Guest Post: Last Kiss Blog Tour - Laurelin Paige on her Writing Process

Today I am part of the blog tour for Laurelin Paige's Last Kiss where Laurelin tells us about her writing and plotting process for this series. Make sure to check the poster at the end and follow along with the other stops on the tour.

A GAME OF CAT AND MOUSE FILLED WITH DARK DESIRES AND DANGEROUS SECRETS

Emily Wayborn has made a decision.

She might not fully trust handsome and deadly Reeve Sallis, but he is the one person that gives her what she needs. With Reeve she can finally be herself. Submitting to him is the only thing keeping her grounded as the rest of her life falls apart. But the hotelier is a master at keeping secrets and as she continues her quest for answers someone is making sure she doesn t find them.

Time is running out and she is questioning everything she thought she knew about friendship and love. She must now make an impossible choice that will determine if she will survive with her heart...or her life."

Guest Post: Writing Commandments I Live By by Gayle Curtis

Cecelia and Sebastian have a connection like no other - more than just brother and sister, they'll go to any lengths to protect each other. Growing up in a bleak old farmhouse, their mother gone and their father violent and abusive, the twins have only each other to keep them alive.

But when the secrets of their mother's disappearance start to emerge, and truth and lies are thrown into question, events take a terrifying turn . . .

As Cecelia tries to break away from the ties that bind her to her brother, Sebastian is determined that the twins should be together - whatever the costs.

Guest Post: The Inspiration Behind Little Bones by Sam Blake

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Sam Blake's Little Bones where I am sharing a guest post where Sam reveals the inspiration behind the novel. I hope you enjoy reading the post and definitely recommend that you check the book out, which is out now and my review will follow shortly.

Attending what seems to be a routine break-in, troubled Detective Garda Cathy Connolly makes a grisly discovery: an old wedding dress - and, concealed in its hem, a baby's bones.

And then the dress's original owner, Lavinia Grant, is found dead in a Dublin suburb.

Searching for answers, Cathy is drawn deep into a complex web of secrets and lies spun by three generations of women.

Meanwhile, a fugitive killer has already left two dead in execution style killings across the Atlantic - and now he's in Dublin with old scores to settle. Will the team track him down before he kills again?

Struggling with her own secrets, Cathy doesn't know dangerous - and personal - this case is about to become...

Tenacity Naval Toasts Blog Tour: Friday's Toast is to A Willing Foe and Sea-Room

Today I am excited to be kicking off the blog tour to celebrate the upcoming paperback release of J.S. Law's TENACITY which just so happens to have a quote inside from yours truly! It really is a thrilling read and the start to what I hope will be a fantastic series of books featuring Lieutenant Danielle Lewis. If you haven't read the book already then please check it out and you can read my review here. I hope you enjoy reading the post and make sure to follow the rest of the tour!

Suicide must be investigated.

Especially when a Royal Navy sailor kills himself on a nuclear submarine, only days after his wife's brutal murder.

Now Lieutenant Danielle Lewis, the Navy's finest Special Branch investigator, must interrogate the tight-knit, male crew of HMS Tenacity to determine if there's a link.

Isolated, and standing alone in the face of extreme hostility, Dan soon realises that she may have to choose between the truth and her own survival.

Justice must be served, but with a possible killer on board the pressure is rising and her time is running out...

Guest Post: The Importance of Character by David Jackson

Today I am thrilled to be part of the blog tour for David Jackson's amazing new novel, A Tapping at My Door. In case you missed it, I shared a Hall of Fame review for it the other day which you can read here and at the time of writing it's one of the best crime novels that I've read this year and I highly recommend it. As part of the blog tour I am sharing a guest post from David where he discussed the importance of character. I hope you enjoy reading the post and do not hesitate to buy the book if you haven't already. You won't regret it!

A woman at home in Liverpool is disturbed by a persistent tapping at her back door. She's disturbed to discover the culprit is a raven, and tries to shoo it away. Which is when the killer strikes.

DS Nathan Cody, still bearing the scars of an undercover mission that went horrifyingly wrong, is put on the case. But the police have no leads, except the body of the bird - and the victim's missing eyes.

As flashbacks from his past begin to intrude, Cody realises he is battling not just a murderer, but his own inner demons too.

And then the killer strikes again, and Cody realises the threat isn't to the people of Liverpool after all - it's to the police.

Guest Post: Authors and Reviews by Amanda Jennings

It is a little later than planned but I am so happy to be sharing a guest post from Amanda Jennings today as part of the super long blog tour for one of my favourite books of 2016 so far, In Her Wake. I was blown away when I read this book but what astounded me even more was the reaction to my review from Amanda and Orenda's Karen Sullivan and from everyone else who read it and Tweeted to me about it. It has since become one of my most popular reviews ever (I've even read it back myself multiple times!) and the past two years blogging have brought many differing reactions from authors to my reviews and it's always interesting to get an insight into how an author views reviews of their books, if they even do at all. So, for my stop on the tour Amanda is discussing her own view on reviews and it's well worth a read.

If you are one of the few who hasn't read my review yet, help me hit 1000 views by reading it now!

Guest Post: The Power of a Woman by Nigel May

Anybody who has read one of Nigel May's exciting and addictive bonkbusters will know that he has created some incredible female characters, female characters who feel real and leave an impression long after you've finished reading. Today I'm excited to be sharing a guest post from Nigel where he discusses his female characters. Nigel's latest (and greatest) book, Deadly Obsession is released this week and I've got one hell of a review for it coming up later this week.

What would you do if you saw your husband killed right in front of you … identified his body … had him cremated … then six months later received a letter written by him two days ago?

Amy Barrowman grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. So when she falls in love with millionaire Riley Hart and he asks her to marry him she can’t believe her luck. She has found true love and her happy ever after.

Riley Hart is a Millionaire Man about Town. Men want to be him and women want to bed him. But to achieve Riley’s status, you have to tread on a lot of toes and make a lot of enemies.

When Riley is gunned down at the nightclub they own, Amy is determined to avenge his death. She receives a mysterious letter detailing a list of suspects including Riley’s sworn enemy, actor Grant Wilson. But with an obsessive passion brewing between her and Grant and a dangerous assassin trailing her every move it would seem Amy has opened a deadly and tempting Pandora’s Box. In settling the score for her husband has Amy put herself into terrible danger?

Guest Post: 5 Differences Between Writing Romantic Comedies and Crime Thrillers by Robert Bryndza

Ahead of the publication of Robert Bryndza's first crime thriller novel I am sharing this guest post from Robert where he lists the five differences between writing romantic comedies and crime thrillers. His first crime novel is The Girl in the Ice and take it from me, it is not a book you want to miss and my review of it can be read on the blog later this week. For now though, I hope you enjoy reading the guest post.

Her eyes are wide open. Her lips parted as if to speak. Her dead body frozen in the ice… She is not the only one. 

When a young boy discovers the body of a woman beneath a thick sheet of ice in a South London park, Detective Erika Foster is called in to lead the murder investigation.

The victim, a beautiful young socialite, appeared to have the perfect life. Yet when Erika begins to dig deeper, she starts to connect the dots between the murder and the killings of three prostitutes, all found strangled, hands bound and dumped in water around London.

What dark secrets is the girl in the ice hiding? 

As Erika inches closer to uncovering the truth, the killer is closing in on Erika.

The last investigation Erika led went badly wrong… resulting in the death of her husband. With her career hanging by a thread, Erika must now battle her own personal demons as well as a killer more deadly than any she’s faced before. But will she get to him before he strikes again?

Guest Post: Iain King's Ten Steps to Becoming a Successful Novelist

Today I am sharing a guest post from Bookouture's Iain King who lists his ten steps to becoming a successful novelist. Iain's second conspiracy thriller novel, Last Prophecy of Rome, was released on January 28th and you can read my review of it on the blog very soon.

An ancient empire. A terrifying threat to the World’s Superpower. Only one man can stop it. 

ROME: Maverick military historian Myles Munro is on holiday with girlfriend and journalist Helen Bridle. He’s convinced a bomb is about to be detonated at the American Embassy.

NEW YORK: A delivery van hurtling through Wall Street, blows up, showering the sky with a chilling message: America is about to be brought down like the Roman Empire.

Juma, an African warlord, set free by the Arab Spring, plans to make it happen.

When a US Senator is taken hostage, a chilling chain of events begins, and Myles finds himself caught in a race against time to stop Juma. But, he’s not prepared for the shocking truth that the woman he once loved, Juma’s wife, Placidia, has now become a terrorist.

An electrifying edge-of-your-seat thriller that will have you coming back for more. 

Bloodstream Blog Tour with Luca Veste

Anyone who reads my blog might know that I am a huge Luca Veste fan and so I am incredibly excited to be kicking off the blog tour for his latest Murphy and Rossi novel, and first with his new publishers Simon & Schuster, Bloodstream. Bloodstream is available to buy right now and you can see my review on the blog later this week! Today Luca is talking all about his first day of writing a new book...

Exclusive Guest Post: Kate Rhodes on Writing 'River of Souls'

Jude Shelley, daughter of a prominent cabinet minister, had her whole life ahead of her until she was attacked and left to drown in the Thames. Miraculously, she survived. A year later, her family ask psychologist Alice Quentin to re-examine the case.

But then an elderly priest is attacked in Battersea, his body washed up at Westminster Pier. An ancient glass bead is tied to his wrist.

The river has always demanded sacrifices, and now it seems a killer believes it's calling out for more.

Alice is certain that Jude and her family are hiding something, but unless she can persuade them to share what they know, more victims will drown...

Today I am excited to share with you this exclusive guest post from Kate Rhodes where she discusses writing her latest novel in the Alice Quentin series, River of Souls. I have reviewed all four of these books and it is a series that I highly recommend. The guest post from Kate is a truly fascinating read, and I hope you enjoy reading it. And I hope it will inspire you to check out Kate's work if you haven't already!

Guest Post: Behind the Scenes of The Dish by Stella Newman

Today I have a guest post to share from Stella Newman for the blog tour for her latest (and very enjoyable) book, The Dish. You can read my review of the book here. If you enjoy the post then make sure you check out this amazing Christmas food-related post Stella wrote for the blog last year. The Dish is out now. 

Behind the Scenes of The Dish

by Stella Newman

My new book, The Dish, is about a restaurant critic who falls in love with the head chef at London’s worst restaurant.  I always try to research my books as thoroughly as possible, so in the course of writing the novel I ate out quite a bit.  I shan’t tell you what I think London’s worst restaurant is – there’s more than enough mean-ness on the internet already.  However I’m more than happy to share five of the fantastic places I ate which do feature in the book, though sometimes tweaked in the name of artistic licence.

Guest Post: Half The World Away: Unfamiliar Territory by Cath Staincliffe

Cath Staincliffe's latest novel is Half the World Away which I have reviewed here, finding it to be a rather addictive story. What really stood out to me, even before reading the book, was the Chengdu setting. Whilst reading the story it was clear that Cath had carried out some impeccable research, and so I asked whether she would be able to write a guest post for me about it. And she did! So, hopefully you enjoy reading it and if you haven't already picked up Half the World Away then make sure you do!

Guest Post: The Fatal Flame: A Portrait of Love by Lyndsay Faye

Today I am bringing you a brilliant guest post from Lyndsay Faye, author of one of the most exciting and original trilogies I have read in the past few years. The Fatal Flame is the third and final book in the Timothy Wilde series and my review can be read here. The book itself is available to buy now.

Guest Post: Top 5 Doris Day Films by Fiona Harper

Today I am thrilled to be posting a guest post from Fiona Harper to celebrate publication of The Doris Day Vintage Film Club. Fiona and her main character Claire are discussing their favourite Doris Day films. As so many reviewers have admitted to never having watched a Doris Day film, hopefully you might find some inspiration!

Guest Post: Research, Research, Research by Emma Kavanagh

Emma Kavanagh's blog tour for her second novel Hidden continues today with a guest post from Emma all about research. I loved Hidden and my review can be read here. 

HE'S WATCHING: A gunman is stalking the wards of a local hospital. He's unidentified and dangerous, and has to be located. Urgently.

Police Firearms Officer Aden McCarthy is tasked with tracking him down. Still troubled by the shooting of a schoolboy, Aden is determined to make amends by finding the gunman - before it's too late.

SHE'S WAITING: To psychologist Imogen, hospital should be a place of healing and safety - both for her, and her young niece who's been recently admitted. She's heard about the gunman, but he has little to do with her. Or has he?

As time ticks down, no one knows who the gunman's next target will be. But he's there. Hiding in plain sight. Far closer than anyone thinks...

Guest Post: Eve Makis on Writing The Spice Box Letters

Today it's a real honour for me to be able to share this guest post from Eve Makis, author of my Book of the Month for March, The Spice Box Letters. I've attempted to explain in my review why I found the book such a special read and hope I did the book justice and hopefully convinced a couple of people to pick it up.

Eve is discussing writing The Spice Box Letters and I can't believe it's a book that almost didn't come to fruition. It also explains just why certain characters felt so real, and reveals just how much research was carried out, quite remarkable! As a fan of Cyprus I am also intrigued at the mention of Eve's next book, and hope this is something that goes ahead. Great fiction set in Cyprus is sparse, so I am thrilled to have discovered Eve Makis.

Guest Post: Mel Sherratt on Writing Inspirations

I'm late to the party but I am now a huge Mel Sherratt fan having loved three of her books (and really want to move The Estate Series up my TBR!). Today, on publication week for Mel's latest novel Follow the Leader I am very excited to share a guest post from Mel where she tells us about her writing inspirations which I very much enjoyed reading (and had no idea Mel started out writing Women's Fiction!) I hope you enjoy the guest post, and I will be sharing my review for Follow the Leader tomorrow (10th).

Guest Post: The Inspiration Behind 'Gone' by Rebecca Muddiman

Emma Thorley is gone...but not forgotten. GONE is a twisty story of murder, guilt and unintended consequences from an exciting new crime novelist.

250,000 people go missing in the UK every year.

91% of those reported to police are found within 48 hours.

99% of cases are solved within a year.

And 1% stay gone.

Troubled teenager Emma Thorley vanished without a trace eleven years ago.

But now a body has been found...

As news of the discovery travels, the past comes back to haunt all those involved, from the police to Emma's friends and enemies.

Because some secrets cannot be buried for ever... and some dangers never go away.

Guest Post: Christmas Gifts for Foodies by Stella Newman

To celebrate the release of Stella Newman's A Pear Shaped Christmas, I am kicking off the blog tour today with a seriously amazing guest post where Stella tells us her ideal Christmas gifts for foodies. You WILL salivate, and you will want to sample everything listed here. I did anyway! I'm usually in London on this very day every year, sadly this year I'm not. Online shopping it may have to be... Hope you enjoy!

A Pear Shaped Christmas is out now, published by Headline