The Hippo Hands Over . . . . to L.T. Marshall

Today I'm absolutely delighted to hand over to the very lovely L.T. Marshall, author of The Carrero Series of books.

But before I go any further I hope you'll join me in wishing Leanne a very happy birthday!!

So it's now my pleasure to introduce you all to the birthday girl and tell you a little bit about her before I let her loose on my blog.

Photo courtesy of Leanne Marshall

Leanne Marshall is a Scottish born and bred romance writer with more than the average persons life experience. She has been a torrent of wild things, including singer in a girl band, animal rights activist and charity owner, worked in radio and offered jobs in TV. 

 
A passionate, restless soul, who has always found peace in writing, the only way to calm that fiery spirit.
She uses her wit and dark humour to her advantage in her works and has been an avid reader for most of her life. Her influences vary, but from early life and a teen stint in journalism, she applies logic to most of her plot lines, is a self confessed research fiend, and likes a lot of psychology behind her characters actions.

She currently resides in Central Scotland with her two children and Fiancee of 13 years, making waves in the book world with her signature 'WTF moments' she likes to apply in each story, hints of humour and devastating emotional rollercoaster rides.

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Interview with The Carrero brothers, from The Carrero Series by L.T.Marshall.

Jake and Arry Carrero, brothers and heirs to The Carrero Corp empire.

How did you meet the women in your lives?

Jake – Emma was my new PA, she walked into my office after I returned from a two-week trip and just floored me. I don’t think I realised in that moment that I had just come face to face with my forever girl, but I knew there was something about her I wouldn’t forget.

Arry – I met Soph’s in my momma’s kitchen, came home for a weekend from college and there she was. Sweet little kid with big blue eyes, a serious glare, and the cutest face I ever saw, and it just hit me in the gut. I just knew I wanted to get to know her.

Does Arrick see his future in fighting, or the company, and does Jake approve?

Arry – I see me taking fighting as far as I can, but it’s never been the forever plan. I can only go so far with it, I will retire when I am done. I will always be in the family business as it is a part of my children’s future too.

Jake – I have always approved of my little brother following his own dreams. I know he will always have a hand in the business and there will always be a place for him, when he wants it. He’s good at what he does, and I fully support it.

Do you both believe in love at first sight, after meeting your girls? 

Jake – Yes. I didn’t know it’s what it was at the time, but looking back…… I fell in love with her the second she came face to face with me. I still feel the same way when I look at her now, that I did when those baby blue eyes hit me head on.

Arry – I agree, I didn’t at the time. Didn’t think all the years that I knew her that I was in love with her, but now I can look back and see it. I always did. From that first moment. She just got to me in a way no one else has an ability to do. She still does.

How would you describe your relationship with your father?

(Both men laugh and look at one another)

Jake – Complicated. I respect and love him and we’re closer now than we have ever been.

Arry – Close, I guess. I always understood him more than Jake, so I get how he is. I can talk to him and I respect him.

How would you describe the relationship with your partners?

Jake – Good. The best. I love Emma heart and soul and I tell her everything. She’s my best friend, my whole focus in life.

Arry – Perfect. Sophie is the other half of me, the whole reason I get up every day. She’s just the missing part I was always looking for, and now I feel whole.

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Thanks for bringing Jake and Arry along with you today. They certainly  sound like nice guys and I hope they bought you something lovely for your birthday or are at least going to take you for a few drinks, with their lovely ladies of course!

You can find out more about Leanne, her books and connect with her by using the links below:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Amazon

I'd like to thank Leanne for stopping by today and to wish her continued success with her books.

#Blog Tour - The Season for Love - M. W. Arnold

It's been eighteen months since Chrissie Stewart's husband, Richie, died and she's still struggling, blaming herself for his death, visiting his grave daily and having conversations with him via her special diary.

Shutting herself away from friends and family, she's become a shadow of her former self but this is how she feels safe, cocooned in her own little world, oblivious to things going on around her.

She regularly sees a man visiting a nearby grave but it's not until an unfortunate encounter at her local supermarket, that the pair strike up a proper conversation.

Meeting Josh Morgan is a turning point in Chrissie's life. The two of them seem to have a lot in common and they soon become friends. Josh's friendship is a real comfort to her and she feels that she can open up and talk to him about things that she has never told anyone close to her before. Chrissie feels a real connection but when she meets his young daughter, Lizzy, Chrissie soon finds herself wondering just how close their connection could be.

The Season for Love is a wonderful story about loss, friendships, love and new beginnings. Knowing how devastating it can be to lose someone close to you unexepectedly I could really sympathise with Chrissie. It was obvious that she and Richie had a very loving relationship while he was alive and when I found out exactly what had caused his death I could understand why she would blame herself and my heart went out to her. To see her coming out of her shell and getting back to her old self was heartwarming to read. Chrissie's sister Deb and her best friend Annie were delightful characters, always there to support her but prepared to dish out some tough love when they felt it was necessary and I adored Lizzy's older than her years attitude and the relationship she had with Josh.

For a debut novel, M.W. Arnold has written a beautifully feel good read that's perfect for curling up with at this time of year and one that I would highly recommend.

The Season for Love will be released on December 16th and is now available for pre-order.

                                               About the author

Mick is a hopeless romantic who was born in England, and spent fifteen years roaming around the world in the pay of HM Queen Elisabeth II in the Royal Air Force, before putting down roots, and realising how much he missed the travel. This, he’s replaced somewhat with his writing, including reviewing books and writing a regular post at the Novel Kicks blog site.

He’s the proud keeper of a cat bent on world domination, is mad on the music of the Beach Boys and enjoys the theatre and humouring his Manchester United supporting wife. Finally, and most importantly, Mick’s a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, with the forthcoming publication of his debut novel The Season for Love.

You can connect with Mick by using the links below:

Facebook

Twitter

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With kind thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy and the invitation for the blog tour.

#Blog Tour - You're Next - Michael Fowler

Today I'm the last stop on the blog tour for You're Next by Michael Fowler. This is the second book in the DS Scarlett Macey series but don't worry if, like me, you haven't read the first one of the series, Scream You Die, as it works perfectly as a standalone novel.

DS Scarlett Macey has been looking forward to her day in court with James Green, also known as 'The Lycra Rapist', who has been charged with a series of brutal rapes but the case collapses after an incident involving their only witness. Convinced of his guilt, she's furious and sets out to get him to ensure that he pays for his crimes.

But James is also busy, plotting his revenge against the people who he feels have done him wrong. Which one of them will reach their goal first?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading You're Next, with it's cleverly interwoven plots, short, snappy chapters and realistic characters. I loved Scarlett, determined to get her man, despite lacking the support of her superiors, but fully supported by her team, especially DC Tarn Scarr.  As for James, he literally made my skin crawl every time he appeared, he was evil personified, determined to ensure that no-one was going to catch him at whatever cost. It's clearly evident that Michael Fowler has a wealth of knowledge and experience within the police force as the procedural details in the book were exceptional.

If you like gritty and believable police procedural/thrillers then this fast paced, action packed book could be just the one for you and I definitely recommend that you give it a try.

                                                 About the author

Following retirement, after thirty-two years as a police officer, working mainly as a detective, Michael returned to the deadly business of murder, as a writer. His past work brought him very close to some nasty characters, including psychopaths, and gruesome cases, and he draws on that experience to craft his novels: There is nothing gentle about Michael’s stories.

His landmark novel Heart of the Demon, published in 2012, introduced Detective Sergeant Hunter Kerr. Michael has since written five novels and a novella featuring Kerr.  He also released the first DS Scarlett Macey book in 2016. Michael is also the author of a stand-alone crime novella and a true crime thriller.

Michael has another side to his life – a passion for art, and has found considerable success as an artist, receiving numerous artistic accolades. Currently, his oil paintings can be found in the galleries of Spencer Coleman Fine Arts.  

He is a member of the Crime Writers Association and International Thriller Writers.

You can find out more about Michael and his books on his website. 

Although I'm the last stop on the blog tour you should check out what these other fantastic bloggers thought of You're Next.

 With kind thanks to Caroline at Bits About Books and Caffeine Nights Publishing for the review copy.

#Blog Tour - The End of Lies - Andrew Barrett

I'm always on the look out for new authors to read so I was delighted to be offered a copy of The End of Lies by Andrew Barrett as part of the blog tour.

Becky returns home to find her husband, Chris, lying dead on the floor and men ransacking their house, looking for something that they are clearly prepared to kill for. Lucky to escape as she's chased by one of the intruders, Becky then sets out to try and unravel the mystery surrounding her husband's death.

As if losing her husband wasn't bad enough, when Becky finds out who is responsible for Chris' death things get even worse for her as she has to hand over something to some very unsavoury characters within a week or she'll end up going the same way as her husband and she has no idea where to find it. No pressure then!!

The End of Lies is a book that starts off at breakneck speed and it carries on at that pace until towards the end when Andrew Barrett ups the pace a few more notches! The story cleverly flits from past to present, giving little glimpses into Chris and Becky's relationship as well as with her best friend Sienna. Nothing and no-one are what they seem and just when I thought I'd got a handle on who was lying and who was telling the truth I had the rug well and truly pulled from underneath my feet. This book is full of more red herrings than Billingsgate Market (yes I know they're not actual fish, I'm just using it as a comparison!) and it certainly lives up to it's strap line of being a gripping thriller that you won't be able to put down. If this book is anything to go by then Andrew Barrett is a talented writer and I'm looking forward to checking out his other books in the not too distant future.

                                                     About the author

Andrew Barrett has enjoyed variety in his professional life, from engine-builder to farmer, from Oilfield Service Technician in Kuwait, to his current role of Senior CSI in Yorkshire.

He’s been a CSI since 1996, and has worked on all scene types from terrorism to murder, suicide to rape, drugs manufacture to bomb scenes. One way or another, Andrew’s life revolves around crime.

In 1997 he finished his first crime thriller, A Long Time Dead, and it’s still a readers’ favourite today, some 120,000 copies later, topping the Amazon charts several times. Two more books featuring SOCO Roger Conniston completed the trilogy.

Today, Andrew is still producing high-quality, authentic crime thrillers with a forensic flavour that attract attention from readers worldwide. He’s also attracted attention from the Yorkshire media, having been featured in the Yorkshire Post, and twice interviewed on BBC Radio Leeds.

He’s best known for his lead character, CSI Eddie Collins, and the acerbic way in which he roots out criminals and administers justice. Eddie’s series is four books and two short stories in length, and there’s still more to come.

Andrew is a proud Yorkshireman and sets all of his novels there, using his home city of Leeds as another major, and complementary, character in each of the stories.

You can find out more about Andrew, his books and connect with him using the links below:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Amazon

Follow the rest of the blog tour on these fantastic blogs:

With kind thanks to Bloodhound Books for the review copy.

#Blog Tour - The Liar's Promise - Mark Tilbury

Back in May I read my first book by Mark Tilbury, The Abattoir of Dreams, and it quite literally blew me away so when I was offered a spot on the blog tour for his latest book, The Liar's Promise, I couldn't say yes quick enough!

When Mel takes her four year old daughter Chloe to the local theatre, she is stunned when Chloe starts screaming, refusing to go any further than the foyer because she's afraid of the 'Tall Man' and she doesn't want to die. Nothing will calm her down so Mel takes her home, manages to calm her daughter down and settle her into bed, but this unsettling incident is just the beginning of a very eventful night!

Over the course of the next few days Chloe's behaviour changes dramatically, she draws pictures, talks about horrific events in the first person and makes frequent references to the 'Tall Man' who is coming to kill them.

Not knowing who to turn to she decides to talk to Charles Honeywell, the headmaster at the school where she works, unaware that he is very closely connected to the events that her daughter is talking about and by speaking to him about it she has potentially made the situation a whole lot worse.

I won't tell you any more about the plot but what I will say is that I'm pretty sure that you won't be able to put this book down, I know I couldn't!

After I read The Abattoir of Dreams I knew that Mark Tilbury was a talented author who was capable of freaking me out with his writing but I had no idea just how far he could get under my skin, and he did just that with The Liar's Promise. This book was so creepy I was convinced that I was going to have nightmares each night as I was reading it before turning off the light and snuggling down under my duvet. All sorts of disturbing images were flying around my head, the Tall Man, an innocent looking child's doll, an array of coloured freezers. . . . . nope I'm not going back there again as I've only just managed to get the images out of my head.

I absolutely loved this book, despite the fact that it freaked me out so much, which is a testament to the author's writing. It's a fast-paced book that will drag you kicking and screaming to places that you never want to go, it's gruesome, it's sick, it's twisted, it's dark, it's disturbing and I can't wait to see what comes next from this outstanding author!

                                               About the author

Photo courtesy of Mark Tilbury

Mark lives in a small village in the lovely county of Cumbria, although his books are set in Oxfordshire where he was born and raised.

After serving in the Royal Navy and raising his two daughters after being widowed, Mark finally took the plunge and self-published two books on Amazon, The Revelation Room and The Eyes of the Accused.

He's always had a keen interest in writing, and is extremely proud to have his fourth novel, The Liar's Promise, along with The Abattoir of Dreams, published, and The Revelation Room and The Eyes of the Accused re-launched, by Bloodhound Books.

When he's not writing, Mark can be found trying and failing to master blues guitar,

and taking walks around the beautiful county of Cumbria.



You can find out more about Mark and his books and connect with him using the links below:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Amazon

Be sure to follow the rest of the blog tour with these brilliant bloggers:

With kind thanks to Bloodhound Books and author Mark Tilbury for the review copy.