about colourism, racism and privilege too, hidden in amongst the fun in the snow. It’s well done and subtle, but the author’s notes at the end remind you of their importance.

Niro needs to get her confidence back and Vimal needs to see he can move on from a relationship going nowhere. Both of them need a friend, and thankfully they’ve got each other and more in common than they thought.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.