9/10

#BookReview Bolshoi Confidential by Simon Morrison @simonm1

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Historical Fiction
#BookReview Bolshoi Confidential by Simon Morrison @simonm1 Title: Bolshoi Confidential

Author: Simon Morrison

Published by: Knopf Canada on Oct. 11, 2016

Genres: Historical Fiction

Pages: 400

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Penguin Random House Canada, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

In this enthralling, definitive new history of the Bolshoi Ballet, sensational performances onstage compete with political machinations backstage.

On January 17, 2013, a hooded assailant hurled acid into the face of the artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet, making international headlines. A lead soloist, enraged by institutional power struggles, later confessed to masterminding the crime. The scandal, though shocking, is not an anomaly in the turbulent and tormented yet magnificent history of the Bolshoi. Renowned music historian Simon Morrison reveals the ballet as a crucible of art and politics, beginning with the disreputable inception of the theatre in 1776 and proceeding through the era of imperial rule, the chaos of revolution, the oppressive Soviet years, and the recent $680 million renovation project. Drawing on exclusive archival research, Morrison creates a richly detailed tableau of the centuries-long war between world-class art and life-threatening politics that has defined this storied institution. As Morrison makes clear, as Russia goes, so goes the Bolshoi Ballet.

Review:

This is a remarkably researched, sophisticated story of the tumultuous history of the iconic Bolshoi.

It is a journey through its 240-year history, complete with an in-depth look into the scandals, corruption, damage, destruction, violence, and restorations that it has endured over the years, as well as an introduction to the characters that have played an important role its enduring successes and failures, including Tsars, politicians, dancers, directors, composers and choreographers.

This is, ultimately, an expository story about the creation and production of one of the most beautiful art forms the world has ever known, complete with the shady and gritty underworld that plagues its backstage.

Overall, this novel is incredibly descriptive, effortlessly fluid, and highly fascinating.

 

This book is due to be published on October 11, 2016. 

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

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Book Depository

 

For more information on Simon Morrison, visit his website at: princeton.edu/~simonm

or follow him on Twitter at: @simonm1

 

 

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

#BookReview All She Ever Wished For by Claudia Carroll @carrollclaudia

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview All She Ever Wished For by Claudia Carroll @carrollclaudia Title: All She Ever Wished For

Author: Claudia Carroll

Published by: Avon on Mar. 10, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 496

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: HarperCollins UK

Book Rating: 9/10

Tess Taylor is gearing up to her BIG day. She is on a mission to create a wedding to remember – and nothing is going to get in her way. That is, until a summons arrives completely out of the blue for jury service. With a million jobs still to do, the timing couldn’t be worse. Meanwhile Kate King, celebrity socialite, is going through a very public divorce with billionaire Damien King. As if the heartache wasn’t enough to deal with, Kate now has to face a high-profile court case as she goes head to head with her ex-husband. On the surface, the two women couldn’t be more different, but their two worlds collide as the courtroom drama unfolds. Tess realises that the fate of another person lays in her hands just as time out of her normal routine makes her question if she’s making the right decisions for her own life. Lessons in love and friendship await both of them …

Review:

Heartwarming, romantic, and laugh-out-loud funny.

This story is told from two different perspectives. One is that of Tess, an energetic young woman in the throes of planning her dream wedding to the older, slightly dull, Bernard. And the other is Kate, a beautiful celebrity who finds herself in a malicious legal battle with her estranged, billionaire ex-husband. Although these women come from completely different backgrounds and lead completely different lifestyles it isn’t long before their paths intersect and their lives become entwined.

The writing is flawless. The characterization is spot on. The two heroines are strong, determined, motivated, and likeable. The supporting characters are varied, colourful, and quirky. And Will, well Will is the perfect man, tall, dark, handsome, and caring.

This is an intriguing story brimming with humour, romance, mystery, friendship, and family. It made me laugh, it made me smile, and it made me want more!

If you are a fan of rom coms or chick-lit, this book is definitely for you.

This book is due to be published on October 6, 2016.

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

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Book Depository

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially HarperCollins UK – Avon, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Claudia Carroll

Claudia was born in Dublin and is a graduate of UCD, the College of Music and of the Gaiety School of Acting. Since then she has worked extensively as an actress on the Irish stage, but is probably best known for her role as TV’s Nicola Prendergast in the long running Dublin soap opera, ‘Fair City.’

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#BookReview Without Mercy by Jefferson Bass @Jefferson_Bass

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Mystery/Thriller
#BookReview Without Mercy by Jefferson Bass @Jefferson_Bass Title: Without Mercy

Author: Jefferson Bass

Series: Body Farm #10

Published by: William Morrow on Oct. 4, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 342

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: William Morrow, Edelweiss

Book Rating: 9/10

In the most suspenseful installment of the New York Times bestselling Body Farm series to date, forensic anthropologist Dr. Bill Brockton investigates a bizarre murder—and confronts a deadly enemy he thought he’d put behind bars for good.

Forensic anthropologist Bill Brockton has spent twenty-five years solving brutal murders—but none so bizarre and merciless as his latest case: A ravaged set of skeletal remains is found chained to a tree on a remote mountainside. As Brockton and his assistant Miranda dig deeper, they uncover warning signs of a deadly eruption of hatred and violence.

But the shocking case is only the beginning of Brockton’s trials. Mid-case, the unthinkable happens: The deadliest criminal Brockton has ever foiled—the sadistic serial killer Nick Satterfield—escapes from prison, bent on vengeance.

But simply killing Brockton isn’t enough. Satterfield wants to make him suffer first, by destroying everything he holds dear: Brockton’s son, daughter-in-law, grandsons; even Miranda, his longtime graduate assistant, now on the verge of completing her Ph.D. and launching a forensic career of her own.

The dangers from all directions force Brockton to question two things on which he’s based his entire career—the justice system, and the quality of mercy—and to wonder: can the two co-exist?

If not, which will Brockton choose in his ultimate moment of truth?

Review:

Dark, disturbingly absorbing, and incredibly creepy!

This is an insightful thriller that reminds us that even though we’ve come so far, there’s still a lot of hatred out there.

It is gripping story about cruelty, captivity, violence, revenge, murder, and ultimately, evil.

The writing is crisp and clear. The usual ‘Body Farm’ characters are back, led by the intelligent, witty, persistent Dr. Brockton, as well as some new, sadistic, malicious ones. And the plot, along with several subplots, will have you intrigued, mystified, surprised, and gripping the edge of your seat from start to finish.

It’s hard to believe this is already the tenth novel in the ‘Body Farm’ series, but boy it’s a good one! If you haven’t read any of the previous ‘Body Farm’ novels I would definitely think about picking one of those up as well.

This novel is due to be published on October 4, 2016. 

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

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Chapters/Indigo

 

For more information on Jefferson Bass, visit their website at: jeffersonbass.com

or follow them on Twitter at: @Jefferson_Bass

 

 

Thank you to Edelweiss, especially William Morrow, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview Take a Chance on Me by Carol Wyer @carolewyer

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Take a Chance on Me by Carol Wyer @carolewyer Title: Take A Chance On Me

Author: Carol Wyer

Published by: Bookouture on Sep. 23, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 325

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Bookouture, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

It’s time for Charlie to ditch the life that’s been dragging her down in this romantic, funny, feel good read! 

Since splitting from her husband, Charlie’s life has been stuck in a rut. Best friend Mercedes will do anything to put a smile back on Charlie’s face and so draws up a bucket list of things to help Charlie recover her mojo. 

Sure enough, as Charlie works her way through the list, belly dancing and bungee jumping, she makes new friends and even begins to attract some male attention. 

Journalist Jake gives Charlie butterflies but he almost seems too perfect – there must be a reason why he’s single. Perhaps Rob would be a better bet – yes he’s short and he drinks too much – but a girl can’t have everything can she? 

The final challenge on Charlie’s list looms large. Can Charlie complete it and prove to herself that life is for living, whatever may have happened in the past? And can Jake get through to Charlie and stop her from settling for the single life or, the wrong man? 

Join Charlie as she finds her happy-ever-after in this hilarious, heartwarming read that will make you laugh, cry and live your life to the full! 

Review:

Deeply moving, charming, and sweet.

This is a bittersweet story that, ultimately, reminds us life is for living and that deep down inside all of us is a little bit of adventure just waiting to get out.

It has a wonderful cast of characters that are colourful, quirky, loveable, and kind. And the plot is captivating, humorous, romantic and engaging, as it weaves you through not only adventures of the heart, but adventures of the spirit.

The writing is extremely well done, and you will laugh, and possibly cry, as this story of loss, love, determination, courage, and friendship unfolds.

This truly is a lovely novel that was a pleasure to read. I especially loved the ‘Carpe Diem’ list Carol offers up at the end. There’s definitely a thing or two I’d now like to try.

This book is due to be published on September 23, 2016.

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

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Chapters/Indigo Books

 

 

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

 

About Carol Wyer

Carol E. Wyer is an award-winning author whose humorous books take a light-hearted look at getting older and encourage others to age disgracefully. More recently she has chosen to write for the "dark side" and embarked on a series of thrillers, starting with the gripping best-seller, Little Girl Lost.
Her book Grumpy Old Menopause won The People's Book Prize Award for non-fiction 2015.
Carol has been interviewed on numerous radio shows discussing 'Irritable Male Syndrome' and 'Ageing Disgracefully' and on BBC Breakfast television. She has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly' featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and for The Huffington Post.
Carol is a signed author with Bookouture and Delancey Press.

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#BookReview Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen @SarinaBowen

categories: 9/10, Blog Tour, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen @SarinaBowen Title: Rookie Move

Author: Sarina Bowen

Series: Brooklyn Bruisers #1

Published by: Berkley Publishing on Sep. 6, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 336

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Berkley Publishing, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

The first novel in a sexy new series featuring the hockey players of the Brooklyn Bruisers and the women who win their hearts—from the USA Today bestselling author of the Ivy Years series.

In high school they were the perfect couple—until the day Georgia left Leo in the cold… 

Hockey player Leo Trevi has spent the last six years trying to do two things: get over the girl who broke his heart, and succeed in the NHL. But on the first day he’s called up to the newly franchised Brooklyn Bruisers, Leo gets checked on both sides, first by the team’s coach—who has a long simmering grudge, and then by the Bruisers’ sexy, icy publicist—his former girlfriend Georgia Worthington.

Saying goodbye to Leo was one of the hardest things Georgia ever had to do—and saying hello again isn’t much easier. Georgia is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when a press conference microphone catches Leo declaring his feelings for her, things get really personal, really fast….

Review:

Romantic, captivating, and wonderfully provocative!

This is a sizzling, easy read that mixes, a handsome, hard-bodied, hockey player, and a beautiful, intelligent publicist, with a heartwarming, second-chance storyline.

The writing is spot on. The characters are real, charming, and unforgettable. And the plot is intoxicating with its racy intimations, scorching tension, feisty chemistry, witty banter, emotional drama, and thrilling hockey!

Once again, Sarina Bowen has written a sweet, funny, hard-to-put-down story that will have you rooting for the underdog and wishing for a few more pages.

This is the first book in the “Brooklyn Bruisers” series, and I can’t wait to read Ari and O’Doul’s story in the next novel, Hard Hitter, due out in early 2017.

Don’t forget to check out the giveaway for your very own copy of “Rookie Move” HERE, before you go.

This novel is available now.

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

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Chapters/Indigo

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Berkley Publishing Group, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Sarina Bowen

Sarina Bowen is the RITA® Award winning author of over two dozen contemporary and LGTB romance novels. She most recently hit the USA Today bestseller's list in February, with Brooklynaire. Formerly a derivatives trader on Wall Street, Sarina holds a BA in economics from Yale University.

Sarina Bowen is a New Englander whose Vermont ancestors cut timber and farmed the north country since the 1760s. Sarina is grateful for the invention of indoor plumbing and wi-fi during the intervening 250 years. On a few wooded acres, she lives with her husband, two boys, and an ungodly amount of ski and hockey gear.

Sarina's books are published in a dozen languages on four continents. In 2016, The Romance Writers of America honored HIM by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy with a RITA award for Best Contemporary Romance, Mid-Length.

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#BookReview Not Quite Perfect by Catherine Bybee @catherinebybee

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Not Quite Perfect by Catherine Bybee @catherinebybee Title: Not Quite Perfect

Author: Catherine Bybee

Series: Not Quite #5

Published by: Montlake Romance on Sep. 20, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 330

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee delivers the fifth heartwarming, flirty novel in the wildly popular Not Quite series.

Mary Kildare knows how to read people. It’s both why she makes a great therapist and why she refuses to trust the average bachelor. Staying fiercely independent has been her primary relationship strategy—until wealthy playboy pilot (and commitmentphobe) Glen Fairchild reappears in her life. After a yearlong teasing tug-of-war, Mary and Glen test the waters of attraction, only to find that their physical chemistry runs deeper than flirtation.

At first, a bicoastal romance suits them both—especially since Glen can swoop in and whisk Mary away on one of his company’s planes. But no matter how close they get, they’re still three thousand miles apart. And when Mary’s life is threatened, Glen realizes the one luxury he doesn’t have is time. Can he close the distance between them before it’s too late?

Review:

Sexy, sassy, and surprisingly suspenseful!

This is a satisfying contemporary romance story that has the right amount of everything; great characters, witty dialogue, steamy chemistry, and a touch of danger.

The writing is well done. The characters are charming, intelligent and likeable; complete with a charismatic playboy, and a reluctant therapist. And the plot has all the elements we love about rom coms, as well as a few extra twists that give it that little bit more.

This really is an engaging, easy read that is thoroughly enjoyable, and I highly recommend it.

This book is due to be published on September 20, 2016. 

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

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Chapters/Indigo

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Montlake Romance, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Catherine Bybee

Catherine Bybee is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-five books that have collectively sold more than three million copies and have been translated into twelve languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Not Quite series, the Weekday Brides series, and the Most Likely To series.

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#BookReview All Fall Down by Tom Bale @t0mbale

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Mystery/Thriller
#BookReview All Fall Down by Tom Bale @t0mbale Title: All Fall Down

Author: Tom Bale

Published by: Bookouture on Sep. 1, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 380

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Bookouture, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

You tried to save a life. Now you’re fighting to save your own.  
It should have been an idyllic day for the Turner family – until a dying man, beaten beyond all recognition, arrives at their home, uttering the words, HELP ME. 

Rob and Wendy Turner and their children try to explain away the horrific scene as being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but in the days that follow their lives are threatened in ways they could never imagine. 

The family is unaware that they are being watched by someone with their own terrifying agenda, who will stop at nothing to fulfil their own twisted desires. 

But when hidden secrets come rushing to the surface, it’s clear not everything is as it seems in this happy family. Are the Turners a victim of circumstance – or does the key to their fate lie closer to home? 

Forced to fight for everything they hold dear, can they save themselves before time runs out – or will their act of compassion see them paying the ultimate price…?

Review:

Dark, gripping, chilling, and wicked!

This is an intelligent thriller that reminds us that evil has many faces and comes in many forms.

It is, ultimately, a story about familial relationships, deception, secrets, indoctrination, depravity, and murder.

The writing is exceptionally well done.  The characterization is spot on, with a great mix of complex, fascinating characters that will have you teetering between empathy for some and hatred for others. And the plot, along with the many subplots, will take you on a wild roller coaster ride, starting with an initial incline of subtle clues and information, before quickly racing through more twists, turns and loop-de loops of malevolence than you ever could have excepted. 

This really is a great, entertaining, suspenseful novel that will have you scared and riveted from start to finish.

This book is due to be published on September 1, 2016.

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

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Bookouture, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Tom Bale

Tom Bale has had a variety of jobs including retail assistant, claims negotiator and project manager, but none was as exhausting as the several years he spent as a househusband with two pre-school children. Tom has been writing since the age of seven, and completed his first novel at fifteen. After twenty years and hundreds of rejection slips, his first novel SINS OF THE FATHER was published under his real name, David Harrison. With his next book, SKIN AND BONES, he acquired an agent, a pseudonym and a book deal that enabled him to write full-time. His latest novel is the thriller SEE HOW THEY RUN, published by Bookouture in May 2016.

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#BookReview For Better or Worse by Lauren Layne

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview For Better or Worse by Lauren Layne Title: For Better or Worse

Author: Lauren Layne

Series: The Wedding Belles #2

Published by: Pocket Books on Aug. 30, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 368

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Pocket Books, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

Will a budding wedding planner and her bad boy neighbor stop banging heads and start hearing wedding bells in the sexy second novel in USA TODAY bestselling author Lauren Layne’s irresistible new series that marries Sex and the City with The Wedding Planner?

When small-town girl Heather Fowler finally gets promoted from assistant to actual wedding planner, she’s determined to make it as one of Manhattan’s elite Wedding Belles. Unfortunately, her first client demands an opulent black-tie affair at the Plaza…in five months’ time. Heather’s days quickly become a flurry of cake tastings, dress-fittings, RSVP cards, and bridal tantrums. But what she’s really losing sleep over is the live music blaring from her playboy neighbor’s apartment all night.

Five years ago, Josh Tanner was an up-and-comer on Wall Street, complete with the penthouse and the migraines. But a grim cancer diagnosis made him realize there is more to life than the corner office. If only he could convince his pretty, workaholic neighbor to let loose, too. As Heather lets down her guard, Josh is surprised when he starts falling for the sweet, vulnerable woman hiding beneath those power suits. Soon, it’s Heather’s turn to convince Josh to take the biggest risk of all: love.

Review:

Wonderfully entertaining, heartwarming, and incredibly sexy!

This is a classic contemporary romance story full of appealing characters, catchy dialogue, and swoon-worthy chemistry!

The plot is engaging, funny, and romantic.  The writing is smooth and fluid. And the characters are sincere, lovable, and unforgettably charming.

This is the second novel in the “Wedding Belles” series, and I can honestly say I enjoyed it as much, if not more than the first one. It is a perfect, lighthearted, sexy read, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, To Love and to Cherish, due out later this fall.

If you haven’t already checked out my review for “To Have and to Hold” (Wedding Belles #1) check it out HERE.

This book is due to be published on August 30, 2016.

Pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Pocket Books, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Lauren Layne

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.

She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL’s ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

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#BookReview Her Darkest Nightmare by Brenda Novak @Brenda_Novak

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Mystery/Thriller, Romantic Suspense
#BookReview Her Darkest Nightmare by Brenda Novak @Brenda_Novak Title: Her Darkest Nightmare

Author: Brenda Novak

Series: The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles #1

Published by: St. Martin's Press on Aug. 30, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller, Romantic Suspense

Pages: 407

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: St. Martin's Press, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

First in an electrifying new series from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak

THE HUNT FOR A SERIAL KILLER
Evelyn Talbot knows that a psychopath can look perfectly normal. She was only sixteen when her own boyfriend Jasper imprisoned and tortured her—and left her for dead. Now an eminent psychiatrist who specializes in the criminal mind, Evelyn is the force behind Hanover House, a maximum-security facility located in a small Alaskan town. Her job puts her at odds with Sergeant Amarok, who is convinced that Hanover is a threat to his community…even as his attraction to beautiful Evelyn threatens to tear his world apart. 

BEGINS WITH AN ESCAPE FROM HER PAST
Then, just as the bitter Alaskan winter cuts both town and prison off from the outside world, the mutilated body of a local woman turns up. For Amarok, this is the final proof he needs: Hanover has to go. Evelyn, though, has reason to fear that the crime is a personal message to her—the first sign that the killer who haunts her dreams has found her again. . .and that the life she has so carefully rebuilt will never be the same…

Review:

Gripping, suspenseful, and highly absorbing!

This is a disturbingly creepy story about the makings and minds of serial killers and the abuse and corruption found in the system designed to incarcerate and rehabilitate them. It is definitely an intriguing roller coaster ride of lies, jealousy, secrets, corruption, emotional trauma, greed, and degradation. 

The writing is fluid, and smooth. The plot is well developed, intelligent, and interesting. The characters are multilayered, determined, and strong. And the storyline is a complex mix of murder, mayhem, sexual attraction, and romantic liaisons.

Overall, I think this was a really great, easy read. And I especially liked the “real-life” serial killer quotes at the beginning of each chapter which I felt was a nice touch and added an eery authenticity to the story as a whole.

This is the first book in, The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next novel in the series, Hello Again, to find out if Evelyn’s own demons will finally be put to rest.

This story is due to be published on August 30, 2016.

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

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

 

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

 

About Brenda Novak

It was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak's career as a bestselling author--she caught her day-care provider drugging her children with cough syrup to get them to sleep all day. That was when Brenda decided she needed to quit her job as a loan officer and help make a living from home.

"When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book," Brenda says. But she sold that book, and the rest is history. Her novels have made the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists and won many awards, including five Rita nominations, the Book Buyer's Best, the Book Seller's Best and the National Reader's Choice Award.

Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are proud parents of five children--three girls and two boys. When she's not spending time with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising funds for diabetes research (her youngest son has this disease). So far, Brenda has raised $2.6 million. Please visit http://www.brendanovakforthecure.org to see how you can help.

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#BookReview The Bourbon Thief by Tiffany Reisz @tiffanyreisz

categories: #20BooksofSummer, 9/10, Book Review, Romantic Suspense
#BookReview The Bourbon Thief by Tiffany Reisz @tiffanyreisz Title: The Bourbon Thief

Author: Tiffany Reisz

Published by: MIRA on Jun. 28, 2016

Genres: Romantic Suspense

Pages: 379

Format: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Book Rating: 9/10

From the internationally celebrated author of the Original Sinners series comes a brand-new tale of betrayal, revenge and a family scandal that bore a 150-year-old mystery

When Cooper McQueen wakes up from a night with a beautiful stranger, it’s to discover he’s been robbed. The only item stolen—a million-dollar bottle of bourbon. The thief, a mysterious woman named Paris, claims the bottle is rightfully hers. After all, the label itself says it’s property of the Maddox family who owned and operated Red Thread Bourbon distillery since the last days of the Civil War until the company went out of business for reasons no one knows… No one except Paris. 

In the small hours of a Louisville morning, Paris unspools the lurid tale of Tamara Maddox, heiress to the distillery that became an empire. But the family tree is rooted in tainted soil and has borne rotten fruit. Theirs is a legacy of wealth and power, but also of lies, secrets and sins of omission. The Maddoxes have bourbon in their blood—and blood in their bourbon. Why Paris wants the bottle of Red Thread remains a secret until the truth of her identity is at last revealed, and the century-old vengeance Tamara vowed against her family can finally be completed.

Review:

Dark, gritty, and impressively compelling!

This novel takes you into the lives of, the multi-generational bourbon maker family, the Maddoxes. They are rich. They are southern. And they are ruthless. And like most families with privilege, money, and power, they have a lot of skeletons in their closets, and hidden behind those closed doors you will find an intricate web of abuse, lies, adultery, secrets, and murder.

The characters are complex, avaricious, vindictive, and self-destructive. And the plot is well written, rich in detail, and highly suspenseful. 

This really is a truly engaging and captivating story and I only hope that I will get to enjoy more of the Cooper and Paris saga in the future.

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

 

About Tiffany Reisz

Tiffany Reisz is the USA Today-bestselling author of the Romance Writers of America RITA®-winning Original Sinners series from Harlequin's Mira Books.

Born in Owensboro, Kentucky, Tiffany graduated from Centre College with a B.A. in English. She began her writing career while a student at Wilmore, Kentucky's Asbury Theological Seminary. After leaving seminary to focus on her fiction, she wrote The Siren, which has sold more than half a million copies worldwide.

Tiffany also writes mainstream women's suspense fiction, including The Bourbon Thief (winner of the RT Book Reviews Seal of Excellence Award) and the RITA®-nominated The Night Mark.

Her erotic fantasy The Red—self-published under the banner 8th Circle Press—was named an NPR Best Book of the Year and a Goodreads Best Romance of the Month. It also received a coveted starred review from Library Journal.

Tiffany lives in Lexington, Kentucky with her husband, author Andrew Shaffer, and two cats. The cats are not writers.

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