Firstly, I’m so sorry it’s been a strange ole time at the moment with the blog. What with going back to work I’m trying to juggle my time and I keep meaning to schedule posts. So with the best of intentions I’m sorry it’s a bit hit and miss I’m hoping to rectify that.
Today I am so pleased to be sharing a stunning cover reveal for the gorgeous Victoria Walters. She’s bringing us a cosy crime novel in Murder At House On The Hill and I’ve already pre-ordered mine. I cannot wait to see how she delve into this genre. Before I share the gorgeous cover I’m going to tell you a bit about the book itself.
Blurb: Once Upon A Crime…
Nancy Hunter and her grandmother Jane Hunter run the Dedley Endings Bookshop, selling crime, thriller and mystery books, in a small, quiet Cotswold village where nothing ever happens…
That is, until the wealthy and reclusive Roth family open up their mansion for the first time in twenty years, inviting the people of Dedley End to a lavish engagement party.
While everyone is thrilled to finally look around the mansion on the hill, the festivities are quickly cut short when beautiful Lucy, recently married to young Harry Roth, is found dead after being pushed over the first-floor balustrade.
But who among the guests could have been capable of her murder – and why?
Nancy and Jane decide to investigate – after all, not only do they own a crime themed bookshop, they were also both named after famous literary detectives – but soon wonder if they’ve taken on more than they can handle. Especially when it seems the killer has worked out that they’re hot on their heels…
So without further ado….
If you’re as intrigued as me you can also pre-order it right here.
Blurb: Marrying The Heiress is a standalone, full-length enemies-to-lovers romance featuring a smoking hot guy, with plenty of heat, heart and a happily ever after.
Kate
I didn’t expect to inherit a multi-million-pound estate – especially under dubious circumstances – but I’ve only ever wanted to be financially secure.
For years I’ve been cast out from my family, desperately scraping together a living, trying to find some self-worth in the process.
But the rightful heir – Will Dawlish – hates my guts.
A-Daw-rable Dawlish, the papers call him. Dee-Lish Dawlish.
I’d like to think we could be friends, allies even, but all he wants is his inheritance back.
And even though Will’s distractingly handsome, even though he’s adored by the country as a cricketing legend, he’s emotionally bankrupt.
Will
I just want my grandfather’s inheritance back. I’ve got big plans to realise, and Kate Parsons has utterly derailed them.
After pursuing her through my lawyers, I’m left with one brazen plan.
Marrying her is the only option.
It makes good business sense; the divorce will be clean and tidy, my finances restored.
There will be nothing romantic between us because there’s absolutely nothing to like about Kate Parsons.
Not her lies, her mysteries, nor her blatant thievery.
And when she walks down the aisle towards me, I refuse to be moved by her graceful beauty.
I don’t want to notice her dazzling smile.
All I need to focus on is the next twelve months. Except, I also have to meet a stipulation of the prenup: consummating this marriage.
If you like your romances sexy, playful, and with guys in full possession of killer smiles, bods and moves, then buy this book!
The Rags to Riches books are a collection of steamy romance stories which can be read in any order, though reader enjoyment will be improved if you start with Marrying The Heiress.
About the Author: I loved reading romance books so much, I started to write my own. Featuring my own personal swoon-worthy book boyfriends with killer bods/smiles/moves and playful banter, hopefully, you’ll enjoy these heartfelt stories too.
I live in Norfolk, England and write stories with heat, heart and happily ever after.
If all that has wet your appetite for this novel then you can purchase it here.
Thank you as always to the truly fantasticLove Books Team. And here is to a happy Monday all.
Firstly, I am so so sorry that this post is extremely late into Sunday. I’ve been back at work and I’m trying to get back organised and on point. I also went for a run so it’s been a long old day. Today I am pleased to tell you about The Ballynoon Friendship Circle and I will be sharing an extract.
Blurb: After finding her dream cottage in a magazine whilst at the hairdressers, Edel Marston, a fifty-year-old retired teacher, makes the life-changing decision to relocate back to Northern Ireland after the death of her husband Ben.
A rocky start with the neighbours and the knowledge of her past is a little too close for comfort, leaves Edel full of self-doubt. Her emotions have become a law unto themselves and she keeps wondering if she’s made the right decision.
After giving herself a good talking to, she decides to join a local over 50’s club, in a bid to embrace her new life. However, after meeting the friendly ladies of the self-proclaimed Stitch & Bitch group, she’s left with further feelings of uncertainty.
Realising quickly how gossipy these ladies can be, Edelfinds herself keeping more and more secrets, especially when her relationship with one particular frienddevelops into something much more.
Ultimately, Edel has to decide whether to trust again and let all of these new people into her life, warts and all or go back to being lonely but safe and with her secrets intact.
About the Author: The call to Pauline Morgan’s native Northern Ireland was too strong and, after a fascinating stint overseas, she recently relocated there. Pauline had some unique mystical experiences in various houses she lived in and, as a result, self-published the paranormal Special Houses. She has been a member of the Romantic Novelist Association and participated in their New Writers’ Scheme. She attended a day course in Editing, tutored by author/mentor Morgen Bailey.
Pauline is a member of Writers Ink, a multi-award winning www.writing.ie
She has written short stories; published in Woman’s Way and Irelands Own iconic magazine. Pauline enjoyed entering Flash Fiction competitions and was long-listed at Kanturk Arts Festival.
Her first poem Airborne, published on Pendemic.ie website March 2020
Pauline has completed a women’s ‘fiction book called The Ballynoon Friendship Circle, her debut novel to be published by SpellBound Books in early 2021. Pauline is working on a standalone book Christmas novel.
She engages with an extensive network of social writing groups on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Pauline turns her incredible imagination into words to create beautiful stories in different genres. She has a relaxed style of writing, and her mentor describes it as heart-warming and cosy. Pauline never shies away from any given written tasks.
“Mrs Marston, it’s safe for you to return to the building. Good job, your neighbour spotted the fire.” the voice of a sympathetic fireman informs me.
I enter the house, my heart is racing to see how much damage there is from the chimney fire. How chilly the place feels now compared to earlier. I suppose the doors have to stay open to let the offending smoke haze disappear too, evidence of tonight’s event. My chest heaves, bringing on a coughing fit and moisture wells up in my eyes.
“What manner of a mess can a chimney fire create?” I sob in distress into my handkerchief, picking up a broken frame of artwork I did years ago. Tears trickle down my face and the sight of the devastation is getting to me. Stamping my foot in anger, I hear the squelching sound from the soaked rugs, ruined with the black powdery dust. Everything stinks of smoke and will do for weeks. I touch the curtains, covered in soot, and look at the rest of the soft furnishings that have taken on a darker appearance from all of the smoke. The fireplace is scorched, and the paint is peeling on the chimney breast. My body shakes with fright; tears well up again to a point where everything appears fuzzy.
“Dear God, how can I keep it together and not breakdown into floods of tears?” Whispering the words to myself, a dark vale of lingering smoke, reminds me of my lucky escape from death. I have to keep some form of control, above all in front of strangers. I reposition a coffee table lying on its side; hoping my life will be trouble free once more moving forwards. The one-sided conversation in my head tells me to let out a massive scream to release the panic and anger. I bite my bottom lip to stop myself actually doing it. The truth hits hard because I’m lonely and have no one to turn to in a crisis. Now the severe doubts about living here creep into the forefront of my mind as I realise just how on my own I am. Tonight’s events have cast shadows on my happiness. Can I move on from this evening’s disaster? My mind starts to spiral down a negative road – what if the locals don’t like me? What will they say about me after tonight? Bloody hell, what if all my best intentions have been lost on a money pit? I could have any choice of a little apartment in sunny Benidorm for the same price. The photo of a Gate Lodge property in a magazine at the hairdressers was love at first sight though.
I nod to myself, taking on board the fire officer’s sound advice – to have all the chimney’s swept regularly. The shivers continue their journey through my body; folding my arms tight against myself to disguise the jerky moments of my emotions. In shock, I lean against the doorframe to take in the full extent of the damage. None of this would have taken place if Ben let me be part of his bloody annual house-maintenance plan. He’s not here, so I’ll have to start thinking like a person living on their own. The fire crew roll up the long lengths of hosepipes and put their ladders away. I think to myself that the least I could do for these guys is to offer them a hot drink or maybe some food; on the television, you always see the fireman receiving a call out as they’reabout to tuck into their tea; but I really don’t have the energy.
The fire officer approaches carrying a fire prevention leaflet.
“Mrs Marston, you’ll find everything you need in the brochure. Give the station a call about getting the fire smoke alarms organised.”
“Is there a charge for the callout?” I mutter, feeling stupid and responsible for causing the chimney fire.
“No charges but get Paddy McGee the local sweep out to do a clean and an inspection of the chimney. Our job here is complete. Please don’t be embarrassed, everyone in the village has experienced a chimney fire. Bye love,” He reassures me before re-joining his crew on the fire engine.
“Thank you and the team for turning up quickly. Bye.” My voice is croaky from holding back nervous tension. Then it hits me, there is still a stranger in my home.
With a heavy heart, I cross the threshold to see Martin Crawford standing in the kitchen. The man, all the villagers hate, washing dishes in my kitchen. My gaze rests on him; what if these ladies from the Stitch and Bitch Club could see me now. What if they have got this man’s character all wrong? Or am I just naïve, trying to see the good in everybody? Maybe I’m still in shock? I lift the butter dish and milk jug to return them to the fridge; and from nowhere, humble words spill from my lips.
“Thank you for your quick response to call the fire brigade,” my words make me feel, sweaty with anxiety. I start to twiddle my thumbs determined to get a good peep at this man’s face. Why does he have a reputation for being a scrooge? Not forgetting he drives like a crazy maniac.
Thank you to Zoë for including me onto this blog tour and once again I’m sorry it’s so late. Do make sure to check out the rest of the tour and to check out Zoe’s other blog tours.
Firstly sorry for the late in the day post and the lack of posts the last few days. It’s been an interesting week where a little bit of normality has returned.
On Monday I got out and ran the first run of Couch to 5k week 6.
I had a meeting at work on Tuesday and then on Wednesday and Thursday I was back in the cinema on shift. My feet may have burned a little but it was so good to be reunited with my colleagues and the cinema in general. It may take me a little while to get in the swing of my routine again but it will happen.
On Friday I got out and ran the second run of week 6 I’m hoping if I’m not too shattered tomorrow to get home change and run the final hurdle of week 6 it’s a longer one, so will definitely be a test.
This week I read:
I’ve started reading Bad Choices By Lucy Vine and listening to The Soulmate Equation By Christina Lauren.
What’s been on the blog:
Last Sunday I posted my Weekly Update and you can read it again here.
On Monday I posted my thoughts on Darren O’Sullivan’s fantastic The Players and you can read it here.
On Tuesday I posted a blog blitz for Allied courtesy of Love Books Tours and you can read that post here.
On Wednesday I posted another blog blitz thanks to the Love Books Tours team and you can read it here.
I’m hoping to spend a bit of time this week organising myself and the blog so watch this space. As ever if there’s anything you would like to see on Hayley Reviews do get in touch…
Firstly I would like to apologise for the delay in today’s post. I had hoped to have already scheduled it, as today is my first day back at work…so without further ado.
Blurb: Five young people are in the dead period between finishing their exams and getting the results that will determine what they do next. It’s a time of anxiety but also a time of hope. And it’s the end of an era because whatever happens they will go separate ways. Meanwhile, there is a long summer vacation to fill.
Out of the blue, they receive an astonishing invitation. Four of them are in a band and a wealthy celebrity wants them to play at an event to be held at his home in Tuscany. All their expenses will be paid and they will live in a luxury villa. It sounds too good to be true, and it is.
They go to Italy, but when they reach the villa they find it’s empty. The location is remote, and with no transport, no internet connection and no mobile signal they are cut off from the world. A succession of mysterious events begins which forces them to review who they are, and to rethink what’s important to them. It’s not until the final chapters that we discover the real reason why they’ve been brought to the villa and exactly what the experience will mean for them.
About the Author: Phill lives in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK. He came to writing late, after a career in education and educational publishing. His first novel was Paradise Girl (2017). It’s the first book in the REBOOT trilogy and is the story of a teenage girl, Keryl Shaw, who finds herself alone when a deadly virus wipes out her family and friends. It was followed by Aftershocks (2018), recounting the adventures of Kerryl’s twin brother as he journeys to investigate and understand the pandemic. The finale to the series is Jericho Rose (2020). The pandemic is over and it’s time to rebuild, but there are some who see the chaos as an opportunity to pursue their own selfish aims. Phill’s fourth novel, The God Jar (2020), is a time-shift tale of a mysterious object and its strange powers. What Dreams We Had (2021) is his fifth novel.
Phill’s writing has received a number of awards. Paradise Girl, Aftershocks and The God Jar have Chill With a Book awards. Paradise Girl and The God Jar are Wishing Shelf finalists. Paradise Girl and Aftershocks have received Indie BRAG Medallions. Jericho Rose is a Wishing Shelf Red Ribbon Winner.
When he’s not reading or writing Phill likes walking, going to the theatre and concerts, travel, and visiting museums and galleries. He enjoys music and plays the tenor saxophone.
Today I am pleased to be taking part in a blog blitz for Allied By Sarah Biglow and Molly Zenk. Thanks to the fantastic Love Books Tours team.
Blurb: The sequel to Hunted is upon us…
Six weeks after Edith and her vampire family were exiled from their clan, Darren waits at the rendezvous, poised for a reunion that might never come. With every passing day, his hope of ever seeing the vampire who showed him what it means to be human again dwindles.
On the run from Hunters and her own clan alike, Edith strives to protect those in her care, all the while fighting to get back to Darren and the family she’d long dreamed of. But even when their paths do cross again, reunion comes at a cost.
When Mr. Heartsong brazenly declares war on all humanity, allegiances will be tested. Will Edith side with the man she’s come to believe may be her destiny or the creator who gave her a second chance at life?
About the Author: USA Today Bestselling Authors Sarah Biglow and Molly Zenk are the authors of the Captivity series and the Celestial Academy series. Independently, they write across multi genres including: YA, urban fantasy, historical, and cozy mystery. Sarah lives in Boston with her husband and son. Molly lives in Denver with her husband and three daughters.
Follow them on Facebook: @SarahBiglowAuthor @AuthorMollyZenk
A stranger has you cornered. They call themselves The Host. You are forced to play their game. In it one person can live and the other must die.
You are the next player. You have a choice to make.
Review: Where do I begin? Ever since I first came across Darren O’Sullivan’s Our Little Secret I’ve well and truly been a fan of his writing. He is a master craftsman and The Players is his best yet. This is the most intoxicating and terrifying read so far and wow I’ve loved being on this rollercoaster ride of his writing journey.
The Players is on a whole new level and this story would make a chilling Netflix series. Darren is a lovely guy but my oh my does he have a sadistic imagination. Right from the off we are thrown in at the deep end and given a thrilling scenario that will have you on edge. This is our introduction to The Host and his game – which as much as I knew there would be a profound reason for I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to instil that much fear and pain.
As each chapter ends you are eager for more. I found myself completely absorbed in nearing the end of this chilling tale of cat and mouse between the Host and the police I had to put the book down and sleep. I won’t be spoiling any of the finer detail but as the story transpires it gets closer and closer to home I found myself completely shocked in a few turns although it should have been a possibility in my mind.
There were some completely heartbreaking scenes where the hosts ideology is tested and where love and kindness is paramount. I found my heart in my mouth at a few aspects and I was completely broken by this story.
As the Host sets up each game the level of sadistic nature is ramped up each time and when you think he cannot sink any lower oh he does. I really like a story that has mixed media and the elements of social media and news articles really added to the tension and atmosphere in this novel.
The Players is a psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Darren O’Sullivan has written a novel that features real people, real issues and real panic.
The fact he wrote some of this during a worldwide pandemic I hold my hands up to him. He has the scare factor and the message is chilling but in some ways so real. I loved how anyone could become a player and you really don’t know which way the story will go. I knew I would LOVE The Players but my oh my did the Host terrify me.
I warmed to Karen and Howard from the off and I loved their friendship and camaraderie throughout. What I also think people will love about this novel is how diverse the characters are and in some aspects I’ve never seen a lot of that within writing based on the police force. Go get The Players you won’t regret it although you will lose sleep…
Once again here we are with a Sunday update. Yesterday I ended up on a run and finishing the fabulous Nothing New For Sophie Drew which I reviewed almost instantaneously for a change.
Before starting my current gripping read The Players I’m literally on the edge of my seat throughout reading this beauty. Between reading this watching the football and doing a few bits round the house is why this post is so late in the day.
As I ran last Sunday I decided to get on the bike on Monday and I did a good hour on the exercise bike whilst listening to an audiobook.
On Tuesday I got out and started Couch to 5k week 5 run 1.
On Thursday I got out for the soggiest run for a while.
I was meant to have my second Covid jab on Wednesday but there was a mix up. So I finally had my jab on Friday afternoon. Thankfully this time around it’s mostly been a dead arm and a bit of a headache. So I wasn’t letting that stop me so I got out and completed week 5 of couch to 5k yday – the day after my jab I completed a 20 min run and my did it feel good.
This week I read:
What’s been on the blog:
So last Sunday was also a delayed weekly update day. Seems to have been a bit of a habit of late.
On Monday I shared my blog tour review of An Act Of Love by Carol Drinkwater and I’m still giving away my copy – so let me know why you want to read it in the comments. You can read my review here.
Tuesday saw another blog tour review this time courtesy of Love Books Tours lovelies with You Brand By Julia Goodman and you can read that post here.
On Wednesday I had the pleasure of hosting Catherine Isaac here at Hayley Reviews and you can read that guest post here.
On Thursday I was taking part in another gorgeous blog blitz thanks to the Love Books Tours team and you can read my post on Firepower here.
Friday was a weird day as I had my jab in the afternoon so there was no post.
As I didn’t post the weekly update yesterday I did post a review of the fantastic Nothing New For Sophie Drew and you can read that post here.
Now to get back to this truly all encompassing read. It’s going to be quite a week I’m hoping to start week 6 of Couch to 5k restart tomorrow. I also have a number of appointments including with the physio and a staff meeting at work.
Sophie Drew is thirty, single and stuck in a dead-end job; convinced everyone around her has their lives in order as she’s stuck muddling through.
When a final demand from the bank makes her realise how dire her financial situation is, Sophie becomes determined to pay off her debts and take back control.
During her reinvention, Sophie meets attractive charity worker Max and things start to look up, but her best friends have other plans. With spendthrift ex Darius back on the scene, she finds herself in a dilemma.
Will Sophie fall back into her old ways, or can she find the confidence to make the right decisions and find happiness?
Review: I’m not sure where to begin but this is a truly refreshing read. Nothing New For Sophie Drew is the first novel in a brand new trilogy from Katey Lovell and I honestly cannot wait for more.
It’s been a while since I’ve read anything from Katey but this book swept me off my feet and let me escape as well as letting me think. Sophie is an interesting leading lady and I love how Katey has taken a very real subject matter and brought it home – I honestly can’t think of another novel that’s focussed on finances and spending and how it can effect our day to day lives and relationships. I think based on the subject matter it seems apt that Sophie Drew is set in Newcastle with elements of unnecessary spending and experiences similar to that of the Geordie Shore gang.
Sophie needs to curb her spending habits as they have gone out of control with many a red letter arriving at her parents. She doesn’t realise how unnecessary a lot of her spending is and a lot of it is for appearances and thanks to other people in some instances. In speaking to her credit card company she has that light bulb moment and realises she needs to change.
Sophie feels like everyone around her is living the lives they want. She feels like the failure amongst her family circle, and in some instances I’ve had those doubts over the years especially as the oldest sibling. Although she soon realises there are a lot of people putting on a brave face. Having worked for a charity shop I loved the element of that and how real that was. There were often real gems found in a charity shop and a fraction of the original retail price. I also appreciated how many variations of people frequent these establishments.
I have to mention the element of friendships and close knit families. Katey has a real eye for creating friendship groups that you would love to be a part of and emulating similar people to that of real life. Sophie, Eve and Tawna are a fantastic bunch and warts and all they really care for each other – I must admit I loved the outburst in New York as it brought the trio closer. Highlighting that communication is key and friends will literally move heaven and earth for each other. It also showed that appearances can be deceiving as each of them played their part.
There is an element of romance and rekindling within this novel. Emotions are heightened and I can see why Sophie was swayed at times but once a bad apple. I won’t delve into it too much but I very much disliked Darius – he maybe easy on the eye but he’s rotten to the core.
As this is the first in the trilogy I knew it would end with a cliffhanger of sorts and I’m honestly so happy for how it ended for Sophie. I cannot wait to see where the next instalment takes her and I would love to hear more of her friends too. A truly fantastic opening novel that will leave you full of love.
Today I am pleased to be taking part in a blitz courtesy of Love Books tours for Firepower.
Blurb: White supremacists have climbed their way to the top. It’s his job to bring them down.
Vince Bellator, former Special Services operative, arrives in Dead Springs, Alabama to honor his late friend’s dying wish: to bury his hand under the porch of his hunting cabin.
But on the way, Vince has an unsettling run-in with a group of local heavily armed militiamen.
Sensing that the group is more than just a violent mob, Vince decides to infiltrate their ranks. He discovers that they are an outfit of white supremacists who call themselves The Brethren. But what sets them apart from other such extremists is that they are in the midst of planning an act of national terror.
Not only that, they are also harboring a prisoner – someone with a connection to Vince.
With the FBI unconvinced and government officials colluding with Brethren leaders, Vince realizes it is up to him to put a stop to the would-be terrorist cell. But can he do so before they wreak devastation on America and all it stands for?
Fans of Lee Child and James Patterson need look no further: full-throttle political thrills await you from the first page.
About the Author: John Cutter is the bestselling author of The Specialist novels, which inspired the Sylvester Stallone movie of the same name. He lives in the Pacific Northwest, USA.
If you’re interested in Firepower you can purchase it here.
As always thanks to the fantastic Love Books Tours team are. If you’re looking to host more bookish content feel free to check them out. www.lovebookstours.com
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