Tag Gangland Crime

Payback by Edie Baylis @ediebaylis @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #ganglit #crime #thriller #bookreview

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Payback by Edie Baylis. This is a fabulous series and Payback is a brilliant next episode. This is an excellent series for fans of gangland crime thrillers.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my copy of the book from Boldwood Books.

Payback
Revenge will come at a price…


With his once thriving casino business now in ruins, Seb Stoker is certain about two things: One – he will rebuild bigger and better than ever. And two – someone will pay for torching his club.


But until that day comes, Seb has bigger things to worry about and a business deal that could make or break them all…
Sam Reynold knows Seb is out for revenge, and she’ll do anything she can to help him. But Sam has her own enemies and battles to fight – ones much closer to home.


With pressure mounting for both of them, tensions run high.
And payback will be deadly.


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

Just when you think you have read the best book in the series, the author once again comes up with another fabulous read to take that spot. Payback is brutal and so deviously twisted and if you have been following the series then you will be aware of the main characters of Sam and Seb.

Sam has arranged for her mum to go into rehab and Seb is trying to get his money together to rebuild his club. Together they are the golden couple, but the last book showed their weaknesses and left them vulnerable. Still coming to terms with what they have lost and the people that have appeared from their pasts, they still have some work to do. This is where the title is, once again, ideal for this book as it is about Payback.

I do like the combination of Seb and Sam, they are a good couple and she has proven herself tough enough to stand up to Seb and his men. Seb works on the wrong side of the law, having a detective on the payroll is advantageous, but sometimes things still work against you.

The book is brutal at times as the author brings the world of gangland crime to the forefront. Family is important and so is the respect that their names bring. Not everyone respects the name though and this is where the tensions are evident as well as people wanting their part of the pie. The only thing is with these people, they will want to take what they can.

The danger is once again apparent from the outset, the deceiving and conniving that the characters deal with is great. It meant I was kept constantly page-turning to find out if plans would work or if they would go awry. As we all know even the best-laid plans usually have some sort of kink, in the world of Sam and Seb though this kink could mean death.

If you are a fan of gritty gangland crime that has a fabulous ongoing story then this is a series you should have on your radar. There is mayhem, murder and brilliant characters so keep you on your toes. While this is about crime there is also a strong family bond within this series and this is something that I have been enjoying. Another brilliant book in the series and another one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edie Baylis a successful self-published author of dark gritty thrillers with violent background settings. She lives in Worcestershire, has a history of owning daft cars and several motorbikes and is licensed to run a pub. She has signed a five-book deal with Boldwood and the first book in her new gang-lit series, set in Birmingham, was published in January 2022.


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Queen of Diamonds by Gillian Godden @GGodden @rararesources @Boldwoodbooks #crime #thriller #gangland #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am, delighted to share my review today for Queen of Diamonds by Gillian Godden. I have read the previous books in the series and I am thoroughly enjoying them.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and arranging my e-copy from the publisher Boldwood Books.

Is the Diamond reign over?


Head of the Diamond family, Patsy is determined to make a success of husband Nick’s gangland empire – whatever the cost. Nick was ruthless and cold-blooded, but he built a legacy that Patsy wants to protect.


So when a mysterious woman from Nick’s past turns up claiming to be Patsy’s new business partner, she senses trouble. Karen Duret demands Patsy’s help, but it comes with a catch. If Patsy refuses, Karen threatens to expose the Diamond family’s darkest secrets…


Patsy needs the help of her trusted allies more than ever, but when a rival gang start a turf war, the stakes suddenly become deadly.
Torn between loyalties, Patsy knows that blood will be spilled. And as battle commences, the question on everyone’s lips is – who will be crowned the queen of diamonds?


Purchase Link – AMAZON

MY REVIEW

This is the 3rd book in the Diamonds series; they are all fabulous reads. This latest one see’s Patsy Diamond take a step further into her role as the head of the Diamond family and taking on the role of her late husband, Nick. He was ruthless and his work ethic was based on fear. Patsy, however, believes there is a better way of gaining trust and respect. Has she got what it takes though?

This is a brilliant book and sometimes quite hardcore as Patsy makes her mark in the gangland area of Glasgow. In previous books, she has had a lot to deal with, but now she wants to make changes and this means making deals with some of the worst of the worst. As Patsy comes across as quite aloof, the rich bitch, the well-dressed and manicured lady. It gives her a cold and uncaring persona, but she has a few surprises for people and I think she surprises herself with how much she now enjoys this challenge. She has to prove herself.

This one is a gritty and complex story and I adored it. There have always been things that have sprung up out of the woodwork in this series, and before you think there are no more surprises to come, you would be way off the mark. Yet again there are more surprises for the Diamonds and it could jeopardise the family business.

In a world of secrets, death, drugs, prostitution, money laundering and murder you need to be sure of those who are closest to you, a right-hand man is essential to help keep the day-to-day running of the business. There is an awful lot for Patsy to organise and with new deals and alliances to be forged, she really does have her work but out for her. If this isn’t enough there is also something far closer to home that requires her attention, if she gets this wrong it will destroy her.

The author has once again written an amazing book that I devoured in one sitting. It shows the strong woman that Patsy needs to be and it was a side that I didn’t expect to see. While she is strong she is also vulnerable and this brings out a nice balance to her character. Yes, she is naive, but she is also analytical in how she thinks things through and she will not be duped or made a fool of. I have really enjoyed seeing how the author has brought Pasty, the wife of Nick Diamond into the forefront and she is now beginning to stand on her own feet. She is not someone’s wife, she is Patsy or Mrs Diamond and she doesn’t take fools lightly.

Yet again the author has created a fabulous and dangerous story for her characters. This one speeds along at a great pace and there is a real sense of things potentially going very wrong. This is a book for those who love their gangland crime and it is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gillian Godden is a brilliantly reviewed writer of gangland fiction as well as a full-time NHS Key Worker in Hull. She lived in London for over thirty years, where she sets her thrillers, and during this time worked in various stripper pubs and venues which have inspired her stories.

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Wicked Girls by Heather Atkinson @HeatherAtkinso1 @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #thriller #gangland #crime #bookreview

yvonnembee

Today I am delighted to share my review of Wicked Girls by Heather Atkinson. This is a brilliant gangland-style thriller, and, as with other books I have read by this author, it is another fabulous read.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of the book for review.

Cousins Valerie and Toni McVay have been best friends forever, and when you’re a McVay you need all the friends you can get.
When Toni’s twelfth birthday is marred by a terrible crime, the wicked path of the girls looks set. A decade later, the McVay family aren’t the unstoppable force they once were in the Glaswegian criminal underworld but Frankie McVay, the up-and-coming prince, is determined to restore the family to its former glory by whatever means necessary. And the whole family are expected to help.
His sister Toni shares her brother’s blood lust but Valerie dreams of a quieter life, and when she meets and falls in love with Seb, as straight as Frankie is bent, as kind as Frankie is wicked, Val sees her way out.
Can she escape a family that is determined to own the city, and to keep Valerie firmly in their violent grasp? And will Toni ever let her best friend Val turn her back on the bloody secret they have shared for all these years…


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

This is a brilliant read and if you are a fan of gritty and tough gangland-style genres with strong female leads then this is one you should have on your list.

Toni and Val are cousins, they stand by each other through thick and thin and always have each other’s back. The story starts in a shocking way when the girls are 12 years old, it gives a brief intro as to why Toni especially is so ferocious as she gets older. The main bulk of the story is told a few years later, Toni is coming up to her 20th birthday. When I say ferocious, she really is, but don’t underestimate Val, many have and many have realised their mistake.

The girls have always known the lifestyle they have been brought up in is a violent one. They are part of the McVay family and you don’t mess with them, especially Toni’s brother Frankie. Just his name is enough for people to back off unless, of course, you are one of the rival families.

While Toni is definitely happy with her lifestyle, Val is not so much and wants more of a normal life. Toni would call it boring, but this is where the girls do differ. With Val wanting a different life it means that there are going to be times when she has to make some tough decisions. This becomes more evident when she finds a “nice, normal boyfriend”, Seb shares the same interests, but he is a student and has a different calling in the way he sees his future.

I really enjoyed the dilemma that the author set out for Val. While she wants to continue a relationship with Seb, she doesn’t want him to know how violent her family actually is. At some point, it is obvious that he is going to meet them though.

The relationship between Val and Toni is great and I can see why the girls are as they are. But having different futures is something that doesn’t cross Toni’s mind. Val has a job which Toni sees as pointless as Frankie pays them for doing the ‘odd job’ for him.

These girls are tough, they know how to look after themselves and they are not averse to using whatever means necessary to prove their point. The author has had to make these two tough and the back story of Toni when she was 12, gives relevance and a reason. The story focuses mainly on Val, I liked this as it meant I could see a different side to her, while Toni is the strong and quick-tempered one, Val is more the thinker, the planner and the plotter. It is this difference that means Val can see the bigger picture.

The tension of this story gets better and better as you read it. The sense of danger lurks on each page and it did make me wonder how on earth these two girls were going to get through. The ending of the book is quite a shock, and it gives a really good conclusion.

This is a tough and at times shocking story, it is full of tension and there are some great twists. the characters are fabulous and there are definitely some I was rooting for. If you like gangland crime thriller stories then this s one you definitely should have your eye on. It is one I would also recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather Atkinson is the author of over fifty books – predominantly in the crime fiction genre. Although Lancashire born and bred she now lives with her family, including twin teenage daughters, on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. Her gangland series for Boldwood, set on the fictional Gallowburn estate in Glasgow begins with the title Blood Brothers.

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Betrayal by Kerry Kaya @KerryKayaAuthor @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #crime #thriller #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Betrayal by Kerry Kaya. I have read a few books by this author and really enjoy them. Betrayal is the first book in The Tempests series and if you are a fan of gangland crime thriller books then this is a great place to start.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher Boldwood Books.

Meet the Tempest family – and get ready for the storm.

Tracey Tempest adores her husband, Terry. But when on his 50th birthday, tragedy strikes, Tracey must face the terrifying prospect of a future without him. Desperate for answers and boiling with rage, Tracey wants revenge…

Together with her beloved sons, Ricky and Jamie, the Tempest family dig deeper into Terry’s past – who would want to kill him, and why?

But what they discover changes everything they knew about the man they loved and risks tearing their own family apart.

Can the Tempests weather the storm or will the past destroy them all?


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

What a brilliant start to a new series by this author. I have read a few of her books and she doesn’t hold back when she writes her gang-style stories.

Tracey Tempest has a bit of an eye-opener when she discovers exactly how her husband has made his money. Even though his sons, Ricky and Jamie are part of the family business there is a lot they don’t know about either. While they are coming to terms with the death of Terry, their husband and father, the family also discover some really shocking news. It isn’t the boys who are out for the truth, in fact, it is their Mum, Tracey. She has really got the bit between her teeth and she has no care about who she confronts. Ignorance is bliss for her, and allowances are made.

From the outset I really took to Tracey, she is the stay-at-home wife and Mum, always looking out for the men in her life. She has a nice house, and a great lifestyle and then suddenly the rose-tinted glasses are destroyed. I have a feeling the author really had fun with the character and it was great to see Tracey become the force I have a feeling she was always meant to be. I will admit that she did come across as naive, but no more so than her sons.

Having a character like Tracey was great, as she doesn’t know any of ” the baddies” she has no fear about asking hard questions, this played out well when she discovers an ally. Believe me when I say she will need an extra set of muscles for this story and it is the start of what I hope will be a business arrangement, or maybe more!

This is hard-core as far as some of the storylines are concerned. There are aspects of gangland crime that you expect to see in this style of story, and the author definitely includes some of them. I am not going to mention what they are, but I will say that there are some very unsavoury characters that have no consideration for others.

The main storyline for this book was great, combing grief with unearthing some awful truths was a great way to bring a close family even closer together. I am really looking forward to seeing where the author takes this series. I am sure there will be more shocks and secrets to be unearthed.

This is one for those who like their crime thrillers on the hard-boiled side, with a strong gang-related thread and what better way to read a book by this author than with the start of a new series. This is a cracker and one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kerry Kaya is the hugely popular author of Essex-based gritty gangland thrillers with strong family dynamics. She grew up on one of the largest council estates in the UK, where she sets her novels. She also works full-time in a busy maternity department for the NHS.

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Thief by Owen Mullen @owenmullen6 @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #ganglandfiction #crime #thriller #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Thief by Owen Mullen. This is the 4th book in The Glass Family series and it is a series I am loving.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this fabulous book via NetGalley from the publisher Boldwood Books.

It takes a thief to catch a thief…
Charley Glass arrived in her family’s lives like the hurricane she’d escaped. But she hadn’t run far enough: the ruthless Giordano family are on her tail and want two things – her life, and the return of the property she stole from them. No matter how many bodies stack up.
After years of longing, Charley finally has the family she’s always wanted, but now she’s going to have to tell them the real reason she came looking them. There is only one way she’s going to stay alive, and that is to employ the muscle of the notorious Glass Family.
The head of the family, Luke, has become embroiled in a dangerous political plot and isn’t sure they’re strong enough to take on one of New Orleans’ biggest crime gangs. But he’d put his life on the line to protect the empire they’ve built – even if they’ll have to take on an enemy hurting enough to cross an ocean for revenge.
Page-turning, gritty, and utterly compelling, Thief is Owen Mullen’s best book yet. Perfect for fans of Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers, and Mandasue Heller.
Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

This is the 4th book in the Glass Family series and I would suggest reading these in order as you get more of a sense of who is who. There are several main characters, Luke, Nina, Charley, George and Felix and some from previous books. This story, however, brings a whole new family to the pages and they are not a friendly family.

Charley is a relative newcomer to the series, she is a Glass but one that has just made herself known. She has the Glass determination and stubborn streak and knows how to survive. To be honest, if she didn’t have this then Luke would have seen her as a threat and therefore she wouldn’t be around to have a story of her own.

She has proven her worth and does a great job of running the LBC, a club with a hefty subscription fee. This is where the rich and famous hang out, where the politicians and Heads of businesses and corporations get to mix business and pleasure in various forms.

Luke has been approached for a favour, not something he is unused to, but this one is political. He hasn’t really had to deal with this but the way he is approached is not respectful. It is abrupt and screams of entitlement and expectation. Trying to work out the unknown players and the real money men is something that Luke is good at. It may take time but get there he will.

With this going on Charley’s past suddenly makes an entrance. There is a short piece about this at the beginning of this story, it gives the basics and then jumps to the present day. No one knows the full s
story of Charley’s past, but they are aware she has not been completely translucent.

With a new family on the scene from the US, Luke’s backyard starts to become overcrowded. The Giordano Family want Charley, they don’t care who they have to go through to get her. They, however, do not understand how the Glass Family and others work.

This is my new favourite book in this series, I said it about the previous one, I think! I adore the Glass family and it is a chance to get to know more about Charley. While she does have a more prominent position in this book, it doesn’t mean she is the only focus. I think this is what I like about this series, the author features and focuses, but he doesn’t limit this book to one aspect. Each of the three siblings have their own sub-stories, and each one demands attention. Thank goodness the author manages to wrangle and twist all of the threads together to create such an amazing fast-paced tale.

The Glass family are not exactly legit, there are some legit aspects, some illegal aspects and quite a bit of grey in between. They are a gang family, they have their position in London, their own areas and while things run smoothly all is fine. So bringing in another family was a brilliant move and it showed how someone from a different culture brings their own ideas as to how things work. But at street level, things are different and grassroots are where you learn your lessons and your trade.

Flitting between individual stories of Luke, Nina and Charley was great to see them as individuals and what they have been going through. They are strong but they are also vulnerable. This is a book that is addictive and at times brutal, it is also devious and twisted and at times just very in your face. Brilliant crime thriller in the back streets and clubs of London. A book I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Owen Mullen is a highly regarded crime author who splits his time between Scotland and the island of Crete. In his earlier life, he lived in London and worked as a musician and session singer. He has now written 11 books and his first gangland thriller for Boldwood.

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Vendetta by Edie Baylis @ediebaylis @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #crime #thriller #gangland #NetGalley #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Vendetta by Edie Baylis, this is the 3rd book in The Allegiance series. I am loving this series and if you like gangland thrillers then this is one that should be on your radar.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.

Who can you trust?


Once bitter enemies, Samantha Reynold and Seb Stoker’s powerful alliance enable their firms and casinos to go from strength to strength. With the families no longer in opposition, it seems that Sam and Seb are untouchable…


But not everyone is happy with the new power couple of the club world.


Unbeknownst to everyone, someone new wants to see Sam’s perfect life ruined. And they will stop at nothing to seek their revenge – even if it means destroying everything – and everyone – in their path.


With tensions high, Sam and Seb must put their trust in each other completely. But can they trust those closest to them? Or do they have a vendetta of their own?


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

This is the 3rd book in this series and while this could be read as a stand-alone book, I would suggest you read the series in order. There are several characters in this series that you are introduced to over the previous books, and, there are some ongoing storylines.

Sam Reynolds and Seb Stoker were rivals, but they both own businesses and they have gradually learnt to trust one another, so much so that marriage is on the cards. Sam has had a good upbringing and never fully realised how her father operated his business, so when she took over it was definitely an “in at the deep-end” move. Luckily she has had Seb there to help her and back her up, he along with his brothers own a casino. Both businesses work and there is now a problem with Seb, it leaves him moody and this unsettles Sam.

Now before you, you think this is just a story about Sam and Seb, there is far more to come. And boy does the author know how to turn the screws in this story, I found myself on the edge of my seat trying, and failing to work out how on earth the two storylines are going to add up. The second storyline is one that the author weaves brilliantly. It starts out tentative and then when things are in place the author then ramps up the tension and the danger.

With two storylines and also a few subplots, this is a fast-paced book and it suits this gangland thriller to a tee. Bringing in characters from the past and working with them as she has, the author has shown different sides to Sam and Seb. Sam is not quite the naive woman she was in the first book and Seb finds that he doesn’t want to risk Sam at all.

I adored how the author twisted the characters and had them do their worst. There are some mentions of prostitution and drugs, and to be honest it is part of the genre that these feature as part of the plot. They are tackled well and they do show a seedy side to casinos, clubs and the gangland scene.

This was addictive and at times brutal and I loved it. I think this is due to the fact that I have read each of the books in this series and I have grown to like some of the shadier characters. I know that they have dodgy and dangerous dealings, but the author shows a family and loyal side to these characters.

There is an ending to this book that I liked, yep a bit of a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to see what she is in store for Sam and Seb in the next book.

Fabulous series, tense, danger-ridden, and with a strong gangland thriller feel. It is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edie Baylis is a successful self-published author of dark gritty thrillers with violent background settings. She lives in Worcestershire, has a history of owning daft cars and several motorbikes and is licensed to run a pub. She has signed a five-book deal with Boldwood and the first book in her new ganglit series, set in Birmingham, was published in January 2022.

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Rough Diamonds by Gillian Godden @GGodden @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #crime #gangland #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Rough Diamonds by Gillian Godden. This is the latest in the series and the Diamond Ladies take the lead.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy via NetGalley

Rough Diamonds
Flawed, tough, unbreakable…


In the aftermath of her husband’s shocking murder, Patsy Diamond wants answers. Who was Nick really? Where is all his money? And who killed the man she once loved? Patsy knows exactly who to go to first – Nick’s pregnant mistress, Natasha.


Natasha might seem young and innocent, but Patsy’s certain the girl is hiding something. And the only way to find out what is to keep Natasha close and make her part of the Diamond family.


With the two women forming an unlikely bond, they begin to dig deeper into Nick’s secret life and discover things that shock…and terrify them.


Because Nick Diamond played a deadly game and if the women in his life want payback, then they are going to have to follow his rules – or break them and make their own.


But the strongest diamonds are created under pressure and these women are no exception…


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

This is the latest book in the series that focuses on the Diamond Family. Nick Diamond has been shot, and the repercussions of his death are far-reaching. Some will be pleased that he is gone, others though see an opportunity to take over his patch.

This latest in the series see’s the focus change to the women in the Diamond family, Mother – Victoria, Wife – Pasty, Mistress – Natasha and those who are close to the family who live in one of the rougher parts of Scotland.

Pasty is threatened and she starts to realise that there was more to her husband’s activities than just him being a solicitor and money launderer. She discovers that her husband Nick had more underworld business dealings than she had ever realised. Splitting her time between London and Scotland, Patsy desperately tries to discover the truth and where Nick had hidden the large amount of money that is missing.

Seeing the Diamond women step up and take charge was something that I really liked. The author didn’t change their characters at all but instead made them determined. It would have been easy to toughen them up, but this is not who they are. Now don’t get me wrong, they are not people to be taken advantage of and they do have a bite, so the author does just enough to give them what they can deal with at the right time.

While Patsy doesn’t come across as likeable, her character is determined, and she really isn’t a woman to be messed with. She has made decisions and will act on them, who they will benefit in the long run though, well we will have to wait and see.

While this is the next book in the series, it is also one that marks a new chapter in the Diamond family. New contacts, friendships and business partners are needed but who to trust to watch your back is something that you will discover as the story unfolds.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is one for those who like their crime thrillers with a gang-style kick to it, brutal at times but very addictive reading. It is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gillian Godden is a brilliantly reviewed writer of gangland fiction as well as a full-time NHS Key Worker in Hull. She lived in London for over thirty years, where she sets her thrillers, and during this time worked in various stripper pubs and venues which have inspired her stories.

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Fallout by Edie Baylis @ ediebaylis @Rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #boldwoodbloggers #crime #thriller #NetGalley #bookreview

yvonnembee 4 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for Fallout by Edie Baylis. This is a fabulous book and the second book in the Allegiance series. The first book, Takeover was a brilliant story and this second book is just as good.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of the book.

If you want to check out my review of TAKEOVER click HERE

Fallout…
Secrets. Lies. Revenge.

With the odds stacked against her, Samantha Reynold is determined to prove she’s tough enough to be the boss. But when a secret from the past threatens to ruin Sam’s reputation, she suddenly feels very alone in this dark new world. There’s only one man she can turn to – rival club owner, Sebastian Stoker.

Seb knows first-hand how secrets and lies can tear a family apart. He wants to protect Sam at all costs, but siding with her could threaten his own position as head of the Stoker family and risk accusations of betrayal.

With loyalties divided and two families at war – the fallout could be deadly.
Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

This is the second book in the series, the first book Takeover was brilliant and it saw Samantha Reynold taking over her father’s business. This second book continues the story as Sam and rival club owner, Seb work together to deal with what’s coming.

This book could be read as a stand-alone, but in all seriousness, I would consider reading the Takeover first as it introduces the characters and deals with things that make it easier to understand them. That being said the author does a great job of filling in the basics.

As Sam is still coming to terms with being adopted she has the support of Sam Stoker. Although they didn’t immediately trust each other, they have realised that they can not only work together but trust each other. Being rival club owners work for them, but not necessarily for those who work for them. Family’s can be tricky things and when they feel that things could be a danger or threaten them things get tricky. How can they convince their respective families and close family friends that this is all going to work out?

The author has once again provided a fabulous story that hit the grounds running. Working the suspicious natures of those around Sam and Serb has been wonderfully done. It adds tension and gives the overall feel of the story a good pace. Sam still feels as if she has to prove herself, which is difficult for a woman to do at the best of times. But, in this more male-dominated world she has to prove not only how tough she can be but also that she is resilient. Seb, well he is a fabulous character and is the rock that Sam needs. But, as much as she needs him he needs her as well. They make a great team.

This is a dangerous world that the author has created for her characters. The baddies are great as well as obviously the goodies! The author brings a sense of mistrust and intrigue that helps fuel the pace of the story, it kept me on my toes and eagerly turning the pages. The title Fallout is brilliant as for me it sums up this story very well.

If you are looking for a crime thriller story that has a strong gangland element to it then you really need this series on your shelf. Brilliant story, fabulous characters and an addictive read. It is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edie Baylis is a successful self-published author of dark gritty thrillers with violent background settings. She lives in Worcestershire, has a history of owning daft cars and several motorbikes and is licensed to run a pub. She has signed a five-book deal with Boldwood.

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The Reckoning @KerryKayaWriter @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #crime #gang #thriller #bookrewiew

yvonnembee 1 Comment

I am delighted to share my review today for The Reckoning by Kerry Kaya. This is the 4th book in the Carter Brothers series and is one for those who like crime, gangland, and thrillers.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my e-copy of this book via NetGalley,

An eye for an eye…

Once the top dog, Danny Mckay has walked away from his old gangland life. He’s on the straight and narrow now, looking forward to settling down and living a quiet life.

But trouble seems to follow Danny. And when his own family is caught up in a shocking event, Danny is dragged back into the gangland world, hell-bent on revenge.

Danny’s determined to make someone pay, but the rules are different this time around – old friends are enemies, and Danny doesn’t know who he can trust.

And as Danny gets closer to the truth, he realises that the consequences of his own actions could destroy everything – and everyone – that he loves.
Purchase Link – AMAZON

MY REVIEW

This is the 4th book in this series and it does read well as a standalone as this is the first book I’ve read in this series. I have, however, read other books by this author and she writes some cracking g gangland thrillers.

Danny has been out of the crime and gang lifestyle for several years. He is a legit businessman and wants to remain that way. His daughter is celebrating her 18th birthday when there is a shooting. Due to his past, Danny tho is this may be linked to him. But who, why and what for is what takes some working out.

The author has created another fabulous read and one that definitely drops you into the murky and dangerous world of gangs and crime. Even though Danny has a past that he has put behind him, it still runs in his blood. The author gradually brings his older acquaintances to the fore didn’t and things become tense and full. of suspense. Throughout this story there is never a straightforward answer..people are out for themselves and are trying to keep out of trouble.

I like how the author twists and weaves the character and the storyline. Never knowing who is telling the truth or what their motives keep the suspense up right the way through. Even though the topic is gang crime there is a good amount of loyalty and respect. Having different generations, younger and old school is a great way of showing the different ideals. The impatience is shown and lack of experience is evident as are ideals. While they may not always be legal they certainly make for great reading.

If you are a fan of gangland crime thrillers then this is an author you should keep an eye for. This book is a so fearful twisted read, delving into family loyalties. This isn’t too blood and gutsy but there is some violence. I really enjoyed this one and I would definitely recommend it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kerry Kaya is the hugely popular author of Essex-based gritty gangland thrillers
with strong family dynamics. She grew up on one of the largest council estates in the
UK, where she sets her novels. She also works full-time in a busy maternity
department for the NHS. She has signed a nine-book deal with Boldwood for both
new and backlist titles.

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The Family Business by Alex Kane @AlexKaneWriter @ZooloosBT @HeraBooks #crime #thriller #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to share my review today for The Family Business by Alex Kane. This is a fabulous and gritty crime thriller.

My huge thanks to Zoe at Zooloos Book Tours for my spot on the Blog Tour and for arranging my copy of the book from Hera Books.

Blood’s thicker than water… and they’re not afraid to spill it
Donnie Black. Charming, successful… and utterly terrifying, he rules the Glasgow underworld with an iron fist. Nothing – or no one – will stop him and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty to grow his fortune.
Layla Black. She’s been married to Donnie for twenty years, enjoying the lavish world he has worked hard to create. But behind the perfect image, Layla is crumbling, numbing her pain with alcohol. But Layla doesn’t know the secrets Donnie keeps – and the truth will send her spiralling.


Louise Bellshaw. She’s young, beautiful and innocent. She’s charmed by Donnie’s sweet words and believes she’s found, true love. But Louise doesn’t know her dream man has plans that will turn her life into a nightmare.


As the three collide, no one can predict how family ties will turn to bloodshed. Because you’ll do anything for the ones you love, won’t you?


A dark, twisty and totally gripping thriller set in the heart of Glasgow gangland – fans of Mandasue Heller and Kimberley Chambers won’t be able to put this down

Purchase Links – Amazon UK – US

MY REVIEW

Oh! My! Goodness! What a brilliant one sitting read The Family Business is!

Set in Glasgow and the start of a power struggle between an existing and well-known gang and the new up and coming one. The Blacks rule the roost of the criminal underworld in this city. Brothers Donnie and Steff run the show. Donnie decides to take a different direction and this doesn’t sit well with several of his team and so they splinter.

The thing with The Blacks is that once you are in, you are in for life… however long that may be! So expect repercussions.

There are many characters involved in his story and they are introduced in a manageable way, so it made it easy for me to know who was who pretty quickly. This turned out to be ideal as it isn’t until later that I realised how interconnected various characters are.

Layla is a key character, she is the wife of Donnie. After the death of her sister, her life has spiralled out of control. Louise flies close to the wind as she is flattered by her new boyfriend, then we have characters like Kev, Chud, Tam, Dunny, Susie, Darcie and a few more. All these have a great role to play and not realising how important their role is until later in the story kept me reading.

This is a dark and twisted crime thriller, there is something about the gangs and underworld stories that appeal to me. They are all bad, but for me, in fiction, there are good baddies and bad baddies, and in some cases really evil baddies. This book has them all and the author will keep you guessing as to which category if any they fall into.

As I mentioned earlier, this book was a one-sitting read. It is a gripping story that soon captured my attention and once started I couldn’t leave it for a moment. There is a real dangerous edge to this story and it made for an exciting read. There are some brutal scenes and the author creates such a suspenseful and edge of your seat read.

If you like really edgy, dark, dangerous and twisted crime, thriller stories with hard-hitting storylines then this is one you really need to put on your TBR. It is one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alex Kane is a psychological thriller writer who lives in Glasgow. She is a huge fan of the genre, with her favourite authors in the genre being Lisa Hall, BA Paris and Sarah Stovell. If she is not writing, she can be found playing with her cat, reading, or drinking tea and/or gin (sometimes all of the above).

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