BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR: Dead Air - Freddie Pickard

BEING ON AIR CAN BE MURDER!

When a well know DJ is murdered at the radio station’s annual party there’s no shortage of suspects. Could it be his egotistical boss? Was it his fame obsessed co-presenter or their producer? Or had he crossed someone in his past who was now getting even?

For newly promoted DCI Joel Jennings and his team it feels like everyone has a motive and the race to catch the killer is on. When a second body is discovered the question is… do they have a serial killer on their hands?

With dead DJs, exploding sports cars and a drug dealer in a hole, Dead Air is a fun, easy to read irreverent murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. 

What did I think?

What a cracking start to a new series! I absolutely loved Dead Air and had to double check that it is Freddie Pickard's debut novel as it is simply outstanding.  It's virtually impossible to put Dead Air down once you pick it up and I didn't want it to finish so I can't wait to read more in the DCI Joel Jennings series.

I'm not sure I've read a book set in a radio station before so it was a very unusual setting and there were many suspects to keep me on my toes.  As with most stars, they have several different personas and Bobby Sligo might be a much loved radio show host but he's a nightmare to work with.  Even when he's found dead, nobody has a good word to say about him.

What a tricky case for DCI Joel Jennings and his team.  Any number of people had motive to kill Bobby but the second victim has them scratching their heads.  I didn't have a clue 'whodunnit' and to be honest, I didn't really try too hard to work it out as I was just thoroughly enjoying the story.

A magnificent debut novel and a very impressive murder mystery, Dead Air is a thrilling start to a new series and Freddie Pickard can consider me hooked.  Absolutely fantastic and very highly recommended.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the LBT bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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The Women Are Not Fine: The Dark History of a Poisonous Sisterhood - Hope Reese

Abusive husbands. Desperate women. Poisonous solutions.

At the turn of the 20th century, the women of Nagyrév, Hungary, were in trouble. Their stories were hauntingly similar: husbands who drank, who beat them, who made their lives unbearable.

The village midwife - their confidante - offered an answer: arsenic. Soon, women began slipping poison into their husbands' brandy, porridge, and stews. Over the next twenty years, the quiet village became the epicentre of one of the deadliest series of poisonings in modern history.

In The Women Are Not Fine, journalist Hope Reese pieces together archival newspapers, court documents, police records and more to uncover the truth behind this extraordinary case. Her findings serve as a stark warning: when women are pushed to the brink, the consequences can reverberate through history.

What did I think?

The Women Are Not Fine is the true story of a number of women from a small village in Hungary who fought back in the deadliest way.   I had never heard of this famous case, a case I'm sure the patriarchy don't want us to know about in case we get ideas, so it was a complete eye-opener for me.

Hope Reese gathers all of the evidence in one concise and informative account of what really happened.  It is very well written and easy to follow, despite a lot of the names being very similar, as each woman's story is the same: in fear for their lives, they must either kill or be killed. 

Whilst the abusive husbands are naturally painted in a bad light, there are heartbreaking reasons for their actions and unfortunately history never seems to learn from this.  It's interesting that the village midwife is at the heart of the scandal and if it was an earlier period of history she would have been branded as a witch.  Whether she was a witch or a saviour, the relief for the abused women was short-lived as the consequences of their actions catch up with them.

I loved poring over the documents and photographs that are included in the book; it really brings the true story to life and reminds us that these were real women and these poisonings actually happened.  I'm so pleased that Hope Reese has written the book as it's a story that shouldn't be forgotten and I only wish that we could learn from our mistakes when it comes to mental health and domestic abuse.

Fascinating, informative and poignant, The Women Are Not Fine is a moving and thought-provoking account of the Angel Makers of Nagyrév.  Are they criminals or victims?  Read the book and decide for yourself.

I received a gifted paperback from the author and publisher and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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REVIEW TOUR: The Shattered Radiant - Luca Ottonello

The Shattered Radiant is the first in a series of fantasy books that follows an irreverent archaeologist by the name of Artemis Stark, an adventurer who comes into possession of a mysterious artefact that is linked to the spirit of a girl from ancient Palmyra, who can only inhabit animals.

Choosing to accompany Artemis by possessing a cat, together they unwillingly end up in a race against time to search for a series of powerful stones, each granting abilities Artemis struggles to control. The situation turns deadly when a mysterious antagonist arrives at the museum where Artemis works and murders the director using one of the stones.

Their epic journey takes them across the Americas, Europe, and Africa and even through time to the 1700s. As the story unfolds, the stones are revealed to be part of an ancient prophecy tied to advanced technology from a previous version of Earth, connected to a mysterious device called the Radiant. This discovery uncovers a far greater threat: an alien race that was nearly wiped out by humanity billions of years ago and is now heading their way.

 

What did I think?

I was drawn to The Shattered Radiant as I enjoy archaeology as a subject and the promise of a possessed cat sealed the deal.  Luca Ottonello's debut novel, and the first book in The Shattered Saga, certainly delivered on both counts.

It's like a cross between Indiana Jones and The Mummy as we follow the adventure of treasure hunter/archaeologist Artemis Stark and Bandit the cat who is possessed by a spirit.  It's a little bonkers at times but it's constantly entertaining with a lot of adventure and the appearance of some unexpected characters from science and history.

It's very entertaining and although some threads of the story are incomplete (with it being the first book in the series) it was still a satisfying conclusion.  I am invested in Artemis' story and can't wait to find out what happens next.

Imaginative, amusing and enjoyable, The Shattered Radiant is a fun and eventful adventure that will appeal to fans of Indiana Jones and it's well worth a read.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the Literally PR Online Book Review Tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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READALONG: Tam's Tale - Michael Findlay

Tam grows up in a remote rural village, dreaming of escape across swamps, forests, and mountain passes to reach the famed city of Colonia. When he finally sets out, his adventure yields more than he bargained for: a mysterious golden eye, a treacherous sea serpent, and an encounter with a young woman of royal blood living rough in a mountain hideaway. She is Queen Kristina — determined, dispossessed, and fighting to reclaim a throne seized by a savage tyrant. What begins as an unlikely alliance becomes a dangerous quest to overthrow a ruler who has turned justice into a distant memory — and to fulfill a prophecy neither of them fully understands.

Tam's Tale sits proudly in the tradition of classic heroic fantasy.

 

What did I think?

Tam's Tale is a fantasy adventure story that is aimed at readers aged 8 and over.  Michael Findlay has created an eventful journey for the main character of Tam and the illustrations by Lon Eric Craven are exquisite.

There's a fabulous map and a very useful cast of characters at the start of the book and there's a glossary at the back to help with some of the Scottish words with which some readers may be unfamiliar.  There are a lot of characters so I found that I often referred to the character list to remind me who was who.

Although I don't have children, the writing seems quite advanced for young readers and the story feels more aimed at adult readers to me.  It's an entertaining adventure story but I couldn't really get into a good reading rhythm with it, I think perhaps due to the number of characters so younger readers will probably fare better than me with my old and pickled brain.

The hardback edition is stunning and it has the look and feel of a classic tale so it's one to consider adding to your bookshelf.

I received a gifted hardback for the Love Books Tours readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR: Fifteen Minutes - Amanda Prowse

‘One last touch, one last word, one last I love you…’ Fifteen Minutes – the new novella from Amanda Prowse that will take you on the wildest emotional adventure.

It gets us all in the end, time.

What if I told you that time was not as unyielding as you might have believed? What if I told you it was in fact a fluid, bendable thing and that there are gaps in it, if you know where to look.

Interested? You should be.

What if I told you that the makers of time made a small error, an oversight if you will that allows us to give time back.

Fifteen minutes to be precise - gifted to the most deserving, where they get to spend precious time with someone they have lost.

A chance to right a wrong, ask that burning question or maybe just be held, one last time…

I guess the question is, who would you choose or more importantly when?

 

What did I think?

Amanda Prowse never fails to make me cry with her incredibly emotional novels and if I thought I was getting away with it by reading a novella, I was sorely mistaken.  Fifteen Minutes is packed with emotion and these beautiful stories of loss and grief are both poignant and uplifting.

It's such a lovely idea to be given the gift of a precious 15 minutes with a lost love one.  This is a gift that Chen gives to six unforgettable characters and I felt very honoured to share the experience with them.

Every single story gave me a lump in my throat and at least half of them made me cry.  I'm even getting a little tear in my eye just thinking about them now.  It's very thought-provoking and powerful as it made me think about all of the little moments that pass us by and, as we can't all meet Chen, you never know when you might get the chance to say 'I love you' again.

It's impossible to read Fifteen Minutes without considering with whom you would choose to spend a final 15 minutes, if you were given the chance, but it also reminds us to cherish the time we do have with our loved ones.  A very highly recommended read and an easy five stars for an unmissable and emotional Amanda Prowse novella.

I received a gifted paperback for the Love Books Tours bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: The Boy in the Photo - Hilly Barmby

This unbelievably twisty read will have you glued to the pages late into the night. Anyone who loves Freida McFadden and Gillian Flynn won’t be able to put down The Boy in the Photo!

Kaz Emmerson, brother Mark and sister Livy are devastated after the death of their parents in a car crash. Surely it was just a terrible accident, wasn’t it?

After the funeral, the three try to rebuild their lives as best they can. Livy turns her focus on her husband and young son. Mark immerses himself in work and rebuilding his social life. Kaz escapes the pain with bestie Elise, taking off to Spain for a couple of weeks for sun, sand and sangria.

While on holiday, Kaz and Elise chance upon the mysterious and handsome Ryan. They both like him. As it turns out, he lives rather close to home and when they return to the UK they meet up. But who will he pick?

The three siblings gather with their family lawyer who leaves them with a deep sense of unease. What is he not telling them? Curious, Kaz ploughs into the family paperwork stored in the attic of their parents’ grand country home. After a shocking discovery, she is embroiled in a family mystery that threatens to unravel everything. Who exactly is the boy in the photo with their father? Why is there a man sneaking around their garden taking photos? When more horrifying things happen, who can they trust? Is there someone who will stop at nothing to destroy them?

 

What did I think?

Hilly Barmby is one of the authors whose books I read without looking at the blurb as I know I will enjoy the book and The Boy in the Photo is no exception.  It is so mysterious and intriguing that I couldn't put it down until all the secrets had been revealed.

After a devastating car crash in which their parents lost their lives, the three Emmerson siblings are dealing with their grief in their own way.  Kaz is more of a main character and a holiday with her best friend is just what she needed, especially when a handsome man catches her eye.  Kaz isn't sure whether Ryan likes her or her friend Elise and I wasn't sure about him at all, but then I'm naturally suspicious in books, especially those written by Hilly Barmby,

The will should be straightforward as there are only the three siblings...aren't there?  This is where the mystery surrounding the boy in the photo comes in and it's a great hook.  I was very intrigued and had to put on my virtual running shoes so I could race through the book as fast as possible to the breathtaking conclusion.

There are so many twists and turns in the book but it's not confusing or difficult to keep track of.  It's tense, suspenseful and twisty, which are all the hallmarks of a cracking psychological thriller.  Highly recommended.

I received a gifted paperback for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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Hobeck Books

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When The Cranes Fly South - Lisa Ridzén (Author), Alice Menzies (Translator)

Bo is determined to live his own life in his own way. But his son has other ideas...

Bo lives a quiet existence in his small rural village in the north of Sweden. He is elderly and his days are punctuated by visits from his care team and his son. Fortunately, he still has his rich memories, phone calls with his best friend, and his beloved dog Sixten for company.

Only now his son is insisting the dog must be taken away. The very same son that Bo is wanting to mend his relationship with before his time is up. The threat of losing Sixten stirs up a whirlwind of emotions and makes Bo determined to resist and find his voice...

 

What did I think?

I wasn't sure what to expect from When The Cranes Fly South from its title and cover but what a beautiful, heartfelt and emotional story it is.  I was feeling quite proud of myself for not crying at the end but I hadn't gotten away with it that easily.  When I glanced at the front cover on closing the book and saw Bo's hand on Sixten's head my resolve wavered and the floodgates opened.

Bo lives a solitary life with just his dog and his memories for company in between visits from his carers and, less frequently, his son.  As the days pass, the reader is privy to flashbacks from Bo's life and updates from his care file and I really enjoyed finding out more about the young Bo and the eventful life he had.

Beautifully written by Lisa Ridzén and impeccably translated by Alice Menzies, if it didn't have a Scandi feel about it I think it would be virtually impossible to tell that it was originally written in Swedish.  It is filled with emotion and perceptive observations of the difficulties we may face in later life.  The famous phrase about getting old is very true: "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak" as we are all young at heart and it's frustrating when you can't do things you used to do.

Both devastatingly poignant and incredibly uplifting, When The Cranes Fly South is a book that works its way into your heart and refuses to leave but I consider it a great honour to carry a piece of Bo in my heart for the rest of my days.  An unforgettable and unmissable novel - an easy five stars.

I received a gifted paperback for the Insta Book Tours readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

BLOG TOUR: Then There's Trust (Blossoming of Truth book 3) - Susan Gray

A forbidden love…a relationship in jeopardy…a tested trust

Darcy Dukas is fearless and feisty – but can she be trusted? Left bereft after a personal disappointment, her vulnerable mindset causes her to seize an opportunity to pursue her dream career. When Marcel Duval arrives in Durham to establish his detective agency, she agrees to work with him. But is she prepared for the risks she will encounter? Risks for her safety…risks for her young marriage…and risks affecting her family’s trust?

In 1952 Josh Smallwood, Darcy’s brother, returns home after completing his national service. Trying to sort his future, he begins working on the family farm and befriends Judy, a young nurse. He is baffled to discover any liaison with her is forbidden by her family. This mystery fuels an intense, secret relationship…can they overcome obstacles to be together?

A shroud of guilt clings to Chantal Martin – will she ever be free from its taint? As an unmarried mother, her once tenacious trait seems to have deserted her. Striving towards the final hurdle, an unexpected decision and an untimely event threaten to blight her resilience…can her trust be rewarded?

Then There’s Trust is a gripping, emotional story of love, fidelity and trust set in 1950’s northeast England.

 

What did I think?

I discovered this wonderful series at book two, Hope on Hope, so I was very excited to catch up with the Smallwood family again in the third book, Then There's Trust.  Although it's part of a series I think you could read it as a standalone and still enjoy it, but when read as part of the series it is outstanding.  

There's a family tree at the start of the book, which is really useful even if you're already familiar with the characters but will be invaluable for any readers new to the series.  As it's a family story, there are a lot of characters but they are so well developed that it never gets confusing as I feel like I know each character personally.

As with real life, there are a lot of ups and downs in the book and some parts of the story had me laughing and at other times I was struggling to hold back my tears.  It just goes to show the strength of the author's talent to generate such an emotional response from the reader.

Filled with family drama, Then There's Trust is an emotional and heartfelt read that captivated me from start to finish.  I am missing the characters already but I have book one, Blossoming of Truth, on my Kindle so I hope to visit them again soon.  It's an easy five stars for this simply magnificent novel.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the author:

‘Never too old to follow your dreams’ has become Susan Gray’s mantra since beginning to write novels after celebrating a significant birthday. Susan endeavours to entwine the genres of mystery and romance and sets her books in the Twentieth Century. She lives with her husband in northeast England, setting her books in this picturesque area. She has a son and daughter, both married, two granddaughters and a grand dog. When not writing she loves to spend time reading, puzzling, walking and catching up with friends over a coffee. She enjoys travelling and tries to include many of the places she has visited in her books. Her plots are inspired by ‘life’ and how her characters navigate the waters. She loves to ‘people watch’ and creates her characters based on the many strangers she has observed. She has written eight novels, but only four are published so far. SPANISH HOUSE SECRETS was her debut novel. BLOSSOMING OF TRUTH, HOPE ON HOPE and THEN THERE’S TRUST are a series.

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Three Days Grace - Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato

Explore the complexities of love and loss through an LGBTQ+ lens in this emotionally layered novel about family, identity, and long-suppressed truths.

On the eve of their trip to South Africa, Lynne and her wife, Susan, await three guests in a Paris hotel: Nick, Lynne's distant son; Laslo, Susan's effusive friend; and Marc, a former professor living on borrowed glamour.

What begins as a bon voyage soon becomes a clash of old wounds and fresh resentments. As night falls, long-buried secrets surface, threatening to dismantle the facades each has built.

Through the winding corridors of Paris and the tangled landscapes of memory, five people must confront the truths they've spent decades avoiding. At the heart lies the tragic story of two brothers-one present, one absent-and the lingering trauma that continues to shape their lives.

Set over three days, this unflinching exploration of family, betrayal, and silence asks whether we can ever truly escape our past-and what it takes to finally face the truths we've spent a lifetime running from.

 

What did I think?

Three Days Grace is quite a short book with 200 pages and it may be small but it sure is mighty.  The turbulent emotions of the main character are still reverberating through me, long after turning the final page.

Nick is haunted by his past and as much as he might try to bury it, it all comes bursting to the surface during a dinner party with his mother and her wife.  Nick's past is a dark and disturbing subject but Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato writes with such sensitivity and eloquence that I didn't feel uncomfortable at all; I was just furious for Nick and the many others like him who have suffered in silence.

I had a lump in my throat as the story is gradually revealed and my heart was virtually aching when I learned what had happened to Nick's brother.  Your childhood should be the happiest time of your life, before you realise how bad the world can be, and I feel both sad and angry that this is often not the case for a lot of children.

Powerful, raw and poignant, Three Days Grace is an incredibly heart-wrenching and thought-provoking novel that evokes myriad emotions in the reader.  It's beautifully written but it is disturbing at times and could be distressing for sensitive readers.

I received a gifted paperback for the Love Books Tours readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Waterstones

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BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR: All In - Claire Powell

A marriage on the rocks. A family in disarray. A weekend in the sun at a luxury, all-inclusive hotel. What could possibly go wrong?

Jo and Dave haven't had a holiday in years. They've had other things on their plate: failed IVF, the death of Dave's mother, doing up the bathroom.

So when Dave’s flashy brother Teddy offers to fly in from Dubai and take them – along with his gorgeous young girlfriend and their curmudgeonly father – to a beachfront resort in the Med, the couple can hardly refuse.

But while romance might be on the cards for some, Jo and Dave soon find that tensions don't disappear in paradise. In fact, they might just get worse...

Set over the course of one scorching weekend, All In is a compulsively entertaining and bittersweet novel that asks: when life gets choppy, how does love stay afloat?

 

What did I think?

All In is a very addictive book and once I started reading I couldn't put it down.  I felt like I was spying on this family holiday as Claire Powell puts each character under the microscope.

The story is told in four parts and I loved the titles of each part that gave some indication of what was to come, although nothing is ever quite what it seems.  Part one is Fun Jo and Jo couldn't feel less like having fun.  She has it in her head that her marriage is over and Dave doesn't help matters by hiding things from her.

When Dave's brother Teddy invites the couple and their dad to go on holiday, sibling rivalry rears its ugly head and adds further tension to Jo and Dave's already strained marriage.  Teddy appears to have it all and Dave feels very inadequate in comparison but once again, appearances can be deceptive.

Claire Powell really knows how people tick and I loved reading each character's thoughts and feelings over the course of the holiday.  Humans are complex characters and this is very evident as you read this compelling novel.

Honest, raw and entertaining, All In is a very thought-provoking and powerful novel that makes me glad to be an only child.  It is perfectly described as bittersweet in the blurb as it's both witty and poignant.  I enjoyed it and think it's well worth a read.

I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the Novel Tours bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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BLOG TOUR: Love on Lake Como (Sublime Retreats Romances) - Joy Skye

A new life, an old secret, and one unforgettable Italian summer.

Falling for him wasn't part of the itinerary.

For Indie Summer, fleeing to Lake Como after walking away from her manipulative boyfriend feels like salvation.

With everything she owns crammed into a single suitcase, she heads to Italy to work a season at a luxurious villa with her twin sister, clinging to the hope that the picturesque lakeside escape might also bring her closer to their elusive father.

What she didn’t expect was that her curiosity about a reclusive actor’s villa would land her in hot water with his brooding bodyguard, Marco Rossi. Tall, dark and handsome, Marco is everything Indie should avoid, but she can't seem to stay away.

As sun-soaked days stretch into glittering nights, Indie navigates demanding guests, long-buried family secrets, and more than a few glasses of Pinot Grigio. But the biggest challenge of all might be learning to trust again, especially with a man who guards not only a celebrity, but his own heart.

Escape to the sublime in this heart-warming, slow-burn romance set against the dreamy backdrop of Italy’s most iconic vista.

 

What did I think?

Love on Lake Como is part of the Sublime Retreats Romances but don't worry if you haven't come across this series before as it has its own storyline and characters so it's actually intended to be read as a standalone.  It's my introduction to the series and I enjoyed it so much that I want to read all of the other books now.

I adored Indie Summers.  She has had her heart broken and her trust in men obliterated by her lying ex-boyfriend so she can't get far enough away from him.  Luckily, she knows just the place to escape to as her twin sister Rosie works in Italy and, even luckier, the villa on Lake Como needs a new concierge.

The love interest for Indie is introduced into the story in a very amusing way.  Marco is part of the security team at George Clooney's villa and he catches Indie having a sneaky peek through the gate.  It's a small village so they are destined to run into each other again but Indie has trust issues and Marco has secrets so it's very finely balanced whether they'll actually get together or not.

This is more than just a romance novel; it's a total emotional rollercoaster and I loved every single up, down and bend in the road.  I didn't expect to read it as quickly as I did as I don't read that fast on Kindle but I found that I was picking it up at every available opportunity to find out what was happening with Indie and Marco.

Completely heartwarming and incredibly compelling, Love on Lake Como is an absolute delight to read and the emotional ending is exquisite.  It's simply wonderful and I can't recommend it highly enough.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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Waterstones

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BLOG TOUR: A Nantucket Fling - Kathryn Freeman

Can a no-strings attached holiday fling really just stay casual?

Olivia is a fiercely independent woman climbing the ladder of corporate finance. But when her family demands she take time off to go to her niece’s bachelorette and wedding in Nantucket, she reluctantly agrees.

On the island, she catches the eye of Connor: a handsome, cocky, playboy type—also ten years her junior. Olivia’s sisters egg her on, encouraging a summer fling, but she’s more interested in catching up on her finance reading. Except…he’s funny and sexy, and doing her ego a world of good.

As their attraction steadily grows, Connor gets Olivia to relax her tightly held control and indulge in the fling she won’t admit she needs. But too soon, the holiday is over and they’re back home, living two very different lives.

And yet, neither can ignore the intense chemistry that didn’t go away after the summer. Are they just a Nantucket fling… or something much more? 

What did I think?

I don't think I will ever get tired of reading a Kathryn Freeman book and I loved my virtual trip to Nantucket in her latest romantic novel, A Nantucket Fling.

Olivia knows what she wants from life and it's to succeed in her career so she doesn't have time for romance and she has barely enough time for her family.  Olivia does book some holiday from her job in London to celebrate her niece's wedding in Nantucket and whilst she's on holiday there's no harm in having a fling.  

Oooh Connor is a bit of an enigma as it looks like he's young and fancy free but he has a completely different life back home in England.  The chemistry between Olivia and Connor virtually sizzles off the page and in an unusual twist at the end of the holiday it's Connor who wants more than just a fling with Olivia.  Olivia stands her ground though and puts her career before her personal happiness once again.  

Olivia's work/life balance is completely unbalanced and that’s a personal choice that she has made.  It must be something to do with jobs in finance as I was exactly the same back in my youth.  I'm glad Connor persisted, with a little help from Olivia's family, and helped to balance that scale back to where it should be.

Incredibly romantic and heartwarming, A Nantucket Fling is a fun and flirty romance that reminds us that, although careers are important, there really is more to life than work.  

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the author:

A former pharmacist, Kathryn now writes romantic comedies. Feel good books that are sexy and sweet, funny yet heart-warming. Mr Right Across the Street won the RNA Award for Romantic Comedy in 2022. 

With a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), the romance in her own life is all in her head. Then again, his unstinting support of her career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Social Media Links 

Twitter: @kathrynfreeman1

Facebook: facebook.com/kathrynfreeman

Instagram: kathryn.freeman_author

Website: http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk 

GIVEAWAY

Giveaway to Win a paperback copy of A Nantucket Fling (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Gleam box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR: Little Grey Cells (The Jessica Sinclair Mysteries Book 2) - Faye Brann

From Comedy Women in Print Prize winner Faye Brann, the gloriously twisty sequel to Kiss, Marry, Murder.

Jessica Sinclair is enjoying a blissfully uneventful summer.

No crime scenes.

No threatening notes.

No murder.

Just a celebratory dinner party for 12 in the picture-perfect Surrey enclave of Chitworth, where manicured lawns, designer kitchens and discreet security gates keep everything – and everyone – neatly in place.

When a dead body is discovered, it quickly becomes clear there is a killer amongst the guests. Celebrity scandal simmers beneath the surface and Jessica is faced with a choice: call in the authorities and risk another media frenzy or quietly investigate before gossip turns to headlines. With loyal sidekicks Darcy and Della by her side, she begins to untangle a web of rivalries, secrets and lies, exposing bruised egos, broken friendships… and several very good reasons for murder.

Witty, fast-paced and deliciously sharp, Little Grey Cells proves that even at the most civilised of dinners, revenge is a dish best served cold.

 

What did I think?

Having recently read the first book in the Jessica Sinclair Mysteries series, Kiss, Marry, Murder, I enjoyed catching up with Jessica, Darcy and Della again in the second book, Little Grey Cells.

I think you could read it as a standalone if you haven't read the first book but there are a lot of characters to get to grips with and I was pleased that I was already familiar with some of them.  I still got a little confused about who was who but that's just my fuzzy brain and not a criticism of the book.

The murder is very intriguing though and it's a bit of a locked room mystery as you know that one of the dinner guests must have done it.  As Jessica and her team start to investigate they find that a few of the guests had the motive for murder but it's not so clear which one had the opportunity to commit the crime.

There are some great additions to the story in the form of handwritten timelines and excerpts from the coroner's report that made me feel part of the investigation.  They did test my eyesight a bit though as they were written in a smaller font to the main prose.  Thank goodness there's an option to enlarge text on Kindle.

Mysterious, intriguing and captivating, Little Grey Cells is a great addition to this witty and fun murder mystery series and I can't wait to read more.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the Love Books Tours bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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