General Blog Posts

#BookReview Dancing in the Rain by Kelly Jamieson @KellyJamieson @readloveswept

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Dancing in the Rain by Kelly Jamieson @KellyJamieson @readloveswept Title: Dancing in the Rain

Author: Kelly Jamieson

Published by: Loveswept on Apr. 11, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 311

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Loveswept, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

A retired athlete meets the daughter he never knew—along with the woman who reignites his passions—in this powerful standalone romance from the bestselling author of Hot Shot and the Heller Brothers series.

Drew Sellers is drowning in broken dreams and empty beer bottles. Hockey was his world, until a bum knee reduced him from superstar to has-been. Then he learns that, thanks to a one-night-stand back in college, he’s the father of a preteen girl with major issues. Her protective aunt sees right through Drew’s BS, but “Auntie P” is no stereotypical spinster. With her slender curves, toned legs, and luscious lips, she has Drew indulging in fantasies that aren’t exactly family-friendly.

At another point in her life, Peyton Watt would have been all over a cocky alpha male who pushes all her buttons like Drew. Right now, though, she needs to focus on taking care of her niece during her sister’s health crisis, all while holding down a job and keeping her own head above water. Besides, Drew’s clearly no father of the year. He’s unemployed. He drinks too much. And he’s living in the past. But after Peyton gets a glimpse of the genuine man behind his tough-guy façade, she’s hooked—and there’s no going back.

Review:

Charming, poignant and sweetly romantic!

In this new novel by Jamieson she takes a little sidestep from her usual fun-loving, lighthearted rom coms and give us a much deeper, emotional story involving Drew, a disheartened hockey player struggling with the loss of his career and the unexpected news that he is the father to an 11-year-old daughter; and Peyton, a successful, determined woman floundering between the career she has always wanted and her ever-increasing role as caregiver to her sister and niece.

The writing is smooth and seamless. The characters are sympathetic, complex and real. And the plot is a soul-searching journey filled with familial relationships, compassion, honesty, support, rapport, loss, life and love.

Overall this truly is a captivating, heartwarming story that may have you in tears for more than half of it but will definitely leave you satisfied and smiling by the very end.

 

This novel is due to be published on April 11, 2017.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

             

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Random House – Loveswept, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Kelly Jamieson

Kelly Jamieson is a USA Today bestselling author of over 40 romance novels and novellas. Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex”, “sweet and satisfying” and “blisteringly sexy”. She likes black coffee, white wine and high heels…and of course cheering on her Winnipeg Jets during hockey season!

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#BookReview The Paris Secret by Karen Swan @KarenSwan1 @PGCBooks

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
#BookReview The Paris Secret by Karen Swan @KarenSwan1 @PGCBooks Title: The Paris Secret

Author: Karen Swan

Published by: Pan Macmillan on May 10, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 416

Format: Paperback, ARC

Source: Publishers Group Canada

Book Rating: 9/10

Not every door should be opened . . .

With stunning locations and page-turning tension, The Paris Secret is an intense and gripping tale from bestselling author Karen Swan.

Somewhere along the cobbled streets of Paris, an apartment lies thick with dust and secrets: full of priceless artworks hidden away for decades.

High-flying fine art agent Flora from London, more comfortable with the tension of a million-pound auction than a cosy candlelit dinner for two, is called in to assess these suddenly discovered treasures. As an expert in her field, she must trace the history of each painting and discover who has concealed them for so long.

Thrown in amongst the glamorous Vermeil family as they move between Paris and Antibes, Flora begins to discover that things aren’t all that they seem, while back at home her own family is recoiling from a seismic shock. The terse and brooding Xavier Vermeil seems intent on forcing Flora out of his family’s affairs – but just what is he hiding?

Review:

Compelling, emotional and deliciously mysterious!

This is a riveting tale that sweeps us into the glamorous world of art and takes us on a journey to find the true provenance of precious paintings that have been concealed for decades.

The story is predominantly set in Paris during both the latter part of WWII, as well as present day and is filled with mystique, familial drama, heartbreak, secrets, deception, history, abuse, self discovery, exotic locales and of course a little bit of romance.

The prose is precise and vividly descriptive. The characters are complex, independent and affluent. And the plot uses a present/past style to not only build suspense and tension, but to create depth and understanding to the personalities, motivations and relationships within it.

I have to admit that when it comes to Karen Swan I’m a little bit biased. I’m a huge fan (as you can see)! To me her books are like a cosy jumper, every time I pick one up I know I can snuggle down for the whole day and be immersed in a story that will captivate me, make me smile, probably make me laugh, and possibly even make me cry and this one was no exception.

 

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

                                            

 

 

Thank you to PGC Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Karen Swan

Karen Swan began her career in fashion journalism before giving it all up to raise her three children and a puppy, and to pursue her ambition of becoming a writer. She lives in the forest outside Sussex, England, writing her books in a treehouse overlooking the Downs.

An internationally bestselling author, her numerous books include The Rome Affair, The Paris Secret, Christmas Under the Stars, and The Christmas Secret. 

Photograph by Alexander James

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#BlurbReveal Stay by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy @SarinaBowen @ElleKennedy

categories: Blurb Reveal, Contemporary Romance, Noteworthy Book Releases

Can you fall in love with someone you’ve never even met?

Hailey Taylor Emery has a hunch that her favorite client at Fetch–an anonymous virtual assistant service–is actually hockey star Matt Eriksson. 

Although it’s against the rules for her to check his file, she’s 95% sure she spends at least part of each day texting with her lifelong crush and catering to his every need. Still nursing a wounded heart thanks to her recent breakup, Hailey is perfectly content with some harmless online flirting…until she has to meet her client. Face to face. Cue: utter panic.

Matt Eriksson is no stranger to heartbreak. He’s still not over the destruction of his marriage, and it sucks to be the only guy on the team who knows the truth–that hockey and long-term relationships are a toxic mix. He barely sees his kids, and dealing with his ex makes him feel insane. The only person in his life who seems to understand is someone who won’t show her pretty face.

But it’s nothing that a pair of fourth row hockey seats can’t fix. Hailey can’t resist the offer. Matt can’t resist Hailey. Good thing he doesn’t have to. Fire up the kiss cam!

Warning: Contains rabid hockey fans, misunderstood dick pics, hockey players at the opera and exploding ovaries.

ADD TO GOODREADS

✦ Amazon ✦ iBooks ✦ B&N ✦ Kobo ✦

 

 

#BookReview Last Breath by Robert Bryndza @RobertBryndza @bookouture

categories: 10/10, Book Review, Mystery/Thriller
#BookReview Last Breath by Robert Bryndza @RobertBryndza @bookouture Title: Last Breath

Author: Robert Bryndza

Series: Detective Erika Foster #4

Published by: Bookouture on Apr. 12, 2017

Genres: Mystery/Thriller, Police Procedural

Pages: 362

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Bookouture, NetGalley

Book Rating: 10/10

He’s your perfect date. You’re his next victim.

When the tortured body of a young woman is found in a dumpster, her eyes swollen shut and her clothes soaked with blood, Detective Erika Foster is one of the first at the crime scene. The trouble is, this time, it’s not her case.

While she fights to secure her place on the investigation team, Erika can’t help but get involved and quickly finds a link to the unsolved murder of a woman four months earlier. Dumped in a similar location, both women have identical wounds – a fatal incision to their femoral artery.

Stalking his victims online, the killer is preying on young pretty women using a fake identity. How will Erika catch a murderer who doesn’t seem to exist?

Then another girl is abducted while waiting for a date. Erika and her team must get to her before she becomes another dead victim, and, come face to face with a terrifyingly sadistic individual.

Gripping, tense and impossible to put down, Last Breath will have you on the edge of your seat, racing to the final dramatic page.

Review:

Mesmerizing, dark and cleverly spine-chilling!

This is a skillfully crafted, perfectly executed thriller that takes us on a hunt for a sadistic serial killer and highlights how susceptible and vulnerable social media can make us.

The writing is seamless, vivid and fluid. The characterization is spot on with all the usual gang back including the tough, stubborn Erika Foster whose greatest struggles involve her inability to conform to authority and her apprehension at the growing intimacy with Peterson. And the plot involves a series of twists, turns, violence, murder and surprises that I guarantee will grab you from the very first page of the prologue.

Overall this book has an incredible pace and exceptional depth in both the storyline and character development. It’s riveting; it’s entertaining; and it’s a clear indicator that Bryndza has definitely hit his stride. If you love well written police procedurals with intriguing characters this is the book/series for you.

If you haven’t read any of the previous novels in the “Detective Erika Foster” series be sure to check out my review for “The Night Stalker” (Erika Foster #2) HERE and my review for “Dark Water” (Erika Foster #3) HERE.

This book is due to be published on April 12, 2017

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

           

 

Thank you to Bookouture and Robert Bryndza for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Robert Bryndza

Robert Bryndza is an international bestselling author, best known for his page-turning crime and thriller novels, which have sold over four million copies in the English language.

His crime debut, The Girl in the Ice was released in February 2016, introducing Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster. Within five months it sold one million copies, reaching number one in the Amazon UK, USA and Australian charts. To date, The Girl in the Ice has sold over 1.5 million copies in the English language and has been sold into translation in 29 countries. It was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery & Thriller (2016), the Grand prix des lectrices de Elle in France (2018), and it won two reader voted awards, The Thrillzone Awards best debut thriller in The Netherlands (2018) and The Dead Good Papercut Award for best page turner at the Harrogate Crime Festival (2016).

Robert has released a further five novels in the Erika Foster series, The Night Stalker, Dark Water, Last Breath, Cold Blood and Deadly Secrets, all of which have been global bestsellers, and in 2017 Last Breath was a Goodreads Choice Award nominee for Mystery and Thriller.

Most recently, Robert created a new crime thriller series based around the central character Kate Marshall, a police officer turned private detective. The first book, Nine Elms, was an Amazon USA #1 bestseller and an Amazon UK top five bestseller, and the series has been sold into translation in 18 countries. The second book in the series is the global bestselling, Shadow Sands and the third book, Darkness Falls, has just been published.

Robert was born in Lowestoft, on the east coast of England. He studied at Aberystwyth University, and the Guildford School of Acting, and was an actor for several years, but didn’t find success until he took a play he’d written to the Edinburgh Festival. This led to the decision to change career and start writing. He self-published a bestselling series of romantic comedy novels, before switching to writing crime. Robert lives with his husband in Slovakia, and is lucky enough to write full-time.

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#BookReview White Sand, Blue Sea by Anita Hughes @hughesanita @StMartinsPress

categories: 7/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
#BookReview White Sand, Blue Sea by Anita Hughes @hughesanita @StMartinsPress Title: White Sand, Blue Sea

Author: Anita Hughes

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin on Apr. 11, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 288

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: St. Martin's Press, NetGalley

Book Rating: 7/10

Olivia Miller is standing on the porch of her mother and stepfather’s plantation style villa in St. Barts. They have been coming here every April for years but she is always thrilled to see the horseshoe shaped bay of Gustavia and white sand of Gouverneur’s Beach. This trip should be particularly exciting because she is celebrating her twenty-fifth birthday and hoping that Finn, her boyfriend of four years, will propose.

The only person who won’t be here is her father, Sebastian, who she hasn’t seen in twenty years. He’s a well-known artist and crisscrosses the globe, painting and living in exotic locations like Kenya and China. When Sebastian walks unexpectedly walks through the door and floats back into Olivia’s life like a piece of bad driftwood she never knew she wanted, she starts to wondering if her world is too narrow. She questions the dreams and the relationship she’s always thought she wanted. But there seems to be more to the story than an innocent fatherly visit, and Olivia must decide if love is more important than truth.

Set on St. Barts, the jewel of the Caribbean, WHITE SAND, BLUE SEA is a heartwarming story about romance and adventure, and most importantly, about knowing yourself, and what makes you happy.

Review:

Charming, engaging and lighthearted!

In this new novel by Hughes we are transported to the beautiful island of St. Barts complete with pristine beaches, exquisite restaurants, designer boutiques, and million-dollar yachts and are swept into a story that delves into the complexities of maternal, paternal and romantic relationships and highlights the importance of honesty and communication.

The writing is descriptive and smooth. The characters are an appealing variety of young and mature; unsure and grounded; stable and peripatetic; loved and secure. And the plot is a sweet journey about discovering oneself, appreciating what you have, letting go of the past and the power of unconditional love.

Overall, this is an enjoyable, easy read that is a nice choice for a relaxing, sunny afternoon.

 

This book is due to be published on April 11, 2017. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

                                          

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially St. Martin’s Press, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Anita Hughes

ANITA HUGHES is the author of Monarch Beach, Market Street, Lake Como, French Coast, Rome in Love, Island in the Sea, Santorini Sunsets, and Christmas in Paris. She attended UC Berkeley’s Masters in Creative Writing Program, and lives in Dana Point, California where she is at work on her next novel.

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#BookReview At Attention by Annabeth Albert @AnnabethAlbert @CarinaPress

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA
#BookReview At Attention by Annabeth Albert @AnnabethAlbert @CarinaPress Title: At Attention

Author: Annabeth Albert

Series: Out of Uniform #2

Published by: Carina Press on Apr. 10, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 304

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Carina Press, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Lieutenant Apollo Floros can ace tactical training missions, but being a single dad to his twin daughters is more than he can handle. He needs live-in help, and he’s lucky a friend’s younger brother needs a place to stay. He’s surprised to see Dylan all grown up with a college degree…and a college athlete’s body. Apollo’s widowed heart may still be broken, but Dylan has his blood heating up. 

It’s been eight years since the teenage Dylan followed Apollo around like a lovesick puppy, and it’s time he showed Lieutenant Hard-to-Please that he’s all man now—an adult who’s fully capable of choosing responsibility over lust. He can handle Apollo’s muscular sex appeal, but Apollo the caring father? Dylan can’t afford to fall for that guy. He’s determined to hold out for someone who’s able to love him back, not someone who only sees him as a kid brother. 

Apollo is shocked by the intensity of his attraction to Dylan. Maybe some no-strings summer fun will bring this former SEAL back to life. But the combination of scorching desire and warm affection is more than he’d expected, and the emotion between them scares him senseless. No fling lasts forever, and Apollo will need to decide what’s more important—his past or his future—if he wants to keep Dylan in his life.

Review:

Emotional, passionate and incredibly steamy!

This is a hot military romance that combines a young, flirty, charming childhood educator with an older, tough, sexy, grieving widower of twins in an intriguing story filled with angst, tension, smoking chemistry, guilt, heartache and love.

The writing is smooth and clear. The characters are genuine, consumed and strong. And the plot uses different points of view and a slow sultry build to captivate and intrigue until the very last page and the desired happy-ever-after ending.

This really is an enjoyable novel by Albert and once again she’s proven she can write racy banter and erotic sex scenes with the best of them.

This is the second novel in the “Out of Uniform” series. If you haven’t had a chance to read my review of Off Base (Out of Uniform #1) you can check it out HERE.

 

This book is due to be published on April 10, 2017. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Kobo, Barnes & Noble

 

Thank you to Carina Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Annabeth Albert

Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

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#BookReview A Manor in Cornwall by Laura Briggs @PaperDollWrites

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview A Manor in Cornwall by Laura Briggs @PaperDollWrites Title: A Manor in Cornwall

Author: Laura Briggs

Series: A Wedding in Cornwall #4

Published by: Laura Briggs on Mar. 29, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 101

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Laura Briggs

Book Rating: 8/10

Now that Julianne’s happily ending is secure, her career as Cliffs House’s event planner is suddenly busier than ever. Thanks to a Cornish singing sensation’s upcoming concert at Cliffs House, and her promise to plan the perfect wedding for Pippa, Julianne hasn’t a moment to spare for Matthew or his plans for a weekend outing at Pencarrow. But she’s determined to find a way without letting down Ceffylgwyn for its big moment, or disappointing Pippa on the biggest day of her friend’s life.

With a starstruck crew of volunteers, a persistent American event planner, and a seemingly ill-chosen assistant in the form of the village’s former troublemaker, Julianne has her hands full, as usual. And it will take all of her friends, a few surprise twists, and — of course — her beloved Matthew to see her through it.

Review:

Winsome, lighthearted and fun!

In this fourth outing in the Cornwall series we start with a wedding, end with a wedding, and have quite a kerfuffle in-between as “The Cliffs” prepares for a live performance by a famous opera singer and the grandest event they’ve ever hosted.

The writing is clear and precise. The characters are intriguing, affectionate and supportive. And even though we lose one of our favourites, Pippa, to married life in a new village, we gain some new intriguing ones we can definitely look forward to reading about in future tales.

Overall you can’t go wrong with these sweet short stories from Briggs that are bursting with all the quaintness of village life, including an idyllic locale, quirky, unique personalities and plots filled with excitement, humour, a little adventure and a lot of heart.

 

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to Laura Briggs, the author, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Laura Briggs

Laura Briggs is the bestselling author of multiple lighthearted romance books, including the Amazon UK Top 100's LATE TO THE WEDDING and the popular A WEDDING IN CORNWALL series. Since her debut with Pelican Book Group's inspirational novella ONLY IN NOVELS, she has worked both with publishers and as an independent author, as well as partnering with others writers, including working under a pen name in other genres. She loves vintage fashion, classic movies, British melodrama, and spending time with her pets.

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#BookReview Evera Dark: First Cut by S.L. Reid

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Romantic Suspense
#BookReview Evera Dark: First Cut by S.L. Reid Title: Evera Dark: First Cut

Author: S.L. Reid

Published by: Tellwell Talent on Oct. 13, 2016

Genres: Romantic Suspense

Pages: 304

Format: Paperback

Source: S.L. Reid

Book Rating: 9/10

It’s the whispering graze of icy metal that catches her breath and quickens her heart. Or so she thought…

For Evera Grant, life is a constant game of death and deception. With her horrifying past buried, her present and future belong with The Section; a rouge, black ops agency where she is both seductress and assassin. Despite the constant danger hovering in her life, it’s Adam–The Section’s most lethal weapon–that stands to be her biggest obstacle. He’s sexy, beautiful, and the only man in her heart. For Evera, their bond is permanent and unbreakable, but for Adam, the line she’s incapable of crossing has become a chasm.

Just as the tension between her and Adam reaches a breaking point, The Section sends Evera on an urgent mission. A mission that sets her skills and her heart against a target unlike any she’s ever encountered. As this deadly and compelling man draws her further into temptation, the lines begin to blur between love and desire. But then fate steps in; igniting a destructive chain of events that leaves Evera scrambling … and wondering who, if any of them, will make it out alive.

Review:

Taut, fierce and smoking!

This is a steamy, high adrenaline story that catapults you into the lonely, dangerous world of an assassin and takes you on a roller coaster ride full of secrets, jealousy, power, seduction, violence, smouldering chemistry, sexy romance, revenge and murder.

The writing is fluid and seamless. The main character, Evera, is ruthless, determined, competent, and scarred. And the plot is well-developed, builds nicely, has a good mix of dialogue and narration and best of all is deliciously twisty. 

I have to say this was a pleasant surprise and a great start to a new series for a debut author. If you love romantic suspense and kick-ass, strong female characters then this book is definitely for you.

 

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Kobo, B&N, Book Depository, Indigo

 

 

Thank you to S.L. Reid, the author, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure and honour to read and I can’t wait to read what happens next.

 

About S.L. Reid

The author, writing as ‘S.L. Reid’, spent most of her childhood with a book tucked under her arm. These days it’s her laptop, as she makes time for novel writing amongst the many other projects in her busy life. She also finds a way to squeeze in her favorite distractions; movies, running, reading (of course) and visits with family and friends. Evera Dark, First Cut, is her alias - ‘S.L. Reid’s’ - debut novel, and book one in the trilogy.

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#BookReview It Happens All The Time by Amy Hatvany @AmyHatvany @AtriaBooks

categories: 8.5/10, Book Review, General Fiction, Women's Fiction
#BookReview It Happens All The Time by Amy Hatvany @AmyHatvany @AtriaBooks Title: It Happens All the Time

Author: Amy Hatvany

Published by: Atria Books on Mar. 28, 2017

Genres: General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 320

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Atria Books, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

From master storyteller Amy Hatvany—whose writing has been hailed as “gripping and emotionally honest” (Stephanie Evanovich, New York Times best-selling author)—comes a provocative and compelling novel about two friends whose lives are changed by a drunken kiss.

I want to rewind the clock, take back the night when the world shattered. I want to erase everything that went wrong.

Amber Bryant and Tyler Hicks have been best friends since they were teenagers—trusting and depending on each other through some of the darkest periods of their young lives. And while Amber has always felt that their relationship is strictly platonic, Tyler has long harbored the secret desire that they might one day become more than friends.

Returning home for the summer after her college graduation, Amber begins spending more time with Tyler than she has in years. Despite the fact that Amber is engaged to her college sweetheart, a flirtation begins to grow between them. One night, fueled by alcohol and concerns about whether she’s getting married too young, Amber kisses Tyler.

What happens next will change them forever.

In alternating points of view, It Happens All the Time examines the complexity of sexual dynamics between men and women and offers an incisive exploration of gender roles, expectations, and the ever-timely issue of consent.

Review:

Intense, emotional and extremely impactful!

This is a heartbreaking story that delves into the devastating and enduring physical and psychological effects of acquaintance rape and reminds us that sometimes good people make bad decisions and do bad things.

The story is narrated from two different perspectives and uses a past/present style to give both depth and understanding to all the relationships and connections between the characters. 

The prose flows seamlessly. The characters are young, multi-layered and sympathetic. And the plot is engrossing, fast paced and full of ups, downs, tension and drama.

This ultimately is a deeply moving story about friendship, trust, sexual dynamics, power, violence, betrayal and revenge and even though the subject matter is incredibly dark I highly recommend it.

 

This book is due to be published on March 28, 2017.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Book Depository, B&N, Kobo

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Atria Books, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Amy Hatvany

Amy Hatvany was born in Seattle, WA in 1972, the youngest of three children. She graduated from Western Washington University in 1994 with a degree in Sociology only to discover most sociologists are unemployed. Soon followed a variety of jobs – some of which she loved, like decorating wedding cakes; others which she merely tolerated, like receptionist. In 1998, Amy finally decided to sell her car, quit her job, and take a chance on writing books.

The literary gods took kindly to her aspirations and THE KIND OF LOVE THAT SAVES YOU was published in 2000 by Bantam Doubleday. THE LANGUAGE OF SISTERS was picked up by NAL in 2002. (Both titles published under "Yurk.")

Amy spends most of her time today with her second and final husband, Stephan. (Seriously, if this one doesn’t work out, she’s done.) She stays busy with her two children, Scarlett and Miles, and her “bonus child,” Anna. Their blended family also includes two four-legged hairy children, commonly known as Black Lab mutts, Kenda and Dolcé. When Amy’s not with friends or family, she is most likely reading, cooking or zoning out on certain reality television shows. Top Chef is a current favorite. She eagerly awaits auditions for the cast of “Top Author.” (“Quick Edit” instead of “Quick Fire” Challenge? C’mon, producers! That’s gripping television!)

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#BookReview Exposure by Aga Lesiewicz @Aga_Lesiewicz @PGCBooks

categories: 7.5/10, Book Review, Mystery/Thriller
#BookReview Exposure by Aga Lesiewicz @Aga_Lesiewicz @PGCBooks Title: Exposure

Author: Aga Lesiewicz

Published by: Pan Macmillan on Mar. 24, 2017

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 352

Format: Paperback

Source: Publishers Group Canada

Book Rating: 7.5/10

You know that feeling. Your life’s on track and all is going well. And then something monumental occurs that turns everything on its head. It happens to everyone but, for Kristin Ryder, it was much, much worse . . .

When up-and-coming photographer Kristin begins to receive anonymous emails, her life in a trendy loft in London’s Hoxton with Anton, her ultra-cool, street-artist boyfriend, suddenly begins to feel unsafe. The emails come with sinister attachments that suggest the sender has an intimate knowledge of Kristin’s past, and soon her life spirals out of control.

Who can she trust? And will she be able to discover the sender’s identity before it’s too late?

Breathtaking and shocking, Exposure by Aga Lesiewicz will grip you until the last snap of the camera shutter.

Review:

Gripping, edgy and dark!

This is a character-driven psychological thriller that illustrates just how vulnerable our technological dependence makes us and how quickly life can change.

The story is set in London and is told from the perspective of Kristin, a photographer with incredible talent who suddenly finds herself in a lacklustre career with an unfaithful partner and a tenacious stalker who seems to be everywhere.

The writing is crisp. The plot is fast-paced, suspenseful and a relentless thrill ride of multiple suspects and precarious situations, as well as some intriguing glimpses into the world of street art, photography and metropolis sights and sounds. And, generally, the characterization is well done, with an assortment of characters that are troubled, intense and layered.  However, I do have to admit that the poor choices and decisions occasionally made by the main character seemed a little unbelievable even given the circumstances and caused me at times to lose some sympathy and connection with her.

This is Lesiewicz’s second novel and it is definitely an entertaining, riveting read that will keep you guessing for quite some time.

 

The book is available now and available in Canada on March 24, 2017.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Kobo, B&N, Book Depository

 

 

Thank you to PGC Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Aga Lesiewicz

Aga Lesiewicz lives in London, which has been her professional and spiritual home for over thirty years. She has worked as a radio presenter, voice-over artist, interpreter, screenwriter and, most recently, a TV producer and director. A freak knee injury in 2013 led to a change in her career and prompted her to write her first book ‘Rebound’. Her second novel ‘Exposure’ will be out in 2017.

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