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Release date: March 2, 2017

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Blurb: 

Chocolate fudge, butterscotch and raspberry bonbons… treat yourself to some sugary treats, a big slice of friendship and a sprinkling of romance at The Beachside Sweet Shop.

When Marnie Appleton inherited a sweet shop from her grandfather she was determined to do his legacy proud. The shop has been a much-loved feature of the little seaside town of Shipley for years, but now Marnie needs to bring it up to date, and she’s recruited gorgeous new assistant Josh to help. 

Marnie gets busy redecorating the shop and choosing delicious new sweets to stock, but things are never that simple: new neighbour Isobel, a fame-hungry blogger, is on a crusade against sugar, and she’ll go to any lengths to secure bad publicity for Marnie’s shop. 

Marnie fights back with homemade sugar-free treats, but with her best friend Beth heavily pregnant, her grandmother Celia recovering from an operation, and her very recently ex-boyfriend Alex returning to Shipley with a new love, Marnie has a lot on her plate.

And then there’s Josh, with whom Marnie is struggling to keep her relationship strictly professional…Will both the sweet shop and love flourish? 

A deliciously heartwarming read about family, friends and handmade coconut ice. Perfect for fans of Cressida McLaughlin, Debbie Johnson, and Tilly Tennant.

Review: 

I’m so excited to be one of the stops on the blog tour for The Beachside Sweet Shop today! I’m sharing the day with Chelle’s Book Reviews so make sure you pop over there next. 

Isn’t this cover the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen?! It’s just lovely, and let me tell you the inside is even lovelier. I adored this book, it was an easy, breezy read with plenty of laugh out loud moments. Be forewarned though, if you have a sweet tooth this will make you send your husband out for some candy. Or so I hear…

Marnie was such a delight, she’s almost thirty and single having separated from her boyfriend a year ago when he moved to New York and she stayed home to take care of her grandma. Don’t actually call her a grandma though, she goes by Celia only and was she ever a riot! All of the characters in this one were a hoot, Marnie finds herself in hysterical situations quite often, and her best friend Beth is exactly the type of friend every girl wants. There’s also loads of other charming secondary characters but I have to make special mention of Josh, the new arrival to town who winds up working for Marnie. I don’t often develop a crush on a fictional character but this guy was absolutely swoon worthy, I may have fallen a little bit in love with him by the end. Every resident of Shipley brings something unique and appealing to the table and the town gossip, Doris Day made me howl with laughter as did newbie Isobel a yummy mummy and blogger. 

This book is special, a real breath of fresh air. The setting was quaint and charming, (it’s set in a seaside town in a candy shop, it doesn’t get more precious than that!) the writing was humorous and lighthearted, and the story itself was cute and endearing. It felt like I was on a mini vacation and one that I didn’t want to end. Luckily for me, the second book in the series is available next month! If you’re having a bad day and need a pick me up I promise that this one will make you laugh and leave you with a smile on your face. 

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to Bookouture for my review copy. 

About the Author: 

After giving up her job as a library assistant, Karen now writes full-time. She’s had over 300 stories published in women’s magazines in the UK and abroad, and has written three paranormal romantic comedies, published by Little, Brown/Corsair. When she’s not writing she reads avidly, walks dogs at her local rescue centre, and is eagerly awaiting the next season of The Walking Dead. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and three grown-up children.

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Release date: February 20, 2017

Publisher: Canelo 

Genre: Crime Thriller

Blurb: 

Saul Marshall is on the run.

As a wave of seemingly random assassinations engulfs California, Marshall finds himself drawn into a situation spiralling out of control.

He soon discovers some of the webs’ most secure protocols have been compromised by a rogue team of former Chinese agents. When Marshall realises what they plan, the stakes are raised…

And that’s before the Secretary of State gets involved. Can Marshall unravel the deceit and tricks before it’s too late? Can he stop the carnage, or will he become part of it? One thing is for certain: either way his enemies will never forget.

Review: 

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Never Forget. 

This is the second book in Davis’ Saul Marshall series and though I haven’t had a chance to read the first book, I had no problem jumping in at book two. Jump in is the right phrase because this one shoots straight into the action and never lets up. Saul Marshall is on the run and trying to maintain a low profile, that is until he witnesses a woman being kidnapped. He can’t just stand by and watch as that goes against everything he stands for, so against his better judgment he helps her. He has no idea what he’s getting himself involved in, he’s about to enter a world of cyber crime, terrorists, and political corruption. 

Ellen is the woman Saul helps and I liked their fast and furious connection and trust. Maybe a little unbelievably fast, but there were a few moments here where I had to suspend disbelief. I didn’t really mind this as it tends to happen in many action thrillers, I became lost in the story and didn’t allow implausibility to become a negative factor. Besides those two, there were some good secondary characters and the one I liked most was Saul’s friend, Vann. He’s a wisecracking jokester who brought some levity to this suspenseful read.

I think this series has great potential and will especially appeal to fans of politically charged thrillers with a high tech twist. The pacing was strong, and the writing style was solid, the only thing lacking for me was a bit more character development, I wanted that personal connection to the characters and it wasn’t quite there for me. 

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to Faye Rogers and the author for my review copy and invitation to join the tour. 

About the Author: 

Richard Davis graduated from University College London in 2011 and Cambridge University in 2012. The Saul Marshall series was born from Davis’s extensive travels around the United States and his long-standing obsession with thriller fiction. He lives in North London, UK, with his girlfriend.

Also, here’s some information about the first book in the series. 

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A psychotic terrorist has his son. He will do anything to save him

When a rogue cult turns deadly, the FBI call on former conman Agent Saul Marshall. FALSE PROPHET introduces a gripping new series from thriller writer Richard Davis
Marshall is soon drawn into a cat and mouse chase with the leader of the cult, Ivan Drexler. As the scale of Drexler’s terrorist ambition becomes ever clearer, news arrives that he has taken Marshall’s son hostage. Removed from the line of duty, he must work alone, off-grid.
As the attacks intensify, Saul will stop at nothing to defeat Drexler.
But the FBI are questioning Saul’s own part in the carnage. He must work fast to save both his country and his life. Can Saul stop the carnage before it’s too late? And can he save his son?
As wave after wave of attacks break, the clock is ticking for Saul.

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Release date: February 22, 2017

Publisher: Bookouture 

Genre: Psychological Thriller 

Blurb: 

‘I’m not safe – you have to help me…’

Little Lorna Bell is from a notorious family on a rundown estate. Everyone thinks she’s a nasty piece of work. The schoolchildren call her a thief. But Lorna’s hair is matted, her shoes pinch her feet and school teacher Claire Penny can’t help herself; some kids just need a bit more support, a bit more love, than the rest.

As the bond between teacher and pupil grows stronger, Claire sees Lorna’s bruises, and digs to uncover the disturbing tale behind them. Heartbroken, Claire knows she has to act. She must make Lorna safe. Just when Claire thinks she has protected Lorna, a chance encounter brings enigmatic stranger Marianne Cairns into their lives. Marianne seems generous and kind but there is something about her story that doesn’t quite add up. Why does she feel so at home, and why is Lorna suddenly so unsettled?

Claire has risked everything to save Lorna. But what can save Claire from the shocking truth?

Review: 

I’m delighted to welcome you to my stop on the blog tour for Bad Little Girl. I’m one of the final stops, the other is over at Sincerely Book Angels, but catch up on the previous stops! 

This wasn’t a typical psychological thriller (I mean that as a compliment) it went much deeper and darker than most psychological thrillers that I’ve read before. It had a calmer sense of intensity that may have even unsettled me more than a super fast paced read. 

This is a book that I would describe as slow burning, the first half is setting the stage for what’s ahead and Vick spends a lot of time developing the characters of Lorna and Claire. Lorna is just five years old when it begins and Claire is a teacher at her school. Lorna seems to be neglected and possibly abused, and Claire is the kind of woman and teacher that just can’t stand for that. Over the years, they develop a bond, maybe even the type that’s inappropriate, but Claire’s intentions are good. I’m not really going to be discussing the plot much further, but I found their relationship to be both fascinating and disturbing. 

Doubt was the overwhelming feeling I had while reading this, I doubted Lorna and questioned her intentions, I questioned Claire and her motivations, it was a highly unsettling read and one that left me feeling unsure, but that sort of feeling is exactly one of the reasons I love psychological thrillers so much. This read like a deep character study, it had intellectual depth and both Claire and Lorna were so well developed and multilayered. There was the always one big question in the back of my mind, are people born bad or good? Or does how we are raised a factor? I’m not sure I can answer that, but this book will definitely give you loads to ponder. 

Overall rating: 4/5

About the Author: 

The only child of parents who worked at a top security psychiatric hospital, Frances grew up receiving disquieting notes and presents from the patients. Expelled from school, she spent the next few years on the dole, augmenting her income by providing security and crewing for gigs, and being a guinea pig for medical trials. Later jobs included working in a theatre in Manhattan, teaching English in Japanese Junior High Schools, and being a life model in Italy, before coming back to London and working with homeless teenagers and refugees.
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Release date: January 25, 2017

Publisher: Bloodhound Books 

Genre: Crime Fiction 

Blurb: 

An explosive new crime thriller

The body on the mortuary slab wasn’t who Glasgow PI Charlie Cameron was looking for.

But it wasn’t a stranger.

Suddenly, a routine missing persons investigation becomes a fight for survival. As Charlie is dragged deeper into Glasgow’s underbelly he goes up against notorious gangster Jimmy Rafferty and discovers what fear really is.

Rafferty is so ruthless even his own sons are terrified of him.

Now he wants Charlie to find something. And Jimmy Rafferty always gets what he wants.

There is only one problem… Charlie doesn’t know where it is.

Review: 

Welcome to my stop on the Old Friends and New Enemies blog tour!

This is the second book in Mullen’s series featuring Charlie Cameron and I read the first one and really liked it, you can find my review here. Though you can read this as a standalone, I would encourage you to pick up the first book in the series as I really enjoyed the introduction to the characters and you’ll be missing out on some  important background information. 

Charlie has two cases going on at once, he’s hired in his role of a PI to search for Cecelia McNeil’s husband who went missing after their son committed suicide, then he goes to see if an un identified body is who he’s looking for and is shocked to discover it’s an old friend of his. Charlie has no idea how much danger this chance encounter will put him in and he struggles both personally and professionally as a result. 

This book had a darkly emotional feeling to it even more so than the first book as the case leads Charlie to have run ins with a local gangster family. He had such a personal connection to the case that it provided some really interesting insight into who he is now and who he was in the past. As his characterization delved deeper, so did that of the other players in the book. Pat is back as Charlie’s sidekick and he’s as charming and lovable as ever. Jackie who runs NYB, the bar where they all hang out and work is dating someone new (again) and Andrew the police officer who is also a friend of Charlie’s makes several appearances. 

The setting of Glasgow shined through beautifully once again and the dark humor that I loved in book one was back with a vengeance. I’m always really pleased when a series gets better with each book and it definitely happened here. The tension was more palpable, the storyline was grittier, and the stakes were higher as Charlie faced some serious betrayals. I’m really enjoying Mullen’s books and am very much looking forward to the third book to be released. 

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to Bloodhound Books for my review copy.

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Release date: February 1, 2017

Publisher: Aria Fiction 

Genre: Women’s Fiction 

Blurb: 

Two distant relatives, drawn together in companionship are forced to confront their pasts and learn that some people are good at keeping secrets and some secrets are never meant to be kept. A bittersweet story of love, loss and life. Perfect for the fans of Patricia Scanlon and Adele Parks. The beautiful old Bath House in Ballytokeep has lain empty and abandoned for decades. For devoted pensioners Archie and Iris, it holds too many conflicting memories of their adolescent dalliances and tragic consequences – sometimes it’s better to leave the past where it belongs.For highflying, top London divorce lawyer Kate Hunt, it’s a fresh start – maybe even her future. On a winter visit to see her estranged Aunt Iris she falls in love with the Bath House. Inspired, she moves to Ballytokeep leaving her past heartache 600 miles away – but can you ever escape your past or your destiny? Two distant relatives, drawn together in companionship are forced to confront their pasts and learn that some people are good at keeping secrets and some secrets are never meant to be kept. 

Review: 

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Secrets We Keep. I loved this bittersweet story of love, loss and family secrets!

This was an utterly gorgeous story about two women that need to face their demons and move on from past mistakes.  Speaking of gorgeous, that cover is stunning! Kate is a successful lawyer from London who decides to visit her aunt and uncle in the quaint and charming town of Ballytokeep. Iris is the aunt and she’s been married for over fifty years and runs a hotel with her husband. Both women had some painful moments in their past that they’re trying to recover from and both have been heartbroken in a tragic way. When Kate arrives in town she is immediately swept away by the vast beauty of the town, but mostly she’s enchanted by the old bathhouse and decides on a whim to renovate it and leave her old life behind. As these two estranged relatives begin to get to know each other, old secrets come to the surface and they discover that maybe secrets aren’t meant to be kept. 

This is told primarily from Kate and Iris’ point of view, Kate in the present day and Iris in both the past and in the 1950’s. Two men also narrate a few important chapters; Todd an aging rockstar who is a typical bad boy in the present day and Robert a charming young man in the past. I loved the back and forth, the chapters from the past gave this a historical feel and as I kept reading I was eager to see how past and present would collide. 

Both Kate and Iris were easy to like, you could easily imagine being friends with either of them. Iris is a loving wife to her husband Archie, she’s a natural caretaker and a has a doting personality. Kate is worn out from her high profile lifestyle and craves peace and her first chance at a real family connection. The setting was breathtaking, Hogan’s writing style conjured up rich and vivid images of a seemingly idyllic place. I know Ballytokeep is a fictional place, but that didn’t stop me from longing to visit the bathhouse! 

Family secrets never fail to hook me and there were many unexpected moments as these mysteries were revealed. Reading this was like a breath of fresh air, I was captivated by the story, the writing and the lovely characters. Hogan infused so much warmth into this book even during dark moments and I was both satisfied and sad when I finished, but only because this beautiful book was over. 

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the author and Aria Fiction for my review copy. 

About the Author: 

Faith Hogan was born in Ireland. She gained an Honours Degree in English Literature and Psychology from Dublin City University and a Postgraduate Degree from University College, Galway. She has worked as a fashion model, an event’s organiser and in the intellectual disability and mental health sector.

She was a winner in the 2014 Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair – an international competition for emerging writers.

Her debut novel, ‘My Husband’s Wives,’ is a contemporary women’s fiction novel set in Dublin. It was published by Aria, (Head of Zeus) in 2016. ‘Secrets We Keep,’ is her second novel out on Feb 1st 2017.  

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