The Girl Who Broke The Rules 

by 

Marnie Riches 

Blog Tour

(Book 2 in the George McKenzie series)

The pulse-pounding new thriller from Marnie Riches. For anyone who loves Jo Nesbo and Stieg Larsson, this book is for you!

When the mutilated bodies of two sex-workers are found in Amsterdam, Chief Inspector van den Bergen must find a brutal murderer before the red-light-district erupts into panic.

Georgina McKenzie is conducting research into pornography among the UK’s most violent sex-offenders but once van den Bergen calls on her criminology expertise, she is only too happy to come running.

The rising death toll forces George and van den Bergen to navigate the labyrinthine worlds of Soho strip-club sleaze and trans-national human trafficking. And with the case growing ever more complicated, George must walk the halls of Broadmoor psychiatric hospital, seeking advice from the brilliant serial murderer, Dr. Silas Holm…

Review

I was very excited to receive the second book in this series as the first book (The Girl who Wouldn't Die) was the very first Blog Tour I did on Boon's Bookcase!!

This book starts with George back in the UK with Ad and doing a cleaning job at a club where her aunt Sharon works whilst trying to carry on with her Phd. We might have known that it wouldn't take long for George to get itchy feet and hot foot it back to Amsterdam to help Dutch Chief Inspector Paul Van Den Bergen in trying to catch the killer of illegal immigrants in and around Amsterdam.

Again the author talks about places in South East London, which I know of as I originally come from those parts such as Peckham, Deptford, Lewisham etc and even to the borders of Kent (Chislehurst!). 

Yes this book is quite graphic, but I must say, it is beautifully written and I must admit, I have always been extremely interested in anything to do with mortuaries (I am a Medical Secretary so do have a lot of knowledge of medical terminology) so found the part when the pathologist was explaining the victim's injuries very interesting!

Yes there was lots of swearing, yes it was saucy, yes it was gruesome, but I loved it and can only see this series getting better and better! If I had to say anything negative (if I may be so bold) then I personally didn't like the way George treated Ad, but I do understand that she is a feisty character with a lot of attitude and she finds it hard to show her true feelings, so it is inevitable that she keeps everyone at arms' length. We do get a bit more insight into George's family (especially her Mum) and when you read how dysfunctional her family is, you can't wonder why she treats people like she does!

This book finishes with another cliffhanger so hope we are not left too long to find out what happens!

Thank you Marnie for another corker and also thanks to Avon Books for sending me a review copy. Hope I can get to review book 3 - bring it on!!!

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The Piano Man Project by Kat French 

Blog Tour

About The Author

Romantic comedy author for Avon UK. Kat lives in England with her husband, two little boys and two crazy cats. She loves all things romance - reading it, watching it, and most of all, writing it. Mildly addicted to wine and fairy lights.

She also writes steamy erotic romance as her USA Today bestselling naughtier alter-ego Kitty French. 

Review

I read Kat French's first book Undertaking Love this time last year and it was one of my favourite books of 2014 - great characters, funny and a little bit saucy! So when I heard about this book I was over the moon to be asked to review and be a part of the blog tour!

Firstly I would just like to say what a great cover this is! Really eye catching and love the colours!

Honeysuckle Jones (Honey) is looking for someone to really "do it" for her! She has two best friends, Nell and Tash, who mean well, but interfere in her love life a bit too far and set out to find her a man - one who can play the piano (as apparently they are good with their hands!!). 

Obviously things don't always turn out as planned and when Honey gets a new neighbour called Hal, things aren't going to run smoothly with a man who is drunk most of the time and has the manners of an alley cat.......

Honey has enough problems without having to go on blind dates organised by Nell and Tash. She is at risk of losing her job in a charity shop which is attached to a Care Home and even that is up for closure. 

The characters in this book are brilliant. Hal reminds me of Russell Brand (but in a good way!) and however much he tries to be a badly behaved rock star type, I couldn't help but love him! Everyone loves a bad boy don't they?.........

This is a great summer read and I really didn't want to finish it. Well done Kat, you have done it again with a brilliant easy, funny, fruity read! I loved it!

Thank you to Avon Books for letting me review this great read.

* * * * *

Also available by Kat French

My sister's Secret by Tracy Buchanan Blog Tour 

Willow’s memories of her parents are sun-drenched and full of smiles, love and laughter. But a mysterious invitation to a photographic exhibition exposes a secret that’s been buried since a tragic accident years ago.

Willow is forced to question everything she knew about Charity, her late mother, and Hope, the aunt she’s lived with since she was a child.

How was the enigmatic photographer connected to Willow’s parents? Why will Hope not break her silence?

Willow cannot move forward in her life without answers. But who can she really trust? Because no one has been telling the truth for a very long time.

ADDICTIVE, GRIPPING and EMOTIONALLY POWERFUL, this is the perfect read for your summer holiday escape.

About the Author

Tracy Buchanan is a web journalist and producer who lives in Milton Keynes with her husband and daughter and their one-eyed Jack Russell. Tracy travelled extensively while working as a travel magazine editor, sating the wanderlust she developed while listening to her Sri Lankan grandparents' childhood stories - the same wanderlust that now inspires her writing.

Review

This is the first book of Tracy Buchanan's I have read. I do have The Atlas of Us on my TBR pile, but am embarrassed to say I haven't got around to reading it yet! so when I was asked to review My Sister's Secret for a Blog Tour I jumped at the chance. 

The cover straight away got me excited! I do love a good thriller and stories that get the pulse racing and this book doesn't disappoint.

It is the story of the lives of three sisters Faith, Hope and Charity! All have different personalities and different outlooks on life and as the book progresses secrets unravel and it is so clever how the characters weave in and out of each other's lives. Later on in the book Charity's daughter Willow tries to find out more about her parent's lives and the reasons why her aunt kept secrets.

I really don't want to give too much away, but I loved most of the characters (but the few that I didn't quite like were justified!!) and I thought the author described them brilliantly and how they all came together was really quite believable.

I am a bit of a slow reader, but I managed to finish this book in a couple of days it was that unputdownable! Definitely had a bit of a book hangover when I finished this one. Well done to the author and The Atlas of Us has just shot up my TBR pile!!

I found it quite difficult to write this review, as I didn't want to give too much away, but wanted to let you know what a great read it is!

Thank you to Avon Books for letting me review and be a part of the Blog Tour for this wonderful book.

* * * * *

Why not enter Tracy Buchanan's Competition!

It's my turn on the Monty and Me by Louisa Bennet Blog Tour

Extract from Monty and Me by Louisa Bennet

‘Aunt Kay used to love gardening. It helped her unwind,’ Rose says, staring at a dented green wheelbarrow just inside the door. ‘She could grow anything. She’d sing to the flowers, you know.’

I look up and see tears in her eyes. I lean against her leg and feel her sadness. It reminds me of my own. I don’t understand why big’uns’ eyes fill with water but I do under­stand the pain of loss and Rose clearly misses this Aunt Kay very much, just like I pine for Paddy, my old master. It feels like I’ve lost a limb and although it will never come back, the memory is agonisingly real. I howled each night at the vet’s, calling Paddy’s name, but in my heart I knew he wouldn’t come.

I miss Paddy’s hand stroking my head. I miss our fishing trips together and how he’d never scold me when I scared away the fish. I miss our evenings; he’d sit in his armchair tapping away at his laptop as I lay at his feet, head resting on his leather slippers. And I miss his smell: musty books, Listerine, woollen cardigan, and liver treats, which he always kept in his cardigan pocket, just in case.

‘Should mow the lawn one day,’ Rose mumbles, as she walks away.

It takes me a while to focus on what she’s said. Mow? Why? I prefer meadow. Love the way the dandelions tickle my belly and the bees scatter as I charge through the tall grass.

I place a wee-mail above Legless’s ancient message. No need to sign it because every dog has a unique aroma. It’s the same wee-mail I’ve left whenever I’ve had the chance to pee. It conveys my shame. I ask one question: who killed Professor Patrick Salt? I hang my head and tuck in my tail as I plod after Rose. She’s investigating his murder, but little does she know, so am I. I failed Paddy in life and I have vowed I will not fail him in his death.

Rose waits for me.

‘Poor boy,’ she says, giving me a pat. ‘I shouldn’t get cross with you. It’s not your fault I’ve messed up at work.’

It’s early evening in September and summer came late this year so the air is still warm and the light has only just begun to fade. We stroll by a greenhouse with panes of glass missing and tomato plants laden with over-ripe fruit. I can smell their sweetness. I also detect a ratty scent. I clock it for investi-gation later, and follow Rose to the very end of the garden where a tall oak tree tickles the sky and a thick yew hedge marks the boundary. My heart races. This must be where the river is. Oh boy! Just like home. Then I remember this is now my home.

In the distance, there’s a low rumble that becomes a clackety-clack. It gets louder as it draws closer. I feel vibra­tions through the ground. My nose is stung by a gush of air, ripe with hot metal, engine oil and rubber. I step back and bark a warning, then there’s a fearful scream from the other side of the hedge. It tears by so fast it’s gone in seconds, its bright eyes glaring at me through gaps in the foliage. My tail is up and curled over my back like a question mark, my legs wide set, then I charge forward and growl at the creature. I must defend us. I bark at Rose to move away, but she stands there laughing, her ponytail bobbing.

‘It’s all right, Monty, just a train. You’re going to have to get used to it. The line’s on the other side of the hedge.’

She strokes my head and I relax. Not sure about this train thing. Never met one before and until I’ve thoroughly sniffed it, I’ll be on my guard.

Rose kneels down and looks me in the eye.

‘The fence is pretty rotten and I can’t afford to fix it. So I need you to promise me you won’t run away.’ She scratches behind my ear.

I can't wait to read this book, I do love a shaggy dog story!! 

No Place For A Lady by Gill Paul Blog Tour

IN WARTIME, THE RULES OF LOVE CHANGE …

1854. Britain is fighting a gruesome war.

There has been no news of Lucy Gray since she eloped with handsome and impetuous Captain Charlie Harvington and embarked with him to the Crimea.

Dorothea Gray will risk anything to heal the rift with her little sister and bring her home safe. She determines to join Florence Nightingale and the other courageous women travelling to the battlefield hospitals as nurses.

She will not rest until she finds her sister.

Lucy, however, is on a very different journey, a journey through tragedy, trauma and true love.

But neither sister is prepared for the challenges they will face, the passion they will each taste and the simple fact that they might never see one another again …

A spellbinding and exquisite tale of courage, adventure and love. Prepare to be swept of your feet!

Review

I do love a bit of history and promised myself I would read more historical novels this year, so when I was asked to review this book I jumped at the chance!

It is about two sisters Dorothea and Lucy and how their lives change with the outbreak of war. It is set in 1800's during the Crimea war and Lucy marries a soldier at only 18 and travels with him to Turkey (which would be unthinkable nowadays!). Lucy has a falling out with her Sister Dorothea over her marrying young and they part on bad terms. 

Lucy marries Charlie and you just know that he isn't all he seems. She is very immature and naive and I felt really sorry for her at first, but as the book goes on her personality seems to change in her surroundings, which the author does brilliantly.

Dorothea is a typical "old maid" and mothers Lucy so much to the point that Lucy rebels and marries in spite of Dorothea's worries. I wasn't sure of Dorothea at first but she is one character that I really changed my opinion of by the end of the book and she was my favourite by the end! 

I would really like to read more about these characters and I must admit the ending wasn't what I was expecting, which makes me think there could be more?? 

Thank you to Avon Books UK for letting me be a part of this blog tour. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and love reading war time sagas and this one was brilliantly written, with great descriptions about places and events, which really did make me realise how awful the conditions must have been back then. 

I really need to read more of Gill Paul's books as I have not read any of her previous novels. Amazon here I come!!!

*****

Bride Without A Groom Blog Tour

I am delighted to be hosting this Blog Tour as part of the "Wedding Season" during May and June on my blog. I mentioned to the author Amy Lynch that I wanted to read as many wedding themed books as I could during May and June and she very kindly agreed that I could take part in the blog tour! Thank you Amy!!

About the Author

Amy Lynch is an author of women’s commercial fiction and writing is her passion. She loves to write humorous romantic fiction, but not always with fairy tale endings! She has published fiction in magazines, and has worked in the charity sector for twelve years. She is married with two young children. When she is not writing, Amy can be found juggling school lunches and two Shetland pony-sized rescue dogs. Now, how’s that for multi-tasking? Amy is the author of two novels, Bride Without A Groom and Does My Bump Look Big In This? Her third novel is in progress. 

Sypnosis

Single, coupled-up or married, this laugh-out-loud summer read is the perfect anecdote for the wedding season!

Rebecca has chosen the most luscious, five tiered, wedding cake. The engagement ring that she has selected is celebrity inspired. The wedding singer is on speed dial. He doesn’t usually do Michael Bolton, but as it’s for a first dance he’ll make an exception. Father Maguire is checking dates for the parish church as we speak. The deposit on the white sand honeymoon is paid for in full on Barry’s card. She has fallen for an ivory lace couture gown that is to die for. The down payment may require her to sell a left kidney, but it will be worth it. Isn’t that why you have two?

There’s one teeny tiny problem. It’s nothing, really. No need to panic! It’s just that Barry has yet to propose. Says he’s not ready! He can be a bit of a kill joy that way. It’s time to face the harsh reality – Rebecca is a bride without a groom!

Review

Well, what can I say about Rebecca, other than she would win any award for “Bridezilla of the Year” hands down but surely you should wait until you are asked first!! Although saying that, my husband never proposed to me properly so sometimes you have to take the bull by the horns (so to speak!).

There were some really funny bits in the book and one of my particular favourites was when Rebecca goes to a zumba class with her Mum. I love the way the author tells the story using Irish language and “feck” does pop up now and again and this always makes me laugh!

I did feel the middle of the book sometimes repeated itself but on the whole it was a light hearted, funny look at a woman who is just desperate to get married. Her intended, Barry seemed a bit of a drip, but in the end he did things his way and on his terms, which made Rebecca realise what she was doing and to slow down a bit!

I didn’t warm to Rebecca at all and found her quite irritating and the fact that she is so untidy would drive me mad! 

Even though Rebecca drove me potty sometimes, I did enjoy this book and it had some great laughs in it and would definitely like to read Amy's next book!! Well done Amy and thank you for letting me read it.

****

Welcome to the first stop on The Island Escape by Kerry Fisher Blog Tour.....

I am very honoured to be the first host on The Island Escape Blog Tour. 

About the Author

Kerry was brought up in Peterborough. She now lives in Surrey with a very tolerant husband and two children. She studied at Bath University and speaks fluent Italian, Spanish and French. She also trained as a journalist at City University, then went on to write travel guidebooks for Thomas Cook.

After landing her dream job working on women’s magazines, she discovered that she hated writing about real people in case their families got upset.The Writers’ Program at the University of California helped her move from fact into fiction – the perfect forum for exploring human emotions without worrying about some poor mother weeping over her son’s account of his childhood.

Review

I loved the cover of this book from the very first time I saw it and just knew it would be a book I would enjoy. 

The two main characters are Octavia and Roberta who have been best friends for years and the first part of the book describes their lives both in the past and what they are doing at the present time. Roberta is married to Scott, an Australian who I instantly disliked, but the author made the other characters in the book dislike him, so I wasn't the only one!! They have one daughter Alicia.

Octavia is married to Jonathan and they have 3 children Charlie, Poppy and Immy. Their lives are different to Roberta's as they live a chaotic lifestyle with everything being done in a rush, something Roberta cannot deal with! 

The title is somewhat misleading for a lot of the book because you don't know much about the Island until three quarters of the way through as the author is leading up to how Octavia gets there.

I don't want to give any spoilers away so won't say much more other than I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think it is a great summer holiday read. It's very funny in parts, as well as touching on serious subjects. 

It was a lovely, easy read with great characters and would thoroughly recommend this book. I haven't read Kerry's first book The School Gate Survival Guide, but I have it on my TBR pile so will definitely be giving that one a read!! Well done Kerry, I think this is going to be a summer smash!!

*****

As part of "Wedding Season" on my Blog, I am delighted to be a part of Bride Without A Groom Blog Tour. Join me on 21st May for my review.....................

There have been a few clues along the way!!

Will Rachel get her Groom? You'll just have to wait and see.....................

I'm delighted to be able to show you the cover reveal of No Place For A Lady by Gill Paul to be published this Summer.....................Isn't it gorgeous!!

No Place For a Lady will hook anyone who’s loving Poldark, weeps at Suite Française, devours writers such as Victoria Hislop, and can’t believe their luck when they find Gone With the Wind is on the TV. Set against a backdrop of the Crimean War, packed with gripping drama, vivid historical detail and with a love story that will squeeze your heart tight – this is the perfect all-consuming summer read.

In wartime, the rules of love change…

 1854. Britain slides unprepared into a gruesome war. Lucy Harvington, who knows little beyond how to play the piano, has accompanied her handsome impetuous officer husband to the battlefields of Crimea. She’s way out of her depth, so if he doesn’t survive what will become of her?

Dorothea Gray, a nurse at London’s Westminster Hospital, is determined to follow her little sister Lucy to the front and serve her country alongside her heroine Florence Nightingale and the pioneering nurses already risking their lives out there.

 Neither sister could have known the horrors awaiting – the brutal cold, the appalling diseases, the hideous injuries … nor could they have guessed the risks they will have to take, the forbidden passions they will taste, and the simple heart-breaking fact they may never meet again …

Rich in historical detail, the far-reaching narrative will sweep you off your feet, making this the perfect escapist read this summer.

It's my turn to host the Blog Tour for The Lie by C L Taylor PLUS SIGNED CL TAYLOR BOOK GIVEAWAY UK ONLY

Don't forget to enter my first ever book giveaway at the bottom of this post The lucky winner will receive a signed copy of 'The Lie' by CL Taylor. Competition closes 1st May 2015 UK only.

Thank you to Avon Books Uk for asking me to host the blog tour today for Cally Taylor's second thriller The Lie.

The Author

CL Taylor lives in Bristol with her partner and young son. Born in Worcester, she studied for a degree in Psychology at the University of Northumbria, Newcastle then moved to London to work in medical publishing. After two years she moved to Brighton where she worked as a graphic designer, web developer and instructional designer over the course of 13 years. She currently works as a Distance Learning Design and Development manager for a London university. She credits Roald Dahl's 'Tales of the Unexpected' for her love of a dark, twisted tale.

The Lie by C L Taylor 

The Review ** NO SPOILERS**

I was lucky enough to be sent a proof copy of this book to read and then asked to become a host on the blog tour. I loved Cally's first thriller The Accident (which was one of my favourite books of 2014). I am also very pleased to say that I was invited to the book launch which was in the new Harper Collins building by London Bridge on 13th April. I had a fabulous evening meeting people from Avon Book UK, some lovely Bloggers' who I finally got to meet in person and the lovely Cally Taylor herself!

This is the story of 4 friends who decide to go on an adventure to Nepal after one of the friends Al's relationship breaks down. The four main characters all have stories of their own to tell and these materialise as the story unfolds. The main character "Jane" is leading a very different life to 5 years ago when the reason starts to unfold why, the story just grips you.

If you think this book is anything like The Accident you will be very much mistaken. The whole story, location and characters are totally different to her first book, which is great as I don't like it when authors write books and you can see similarities.

Cally describes the places in Nepal in great detail and again, she kept me on the edge of my seat and I spent most nights reading into the small hours as I just wanted to read "one more chapter"!! I must admit though, she described Isaac so well that I instantly disliked him and thought he was creepy to say the least! This makes Cally a superb author, because if you can instantly like or dislike a character just by their description, then you have done your job as a writer.

It was an excellent story and a fantastic ending, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I would definitely recommend The Lie and it looks like my husband and son will be reading it too and as Cally gave us a sneaky teaser of book 3 at the launch, I am already looking forward to reviewing her next book!!

Well done Cally!! 

*****

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One week to go...............

The Lie by C L Taylor Book Launch Party

Last night I went to the wonderful new Harper Collins buildings in London Bridge for my very first "Official" book launch as a Book Blogger! It was to launch C L Taylor's 2nd thriller The Lie and I will be reviewing it on my blog on Friday 24th April 2015.

I was really excited (but also nervous) as I was going to meet several fellow bloggers for the first time even though I have had numerous conversations with them on Twitter! I needn't have worried though, as they were all really lovely and a couple in particular have been very helpful in giving me advice whilst getting my blog up and running and for that I am truly grateful.

The author, Cally Taylor, is absolutely delightful and I was captivated when she read an excerpt from The Lie. I absolutely loved her first thriller The Accident, so this one had a lot to live up to and it certainly didn't disappoint (I won't say any more, you will just have to read my review!!).

The new Harper Collins building is fab, with gorgeous views over London, but as someone who suffers from Vertigo, I couldn't go near the edge of the windows, but the views were magnificent all the same!!

Thank you to Avon Books and Cally Taylor for inviting me to the book launch. All I can say is you must read this book.......................and roll on thriller number 3!!!

Welcome to my very first Blog Tour...........

The Author

Marnie Riches grew up on a rough estate in Manchester, aptly within sight of the dreaming spires of Strangeways prison. Able to speak five different languages, she gained a Master’s degree in Modern & Medieval Dutch and German from Cambridge University. She has been a punk, a trainee rock star, a pretend artist, a property developer and professional fundraiser. In her spare time, she likes to run, mainly to offset the wine and fine food she consumes with great enthusiasm. Having authored the first six books of HarperCollins Children’s Time-Hunters series, she now writes crime thrillers for adults and contemporary women’s fiction. The first book in her gripping George McKenzie Series, “The Girl Who Wouldn’t Die” releases in digital format on 2 April 2015. 

The Girl Who Wouldn't Die ****

Review

I was very excited to be asked to host this review on my blog as this is my very first Blog Tour! I wasn't sure if this book was my kind of genre but I do like psychological thrillers so thought I would give it a go! I must admit that there were a lot of characters (some of them with Dutch/German names) and with the places in Holland as well, I did find there were a lot of words I couldn't pronounce and ended up calling them my own version of names! But I soon got to know who the main characters were. I wondered if I was going to get confused with George and Ella and what the link between them was, but was pleasantly surprised with the link between the two and thought it was a very clever twist! I come from South East London originally and where Ella "lived" wasn't a million miles from where I used to live so I could sympathise about her being street wise and the language she used!

Marnie describes places and people brilliantly and in great detail and even I, who likes to think I have a strong stomach, had to wince now and again when she described injuries to victims!

I did sometimes get confused with the names of particular cults/religious groups, but if you stick with it, it is a great story. Apart from the thriller aspect, it tells the story about family and friendships and impending relationships and who you can and cannot trust.

This is the first book in a series about George McKenzie and I must admit, I would really like to read the next instalment to see what happens to George! Let's hope I am lucky enough to be able to review book 2!!

****

Exclusive first look at "The Girl who Wouldn't Die"

I'm very excited to be chosen to show you the first look at the cover of "The Girl who Wouldn't Die" by Marnie Riches. Hopefully a blog tour to follow! but here is a synopsis of the book and more about the author:

The Girl Who Wouldn’t Die

HE’S WATCHING HER. SHE DOESN’T KNOW IT…YET

When a bomb explodes at the University of Amsterdam, aspiring criminologist Georgina McKenzie is asked by the police to help flush out the killer. But the bomb is part of a much bigger, more sinister plot that will have the entire city quaking in fear.

And the killer has a very special part for George to play…

A thrilling race against time with a heroine you’ll be rooting for, this book will keep you up all night!

Marnie Riches grew up on a rough estate in Manchester, aptly within sight of the dreaming spires of Strangeways prison. Able to speak five different languages, she gained a Master’s degree in Modern & Medieval Dutch and German from Cambridge University. She has been a punk, a trainee rock star, a pretend artist, a property developer and professional fundraiser. In her spare time, she likes to run, mainly to offset the wine and fine food she consumes with great enthusiasm.