Author: bookafterbook

The readalong of the DI Ben Kitto continues. Pulpit Rock is the fourth book in the series and it sees DI Kitto investigating a killer hunting women. I read Pulpit Rock when it came out and I am delighted to share again my review…

Publication: 15th October 2020 – Simon & Schuster UK

WITH A KILLER ON THE LOOSE
As the scorching summer sun beats down on St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly, DI Ben Kitto and his team are training for the annual Swimathon, until they discover a body hanging from Pulpit Rock, dressed in a bridal gown.

ON A TINY ISLAND
An obsessive killer is hunting for female victims. Kitto has no choice but to stop anyone leaving St Mary’s, but soon another woman is attacked.

EVERYONE IS A SUSPECT
The killer must be a trusted member of the community. Kitto’s investigation is being watched closely, the killer always one step ahead, as the next victim is chosen . . .

NO ONE IS SAFE

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

Pulpit Rock is the fourth novel by Kate Rhodes featuring DI Benesek ‘Ben’ Kitto. After years working in the murder squad in London, Ben had had enough and decided to move back to the small Scilly island of Bryher where he was born. In Pulpit Rock, Ben is training for a swimathon when he sees a body hanging from the local landmark of Pulpit Rock. The victim is a woman and she is found wearing a wedding a dress. For Ben it becomes clear that it is murder and, after another woman is attacked, that a serial killer is on the island. Since no one is allowed to enter or leave the island, everyone becomes a suspect, including people who Ben knows very well.

I really enjoy this series. I love the setting of the Scilly Islands, so atmospheric and beautiful, often remote and cut off from the mainland, a place that it is described in vivid details by the author and that it has a very central part in the story.

I like the protagonist DI Ben Kitto. I find him smart, decisive, intrepid and I enjoy reading about his interesting love life. On the job, he is really good and, in this new novel, he finds himself in the difficult position to suspect and interview close friends, people he grew up with, and even his own colleagues. I love his dog Shadow and their entertaining relationship was one of my favorite part of the story.

The plot is well-structured and well-written. It is suspenseful, engrossing and thrilling. You never know when the killer might strike next and I didn’t figure out who the killer was until it was revealed.

The DI Ben Kitto series is one of my favorite crime series and I am already looking forward to the next book, in the meantime, I highly recommend Pulpit Rock!

A huge thank you to Simon & Schuster UK and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the novel.

Kate Rhodes is an acclaimed crime novelist and an award-winning poet. She lives in Cambridge with her husband, the writer and film-maker, Dave Pescod. She visited the Scilly Isles every year as a child which gave her the idea for this new series. She is one of the founders of the Killer Women writing group.

I am now on the third book of the readalong of the fantastic DI Ben Kitto series by Kate Rhodes so I am thrilled to share my review of Burnt Island!

Publication: 31st October 2019 – Simon & Schuster UK

INTRUDERS HERE ARE BOUND TO DIE . . .
 
As the sun sets on a cold November evening, the tiny community of St Agnes prepares for their annual Fifth-of-November festivities. Moments before the fireworks are scheduled to commence, an islander discovers a charred body left on the bonfire, and quickly it becomes clear that a killer is at large.
 
Ben Kitto is the Deputy Chief of Police for the Scilly Isles, and with a killer on the loose, he has no choice but to forbid all residents from leaving the island. With a population of just eighty people, everyone is a suspect and no one is safe.
 
When threats start appearing, written in the old Cornish language, Ben suspects that the killer’s motive is to rid the island of the newcomers who threaten their traditions. With time running out, Ben hurries to discover the secrets of the island’s peculiar residents, but he knows it’s only a matter of time before another fire is started . . .
 
No place to run.
No place to hide.

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

I’ve said it already and I will say it again: the DI Ben Kitto series is brilliant! It’s very well-written, the setting is atmospheric and suitable to the story, the protagonist Ben Kitto is complex and well-developed, and the plots are always gripping, addictive, and suspenseful until the very end.

Burnt Island is the third book in the series (but it can easily be read as a stand-alone) and Ben Kitto has now settled down back home, in the Isles of Scilly, after ten years of undercover work for the Met Police in London. It’s the night of November 5th and, while the island of St. Agnes is celebrating by burning straw men that will send the bad spirits away, Ben is horrified to find a body completely burned down. With travel banned from and to the island, the killer can be only one of the 80 islanders living in St. Agnes. Ben knows many of them, grew up with some of them, and it’s not easy to find the killer when many are keeping secrets. And when another islander disappears, Ben and his young sidekick Eddie, along with his loyal dog Shadow, need to find the killer before it’s too late.

Every time I read one of the books in this series, I think about planning a trip to the Isles of Scilly (which I seriously have to do at some point). The descriptions are detailed and evocative and the atmosphere and the sense of isolation fit perfectly with a murder story. The island of St. Agnes is described as “the wildest and most secretive place in all the Scillies”. It is small – “two miles long and half a mile wide” -, and, thanks to its hidden coves, it is the perfect place to hide bodies.  

The plot is intriguing, dark, and immersive. Ben has to find a sadistic killer while dealing not only with his demanding boss, but also with tradition and the reluctance of the islanders who don’t like people meddling and being questioned.

I can’t recommend this book and this series enough! If you are looking for a fast-paced and thrilling story then Burnt Island and the entire DI Ben Kitto series is what you are looking for!

A huge thank you to Tracy for inviting me to the readalong and providing me with a proof of this fantastic novel.

Kate Rhodes is an acclaimed crime novelist and an award-winning poet. She lives in Cambridge with her husband, the writer and film-maker, Dave Pescod. She visited the Scilly Isles every year as a child which gave her the idea for this new series. She is one of the founders of the Killer Women writing group.

Publication: 15th August 2023 – Mills & Boon

Bewitched, bothered…and betrothed?

Love is a hex of a thing, as childhood sweethearts fake a relationship in this charming, witchy, second-chance romcom.

Emma Bluewater is determined to put life as a witch behind her. She may have been born into witch society, but her days of trying to fit in are over – they ended years ago, when the man she hoped to marry left town without a word. She’s much happier now, living a delightfully mundane human life in Chicago, running her bar, Toil and Trouble. Emma has put her ex firmly in her past.

Until Bastian walks through the door and announces that he wants her back!

Bastian had his reasons for leaving Emma, reasons he can never tell her. But a curse on his family dictates he must fulfil their marriage contract or face darker consequences. Emma is even more spellbinding than Bastian remembers, but not easily won over. And time is ticking.

With secrets and curses swirling around them, Emma and Bastian must navigate dark magic and broken hearts. Magical contracts are not easily broken, and they become even more complicated when you fall in love…

Fans of The Ex Hex and The Dead Romantics will be ENCHANTED by this fake dating, enemies to lovers romance.

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

A fake relationship, an arranged wedding, a second chance to love, curses, spells, hexes, secrets, and a cast of wonderful characters: I loved The Witch Is Back!

Seven years ago, Emmaline “Emma” Bluewater was preparing for her wedding to her best friend, the Witch High Society golden boy Bastian Truenote, but then Bastian left without a word, just a note to his parents (so, at least, they knew he hadn’t been kidnapped or murdered!), and she hadn’t heard from him ever since. Her mother, and the entire Society thought that Bastian’s leaving was Emma’s fault, after all, why would he marry the gentle witch who can barely yield her own powers? So, humiliated and heart-broken, Emma packed her things and she moved to the human world (meaning Chicago) where she now runs her own cocktail bar with her two best friends and lives happily amongst the humans. And then, on her birthday, Bastian returns with barely a reason for leaving her and a request to resume their arranged engagement to break a curse and save his mother. Bastian had his own reasons to leave all those years ago, but now he doesn’t know if he can trust Emma who has her own secrets to protect.

The Witch Is Back is a fun and entertaining story which I read in one day. I loved that there is a dual POV, Emma and Bastian, as we see both characters develop throughout the story. They grew up together, best friends since they were children, he the extroverted sunshine boy everyone loved and she the shy introverted girl who is afraid to speak in public (or to her overbearing and bully mother) and everyone pitied. Their marriage was agreed by their parents with a witch contract when they were still too young to understand their feelings for each other. Now, they agree to help each other, but, as it always happens, old and new feelings start to surface and things get more complicated… and steamier!

Full of witty banter and romance, The Witch Is Back is a wonderful witchy read!

A huge thank you to Mills & Boon and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of this fantastic novel!

Sophie H. Morgan is a romance author who loves humour and heart in equal measure. A fan of random situations, challenging odds and serious chemistry, she can be found either in the English rain running after her spaniel or curled up on the sofa with a romance (with said wet spaniel snoring next to her).

Today, I am thrilled to take part in a fantastic COVER REVEAL!!!

Cyanide and Sensibility is the third book in the Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery series by Katie Oliver and it will be published by Berkley on December 12th, 2023.

“A crackling good mystery: like a modern-day Agatha Christie bestowed with a hefty dollop of Jane Austen. It’s deliciously written, emotionally resonant, and delightfully engaging. Katie Oliver’s cinematic eye is spot on!”— Laura Childs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mystery series

If you love Jane Austen fiction, cozy culinary mysteries, and amateur sleuths, then this is the perfect book for you.

“a wonderfully fun and charming modern-day mystery…and packed with clever character references that Austen fans will find delightful.”— Marilyn Brant, bestselling author of Pride, Prejudice, and the Perfect Match

Murder is on the menu and Phaedra Brighton is called on to serve up justice in the latest Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery.

While Phaedra Brighton might not have a Mr. Darcy (yet), she’s quite content with her loving family and loyal cat. Phaedra’s sister Hannah is the Jane to her Elizabeth, and Phaedra is ecstatic that Hannah has decided to move home for her next adventure—opening a business. 

All of Laurel Springs is out in full force to celebrate the grand unveiling of Hannah’s new patisserie, Tout de Sweet, including local celebrity Rachel Brandon. Hannah is a master of her craft, with confections so divine, one bite will make you think you’ve died and gone to heaven.

Of course, you never want that to happen literally. 

When one of Hannah’s famous dark chocolate cupcakes sends Rachel’s assistant to the hospital with poisoning, Hannah begs for Phaedra’s help to save her reputation and budding business. But Phaedra has more questions than answers: Who was the cupcake actually meant for? And how far is the culprit willing to go to take their target off the menu—permanently?

“With the right balance of humor, charm, and intrigue, this contemporary whodunnit had me swiping, swiping, swiping through my kindle until the satisfying end.”— Christina Boyd, editor of Elizabeth, Obstinate Headstrong Girl

You can pre-order: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BERKLEY | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

Katie Oliver is known internationally as a writer of Jane Austen rom-coms with a hint of mystery. In the US and the UK, she is the bestselling author of the Dating Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy series.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

The readalong of the DI Ben Kitto series continues with the second book, Ruin Beach, which I read and enjoyed back in 2019, and today I am thrilled to share again my review.

Publication: 15th November 2018 – Simon and Schuster UK

THE ISLAND OF TRESCO HOLDS A DARK SECRET SOMEONE WILL KILL TO PROTECT.

Ben Kitto has become the Scilly Isles’ Deputy Chief of Police. As the island’s lazy summer takes hold, he finds himself missing the excitement of the murder squad in London. But when the body of professional diver Jude Trellon is discovered, anchored to the rocks of a nearby cave, his investigative skills are once again needed.

At first it appears that the young woman’s death was a tragic accident, but when evidence is found that suggests otherwise, the islanders close ranks. With even those closest to the victim refusing to talk, it seems that plenty of people might have had reason to harm her. As the islanders remain guarded, Ben Kitto suspects a killer is on the loose in Tresco.

Everyone is a suspect.
Nobody is safe.

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

We first meet DI Ben Kitto in Hell Bay. After the death of his partner, Ben took a break from solving murders in London and he moved back to the Scilly Islands to recover. The move was supposed to be temporary, just a few months, but he found himself investigating a murder on the island and, at the end of the novel, he decided to remain in the place where he spent his childhood.

In RUIN BEACH, we find Ben settled down and Deputy Chief of Scilly Island’s Police. He has to investigate the death of Jude Trellon. She was a professional diver and her body was found tied to the rocks by a cave in Piper’s Hole. She was hiding a secret and the people who knew her are not talking. For Ben, everyone on the island is a suspect, even the people he’s known his entire life.

Even though the novel is slow-paced, the author knows how to keep the suspense always high, by adding a second point-of-view alongside the protagonist’s. The story is told mostly in first person by Ben’s point-of-view, but we also read Tom’s story, a young man who knows why Jude was killed. Like Ben, I found myself suspecting of everyone involved in the story. You never know who is telling the truth, who is keeping secrets, who you can trust.

I really like the character of Ben Kitto. I enjoyed reading his interactions with his sidekick Eddie, an enthusiastic young officer, with his dog Shadow, and with his friend Zoe, for whom he has a huge crush. He is well-developed, vividly-drawn and likable and I look forward to read more about him.

What I really love about this novel is the setting. The Isles of Scilly are the real protagonists of the novel. They are just off the coast of Cornwall and they are beautiful and atmospheric and they come to life thanks to the author’s attention to details.

RUIN BEACH is evocative, chilling, and engrossing, an excellent second book in a brilliant series and I’d like to thank Simon and Schuster for providing me with a copy of the book.

Kate Rhodes is an acclaimed crime novelist and an award-winning poet. She lives in Cambridge with her husband, the writer and film-maker, Dave Pescod. She visited the Scilly Isles every year as a child which gave her the idea for this new series. She is one of the founders of the Killer Women writing group.

I’m thrilled to have been invited to take part in the readalong of the seven books in the DI Ben Kitto series by Kate Rhodes. I read the first book in the series, Hell Bay, when it came out a few years ago and I am delighted to share again my review of the this gripping novel set on the beautiful Scilly Isles.

Publication: 25th January 2018 – Simon & Schuster UK

Trapped in a storm, with no way out …

DI Ben Kitto needs a second chance. After ten years working for the murder squad in London, a traumatic event has left him grief-stricken. He’s tried to resign from his job, but his boss has persuaded him to take three months to reconsider.

Ben plans to work in his uncle Ray’s boatyard, on the tiny Scilly island of Bryher where he was born, hoping to mend his shattered nerves. His plans go awry when the body of sixteen year old Laura Trescothick is found on the beach at Hell Bay. Her attacker must still be on the island because no ferries have sailed during a two-day storm. 

Everyone on the island is under suspicion. Dark secrets are about to resurface. And the murderer could strike again at any time.

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

Ben Kitto is an homicide detective working in London, but after the death of his partner he tries to resign from the Met police. His boss doesn’t accept his resignation and gives him a three-month break to change his mind. Ben decides to spend this break in the place where he grew up, Bryher, one of the small island of the Isles of Scilly, off the coast of Cornwall. Ben’s arrival is marked by the disappearance of Laura Trescothick, the sixteen-year-old daughter of Matt and Jenna Trescothick, the golden couple of his high school. Ben decides to help the investigation of the local police because no one arrived or left the island before or after Laura’s disappearance and this means that one of the islanders is the killer, one of their own.

This novel is a highly enjoyable and compulsive read that reminded me a little of one of my favorite novels by Agatha Christie, And Then There Were None, with its wintery dark and atmospheric setting, the isolated small island far away from the mainland, everyone suspecting everyone, everyone with their motives to commit the murder.

The plot is very intriguing with a few surprising twists and tension rising as the end of the book approaches. The characters are very well-crafted and complex, especially the protagonist, Ben Kitto, with ghosts who from his past and an uncertain future. The island is as much a protagonist of the novel as the other characters and I loved the author’s attention to details and the vivid descriptions that make the story more realistic and captivating.

Kate Rhodes is an acclaimed crime novelist and an award-winning poet. She lives in Cambridge with her husband, the writer and film-maker, Dave Pescod. She visited the Scilly Isles every year as a child which gave her the idea for this new series. She is one of the founders of the Killer Women writing group.

Publication: 3rd August 2023

The little village of Weddington is fast becoming THE place to get married. With its stately home, castle and two churches it has something for everyone, and now, famous after appearing in huge romcom movie hit A Little In Love, it’s hosting a monthly wedding fayre…

Rose Pedal is the proud owner of Pedals & Prosecco, a brand new business serving ice-cold fizz from a vintage bicycle, and she’s excited to be attending her first wedding fayre. But, on the way to Weddington Hall she’s involved in a near miss crash involving dashingly handsome James from Blume’s Florist.

Arriving at the beautiful stately home drenched and disheveled, Rose is horrified to find James is not only not sorry for nearly knocking her off her bike, but he’s gatecrashing her allocated spot on the lawn. His arrogance gets her back up and it’s definitely a case of hate at first sight.  But as the wedding fayre season continues, James gently wins Rose over, and their relationship starts to bloom.

Can being just ‘a little in love’ help Rose and James find their own happy-ending…

A Little in Love is the most charming romantic comedy you’ll read this year, from a hugely talented author, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Phillipa Ashley and Cressida McLaughlin.

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

Happy Sunday everyone! Today, I am excited to take part in the blog tour for A Little in Love, the fabulous new novel by Florence Keeling, out now.

If you are looking for an entertaining, romantic, and heart-warming novel, then A Little in Love is the one to read. I really enjoyed this charming novel with a wonderful cast of characters, a beautiful setting, fantastic friendships, a lovely romance, and lots of weddings.

The story is set in the fictional village of Weddington, where weddings are customary, and its protagonist is Rose Pedal. As the daughter of the local reverend, Rose has attended every wedding at St. Michael’s church. She loves watching the grooms arrive, the bridesmaid’s dresses, but, most of all, she loves the arrival of the bride. After leaving university, Rose is trying to figure out what to do with her life and she knows one thing: she loves weddings, but she can’t bake cakes and she’s hopeless to arrange flowers, but she knows wine and that’s how she comes up with the idea of selling Prosecco from her bike during weddings. After finding the right vintage bike, Pedals and Prosecco is born and Rose is excited to attend her first wedding fayre. However, the start is not promising as she’s almost run over by the same man who is then placed next to her with his stall of flowers. James Blume is handsome and charming, but he is also arrogant and not at all remorseful and Rose hopes to never see him again. Except, the wedding fayre season has just started and the two of them keep meeting and maybe James is not as arrogant as he seemed. Of course, his family is an entirely different story…

Rose is an incredible character. She is determined to make it on her own in her new business, but she realizes that there is no shame in asking for help and I loved how friendships play an important part in the story, new and old ones: Rose and Megan have been friends since they were children and Megan is always there when Rose needs help. Rose also finds new friends while attending the wedding fairies and I loved how they rally together to help at a moment’s notice.

I also enjoyed the romance. After the bad start, James turns out to be quite adorable and I loved how his relationship with Rose developed, despite the ups and downs, mostly due to his family.

A Little in Love is a delightful, fun, and refreshing novel that will keep you immersed from the first to the last page and I am already looking forward to the author’s next novel!

A huge thank you to SJV and Simon & Schuster UK for inviting me to join the blog tour and providing me with a copy of this amazing book.

Florence Keeling LOVES weddings. She married the man she met when she was four months old, and 21 years of married bliss later, they are still VERY much in love. Her love of stories started with Mr Men and Topsy and Tim, she longed to attend Cackle’s Academy and spend days sharing adventures with the Famous Five. As a grown up, she wrangles two grown up kids, two mad huskies and three day jobs. A Little In Love  is her third work of fiction.  Follow her on twitter at @KeelingFlorence.

Publication: 20th July 2023 – HarperCollins

IT WAS A CASE THAT GRIPPED THE NATION
LUKE RYDER’S MURDER HAS NEVER BEEN SOLVED

In December 2003, Luke Ryder was found dead in the garden of the family home in London, leaving behind a wealthy older widow and three stepchildren. Nobody saw anything.

Now, secrets will be revealed – live on camera.

Years later a group of experts re-examine the evidence on Infamous, a true-crime show – with shocking results. Does the team know more than they’ve been letting on?

Or does the truth lie closer to home?

Can you solve the case before they do?
The truth will blow your mind.

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

I am a huge fan of Cara Hunter’s novels. Her DI Adam Fawley series is one of my favourite and I am always looking forward to the next novel. I was really excited about Murder in the Family, which is a stand-alone, and I wasn’t disappointed.

On the 20th anniversary of the murder of Luke Ryder, a true crime series, Infamous, wants to reopen the case to solve his murder once and for all. Twenty years ago, the lifeless body of 26-year-old Luke had been found in the garden of the family home by his stepdaughter. The police never found the killer and, now, six experts have been called to study the case. There is a retired Met police officer, a freelance journalist, a forensic psychologist, a lawyer, a former NYPD officer, and a forensic pathologist. The team also includes Guy Howard, stepson of the victim and ten years old at the time of the murder. Guy wants to find out the truth to bring closure to his family, no matter the cost and what uncomfortable truths about his family may come out during the investigation. 

The story is written in script format and, as the author’s previous novels, is accompanied by news clippings, maps, text messages, email exchanges, and comments on forums. Luke’s murder had been sensational at the time as he had recently married a wealthy widow older than him. At the time of the murder, only ten year old Guy was in the house sleeping, but could his wife have come back from the party and killed him? Or maybe her stepson Rupert, who had introduced them a few years earlier? Or maybe someone from his past? As you read you realize that everyone on the show was chosen for a reason as secrets are revealed and twists just keep coming. I don’t usually watch true crime documentaries, but I think I would watch Infamous, if only for the cliffhangers at the end of each episode that made it almost impossible to put the book down.

Masterfully executed, addictive, and thrilling, Murder in the Family kept me up late at night reading until the one final shocking revelation that you can always expect from Cara Hunter’s novel and that makes you gasp in surprise. Highly recommended!

A huge thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for a proof of the novel.

Cara Hunter is the author of the Sunday Times bestselling crime novels Close to Home, In the Dark, No Way Out, All the Rage, The Whole Truth and Hope to Die, all featuring DI Adam Fawley and his Oxford-based police team. Close to Home was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick (as is her latest) and was shortlisted for Crime Book of the Year in the British Book Awards 2019. No Way Out was selected by the Sunday Times as one of the 100 best crime novels since 1945. Cara’s novels have sold over a million copies worldwide, and the TV rights to the series have been acquired by the Fremantle group. She lives in Oxford. Murder in the Family is her first stand-alone crime novel. The Fawley series will also continue.

Publication: 6th July 2023 – Penguin UK

Chandler Cohen lies for a living.

When she accepts her next ghostwriting gig penning a memoir for cult actor Finnegan Walsh, it should be a dream job.

However, Chandler knows him best as something else: her worst-ever one-night stand . . .

She’s determined to keep things professional. But when she finally admits to Finn that their night together wasn’t as mind-blowing as he thought, he’s mortified, and determined to make amends.

So, they strike a deal. During the day, they’ll work on the book, and at night, she’ll school him in the art of satisfaction.

As they grow closer, the line between business and pleasure starts to blur.

Can Chandler and Finn have both, or will they have to choose?

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

I enjoyed all novels by Rachel Lynn Solomon (her adult novels): her writing is addictive, her stories are enjoyable and immersive, and her characters are well-developed and relatable.

Business or Pleasure is her latest novel and I think it’s my favourite so far. The protagonist is Chandler Cohen, a thirty-something woman living in Seattle. She went to university full of dreams of becoming a journalist, but that’s not what happened. All her friends seem to have pursued their career, while Chandler, after the closure of the newspaper she worked for, has only found work as a ghost-writer for a few influencers. The job is not satisfying, especially when the fitness celebrity, whose book she wrote, has no idea who she is, but it pays the bills. Also, it keeps her distracted from the secret manuscript on her computer that she hasn’t opened in months and from her unrequited crush on her friend from college.

One night, in a bar, she meets a man. He is handsome, witty, and they have fun exploring Seattle together. They go back to his hotel room where they have the worst sex of her life. Chandler is sure she will never see him again, but then, the next morning, her agent calls her to offer a ghost-writing job for an actor mostly known for a ten-year-old werewolf TV show she’s never seen and she is shocked to find out that he is none other the man from the night before, Finnegan Walsh. She wants to refuse the job not only for the awkwardness between her and Finn, but also because it would mean leaving Seattle for the first time, following him around for two months from Comic-Con to Comic-Con, while working on the book together. But the pay is good and they can keep things professional, right? Except, when she admits the truth about their night together, Finn asks her to help him improve in the bedroom and how can she refuse?

I love the characters of Chandler and Finn. Chandler feels trapped in her life, living with her accomplished cousin and stuck in a career writing for others because she is afraid to write on her own. Finn is a bit shy, nerdy, and I love that he can talk the Elf language from Lord of the Rings. After the TV show ended, he’s acted in a few Hallmark movies, but he wants more and he hopes that the book will help him. Together, they are adorable and have great chemistry and I loved how their relationship develops. 

Full of saucy scenes, honest conversations, and nerdy moments, Business or Pleasure is a witty, compelling, and amazing story with a cast of wonderful characters!

A huge thank you to Penguin Books and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of the novel.

Rachel Lynn Solomon is the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk, Weather Girl, and other romantic comedies for teens and adults. Originally from Seattle, she’s currently navigating expat life in Amsterdam, where she can often be found exploring the city, collecting stationery, and working up the courage to knit her first sweater. Connect with her on Instagram @rlynn_solomon or online at rachelsolomonbooks.com.

Publication: 22nd June 2023 – HarperCollins UK

After that night, nothing was ever the same again …

Fifteen years ago, Sara Linton’s life changed forever when a celebratory night out ended in a violent attack that tore her world apart. Since then, Sara has remade her life. A successful doctor, engaged to a man she loves, she has finally managed to leave the past behind her.

Until one evening, on call in the ER, everything changes. Sara battles to save a broken young woman who’s been brutally attacked. But as the investigation progresses, led by GBI Special Agent Will Trent, it becomes clear that Dani Cooper’s assault is uncannily linked to Sara’s.

And it seems the past isn’t going to stay buried forever …

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

This is one of my favourite series and I am always excited when a new book comes out. I adore Will and Sara, and Faith and Amanda, and it’s always thrilling to see what they are up to next.

The books can be easily read as a stand-alone, but if you’ve read the previous novels, you already know that Dr. Sara Linton’s life dramatically changed fifteen years earlier when she was sexually assaulted. Her attacker was sent to prison, but now, following her testimony in a wrongful death case, her past is back to haunt her.

After That Night is not at all an easy story to read. There are scenes that were really hard to go through. They can be chilling, disturbing, and highly emotional, especially the descriptions of assault narrated from the victims’ perspectives. In particular, Sara’s account of her own assault, the trauma and the consequences on her life, how it affected her relationship with her family and friends, was candid and brave and it will stay with me for quite a while.

Will Trent and Sara Linton are one of my favourite couples in fiction and I love how close and honest their relationship is in this latest book. And Faith and Amanda are as amazing as ever. Faith’s worry about her son Jeremy wanting to join the forces is heartfelt and relatable, while Amanda proves, once again, that nothing goes past her and it is always best to get her involved.

Full of twists and turns, high tension, a shocking ending, and the author’s skilful and addictive writing, After That Night is another brilliant and thought-provoking novel by Karin Slaughter and I am already looking forward to the next one!

A huge thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of this novel.

Karin Slaughter is one of the world’s most popular storytellers. Published in 120 countries with more than 40 million copies sold across the globe, her novels have all been Sunday Times bestsellers. Slaughter lives in Atlanta, Georgia, and is the founder of the Save the Libraries project―a nonprofit organization established to support libraries and library programming. Her standalone novel Pieces of Her is now a Netflix series, and the Grant County and Will Trent series are in development for television.