#Blogtour Fresh Start by Johnny Worthen

It's an aboslute pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Fresh Start by Johnny Worthen. Published by Flame Tree Press, publication date June 2026. Tour courtesy of Random Things Tours.

About the Author

Johnny Worthen is an award-winning, multiple-genre, tie-dye-wearing author, voyager, and damn fine human being! Trained in literary criticism and cultural studies, he writes upmarket fiction, long and short, mentors others where he can and teaches at the University of Utah. Follow @JohnnyWorthen on X, Visit johnnyworthen.com

About the book

A ship, a gun, and a nice teal robe to find one killer on a planet of criminals: will Qays Mendoza get the answers he is looking for? New novel from the bestse ling author of the Coronam series.

On the edges of mankind’s domain there is a penal planet called Fresh Start where a sentence is at best exile to five generations, but more likely death in its harsh unforgiving wastes. It is to this planet the empire sends the worst of the worst and it is on this planet that Qays Mendoza searches for his old captain.

The galactic empire is falling, civilization contracts. Fresh Start is abandoned. Without oversight, the planet is wild, without guards; the Oubliette, the supermax prison on the supermax planet, lies open, and the Butcher of Raznak, a killer worse than the one Qays seeks, is on the loose.

With the help of a street waif called Patience, Qays seeks answers. His soul is stained with guilt and his spirit broken by complicity. Religion did not have the answer; duty did not explain it. Birthright and station were not enough. His answers lie somewhere on Fresh Start.

Review

First of all - I'm with Wallen. 

I love it when I find a gem of a storyteller and in this case a writer who also has the ability to write a incredibly clever multi-layered story in a science fiction scenario. I really enjoyed this read.

Humans, societies, communities, cults, political groups and civilisations, they eventually always evolve in the same way. Regardless of planet, era or space-time continuum. The same pockets of oppressors, the same religious zealots, the same type of persona who enoy inflicting pain and violence upon others, and of course the people who live in the space between trying to stay alive.

Qays is the very definition of a tortured and conflicted soul. His belief system has been rattled to the core, which is buried beneath a layer of guilt, grief and disbelief. He is on a quest to find answers and perhaps absolution from someone who made a decision that change the projectile their life and his own.

He is a walking contradiction, especially when the going gets tough. His inability to do what needs to be done in certain situations makes him a liability. A danger to himself and others. That broken spirit recognises the correct response, but the mind and body are unable to act upon it. His snarky retorts often enrages or confuses the people he engages with, who can't see it as the protective shield it functions as or rather the way to discourage people from digging any deeper.

What I really enjoyed about this book was the comparisons we can make to current situations, history has a way of repeating patterns, because we learn nothing and humankind is predictable. The other gold nugget is the moral of the decisions made by certain characters. Still with Wallen by the way. Superb read, highly recommend!

Buy Fresh Start at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Flame Tree Press, Publication date June2026. Buy at Amazon com.

#Blogtour The Attic Child by Lola Jaye

It is absolutely a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour The Attic Child by Lola Jaye. It's a fantastic read.

About the Author

Lola Jaye is an author and registered psychotherapist. She was born and raised in London and has lived in Nigeria and the United States. She has a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Psychotherapy and Counselling. She has contributed to the sequel to the bestseller Lean In, penned by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, and has also written for the Huffington Post, CNN, Essence, HuffPost and the BBC.

She is a member of the Black Writers’ Guild and the author of five previous novels. The Attic Child is her first epic historical novel. Follow @LolaJaye on Twitter

About the book

Two children separated by almost a century, bound by a secret…

1907: Twelve-year-old Celestine spends most of his time locked in an attic room of a large house by the sea. Taken from his homeland and treated as an unpaid servant, he dreams of his family in Africa even if, as the years pass, he struggles to remember his mother’s face, and sometimes his real name. 

Almost a century later, Lowra, a young orphan girl born into wealth and privilege, will find herself banished to the same attic. Lying under the floorboards of the room is an old porcelain doll, an unusual beaded claw necklace and, most curiously, a sentence etched on the wall behind an old cupboard, written in an unidentifiable language. Artefacts that will offer her a strange kind of comfort, and lead her to believe that she was not the first child to be imprisoned there . . . 

Review

I'm not sure there is any right way to review this in regards to the white privilege I acknowledge and access, and the frame of reference through which I experienced this read. White guilt is unwanted and white saviourism is a concept created only to sooth the conscience of deep seated roots of colonialism, and the waves of destruction it has caused.

I found the story of Dikembe incredibly sad, and the actions of the man who bought him as a show pony exemplar, are just despicable. It's hard to fathom how people could disassociate themselves with the concept of  humanity in other races, believing themselves superior and virtuous, whilst treating others like commodities. 

Equally I was moved by Lowra's story, but on a different level. The voice of neglect and abuse is one to be heard and remembered. The connection between the two characters is a shared experience of being invisible, forgotten and never good enough. It's that bond and force of nature, the strength of endurance, that creates a strong legacy from the past, present and into the future.

This is definitely going on my best reads of the year list. I loved it. I can't wait to read more by Jaye - what an incredible writer. The way history, white privilege and colonialism is woven silently into the plot. There is no placard with a silent scream of anger, disappointment, sorrow or pain. There is only fact, fate, truth and acknowledgement of guilt. 

This is only one voice of many silent ones, faction and hard reality melded with a creative flair to create this compelling story of displacement, abuse, racism and identity. An excellent read.

Buy The Attic Child at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Published by Pan MacMillan 28th April 2022 | Hardback - £14.99. Buy at Amazon com. Buy at Pan MacMillan.

#BlogTour The Therapist by B. A. Paris

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour The Therapist by B. A. Paris.

About the Author

B A Paris is the internationally bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown, Bring Me Back and The Dilemma. Having sold over a million copies in the UK alone, she is a New York Times bestseller as well as a Sunday Times bestseller. Her books have been translated into 40 languages. Having lived in France for many years, she and her husband recently moved back to the UK. Her fifth novel, The Therapist is out now.

Follow @BAParisAuthor on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon,

About the book 

When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive…

As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating secret about her new home, and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before.

Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbors are keeping secrets and things are not as perfect as they seem…

Review

Alice and Leo are just settling into their new refurbished home, which is in a gated community - it gives them both a sense of security. Leo is a bit cautious about getting to know their neighbours, but Alice is trying hard to get to know them. Everyone seems happy to meet her barring certain people who appear to dislike her intensely for no reason.

She has no idea that she has landed in the middle of a mystery that everyone seems to be involved in. It makes her quite paranoid, but it isn't paranoia when someone is actually out to get you or are they? She becomes obsessed with the woman who lived in her house before her. Alice had a sister called Nina and this woman is called Nina, and Alice obsesses about anyone with the same name. 

Err yeh that bit of the premise wasn't what I would call unrealistic per se, because it would bring back memories and flashbacks, however the way it was delivered was. The dialogue and telling everyone who would listen about the Nina name thing was over the top and superfluous.

I personally didn't think this was as well put together as prior books by Paris. It lacked her usual flair and specific voice. The premise was okay, however it all came together well towards the end. It's a dark domestic thriller that plays upon the issues of trust in a relationship and how a lack of it causes an instability in a relationship, which is combined with a creepy murder mystery.

Buy The Therapist at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher : HQ pub date 15 April 2021. Buy at Amazon com. At Hive.

#BlogTour Darke Matter by Rick Gekoski

 It really is a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Darke Matter by Rick Gekoski, which is an excellent read.

About the Author

Rick Gekoski came from his native America to do a PhD at Oxford, and went on to teach English at the University of Warwick. In 1982, sick of lecturing, he decided to become a full-time rare book dealer, specialising in important twentieth-century first editions and manuscripts. He lives in London and spends time each year in Paris and New Zealand. 

Follow @RGekoski on Twitter, Visit gekoski.com

About the book

James Darke is dreading the first family Christmas without his wife Suzy. Engulfed by grief, his grudging preparations are interrupted by a persistent knock at the door. Questions about the circumstances of his wife’s death force him to confront the outside world and what really happened to her.

Isolated, angry and diminished, James soon faces a crisis both legal and psychological. It will test his resolve and threaten his freedom. Darke Matter is a brilliant, mordant examination of the nature and obligations of love. Both immensely sad and extremely funny

Review

I absolutely adored this read. The style of writing, the voice, the premise and above all the main character. James Darke is true unto himself and others, as no other is. He is unwilling to sway even a little from his idea of what is right, and yet he will acquiesce now and again to the norm demanded by society.

The chapters with Rudy and his grandfather are a testament to the emotions Darke keeps close to his heart and never lets anyone see or experience. He is a man of many words and lets no one in. The death of his wife and his part in it, isn't something he is willing to expose to the gossip hungry world. Moving on and through the grief are a private endeavour until he is confronted with the legal ramifications of his actions.

I loved the way Gekoski created the fabric of the story by sewing a patterned quilt of poetry within the story. The readers imbibe the poetic and literary nuances almost in a secondary matter, because Darke is the kind of character who demands attention throughout the entirety of the book.

As if the above wasn't enough to intrigue, the premise itself is one I feel quite strongly about and think is one of the more important moral, ethical and medical issues of our time. Making the right to die a legal option for those who are suffering and want to end their existence on their own terms. Other countries have moved on from the dark ages, the majority of people in society support euthanasia, unfortunately the medical world still believes the individual is incapable of making such a definitive decision.

I can honestly say this author is one I will be returning to if this is an indication of the brilliance he is capable of. He walks that contentious line well, the line many authors are unable to balance successfully - the line between literary intellect and trying to outsmart readers with a sense of their own self importance and said intellect.

It's a wonderfully smart, insightful, moving and simultaneously dry and factual read with the kind of main character you can't help but adore just a tad - even when he is being a bit of an elitist snob and crotchety old man.

Buy Darke Matter at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher : Constable pub date 14 May 2020 - hardback £16.99/eBook. Buy at Amazon com. At Hive.

#BlogTour Dreaming Under an Island Skye by Lisa Hobman

 

It's my turn on the BlogTour Dreaming Under an Island Skye by Lisa Hobman.

About the Author

Lisa Hobman has written many brilliantly reviewed women’s fiction titles - the first of which was shortlisted by the RNA for their debut novel award. In 2012 Lisa relocated her family from Yorkshire to a village in Scotland and this beautiful  backdrop now inspires her uplifting and romantic stories. Sign up to Lisa Hobman's newsletter

Follow @LisaJHobmanAuth on Twitter, on Facebook, on Instagram, Visit lisajhobman.com,

Buy Dreaming Under an Island Skye

About the book

Is there really such a thing as a second shot at true love? After three wonderful years of marriage, librarian Juliette Fairhurst’s heart is shattered when her husband, Laurie, is taken from her much too soon.

Devasted, Juliette decides to take a sabbatical and reconnect with her mother’s birthplace, the village of Glentorrin on the picturesque Isle of Skye.

Welcomed by most of the villagers, Juliette throws herself into an idyllic community life, taking on the role of temporary summer guardian at The Lifeboat House Museum; a role that offers her the perfect escape from the tragedy of her real life.

During her time on the island, Juliette clashes with brooding single dad and artist, Reid Mackinnon and is befriended by his son Evin and dog Chewie. It’s clear that divorced Reid is struggling and scarred by his own painful experiences.

Can these two lost souls find a lifeline to rescue each other? Or will their pasts scupper their second chance at real happiness?

Review

The story begins with Juliette's dreams coming true only to be shattered soon after. In an effort to try and find some semblance of happiness or peace after a tragedy that has left her frozen in time, she decides to spend some time in her mother's birthplace, which is the beginning of a brave new Juliette.

The first encounter with Reid, a single father recovering from the kind of divorce that leaves devastation in its wake, is a bit like embracing a cactus. The two of them are reluctant to engage with each other in any way other than on different ends of a barge pole. It's frosty, despite the beautiful surroundings. 

Hobman draws upon the perfect imperfection of life and the way some paths are marred by tragedy whilst others live in blissful ignorance of the same. It's not unusual for two people stricken by mishaps, grief and trauma to happen upon and connect with each other. I think this storyline will resonate with readers because it has one foot grounded very firmly in reality.

It's a tale of pain and grief, but also one of courage and perseverance. A message about not giving up even when things seem impossibly dark - you just never know when another door will open up.

Buy Dreaming Under an Island Skye at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Boldwood Books pub date 23 Feb. 2021. Buy at Amazon com. Hive. Waterstones.

#BlogTour The Archers: Ambridge at War by Catherine Miller

Today it's has been a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Ambridge at War by Catherine Miller. Ambridge at War is fully authorised by BBC Radio 4, and Catherine Miller, has had exclusive access to the world of The Archers, to create a compelling and faithful novel about what might have happened.

In this wonderful new novel celebrating the 70th anniversary of the beloved radio show, follow the lives of the families of Ambridge before it all began…

About the Author

Catherine Miller is the author of 18 novels under her own name and other pseudonyms. Born to an Irish family in London, her career took her from producing radio commercials to being a voiceover agent for various stellar actors. Nowadays she writes all day at home in Surrey, occasionally lifting her head to raise her daughter and feed the dogs. She writes fiction by day and listens to the Archers by night.

Follow Catherine on Goodreads, on Amazon, Buy The Archers: Ambridge at War

Jeremy Howe, editor of The Archers, has worked closely on Ambridge at War, providing crucial behind-the-scenes insights into the nations favourite radio drama.

About the book

It’s 1940 and war has broken out. It is midnight at the turn of the year, and Walter Gabriel speaks the same line that opened the very first radio episode – 'And a Happy New Year to you all!' For Ambridge, a village in the heart of the English countryside, this year will bring change in ways no one was expecting.

From the Pargetters at Lower Loxley to the loving, hard-working Archer family at Brookfield Farm, the war will be hard for all of them. And the New Year brings the arrival of evacuees to Ambridge, shaking things up in the close-knit rural community.

As the villagers embrace wartime spirit, the families that listeners have known and loved for generations face an uphill battle to keep their secrets hidden. Especially as someone is intent on revealing those secrets to the whole village . . .

BBC Radio 4’s The Archers has aired over 19,000 episodes since the first pilot in 1951, and has nearly 5 million regular listeners. In the quarter October – December 2019 it was also the most popular on demand radio programme on BBC Sounds.

Review

The Archers might not be something the younger generations will recognise, although they may have heard their grandmothers or parents talk about this infamous long-running radio show and audio soap opera of its day. It has a solid loyal audience.

Listening to the radio seems to be a little bit of a lost art. I mean really listen to a story or something like the fictional world of The Archers, as opposed to songs, ads and just for the popular breakfast DJ. One of my guilty pleasures as a child was listening to The Whistler late at night, both shows are precursors to the modern audiobook. 

If you have never listened to an episode of The Archers before then perhaps this delightful book can be seen as an open invitation to join them. Even with no prior knowledge it's a read steeped in delightfully quirky and eccentric rural village life. Everyone knows everyone else's business, and yet there always seems to be a secret or two. In a world that is once more dealing with the frustration, pain and destruction of war a little semblance of normality, even the village kind, can bring people closer together.

I shall end this review with the highest praise for Catherine Miller for being able to immerse herself so completely in the fictional world that has been listened to by so many since the 1950s and being able to to give readers the Archers we know so well, in this story set before that radio time period. The Archers before we came to love and expect to hear their voices - a prequel to the 19000 strong episode story. She has absolutely captured the world of The Archers accurately.

Buy The Archers Ambridge at War at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher : Simon & Schuster UK pub date 29 Oct. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour Sun, Sea and Sangria by Victoria Cooke

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Sun, Sea and Sangria by Victoria Cooke.

About the Author
Victoria Cooke grew up in the city of Manchester before crossing the Pennines in pursuit of her career in education. She now lives in Huddersfield with her husband and two young daughters. When she’s not at home writing by the fire with a cup of coffee in hand, she loves working out in the gym and travelling. Victoria has always had a passion for reading and writing, undertaking several writers’ courses before completing her first novel in 2016.

Follow @VictoriaCooke10 on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, on Facebook, on Instagram, Visit victoria-cooke.com, Buy Sun, Sea and Sangria

About the book
Escape to the palm-fringed beaches of the Canary Islands and wash your worries away.
Kat swore off dating many years ago, after her marriage ended in a catastrophic mess. Having moved to the Canary Islands for a fresh start, she has never had much time for romance, channelling all her energy into managing all-male dance troupe – the Heavenly Hunks.

With golden beaches, sparkling blue water and relaxing after work with a glass of sangria – or three – for Kat, it’s summer all year round. But despite life being postcard perfect, Kat can’t help but wonder if she is missing out on the most important thing of all… love.

The dancers are all well-known for their flirtatious antics and aren’t looking for anything serious… except Jay. Sitting by the pool, watching the sun reflecting in the water, Kat feels like she can tell him anything.

Handsome, caring and a good listener, he ignites a fire in Kat’s heart that scares her witless. But her relationship with Jay should stay strictly professional… right? There is absolutely no way that she can be his boss and his date. As the temperature rises, will Kat be able to take the plunge, let go of her past and find romance in paradise?

Review
Kat is the manager of a top-class sweaty, groin thrusting male stripper act. They know how to whip up the crowds of screaming women, and a few men who are there to enjoy the view. The Heavenly Hunks are building a reputation of the kind of act that is tough to follow and a surefire way to keep your audience entertained.

Kat doesn't partake in the pleasures on offer. Instead her team members are also her friends - people she cares about. Until Jay turns up she doesn't even consider crossing the line of professionalism. Simultaneously her friends think it is time she put her past and mistrust behind her and started dating again.

It's a feel good romcom and the kind of escapism that will have readers wanting their own portion of sun, sea and plenty of sangria. Oh and perhaps a wee bit of grinding and knicker-tossing male stripper escapades.

Cooke keeps it fun and light, despite the seriousness of Kat's past. It's very much a story of friendship, women in business and the way love often seeps in to your life when you least expect it, but perhaps when you need it the most.

Buy Sun, Sea and Sangria at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ Digital; pub date 10 Jun. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of It Started With a Note by Victoria Cooke.

#BlogTour Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls by Rosie Clarke

Today it's Publication Day for Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls by Rosie Clarke and also my turn on the BlogTour.

About the Author
Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose most recent books include The Mulberry Lane series.  She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms ( Linda Sole also writes as Cathy Sharp, Anne Herries and Rosie Clarke) and is a RNA Award winner.  She lives in Cambridgeshire. Click here to sign up to Rosie Clarke's newsletter

Follow @AnneHerries on Twitter, on Bookbub, on Amazon, on Goodreads,Visit rosieclarke.co.uk, Buy Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls

About the book
Hard times ahead for the Harpers girls...
It is two years since Harpers opened in Oxford Street and Ben is planning to expand the premises.

Life is good for Sally and Ben as they look forward to their first child and hope for a prosperous future. Beth is settling into married life with Jack, gradually recovering from her aunt’s tragic death, though still unable to conceive a child.

New girls have joined Harpers and Marion, Janice and Becky all become a part of the daily life at the busy store. Rachel is undecided whether to marry a man she isn’t sure she can trust, while Minnie meets an old love.

The sun is shining in English streets but on the horizon dark clouds gather over Europe and war looms threatening to bring rainy days for the Harpers girls…

Review

This is the third book in the Welcome to Harpers Emporium series. All of these can be read as standalone books, although I would suggest reading the others so you can get to know the characters and their stories.

Sally and Ben are looking forward to the next step in their lives - welcoming their first child. Sally struggles with her body restricting the way she goes about her usual duties. Not being in charge all the time and hands-on is something she finds hard to come to terms with, perhaps also with the fact she is unable to keep up with the trouble others may be having.

Both the new women and the characters already known to us will soon be facing incredible changes as certain events have repercussions that will inevitably change life for everyone. Women will step into roles hitherto forbidden to them as families and couples are ripped apart in the name of honour and country.

It's historical fiction - a saga of courageous women trying to overcome their own challenges - sometimes alone, but more often with the help of their friends.

There are plenty of characters, perhaps too many with their own storylines, because it sometimes felt a little disjointed. The main characters are swallowed up a little by all the directions the reader is pulled in.

Aside from that it is a read that combines realism with escapism and relatable characters. It is also very much a story of sisterhood and women supporting each other, which is always a great message - in fiction and real life.

Buy Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Boldwood Books; pub date 2 Jun. 2020. Buy at Amazon com. Buy at Boldwood Books.

#BlogTour Camelot by Giles Kristian

Today I am really excited to take part in the BlogTour bring you the second book in The Arthurian Tales series, Camelot by Giles Kristian.

'Following his acclaimed Sunday Times bestseller, Lancelot, Giles Kristian’s new novel returns us to the realms of Arthurian legend . . .' Oh yes indeed!

About the Author
Family history (he is half Norwegian) and a passion for the fiction of Bernard Cornwell inspired Giles Kristian to write. Set in the Viking world, his bestselling Raven and The Rise of Sigurd trilogies have been acclaimed by his peers, reviewers and readers alike. In The Bleeding Land and Brothers’ Fury, he tells the story of a family torn apart by the English Civil War. He also co-wrote Wilbur Smith’s No.1 bestseller, Golden Lion.

In his most recent novel, the Sunday Times bestseller Lancelot, Giles plunged into the rich waters of the Arthurian legend. For his next book, he continues his epic reimagining of our greatest island ‘history’. Giles Kristian lives in Leicestershire.

Follow @GilesKristian on Twitter, on Facebook, on Instagram, on Goodreads,Visit gileskristian.com, Buy Camelot

About the book
Britain is a land riven by anarchy, slaughter, famine, filth and darkness. Its armies are destroyed, its heroes dead, or missing. Arthur and Lancelot fell in the last great battle and Merlin has not been seen these past ten years. Now, the Saxons are gathering again, their warbands stalk the land, their king seeks dominion.

As for the lords and kings of Britain, they look only to their own survival and will not unite as they once did under Arthur and his legendary sword Excalibur. But in an isolated monastery in the marshes of Avalon, a novice of the order is preparing to take his vows when the life he has known is suddenly turned upside down in a welter of blood.

Two strangers - the wild-spirited, Saxon-killing Iselle and the ageing warrior Gawain - will pluck the young man from the wreckage of his simple existence. Together, they will seek the last druid and the cauldron of a god. And the young man must come to terms with his legacy and fate as the son of the most celebrated yet most infamous of Arthur’s warriors: Lancelot.

For this is the story of Galahad, Lancelot’s son – the reluctant warrior who dared to keep the dream
of Camelot alive . . .

Review
I will have to try and be careful with this one there are just too many juicy plot secrets that would spoil the read for others. Let me try and declare how much I love this book without telling you exactly why.

Let me start by saying that the first in The Arthurian Tales series, Lancelot, is a hard act to follow - even for the author who wrote it. If you haven't read it yet then please do, you are missing out on a superb read. Camelot is a continuation of the tale of Lancelot, Arthur and Guinevere or rather of the people left behind after the last great battle saw the demise of the destructive trio.

In an isolated monastery in the middle of the mysterious marshes of Avalon lives a young man who lives in the shadow of his father's past. He is reluctant to part from his path towards the life of a monk until an old warrior, and the young woman who saves his life, convince him that perhaps his path is something completely different.

Together with the remnants of Arthur's loyal comrades they set out on an impossible quest, to restore the power and balance to their country, and their friend. Vague enough for you? Good, because I wouldn't want you to miss out on the surprises packed into this brilliant story.

Kristian writes about the world of King Arthur as if he were a constant companion in their trials and tribulations, that's how vivid and realistic his storytelling is. He understands how folklore, myth and history need to become one and the same to fuel the depth of the characters and story.

Both Lancelot and Camelot are an homage to ancient legends whispered and carried along the centuries. Tales of loyalty, courage and magic all fiercely ingrained in the spirit of the isles. Kristian is a pleasure to read - his stories are such a completely immersive experience.

Buy Camelot at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Bantam Press - Transworld Digital; pub date 14th May 2020 | Hardback | £12.99. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of Lancelot by Giles Kristian.

#BlogTour Worth Fighting For by Lasairiona E. McMaster

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Worth Fighting For by Lasairiona E. McMaster.

About the Author
Lasairiona McMaster grew up dreaming of an exciting life abroad, and, after graduating from Queens University, Belfast, that is exactly what she did - with her then-boyfriend, now husband of almost ten years. Having recently repatriated to Northern Ireland after a decade abroad spanned over two countries (seven and a half years in America and eighteen months in India), she now finds herself 'home', with itchy feet and dreams of her next expatriation.

With a penchant for both travelling, and writing, she started a blog during her first relocation to Houston, Texas and, since repatriating to Northern Ireland, has decided to do as everyone has been telling her to do for years, and finally pen a book (or two) and get published while she tries to adjust to the people and place she left ten years ago, where nothing looks the same as it did when she left.

Follow Lasairiona @QueenofFireLas on Twitter, on Facebook, on Instagram, on Goodreads, Visit lasandcolgotexan.com, Buy Worth Fighting For

About the book
Relationships are complicated. Long distance ones, even more so. When AJ Williams met Lisa Millar online through mutual friends, he wasn’t prepared to fall in love with the woman of his dreams. In a heart-wrenching story of love attempting to transcend miles, AJ finds himself married, fighting a battle against his Bipolar Disorder and on the wrong side of the Atlantic from the woman he truly loves. Will their love conquer all? Or will the intricacies of a relationship woven across the Atlantic be too much to take and tear them apart once and for all?

Review
There are three main characters in this story. AJ, his internal dialogue and Lisa. Keeping the majority of his emotions hidden deep inside, which leads to a constant state of uncertainty and insecurity. Combined with his bipolar diagnosis, lack of honesty in his relationship and the stress of a long distance romance - it's a recipe for confusion and instability.

AJ fears the repercussions of being completely honest with Lisa. He doesn't want to be rejected for something society has taught him to be ashamed of. Then the pressure of trying to have a relationship, whilst both are in living two different places, it puts a strain on things.

It's a contemporary read about men with mental health issues and the way they in particular are viewed by society.There is still so much stigma attached to mental health and a general lack of understanding. It's seen as a weakness where men are concerned, whereas women have been living under the umbrella of 'hysteria and women's ailments' for many years.

After you've finished this story take a moment and read the Author's Note. Those three pages are a true testament to what McMaster wants to share with her readers. Sincere words, humbling statistics and an acknowledgement of the silent, and yet glaringly obvious tragedy happening around us. Society still hasn't quite got the grasp on understanding mental health, supporting those with mental health issues and finding sufficient funding to do so.

I would like to see greater depth, especially considering the inspiration. Deeper and darker, because that is the reality.

Buy Worth Fighting For Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Drama Llama Publishing; pub date 28 Mar. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my reviews of  Bloom Where You're Planted and Game Changer by Lasairiona E. McMaster.

#BlogTour Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa

It's an absolute pleasure to take part in the BlogTour for the last part of the Shadow of the Fox series, Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa.

About the Author
Julie Kagawa, the New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Fey, Blood of Eden, Talon, and Shadow of the Fox series was born in Sacramento, California. But nothing exciting really happened to her there. So, at the age of nine she and her family moved to Hawaii, which she soon discovered was inhabited by large carnivorous insects, colonies of house geckos, and frequent hurricanes. She spent much of her time in the ocean, when she wasn’t getting chased out of it by reef sharks, jellyfish, and the odd eel.

When not swimming for her life, Julie immersed herself in books, often to the chagrin of her schoolteachers, who would find she hid novels behind her Math textbooks during class. Her love of reading led her to pen some very dark and gruesome stories, complete with colored illustrations, to shock her hapless teachers. The gory tales faded with time, but the passion for writing remained, long after she graduated and was supposed to get a real job.

To pay the rent, Julie worked in different bookstores over the years, but discovered the managers frowned upon her reading the books she was supposed to be shelving. So she turned to her other passion: training animals. She worked as a professional dogtrainer for several years, dodging Chihuahua bites and overly enthusiastic Labradors, until her first book sold and she stopped training to write full time.

Julie now lives in North Carolina with her husband, two obnoxious cats, and a pair of Australian Shepherds that have more Instagram followers than she does.

Follow @Jkagawa on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Visit juliekagawa.com, Buy Night of the Dragon

About the book
All is lost - In a desperate last-chance attempt to stop the Master of Demons from calling upon the Great Kami dragon and making the wish that will plunge the empire into darkness and destruction - Yumeko and her ragtag band of companions must journey to the wild cliffs of Iwagoto.

But even with their combined skills and powers, this most unlikely team of heroes knows the forces of evil may be impossible to overcome.

And now there is another layer in the battle, a player who has been watching and waiting for the right moment, that no one even realised existed...until now.

As darkness rises and chaos reigns, a fierce kitsune and her shadowy protector must face down the greatest evil of all in the epic conclusion to the Shadow of the Fox trilogy.

Review
This is by far the best series of books Kagawa has ever written. The last few chapters are simply superb and bring this absolutely riveting story to a stunning conclusion.

Although this is YA fantasy it is as intricate and as complex as the majority of high fantasy I have read. When it comes to fantasy I think there should be an extra sub-genre for the more complex body of work that comes under the young adult category.

This book begins where Soul of the Sword left off, the dragon scrolls in the hands of the Master of Demons, who is on his way to set everything in motion to receive the Wish, with destruction and death left in his wake.

Yumeko, the kitsune, has helped Kage Tatsumi regain a decent level of control of his body, despite the demon Hakaimono living inside him. It's almost as if the demon lets Tatsumi use his power where needed, which is completely unlike the true nature of the powerful demon.

The merry band of fighters, the ragtag group of unlikely friends - and they have become friends after everything they have been through - are determined to stop the opening of the floodgates. Power corrupts and corrodes the soul.

It's young adult fantasy - a complex myth and culture driven story with extraordinary world-building.
Kagawa is a spectacular writer. This is hardcore evidence of how talented and creative she is, and although plenty of her readers will know how good some of her previous books/serious are, with the Shadow of the Fox series she steps it up a notch.

Without going into too much detail, the last few chapters are powerful, heartbreaking, vicious and ultimately they also heal. It's a read I highly recommend.

Buy Night of the Dragon at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ Young Adult; pub date 2 April 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of Soul of the Sword (Shadow of the Fox #2) by Julie Kagawa.

#BlogTour Cloth of Grace by Rachel J. Bonner

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Cloth of Grace by Rachel J. Bonner. It's the fourth and final book in the Choices and Consequences series.

Giveaway to Win a complete, signed Choices and Consequences series and matching bookmarks (Open INT) - Prize includes signed copies of Strand of Faith, Thread of Hope, Weave of Love and Cloth of Grace.

About the Author
Rachel J Bonner is the author of the compelling and enthralling four book Choices and Consequences series.  The first book in the series, Strand of Faith, was published in November 2018. Book 2, Thread of Hope, released on 2nd May 2019, followed by Weave of Love on 24th October. The story concludes with Cloth of Grace, released on 29th February 2020.

Rachel has a degree in engineering, which she followed with a career in accountancy which is probably not a conventional path to becoming an author, particularly in fantasy or romance.  Rachel says that, although accountancy isn’t anything like as boring as everyone thinks, writing is a lot more fun.  When not writing, she can be found walking in the beautiful countryside near where she lives, which has influenced much of the scenery in her books, or shooting things with her local archery club.  Shooting targets only, honest.  Nothing to worry about. (Okay, sometimes we shoot Polo mints. Or cabbages. Still nothing to worry about.)

She also enjoys swimming, eating chocolate chip cookies and growing aromatic herbs, especially thyme and rosemary.  It’s no coincidence that her heroine likes the same things.You can find out more about her books and sign up for Rachel’s newsletters at www.racheljbonner.co.uk. Newsletter subscription link  https://www.subscribepage.com/webpage

Follow @racheljbonner1 on Twitter, on Facebook, Amazon, Goodreads, Buy Cloth of Grace

About the book - Choices and Consequences Book 4
When the fate of the world rests on your shoulders, how do you choose between what you ought to do and the only thing you really want?

Leonie finally knows who she is. But now she needs to decide who she is going to be. Her choice will affect not just her family, not just those she knows, but tens, hundreds of thousands, millions of people that she doesn’t. And every path that’s open to her will put Perry under the pressures that caused his breakdown before. How can she do what she must and still protect Perry?

Perry desperately wants to make things easier for Leonie. Somehow he has to find the strength to face the things that all but destroyed him in the past. But every way he turns, some aspect of his past lies waiting to pounce – even during his happiest moments. And he can never forget that Leonie’s life is in danger from someone, somewhere.

Gabriel has managed to negotiate peace, at least in theory. Now he must put that into practice and reunite Leonie with the family she never knew she had. Then disaster strikes right in the middle of his own sanctuary. Can he still protect those he loves, or has he been harbouring a villain the whole time?

Review
This is the fourth book in the Choices and Consequences series, personally I think you need to read the other books to get the full gist of the series. Some of them can be read as standalone, but I think this one needs a little prior knowledge.

The author herself describes this as having elements of paranormal and mystery, fantasy, faith and romance. It certainly is a combo of genres. This fourth part of the series is lot calmer and the characters spend a lot of time reflecting on the past.

That's not to say that there isn't any action, because there is always plenty of action and trouble when it comes to Leonie.

If you have read the previous books then you will recognise the moments Leonie and Perry ponder on, as they realise where their paths have crossed and decisions have influenced the both of them. As many are wont to do, the 'what if and if only I had known' scenarios are thrown out into the universe, but the truth is we can't predict the future and sometimes things happen for a reason.

It's paranormal fantasy with romance and faith at the core. In fact the spiritual aspect of the book becomes stronger as the story proceeds, especially the last few chapters. I think bringing it all back to the good Lord kind of contradicts the paranormal aspect of it and when it comes to the moral of the story faith isn't a necessity, but that is just a personal preference.

Buy Cloth of Grace at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Isbin Books; pub date 29 Feb. 2020. Buy at Amazon com. Buy at Books2read.
Read my review of Thread of Hope by Rachel J Bonner

Giveaway to Win a complete, signed Choices and Consequences series and matching bookmarks (Open INT) - Prize includes signed copies of Strand of Faith, Thread of Hope, Weave of Love and Cloth of Grace.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide 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.

#BlogTour For Love or Money by Clodagh Murphy

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour For Love or Money by Clodagh Murphy.

About the Author
Clodagh Murphy lives in Dublin, Ireland and writes funny, sexy romantic comedies. She always dreamed of being a novelist, and after more jobs than she cares to (or can) remember, she now writes full-time. For more information about her books or to sign up to her newsletter, visit her website at http://clodaghmurphy.com/.

Follow @ClodaghMMurphy on Twitter, on Facebook, on Bookbub, on Instagram, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Buy For Love or Money

About the book
Lesley has always fancied herself as an amateur sleuth, a sort of modern day Miss Marple without the support stockings.

So when Al wants to hire her to investigate his elderly uncle's young fiancée, she jumps at the chance. It doesn't hurt that the job will involve posing as Al's girlfriend and joining his glitzy, star-studded family on holiday in Nice.

Stella still can't quite believe she's engaged to legendary actor Sir Peter Bradshaw. She accepted what she thought was a deathbed proposal. Now she has a living, breathing fiancé and a wedding to plan.

First, though, she has to get through a holiday in the South of France with Peter's extended family, who all seem convinced she's a gold-digger with her sights set on the family fortune.

As Lesley bonds with Stella over shopping trips and bottles of rosé, she thinks she has it all figured out. After all, it's no great mystery why a young woman would marry a fabulously wealthy seventy-two-year-old with a heart condition, is it? It's an old story.

And Al may be the nicest boyfriend she's ever had (even if he is fake), but Lesley believes in instant attraction and there's just no spark ... no matter how fit he looks in his swimming trunks. So there's no chance he's going to grow on her.

But people have a way of surprising you, as she's about to discover ...

Review
You can say it's a comedy, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be funny, well in this case it is. The snarky humour combined with the rather reluctant amateur sleuthing duo absolutely make this read.

Lesley often says what is on the tip of her tongue, which is how she ends up declaring herself a private detective in the middle of a singles mixer. Nothing could be further from the truth, but that doesn't stop her from embellishing on her business adventures and covert operations.

Her slightly fantastical approach to the truth attracts the attention of one of the gentlemen, who returns at a later date to hire the definitely not-a-detective as a detective. Al wants her to help him discover whether his uncle's fiance is legit or a gold-digger.

Lesley isn't quite sure what his motive is. Does he want to get to know her better? Is this some kind of strange way of getting her attention? Either way she is up for it, because the fake job comes with some really good plus points. Celebrity family members, lush expensive holidays, and of course Al isn't all that bad.

It's a rom-com filled with snarky humour and a memorable, if somewhat reluctant, sleuthing duo. Murphy knows exactly how to balance the eccentricity of her main character with the flow of the plot, whilst slipping in the occasional comical moments.

Buy For Love or Money at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Balally Books; pub date 26 Jan. 2020. Buy at Amazon. Buy at Apple Barnes&Noble Kobo