October 17, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Release Day HEATH, CLIFF & WANDERING HEARTS by Laura Barnard

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of contemporary rom-com/chicklit, best-selling author, LAURA BARNARD, to release her latest: HEATH, CLIFF & WANDERING HEARTS! I absolutely love this author’s work (previous works include The Debt & the Doormat series), and spent many a night laughing out loud, cheering the characters on, as well as to feel the characters on an emotional level. Now, the wait is over….

HEATH, CLIFF & WANDERING HEARTS IS RELEASED TODAY !!!

heath-cliffs-wandering-hearts

Blurb:

Life for sixteen year old Savannah Franks has just been turned upside down. Her Mum’s business has failed and they’re forced to move into a maisonette in the rough end of town.

She doesn’t want anyone to know her dire situation, not even her besties. So when the rest of the money for the school ski trip is due she can’t be seen not to attend. Everyone is going! She just needs to find a job. Add that to the list of getting a boyfriend and losing her pathetic virginity.

But working every spare hour in a job she hates on top of school work and mounting secrets doesn’t prove easy. Soon she’s keeping so many she’s not even sure herself what’s true and what’s not.

The only person she can lean on to tell the truth is her best friend Heath.

Only…did he get hot recently? That won’t make things awkward between them…right?

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON UK

AMAZON US

Author info

Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes romantic comedy or ‘chick lit’ as its so often described. In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of her face and drooling over hunks like Jamie Dornan, Ryan Gosling and Leo Dicaprio.

She enjoys wearing yoga pants and reading fitness magazines while sitting on the sofa eating chocolate. She’s a real fan of the power nap and of course READING!

She writes not to get rich or famous, but because she LOVES writing. Even if one person tells her they enjoyed her book it makes the midnight typing worth it!

http://www.facebook.com/laurabarnardbooks

https://twitter.com/BarnardLaura

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3490836.Laura_Barnard

October 11, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Summer Review Round-Up 2016

Dear readers,

It may be Autumn, but we’re still clinging on to the end of Summer with our Summer reads from June, July and August recapped for you to check out. We hope you all had some great hols and had the chance to read a book or two!

One of the perfect summer reads for me was Alison Brodie’s THE DOUBLE, where the setting on a luxury yacht on the Côte d’Azur really grabbed me. A perfect read even if not on holiday as it certainly makes you feel like you are!

And, with many of our reads being dark, paranormal, sci-fi and HOT erotic, they’ll be perfect for warming up your evenings for the following months.

For more info on each book and our full reviews please click on the titles.

Happy Autumn, everyone!

Caroline & Tina 🙂 ❤

Angelis Vampire Series by Shane North, fantasy, paranormal romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

SHANNON (book 1) Blurb: Shannon’s life is happy except for her nightmares, but when she watches her mom and dad being murdered by the monsters in her dreams, her life falls apart. Her best friend turns out to be a werewolf, the man she thinks of as her other father is the alpha male, and her long lost uncle is a vampire lord from Angelis. Angelis is in another time dimension, a world ruled by Royals, a pureblooded line of vampires with powers never seen in this time dimension. Angelis is a medieval world of castles, and ancient magic that her mother and uncle were forced to leave to save their lives.

Shannon’s journey leads her to follow her destiny and meet the love of her life. Destiny and her uncle lead her to find out what she really is, where she came from, and to become the strongest immortal to live. Shannon learns to kill quickly, and to love like there’s no tomorrow when she meets her mate from her dreams. Simon, an eight-hundred year old Viking has searched the world for his true love when he meets Shannon. What will Shannon’s uncle, Simon’s maker, have to say about this? A young woman from South beach, destined to overthrow the vampire council and rule the immortal race with the help of the ancient Shaman Neeb.

SHANNON’S REVENGE (book 2) Blurb: My name is Shannon O’Callaghan and I’m immortal. I live in an amazing world of time travel and magic, where vampires and werewolves are normal and I call them family A family some would say are monsters, but they love me unconditionally and it’s the life I was meant to live. My father was Connor O’Callaghan, a visionary that led the wolves to peace and prosperity. My mother was Callidora Angelis, a Royal vampire from another time dimension. Their love and life together are what made my life possible, but, it is also what caused their death. And, it’s their death that fuels my journey of revenge on those who stole my life.

This immortal word is controlled by The Vampire Assembly. The Assembly is an evil group of twelve who decides the fate of its followers. They are devils dressed like mortal men who kill with pleasure and live off of blood slaves they keep in their dungeons. They are evil, they are responsible for my parents’ death, and I will see them dead. My day for revenge is finally coming and The Assembly is mine to kill. Then and only then will I rule this land as their queen.

REAGAN’S DESTINY (book 3) Blurb: Death has arrived in earth’s time dimension. A foul stench filled Shannon’s nose, a smell of sulfur and death. This might have been a vision, but her power spiked as she sensed the source and moved towards it. Her life force surrounded her as her swords appeared in her hands. She gripped them tightly and stepped through a massive oak door. Before her stood a giant of a man.

His essence was black as coal, and his soul had long been lost to his dark side. His ancient leather armor looked old and battled; it smelled musty from the dried blood and looked dry and brittle. This had to be Kyran. Evil always had a dirty, unkempt appearance, and his aura was encircled with death. She could sense his blood was similar to Damon’s, and she knew she would take great pleasure in killing him someday. But what happens when Kyran is taken to earth’s time dimension by Neeb’s evil brother, seeking to kill the remaining royal Angelian family and end their bloodline forever.

In this riveting spin off from Shane North’s Angelis Vampire Series, an unknown Angelian is faced with death, her new life and the destiny the fates have planned for her.

Figs by Tabitha Rayne, erotic lesbian menage/romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Two girls, some fruit and an office perv—what could possibly go wrong?

When Mae finally confronts the office perv, Rory, by taking part in one of his suggestive pranks with a fig, she starts a journey that changes the way she thinks and feels about her current partner, Janey. Janey lost her sight just before they met and Mae realizes she has been keeping Janey like a prisoner in her own home—safe, protected and unseen. After the scene with Rory, Mae decides to take Janey out and show her off to the world—something she should have done a long time ago…

Little does she know what a hellraiser her girlfriend can be.

Sex Hell: A Love Story by Joe Canzano, comic fantasy, humour, paranormal romance (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: When Debbie de La Fontaine tries to spice up her love life by supernaturally tampering with her sex life, she is cursed to spend every future encounter in a magical place called “Sex Hell,” where the sex is ludicrous and amazing–but the romance is scarce.

Her only chance for escape is through the stingy clues supplied by a laughing demon, and the only way to obtain the clues is by returning to Sex Hell again and again to have outrageous sexcapades with the man she most wants to avoid–or does she?

Sex Hell is an absurd comic fantasy about the confusion of relationships. How is love related to sex, and how is sex related to love–and do love and sex need to be related at all?

*This book contains profanity and adult situations

All That Glisters by C. J. Fallowfield, contemporary erotic romance, humour (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: The spin off to the best-selling humorous erotic romance standalone, The Temptress.

Hunter Donovan. He was everything I openly loathed, but everything I secretly desired.

Cocky, arrogant, and crude. When Hunter wanted something, he pursued, relentlessly, until he got it. And right now, I was his prey. The trouble was, I didn’t want to be added to his endless list of conquests.

Gorgeous, masculine, with a body made for sin. The most perfect specimen of male I’d ever set eyes on, and he knew it. The trouble was, I saw the pain he was trying to hide, and I wanted to heal him.

He wanted my body, but I wanted his heart.

Coco Barella. She was everything I openly desired, but everything I’d convinced myself I didn’t need.

Beautiful, sexy, and sassy, all of the qualities that I wanted in my bed. Compassionate, loving, and perfect, all of the qualities I didn’t need in my life.

I needed to pull her to me, but at the same time I wanted to push her away.

When the sexual magnetism between two people is so hot, that it can scorch everything around it to ash, who will emerge from the flames victorious?

A standalone erotic romance novel, which contains adult content and is only suitable for the over 18’s

A Most Demanding Mistress (Fashionably Impure #2) by Natasha Blackthorne, historical, erotic regency romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Scorching Hot Historical Romance

Miss Miranda Jones is indisputably the most beautiful, elegant and sought after courtesan in all of London. She hides a past full of pain and rejection beneath an exterior of pride. She knows that noblemen put their own fickle interests first and cannot be trusted. Scorned by ducal father, she never needed or expected anything from a man, except his financial support. Luxurious living makes a soothing balm against the sting of the ultimate rejection.

Now she’s madly in love with a nobleman who cannot afford to keep her in such extravagant style. And she wonders if a courtesan can ever afford to indulge her own passions? Can she really gamble so capriciously on her own future and put the happiness of the moment above future security? Will her gentleman prove himself no better than any other nobleman that she has known?

Adrian Sutherland, the Earl of Danvers, has seen the men of his family destroyed through their obsessive need to possess beautiful women. He’d always thought himself immune to such unworthy drives. Now he’s fallen under the spell of Miss Miranda Jones.

Miss Jones’ high standards and past reputation foretells that she’ll be a most demanding mistress. Despite his relative lack of funds, Adrian is determined to work hard to protect and provide for her. Passion led this skeptical gentleman to declare himself in love. Yet as they enter a protector and mistress relationship, Adrian finds himself consumed with possessiveness. And he can’t help but wonder if is it true love that motivates him? Or is it the need to own her stunning beauty? He must find the answer before their tempestuous romance breaks both of their hearts.

A Most Demanding Mistress is part of the Fashionably Impure Series and is best read after Miranda’s Dilemma.

Reader advisory: This story contains frank sexual language and general bedchamber naughtiness. Abuse issues are alluded to in the backstory.

The General’s Daughter & Stolen Melody (Snow and Ash, books 1 & 2) by Heather Knight, post-apocalyptic, dark erotic romance suspense (reviewed by Tina Williams)

THE GENERAL’S DAUGHTER (book 1) Blurb: Eighteen year-old Ilsa’s father, General Balenchuk, is one of the few men with balls enough to build a tiny island of civilization after a global catastrophe sends humanity to near extinction. He runs Bluefield Mountain with an iron fist, and he’s even more controlling when it comes to his daughter. Ilsa’s been dead inside for years—that is, until the person who hates her most takes her hostage.

When twenty-two year-old Talon Heinesman kidnaps Ilsa Balenchuk, it’s not just because the leader of a rival territory ordered him to capture the general’s daughter. Four years ago, her selfishness set into motion a series of events that resulted in his mother’s and sister’s murders. He’s buried his rage for four years, and now it’s time to mete out the punishment she deserves.

Their story sets Ilsa and Talon on a steamy, turbulent path full of danger, incendiary passion, and a bond so deep it could kill.

This romantic suspense novel contains dark, mature situations and sensitive subject matter, and contains triggers some readers may find discomforting. It is a work of fiction and is intended for adult readers.

STOLEN MELODY (book 2) Blurb: The rest of the world knew her as Melody, the beautiful young siren who rose to the top of the music scene just before a volcano blew and wiped out most of civilization. For the past three years, nineteen year-old “Imogen” has been living under the protection of a small town pastor, and no one else in this increasingly righteous parish knows her infamous history. The whole The rest of the world knew her as Melody, the beautiful young siren who rose to the top of the music scene just before a volcano blew and wiped out most of civilization. For the past three years, nineteen year-old “Imogen” has been living under the protection of a small town pastor, and no one else in this increasingly righteous parish knows her infamous history. The whole persona of Melody was a corporate fabrication, and Imogen would like to forget that part of her past.

Ex-felon Axel Diehl is scouting ahead for a well-organized gang when he spots his fantasy girl. There’s no mistaking the small scar on her hand, those full lips, or that kick-ass figure. It’s too good to be true, and when the gang takes control of Sadie’s Bend he publicly claims Melody for his own.

Can sweet Imogen become the sexy Melody of Axel’s dreams? Can Axel give his poster girl the love she craves? Or will the violence of this new, post-apocalyptic world tear them apart?

This dark romance novel contains mature situations and sensitive subject matter, and contains triggers some readers may find discomforting. It is a work of fiction and is intended for adult readers.

The Double by Alison Brodie, romance, mystery, chicklit (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: A night she can’t remember. A week she won’t forget.

Beth is mistaken for rock star Sonita La Cruz, and ends up on a billionaire-dollar yacht. As a shift-worker in Glasgow, Beth has only known hardship. Now she’s in a world of uniformed stewards, delicious French food and rows of gorgeous designer clothes. Beth keeps quiet about the mix-up, determined to wear every outfit in her wardrobe before she’s sent home. What’s wrong with a little play-acting? Beth takes to the role of rock diva like a duck takes to water.

Aleksandr, the captain, arrives and is astonished to see a beautiful raven-haired girl lying on deck issuing orders through a loud-hailer. After talking to Beth, Aleksandr realises what has happened. His smuggling buddies, knowing Aleksandr needs to speak to Sonita about a kid’s crisis, grabbed Beth by mistake. Aleksandr is desperate. To save those children, he needs money, but Sonita has disappeared.

Beth rises to the challenge. She looks like Sonita, so why not BE Sonita? Beth does a magazine interview for one million dollars, and ransoms herself for another million. Beth saves the kids … but can she save herself? Too late, Beth discovers why Sonita disappeared.

A love story set against the backdrop of a luxury yacht on the Côte d’Azur, a civil war in the Eastern Bloc, and a Glasgow housing estate.

November Rain (Bad Bloods #1) by Shannon A. Thompson, sci-fi dystopian, paranormal, urban fantasy (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Seventeen-year-old Serena isn’t human. She is a bad blood, and in the city of Vendona, bad bloods are executed. In the last moments before she faces imminent death, a prison guard aids her escape and sparks a revolt. Back on the streets determined to destroy her kind, Serena is spared by a fellow bad blood named Daniel. His past tragedies are as equally mysterious as her connection to them.

Unbeknownst to the two, this connection is the key to winning the election for bad bloods’ rights to be seen as human again. But Serena is the only one who can secure Vendona’s vote. Now, Daniel must unite with her before all hope is lost and bad bloods are eradicated, even if it means exposing secrets worse than death itself. United or not, a city will fight, rain will fall, and all will be threatened by star-crossed love and political corruption.

Beneath Broken (Imperfect Heroes #2) by C.J. Pinard, contemporary, military romance, chicklit (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: He’s a clean-cut cop who loves a good challenge.
She’s a smart executive with no interest in falling in love.
It won’t take long for the flames of desire to scorch them both, forcing them to either douse the blaze, or succumb to the fire.

MASON
I don’t give up easily. My personality and training taught me that failure is not an option, and getting the attention of the beautiful executive president Harper Mathis is going to be my biggest challenge yet. But first I’ve got to find out why she’s so withdrawn. A woman that stunning must have secrets and I’m going to find out what’s hiding behind those baby blue eyes of hers. She’ll quickly see how much I love a good game of chase.

HARPER
I’ve gone through hell and am not ashamed to admit that I’m broken. Damaged goods. Used up and empty. I want nothing to do with men or love, especially not a cop and a veteran – one who puts his life in danger every day. I’ve been there, done that, and my heart has no interest in someone like Detective Mason Oliver. Even if he’s the hottest thing I’ve laid eyes on in a very long time. I get the feeling Mason always gets what he wants, though. Well, he hasn’t seen my stubborn side.

Beneath Broken is book 2 in the IMPERFECT HEROES series and is for readers 18+.

The Scottish Diamond (novella) by Helena Fairfax, contemporary romantic suspense, mystery, drama (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: A powerful, intense and dramatic Scottish romance novella – one that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page…

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair…” When Lizzie Smith starts rehearsing Macbeth with her theatre group in Edinburgh, she’s convinced the witches’ spells are the cause of a run of terrible luck. Lizzie’s boyfriend, Léon – a former bodyguard – is mysteriously turned down for every job he applies for, until he’s finally offered the job of guarding “The Scottish Diamond,” a fabulous jewel from the country of Montverrier.

But the diamond’s previous guard has disappeared in mysterious circumstances. The people of Montverrier are known for double-dealing and skulduggery, and the Scottish Diamond has a history of intrigue and bloody murder. Lizzie is plagued by nightmares in which Macbeth’s witches are warning her of danger.

Then Lizzie discovers she’s being followed through the streets of Edinburgh, and it seems her worst fears are about to be realised!!!!

The Scottish Diamond is a standalone story. Lizzie and Léon first met in the romantic suspense novella Palace of Deception, which is set in the Mediterranean country of Montverrier.

All That We Are (Trust #1) by Holly J. Gill, contemporary erotic romantic suspense, chicklit (reviewed by Caroline Barker)

Blurb: Holly knows that sitting behind her computer isn’t going to bring one of her romance heroes to life. And despite her matchmaking friend’s attempts, she’s still lonely, looking for her Mr. Perfect. Fairytales happen, right?

As a bestselling author, Ashton Noir doesn’t need anyone or anything in his life other than his imagination. That is until he comes across Holly’s Promotional Services’ website. Further exposure for his books can’t hurt.

Communicating through the Internet and then phone calls, professional interests turn personal. Realising they lack trust and confidence in different ways, can they have a future as a couple? Or are their dreams forever going to be their safe haven?

Caught by Lolita London, historical, erotic romance, erotica (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: A Lonely Doctor

His treatment for female hysteria calms his patients, and heats Dr. Thomas Winterbourne’s blood like nothing else. Unwed, and desperately lonely, he’s rejected the idea of marriage due to his singular desires.

A Thief

Jenny Marks feels no pity for the wealthy doctor who has more comfort than she has ever found in her nineteen years. She takes a job as his maid, intending on taking anything of value from him and any other upper class people that she can.

Caught

When Dr. Winterbourne finds her pilfering his mother’s jewels, he decides upon punishing her in the most scandalous of manners, unknowingly tying their fate together.

Mean Girls by Lucy Felthouse, erotic romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Adele Blackthorne is a big girl. She knows it, and she’s been picked on all her life because of it. But she’s gotten to the stage where she doesn’t care. She may be Rubenesque, but she’s healthy, too. Much healthier than the mean girls at the leisure center that point and stare and say spiteful things about her. Adele rises above it all, and enjoys her secretive glances at the center’s hunky lifeguard, Oliver.

As the bullying of Adele becomes worse, Oliver finds it increasingly difficult not to intervene. He doesn’t want to get into trouble with work, but equally he can’t stand to see Adele treated in such a horrible way. Especially since he doesn’t agree that she’s fat and unattractive. He thinks she’s a seriously sexy woman, and would like to get to know her better.

How to Capture a Duke (Matchmaking for Wallflowers #1) by Bianca Blythe, regency historical romance (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: One reclusive bluestocking…

Fiona Amberly is more intrigued by the Roman ruins near her manor house than she is by balls. When her dying Grandmother worries about Fiona’s future, Fiona stammers that she’s secretly engaged. Soon she finds herself promising that she will introduce her husband-to-be by Christmas.

One dutiful duke…

Percival Carmichael, new Duke of Alfriston, is in a hurry. He’s off to propose to London’s most eligible debutante. After nearly dying at Waterloo, he’s vowed to spend the rest of his life living up to the ton’s expectations.

One fallen tree…

When Fiona tries to warn a passing coach about a tree in the road, the driver mistakes her for a highwaywoman. Evidently he’s not used to seeing women attired in clothes only suitable for archaeology waving knives. After the driver flees, Fiona decides she may as well borrow the handsome passenger…

The Virgin of the Wind Rose (A Christopher Columbus Mystery – Thriller) by Glen Craney, mystery, thriller (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: While investigating the murder of an American missionary in Ethiopia, rookie State Department lawyer Jaqueline Quartermane becomes obsessed with a magical word square found inside an underground church guarding the tomb of the biblical Adam.

Drawn into a web of esoteric intrigue, she and a roguish antiquities thief named Elymas must race an elusive and taunting mastermind to find the one relic needed to resurrect Solomon’s Temple. A trail of cabalistic clues leads them to the catacombs of Rome, the crypt below Chartres Cathedral, a Masonic shaft in Nova Scotia, a Portuguese shipwreck off Sumatra, and the caverns under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Intertwined with this modern mystery-thriller, a parallel duel is waged:

The year is 1452. One of the most secretive societies in history, Portugal’s Order of Christ, is led by a reclusive visionary, Prince Henry the Navigator. He and his medieval version of NASA merged with the CIA scheme to foil their archenemies, the Inquisitor Torquemada and Queen Isabella of Castile, who plan to bring back Christ for the Last Judgment by ridding the world of Jews, heretics, and unbelievers.

Separated by half a millennium, two conspiracies to usher in the Tribulations promised by the Book of Revelation dovetail in this fast-paced thriller to expose the world’s most explosive secret: The true identity of Christopher Columbus and the explorer’s connection to those now trying to spark the End of Days.

The Image of Her by Lorna Peel, romantic suspense (reviewed by Tina Williams)

Blurb: Rachel Harris had been abandoned as a baby on the steps of a church-run children’s home in England, then later adopted. Who was her birth mother and what were the circumstances which led her to give up her baby?

Searching for someone who doesn’t want to be found seems a hopeless task, until Rachel meets Matthew Williams, a Church of England clergyman.

Then anonymous and increasingly frightening incidents begin and threaten to end their relationship. Are these actions connected to the mysterious events surrounding Rachel’s abandonment?

August 8, 2016 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW All That We Are (Trust series, book 1) by Holly J. Gill

We’re thrilled to introduce a brand new series TRUST written by Holly J. Gill, with her first in the series, All That We Are. An exciting contemporary adult romance that will certainly keep you hooked!

Title: All That We Are (Trust #1)

Author: Holly J. Gill

Genre: Contemporary adult romance, erotic romance

Released on: June 1st 2016

Length: 256 pages

BUY LINKS: Amazon UK and Amazon US

ONLY £0.99 on Amazon UK for a limited time!

BLURB: Holly knows that sitting behind her computer isn’t going to bring one of her romance heroes to life. And despite her matchmaking friend’s attempts, she’s still lonely, looking for her Mr. Perfect. Fairytales happen, right?

REVIEW 5***** (5* rating)

All That We Are is a story that kept me clinging on every sentence. Trying to occupy the kids during the school holidays was even more of a task as I found I couldn’t leave this book alone; grabbing at my Kindle in-between busy periods just to read another page or two wherever I could! Needless to say, I LOVED this contemporary, erotic romance.

Told in third person, we follow the lives of two very lonely people who lack confidence in different ways. Although Holly has a day job, friends and runs her own book blog helping to promote authors and their work, her past is a little haunted with bullying she experienced at school. This is something that held Holly back for many years. Meanwhile, Ashton is a hugely successful erotic romance author, hiding behind a pen name while leading an extremely lonely life as he shuts himself from the world in his huge home.

The fun begins when Ashton comes across Holly’s book blog and decides a little further promotion wouldn’t hurt. This opens the door to plenty of e-mail exchanges, professional at first, and it ultimately leads to intense phone conversations as the two characters begin to discover more and more about each other. It becomes so that Holly can’t get Ashton out of her mind, even when her best friend tries to set her up on a blind date!

The reader is just as in suspense as Holly is as each phone call becomes a little more personal, sexier, and even kinky! And, after reading his books, Holly wonders if the eroticism in them is something that Ashton would like himself. Does he long to be a Dom? Her Dom? She doesn’t seem to mind submitting to him in her thoughts. The conversations are playful and fun.

Although there are some mild twists, and a ‘will they, or won’t they’ eventually meet at a book signing event they both hope to attend, I felt that the story grew more and more intense with the idea that they really could face each other. The build-up to the final chapters was tremendously powerful and, as a first insight into Holly J. Gill‘s writing, I certainly want to read more.

It has a great contemporary feel and written in an area that Holly J. Gill knows only too well as she details the communication with authors and bloggers, the writing, promoting, author events, as well as using e-mails and texts within the story. The book also has a welcoming use of the main characters talking on the phone at length and, as they haven’t met, details the hearing of the other’s voice, their pauses, the tones, sighs, etc. The reader almost hears the receiving end of the phone through the author’s writing. The use of the phone also allows Holly and Ashton to sense how truthful the other is being, growing a trust between them.

Another area that All That We Are ‘wowed’ me on is the bullying aspect. Holly clearly still feels the after-effects of being bullied at school. Thus, the lack of confidence she has in herself. Whereas, Ashton has always been popular with the girls, but on an over-whelming scale, and lived isolated from many people partly because of this. It’s superbly written how these two characters build up their trust in each other, their feelings for each other, and ultimately their confidence in themselves and their future.

Despite Holly never wanting to see her school bully again, I would have loved it if they had crossed paths at a time when Ashton would be on her arm, and to see the face of disbelief and jealousy, and Holly walk pass with her head held high – or is that me being too cruel?

Either way, I think you may sense just how All That You Are has touched me emotionally. A very exciting read, and I can’t wait for book 2!

A copy of All That We Are was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

July 27, 2016 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Beneath Broken (Imperfect Heroes #2) by C.J. Pinard

C.J. Pinard has provided us with a new beautiful, military romance with Beneath Broken. The characters and storyline will reach any romance fan in a very natural way, being written with a perfect balance of tragedy, romance and suspense. Beneath Broken is certainly my favourite of the series so far!

Title: Beneath Broken (Imperfect Heroes #2)

Author: C.J. Pinard

Genre: Contemporary, Military Romance, Chick-lit

Date released: July 5th, 2016

Length: 322 pages

Beneath Broken is book 2 in the IMPERFECT HEROES series and is for readers 18+.

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

The second book of the Imperfect Heroes series, Beneath Broken, brings us two new love interests to follow in Mason and Harper. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and feel that it is even stronger than the first of the series, Above Protection. Mason and Harper are perfect for each other, and despite their fears and doubts, the story is written extremely well whereby the characters are so compatible in a very realistic way.

For the best part of 18 months or more Harper Mathis has been spending her evenings watching bad tv and eating ice cream since the death of her military husband, Keith. It takes all the energy she has to go to work, but her private life has hit rock bottom. If it wasn’t for her best friend, Adria, dragging her to the gym some evenings she really wouldn’t be doing anything with her personal time, apart from wallowing. Adria is the one person she can truly depend upon.

“… Adria, she was still here when everyone else had left and things were dark and ugly, when all the other friends had disappeared. She was a true friend, and had proved it.”

Her job, working at the company that Keith and herself had set up, helping veterans ‘find jobs, get counselling, and reintegrate back into society’ was the one area of her life she gave her all to; partly in remembrance for her husband, and partly to help these courageous guys at a very sensitive point in their life. And, when her non-profit organization is targeted by a thief it is Detectives Oliver and Jenkins that arrive to investigate the situation.

The story is told from both Harper and Mason’s point of view. I am a fan of this style as the reader can understand the thoughts and actions of the main characters in this way. While Harper is still grieving and extremely low, Detective Mason Oliver, ex military himself, has his own demons to deal with. One of which was his last love. He has a way of dealing with his anger issues with his detective partner at the gym when they spar (sometimes quite aggressively).

However, both Harper and Mason find something else to keep their minds occupied after their first meet… each other. A little unsure at first just how the other sees them, it isn’t too long before they begin to spend more and more time together. Mason is aware that Harper is holding back. Meanwhile, Harper begins to go on an emotional rollercoaster; feeling a sense of happiness when with Mason, and yet with this comes guilt. Mason handles the situation well, in my opinion, by giving her the space she needs even though he isn’t aware of her situation to begin with. Although being urged to almost throw himself at her by his partner, Jenkins, Mason treats her with respect and patience, whilst still being attentive. The balance is perfect.

One of my favourite aspects of Beneath Broken is how the author has written Harper’s feelings towards her deceased husband, Keith. Even as the story progresses and Harper appears to be moving on from the death of him at times, there is still a connection that she has with her memories of him as well as good contact with his family. This , above all other areas of the story, really stands out and struck a nerve with me as being extremely real. It reads quite natural as one would expect a friend of theirs to deal with a situation like this in exactly the same way. We read about the guilt, the awkwardness and the doubt that Harper feels when she thinks of being with Mason. Is she betraying Keith? His family?

Beneath Broken is ultimately a story of strength and love. The strength of a woman to deal with the death of a loved one. To be able to love again. And also, to support a friend who has always been supportive of her through thick and thin. I cannot wait to read the next in the series as we follow Harper’s best friend, Adria, who was a strong character in this story and provided Harper with the rock she really needed to lean on. I’d certainly recommend this read for any romance fan.

A copy of Beneath Broken was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

You can also check out my reviews for previous releases of the Imperfect Heroes series:

Antihero (Imperfect Heroes prequel) (please note that Antihero is now sold only alone, and not part of the advertised limited edition box set)

Above Protection (Imperfect Heroes #1)

July 5, 2016 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW The Double by Alison Brodie

It was a great pleasure to be approached by author, Alison Brodie, and be asked to read The Double. I am so very glad that she did. It’s an amazing adventure; a great book to read if you’re planning a holiday or even basking in the sunshine in your garden. Get ready for the most relaxing adventure you’ll experience!

“The luxury of living a lie.”

Title: The Double

Author: Alison Brodie

Genre: Women’s fiction, mystery, romance, chick-lit

Date released: January 19th, 2016

Length: 294 pages

Blurb: A night she can’t remember. A week she won’t forget.

A love story set against the backdrop of a luxury yacht on the Côte d’Azur, a civil war in the Eastern Bloc, and a Glasgow housing estate.

Buy Links: Amazon UK & Amazon US

REVIEW ***** (5 star rating)

Alison Brodie’s The Double has it all; from diva Sonita, the rock star, being stalked and threatened, to a gritty, realistic housing estate in Glasgow where nurse Beth is trying to make sense of her life, right through to a kidnapping followed by a luxurious adventure on a billionaire’s yacht on the Côte d’Azur. Meanwhile, Aleksandr, the captain, has had to deal with the effects of a civil war in the Eastern Bloc, and is now fighting to save many children suffering with tuberculosis as medical supplies cannot reach them and warfare is threatening their makeshift hospital site. Yes, if you’re looking for a little drama and mystery in a well-constructed romance story this is perfect for you!

The opening chapter sparks the interest of the reader immediately as we find a seemingly dark character acting secretly and wants Sonita La Cruz dead! This is a dark start for a fun, romance novel, but it captures a sense of fear and suspense from the offset, making the curious reader need to find out what becomes of both parties.

Although written in third person, the reader has an in-depth take on each main character as whole chapters are focussed on one at a time, as we discover their current situations as well as their background. My favourite character has to be Beth, partly for wanting the escape that she is able to have from her average life, and partly as she is the one that takes many risks throughout the story.

Beth is at the point in her life where, even though a mum, she is still young. Her kids are independents now, and aside from her nursing job, all she has is a selfish man in Andy, and a shabby tower-block flat. Once the initial kidnapping is realised, Beth begins to come round to the idea, choosing to go along with it. I mean, after all, when does she ever feel free; free from routine, free from work, free from Glasgow, free from Andy and his controlling ways. Surely she deserves some luxury and freedom at last. Why not pose as beautiful superstar Sonita La Cruz? Beth begins to think that maybe her dreams could come true, and she doesn’t have to feel so trapped in her life. She adapts quickly and learns how to relax, to enjoy life, rather than stressing about her work, Andy, money, etc.

“This was so different to sunbathing at home. There, she had a tiny balcony, just about big enough for four plastic stools, a bike repair box and a scrawny plant….. In the summer, between five and six in the evening, the sun would touch one corner of the balcony – high up. Desperate for sunshine, she’d stand in her knickers and bra, one foot on a stool, one foot on the railings, her hand holding onto the washing line for support….

… Now, instead of teetering on the edge of a council block in saggy grey knickers, she lay on a cushioned sun-lounger alongside a luxurious pool, on a gorgeous yacht with a champagne re-fuelling depot nearby and an army of uniformed stewards, out of sight, but close at hand, ready to be summoned by the tinkling of a little bell.” (Beth)

That said, it is also clear that Sonita La Cruz is also looking for an escapism. Although a rock star, she is not recording the style of music she favours, she is very much subjected to media attention constantly, and her real feelings lie with being charitable to those, especially children, in need – something that her partner ignores. During the course of the story, ignorant of Beth’s situation, Sonita tries to find a relaxing moment herself, as she keeps her head down low from any threat, and her busy lifestyle.

It is a certain read in particular for the summer and holiday season. And, one of the most exciting and fascinating parts of the story were, for me, the way in which it provides a largely relaxing read despite the dark drama/mystery that lies beneath the surface. I just loved imagining myself to be in Beth’s shoes sunbathing on a luxurious yacht on the Med, blue skies, blue sea, with fine dining and clothes, etc, and not worrying too much about the consequences until I’d have to.

The icing on the cake is the knowledge that Beth is quite aware, certainly as the story progresses, that it is all in the name of charity; in being able to hopefully provide many children with the treatment that they need, during an absolutely crucial time when no one else can! Mix that in with a chance of romance and it is perfect. But will Beth realise where her heart is really at before it’s too late?

If you’d like a book to transport you on a relaxing holiday, with fun, drama and romance The Double is just the one!

A copy of The Double was provided by Alison Brodie in return for a fair and honest review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

You can also check out Alison Brodie’s author bio, along with an excerpt of The Double here.

April 1, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Review Round-Up March ’16

Hello readers,

We hope that you have had a super Easter, with plenty of chocolate to enjoy, and a great read over the holiday weekend. We have been lucky with outbursts of sunshine and beautiful daffodils in bloom. This has meant some nice long walks during the day, with a relaxing evening reading, drinking tea and stuffing my face with chocolate – some of my favourite things 🙂

It seems that many authors have had new releases recently, or are just about to. It’s a busy time of year for them and bloggers. We’ve had new release reviews for Tim O’Rourke, C.J. Pinard, Laura Barnard and Martyn J. Pass(please see below), and over the following month we have reviews and/or releases from Alan Jones, Pat Spence, Mark Matthews, Lynda O’Rourke and Helena Fairfax, and more!

Also, keep a lookout for our Tamworth LitFest post, which Tina has been working on, where romance authors will be attending an event at Tamworth’s library and St. Editha’s church on Saturday 11th June, 2016. More to follow soon!

Happy reading!

Caroline & Tina 🙂

Below are all of our reviews from March 2016. Clicking on the book title will take you to our full review post, with more info on the release!

Trapped in His World (Dark Romance #1) by Roxy Sinclair, dark romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: There is no escape…

I was only supposed to be his replacement secretary for one week. Now he has me trapped in his world of twisted and dark desires. I try to get away and I can’t – but the question is – do I really want to?

Navia Watson is struggling to survive. She has just left school and can’t hold a steady job. Just when she feels that there is no hope, her best friend makes her an offer that she can’t refuse. All she has to do is be a temporary stand in secretary for her friend’s position as the secretary for some billionaire for only a week. One week for some quick cash – how hard can it be? She is in for the surprise of her life when she walks into Jason Black’s office. The dark, sexy billionaire quickly pulls her into his web, one that she can’t unravel herself from. His piercing eyes call to her very soul and the darkness lurking in their depths entices her.

She suspects that the man is dangerous, but she could never have imagined the depth of the mysteries surrounding him. By the time Navia discovers his true nature, it’s too late for her salvation. Even if is she could leave him, there’s no way he will let her go. She is his and she is not sure she really wants to get away.

This is a dark romance novella with NO cliffhanger. Intended for audiences 18+ and not for the fainthearted. Contains situations some readers might find objectionable.

Taken by the Sheriff by Lolita London, erotic, historical western romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Widowed Sheriff Terrence Evans has lost it all. No matter how much he throws himself into work, his loneliness is eating him up.

Governess Amanda Carter didn’t plan to fall for her boss, and certainly didn’t plan to submit to him out of wedlock. She quickly finds that his commanding tongue and firm hand, however, ignites something within her that nothing can extinguish.

Or so she thinks.

The passionate whirlwind comes to a halt, however, when they find out that she’s pregnant. Can they have it all together? Or is this a scandal that will tear apart more than just their hearts, but their small town as well?

This book contains explicit sex scenes and is intended for mature readers only.

Jared (River Pack Wolves #3) by Alisa Woods, NA paranormal/shifter romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: He was broken by the war. Her secret could destroy her family.

Ex-Marine sniper Jared River left the war, but the war never really left him. He’s a broken wolf who’s only good for one thing now—killing men. And he’s peering down his scope at Senator Krepky, the anti-shifter politician about to ruin the lives of all the shifters Jared loves.

Grace Krepky is the daughter of the Senator, a good girl with a passion for her father’s politics and who’s earned her way into being his campaign manager. Only problem? She’s secretly a shifter… and the clock is ticking until her own father inadvertently forces that secret into the open, ruining both their lives.

Jared’s all set to pull the trigger when he sees something shocking through the Senator’s glass walls—his daughter is a wolf. Jared puts his gun aside to go after the fleeing girl, but he already knows this can only end in one of two ways—either he’ll convince her to reveal herself to the Senator and stop his anti-shifter legislation, or Jared will have to assassinate her father.

If only she wasn’t making him come alive again…

Jared is a complete novel with HEA, the third in the River Pack Wolves trilogy (all standalone stories, but best enjoyed if you read them in order!).

Contains scorching hot shifters, alpha military heroes, and dark family secrets. Only readers over 18 should dive into the deliciously hot world of the River brothers.

Boarded (novella) by Annie Nicholas, sci-fi romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Assigned as an interpreter to a mysterious alien race, Liaison Sadie Beckit crosses multiple star systems to the remote Cyngi home world on an old space freighter. Knowledge is essential when dealing with aliens. A misspoken word or a careless gesture could lead to wars so liaisons are necessary to keep the peace, but Sadie is kept in the dark about her new employer. This mysterious species has chosen to withhold most of their culture and language information.

All she’s told is to accompany Ambassdor Nual back to Central Station. Sounds easy enough, but the lawless void of space holds many dangers.

Necessary Ends (Nick Harland #1) by Bill Carson, crime thriller (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: John Kane’s quiet mundane world is suddenly ripped apart and he is thrust into a hellish nightmare existence after the murder of his beloved wife. The pain and anguish over his wife’s murder has been harnessed, molded and channeled into a hatred of the most abnormal ferocity, and an un-closable door had now been wrenched open in his mind, and he had crossed over into the darker realms of humanity where the merciless, cruel, vicious and uncompromising sides of human nature reside. His brain had been rewired and the switch had been flicked.

Has all this been preordained? Are there sinister dark forces at work at here? Necessary Evils will have you on the edge of your seat with your heart in your mouth.

Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy (The Debt & the Doormat #3) by Laura Barnard, chick-lit, comedy/humour (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: What is it about turning thirty that sends rational women into a tailspin?

Suddenly going from having all the time in the world, to cringing at the ticking of her biological clock, Poppy is drowning under the strain of trying to get pregnant.

With a dad in the throes of a mid-life crisis, a crazy mother-in-law and time racing towards Lilly’s wedding, will she be able to cope with it all…and give Ryan the baby they so desperately want?

Finally able to inherit her dad’s porn money, Jazz can’t wait to be rich! She can buy a house in Chelsea, go out partying with her old mates and start living how she deserves.

But with Ollie, Jemima and Meryl each clawing at their own little piece of her happiness, will she have to leave behind those closest to her in exchange for it?

The real question is, can Poppy and Jazz rescue their own lives before everything gets ruined, or will their own stubbornness destroy the lives they’ve created?

Evening Breeze (novella) by R.M. Miller, literary erotica (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: University student Ray was planning to spend the summer on a simple walking holiday with his gregarious girlfriend, but at the last minute she informs him she’s off on an exciting trip overseas with other friends, including a guy who is sweet on her, and without Ray. Despondent and dejected, Ray consoles himself by accepting an off the cuff invitation to join the pretty but reserved and difficult to know fellow student Daphne at her family home deep in the countryside. Ray sees it as an opportunity to get revenge on his girlfriend with a distracting summer fling, but he doesn’t count on falling in love with Daphne, nor is he prepared for the wayward attentions of Daphne’s scheming younger sister Izzy. An enchanting, provocative and powerful tale of passion, betrayal and love, Evening Breeze is a story you will never forget.

The Unfinished Tale of Sophie Anderson by Martyn J. Pass, contemporary romance, drama (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Welding, a Jack Reacher novel and a night in with a bottle of red wine seems to be as exciting as Sophie Anderson’s life gets.

That is until a stint of on-site work brings Tom into her life. He’s been her foreman for years now but when they’re forced to work together for the first time, Sophie begins to see that happiness might have finally taken a chance on her and that the often overlooked manager might just be the man of her dreams.

But Mel, her best friend and flat mate, has a harrowing past that returns with devastating results and Sophie is forced to wonder whether happiness is real or just a fairy tale told to hide the bars and walls of a man-made prison.

Love, heat and passion are as much a part of Sophie’s tale as the grief and suffering which follows her every step. Expect to find her unfinished tale a real and painful journey into the life of someone who might be working a cubicle down from you or in the welding bay on the other side of the workshop.

Above Protection (Imperfect Heroes #1) by C.J. Pinard, contemporary military/bad-boy romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: He’s bearded, angry, highly trained, and has a job to do.
She’s the damsel in distress who’s smarter than she looks, and doesn’t want anyone’s help.
Could it be they both need something neither will admit to? Fate fuelled by the laws of attraction may just decide for them.

DUKE
I didn’t ask for this. I was just doing my job, and they have the nerve to put me on a Witness Protection detail? This is crap. I’ll do my assignment, then go back to my job and what I love – kicking ass and taking names. I hadn’t spent 6 years in the Marine Corps to be put on babysitting duty once I’d joined the FBI. The witness they assigned me to, Rayanne, is an annoying, brainless blonde with a sassy mouth and a body that belonged on a website you had to pay to access. Not that I noticed or anything.

RAYANNE
I can look after myself. I don’t need anyone’s help, and the government is being ridiculous for putting me in the Witness Protection Program. I’ll testify against my former bosses and then go back to my life as a single girl in the big city. I love my career as a paralegal, and once this Neanderthal they’d assigned to babysit me was out of my life, I’ll go back to it. I just wish he wasn’t so easy on the eyes. The beard, hard body, and that voice. Why couldn’t they have sent me someone ugly – and nice? Because Duke is neither of those things.

Vampires of Maze Part 2 (Beautiful Immortals, series 2) by Tim O’Rourke, paranormal thriller adventure, mystery, romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: From Tim O’Rourke #1 bestselling author of ‘Werewolves of Shade’ (Beautiful Immortals Series One) comes ‘Vampires of Maze’ (Beautiful Immortals Series Two) a vampire and werewolf romance with a twist.

Witch, Julia Miller, has been sent by the Wicce to bring an end to the war that rages between the Beautiful Immortals. Joining a pack of werewolves, Julia must travel with them to a land unknown to her. Here she will learn the horrifying truth about the dark secrets hidden in the town of Maze.

To stay alive, Julia will not only have to figure out who to trust but also who to love. For Julia’s worst nightmares are about to get a whole lot more terrifying as she heads into the war raging between the vampires and werewolves where even her own magic abilities won’t be able to protect her.

Note: This ends on an unbearable cliff-hanger. Part Three will be published within the next few weeks.

For readers 16+

March 30, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Release Day Review ABOVE PROTECTION (Imperfect Heroes #1) by C.J. Pinard

C.J. Pinard is a fan and author of bad-boy romances, and her Imperfect Heroes series is no different. ABOVE PROTECTION is the first book of the series, with novella Antihero as it’s prequel. If a bearded, muscular Neanderthal ex-Marine, whose protective hands you are in, but who can be as cold as ice one minute, but as HOT as fire the next floats your boat then you’re in for a wild adventure of lust and action!

Title: Above Protection (Imperfect Heroes #1)

Author: C.J. Pinard

Genre: Contemporary romance, military romance

Release date: March 30th, 2016

Length: 185 pages

BUY LINKS

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

Excitingly told from both points of view, Above Protection is a quick-paced, contemporary bad-boy romance read. The reader is met with Duke Hawthorne, ex-Marine-turned-FBI agent who has been dishing out a little more muscle than is expected of him, leaving him with an ultimatum after receiving three strikes for excessive behaviour; he can either allow Internal Affairs to carry out an investigation into these complaints – which will be long, drawn out and ongoing, or he can carry out one case of Witness Protection Duty.

Duke could do without the babysitting duty but, what the hell, one job and it will be over! On first sight he expects his female blonde bombshell of a witness to be vulnerable and ‘scared sh*tless’. He immediately notices her beauty and hot body, yet within an instant he turns on the professionalism. But, there are some surprises in store for Duke, and some twists in the story for the reader, making for some action further on in more ways than one!

Rayanne has felt like a part of the family with her employers, and struggles to believe what they have been charged with. She doesn’t need protecting surely? However, as she has been receiving some harrowing threats it becomes clear that she needs protection just in case the threats become a reality. She has been betrayed, and if she can make it through the trial she doesn’t even know how she will make ends meet, and/or if she will be employable.

Rayanne is aware of Duke’s mood, just as she is his masculinity and a fire he ignites inside her. She is flirtatious with him on and off, although Duke doesn’t seem to be the playful type. His stand-offish bad, bossy attitude doesn’t impress Rayanne. That said, there is something about his coldness that plays on her mind, and deep down she knows his sombre manner means that he is doing his job in protecting her.

When the characters share moments of HOT lust early on, it is so hot and cold in a flash the reader will question whether these two really are compatible, which adds to the fun. Duke does turn pretty cold at times, which will leave you tearing your hair out, and being annoyed with him. In his personal life he has to deal with nightmares from his time in the marines, and he is well aware that he is an a**hole to women, leaving them hanging on, but never keeping anyone close. There are times when you probably won’t like him at all. But bear with, and as the pace of the story quickens with a turn of events I’m sure you’ll come round!

A copy of Above Protection was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

You can also check out our review of the Imperfect Heroes prequel, Antihero here. (Please note that both can be read as stand-alones, and the various author box set that is advertised with Antihero is no longer available, however, you can purchase the Antihero novella in it’s own right on Amazon US and Amazon UK)

March 24, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Release Blitz & Review Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy (The Debt & the Doormat #3) by Laura Barnard

Release Blitz

Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy

Release date: 23rd March

Hosted by Two Ordinary Girls and their Books

What is it about turning thirty that sends rational women into a tailspin?

Suddenly going from having all the time in the world, to cringing at the ticking of her biological clock, Poppy is drowning under the strain of trying to get pregnant.

With a dad in the throes of a mid-life crisis, a crazy mother-in-law and time racing towards Lilly’s wedding, will she be able to cope with it all…and give Ryan the baby they so desperately want?

Finally able to inherit her dad’s porn money, Jazz can’t wait to be rich! She can buy a house in Chelsea, go out partying with her old mates and start living how she deserves.

But with Ollie, Jemima and Meryl each clawing at their own little piece of her happiness, will she have to leave behind those closest to her in exchange for it?

The real question is, can Poppy and Jazz rescue their own lives before everything gets ruined, or will their own stubbornness destroy the lives they’ve created?

Author info

http://www.facebook.com/laurabarnardbooks

https://twitter.com/BarnardLaura

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3490836.Laura_Barnard

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Buy Links

UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01CO08HW6
US – http://amzn.com/B01CO08HW6

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

A few pages into chapter 1 and I find that I have laughed out loud at least three times already! Yes, I LOVE Laura Barnard‘s humour, and her Debt & the Doormat series is the best. The story opens with Christmas day at Poppy’s parents house; it’s a large family get together where her mum, Meryl, is already sloshed at 11am! Poppy’s mum is hilarious – cringeworthy, but hilarious. It’s a great opening from the onset.

The Debt & the Doormat series continues in a fun and natural way as we meet our favourite characters a little further on in their lives; Poppy is now married to Ryan and trying desperately for a baby, whilst Jazz is living with Ollie at his and Poppy’s parent’s house with their little Jemima. Whilst the pressure is on for Poppy, with no sign of a baby, the story is set up for some embarrassing doctors visits, all the while she is trying to keep it a secret from her family, which proves difficult when it’s rubbed in their face when super-bitch, sorry, sister-in-law, Grace is pregnant. Oh… and Ryan’s ex, Nicole! And, then there is Jazz, Poppy’s BFF, who inherits her father’s money of £20 million. Yes, £20 million!!! Of course, Jazz can throw her money around, party, go crazy, but will it be at the expense of her loved ones? It’s a great read for fans of the series to continue reading the antics of this crazy bunch, but it also can be read as a stand-alone for new fans.

With so many characters in the series, it amazes me how I remember them all, but they all have their own traits, and the storyline incorporates them all so well, with many sub-story lines happening with each of them. The art of Laura Barnard‘s writing lies where she draws all of these stories together; they generally connect with either Poppy, the ‘doormat’, taking pity on them and helping as many people out as possible, despite her own stresses, or with Jazz acting selfishly and pushing people away, with a lack of consideration of their feelings.

Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy is a wild, fast-paced ride with many twists and turns that will keep you guessing the outcome at every turn. It is the height of chick-lit fun, and I have always placed it next to Bridget Jones and Miranda. Therefore, if you are fans of these, you will also LOVE this series.

Aside from the chaos and the characters, another aspect I love about Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy is just how contemporary it is, e.g. there are references to how schools treat kids, and a fun mention of The Walking Dead! There are also some new characters to welcome; one being Aunt Beryl’s new fellow, Simon, who will leave you in stitches, and then there’s Rupert who is only briefly mentioned but I wouldn’t mind hearing more from him! This really is a gem of a series and shouldn’t be missed!

A copy of Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

The series also includes The Debt & the Doormat and it’s sequel, The Baby and the Bride. Both books have been reviewed on this blog, and both received a brilliant 5* from us on Goodreads and Amazon! The Debt & the Doormat was one of my Top Reads of 2013! Check our reviews by clicking on the links below:-

The Debt & the Doormat

This first book is FREE on Amazon UK and Amazon US. Go grab a copy now!

The Baby & the Bride (incl. interview with Laura Barnard)

You can find The Baby & the Bride on Amazon UK and Amazon US for a small price.

You an also check out her subsequent releases, Tequila & Tea Bags, Dopey Women, and the festive short read, Sex, Snow & Mistletoe.

Tequila & Tea Bags

This stand-alone is available at AMAZON UK and AMAZON US for a small price.

Dopey Women

Available at Amazon UK and Amazon US

Sex, Snow & Mistletoe

Festive short available at Amazon UK and Amazon US

March 8, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Cover Reveal Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy by Laura Barnard (The Debt & the Doormat series #3)

❥¸.•´¨`•✿ COVER REVEAL ❥¸.•´¨`•✿

Check out the gorgeous cover for Laura Barnard‘s new romantic comedy book Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy! It’s the third instalment of The Debt & the Doormat series, but can be read as a standalone. Pre-order links below:

UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01CO08HW6

US – http://amzn.com/B01CO08HW6

The Debt & the Doormat

This first book is FREE on Amazon UK and Amazon US. Go grab a copy now!

The Baby & the Bride (incl. interview with Laura Barnard)

You can also find The Baby & the Bride on Amazon UK and Amazon US for a small price.

Contact info:

Laura would love you to check out her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/laurabarnardbooks and while you’re visiting please give her a ‘like’!

Laura also has her own website at www.laurabarnardbooks.co.uk and is available on Twitter: @BarnardLaura

December 4, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Blog Tour & Review Windward Secrets by K.A. Davis

BUY LINKS:

http://goo.gl/IUSqaE

Windward Secrets

Fiction: Suspense, Mystery

At just over 67,700 words Windward Secrets is a fast paced mystery laced with humor, suspense, and a touch of the paranormal that will make the reader gasp at times, and soften their hearts at other times.

When Claire McPherson booked Windward Cottage, for the annual reunion with three college friends, her biggest concern was whether they would like the weatherbeaten, old Victorian on Cape Cod. Claire, Diane, Jill, and Caroline are in for more than a little Right and R. Windward Cottage has its own special powers of seduction. After 35 years of friendship they thought they knew everything about each other, but the old house draws confessions out of each and leads them unwillingly into a 50yearold mystery.

What was planned to be a vacation filled with fun, food, and reminiscing turns into one that will change their lives forever. Who or what is trying to frighten them? Only one woman’s stubborn determination keeps them at Windward Cottage when common sense tells them to leave. Fear, danger, and unexplained events connect the four women to each other and to Windward Cottage. Three of the women find their futures, and one finds her past.

Readers will recognize someone they know in every character as Windward Secrets heightens their awareness of the heinous crime of human trafficking.

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

What a fantastic story! Readers of paranormal, crime, chicklit/woman’s fiction and drama will be gripped by K.A. Davis‘s Windward Secrets. What begins as a fun vacation for four old friends turns into an eerie and disturbing ordeal that will have you rooting for these heroines to get to the bottom of exactly what is happening in and around the Victorian cottage.

Each of the friends have a well thought out character. Although they have their own flaws and dilemmas at home, they are able to use their vacation time to have fun, relax, open up about their lives and reminisce on how they used to be. Due to their different personalities and circumstances there is at least one character we can all relate to; from Claire a complete family mum, with husband and kids, but wanting a career of her own, to Caroline who is going through a nasty divorce; while Jill has been single for many years and now ready to dive into some romance, and widow Diane who realises that love has been closer than she realised. Yes, there is also a sprinkle of romance in Windward Secrets too.

But, the initial profound power of the story comes from the mystery and paranormal essence. An early example of this is when the girls know that Diane is running late and so they head for the beach whilst waiting. Whilst there they look back towards the house and see a woman on the roof and believe it is Diane who has managed to arrive earlier than once thought. On investigation they soon realise that nobody is there and Diane’s car hasn’t even been parked! Is it just the shadows playing tricks on them? Or was there a woman on the roof?

With other strange goings on in the house, such as a fire being lit, items appearing and footprints on the porch there is certainly enough atmosphere to keep you on the edge of your seat. You won’t want to read this alone! The reader and the women of the story have many questions they want answered.

“Had someone really came into the house? Was one of them playing a trick on the others? Were they safe?”

One of my favourite spooky scenes in the story is when Claire drifts off to sleep after going to bed to read a book.

“She felt cold, it was dark and raining. There was a little girl with curly, blonde hair standing at the foot of her bed reaching toward her. Claire felt the sweat of fear soaking the mattress. She shook her head and tried to wipe the rain off her face but it kept getting wet. The little girl looked directly at her and whispered, “Help me.””

After piecing some of the strange happenings together, along with exploring the fourth bedroom that has been locked and out of use, the friends soon come to realise that something much more sinister has taken place, and that one of them is loosely connected to a crime that had taken place many years ago. Without realising just how deep this will go they decide to pursue it. Only, who can they trust?

With a very friendly neighbour who takes quite a shine to Jill, local police who do not seem interested to help, and a nearby plumber who keeps driving past their place, knowing exactly where to go when previously asked to sort a problem in the bathroom, and possibly stealing Diane’s underwear, they are at a loss. They can only really trust each other.

The lengths that these women go to reveal the truth is courageous. Not only do they carry out as much research and exploration as possible, but throughout the story they have fun moments, stick together and keep each other strong.

If you love an adventure that is packed with fearful moments, fun moments and some emotional and sober scenes then you will enjoy Windward Secrets immensely. This is not a story to be missed!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Also available

Blue Velvet (Emerson’s Attic #1)

Smoke and Mirrors (Emerson’s Attic #2)

Middle-grade historical fiction/adventure

Author bio

My name is Kathleen Andrews Davis and I live in the mountains of Central Pennsylvania with my husband and a horde of deer who insist on annihilating any attempts at gardening. We are emptynesters with two grown daughters and two beautiful grandchildren.

During my long and varied working life I did business writing including everything from press releases to policy and procedure manuals. I served as managing editor of an inhouse newspaper where I enjoyed every aspect of production including writing, photography, and even dummy layout. From there, I moved into marketing pieces and business plans.

My favorite venture, however, was fourteen years in the Bed & Breakfast industry. This was my passion. When we left our lovely old Victorian it left a hole in my heart and I found myself with an indistinguishable yearning to be more and do more. The little wheels in my head started turning and it dawned on me, if I liked commercial writing, why won’t I like creative writing?

Becoming a grandmother was the fuel that fed the fire, and I decided to leave my grandchildren a legacy of words that would outlast any other inheritance I could give.

My first two books in the Emerson’s Attic series, for middle-grade readers, were so much fun that I decided to give an adult novel a try. I love stories about smart, mature women and the characters of Windward Secrets introduced themselves to me when I least expected it. And so, I have found my new adventure and hope to learn and grow as an author.

The knitting needles have slowed, the flower beds (or what’s left of them) have weeds, my fishing rod leans lonely in a corner of the garage, and I can’t get enough of my grandchildren.

Email: KathleenAndrewsDavis@gmail.com

Website: KathleenAndrewsDavis.com