Category Archives: Book Reviews

BLOG TOUR – Angel of Death by Rob Sinclair

Leave a reply

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Angel of Death by Rob Sinclair!

Here’s the blurb.

Ismail Karaman is one of the deadliest terrorists in recent history. So why is he free to float around the Persian Gulf on his luxury yacht?

Ex intelligence agent James Ryker thinks he knows why, and the answer lies at the corrupt heart of the SIS. Ryker isn’t one to let the bad guys get away with murder, even if it means taking matters into his own hands. But Karaman has many enemies, and one in particular will make all their lives much more complicated…

They call her the Angel of Death – a former agent whose last encounter with Karaman cost her her family, and left her in a Lebanese prison cell. Now she’s free, and with nothing else to lose, she’s determined to get her revenge… whatever it takes.

Ryker and the Angel may have the same target, but that doesn’t mean they’re on the same side. Who will reach Karaman first? And who will still be standing when the bodies pile up?

Review

I’m a big fan of the authors and the character James Ryker. As readers the character is well established so what else can the author offer up?

Well… that opening certainly shut me up. It’s action and suspense from the off as we meet Angel.. a fascinating and wonderfully smart kickass agent. The issue is she’s broken.. and the object that caused all the trouble.. Ismail Karaman.

Ismail Karaman is a terrorist on the loose but his time may have come when Ryker gets hold of him.

It was never going to be easy though was it? Ryker has is own reasons for wanting Karaman brought to justice as he looks close to home for corruption but who really is Karaman… and who holds the purse strings really?

Angel and Ryker collide at pace and boy are they good together. I’m not going to spoil it but I loved the injection of energy Angel brought to the table.

We get to travel the world a little and there’s lots of action to keep the junkies happy.

Ryker hasn’t mellowed with age.. but he’s smarter because of it and Angel of Death gave the author the chance to explore that, as he tries to curb the energy of others… even as those in charge try to curb Ryker too… do as I say, not as I do ha.

If possible I felt this one was more gut wrenching than any other, the plot and character depth sold as a rock, allowing you to effortlessly become invested.. but in typical Rob Sinclair style.. death comes for us all and this one left a little hole.. it took a little piece of me with it.. powerful and emotional.. sublime!

5/5 stars

My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour, I’ve been a fan of the author for a while so I was already grabbing a copy anyway, so what better way to share my thought then during the blog tour!

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/angelofdeathsocial

Why not follow the tour

Author Bio –

Rob Sinclair is the million copy bestseller of over twenty thrillers, including the James Ryker series. Rob previously studied Biochemistry at Nottingham University. He also worked for a global accounting firm for 13 years, specialising in global fraud investigations.

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robsinclairauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSinclairAuthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/RobSinclairNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rob-sinclair

BLOG TOUR – Rebellion by Richard Cullen

Leave a reply

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Rebellion by Richard Cullen

Here’s the blurb

The start of an epic new historical adventure series from Richard Cullen introducing The Black Lion

As war approaches, the lion will roar…

1213AD.

King Richard the Lionheart is dead, and his brother, John Lackland, sits uneasily upon the throne of England.

Across the sea, Prince Louis, heir to the powerful King Philip Augustus of France, looks to King John’s crown with a covetous eye.

But King John must be wary of rebellion, as well as invasion, for even his own barons would see their king unseated, and the French pretender put in his place.

Thrust amid this tumult is young Estienne Wace, orphan squire to Earl William Marshal – the greatest knight to ever serve the kings of England, and one of the few men who still holds faith in King John’s rule.

Raised by Marshal as his ward, Estienne must prove himself worthy of his adopted father’s name, but acceptance may be the least of his troubles. War is looming, as usurpers emerge from every quarter, determined to steal England’s crown from its most wretched king.

Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell, Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden.

Review

Oh wow.. what an opening. Brutal and gory from the off..

King Richard is dead and John is now on the throne but it’s not going to be easy sailing.. he doesn’t make any friends with his approach to ruling.

We see events play out from the eyes of Estienne, he’s just a young boy but little does he know how his life is about to change. Estienne is sent to Earl William, Marshal of England to foster and to be trained as a squire, to earn his footing in life.

It’s not an easy start.. not every one is as welcoming as Earl William.. in fact at times he sees pure hatred directed towards him but he knows given time he can prove his worth!

There’s a lot of action.. and the pace is fast.. but never rushed..as we see the downfall of King John.. rebellion and war with France.. the whole brutality of war quickly changes Estienne. He’s young and rash but William starts to tame the energy.. gives Estienne the focus he needs.

These early scenes really set the tone and give the depth to Estienne.. you actually see his growth and his nervous energy seeps from the pages.

The book is not for the faint of heart.. its brutal and grisly but never gratuitous.. it’s about Estienne becoming a man in the time he lived

What I really enjoyed was how easily the tale was woven.. John’s reign is a pivotal part of the tale but there’s more..and when the Earl dies a letter is found which changes Estienne’s life once again..

For me this was one of the best balanced books I’ve ever read with the setting and development perfectly mashed together.. there’s so much going on but at the same time so much under the surface and the author teases the reader.. oh my it’s a gloriously wonderful story and sets up the promise of what could be the best series I’ve ever read.. I’ve high hopes for this one.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/RebellionSocial

Why not follow the tour..

Author Bio –

Richard Cullen is a writer of historical adventure and epic fantasy. His historical adventure series Chronicles of the Black Lion is set in thirteenth-century England.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @Wordhog

Twitter: @rich4ord

Instagram: @thewordhog

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/RichardCullenNews

Who’s Next? (Detectives Lockhart and Green Book 2) by Chris Merritt – REVIEW

1 Reply

Today I’m reviewing Who’s Next? (Detectives Lockhart and Green Book 2) by Chris Merritt.

Here’s the blurb

Stumbling to the ground, he claws at the earth around him, trying to stabilise himself, but his attacker is on him in seconds. As he stares at the lights of the bustling streets on the other side of the park gates, he doesn’t even have time to shout for help before everything goes black.

When the body of wealthy businessman Charles Stott is found dead on Wimbledon Common, covered in bruises just feet away from his luxury home, Detective Dan Lockhart is called to investigate the shocking scene. Examining the sickeningly disfigured body before him, Lockhart knows he’s dealing with a brutal killer. Looking more closely, he notices something on the victim’s neck: a small, crudely drawn symbol in black ink. It seems the murderer has marked his victim, but why? Dan needs to get inside the perpetrator’s mind, so he contacts psychologist Dr Lexi Green.

As the ensuing media circus puts pressure on Dan and Lexi’s investigation, another victim is found and the headlines are quick to report a serial killer is on the loose. The body of a successful lawyer has been discovered in a park with the same bruising and hand-drawn symbol on his neck. Dan fears that more victims will follow.

As the case intensifies, Dan uncovers a new lead on his missing wife, Jess, who disappeared eleven years ago. Determined to follow it up, he must choose between tracking down a serial murderer and finding Jess. Can he make the impossible decision before the killer strikes once more?

Review

After reading the first instalment in the series I was eager for more. Luckily for me being late to the party meant the next in the series has been out somewhile so I was able to get stuck in straightaway.

So we are back with Detective Dan Lockhart and his team. It’s been a while since he and Dr Lexi Green last spoke, but after the events of the previous book can you blame them? It was a stressful time but add to that the connection they seem to share.. things are just a bit awkward.

When a gruesome beating occurs leaving the victim dead Lockhart again needs the support of Green to help profile the killer before they strike again.

A strange symbol is found on the victim but what does it mean?

Lockhart’s team are stretched though, and in the mist of everything there’s also another case to solve.. both cases clash a little and the teams need to go against orders at times to get the job done… better to ask forgiveness than permission..

More beatings take place but can Lockhart and Green put the pieces of the puzzle pieces together in time?

Amongst this Lockhart also needs to confront his own past.. the disappearance of his wife. The events get more complex and juicy for the reader.

Plot wise I was over the moon! Yes Lockhart and Green don’t see eye to eye again at times.. Lockhart is too impulsive and Green, well she just doesn’t see her own worth at times. Both do their best to put the case to bed and they end up risking it all. I particularly loved Green going rogue..

The relationship between them Is complex as neither seems to want to address the connection they have.. but at the same time it’s understandable.. wrong place wrong time but the tension is palpable and believable.

I honestly didn’t think the author could top the previous story with such a spectacular killer and backstory.. but you know what.. Chris Merritt knocks it out of the park delivering another..even better killer.. the motivation behind them..wow..the detail added really just made them come to life and as weird as it is to say.. I kind of like this one..is that bad that I didn’t want to see them caught ha ha.

The main characters develop well, especially Green who is still dealing with the death of her friend after the last time she helped Lockhart. There’s also an awesome new addition and development of the ensemble cast which flowed well but also allowed the reader a break from Lockhart and Green.. I mean I don’t think I could ever get sick of them but the breaks allow you a breather and show the authors talent for development, each ensemble member has their part to play and you look forward to seeing them and what they can do as a team when it matters the most.

I’m quickly becoming a big fan of the authors style and I love the time and effort that must have went into making such a earthshaking plot.. and that ending…talk about edge of your seat!

A resounding 5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

The Vengeance of Merlin by Steven A. McKay  (Warrior Druid of Britain Book 6)

1 Reply

Today I’m reviewing the newly released The Vengeance of Merlin by Steven A. McKay  (Warrior Druid of Britain Book 6)

What better way to celebrate publication day than with the David’s Book Blurg treatment!

Here’s the blurb

The brand new instalment in the Warrior Druid of Britain Chronicles sees Bellicus of Dun Breatann facing not only bloodthirsty enemies but also the biggest decision of his life in this fast-paced historical thriller!
AD 434 – Caer Legion, Western Britain
A heinous crime is perpetrated against the druids of Britain and a grief-stricken Bellicus suddenly finds his world changing in ways he never expected. Before he can begin to make sense of things the terrible news that the Picts have allied with the Saxons and now march on Dun Breatann together spurs the warrior-druid into action, and soon he and his companions are racing homewards.Horsa, fearsome leader of the sea-wolves, promises to use any tactic – including torture and dark magic – against Bellicus’s terrified Damnonii people who are being slaughtered and dragged from their burnt out villages to please the Saxons’ brutal gods.
Bellicus, his friend Duro, and the great war-dog Cai will need all their bravery, experience, and cunning to stand against the insane cruelty of the raiders which even shocks their own allies in the Pictish army.
Many will fall as the fighting rages, but can bonds of loyalty, friendship, and family be enough to save Queen Narina and the people of Dun Breatann from the grim fate their enemies have planned for them?
This new Warrior Druid of Britain adventure is sure to delight lovers of fast-paced historical fiction, especially readers of Peter Gibbons, Griff Hosker, and Bernard Cornwell.

Saxons and Picts come together to conquer Northern Britain, but when the war is over they must face the vengeance of Merlin!

Review

It’s been a while since we’ve seen the big warrior Druid Bellicus, but it honestly feels like home being back with the big guy, the centurion Duro  and Bel’s loyal companion Cai.

The Damnonii people are in danger but little does Bel know how much danger. The Saxons are on the warpath, led by the despicable Horsa, with Sigarr by his side. The Saxon’s have a grudge against Bel and the Damnonii and you know this just can’t end well!

When we see Bel, he and Duro are travelling. The Merlin has called a moot and every Druid from far and wide is attending.. These events don’t happen often so it’s a time of excitement and energy. The Druids spend their time sharing knowledge, discussing the threats faced from the Saxon’s and the Christians.. it’s during these events that the most heinous crime occurs that rocks the Druid community to the core.

There’s no time to digest things though as Bel quickly learns of an attack on Dun Breatann! Bel as we know loves Dun Breatann.. the people.. the place.. but there’s two other things that keep his heart there too Narina and Catia. The woman he loves but can’t have, and the daughter he fathered in a night of drunken madness..

Bel must head back to Dun Breatann but he also has to balance his commitments to the Druids and to Arthur the warlord who is leading the resistance against the Saxons.

When Bel gets back to Dun Breatann he has to use all his skills as a Druid and every trick up his sleeve to defeat the enemy.. but will it be enough.. and how many countless will die for nothing..

I’ve been a little vague I must admit as I don’t want to spoil the twists the author has thrown in but rest assured The Vengeance of Merlin has your heart in your throat from the first page to last.

I loved that the book still has battles but at the same time the focus is more on the build up.. the torture of the innocents caught up in the fight. It humanised the war and the worst moments even had me queasy.. the emotion pours off the page affecting the reader as much as those within the tale.

There’s still some fun light-hearted moments when Bel has a bit of fun with his Druid trickery but they are few and far between for Bel in this grief stricken instalment.

Let’s get on to characters and development .. wow… we meet new characters as well as getting acquainted with old friends and foes. Each shine though in their own right… the Volva, Yngvildr for example, god she’s brutal in her torturous ways but damn she makes things exciting.

One of the new characters we meet towards to end of the tale is Oengus.. his part isn’t huge but I’m hoping we see him again as I was immediately drawn to him.. I have hope that he and another returning character Aife will appear again somewhere down the line.

There’s a very interesting Saxon too..Saksnot..let’s just say by the time you know his name you’ll understand why he excited me.. he’s got a talent.. and a mission..

I won’t lie the tale did hurt at times.. no ones safe and at every turn of the page you can’t help but worry what might befall your favourite characters.. but this just added to the tension and the overall excitement I felt reading the tale.

The Vengeance of Merlin perfectly sets up for the next instalment.. no one comes out of the one unscathed.. Hengist may be down south battling Arthur’s forces but the winner isn’t certain and what does this mean for Bel and the people he loves.

For fans of the series there’s so much to enjoy with this one and the author has been very cunning with the detail, perfectly blended so if someone was to join now they could quickly understand the main players in the tale. Even as someone whose been there from the start even I enjoyed reminding myself of the back story.. events just stick with you.. Duro’s past for example.. the little reminders take you right back to the beginning when he couldn’t even get that chainmail on..

5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

The Darkness Within Ourselves, Book1 in The Darkness Series by Jessica Huntley – REVIEW

Leave a reply

Today I’m going to be reviewing The Darkness Within Ourselves, Book1 in The Darkness Series by Jessica Huntley.

Here’s the blurb

Running and hiding won’t save you because The Darkness lives within … and it will never stop hunting you.


Amber and her four best friends are about to reach their teenage years when the unthinkable happens; one of her friends, Kieran, is killed in a freak accident.

Twenty years later, Amber no longer speaks to her friends and is still haunted by that day in the form of severe psychological issues, including sleep paralysis, insomnia and hallucinations of a terrifying entity she calls The Creature. But it isn’t just in her head; it is real.

Unbeknown to Amber, her former friends have also been suffering from their own psychological nightmares, each trapped and twisted into people they no longer recognise. Then a piece of evidence is found from that day and Amber and her former friends are forced to relive the events leading up to Kieran’s death, learning truths along the way that they would rather not know about themselves.

Can they work together to rid themselves of their demons and find out what really happened to Kieran all those years ago?

Review

Amber and her friends are out and about doing what kids do.. not looking for trouble but trouble finds them..and one of the group, Kieran doesn’t make it home that fateful day.

Many years later we learn the group was never the same after that day.. they are no longer the close group of friends they used to be. Not only that but each have been struggling with the darkness that’s been within them since that day.

A piece of evidence shows up one day that means the case is going to be reopened and the truth may finally come out. This spurs Amber on to try and reconnect with the group.

Where did the evidence come from? And what does this mean? Should they tell the truth after all this time?

As time passes, and the group reconnects they learn of their individual struggles and the effect Kieran’s death had on them all. What is the darkness really? And why is it different fro each of them? Is there anything they can do to rid themselves of the darkness that has been following them for years? Will the truth set them free?

Oh wow, what a plot. It’s a mixture of psychological and supernatural. I don’t want to spoil the plot but the idea of the darkness was fascinating. It’s a manifestation… its how they are coping with the guilt and pain within themselves and just like the darkness we can all suffer at times it’s not always a battle you can win.

I loved the development of the characters and their individual battles, It allowed me to quickly get invested in the outcome.

The plot moves at a good pace and chapter lengths are spot on meaning it was a quick and fun read but what really gave it the extra umph was the few twists thrown in along the way.. where the evidence came from.. what the darkness is.. those twits added an extra bit of excitement.

I think what really made this book the 5* for me was the battle against the darkness, it’s a battle on two fronts, internal and external, to not let it win.

In my typical fashion I’m late to the party so more than excited to know the series continues.

As we approach the darker nights this is the perfect, scary, phycological/supernatural thriller to get stuck into.

5/5 Stars

To find our more head to Amazon or Goodreads

A Deadly Truth: A Solomon Gray Thriller by Keith Nixon – Review

Leave a reply

Today I’m reviewing A Deadly Truth, book 10 in the Solomon Gray series by Keith Nixon!

Here’s the blurb

Has Solomon Gray’s son returned with secrets that could tear their family apart?

Detective Inspector Solomon Gray’s long-awaited reunion with his son, Tom, has been marked by an unexpected chilliness. Tom’s return from Edinburgh raises questions for Gray, who senses there’s more to his son’s homecoming than meets the eye.

Amidst this strained family dynamic, Gray finds himself immersed in an undercover operation, patrolling aboard a Trojan bus in search of troublemakers following a string of anti-social incidents. His vigilance pays off when he intervenes in a violent altercation, leaving notorious thief Mumble Swann hospitalised after a brutal assault. Surprisingly, the perpetrator is revealed to be fifteen-year-old Zoe Doneglan, but she remains tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding the fight.

As Gray delves deeper into the incident, he receives an unexpected call from DCI Mackintosh of the Organised Crime Division of Police Scotland. Unbeknownst to Gray, Police Scotland is operating within his jurisdiction, tracking the movements of Callum Strachan, a well-connected businessman with mysterious ties to Thanet. Mackintosh enlists Gray’s help when one of his undercover officers disappears under suspicious circumstances.

The discovery of an unidentified John Doe, barely clinging to life on a nearby beach, adds another layer of intrigue to Gray’s already complex investigation.

In this tense and multifaceted novel, Detective Inspector Solomon Gray navigates the complexities of family strife and clandestine operations, racing against time to untangle a web of deception that threatens to engulf them all

Review

We are back with Solomon Gray and this time I think things are even more complicated for Sol than they have ever been.. if that’s even possible. Fan’s of the series will know the background behind Sol but let’s just say, he’s been through it.

One big change in Sol’s life is Tom.. Tom is Sol’s son who went missing many years ago, after some very chilling events Sol discovered the truth. It was a frosty kind of reunion.. they are more alike than they know.. but things were looking up when last Christmas Tom turned up on Sol’s doorstep.

Things haven’t really moved on much..Tom is living with Sol but they are passing ships in the night and neither are big talkers but Sol senses there’s something else going on.. but what?

There’s another big distraction in Sol’s life too, in the form of Linnet Roach. Roach got her claws into Sol in the last book and she’s not about to give him up any time soon. The great thing about Roach is she knows what she wants and she makes things abundantly clear with Gray but it’s tough for Sol to concentrate on Roach when Tom is playing on his mind… not to mention a new case hits his desk.

Mumble Swann, who is well known to the police, witnesses a crime but before anything can really come of it he’s brutally assaulted.. by a girl named Zoe Doneglan. Zoe’s had a tough start in life.

Gray doesn’t have much time to think about her though when a visit to the hospital reveals two men were brought in last night.. Mumble.. and a John Doe…

Little does Sol know at the time what links the men and the reader barely knows more.. but it teases what’s to come..you can just tell with the setup how good this will be.

Sol tries to take his mind of things and enjoys a night out with Roach but by happenstance ends up meeting an interesting character in the form of Callum Strachan..Sol’s gut tells him something is up.. or is he just being a grumpy old man again? Time will tell.

I don’t want to spoil the plot and development but what we get as a reader is a well thought out and complicated plot effortlessly weaved together in a style I’ve come to expect and love from the author.

What I really enjoyed with this novel and the last is the fresh blood added.. new characters and development of the current ensemble.. Sol’s a brilliant character but now Tom is found the focus has shifted and it’s great to see the supporting cast come into their own for the benefit of not only the plot but they also aid to Gray’s own development too. There’s a few characters that stand out, such as Mackintosh..he’s only small part, but leaves a big impression which no doubt the author can build on.

A Deadly Truth has some amazing twists, its complex but executed perfectly giving the reader the wow factor.. that OMG moment.. the adrenaline rush.. it’s intense.

One thing I’ve always loved about this series is the sheer number of events playing out, and how they connect.. sometimes in small ways.. sometimes big.. but the main thing is there’s no plot holes.. everything has a place and every motivation expanded just when you need it.. some in some jaw dropping scenes.

Being the tenth book in the series you’d be thinking we’ve seen it all… but no.. the author still has things up his sleeve..and if anything I can just see even more chances to keep the development going, new directions.. it’s exciting.

Resounding 5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

The Memory Wood by Sam Lloyd – Review

Leave a reply

Today I’m going to be reviewing The Memory Wood by Sam Lloyd

Here’s the blurb

Elijah has lived in the Memory Wood for as long as he can remember. It’s the only home he’s ever known.

Elissa has only just arrived. And she’ll do everything she can to escape.

When Elijah stumbles across thirteen-year-old Elissa, in the woods where her abductor is hiding her, he refuses to alert the police. Because in his twelve years, Elijah has never had a proper friend. And he doesn’t want Elissa to leave.

Not only that, Elijah knows how this can end. After all, Elissa isn’t the first girl he’s found inside the Memory Wood.

As her abductor’s behaviour grows more erratic, chess prodigy Elissa realises that outwitting strange, lonely Elijah is her only hope of survival. Their cat-and-mouse game of deception and betrayal will determine both their fates, and whether either of them will ever leave the Memory Wood . . .

Review

Wow… oh wow.. I’ve not read anything so good in a while and what makes it funnier..the synopsis sucked me in so much I bought the book twice ha ha. Likely won’t be the last time but after finishing the story I reckon everyone should buy at least two copies.. it’s well worth the money.

Elissa is a young girl, she’s smart and loves nothing more than a game of chess. On one fateful day while attending a chess competition she’s abducted.. she’s alone without any idea why she’s been taken but there’s a ray of light in the form of Elijah..

Elijah stumbles upon Elissa, he lives near where Elissa is being held but from the off you get the sense that there’s something different about Elijah and while he wants to help he knows he can’t set her free… he would be without a friend then…

There’s a naivety to Elijah.. and Elissa needs a way to convince him to help her even if he doesn’t know it..and all before the bad man who kidnapped her returns.

She quickly learns there’s one rule to survival.. follow the rules… but how do you do that when you don’t know the game?

It’s an epic struggle for both Elijah and Elissa.. both are fighting something.. While Elissa’s struggles are much more clear, Elijah remains a mystery.

The twists come fast, and boy were they good. There’s so much packed in, some aspects of which you have inklings about.. others… wow.. like out of nowhere!

I heard many a good thing about this book and I can tell why.. this plot..captivating is the only way to describe it and the character development is a masterpiece in itself.

The hook was there straightaway and the ending has the knock out blow…the author gives a masterclass in preoccupying the reader.. once you get started the rest of the world outside won’t matter.. it’s a readers prefect story.. something that really envelops you.

5/5 Stars

To find our more head to Amazon or Goodreads

The 23-Day Girlfriend by Mark Eklid – Review

Leave a reply

Today I’m reviewing The 23-Day Girlfriend by Mark Eklid!

Here’s the blurb

Lonely heart Barry thought Gina might be too good to be true. He was right. Gina preys on vulnerable older men like Barry through online dating sites. She lures them in, uses them to set up a financial scam and then vanishes without trace. But when an angry victim of her fraudulent scheme comes looking for Gina, Barry is drawn into deadly danger and faces having to kill – or be killed.

Review

Recently divorced Barry doesn’t enjoy the single life.. he finds comfort in loving someone, the friendship and shared adventures..he knows where the last relationship went wrong.. he became complacent..ignored the signs..but that’s the past.. it’s time to move on.. he’s not exactly ready but he feels it’s the right time.

Barry takes the plunge and heads to a dating website.. he doesn’t really know how to start things so decides to wait to see if anyone chooses him..so he knows they really are interested…and that’s where his troubles start.

Gina likes to find lonely, recently divorced men as she knows just how to play them. She manipulates them with her sob stories and while they think they are starting a new and wonderful romance.. healing together.. what’s really happening is she’s setting up a fraud scheme that leads back to one person.. and its not her!

By an absolute fluke Barry gets wind of the scheme. At first he doesn’t believe it, then just simply doesn’t want to believe it.. but he’s not blind and kicks Gina into touch.

All’s well now yeah? No.. a blast from Gina’s past is looking to get his money back and Barry is the one in the firing line. Barry will do anything save his skin but Gina’s gone..

Given a deadline Barry uses every ounce of his intelligence and memory to put the pieces together and manages to track Gina down.. not knowing if Gina will help.

Now not to spoil things too much but this is where Gina really develops, as together they try to figure a way out of this mess.. but lets just say it doesn’t go to plan and what follows is murderously hilariously beautiful in it’s madness.

Barry is forced to do things he never would have thought possible.

Plot wise, while crazy and wild was woven superbly well.. I could quite easily see this adapted for TV as it would be one of those mad thrillers full of insane dark humour. It was just soooo good but you can’t help laugh at some of the things Barry get’s himself into.

The plot was certainly gripping but what made it even better was how easily it was mixed with development of the characters..pace and flow was just spot on so this has to be one of my favourite books of 2024 for sure!

Overall I found The 23-Day Girlfriend exhilarating.. I loved Barry’s misfortune and the lines he has to cross to get out of this mess but also cared about the outcome… I was invested.

I came across The 23-Day Girlfriend quite by chance..I took a punt one day on Instagram and noted an author selling signed copies of their book… I’m glad that post showed up on my screen that night.. it was meant to be..

Easy 5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon! or why not see if the author has any more signed copies available? Ha

A Last Lonely Breath: A Solomon Gray Crime Thriller by Keith Nixon

Leave a reply

Today I’m reviewing A Last Lonely Breath: A Solomon Gray Crime Thriller by Keith Nixon

Here’s the blurb

Christmas is coming and Chief Inspector Solomon Gray is not enjoying his new position, or the prospect of the impending holidays. Gray just wants his boss back from extended leave. Sick of politics and bureaucracy, Gray joins a raid on a local corner shop, just for the hell of it. However, Gray and Linnet Roach, the Trading Standards Officer on the hunt for illicit tobacco, discover more than they bargained for – deadly illegal vapes that could prove fatal to users.


A night out with Roach is interrupted – the body of Rhodri Jewell is found dumped by the side of a lonely road. The stench of corruption follows Jewell around and somehow has reached the National Crime Agency who are in Margate on a related case – without Gray’s knowledge – investigating the potentially suspicious death of their informant.

History stalks Gray.

A past foe of Gray’s, Frank McGavin, an ex-criminal who Gray never managed to put away yet now leads the local council, comes back into Gray’s sphere, offering help. As Gray becomes closer to Roach he’s having to manage his personal life, too. Because Gray’s daughter, Hope, is back home amidst family turmoil.

Torn between his gut instinct and the potential to collaborate with McGavin, Gray faces a dilemma that challenges the core of his principles. Gray’s journey becomes a perilous balance between justice and the personal sacrifices he must make to uncover the truth.

Can Gray push aside his instincts to work with McGavin, rather than pursue him?

Review

In typical Gray style Solomon is about to get himself caught up in a right mess… but this time there’s an even more personal edge to it.

Solomon is acting up professionally, covering for his boss who has yet to return to work. The thing is.. if you know Solomon you know responsibility is the last thing he wants. Not because he’s not capable.. he is.. it’s the fact he would much rather put in the leg work than be stuck behind a desk.. Solomon isnt a fan of the red tape.. he actually wants to get out there and make a difference.

Sol escapes the office determined to stay out of the bureaucracy and finds himself on a raid, the local corner shop has been selling counterfeit vapes.. dangerous ones. What’s even more dangerous for Sol is the Trading Standards Officer on the raid too.. Linnet Roach. She’s a force to be reckoned with from the off!

Roach forces her way into Sol’s life and when a case drops it looks like Sol’s way out. Only to find Roach doesn’t give up that easily.. the thing is.. he could use the help.

Rhodri Jewell has been found dumped by the side of the road, why was he there? Who killed him? And why? The questions just keep coming when Sol takes a closer look into the life of Jewel, who we find out has connections with a past foe Frank McGavin. If McGavin is involved it’s bound to be dodgy!

I won’t give too much away but fans of the series will know the author has a knack of linking cases together, throws in twists and turns too along the way but more than anything adds a real personal edge. A Last Lonely Breath certainly ticks the personal box and hits close to home for Sol! So much so I think he would have been quite willing to loose everything on this one to find out the truth.

Development wise this offering had an extra kick. The rest of the series was clearly lacking.. lacking one thing that is.. Linnet Roach.. ha, what a breath of fresh air. I mean the author never fails to impress me but he managed to integrate a new character we didn’t know we wanted but instantly loved!

The plot itself was impeccable as ever, clever and well thought out but again there’s the twist.. it’s personal in more than one way which I won’t spoil but also McGavin.. wow.. I loved his part in the story and it teases a new direction maybe.. time will tell.

A special mention has to go to the ending.. if you’ve been with the series from the beginning you’ll know Sol has a complicated life and a blast from the past, along with his present collide and honestly it’s fantastic.. will this be the time for Sol to heal?

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

BLOG TOUR – Valhalla’s Fury, (The Charlemagne’s Cross Series, Book 4) by Donovan Cook

Leave a reply

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Valhalla’s Fury, (The Charlemagne’s Cross Series, Book 4) by Donovan Cook!

Here’s the blurb

Abandoned by his people and destined for Valhalla, do not stand in the way of his fury.

Ribe is lost, its hall burnt, and Charles is still missing. Sven must once more sail into dangerous waters to rescue his grandson.

King Louis of East Francia, the man who took Sven’s son from him almost twenty years ago, has Charles captive and uses him to force Sven to do his bidding and create chaos raiding his brothers Kingdom of West Frankia.

The long awaited meeting of Charles and his mother, Abbess Hildegard, is not what Charles dreamed it would be and soon it becomes clear that Charles is in even more danger. Torn between the heathen gods and his Christian god, Charles must decide where his future lies.

Sven must fight if he wants to see Charles again and keep the Cross of Charlemagne out of the hands of the Frankish kings. The only thing that Sven knows is that to save Charles, innocent people must die.

Review

I’ve been with this series since the beginning and was so looking forward to more adventures with Sven the Boar!

After events in the last book Sven’s home, Ribe, Is lost and his grandson missing. There’s nothing left for Sven to do than to set out to find Charles and get him to safety. He failed him once before and he has no plans to let him down again.

Sven and those loyal to him set out to meet with King Louis.. there’s not really a game plan here..he will do anything to see his grandchild safe.

King Louis has the upper hand from the start, the location of the meeting is very poignant and sets the tone for the tale.. history and the present are about to clash one final time..

Forced to submit Sven sets out to secure Charles safety by causing chaos around West Frankia.. the fighting is brutal and you can really see it take it’s toll on Sven who while under the bloodlust fights like the boar he is.. but he’s no love for it.. he’s fighting for Charles..

At the same time Charles has to grow himself, to learn how to stand up for himself, he’s still young but he’s forced to battle his demons, the deal with death and destruction that has surrounded him these past few years.

What I really enjoyed was the depth and growth of Charles and Sven, both battle the same issues, separated by faith in different gods each struggle to reconcile the death and destruction.. and who is actually watching over them. It’s a connection the two never really understand they have and the inner turmoil these two suffer is beautifully awful for the reader.

The fight scenes are superbly detailed but more than anything moving.. reading those scenes really evoked something within the reader… it’s harrowing but gives you chills with the excitement too!

I’m not going to spoil anything but the author really had me on the edge throughout this one. You never know what’s to come and you fear for the characters.

Development wise I loved the emotion added subtly.. the details bout the families following the men to war.. even the planning of events such as the sacking of farms etc.. every event had an undercurrent of emotion behind it.

Sven always hoped he would do something worthy enough to have ballads written about him.. Valhalla’s’ Fury is Sven’s ballad and I’m glad I took the time to listen to and enjoy the tale.

For fans of the series this won’t disappoint. I think you could pick this up now and understand the story as the author nicely adds detail when needed to give the reader the background but personally I’d say start at the beginning to really enjoy and understand the mighty SVEN!!

This is Sven’s tale of glory and redemption and it’s a ballad worthy 5*

My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour, I’ve been a fan of the author for a while so I was already grabbing a copy anyway, so what better way to share my thought then during the blog tour!

Want to grab a copy?

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/ValhallasFury

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series which combines fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world, and is inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology.  He was born in South Africa and currently lives in Lancashire, UK.

Social Media Links –   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonovanCookAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonovanCook20

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/DonovanCookNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donovan-cook