Book Review: Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard

Title: Gabriel's Inferno

Author: Sylvain Reynard

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 2012

Blurb

Enigmatic and sexy, Professor Gabriel Emerson is a well-respected Dante specialist by day, but by night he devotes himself to an uninhibited life of pleasure. He uses his notorious good looks and sophisticated charm to gratify his every whim, but is secretly tortured by his dark past and consumed by the profound belief that he is beyond all hope of redemption. 

When the sweet and innocent Julia Mitchell enrolls as his graduate student, his attraction and mysterious connection to her not only jeopardizes his career, but sends him on a journey in which his past and his present collide. 

An intriguing and sinful exploration of seduction, forbidden love, and redemption, Gabriel’s Inferno is a captivating and wildly passionate tale of one man’s escape from his own personal hell as he tries to earn the impossible—forgiveness and love.



Verdict


- My Rare Gold Star Rating 5*/5* star rating!!
This book is mind blowing! It deserves the 5/5 star rating but also my rare gold star rating too! I have only just finished this book this afternoon and my mind is still thinking about it, It is truly amazing!
Think 50 shades of Grey and The Crossfire series multiple by 5 and you get Gabriel's inferno by Sylvain Reynard (Yes written by a bloke) It is superb!Before I started reading this, I had seen far too many bad star ratings for the book and people complaining about the style of writing and that it wasn't for them.The one thing I have found while being a blogger is you cannot judge a book before reading so with these bad reviews I didn't let it make my mind up..I thought no! I am going to read this book and decide for myself and I am so glad I did read it.
We Meet Professor Gabriel Emerson who is very well-respected Dante Specialist, He is a sex god and clearly knows it too! Women drop at his feet until He Meets Julia Mitchell the sweet and innocent girl who has a secret and cannot tell him but Gabriel has plenty of secrets himself, as they tangle in a love web of themselves, things get more and more serious for them and secrets are opened..whether its for the best or not.
It is a fantastic read and anybody should read it! There is three books in the series, which the third one comes out later in December! Gabriel's Inferno is a steamy read and while reading in public will probably have you blushing in public but there is such forbidden love between Gabriel and Julia and you get hooked within the chapters and I adored both of the characters and I loved reading about them and the closeness they became and how their love blossoms in the book.The last scene in the book blew me away for a start and was fantastic lol! I love the style of writing Sylvain Reynard has done and to be written by a man is fantastically written and I cannot wait to carry on reading the series.
I do think with this type of series, It depends on the reader whether your going to enjoy it or not! I don't want to give too much away because I feel with the so many bad ratings of this book, I feel you need to read it for yourself and decide whether you enjoyed it. 
5 words to sum up Gabriel's Inferno - Explosive, Amazing, Beautiful, Sensual and Arousing. 

Fiction Addiction Book Tour: The HandFasting By David Burnett

Title: The Handfasting

Author: David Burnett

Blurb
Ten years had passed since they joined hands at the high altar of the old abbey church, ten years since they were handfasted, engaged to be mashe is . It had been ten years in which Katherine had finished college, completed med school, and become a doctor.
For ten years they had not seen each other, had not spoken, and had not written. It was what they had agreed. "I'll find you," Steven had told her. "In ten years, when we have finished school, when we are able to marry, I'll find you. Whenever you see a yellow rose, remember me - remember I love you." For a decade, she had been waiting, hoping, and praying.
Today, on her birthday, a vase of yellow roses was waiting when she arrived home. Although the action occurs primarily in New York City, psychologically, the story is set in a small town in Virginia. Change came slowly to the rural South in the nineteen-seventies, and attitudes toward women were most resistant to change. W. Then were expected to be subservient to men, to have children, to keep house. A woman was to be above reproach, and any hint of scandal was met with censure, with ostracism, with shame. These attitudes threaten to destroy Katherine and her chance for the life for which she yearns.
The Handfasting is a story of love: love renewed, a suitor spurned, a vicious attack, and a struggle for healing.


Verdict

 - Great Light Hearted Read 4/5 Star Rating

For Fiction Addiction Book Tour to kick it off is my review..firstly I want to thank Sharon Goodwin for asking me to be part of the tour. The book cover on first sight doesn't give you much answer to what the book could be about although it includes yellow roses.

When I started the book I was worried I wouldn't finish in time or even enjoy it as with beingin the 1877s, however i was totally wrong and i loved the two main characters Katherine or Katie as she is known to some friends. Steven is kind of cute and I was rooting for him all through the book.

I love how you in the book you follow Katherine in each chapter in her life and you flick between Katherine and Steven. I loved the chemistry between them and i thought it was so cute how they rekindle their love after 10 years apart, the other events that would happen to Katherine i depised quite alot and was glad Bill Wilson got what he deserved, smug man! 

I love the style of writing in The Handfasting and it is superb that it is written by a bloke as most romance books are written by women.
I recommend anyone to read and i loved it!
It is a light read with a few upsetting scenes but then happy times for the rest of the book.

Thank you Sharon Goodwin && David Burnett for letting me part of the tour.

Now you can be in for a chance to win $20/£10 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: The Naughty Girls' Book Club by Sophie Hart

Title: The Naughty Girls Book Club

Author: Sophie Hart

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication  Date: 22nd April 2013

Blurb

A quaint suburb. A quiet little reading group. A very naughty reading list…

Erotica meets a small town community – how ever will our book club cope?

Estelle sets up a book group in order to increase custom to her struggling small town cafe, what follows is more scandalous than she could have ever imagined…

As the first book club meeting flounders, Estelle suggests a spot of erotica to spice up the members lives – with trepidation the decision is accepted.

Inspired by their sizzling reads, this group of shy suburban readers shake off their inhibitions and discover a new side to themselves with some tantalising results.

Saucy and sexy chicklit fiction at its most seductive.


Verdict
 - A deserved 5/5 star rating!
I loved this! I was worried when I saw the cover and said if you liked fifty shades then you will love this..I thought oh no not another book jumping on the band wagon but boy I was totally wrong for judging this before reading. It was a great read had me giggling quite a few times.

We Meet Estelle who owns a cafe and is struggling to keep it running but when she sets up a book group in her cafe in order to increase custom in her cafe in the small town.
The first book club sees us meet Rebecca who wants to spice things up with her husband, Gracie who is a feminist and vintage fan, Sue who feels like she is stuck in a rut with her husband George and Reggie only attending to gain material about book clubs for his university subject.
As Estelle asks the group to choose a book to read..it starts the line of Erotic books..the book club would start to explore different type of erotic books and the style of writing.

This book was a right easy read and a giggle! Whatever you do before reading, do not judge the cover! It does have sex scenes but it kind of makes you giggle as with each chapter you get to know the book group more and more and by the end of the book, you feel like you know them personally whether it's a family member, next door neighbour, friend.
I do love the style of writing Sophie Hart has done, she has made the naughty Girl's book club a frisky, flirty, laugh out loud and easy read, perfect for holidays this year!

E-book News : A Vintage Christmas by Ali Harris

Evie has the perfect job and the perfect man, but keeping both in her life has become a serious balancing act...

With the sales coming to a close at Hardy's, Evie must source new stock for the season ahead. Her mind is constantly buzzing with ideas and layouts, so much so that she is forgetting all about Sam.

Can she learn to keep her work separate from her home life? Or will she lose everything...

Ali Harris weaves a story of Christmas miracles in this magical short story eBook exclusive!

I am huge fan of Ali Harris and when I heard that Ali is bringing a short e-book out I got very excited! A Vintage Christmas is due out on 24th October.
You can preorder right here : Amazon UK

E-book News: Me and Mr Carrington by Alexandra Brown

A short story from the author of Cupcakes at Carrington’s – and a prequel to Christmas at Carrington’s!

Georgie Hart can’t believe her luck. It looks like Tom, the hunky boss of Carrington’s Department Store, in the picture-postcard town of Mulberry-on-Sea, is as hot for her as she is for him. After a romantic Italian get-together leaves her on Cloud Nine, Georgie is brought back down to earth with a bump when she has to get back behind the counter of the Luxury Handbags section.

But when Georgie is left open-mouthed by a revelation from one of her well-heeled customers, it seems like Tom hasn’t been entirely honest with her. Has Georgie done her usual trick of adding two and two together to make five?

Ever wondered what happened when Georgie first got together with Mr Carrington himself? This deliciously funny short story is perfect for anyone who loved Cupcakes at Carrington’s, and for those discovering the lovable Georgie Hart for the first time. The story also features an exclusive peek at the next book, Christmas at Carrington’s.

This is a fantastic e-book cover which I cannot wait to read, It is out on 10th October and Im sure a lot of you will be preordering right now or have already it preordered it.You Can preorder here : Amazon UK

Ebook News: Johnny's Girl by Paige Toon

Meg's life has taken a turn for the perfect. She is the envy of millions with her drop dead gorgeous husband, their two beautiful sons and her new mansion in Henley. Her celebrity PA days are over. But desperate to keep up with her rock star husband, Johnny Jefferson, she uproots her perfect family and moves back to LA. 

Meg has to learn to live with her new celebrity status and the insecurities of her old life, which keep reappearing. Under the paparazzi flash of an A-List party, complete with red carpet, champagne and canapés, Johnny's rock star past catches up with him and Meg's worst nightmare becomes a reality…




I cannot wait for this fab e-book by Paige toon to come out! It is due out 7th November so you can preorder right now on.. Amazon UK Link
 It is only on E-book but for anyone who doesn't own a E-reader, You can easily download the Kindle app and order the book and read on there :)
This e-book is going to be a fab catch up with Meg & Johnny Jefferson and their lives!

Book Review: Waking Up In Vegas by Romy Sommer

Title: Waking up in Vegas

Author: Romy Sommer

Publisher: HarperImuplse

Publication Date: 9th May 2013

Blurb
What happens in Vegas…

Waking up to the bright lights of Vegas in an unfamiliar penthouse suite, cocktail waitress Phoenix Montgomery finds she’s covered from head to foot in gold glitter and not alone – aside from the empty bottle of champagne, there’s a mystery man in the shower and a huge sparkly ring on her finger!

Stays in Vegas?

There’s no denying Max Waldburg’s demi-god sex appeal but commitment-phobic Phoenix doesn’t do relationships. Only it seems her new husband (agh!) has other ideas…he’s trying to keep that ring on her finger and his wife firmly back in his bed. The only question on her lips is – why? Or maybe, why not?


Verdict
 - Amazing & Truly Fabulous 5/5 star rating!

I am so happy that Harpercollins decided to set up HarperImpulse giving new writers chance to get their stories out there for all of us to read, and wow I loved this one.

I was giggling pretty much all the way through, Phoenix Montgomery is a girl who is not going to be a tied down by one man and has a huge sparkly ring on her finger.. Problem is for Phoenix, she cannot remember anything that happened the night before as she wakes up in an unfamiliar penthouse suite with an amazing demi-god sexy man lying next to her called Max Waldburg. He has other ideas and tells her they got married in Vegas and she is his Wife forever..However Phoenix isn't going to let that happen anytime soon...

A truly fantastic read, while reading you know Phoenix & Max have great chemistry between them, you can just feel it! It makes you feel like a true fairy tale romance with some added bonus'
I literally finished this in 1 day as was hooked and was an easy read! A great story to have on your Kindle and you need to read!
I was cheering nearer to the end and was so happy! :)
Romy Sommer I hope to see more books from you in the future!
Truly fabulous! 

Book Review: Kiss Me In Paris By Kimberly Kinrade & Dmytry Kaprov

Title: Kiss Me In Paris

Author: Kimberly Kinrade & Dmytry Karpov

Publisher: Daring Books

Publication Date: July 2013

No one knows my secret. Ever since high school, ever since I started living in fear, no one has known the true me. But then I met him, and I couldn't hide anymore.

He became my hero, saving me from the villain of my past. He became my friend, his smile a blanket of warmth. And he scared me. Because he, this beautiful man, he might become more. Then he'd see the real me, and I couldn't let that happen.

My name is Winter, and what I desire most I can't have.

Flashes of the night I was drugged rush back to me. His strong arms carrying me through the streets of Paris. The feel of his heart beating as my head rested against his chest. The soft press of his lips against my forehead when he thought I was asleep.

Oh shit. I'm falling for the cowboy. Cade.

But we can't be anything more. He has his own secrets. His own darkness he keeps hidden, like the letter he keeps with him everywhere he goes.

The letter he refuses to open.

***

Verdict An Amazing well deserved 5/5 star rating!

WOW! Is all I have to say firstly! I was truly blown away by this book so so much! I'll hold my hands up and admit i had never heard of this author until Sharon Goodwin from Fiction Addiction asked me to read this for the book stop and I'll admit I was nervous as I have read a few books of love and sex this year and some just haven't blown me away like the fifty shades and crossfire series did so I was a little scared about starting this, However I am so glad I did read it, As i was totally blown away and I adored the two characters so much, I felt their love for each other too, was amazing.

Winter Deveaux and Cade Savage, two completey different people who I personally didn't think would get on so well, I thought it could of been a love hate relationship, but Boy was I wrong, the chemistry you feel from them when you read this book is amazing, You can clearly tell they were made for each other.

Their pasts are both very heartbreaking and you will need tissues at the ready as I was a blubbering mess while reading but I just adored that their pasts just brought them both closer together and they were a match made in heaven for sure.

Yes there is sex scenes, boy i blushed while reading in public lol! Kinrade & Kaprov have done a fantastic hard job of writing this book and making it truly magical and amazing that is most certainly is!

This book needs all the credit and needs more people to read and adore it too!

For all of september Kiss me In Paris is on a fabulous offer for Kindle Edition at 77p..Yes a bargain and not to be missed for sure!

5 words to describe Kiss me in Paris? Explosive, Passionate, Adoring, Sextastic and Heartbreaking!
Kiss Me In Paris is one book I am not going to forget about in a hurry!!

Book Review: The Mortal Instruments City of Fallen Angels : Book four by Cassandra Clare

Title: The Mortal Instruments City of Fallen Angels
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
Publication Date: April 2011

The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And - most importantly of all - she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither of whom knows about the other one.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

Verdict A Very Deserving 5/5 star rating!!
I am adoring this book series so much! It is fantastic, think of the twilight saga with Bella & Edward but The Mortal Instruments and Clary & Jace but way better!!

City of Fallen Angels has plenty of action and drama and keeps you hooked with each page. I certainly want my own Jace Wayland please!!

The love between Clary & Jace is just so adorable and while I was reading I was cheering for them out loud, Yes I did get a few funny looks off people hehe! Clary is just your typical teenager who will do anything and charge around not caring about getting caught or being reckless just to help the ones she loves & cares about.
Jace is your typical lad who does anything and very careless things and doesn't care about the consequences, That's where Clary's & Jace's relationship is so fiery & emotional that you just adore seeing them together.

The one character i despise the most is Sebastian (Clary's brother) He is one evil mother fcuker! I urge you all the read the series because I promise your not going to be disappointed!

With each book the series just gets better and better and you warm up to each character every time. I feel by the end of the series I will feel like they are my family too! Cassandra Clare's style of writing leaves you so hooked with the books and lets you love all the characters so much!

I feel with this book I could tell you every detail of what I loved but I feel like you, My readers would enjoy all this so much more if you read them yourselves rather than just reading this review.
The Mortal Instruments this year in 2013 are the most loved, full of action, drama and one series never to forget in a long time!

Fiction Addiction Book Tour : Kiss Me In Paris Book Excerpt

~ Kiss me in Paris ~
NA Contemporary Romance

Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 1187 KB

Print Length: 314 pages

Publisher: Daring Books (25 Jun 2013)

No one knows my secret. Ever since high school, ever since I started living in fear, no one has known the true me. But then I met him, and I couldn't hide anymore.

He became my hero, saving me from the villain of my past. He became my friend, his smile a blanket of warmth. And he scared me. Because he, this beautiful man, he might become more. Then he'd see the real me, and I couldn't let that happen.

My name is Winter, and what I desire most I can't have.

Flashes of the night I was drugged rush back to me. His strong arms carrying me through the streets of Paris. The feel of his heart beating as my head rested against his chest. The soft press of his lips against my forehead when he thought I was asleep. 

Oh shit. I'm falling for the cowboy. Cade. 

But we can't be anything more. He has his own secrets. His own darkness he keeps hidden, like the letter he keeps with him everywhere he goes.

The letter he refuses to open.

***

New Adult Contemporary Romance - 87, 000 words - Standalone in the Kiss Me series.

Travel the world with the Deveaux's as they find love, and trouble, in all the right places.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1adeUti
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kiss-Me-in-Paris-ebook

Add it on Goodreads at: http://bit.ly/XPBKCZ

Website

Twitter @KimberlyKinrade

Twitter @DmytryKarpov

Facebook

Goodreads

Book Excerpt 
From Chapter 4: Cade

Kiss Me in Paris by Kimberly Kinrade & Dmytry Karpov

Paris—the city of artists and dreamers. Being here is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. So why do I still feel so out of place?

I don't belong in Texas, running my dad’s business. And if I don't belong in the city, pursuing my career, then where do I belong? Where will I ever find the peace that’s been missing from my life for so long?

My dad’s voice echoes in my mind. "What’s bothering you, kid?" He always asked me that when I was young, and I never had an answer for him.

I still don’t.

The suitcase sits nearly empty on my bed, save for one last item. I pull out the envelope, weathered by years and tears but forever unopened. The familiar scrawl across the front, just the one word, Goodbye. I run my thumb along the seal, wondering, not for the first time, what words he could have written that would make a difference, that would make the ache of his loss easier to bear.

But I don't open it. I’ll never open it. Instead I slip it into my pillow as memories of the past flood me.

The mocking. 

The pain.

The end.

“What's bothering you, kid?” Dad's voice whispers through me again. At least this time I have an answer, a way to act on the anger crashing through me.

I can’t go back and right the wrong done so long ago, but I can right a recent wrong, and dag nab it, will it feel good.

Pulling on my boots, hat on head, I lock up my room and seek the object of my righteous rage.

I pause, staring at the door to Winter’s room as if I could see through it. She and her roommate went out; I heard them leave. Her pale face and eyes the color of a frozen lake, haunt me. Eyes filled with tears when that asshole stepped on her small hand, so delicate. I held it as it turned blue, swelling in pain.

Pulling myself from her door, I hunt the hallway looking for Rodney. I don’t know what their history is, and I don’t care. No one deserves to be treated that way. I’ve seen guys like him before, known them all my life, and I’ve never backed down from putting jerks like him in their place. 

I’m not about to start today.

It’s not because of the girl, I’m sure of that. She’s beautiful, sure. And funny, in an offhanded way. But that’s irrelevant. I’m doing this because it's the right thing to do.

I spot him just outside of our dorms, leaning against a tree. Or rather, pinning a girl against a tree as he does what I can only assume is his version of flirting.

The girl in question doesn't appear to enjoy his attentions, if the bored droop to her face is any indication.

Rodney's not a small guy, probably played football back home, but I've got several inches and a lot more hard muscle on my side.

I pull him from the girl, who looks wide-eyed at me before scampering off, and grab the front of his shirt, glaring down at him. “I don't know why you like tormenting girls. I don’t even want to know. But you’ll leave Winter alone. Got it?”

My face is inches from his, close enough that I can smell the alcohol on his breath.

He laughs, spraying me with his saliva. “You think she doesn’t like having me around? Guess you don’t know what a slut she is.”

Growling, I slam him against the tree.

He groans, but offers another cocky grin. “If you want my advice, stay away. She’ll spread her legs easily enough, but you’ll regret ever sticking—“

I’m done listening.
I knee him in the groin. His mouth opens, a high-pitched yelp escaping as he collapses on the ground. “This is me politely telling you to back the hell off Winter and leave her alone."

For all of September Kiss Me In Paris is on offer at 77p on Amazon right now!!
A must buy!

There is also a rafflecopter comp on this book tour too! so why not enter right now!

Rafflecopter code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY #16

TO KICK OFF TONIGHT'S GIVEAWAY #16 IS ILLUSTRATED BOOK OF THE HOBBIT BY JEMIMA CATLIN.. IT IS DUE OUT 12TH SEPTEMBER AND THE LOVELY DEBORAH ELLIOT AT HARPERCOLLINS WAS SO KIND TO OFFER THIS AS A PRIZE.

GIVEAWAY #16 QUESTION IS WHEN DOES THE SECOND HOBBIT FILM COME OUT IN CINEMAS IN THE UK?

GOOD LUCK!!

1 YEAR BLOGIVERSARY PARTY

HAPPY 1 YEAR BLOGIVERSARY TO MISSBOOKWORM REVIEWS!

WHAT A YEAR IT CERTAINLY HAS BUT I'VE MET SOME WONDERFUL AUTHORS AND READERS AND EVEN MADE SOME GREAT FRIENDS OUT OF IT!
I HOPE YOU HAVE ALL LOVED READING MY REVIEWS EVERY WEEK AND THAT IT ALWAYS GETS YOU BUYING YOURSELF A COPY SO YOU CAN ENJOY TOO!

THIS WEEKEND THERE IS GOING TO BE PLENTY OF PRIZES TO BE WON AND WILL BE SO BUSY I THINK I WILL BE SHATTERED BY THE END OF IT. 
I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY YOURSELF AS MUCH AS I AM GOING TO AND I HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL FOLLOWING MY REVIEWS MORE IN THE FUTURE :) :)

THERE IS A MAIN PRIZE GIVEAWAY WHICH I AM GOING TO POST ON HERE.

MAIN PRIZE GIVEAWAY

1 X SIGNED COPY OF THE DESPERATE WIFE'S SURVIVAL PLAN BY ALISON SHERLOCK

1 X COPY OF THE COINCIDENCE OF CALLIE AND KAYDEN BY JESSICA SORENSON

1 X COPY OF BY MY SIDE BY ALICE PETERSON

BOOKMARKS & GOODIES.

TO ENTER THE COMPETITION...YOU MUST FOLLOW THE RAFFLECOPTER COMP BUT ALSO ANSWER THE QUESTION BELOW TOO!

MAIN PRIZE GIVEAWAY QUESTION
IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE BOOKS MADE INTO A FILM WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

COMPETITION WILL END MONDAY AND WINNER WILL BE CHOOSEN BY RANDOM MONDAY NIGHT!
GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!

DON'T FORGET THERE IS PLENTY MORE PRIZES THIS WEEKEND, SO DON'T WORRY IF YOU HAVEN'T WON ANYTHING JUST YET.
XXX

Support Rowan Coleman in raising £10,000 for Refuge!

Press Kit ~ Woman Walks into a Bar

Help Rowan Coleman raise £10,000 for Refuge

On September 10^th Rowan is publishing her novella Woman Walks into a Bar as an ebook for the first time. And 100% of her proceeds will be donated to Refuge.

Her goal is to raise £10,000 and you can help. All you have to do is buy a book, or two, and get your friends to buy one too. You’ll get a funny, romantic and touching summer read and you’ll be helping women you’ve never even met at the same time and all for the price of £1.59!

The story behind the story

Every book Rowan have ever written has meant a lot to her, but with her latest book ‘Dearest Rose,’ something really special happened when the real world and the fiction she loves to write collided.  It changed her as a person and a writer, forever.

She was getting ready to research her tenth novel, which with the help of her Facebook readers she decided should pivot around the theme of domestic abuse. It was a subject she’d touched on briefly once before, when she wrote a short novella as one of the first Quick Reads called Woman Walks into a Bar, which to this day remains one of the pieces of work of which she is most proud.

So she posted on her Facebook page asking if anyone had any personal experiences of domestic abuse, and any stories they might share with her in confidence.

She was shocked and amazed by the response; there were more than 200 emails waiting in her inbox the next day. Each story she read was horrific and frightening in its own way, giving her an insight into the secret lives of many women; lives that all too often remain hidden. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone - well educated wealthy women are just as likely to suffer as women from a working class background - but the one thing all those women had in common was that they were survivors. After years of being mentally and physically beaten down, they had managed to find the emotional strength, somehow, to break free and start again.

Now Rowan wants to do something that will help other women find that inner courage, and change their lives.

‘Woman Walks into a Bar’ is the story of 28-year-old single mother Sam spends her days working in the local supermarket and her Friday nights out with her friends letting her hair down at the White Horse. Life hasn’t been easy for Sam and her daughter, Beth (who always looks on the bright side) but she’s always hoped that one day she’ll break free from her past and meet The One.

But after a series of terrible dates with men she’s met through an internet dating site, that have all been as awful as her daughter’s terrible jokes, she’s starting to lose heart - until her friends tell her they’ve set her up on a blind date. Sam’s horrified but finally she agrees to go. After all you never know when you might meet the man of your dreams; maybe Sam’s happy ending is just about to begin….

£1.59 Amazon Kindle UK

So, come on and join Rowan, and help to #supportafriend on September 10^th. Every time you buy or pre-order ‘Woman Walks into a Bar’ you’ll be entered into a prize draw for fabulous prizes every week, while the #supportafriend #womanwalks campaign is running. On 10^th September, tweet Rowan photos of you and your friends, tell her your ideas to support a friend, and why your friends mean so much to you.

You can be a best friend to someone you have never even met. You can help someone out there find the support they need to change their lives.

If you are a blogger or tweeter, spread the word using #supportafriend #womawalks. If you are a company who could offer a prize to drive book sales and thereby money for Refuge, please get in touch. If you are a woman in an abusive relationship, or if you have a friend about whom you are worried, please get in touch withRefuge and ask for help today.

About Rowan

Rowan Coleman grew up in Hertfordshire secretly longing to be a writer despite battling with dyslexia.  After graduating from university she worked in bookselling and publishing for seven years before winning Company Magazine Young Writer of the Year in 2001.  Her first novel ‘Growing Up Twice’ was published in 2002.

Rowan has gone on to write eight novels for women including the bestseller ‘The Accidental Mother, The Baby Group’ and ‘The Accidental Wife‘ and eight novels for children and teens including the paranormal adventure novels Nearly Departed and Immortal Remains under the name Rook Hasting. Her books are published around the world. She now lives in Hertfordshire with her family.

1 year Blogiversary!!

DO NOT MISS OUT!!!!!!