I am thrilled to be supporting the blog tour for this dark, thrilling book by a brilliant new-to-me author, Gemma Rogers.
You are immediately pulled into this book from page one. The book begins with a dead body, which Karla and Jess are trying to conceal. The narrative the rewinds and skips forward, in order for the reader to discover how this happened and the nail biting consequences of it.
Fresh out of prison, Jess Strickland has just six months’ probation to serve until she’s free to get on with the life, she left behind 4 years ago.
With few options available, Jess takes a job at Bright’s’, an industrial laundry company alongside other ex-cons, all eager to keep their noses clean.
Here she finds an ally in Karla but soon learns her new boss Terry, is not all he seems.
When Terry ends up dead and with lots of threatening and nasty behaviour being displayed towards her, Jess realises she’s no safer on the outside Jess refuses to be a victim any longer.
How far will she go to avoid going back to prison?
This has truly lived up to its claim of being a thrilling, gripping and dark read that I have devoured. I have been completely lost in this dark world that covers topics including drugs, sex, death and betrayal. This is a fast paced read that you won’t want to put down.
After being on the edge of my seat throughout, I was nervous about the ending and whether it would live up to my high expectations. However, it absolutely delivered. The ending is shocking, unexpected, heart warming, heart breaking and mysterious all rolled into one!
I highly recommend this book to fans of dark, crime or gangland thrillers, and authors such as Emma Tallon and Martina Cole.
I was drawn to this after hearing Kristen talk so animatedly and persuasively about her books as part of a Bookouture fiction panel that was live on social media during lockdown one. She is an author that has been on my radar for a while and my only regret is that I didn’t get round to her books sooner.
I love it when an engaging opening pulls you right into the action and drama. This book certainly did that, as we are invited to witness Beth in labour with her first child. This scenario is delivered in a touching and light hearted way, which really sets the tone for much of the book.
Throughout the first half and beyond, there are hilarious scenes and clever, laugh out loud narrative, dialogue and monologue. The observations around motherhood and being a first time parent are raw and honest just as much as they are comical. Here are some of my favourite quotes from the book:
“I know Will is drunk because he’s standing in the middle of a Tesco Metro” stroking the biscuits.”
“I start to unwrap Joe from the carrier. It’s like unwrapping a fajita, trying to make sure the contents don’t fall out on the floor.”
“Have you ever had physalis before?” Yasmin asks me. Once. I got a cream for it though, I want to say. That joke would sail over the room. 🤣
And of course, the use of the word “titgibbon” is just brilliant!
There is a brilliant chemistry and connection between the main characters, Will and Beth. It was also lovely to see the familial relationship between Beth and her sisters as you could see Beth’s down to earth, likeable, laid back character in context. Beth was definitely a girl next door and it was easy to empathise with her as a mother myself.
The second part of the book is a little more serious and definitely heart warming, as it touches on issues such as self discovery, self preservation, friendship, relationship issues and body positivity.
The ending is completely lovely, touching and heart warming and brings the book to a wonderful conclusion.
Overall this has been a hilarious, heart warming and honest book that has taken me on quite a rollercoaster. I would recommend this book to all chick lit and uplit fans, especially fans of Suzy K Quinn, Sophie Ranald and Gill Sims.
Wow! I had no idea what to expect from this one, as this is a new author to me, but it is no exaggeration to say I was absolutely blown away.
A modern thriller with traditional elements of gothic fiction with a futuristic twist, makes this a highly original and pacy read.
The narrative focuses around super recognisers. These are highly intelligent people who are born with the rare ability to remember a face forever, even from a single glance. Kate was one of them. She worked for the police, using her gift to spot criminals and save lives. Then came the accident.
Deprived of her abilities after a devastating car crash, Kate found refuge in a new relationship. She met Rob in hospital, and he nursed her back to health in his beautiful house in Cornwall. But now something feels horribly wrong. Rob looks the same, but Kate feels certain: the man she fell in love with has been replaced by an impostor.
Is this the paranoia of a damaged mind? Or is it Kate’s old instinct, screaming one last warning?
The character development in this book is spot on. Kate is a likeable, empathetic character, with a realism to her, despite her extraordinary brain power and talent. Her friendship with Bex is one based on loyalty and closeness, and it provides warmth to a book that can be very dark in places.
Rob, on the other hand, is a mysterious, uptight, reserved character, who seems obsessed with work, technology and control. Jake, quite by contrast, appears laid back, lost, possibly even a little lackadaisical at first, but his character and determination slowly grows and I warmed to him as the book developed.
The plot can be described as intricate, but the clarity with which it is written, and the short chapters, spoken from the point of view of a number of characters, give the reader an opportunity to digest what has happened before moving on.
The short chapters also, on balance, ensure the book maintains a pace towards the next shocking twist or conundrum. Short chapters, with cliff hangers at the end, are one of my favourite features of the thriller genre, so I was pleased to see this structure maintained throughout this book.
I could say a lot more about this incredible book, but really I just need to urge you to judge for yourself by purchasing it yourself. My copy was a gifted copy from the wonderful publishers, Head of Zeus Press, but a quick Google tells me that you can buy the book for Kindle for just 99p. What a steal!
This is an emotional rollercoaster of a read, providing many moments when I felt shocked, sad, intrigued and completely amazed. However, there are other times in the novel which highlight the importance and value of human connection and loyalty.
If this book is not a best seller for 2021, I will eat my hat. If you have read the book, or wish to know more, I have provided answers to some book club style questions below, where I have *tried* not to include any spoilers.
I really urge to not miss out and get your hands on a copy of this book! 🤩 Although completely different in subject matter, if you enjoyed the structure and fast paced nature of Rosamund Lupton’s Three Hours, you will love this one!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book Club Questions
1. Kate is a super recogniser, who works for the police. It’s a very real skill, possessed by an estimated 1% of the population. Have you heard of it before? Can you remember a face?
This isn’t a skill I have really heard of before. I know there tends to be people who are “good with faces” and those who are “bad with faces”. I definitely fall more neatly into the second category. It takes me a while to be able to put a face to a name!
2. The doppelganger, or double, is a theme that lies at the heart of the book. A popular Gothic trope, it’s given a very high tech, modern spin in The Other You. Have you ever met your double?
No, I haven’t. But it does make me think of my daughter, whose best friend is a girl with the same name, same unusual spelling, same date of birth, who was born in the same hospital! 😂 A little freaky, I suppose!
3. Rob’s not the only one who appears to have a doppelganger in this world. Parallels are drawn between the language, coastline and cuisine of Cornwall and Brittany. How does this echo the different sides of Rob’s personality?
The landscape is rugged, isolated and open to the elements, but also beautiful and awe inspiring. This reflects the two sides of Rob’s personality as in some ways he appears too good to be true and someone to be admired, whilst in others he appears to be a powerful force, who others are at the mercy of.
4. Kate’s best friend Bex has little time for Jake, Kate’s ex, at the beginning of the book, but she comes to like him. What makes her change her attitude?
I think I’ve kind of answered this is my blog post, but it is clear that Bex feels that Jake needs to prove his loyalty to Kate, in order for Bex to respect him.
5. Jake picks wildflowers for Kate; Rob arranges for expensive lillies to be delivered. Jake loves to forage and cook; Rob lives on pricey takeaways. How else do these two characters differ?
Rob is able to flash the cash and make you forget your problems, whereas in some ways, Jake appears weighed down with the weight of the world. Jake is a down to earth, get what you see kind of character (which doesn’t always live up to the romantic expectations of women!) Jake is a vulnerable character, whereas Rob is self assured and confident, and is able to make Kate feel safe through a sense of power, control but also wealth.
6. DI Silas Hart’s son Conor, plays a significant role in this book. What does this relationship say about Silas?
This isn’t an aspect of the book I thought too much about, but this is an interesting question. I’d say it shows Silas’ career driven nature, almost to the point where you feel he is “married to the job”. However, you also get the sense he is willing to take risks and make amends for the sake of his son.
7. DI Silas Hart and his sidekick DS Strover have very different but complementary skills. Silas uses his instinct to read people and situations; Strover is more au fait with technology. What other traits define and distinguish them?
Silas is a self-assured, experienced inspector. Though he is a little shaken by what happens, he is impulsive and maintains control, driving the case and investigation forward. Strover works in the background almost, but is still an importance force behind the investigation. She is less certain, more cautious and calculated than Silas, which reflects her level of experience but also makes them a good team.
8. Rob’s house in Cornwall is hi-tech and appears to have a mind of its own. Does the internet, in which more and more aspects of our every day lives arecontrolled through the web, represent a frightening future or scientific progress?
I think it’s fair to say that it can be a little bit of both. People who do not know me are able to find out scarily specific details about me. However, it has played a massively important role in keeping people working and connected, especially during the current pandemic.
9. Was Rob right to fear his doppelganger? Or was it all in his paranoid mind, a figment of his split personality?
I think the answer to that honestly depends how you read the ending, and how you judge the character of Rob for yourself.
10. What did you think of the ending? Do you prefer every loose to be tied up in a finale, or do you think thrillers should reflect real life, in which there are not always answers to everything?
I loved the ending. I think thrillers fit better into the second category, where the readers is left with some questions at the end. There have been some thrillers I’ve read where the author tries to tie it all up at the end, which results in a weak and rushed ending. Nobody wants that, and it is definitely not the case with this gripping, original thriller.
If you managed to read all that, you deserve a medal! I loved writing about this book & thinking about the Book Club questions 😊 If you have read this book, or go on to read it, please reach out and follow me on social media (@iheartbooks1991) so I can hear what you think!
I was drawn to this one as I am always keen to discover new-to-me authors in the psychological thriller genre. This has been a great read and one that I have struggled to put down.
The narrative focuses on Dan. Dan has worked hard for the perfect life. He has a loving wife, beautiful kids, a fabulous home and is a successful businessman.
One afternoon Dan steps onto his usual train and sees the waitress who served him an hour earlier. It all seemed so normal, but it was the most dreadful mistake. Four stops later, Dan is a criminal who has lost everything. He’d only just met her, so why did she destroy him—and why did she say ‘Sorry’?
Dan battles through a web of lies and deceit to clear his name and win his life back, but first, he needs to find out who plotted his downfall.
It’s difficult really to say what I thought of Dan. At first, he appears to be an upper class man, obsessed with business and money. As I read on, I started to feel sorry for him. However, this unease around me feeling like he was a narcissistic, dangerous character never really left. Is that his true character, or is it a persona that hides a more vulnerable man who just wants to be loved and believed?
The short chapters really helped me fly through this one. Many of the chapters ended with cliff hangers or introduced details or events that I needed to know more about. This structure made this a compelling, addictive and fast paced read.
There were some unexpected and intriguing twists, and despite being completely immersed in the narrative and studying Dan’s actions closely, I was unable to predict the shocking ending.
This has been an enjoyable read that I would recommend to thriller fans looking for an original novel that explores issues of wealth, betrayal and guilt.
Wow, what an absolutely gorgeous book! I was drawn to this one as it came highly recommended from my bookish bestie, Vikkie, and I was overjoyed with what I found between the (digital) pages.
This is the 2nd book in the Hedgehog Hollow series, but it is the first I’ve read. It is also my first encounter with this author. It was a book that was easy to enjoy and read as a standalone despite the clear history between many of the characters. In this installment, we follow Samantha and Josh as their relationship blossoms and Hedgehog Hollow opens for business.
For Samantha, the proud owner of this beautiful rescue centre, life has never been busier. But with an influx of new hogs and hoglets to take care of, not to mention a full-time job and ongoing family issues, can she accept the possibility that she has taken on more than she can handle?
Fortunately, she has the love of her life, Josh, by her side for support and encouragement. But Josh has his own family troubles to deal with. And soon he must decide if he’s ready to do the one thing he swore he’d never do – forgive his father.
For both Samantha and Josh it’s a season of change and for figuring out whether the past can ever be forgotten…
Jessica writes characters in a very clever and skilled way. As all good books in this genre should, she has created interesting, likeable and multi faceted main characters whilst providing an array of ecclectic and wonderful supporting cast of characters, too.
I have loved the way she writes from both perspectives of Sam and Josh so that we are able to get inside their head and see their reactions. I was able to empathise with them and relate to them very easily and quickly.
This book includes much more of a rollercoaster of emotions and continuous drama than I was really expecting. There is no let up and I was completely hooked! It felt like I was watching back to back Eastenders (I love Eastenders) as this author seems to be an expert in showcasing realism, romance and domestic drama.
My only regret after reading this book is that I finished it so quickly and it’s taken me so long to read something by this author!
I have absolutely loved this one and would recommend it to all women’s fiction fans. I would rate this author up there with some of my all time faves, including Milly Johnson, Holly Martin, Mary Jayne Baker and Lucy Diamond.
Wow. Just wow. Where to start with this one? I knew I had to read it as it was the overall book of the year for 2020, voted by my amazing #Squadpod pals and collated by the brilliant Emma. I am not sure how any review I write will do this magnificent book justice.
Some aspects of the story were terrifying. It is, after all, a story about a school under siege. The beginning of the book, where we know very little about the situation, breeds confusion and terror. It completely hooks the reader and we become lost, immersed, horrified by this dangerous scenario, showing itself within the innocence and normality of a rural school.
The school under siege scenario is one I have thought about (though probably not very seriously) many times, as a school teacher myself. This book highlights the importance of being vigilant and building positive relationships with young people.
Told from the point of view of the people at the heart of it, from the wounded headmaster in the library, unable to help his trapped pupils and staff, to teenage Hannah in love for the first time, to the parents gathering desperate for news, to the 16 year old Syrian refugee trying to rescue his little brother, to the police psychologist who must identify the gunmen, to the students taking refuge in the school theatre, all experience the most intense hours of their lives, where evil and terror are met by courage, love and redemption.
Some aspects of the story were heart warming. So much of the love in the story revolves around Rafi, and it is clear he has made a home for himself and his little brother in this area, this school, despite being easily identified as an outsider; a Syrian refugee. It becomes easy to be invested in the future and safety of Rafi, his little brother Basi and his love interest, Hannah.
The structure of the book was original and compelling. It reminded me of the TV series, 24, where you are given a minute by minute account of a single day in the life of a counter terrorism agent. As the title suggests, this book covers just 3 hours of a day in the life of the pupils and staff at a school in Somerset. Before reading the book, I’d have questioned if this structure could work in literature, but Rosamund Lupton’s creative skill shows that it absolutely does work, and more than that – it is captivating.
I also loved how references to Macbeth are woven into the narrative. The familiarity of this story is juxtaposed with the horror of the scenario playing out before us, allowing us to take stock and question the characters involved, as there is arguably “Macbeth” and “Lady Macbeth” style characters within this book.
Towards the end of the book, I had a lump in my throat, my heart was racing and all my nails had been bitten to the core. It was completely engaging, exciting and again, terrifying! I audibly gasped a number of times, as I navigated through unexpected and shocking twists!
My only regret is that this is not a book I got to in 2020. It is easily one of the best books I have ever read, and whilst reading I have been able to draw comparisons with my favourite ever book, The Reluctant Fundamentalist. If you read one book this week, month or year, I strongly advise you that it is this one.
If I could give it more than 5 stars, I definitely would. This is a perfect read for fans of gripping, original, fast paced fiction.
I was drawn to this one by the author’s name as she is rather famous and highly recommended within one of my favourite genres – psychological thrillers!
This book focuses on the character of Mel and her daughter. Mel will do anything to protect her daughter. She’s all Mel ever wanted and all she really has, but the moment opened that letter and accepted the inheritance, she walked right into a dangerous trap.
This book is a book of two halves. The first half is slower, sets the scene for the second half, developing the characters and building the eerie and creepy atmosphere.
I have really enjoyed getting to know Melanie. She is a likeable, down to earth and empathetic character who we trust, but who we can also see trusts others too easily. “Miss” Sarah is also an important character, playing a huge role in the development of the eerie atmosphere and plays a huge role in the mysterious essence of the plot, despite, or perhaps because of, her reluctance to speak. As readers you are thrown right into Mel’s situation, you become wary and unsure who to trust.
The second half is completely manic. There is a wild search for Mel’s missing daughter, and even the most reliable characters seem to have secrets or lies hidden…
This is a completely twisty and unpredictable tale that I have enjoyed from beginning to end. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
I am a massive Milly Johnson fan so you can imagine that I squealed with delight when I unwrapped this from my #Squadpod #SecretSanta on Christmas Day 😊!
When I read a Milly Johnson book, I know I can completely relax. I know the characters will be wonderful, the plot will be seamless and the writing will be flawless. I will never feel frustrated or lost, simply engrossed and encapsulated.
This little beauty is absolutely no different. It’s nearly Christmas and it’s snowing, hard. Deep in the Yorkshire Moors nestles a tiny hamlet, with a pub at its heart. As the snow falls, the inn will become an unexpected haven for six people forced to seek shelter there…
Mary has been trying to get her boss Jack to notice her for four years, but he can only see the efficient PA she is at work. Will being holed up with him finally give her the chance she has been waiting for?
Bridge and Luke were meeting for five minutes to set their divorce in motion. But will getting trapped with each other reignite too many fond memories – and love?
Charlie and Robin were on their way to a luxury hotel in Scotland for a very special Christmas. But will the inn give them everything they were hoping to find – and much more besides?
This is a story of knowing when to hold on and when to let go, of pushing limits and acceptance, of friendship, love, laughter, mince pies and the magic of Christmas.
I was hooked from the beginning and had to know what would happen as a result of this chance encounter and freak weather. The mix of characters in this one is eclectic and I have loved seeing them come together, seeing the banter, laughter and determination to make the best out of some pretty bad and difficult situations.
The story itself is an emotional rollercoaster. There are some pretty beautiful highs, showcasing romance, acceptance and self awareness, but it also deals with separation, loss and loneliness. There were times where I barked out unexpected laughter (Cholesterol!) There were also times where I just had to let the emotions take me and let the tears flow.
Another stunning, sensational, seasonal read from the queen of romantic fiction, I cannot recommend this one highly enough. This is the second year in a row where I have read a beautiful Milly Johnson book to escape the post Christmas, January blues and I feel it is a great tradition – long may it continue!
Hello everyone! I’m Ceri, 29 and from South Wales. 👋 Here is it a little bit about me and why I love blogging and my bookish social media community.♥️
Top 3 Genres:
1. Domestic drama
2. Psychological thriller
3. Romance/women’s fiction
Top 3 Authors:
1. Jodi Picoult
2. Milly Johnson
3. Drew Davies
Top 3 books of 2020:
1. The Child Who Never Was – Jane Renshaw
2. With or Without You – Drew Davies
3. The School of Starting Over – Lisa Swift
I have met so many amazing book bloggers via social media, and honestly if I could meet anyone alive right now it would be my wonderful Squadpod. If I could meet someone and bring them back from the dead, then clearly it would be Shakespeare. Lol.
I blog for me. It focuses my mind, my mental health and gives me a way of practising writing, which I love to do. I am a busy mum and teacher and for me it is a form of self care. The community I’ve found and any benefits it brings to the wonderful organisers and authors I have been involved with is just a massive bonus.
If I’m not reading, I am usually sleeping, working, spending time with my kids or doing something else I enjoy including watching comedy panel shows, cooking and going for walks.
For the last few months choosing my next read has simply involved trying to get through my blog tours in date order 🤦♀️ This year I hope to mix it up a bit more including: Netgalley shelf, TBR, latest releases, Pop Sugar challenge as well as keeping up with my blog tour commitments.
The bookish community is my escape and my happy place. So much on social media at the moment is politics or doom and gloom and yes we have a right to moan, feel down etc but I’m safe at home and don’t need to be bombarded with all of that all the time. So i know I can go on my bookish Insta or Twitter (@iheartbooks1991) and not have to worry about much of that! Bliss!
I track my reading using a Google spreadsheet and also the Goodreads app. 😊
If I’m in a reading slump (usually after reading an amazing book that’s taken a little bit of my heart), I either take a break for a couple of days, choose a completely different genre, or what I call a “comfort read” that I know won’t let me down. These are books by authors, usually in the romance/women’s fiction genre that I know I will enjoy, such as something by Milly Johnson, Lucy Diamond, Holly Martin, Mary Jayne Baker or Heidi Swain. Nick Spalding and Suzy K Quinn have also helped me out of slumps in the past too!
I have a complete addiction to blog tours! Some months last year were a bit mad! I’ve taken more of a hold of it this year but I’m still looking forward to shouting about some of my favourite authors.and some highly anticipated new releases. Exciting!
1. I have met a survivor of the Holocaust and though I’m not a huge historical fiction fan, I love to read books on this theme as I think the stories are so important.
2. My favourite food is spaghetti carbonara.
3. My favourite drink is a nice strong cup of boiling hot tea with a drizzle of cashew milk (try it!)
4. I named my daughter after a middle name I gave myself as a child🤣
5. My secret (or not so secret now) crushes are: Justin Timberlake, Eminem, Chad Michael Murray, Tom Hanks and Michael Buble 😂😂
*Ceri's Lil Blog* 