Category: blogging

Pretty Evil
Zoe Rosi
Publication date: January 17th 2023
Genres: Adult, Thriller
You’ve done a bad thing. She has you in her sights. Now you’re going to pay.

Meet Camilla Black: an affluent, respected, influential fashion magazine editor, who lives it up in her beautiful Mayfair apartment. But Camilla’s glamorous life is a lie. Behind her poised exterior beats the cold dark heart of a vigilante killer, a murderer hell-bent on wreaking vengeance upon bad men.

Camilla expects to get away with murder. She’s careful. And anyway, it’s worth the risk. She’s making the world a better place with each predator she kills. But when one of her victims’ bodies is unexpectedly found, his gruesome death is splashed all over the papers.

To make matters worse, she’s now being pursued by Detective Wheelan, a new addition to the Met with laser-sharp focus and a worrying habit of solving impossible crimes…

She knows she should stop, but she can’t. Some men just deserve to die. Will Camilla’s insatiable appetite for justice be her downfall, or can she outsmart the police?

Revised edition: Previously published as Predator, this edition of Pretty Evil includes editorial revisions.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Blackwell’s

Author Bio:

Zoe Rosi has a background in journalism and copywriting. She worked as a reporter for local and national newspapers before moving into the fashion industry as a copywriter. Zoe had four romantic comedies published before writing her debut thriller. It was while working as a fashion copywriter that Zoe had the idea for Pretty Evil, which she describes as The Devil Wears Prada meets American Psycho.

Website / Twitter / Instagram

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Never Gonna Happen
Linda Kage
Publication date: November 8th 2022
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Peyton’s mom and my mom were best friends.

You’d think that should cover the gist of it. But, no… Oh, no.

Not even close.

You see, Mom and Aunt Donna (as I’d always called Peyton’s mother) were not simply just best friends; I’m saying they were the-same-person-inhabiting-two-different-bodies kind of best friends.

And thus, Peyton Royce had been forced on me since the moment she was born.

We were treated like twins, yet always expected to fall in love one day and get married. The only problem with that was I didn’t love Peyton. And I’m fairly certain she didn’t even like me in return.

Don’t get me wrong. I adored our moms—swear to God—but they had to let this stupid notion go, because one thing had become abundantly clear to me over the years. I would never marry Peyton Royce. I think it was my one goal in life, actually.

So… Sorry, Mom and Aunt Donna, but you two just weren’t going to get your way on this.

Peyton and I? It was never gonna happen.

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EXCERPT:

Aria took her turn next. When she immediately turned toward me and Peyton, my stomach dipped with dread.

“York,” she smirked snidely. “Truth or dare?”

“Uh…” Damn. I shrugged, not sure what would be worse from her. I ended up going with, “Truth,” only to hold my breath and hope she didn’t ask about why I’d really broken up with her. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings and admit that I just didn’t feel any sparks.

But she glanced calculatingly between me and Peyton instead, then asked, “You two have known each other your whole lives, right?”

I frowned in confusion. “Uh, yeah. That’s your question?”

“No. My question is if you two have ever kissed before.”

“What? No!” I frowned at her for wasting her truth question on that and then glanced toward Peyton, shaking my head to let her know my group of friends was clearly insane.

She merely blushed and shrugged back.

And Wes took his turn next in the game.

“York!” he cheered. “Truth or dare?”

“Seriously?” I threw up my hands. “Why is everyone picking on me all of the sudden?”

“Truth or dare?” Wes repeated, lifting a challenging eyebrow.

I didn’t like where Aria had been heading with her question about Peyton, so this time I said, “Dare.”

Wes looked at me with victory, letting me know I’d chosen wrong, right before he said, “I dare you to kiss Peyton.”

Author Bio:

Linda writes romance fiction from YA to adult, contemporary to fantasy. Most Kage stories lean more toward the lighter, sillier side with a couple meaningful moments thrown in. Focuses more on entertainment value and emotional impact.
Published since 2010. Went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children’s literature from The Institute of Children’s Literature. Then graduated with a Bachelors in Arts, English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.

Now she lives with hubby, two daughters, cat Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas, USA. Farm girl. Parents were dairy farmers. Was youngest of eight. Big family. Day job as a cataloging library assistant.

Harry Potter House Gryffindor, Patronus White Stallion, character match Hagrid. Supernatural Team Dean. Game of Thrones Team Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister. The Walking Dead Team Daryl. Outlander Team Jamie Fraser. Teen Wolf Team Stiles. Avenger Team Thor…or Hulk (can’t decide). Justice League Team Flash. Arrow Team Stephen Amell. Stranger Things obsessed. Heard Laurel, not Yanny.

Started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club. Then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now all over the place with her romance reading tastes.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Twitter / Instagram

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As The Secrets Turn
B. Truly
(My Darkest Secret, #3)
Publication date: January 17th 2023
Genres: Romance, Suspense, Young Adult

I am patient and kind. I do not envy or boast.
He is not proud or rude. He is not easily angered and always protects.
I am not self-seeking and he does not delight in evil.
We define the essence of Love.

In life’s beauty, there are also challenges as the world turns.
Justin and I have overcome a multitude of struggles, starting with his vindictive brother. When I fought for prosecution, I became a pawn in his brother’s game, but I prevailed.

The shockwaves of ridicule didn’t engulf us—they only made us stronger. The center point is knowing that what Justin and I share is real.
Over the last year, we’ve been in the calm of our life. The key to weathering through tremendous obstacles is to find a balance between the good and the terrible. I discover family who can never seem to be happy for you, and deceit that isn’t mine to share. A surge of turbulence is thrown in our path as we attempt to make it to the altar. Saying ‘I do’ may not be in our future. Is fate trying to show us that our love isn’t meant to be?

A family member disappears, and someone must know of her whereabouts. When it turns out the only person who has a clue is my daughter, it puts a horrific spin on the situation. How can my daughter be involved or know the things that she does?
As the tides rise to threaten us, our fate hangs in the balance. How our journey ends on the other side of the tempest, is yet to be told.

This novel can be read as a stand-alone.
Books 1 and 2 do not have to be read first.

As the deceit turns, it unravels into a spectacle of mystery that will evoke the question of existence. Buckle your seatbelts for the captivating conclusion to Madison’s journey.

Recommended for 16+ due to mature themes, including drugs, sexual content, disturbing situations, and mild language.
If you’re not a fan of forbidden romance, then this might not be the book for you.

Goodreads / Amazon

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BOOK TRAILER:

Author Bio:

B. Truly has wanted to be an author since she was fifteen years old. She is grateful to have accomplished this dream. B. Truly has very vivid dreams and a wild imagination. She likes to read, watch tons of TV shows, and movies. She’s addicted to romance and gets a thrill out of suspense and sci-fi. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, sci-fi, dystopian, and paranormal genres.

B. Truly likes to explore conflicted plots of romance with thrilling twists. She also loves creating impossible situations for her characters to grow from and try to overcome.

B. Truly has three wonderful children, and a husband who defines the person that she is today. She works full-time as an Ultrasound technologist in Houston, Texas.

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‘A heartwarming read, full of friendship and fun’ Heidi Swain

What would you wish for if you were granted three wishes?

For the first time she can remember, Poppy is dreading Christmas. Unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend after moving across the country for him, there’s nothing cheery about the festive season this year.

Dragged to a Christmas ball by best friend Layla, Poppy meets gorgeous actor Gabe, who stars as a genie in a play. When he asks her what three wishes she would make, she realises it’s quite simple: love, a job she’s happy in and, just once in her life, to do something extraordinary.

Gabe and Poppy make a pact to help each other make their dreams come true. As they tick off their wishes, their friendship blossoms… But, as they discover, sometimes, what you want for Christmas isn’t necessarily what you need…

A delicious romance to snuggle up with this festive season from the author of Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Café and The Cosy Little Cupcake Van.

Purchase Links:

Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Poppys-Christmas-Wishes-Annette-Hannah-ebook/dp/B09KXYGM36
Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/Poppys-Christmas-Wishes-Annette-Hannah-ebook/dp/B09KXYGM36

Before I begin my review I quickly have to thank Rachel’s Random Resources for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour and for graciously providing me with a copy of the ebook for my review stop today.

I really enjoyed this. It was a fairly quick read for me.

This is Annette’s third book; I believe they are all stand-alone stories. Her previous books are Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe and The Cosy Little Cupcake Van. They all take place in Bramblewood. I definitely want to check them out.

Our main character is Poppy and she is moving in with her boyfriend Ed well at least she thinks he is. He managed to convince her this move was good so she left behind friends, family, and a job she loved because Ed was supposed to have a new job only it’s not true. Poppy finds out that Ed is not moving because the job fell through and he managed to get the job he really wanted. Unable to return home she tries to make the best out of the situation she is in.

I have to say right from the get-go I didn’t like Ed and he knew as she was moving in that he wasn’t going to be joining her. I think he took the cowardly way out of the situation from the start and Poppy had to find out from another co-worker. So right away I didn’t like him.

Thankfully her best friend Layla comes to visit and is all ready to celebrate Christmas little does she know Poppy isn’t in the festive mood. Layla is determined to make sure Poppy enjoys the holiday. The first stop is the company holiday party. It’s here that she meets Gabe. I love Gabe, he is exactly the right person for Poppy to have in her life. Gabe is fun and kind and he manages to pull Poppy out of her slump. He is determined to bring Poppy back to what she was before Ed. But can he?

This was just the perfect book to read. As you are reading you could feel how authentic this book is and it literally could happen to anyone in real life. There were so many aw moments for me. This is another book that  I recommend you read this holiday season.

Author Bio

Annette Hannah is a Liver Bird who relocated to leafy Hertfordshire in the 80’s and now lives near a river with her husband, two of their three grown up children and a crazy black cocker spaniel. She writes Romantic comedies in settings inspired by the beautiful countryside around her and always with a nod to her hometown.

She worked in Marketing for many years as a qualified Marketeer which she loved as it tapped into her creative side.

As an avid reader, she began to review the books she read, became a book blogger and eventually plucked up the courage to fulfil her life long dream of writing a book.

For four years she was a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s new writers’ scheme, during which time she wrote a book a year.
After signing a two book deal with Orion Dash in 2020 she graduated to full member of the organisation and is also their Press Officer.

She loves long walks along the river, travelling to far-flung places and spending time with her friends and family.

Social Media Links –
https://twitter.com/AnnetteHannah
www.sincerelybookangels.blogspot.com
www.annettehannah.com
https://www.instagram.com/annette.hannah/
https://www.facebook.com/AnnetteHannahAuthor

Book Info:
Friends Like These by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
Genre: Young Adult Thriller
Publishing Date: November 1, 2022

Synopsis:
Twisted secrets that will have readers guessing with every flip of the page. Perfect for fans of GONE GIRL and Karen M. McManus.

Tegan Sheffield’s annual end-of-summer beach party is the only way to start their senior year. At least that’s what Jake Healy tells his girlfriend Jessica Sanchez.

But when a video prank from the party goes viral and a body is discovered at the beach, Jake and Jessica find themselves at the centre of a national media storm and a police investigation.

It’s a race to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.

Content Warning: Toxic friendships, sexual assault, rape, mentions of various types of abuse

Book Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59811806-friends-like-these
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Friends-Like-These-Jennifer-Alvarez/dp/0593309677/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/friends-like-these-jennifer-lynn-alvarez/1140956747
Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Friends-Like-These-Jennifer-Lynn-Alvarez/9780593309698
Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/friends-like-these/9780593309674-item.html
IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593309674

Before I begin my review I quickly have to thank TBR and Beyond Tours for allowing me to be a part of this tour and for graciously providing me with an eArc of the book to read for my tour stop today.

This is Jennifer’s second thriller. Her previous thriller was Lies Like Wildfire and if that is anything like what I just read then I definitely need to pick it up to read. These are stand-alone books.

This was one heck of a roller coaster ride. So many twists and turns you didn’t know what was coming next. I thought at one point I knew what was going on and quickly realized that I was completely wrong. I really enjoy books like this, books that keep you on the edge of your seat wondering who did it and then being blindsided in the last quarter of the book, wondering how did I miss that? In the end, Jennifer wraps everything up leaving nothing unanswered, everything gets explained and why it happened. I actually like when things are gradually revealed instead of it all happening at once.

Once I started I had a hard time putting this down and pretty much read it in one sitting which is pretty typical for me when it comes to psychological thrillers.

The book is told from three points of view, Jessica, Jake, and Tegan. They are all high school students enjoying their last year of high school. What better way to end the summer and start their last year than a killer summer house party.

Jessica is your basic high school girl who is focused on getting good grades and getting into a great college and her boyfriend, Jake is the exact opposite, he is enjoying life. Jessica isn’t that party girl like Jake wants her to be. My only beef with Jake was I found him to be a bit clingy with Jessica. Yes, she was there when he lost his dad and he break up with Tegan.

Jake manages to convince Jessica to go to Tegan’s party which is the last thing she would rather do. Jake convinces her saying they will just stay for a little bit and he won’t drink. Sadly he does the exact opposite. She and Tegan don’t have that friendship like they did years ago when they were kids. Jake is Tegan’s ex and let’s just say that Tegan isn’t over Jake (everyone knows this) and will do just about anything to get him back. This was another thing that I didn’t like about Jake, he couldn’t even keep his promise to Jessica about not drinking. Did he really care about Jessica?

What happens next makes you wonder that. From that point on things get worse and turn into the night from hell. What was supposed to be a fun summer wrap-up party turns into something much worse and rocks everyone’s friendships. A viral video goes wild, someone goes missing, and police and the FBI get involved.

The actions from this night will change the course of everything for those involved. There is no going back from that night.

Friends like this who needs enemies is what I kept thinking throughout the book. With that being said I would definitely read Jennifer’s future books. If you like a really good psychological thriller then I recommend this one, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

About the Author:

I received my B.A. in English from the University of California at Berkeley. I’m fascinated by underdogs and power dynamics between groups of people.

I’m the author of LIES LIKE WILDFIRE, a teen thriller soon-to-be published by Delacorte Press, and two middle grade book series, each published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, THE GUARDIAN HERD (a quartet) and RIDERS OF THE REALM (a trilogy). Before this, I self-published a middle-grade fantasy called THE PET WASHER.

When I’m not writing, you’ll find me galloping my little black mare through the foothills of Sonoma County or teaching free creative writing workshops to kids and adults at various branches of our local library system.

The Healdsburg Literary Guild selected me as their 2019/2020 Literary Laureate for my work in building literacy in my community. It is an honor I hold dear. I am also the current SCBWI Sonoma County Coordinator and a volunteer on the Sonoma County Library Advisory Board.

​I live in Northern California with my husband, three children, and more than my fair share of pets!

Author Links:
Website: https://www.jenniferlynnalvarez.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniferDiaries
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_lynn_alvarez/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5348132.Jennifer_Lynn_Alvarez
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferLynnAlvarez/?ref=hl
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC50LaHt4Uj4Vhn2nRTWxgmg
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jendiaries/

Tour Schedule:
https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/2022/10/04/tour-schedule-friends-like-these-by-jennifer-lynn-alvarez/

Tempting Wilder
T.L. Mahrt
(Cottonwood Creek)
Publication date: January 31st 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
I only need one night, one night is all I need…

Summer Grant practices psychology in the inner city of Chicago, specializing in post childhood trauma. Living at the hand of an estranged alcoholic husband, Summer’s worse fear becomes a reality after her daughter witnesses her husband‘s cruelty causing her to flee with her two children to the small town of Loveington, Kentucky.

Summer comes along an abandoned house that she can’t seem to walk away from. Wanting to set roots in the tranquility of small-town life, Summer works to rebuild her family within the home she has longed for.

Wilder Williams always dreamed of was raising a family in his grandparents’ home. After his grandmother refused to sell the homestead to family because of a feud between his siblings, his grandmother turns around and sells it to a newcomer. The timing couldn’t have been worse, with Wilder’s painful divorce, the homestead was all he had to look forward to. And as much as he loves his grandmother, she insisted Wilder to be the contractor causing a conflict of emotions for him.

Will Summer find the happiness her family deserves? Or will Wilder create havoc, turning the remodel into a nightmare? Will a spark cause destruction within the homestead that they both never see coming?

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Author Bio:

T. L. Mahrt is a former business owner, where she utilized her education in cosmetology, barbering, and massage therapy for several years. She was raised on and is currently living on a farm in Nebraska, where you can find her running barefoot in the countryside with her loving husband, inspiring children, and massive dogs.

After having her son, who was born with Cerebral Palsy and DYRK1A Syndrome, she made the life-altering decision to stay home to care for her two children and pursue her love of writing. She has a passion for romance and poetry where her overactive imagination, along with her adventures and upbeat lifestyle drives her motivation for her writing.

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