Tag Archives: Bookworm

Tense Commandment by Frank Westworth – Review

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Today I’m reviewing Tense Commandment by Frank Westworth. The Stoner Series Book 10.

Here’s the blurb.

Unconventional assassin JJ Stoner knows better than to accept a personal job from his violently volatile boss. But if your paymaster stalks the hallowed halls of Westminster, and if your girlfriend sells her body to a sordid clientele, and if you kill people for a living, well… sometimes you have to get your hands dirty.
Very dirty.

A witty mix of hardboiled humour and sinister manipulation. Recommended for readers who enjoy Walter Mosley, Derek Raymond and Don Winslow.

Tense Commandment is a self-contained short story which features characters from the Killing Sisters crime-thriller novels and the Stoner stories. It follows Nine Lies and introduces key characters from A Last Act Of Charity (and takes place quite a while before Charles III ascended, in case you were wondering). With an agile imagination, Tense Commandment can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story without reading the other books. Live dangerously!

Review

JJ Stoner has a special place in my heart I must admit. Tense Commandment is the tenth short story focusing on the events surrounding the witty assassin.

You can quite easily read the series as standalones but I very much believe the dark humour comes through so much clearer if you read them all.. It’s been a while since we’ve seen stoner but from the first page the smile was back on my face.. oh how I’ve missed him.

In this instalment we see the needs of Stoners employer and his more personal life clash a little. The Hardman has a target…but there’s an issue…Stoner isn’t the first to get there..

In typical Stoner style the fun, thought-provoking plot hits quick as we, along with Stoner try and figure out who is behind events and what does this mean for Stoner.. is someone setting him up? Are they after his girlfriend… or is it his employer whose being targeted? And how does he get out of this one with his arse intact?

It was great to see the character Stretch back in the action also… they are very much unconventional friends but boy they like to have some fun!

For fans of the series, it really is the best yet and just adds more depth to Stoner.

I’m not going to spoil the twists and turns but the ending did not disappoint at all.. and we are lucky enough to be given an extra short tale from the author. The short is called “AI”. I’m really not going to say much other than WOW. Westworth has only ever been known to me for one reason.. JJ Stoner.. AI just shows what skills the author really has at being able to take on another subject matter.. Westworth is the King of the short story!

5/5 Stars

To find our more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

BLOG TOUR – Protector of Mercia by M. J. Porter

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Protector of Mercia by M. J. Porter!

Here’s the blurb.

A deathbed oath leaves the lives of two infants hanging in the balance.

Tamworth AD833 After successfully rescuing her husband from the Island of Sheppey, Icel hears the deathbed confession of Lady Cynehild which leaves him questioning what he knows about his past, as well as his future.

In the unenviable position of being oath sworn to protect their two atheling sons when Lord Coenwulf is punished and banished for his treason against the Mercian ruler, King Wiglaf, Icel is once more torn between his oaths and the secret he knows.

When the two children are kidnapped, Icel, good to his word, and fearing for their safety, pursues their abductors into the dangerous Northern lands, fearing to discover who is behind the audacious attempt on their lives: the queen, the king’s son, or even Lady Ælflæd, a friend to him in the past, but now wed to the king’s son and aunt to the two abandoned children.

Alone in the Northern lands, Icel finds himself facing his worse fears. Can he rescue the children from their captor, or will he fail and lose his life in the process?

Review

Protector of Mercia is book 5 in The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles. The 1st book in the series was published less than 2 years ago but in this time, there’s been so much growth and development I can hardly believe it’s the 5th instalment already!

If you haven’t read the previous instalments I do recommend it but the author has the knack for explaining things as they go nicely so new readers would understand some of the background.. but most definitely do read the others in the series.. they are too good not to read!

We are back with Icel, and he now knows the truth about who is father really is….and that he himself has a claim to the throne. But it’s a throne he doesn’t want.

After the death of Lady Cynehild Icel promised to protect her children.. It might have been a last ditch selfish act from Lady Cynehild but never the less she was right to fear for them. Soon after their father is exiled the boys go missing and Icel has to figure out who took them and where they have been taken….right now the why doesn’t matter…but something just isnt sitting right..if you want these children out of the way why not just kill them?

Protector of Mercia is all about the tension..a tale of a manhunt as Icel uses all his skill and knowledge to find the children.. to keep them safe.. the main issue is who can he trust??

This instalment, like the previous ones is full of action but what I loved about this one more was the pace, it’s a harrowing journey and the author effortlessly puts you in Icel’s position.. the urgency.. the feeling of desperation.. the weariness of the journey.. the pace perfectly matched so you can actually feel how tired Icel must be.

I feel like Icel at times lost sight of everything else other then would the children survive but he needs to find out why they were taken and by whom..but it’s not going to be easy and the journey is taking him further and further away from safety.

Something I really love about this series is the authors knack of transporting you back to events that happened in a previous novel with only a few words, credit to the author that at the mention of Icel’s uncle my mind is instantly flooded with memories from book 1 in the series..This certainly is a series that will stay with you.

Overall this has to be my favourite instalment so far.. its’ one mans tale.. his feelings.. his desperation and desire not to fail. I couldn’t put it down! 5/5 stars.

My thanks go to MJ Porter, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing a copy of this ebook in return for my honest review, and to Rachel from http://www.rachelsrandomresources.com  for having me on the blog tour! I can honestly say I’ve ordered a kindle copy myself and the paperback will be soon to join my collection too!!!!

Why not follow the tour?

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

Author Bio –

MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. They were raised in the shadow of a building that they believed housed the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia – so their writing destiny was set.

Social Media Links –  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coloursofunison

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/m_j_porter/ 

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

BLOG TOUR – JULIA PRIMA A Roma Nova Foundation Story by Alison Morton plus 10 Question With…

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Today I’m pleased to be taking part in the blog tour for JULIA PRIMA A Roma Nova Foundation Story by Alison Morton.

I was also lucky enough to have the chance to ask the author some questions about their work so keep reading on for a 10 Questions With feature. I’ve not had one on the blog in a while so very esxcited!!

Here’s the book blurb.

“You should have trusted me. You should have given me a choice.”

AD 370, Roman frontier province of Noricum. Neither wholly married nor wholly divorced, Julia Bacausa is trapped in the power struggle between the Christian church and her pagan ruler father.

Tribune Lucius Apulius’s career is blighted by his determination to stay faithful to the Roman gods in a Christian empire. Stripped of his command in Britannia, he’s demoted to the backwater of Noricum – and encounters Julia.

Unwittingly, he takes her for a whore. When confronted by who she is, he is overcome with remorse and fear. Despite this disaster, Julia and Lucius are drawn to one another by an irresistible attraction.

But their intensifying bond is broken when Lucius is banished to Rome. Distraught, Julia gambles everything to join him. Following her heart’s desire brings danger she could never have envisaged…

Review.

Julia Prima is book 10 in the wonderful Roma Nova series by Alison Morton. It’s a foundation story so you don’t need to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy it but it could hurt to get them all if you haven’t already 🙂 .

We meet Julia, trapped in a system that allows a female little independence, and at a time when family honour was held above all.  

Julia is legally divorced but stuck in an environment with battling religious system.

When the eye-catching Lucius arrives Julia finally finds what she’s been after, a natural attraction that builds, emotions, the kind that will make you do anything.

Word soon spreads and as Julia’s ex husband holds some sway Lucius soon has his orders to pack his bags.. he has to follow orders even if he doesn’t want to but does he really know how Julia feels?

Now, Julia’s father is clever.. he knows she can’t be a spinster for the rest of her life and he finds her a match he hopes will work.. it’s not for love.. it would be convenience for both.. but Julia isn’t one for letting a man tell her what she can and can’t do in life and she sets out to find Lucius.. a long and hard journey.

Along the way religious beliefs at the time play a big part.. she’s a young woman.. while she’s not alone she really needs to be careful and story is soon thought of to keep her identify unknown but how long can they last without someone finding her…. Or have they already found her?

Now to the nitty-gritty.. plot.. FANTASTIC. I’ve read a lot of the authors work and I really felt this one just packed an extra punch.. it’s more emotional.. a desperate journey which I found more intense and gritty.. LOVED IT!

Development wise everything is paced well and as always the author manages to mix plot and romance seamlessly. If you are a follower of my reviews you’ll know I’m not a fan of romance when it feels forced into a story but Alison Morton adds these aspects naturally allowing the story to feel real… you feel the connections between the characters.

While I loved the character of Julia and her shear strength & determination I also fell in love with Aegius and Asella who accompany Julia on her journey. I’m not one for spoilers but these 3 together are what makes this book work.

Wonderful writing with an easy flowing exciting plot. What more could I ask for!

A spectacular 5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.  Or any good bookseller. Keep it local if you can 😊

Now would you like to see a 10 Questions With feature, here we go….

10 Questions with…

Q1. I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the Roma Nova Series, so I loved the idea of a prequel. Was it hard to come up with the plot or did you always have this in mind as the next step in the series?

Thank you for your kind words about the series! Every country has a history that has impacted its people and entered their genes. The story of Julia Bacausa and Lucius Apulius has always been lurking in the background since the first book, INCEPTIO, when Karen/Carina fled to the safety of the Roma Novan legation. Gaia Memmia, the legation officer, is helping her adapt:


She gave me a kids’ history book that illustrated how Apulius and his four daughters had founded Roma Nova at the end of the fourth century. I laughed at the heroic little cartoon characters waving their swords around, but Gaia took it all seriously. Descended from the Julii and Flavians, both tough political families, according to Gaia, Apulius had married a Celt from Noricum. Although Romanised for several generations, women in her family made decisions, fought in battles and managed property.

That was over ten years ago. Although I never planned to write a whole novel, the need to write the foundation story has crept up on me year by year…

Q2. No spoilers, but a lot of description was packed in superbly, locations, methods of travel, clothes, attitudes and so on. Did you do a lot of research into anything specific to help you write Julia’s tale? 

The short answer – yes, everything! I have a general knowledge of the period and I know the Alpine areas of Austria and Italy, and the Tuscany and Umbria areas of Italy. I’ve walked round a lot of Rome’s hard pavements.  The most important thing to remember is that Ancient Rome lasted 1,229 years in the West. A great deal had changed by AD 370 even from the classical period of the first two centuries AD. We know our own world has changed out of recognition from, say the 1950s, yet many core elements are still there. Moving history on is something all historical fiction writers should be aware of, and I paid particular attention to those changes. By AD 370, togas had all but been abandoned along with the three dining couch convention and, horror of horrors, Roman soldiers wore trousers!

On the practical side, I had excellent help from Roman writing friends Ruth Downie on travel and Gordon Doherty on reference books for Late Antiquity.

Q3. I love a good prologue and JULIA PRIMA’s packs a punch! I heard recently some readers actually don’t enjoy a good prologue. What are your thoughts? For me, a prologue sets things up nicely, so when done right will hook the reader in from the first page.

Ha! Prologues. 🙂 Any two fiction writers or readers will argue about prologues! I’m neutral on them. If there’s one in a book, I always read it. If the author has put one in, then there must be a reason for it. In JULIA PRIMA, the prologue seemed to naturally fall into place. I needed to set the story up, but the incident wasn’t an integral part of the first part of Julia’s own story, although it becomes extremely important as it goes along. It also lets the reader be in on a secret that Julia doesn’t know…

Q4. One thing I’ve always loved about your characters is the strength and depth given to the female roles, turning society norms on their heads. In JULIA PRIMA this continues but we also see some wonderful development of a male character Aegius who plays a big role and you did a wonderful job painting his history. Did you find it easy writing his story? 

I like portraying a strong male character who isn’t a love interest, but who is a typical tough nut. Their role is to be a friend/supporter who is straight-talking, stands no nonsense from the heroine, but is loyal. Lurio does this for Carina and Tertullius Plico for Aurelia. Whether any of them holds a candle for the heroine is for the reader to decide…

Q5. I know you’ve read some of my reviews previously and so you’ll know I’m not a romance man when it feels forced. Do you find it hard to balance the romance and plot within your stories, as it comes across effortlessly with just the right amount of detail to have things develop naturally.

I feel that a story without an emotional element is lacking; even the toughest thriller needs the characters to connect personally, even if not romantically, but it should be integral, not parachuted in as an afterthought. JULIA PRIMA is the most romantic novel I’ve written. It had to be, as the story is about two people who founded a dynasty. I’m a long-time member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and they gave me my first lessons in novel writing.  Whether you write steamy romance or adventure with a light romantic touch, the most important thing is to keep the characters and their feelings authentic within the plot of the story. Conflict, misunderstandings, separation, danger, heartache, persistence and courage work for me. It’s always about feelings, not mechanics!

Q6. Other than your wonderful Roma Nova series you’ve also stepped into the thriller genre with the Mélisende Thrillers series. How did it feel moving away from the comfort of Roma Nova?

Quite peculiar! It was Conn Igguldden who said I wrote a good riot and a great heroine when he gave me a cover endorsement for INSURRECTIO. He challenged me to write a modern European heroine with the same backbone. Obviously, I gave her failings as well. 😉 As I live in France and am both British and French, Mel/Mélisende developed naturally. I did six years in the British forces, so I could write her military background, except that the French Army has some interesting differences in recruitment, traditions and training! I did find a way to sneak Rome in with a chase round Trajan’s Market in Double Pursuit!

Q7. The Roma Nova series is a great example of alternative history done right. If you could go back, is there anything you aren’t 100% happy with?

I think every novelist looks back, tempted to go through their first book or first few books and change things, but I think it’s better to move forward. I’m equally sure that I write better than I did ten years ago and would probably get through several red pens if I went back. However, INCEPTIO, my first book, remains far and away my best seller.

Q8. So you’ve conquered alternative history, smashed thrillers. Is there any genre you’d love to try next? Or indeed any that you would stay away from?

Crumbs! That’s a difficult question. When I started, I was just writing a story that had been simmering away in my brain. Apart from general experience as a reader, I had no idea about genres. I loved, and still love, historical fiction, adventure, spy, thriller, international crime and conspiracy stories along with being a dedicated fan of Georgette Heyer Regency novels, so I’m really mixed up! I think my writing topics, interests and themes reflect this mix.

Periods of change fascinate me, as do the roles of women in history. I love stumbling upon stories of unsung heroines, or women who could have played a decisive part in history if they had been male. Anything slightly quirky, really, but not erotica!

Q9. What was the most recent book you’ve read yourself that you would recommend?

Currently, I’m re-reading Lindsey Davis’s epic Master and God. She stepped away from the Falco and Flavia Albia series and wrote a 480-page barnstormer about Emperor Domitian with two beautifully constructed fictional characters: pragmatic, effective, yet reserved vigilis turned Praetorian Gaius Vinius and freedwoman Flavia Lucilla, a capable and favoured hairdresser to the imperial family, yet a lonely young woman. All of Davis’s hallmarks are there – the research, the poignancy, the understatement, the compassion. And her drawing of Domitian is masterly. Highly recommended!

Q10. I ask this every time but that’s because I really need to know… What’s next? More books, I hope. 😊

Yes, more books. A second Roma Nova foundation story, this one set in AD 395, as I’ve only told half the story behind the origin of Roma Nova. This always happens to me. I write one book, then find I have too much story and need to write a second, or even a third! Then I’d like to tackle a third Mélisende modern thriller. Plenty to keep me busy!

Why not follow the blog tour?

Author Bio.

Bio

Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough but compassionate heroines. Her nine-book Roma Nova series is set in an imaginary European country where a remnant of the ancient Roman Empire has survived into the 21st century and is ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache but with a sharp line in dialogue.

She blends her fascination for Ancient Rome with six years’ military service and a life of reading crime, historical and thriller fiction. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history. 

Alison now lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her two contemporary thrillers, Double Identity and Double Pursuit. Oh, and she’s writing the next Roma Nova story.

Social media links

Connect with Alison on her Roma Nova site: https://alison-morton.com

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AlisonMortonAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alison_morton     @alison_morton

Alison’s writing blog: https://alisonmortonauthor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonmortonauthor/

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5783095.Alison_Morton
Alison’s Amazon page: https://Author.to/AlisonMortonAmazon

Newsletter sign-up: https://www.alison-morton.com/newsletter/

Perfect Little Lies by S.A. Tameez – Review

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Today I’m reviewing Perfect Little Lies by S.A. Tameez.

Here’s the blurb

After a body is discovered in the Thames, DS Nick Bailey & DC Zoe Hall begin the hunt for an elusive killer. The clues point to a notorious serial killer, but their instincts point them in a different direction.

With numerous suspects, each with a motive, the Major Crime’s Unit has its work cut out.

After joining the dots, they soon realise there is someone among them who will do anything not to get caught – even kill again.

Review

DS Bailey and DC Hall have a murder to solve. Is a notorious killer back.. The Sailor… or is this a copy cat?

I really loved the plot with this one, paced well, detailed scenes with character development thrown in to ensure you feel the motivations and emotions of the characters. In the fashion I like for the genre the characters have flaws.. we like to imagine those upholding the law are perfect but they are human themselves and they need to juggle personal and professional issues and the stakes are high.

Perfect Little Lies is the perfect mix of suspense & thriller.. it’s dark and devastating perfect tale.

Format wise I loved the feel, chapter length was spot on.. just long enough to hook a claw in you so much that you always have to go for one more chapter and before you know it you’ve demolished the entire book!

I loved the twists, very unexpected at times and it really makes the plot standout from just being a good book to being a 5* murderous success. Highly recommended!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads. Or any good local bookseller if you can 🙂

Valentia by Adam Lofthouse – Review

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Today I’m reviewing Valentia by Adam Lofthouse!

Here’s the blurb

Meet Tribune Sixtus Victorinus. Drunken soldier. Absent father. Unlikely hero.


Wall of Hadrian, Britannia, AD 367

It’s just another day, until it isn’t. Tribune Sixtus Victorinus is scouting north of the Wall when he first sees the smoke. Little does he know it’s about to change his life forever. Riding south he finds a province in chaos, the local populace in flight, the soldiers absent.

For rebellion is in the air at the far reaches of empire. The land is ablaze, overrun with barbarians, ‘Valentia’, is the word on everyone’s lips. And no one seems to have the first clue what to do about it.

And so Victorinus must act. He has let his life run to ruin, drunk his youth away. Now he must forge himself into the soldier he always wanted to be, the hero his children think he is.

Because his family are among the missing, and traitors lurk much closer than he could ever believe.

To save his family, he must first save an empire.

Review

As a fan of the authors work I was looking forward to this one immensely!

Victorinus and his men are outcasts of a sought.. the dregs of the army, drunks and those who cannot be tamed.. but good men worth keeping around.. even at a distance.

Rebellion reaches the empire and the name Valentia is seen across the land.

Victorinus and his small band set out to see what can be done and head to see his friend Felicius. Felicuis and Victorinus have know each other for years.. kind of opposites but at the same time hold some of the same qualities.. if only Victorinus could overcome his demons!

The book starts well and the plot moves at the perfect speed building the pressure as Victorinus and Felicuis spit up with the same aim.. find out who is behind this and stop them.

Roman forts have been abandoned… but where are the bodies..and theirs multiple enemies reported all over..who would have the power and money to make this happen or is it all one big coincidence? And what or who is Valentia… is everyone being honest about what they know?

We see many battles along the way, death & pain & treachery .. on land as well as at sea and the detail given was brilliant, so much packed in but with that pinch of development needed to grip you and bring the characters to life along the way which Lofthouse manged to do effortlessly!

Having read the authors previous offerings I’m more than impressed. The hard hitting and commanding plots and character development just keep coming and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I felt that the author really had fun with this one and found the winning mix!

5/5 stars

It was a pleasure to purchase and add this to my ever growing collection of kindle books… Don’t tell the wife though… When payday hits I’m buying the paperback for the collection 😊

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon (Or even your local bookstore 😊 )

BLOG TOUR – Dead Money by Keith Nixon (Jonah Pennance Crime Thrillers Book 2)

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Today I help kick off the blog tour for Dead Money by Keith Nixon. Any follower of my blog will know Keith is a firm favourite of mine 😊

Here’s the blurb

With a reputation for solving bizarre murders Detective Inspector Jonah Pennance, recently transferred to the National Crime Agency, is brought in to investigate the mysterious death of celebrity fund manager, Grady Carnegie – choked to death, then his body arranged and ready for a wake.

Then a second corpse turns up under identical circumstances – that of washed-up investigative reporter, Stan Thewlis. But how are the two men connected?

Soon, Pennance’s partner, Sergeant Simone Smithson, comes under suspicion for the deaths – the evidence seems overwhelming. To save her Pennance must determine what role the shadowy organisation Blackthorn plays and who is in the background, pulling all the strings…

Review

Dead Money is the 2nd book in the Jonah Pennance Crime Thrillers series.. and I’m so glad to be back!

Pennance, who is now with the National Crime Agency Is brought in to help investigate a mysterious death. It’s clear he’s going to have his hands full the moment a 2nd body is discovered.. the only link between them at first is the method of their death..but there must be more.

As the investigation starts to gain pace there’s more than one stumbling block for Pennance to navigate.. Sergeant Simone Smithson for one..,Smithson and Pennance have a history and it’s going to make this investigation that much harder.

I’m never one for spoilers but I loved the method of death, it hooks you in straightaway as an unusual murder which you just have to see through to the end.

The characters are brilliant as ever, Keith Nixon knows how to write that’s for sure and gives a lot of depth to Pennance. He’s a flawed character, swayed by emotions at times but he’s fascinating! I love that he enjoys ruffling feathers along the way ha.

What I really loved was how the author developed characters who didn’t even say a word… the victims, especially Stan Thewlis. You can really see a lot of time was given to writing the plot ensuring a backstory full of intriguing titbits.

Nixon keeps getting better and better, if that’s even possible. All I know is every book he puts out there is a real cracking read that any fan of the genre will love!

Dead Money starts slow, setting the scene… then we are thrust into a world of misdirection as the author masterfully takes us on the investigation with Jonah.. weeding out the truth.

Probably the strongest finishing book from Nixon yet leaving me with a insatiable thirst for more!

5/5 Stars.

To find out more or to purchase head to Goodreads or Amazon (Or any local bookstore 😊 )

My thanks go to the author, the publisher and ZooloosBookTours for having me on the tour and for providing me a copy of the book to aid my review! I’ve already bought my own copy too!

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio

Keith Nixon is the best-selling author of sixteen novels and one million words in print, including the Margate based Solomon Gray series of over 250,000 copies in circulation and reached no.1 on Amazon in the UK, US, Canada and Australia.

Keith lived near the gritty seaside town of Margate, where many of his novels are based, for 17 years before relocating to the edge of the Peak District with his family where he lives today. Keith works in a senior sales role within a high-tech industry and has regularly travelled all over the globe.

His novels are published by Gladius Press and Bastei Lubbe (German)


Follow Keith:


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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keith_nixon/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/knntom

Website: keithnixon.co.uk

BLOG TOUR – Open Your Eyes by Heather J. Fitt

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Today we kick off blog tour for Open Your Eyes by Heather J. Fitt.

I’ve been very lucky to be involved with some of the blog tours Heather herself has organised so I couldn’t miss this one!

Here’s the blurb

A Scottish journalist enters a dark online world in this unsettling novel of men, women, resentment, and rage…

Edinburgh reporter Frankie has finally been assigned a high-profile crime story about a series of sexual assaults, and relishes her big break. Her article focuses on the issue of women’s safety, which doesn’t seem to have improved much since the era of the Yorkshire Ripper.

When she faces a torrent of abuse online, it leads her to discover the phenomenon of incels— and puts her in the sights of those trying to stop her covering the story. But she refuses to back down. What she doesn’t realise is that in this murky online world, one man is being goaded into a spectacular and shocking attack with Frankie as his main target…

Review

Open Your Eyes follows Frankie, a reporter who is hot on the heels of a developing story.

There have been a series of assaults on women lately, but are they linked, if so how? And what are the police going to do the protect women’s safety.

Frankie’s had to work hard for this story and she’s keen for it to come across as balanced rather than anti-men, at first the response to her story is positive but then she suffers a series of threats and abuse online.

These threats don’t deter Frankie and she learns of a seedy underground, a network of individuals keen to see those they feel have wronged them humiliated.

Frankie won’t back down to the trolls but little does she know how real things will become.

I really thought the author balanced the tale well, so much so you kind of understood the motivations of the main perpetrator in the story, although his actions are undefendable..

Open Your Eyes gives you cracking plot, as seen from two perspectives, it’s gripping and dark and you feel for each character.. there’s a realness to them, the depth and development of each character just utterly marvellous.

While the plot was vivid and exciting, I also felt a nagging tingle as I read the story, how as kids we don’t see things as bullying, we don’t see the harm we can do, we don’t realise how important education is, feminism, equality, victim shaming, online hate, manipulation… it’s all covered in this story and really makes you think.

For a debut novel I must say this is fantastic, Heather J. Fitt has ticked all the boxes for a dark phycological thriller, and I’d highly recommend you grab a copy.

To find out more or to purchase head to Goodreads or Amazon. Or ask your local bookseller if they can get a copy of the paperback for you 😊.

I received an ARC copy of the book to aid with my review but it’s certainly one I’m going to buy, I reckon the wife will love this one! My thanks to the author 🙂

5/5 Stars.

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio

Heather was born in Scotland and after moving around Europe with her parents and sister, settled in Hampshire where she met her husband, Stuart.

After leaving the rat-race in 2018, Heather re-trained as an editor and proof-reader and entered the world of publishing. These days she works as a part-time freelancer and a part-time Commissioning Advisor for Bloodhound.

Heather was inspired to start writing her novel by the authors who have become her closest friends. Now the ideas are flowing she has plans to write several more over the coming years.

When she isn’t reading, Heather enjoys spending her time watching sport –­ especially her beloved rugby – and exploring the British countryside with Stuart.

Heather’s debut novel will be published by Bloodhound in Summer 2021.

For regular bookish updates, you can follow Heather on Twitter: @LifeBookish

BLOG TOUR – Wolf of Mercia by M J Porter

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Today I kick off the blog tour for Wolf of Mercia. Book 2 in The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles series by M J Porter.

Here’s the blurb!

As a lone wolf inside a Wessex stronghold, Icel must ensure his own and Mercia’s triumph.

Icel is becoming a warrior of Mercia, but King Ecgberht of Wessex still holds the Mercian settlement of Londonia and its valuable mint.

King Wiglaf of Mercia is determined that the last bulwark be reclaimed from his sworn enemy to complete his rehabilitation as Mercia’s rightful ruler.

In the heart of the shield wall, Icel suddenly finds himself on the wrong side of the battle and thrust into the retreating enemy stronghold where he must take on the pretence of a Wessex warrior to survive and exact a cunning plan to bring down the Wessex force cowering behind the ancient walls.

His allegiances are tested and the temptation to make new allies is overwhelming but Icel must succeed if he’s ever to see Tamworth again and bring about King Wiglaf’s victory, or will he be forced to join the enemy?

Review

What a joy it is to be back with Icel! When we last we saw him war had broken out and his uncle had died.. his whole world shattered after striving for so long in the hope his uncle could be saved! Icel now finds himself a warrior of Mercia under King Wiglaf who is determined to take back what King Ecgberht of Wessex has stolen!

In the heat of battle Icel’s world continues to be turned upside down. Deep inside he wants to be a healer but he can’t be both a warrior and healer can he?

Icel is suddenly thrust behind enemy lines as the gates close behind him…and he must use all his wit and skill to blend in… not so easy as you can imagine.

The next task after staying alive is to figure out how to get the gates open again so King Wiglaf and his men can finish the job they started.. a tall order for anyone but Icel doesn’t know his way around.. there’s eyes all over the place and inevitably his skill as a healer comes to the foreground.. no matter man of Mercia or Wessex he has to help.. he can’t watch men suffer, Afterall they are only fighting because their King commands it.

Along the way his allegeiances are tested, we see the men of Wessex in a different light and you feel Icel’s internal struggle building.

Development wise this offering was fantastic. In book 1 we were introduced to King Wiglaf but I didn’t feel we had enough time to really get to really know the character, Afterall the tale is Icel’s journey but I really wanted to get to grips with the King. This offering however gives development by the bucket load and I felt I understood him and his motivations and really found myself liking the character.

Another major factor for the love I have for this book was the injection of new characters and their story arcs. I won’t spoil it for you but some names to look out for are Brihtwold, Tyrhtil, Theodore, Gaya and Ecgred.

Oh how I loved the scenes with Ecgred!

Book 1 in the series was very much Icel’s journey and was a 5* read for me, Book 2 surpasses even that.. if that’s even possible. It’s still Icel’s tale but the plot has developed so fast but in such a natural flow.. at the end of the book when you sit back to reflect its just amazing to see how far the journey has come and it leaves you with that urge for more!

I really enjoyed the action too, really easy to follow but detailed and exciting with every thrust 🙂

Here at David’s Book Blurg I really do try and give no spoiler reviews. It can be difficult to sum up a book perfectly but in all honesty you shouldn’t need my review to tell you that you need this book, the synopsis says it all!!! It’s a corker!!!

5/5 Stars

My thanks go to MJ Porter, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing a copy of this ebook in return for my honest review and Rachel from http://www.rachelsrandomresources.com  for having me on the blog tour! I can honestly say I’ve ordered a kindle copy myself and the paperback will be soon to join my collection too!!!!

To find out more or to grab a copy head to Goodreads or Amazon (Or your local bookstore 😊 )

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. They were raised in the shadow of a building that they believed housed the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia – so their writing destiny was set. The first novel in their new Anglo-Saxon series for Boldwood Son of Mercia was published in February 2022.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/coloursofunison

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/m_j_porter/

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mj-porter

BLOG TOUR – The Witch’s Tree by Elena Collins

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Witch’s Tree by Elena Collins.

Here’s the blurb

A tale as old as time. A spirit that has never rested.

Present day

As a love affair comes to an end, and with it her dreams for her future, artist Selena needs a retreat.  The picture-postcard Sloe Cottage in the Somerset village of Ashcombe promises to be the perfect place to forget her problems, and Selena settles into her new home as spring arrives.  But it isn’t long before Selena hears the past whispering to her. Sloe Cottage is keeping secrets which refuse to stay hidden.

1682

Grace Cotter longs for nothing more than a husband and family of her own. Content enough with her work on the farm, looking after her father, and learning the secrets of her grandmother Bett’s healing hands, nevertheless Grace still hopes for love. But these are dangerous times for dreamers, and rumours and gossip can be deadly. One mis-move and Grace’s fate looks set…

Separated by three hundred years, two women are drawn together by a home bathed in blood and magic. Grace Cotter’s spirit needs to rest, and only Selena can help her now.

Review

The Witch’s Tree is a duel timeline novel following the lives of Grace and Selena, one set in the seventeenth century the other modern day.

When we meet Grace we learn how hard her life has been, helping her father while working the fields trying to edge out an existence. Her life is a simple one.. eat, sleep, repeat but you can see how content she is with her lot in life.. although things are about to change drastically.

In the modern day, Selena, an artist has just suffered betrayal from the one she trusted the most.. and that hurt is going to increase exponentially. It’s time for some downtime..

Selena heads to Sloe Cottage..Grace’s home… separated only by time..

Sloe Cottage seems ideal…and it’s cheap…that should have been the red flag..

We soon learn that not everyone likes Sloe Cottage and it becomes clear why. 300 years ago Grace’s life took a turn for the worse, her sprit needs to rest, with Selena’s help Grace may find peace.. and in turn Grace may help Selena let go of her own pain.

The Witch’s Tree is a beautiful story about a connection through the ages. The duel time line worked very well and aided the flow of the tale, never a dull moment. I quite enjoying jumping around a clear timeline as it kept me engaged with the story.

Character wise The Witch’s Tree is onto a winner too as the development is paced smoothly, nothing forced, perfectly drip-fed allowing Grace and Selena to develop naturally.

There’s a growing suspense throughout the tale as we learn Grace’s fate and how that may impact on Selena.. it’s a enthralling tale showing the real strength of these two fascinating characters.

If I had to pick I think I loved Grace’s tale the most..her life..growth.. the pain she suffered. A very moving life and such a strong character.

A wonderful story.

5/5 Stars

My thanks go to the author, publisher, and Rachel @ rachelsrandomresources.com for having me on the tour! I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, but I’ll be grabbing a copy too.. at £1.89 currently for the kindle version it’s a real bargain! 😊

To find our more head to Goodreads, Amazon (Or contact your local bookstore 😊 )

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Elena Collins is the pen name of Judy Leigh. Judy Leigh is the bestselling author of Five French Hens, A Grand Old Time and The Age of Misadventure and the doyenne of the ‘it’s never too late’ genre of women’s fiction. She has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset.

Social Media Links.

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/judyleighwriter

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/judyrleigh/

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

BLOG TOUR – Outcast by Chris Ryan!

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Outcast by Chris Ryan!

Chris was born in Newcastle, my neck of the woods! So how could I not jump on the chance to be part of the blog tour!!

Here’s the blurb

After single-handedly intervening in a deadly terrorist attack in Mali, SAS Warrant Officer Jamie ‘Geordie’ Carter is denounced as a lone wolf by jealous superiors.

Now a Regiment outcast, Carter is given a second chance with a deniable mission: locate SAS hero-gone-rogue, David Vann.

Vann had been sent into Afghanistan to train local rebels to fight the Taliban. But he’s since gone silent and expected attacks on key targets have not happened.

Tracking Vann through Afghanistan and Tajikistan, Carter not only discovers the rogue soldier’s involvement in a conspiracy that stretches far beyond the Middle East – but an imminent attack that will have deadly consequences the world over . . .

Review.

Outcast follows the journey of Officer Jamie ‘Geordie’ Carter.  Carter is a likeable fellow, but he’s ruffled some feathers along the way and has found himself out of favour with his superiors.  

On his current assignment it looks like he’s about to make things worse but just when things are about to get interesting an offer comes his way that he can’t resist.  

A fellow Blade, his mentor, David Vann has gone missing while on assignment, information is lacking so Carter is sent in the extract Vann.

As soon as Carter picks up the trail he gets a sense something isn’t quite right but little does he know what kind of shitstorm he’s about to walk into.

There’s action and betrayal behind every chapter and it ends up a race against time for Carter as there’s much more at stake than we first thought.

This is my first time reading a Chris Ryan book and I’ve heard many a good thing said about his work. Flow wise the book didn’t disappoint, it’s all about the build-up but with plenty of action and adrenaline as Carter constantly reassess the situation as the plot takes a twist. Character wise it didn’t disappoint either, the plot leaves little chance to give the characters too much depth but perfectly matches the flow as the author packs details in that quickly help you assess the characters and their motivations.

There’s a real authentic edge to the tale, the setting within Afghanistan after the withdrawal of western troops which gave the perfect backdrop for this story.

Outcast is a fast-paced thriller that fans of the genre will love. There’s a twist at the end which I hope means we will see more of Carter.. I’ll be waiting 😊

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Rachel @ rachelsrandomresources.com for having me on the tour! I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review but I’ll be more than happy to grab a copy too 😊

5/5 Stars from me 🙂

To find our more head to Goodreads, Amazon or Browns Books.

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio

Chris Ryan was born in Newcastle.

In 1984 he joined 22 SAS. After completing the year-long Alpine Guides Course, he was the troop guide for B Squadron Mountain Troop. He completed three tours with the anti-terrorist team, serving as an assaulter, sniper and finally Sniper Team Commander.

Chris was part of the SAS eight-man team chosen for the famous Bravo Two Zero mission during the 1991 Gulf War. He was the only member of the unit to escape from Iraq, where three of his colleagues were killed and four captured, for which he was awarded the Military Medal. Chris wrote about his experiences in his book The One That Got Away, which became an immediate bestseller. Since then he has written over fifty books and presented a number of very successful TV programmes.

Social Media Links  

Twitter

https://twitter.com/exsaschrisryan

https://twitter.com/ZaffreBooks