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Making Memories at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash @KimTheBookworm @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #fiction #romance #bookreview

yvonnembee 2 Comments

I have been waiting an age to share my review for this book and today I finally can 🙂 here is my review of Making Memories at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash. This is the 3rd book in the Cornish Cove series and her latest book is another wonderful addition.

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

It’s never too late…

After five husbands and five broken hearts, Lydia feels like she’s always been chasing something. But now she’s found her purpose, and having moved to Driftwood Bay to spend more time with her daughter Meredith, she’s happier than ever.

But there’s still life in these old bones yet! With her newfound sense of identity, she’s keen to re-explore the things that made her happy as a younger person. Lydia’s passion was dancing – she used to compete in her younger years, and there’s no place she’s more at home than on the dancefloor.

So when widower and antiques restorer Martin tells her about a big dance competition, she’s ready and raring to bring more joy into her life. But while making memories with Martin, the more she realises that both of their hearts need restoring too…

MY REVIEW

What another fabulous book in the Cornish Cove series this one is. Returning to some of the characters to catch up with things going on in their lives as well as learning more about them and newer characters is great.

This one focuses on Lydia, she is Meredith’s mum and they have reconnected after many years. There is a past that gradually emerges and it is a chance for pasts to be dealt with. Lydia is enjoying being in her 70s and she is a very capable lady who does not feel old and has plenty of things to look forward to. She is given the chance for some new opportunities and a chance to do something she thought she never would. She has been married before and she is deciding if she needs a relationship or if she is happy in her own company. Living in this community of Driftwood is a way of finding herself if you like.

Along with Lydia and Meredith, we have Clem and his Dad Martin, a new neighbour and the vocal and wonderful Vi. Everyone needs a Vi in their lives, and they probably know someone similar… I am saying nothing about who she occasionally reminds me of! I think this is wonderful about this author’s characters, they feel familiar and that is not just through reading the books in order, but that they do remind you of people you already know in everyday life. I think this is what makes this series so good and for me, it means the balance is right.

With new starts and fresh opportunities, things are going well, but there are some more serious aspects that the author brings in. This does leave a cloud over things and these are dealt with as any of us do in reality. We dwell and overthink and wonder about the what-ifs. Don’t think this means the book is down and moody because it never is, the author knows her characters too well to let them suffer in silence. They do live in a close-knit community after all.

There are some wonderful heartwarming moments in this book and I will admit to a tear or two at some scenes. This is a fabulous book and would work as a stand-alone, but reading in order helps with the continuing stories of what are becoming regulars. One for fans of heartwarming contemporary fiction and romance, with some very humorous moments and great characters. I would definitely recommend this book.

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Last Orders at Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clark @AnneHerries @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #historicalfiction #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today of Last Orders at Mulberry Lane y Rosie Clark. This is the 10th and final book in the series and it is one for those who like historical romance and fiction.

My huge thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the blog tour and for arranging my copy from the publisher Boldwood Books.

MY REVIEW

This is the 10th and final book in the Mulberry Lane series, not bad as it was only due to be a trilogy. I am so glad it lasted longer than the original 3 planned books.

Last Orders at Mulberry Lane is a book that enjoys memories from the past but also about what the future holds for the community in Mulberry Lane. Families have lived, grown up and had children of their own and are welcoming the next generation into the world. As some arrive others pass as is the way of things.

The lanes have been the focus of the story but it is about the community within not just the area. This final book brings the series into the ’60s, and while changes are going on our group does not get caught up in the wilder side of life. They have focus and are either hard studying or have other responsibilities to deal with. That doesn’t mean that they are straight-laced and prudish though.

The book was a goodbye but also it was a way to move on and this for me was done so well. The author could have easily been caught up with the “what was” but also focused on the future and the different options and prospects open to the families and community. Remembering that this was a community that went through the bombing of the war and it brought a special bond and friendship over the years.

This is a book about families and also how things have changed socially. There are new relationships and things for the next generation to look forward to. But for the Mulberry Lane Community, it is a chance to have a final get-together with friends.

If you are a fan of historical romance and fiction then this is a series I would recommend. It has been a wonderful journey and not only would I recommend this book but also the whole series.

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The Bad Boy by Gillian Godden @GGodden @rararesources #crime #gangland @BoldwoodBooks #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for The Bad Boy by Gillian Godden. This is not the first time I have read a book by this author and if you are a fan of family-based gangland thrillers then this is one for you.

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

The Lambrianus are back, and they are badder than ever.

Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Adam Lambrianu understands only too well the fearsome family legacy he’s inherited. He only wants to make his family proud, but as a renowned playboy and bad boy he has a wild and reckless reputation.

Scarlet Lambrianu knows her little brother needs to step up in running the family casino business and empire, but she also worries the old gangland ways don’t interest him anymore. Adam’s sure he can make his own money and build his own legacy in his own unique way.

Desperate to keep Adam in line, old family friend Julie Gold is called in to help. She knows Adam has big plans, but there are rules in their world that must be followed.

But Adam is a Lambrianu and just like his infamous father before him, he knows that if you want to succeed, sometimes rules have to be broken.

MY REVIEW

I like this author’s books and have read a few of them, but I have not seen this series before. This is the 5th book in the series, and it works well as a stand-alone. When I started this book I had not realised it was so far in the series but it worked well. As I was reading I did realise that some things had happened in the past, but there is a character I have come across before; Julie Gold. There is some cross-over that I may have missed, but it doesn’t matter because this book is fabulous.

The Lambrianus Family have their own business and it is run mainly by Scralet but also by her younger brother Adam. He is a ladies’ man, a bruiser, not afraid to get his hands dirty and seems to get away with flashing his blue eyes and exuding charm. Yeah, he is definitely a good baddie! This is where Julie Gold comes in as a friend of the family to try and keep Adam in check and stop him rushing off and causing problems.

He has a new business idea and along with Julie he is in line to make some good profits, but then there is also the other side of his business dealings that have dire consequences. This also brings into play another part of the family.

This is a brilliant book and once I had started it, I read it over the course of a day. It is a gangland crime thriller and does show the dealings the Lambrianus have in the local area and also how they are trying to keep up with changing times. With this being the first time I have read any of this series I was pleased to have been able to keep up with the characters and their relationships within the family group. The author did a great job of adding important details where necessary and I do imagine this is
also great for readers of this series who may need the odd nudge of memory.

There is plenty of action in this story and also a time when you get to see the more family-based side of it. The dynamics are good and the author shows a “human side” to her characters rather than being all business and nothing else.

This is a series that I do wish I had started from at the beginning but reading this book as a stand-alone works amazingly well. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book as it has been left open and I need to know what the family are going to do about the threat that is looming in the future!

This is a gangland thriller and there is a reasonable amount of what you would expect. But this is also more family-based as such, the author shows how Adam is trying to navigate a relationship, how Scarlet is trying to stay the strong businesswoman but how other aspects of her life may be suffering. There is the family in Italy that also needs support and it is all connected and flows so well in the story.

I really enjoyed this book and if you are a fan of gangland family-based crime thrillers then you should look at this book, series and author. It is one I would definitely recommend.

About the Author

My name is Gillian Godden an Indie author and a full time NHS Key worker at a local inner city medical centre in East Hull, East Yorkshire, England. My patients come from all sectors of society and no two days are ever the same. My duty of care is to my patients and during the recent pandemic a lot of frightened and lonely people have relied upon us at the medical centre to offer guidance and support. This year is the 72nd anniversary of the NHS and we do everything we can to support out patients when they need us.

When I come home I like to wind down and writing is my escape from the mental stresses of my day. My job is not a 9 to 5 job and I work to support my patients when they need me so my days can be long.
The medical team at the surgery work together to support all our patients during their time of worry and need.

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A Savage Feud by Heather Atkinson @HeatherAtkinso1 @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #crime #thriller #gangland #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for A Savage Feud by Heather Atkinson. This is a brilliant book and one that fans of gangland crime thrillers should have a look at, this is the 2nd book in the series and I would definitely recommend reading the first book.

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 from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.

In Glasgow’s Haghill, the Savage sisters strike fear into the hearts of their enemies the Alexanders.

Firmly ensconced in the criminal underworld, Carly and Jane Savage, along with girl gang the Unbeatable Bitches, their uncle Eddie and their cousins Dean and Harry, are finally making good money, running dubious errands for the notorious Tallan brothers.

Rod and Neil Tallan wield almighty power over their patch, and their reputation for ruthless revenge on traitors is legendary. The Savage sisters feel invincible until trouble arrives in the form of Jack Alexander. Recently released from notorious hellhole prison, nicknamed Monster Mansion, he’s dangerous, ambitious, and broodingly handsome. Could he persuade the Tallans that the Alexanders are more useful than the Savages?

But as the Alexanders know to their cost, you should never underestimate the Savages, and when their family are under threat, there’s no one more dangerous than a Savage sister…

MY REVIEW

I read Savage Sisters a while ago and loved it, I was eager to get my hands on the next book in the series. A Savage Feud is impressive, action-packed and at times brutal, making it ideal for fans of gangland crime thrillers.

Carly, Jane and Rose Savage are sisters, they live with their ailing father and have recently been reunited with their Uncle Eddie and his sons Dean and Harry. Jane is the leader of a girl gang and works with her cousins and Carly, who work for the Tallan Brothers. The Tallans run debt collecting, own bars, and pubs and are generally the kings of their little empire. They are not to be messed with, but it appears someone is.

There is another family causing waves, the Alexanders, one of which is Carly’s ex, and another who has just got out of prison. The family are getting a bit more cocky and are pushing boundaries. It makes others wonder why this sudden increase in their behaviours and overall manner.

This is fantastic reading and it had me eagerly turning pages. There is a lot of mistrust in this book as you would expect for the subject matter, but this goes deeper than that. There are unseen forces at work and while the characters seem to be getting things worked out something else will happen to throw a curve ball at them.

While this is a story about territory, gangs, affiliations and loyalty, at the heart of it is family. The Savage family protect their own with their all and they definitely live up to their name. Within their community they seem to be well respected, but in other places not so much. As they collect money and do the Tallan’s bidding, there is something that feels off. A gut feeling for them or something that doesn’t quite go as it should makes them edgy. As they have to work they are also aware of how open they are, but they do have friends who will come when called for. But with the mistrust in the air, can they really rely on those they know?

The author has done such a brilliant job with this story, she has shown determination in her characters and you can’t help but like them and loathe the others. The story has a great amount of tension, danger and the odd battle, both physical and battle of wills.

This is one for fans of hard-boiled gangland crime thriller reads. It is loaded with action, set in Glasgow’s Haghill and full of the local vernacular. It is a brilliant story and once again has left me eagerly awaiting the next book! It is one I would definitely recommend, and if you have not read the first book then you really should because it is great as well.

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Justice by Kerry Kaya @KerryKayaWriter @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #crime #thriller #gangland #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Justice by Kerry Kaya. This is the 3rd book in The Tempest series and it is a brilliant book. I would suggest reading this series in order simply because each book is brilliant.

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 from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.

Here comes trouble…

Despite being raised by the notorious Murphy family, Terri Tempest has somehow turned out to be a lovely girl. But when Terri has enough of the abuse from her Uncle Michael, she runs away and takes refuge with Rina and Archie Taylor who own a local pub.

Terri knows she’s a Tempest by blood, but she’s terrified of her half-brothers Ricky and Jamie. Their reputations are even worse than the Murphys.

But when tragedy strikes at the pub, Terri blames herself. She knows there’s only one way to get her revenge and justice and that means joining forces with her brothers and the family firm.

Can Terri prove she is Tempest by name and by nature? Or will she be the Tempests downfall?

Blood will be spilled, but Tempest blood is thicker than most.

MY REVIEW

This is the 3rd book in The Tempest series and we move away from Tracy Tempest and her sons Ricky & Jamie, although they are part of this story, instead, the focus is on Terri. She is a Tempest, but her mother Bianca is a Murphy. Bianca had an affair with Tracy’s husband and Terri was the result. The mUrphy family are not the greatest and Terri’s Uncle Michael doesn’t hold back with his feelings towards her. But, then, neither does Bianca! When she decides that she has had enough she runs away and is taken in by the owners of a pub. Archie and Rina.

This is another explosive book in the series and it was great to see how the main Tempest family were going to react when Terri stepped into the picture. Terri has always been aware of who her family is but she has kept out of the way because they are The Tempests, they are trouble, and they are a strong family who rule their turf with a strong determination.

When another person decides to start making waves things start to change. Terri gets to see another side of people and she also gets to see what she can do. There are other people that are in this story from the previous books and the author does bring up past events to keep you up to speed. I have to say that you would be missing out on some great stories if you decide to read this one as a stand-alone because the previous books are brilliant.

Anyway, I digress… this book sees the family having to make a stand, but who is behind things and why is going to make for some very tense scenes. This author does not hold back, after all these a gangland crime books and so there is a certain amount of bloodshed, violence and anger. Saying that though, the author does get the balance right and goes so far with explanations and then leaves the reader’s head to fill in the gaps!

The character of Terri is fabulous, she is vulnerable but when she finally has something to fight for then watch out. She is a character who has a lot to give and she shows that she can hold her own when it matters and she has found her niche and who she is. This is her story that sees her with nothing and making a stand for the right reasons and it is great to see. I do look forward to seeing what she gets up to next or how she is involved in future books as I know she is going to be a force to be reckoned with.

Another brilliant story in this series, a fast-paced, addictive, gangland thriller through and through and one that I would definitely recommend.

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The Cornish Rebel by Nicola Pryce @NPryce_Author @rararesources @CorvusBooks #Giveaway #histfic #romance #cornwall #bookreview

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I am delighted to share my review today of The Cornish Rebel by Nicola Pryce. I have read nearly all of her books in this series, they are standalone and are set in Cornwall. If you like historical fiction then this is an author you should have a look at.

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

The Cornish Rebel
In the wake of her mother’s death, Pandora Woodville is desperate to escape her domineering father and finally return to Cornwall. Posing as a widow, she safely makes it across the Atlantic, bright with the dream of working at her Aunt Harriet’s school for young women. But as Pandora is soon to learn, the school is facing imminent closure after a series of sinister events threatened its reputation.

Acclaimed chemist Benedict Aubyn has also recently returned to Cornwall, to take up a new role as Turnpike Trust Surveyor. Pandora’s arrival has been a strange one, so she is grateful when he shows her kindness. As news of the school’s ruin spreads around town, everyone seems to be after her aunt’s estate. Now, Pandora and Aunt Harriet must do everything in their power to save the school, or risk losing everything.

However, Pandora has another problem. She’s falling for Benedict. But can she trust him, or is he simply looking after his own interests?
Purchase Links – Amazon UK or US

MY REVIEW

Having read most of the books in this series, I am always delighted to pick up a copy of this author’s new books. Each book can be read as a standalone and each one is a story in its own right. The Cornish Rebel is a fabulous story and one that I read in one sitting, definitely, one I could not put down.

Pandora has returned from the US where she has been living for several years. She had left Cornwall when she was young with her parents and after listening to her mother’s stories she wanted to return. After her mother’s death, she does return and she lands in Falmouth where she is to discover that things are not as her mother had said they would be. Being rebellious, as the title suggests, Pandora starts to use her way of thinking and determination to do what she can to help the failing school she was hoping to teach at.

This is such an addictive story and I found Pandora to be a character who I really liked. Not one for swooning or having ‘turns’ she is determined and at times a bit headstrong when she gets an idea. Living with her Aunt Hetty and the few staff that remain at the house she starts to discover why the school has lost its students.

Also back in Cornwall is Benedict Aubyn, a surveyor who is looking to upgrade the roads. Hoping to make transporting goods easier and trying to insure himself a good income for himself. He seems to be around when needed but this leads to a sense of untrust. Surely he must be up to something.

Once again this author has created a wonderful story and one that is captivating and I adored it. Falmouth is 9 miles from me as the crow flies, but 24 miles by road so the transport is something that was important then as it is now. Weaving this into the struggles of people in 1801 and the grain shortages was wonderful, it showed how people lived, worked and tried to make ends meet. Having lost students of the school, it was a determined Pandora who wanted to return things to how they were. She remembers a time when things were happy and is desperate to return to that.

There is some turmoil in the lives of many of the characters, Pandora has some harsh truths that will rock her. The characters of the story all have fabulous parts to play and this helps to keep the story moving. Including references to historical events and things that are happening in society at the time is great.

This is a story that is just wonderful. If you are a fan of historical fiction, sagas, romance and especially with a Cornish setting then this is an author you should take a look at. A fabulous book from start to finish and one I would definitely recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicola Pryce trained as a nurse at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. She has always loved literature and completed an Open University degree in Humanities. She is a qualified adult literacy support volunteer and lives with her husband in the Blackdown Hills in Somerset. Together they sail the south coast of Cornwall in search of adventure.

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There is a fabulous GIVEAWAY included in this Tour…

Giveaway to Win a The Cornish Rebel Tote Bag and Paperback (Open to UK Only)

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Terms and Conditions â€“UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Judgment by Edie Baylis. This is a fabulous series and if you are a fan of gritty gangland crime thriller then check out this author.

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

Judgement
Samantha Reynold and Seb Stoker are looking forward to the future together. With all the recent trials and tribulations from the past seemingly over, their new life together looks brighter than ever…or does it?
Because unbeknownst to them both, danger is circling….
Marina Devlin wants to destroy her sister Samantha once and for all and will stop at nothing to have her revenge. And judgment day is looming.
In this final encounter…only one can survive.
A gripping new gangland story perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Heather Atkinson and Caz Finlay.
Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

When Sam Reynolds first discovered what her father did for a living, it was an eye-opener to say the least. Not one to shy away, she decided to follow in his footsteps. Along the way, she met Seb Stoker from a rival family. Together they have made themselves an unstoppable force. Over the series, the lives of Sam, Seb, family, friends, acquaintances and enemies have all been wrapped in together. The two of them are well-matched, but things are going to get more tense in this story than they have ever been before.

Family come in all shapes and sizes and with different temperaments and personalities. Marina is not the same as Sam, but she does have ruthlessness to her. Seb has his brothers and even they are going to be stretched to breaking point if they are not careful. Tina is trying her best, Linda still has work to do and Vera is waiting to put things to rest. In case you may have not realised, this book marks “the final encounter” and the author has pulled all the stops out for this book.

She has woven characters and storylines into and around each other. There have been strands and threads left tantalisingly to be pulled together. How this is done for this story is brilliant. It does make it a more complex story compared to some of the other books, but my goodness it is done so well! With so many things being juggled and characters that had to have their say, the author has worked wonders.

This is a gangland thriller and there is a certain sense of loyalty and family is important. Family is something that has been a focus of the story and it is more prominent in this one as everyone is being caught up and being pulled like puppets by other characters. It really is a story that leaves you breathless, well it did me as I was racing through the book to find out what was going to happen.

With gangland crime, you are going to get some brutality at some point. Yes, you get it in this book and it is indeed brutal, but also in keeping with how the characters have developed over the previous books. This is where I am going to say that yes, you really should read this series in order as there are some references that go back to the first book that are finally acknowledged and brought out in the open in the story.

A fabulous book, fabulous series and if you love gangland crime and thriller then I would definitely recommend it.

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 ganglit series, set in Birmingham, was published in January 2022.

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Forever Diamond by Gillian Godden @GGodden @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #crime #thriller #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Forever Diamond by Gillian Godden. I adore this series and each book gets better and better.

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

Patsy Diamond thought she had her life and her business dealings under control…she was wrong.
Because just as Patsy is hoping for calm – chaos erupts, and Patsy is forced to make decisions that could cost her everything.
The only people Patsy can rely on are her inner circle – her family and her close friends. But with danger and threats seemingly lurking around every corner Patsy must take extra care with who she trusts with her secrets.
So when Patsy meets handsome stable hand Phillipe Carreaux, she’s immediately wary. Can she bring Phillipe into her world or is simply too dangerous?
And is Phillipe everything he appears to be?
With her future on the line, Patsy must think smart if she hopes to hold on to her Diamond reign forever…
Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

From being a hairdresser, Patsy Diamond has certainly come a long way. After her husband Nick died she finally discovered just what his business was. Since then she has learned the ropes and gradually built up her own reputation. This book shows a more dangerous side to Patsy and she is enjoying it.

Patsy is a brilliant character and her role as a leader of gangs is one that she has nurtured. She is tough but she is a fair boss and treats everyone who works for her very well. It is their loyalty that she will need when her hair salon is absolutely trashed. She is surprised by how much respect she has built up but she is definitely glad of the help when she decides to start a turf war in London and it is from Glasgow that her forces travel.

She also has a business partnership in France, this one is a priority as she is part of a European gang, it is exclusive and while travelling for a meeting she is involved in an accident. It is by chance that a local sees her and drags her to safety.

This is another fabulous story in the Diamond series and it sees the family becoming more involved and the core of her friends getting involved in more serious and life-threatening exchanges. The battles are bloody and not for the faint-hearted, and there are some surprising outcomes.

The story flits from Glasgow, London and Paris with a lot of drama and danger in between. This is a big story and there are some serious players and the author uses them to great effect. I liked the way she kept some things cagey and didn’t really let on what was what, but there was the idea there. The thing is as a reader you can never be sure which way an author will go, in my opinion, the author chose some very appropriate routes that made sense.

In amongst the violence, bloodshed, torture and murder, there is a romantic streak in this one, and it works really well and it was a plot line that suited the story.

This is a fabulous series and the author has made Patsy Diamond a character to be reckoned with along with Sheila, Maggie, Victoria ad so many others. Great for fans of gangland crime and a series that has an ongoing storyline. Brilliant reading and one I would 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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Evil at Alardyce House by Heather Atkinson @HeatherAtkinso1 @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #historicalfiction #familydrama #gritty #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Evil at Alardyce House by Heather Atkinson. This is an author I like and I have read a few of her gangland, crime thrillers. This latest book is the first in a 4 book series and it is a historical fiction and it’s brilliant.

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

The history of the Alardyce family is fraught with scandal and intrigue.
But after her eldest son Robert leaves the country, finally Amy Alardyce can enjoy some peace. Robert is wanted by the police for some unspeakable crimes, and his family hope he has run far enough and never looks back.
A decade after his disappearance, Robert has forged a successful life for himself, making his fortune from the diamond and gold mines of Africa. But when he sees a death notice in the newspaper, the call to go home to Scotland grows ever louder.
At Alardyce House, there are big changes too, and the fragile peace the family have enjoyed for so long is feeling more fragile than ever. And as the past comes back to haunt Amy and her children, will she have to finally accept that the curse of the Alardcye family can never be outrun…
Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

What a brilliant story this one was. A family split and at odds, a son leaving the country for the good of himself and those he left behind, murder, dark deeds and animosity are just the tip of the iceberg in this historical fiction novel. I have read books by this author before but they are very different to this one, they are gangland crime thrillers, and Evil at Alardyce House does have that thriller and crime edge, but is very far from gangland crime.

Robert had left the family home of Alardyce house under a shadow and is hoping to start life anew in another country where he will be anonymous. While he wants a new start will he also leave behind his old bad habits? He left behind a wife and daughter, siblings and parents. He makes himself a new life and after 12 years he needs to return home.

This is such an addictive read and while it is a historical thriller it also has that crime and thriller edge to it, as well as a darker shadow lurking in the wings. As much as Robert is not altogether honest, I did like his character and using other characters to help cement his bad-boy image works well. Not everyone is as they seem and it soon becomes evident when he does have to return home.

Set in Scotland and South Africa, the author does travel with this story and the settings described are fabulous although the focus is more on the characters. This is a historical fiction story as well as a mystery, but don’t think this is a cosy mystery because it isn’t, the author brings the blood to this one as she does to her others, but it is relevant to the style and the overall feel of the story. After all the title is Evil at Alardyce House!

This story is well-paced and at times runs amok through events, well the characters do! There are quieter contemplative moments but then you suddenly get an explosive emotional outburst, that could be followed by a simmering anger. The emotions of the characters of this book are great and for me, this really helped cement the nature of the story as well as the characters.

If you like a gritty and dark historical fiction story that explores a family that has been split, full of secrets and underhanded thoughts then this is one that will interest you. It is a fabulous book and I adored it a huge amount. It is one I would definitely 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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Revenge by Kerry Kaya @KerryKayaWriter @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #ganglandfiction #crime #thriller #bookreview

yvonnembee

I am delighted to share my review today for Revenge by Kerry Kaya. This is another fabulous read that continues in the Tempest series. Ideal for fans who love 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 via the publisher Boldwood Books.

Revenge
Damage will be done…
After the brutal gangland murder of her husband Terry, Tracey Tempest just wants to move on. She’ll never get over Terry’s betrayal, but she’s determined his shady past won’t spoil life for her and her beloved boys Ricky and Jamie.


Max Hardcastle just wants a quiet life and to maybe see how things go between him and Tracey. He knows she’s been hurt in the past, but he’s nothing like Terry and he’ll do anything to keep Tracey happy and safe.


But some people have other ideas.


When Max’s car garage is torched, he’s certain someone still has a grudge to settle. And when the Tempest boys discover one last secret Terry’s been keeping, the fallout could tear their family apart.
Will the Tempests survive this storm? Or will revenge be their downfall?


Purchase Link – HERE

MY REVIEW

When Tracy Tempest’s husband was killed in a gangland murder, it took her a while to come to terms with just what her husband did for a living. It seems she was the only one who didn’t know just what a devious man he was. Her two sons, Ricky and Jamies, knew and were up to speed with how things had been over the years. Two years later and Tracy is starting to move on, she is in a new relationship with Max Hardcastle, he is no choir boy himself and it seems that someone is out to destroy him and his businesses as well.

This is a brilliant follow on to the previous book, Travy has had to deal with the death of her husband as well as learn some home truths. She is now more aware of the gangs and the lives her sons and new partner are involved in. While she may be aware she is not fully grasp the seriousness of what is to come. Naive, yes she is but loyal and fiercely protective of her sons.

It is great to see another instalment in this series and the author brings you up to speed with some of what happened in the previous book. This one starts with a bang, quite literally as a car dealership goes up in flames, not a simple accidental one either, this one was planned. But who by is the question. Several other gangs are included in this story and they have been mentioned before, but they all have something in common, they cannot be trusted and they will each look out for their own.

This author is brilliant at injecting tension, drama and danger into her novels and this one is no expectation. There are some spectacular twists and scenes that she has worked into this story and it had me on the edge of my seat. I do like the Tempest family and Max, they seem to be the more moral ones in the story, that does not mean they are not brutal or any less dangerous though.

As the story progresses the author brings in other twists and characters, they all have a place in this story but what part they play is not always clear until it needs to be.

If you have not read the previous book I would definitely suggest you do, although it isn’t strictly necessary, it does give a brilliant intro to this family and the events.

This is open for fans who like a hard-boiled, dangerous and toxic gangland crime setting. It is a fabulous book and storyline 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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Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx