January 10, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Summer in Rye (novella) by Lucy Oliver

Summer in Rye

Book blurb: A tragedy brought Eva Brookwell and Samuel Shaw back into each other’s lives. But will lies from the past destroy their chances of a future?

Left penniless after the death of her philandering father, Eva Brookwell takes a job as a governess at Rye Hall, but didn’t expect to find her young charges scarred and blinded from smallpox. Rye Hall is an unhappy house with a tyrannical master and Eva is forced to turn to her pupils’ uncle, Samuel Shaw for help.

Eva and Samuel had once been engaged, until his lies drove them apart. Still in love with him, Eva knows she could never trust him again; however he is her only ally in the dark and disturbed household she now lives in.

Absolutely gripping, high intensity and powerful novella! It will certainly steam up your cold January evening!

Summer in Rye is an exceptionally captivating historical love story, with truly good, strong characters that instantly draw the reader in. It has a hot and steamy moment, with the ongoing tension that Eva is feeling for all of the right AND wrong reasons. This intensity continues through the whole story as Eva battles her feelings for Samuel against her fear of the future turning out the only way she can possibly see it to be.

It must be quite tragic and embarrassing for Eva, coming from a well-to-do family, having to work as a governess for a family that are already only too aware of her downfall. However, Eva is a strong woman and holds her head high. Although not made to feel too welcome by Lady Florence Shaw (Samuel’s sister-in-law), after meeting the children she feels compelled to ensure their wellbeing and make a living to support her mother and sister.

For this novella, Lucy Oliver has packed a great deal of emotion and described the relationship that Eva has with each character really well. There are only a few characters but the reader is provided with a great idea of who they are and what they care most for. Eva clearly has to decide on her feelings for Samuel, try to maintain a civil relationship with Florence and also be aware of the intentions of Edward, Samuel’s brother, towards her.

Eva’s feelings for Samuel may only be explored in one moment. It is very erotic and sensual, with the reader believing that this will be the only time these two greatly matched people will ever be as one. Eva finds it difficult to follow her heart entirely and decides to have what she can, while she can – without the risk that she may someday marry Samuel, for him to gallivant with mistresses and push her aside just as her father did to her mother.

Despite of all the doubts that Eva has regarding Samuel’s love, it is pretty obvious to the reader that he thinks fondly of her from the first time the reader is acquainted with him. It isn’t too long before we realise that Samuel loves everything there is to love about Eva. As a reader, I longed to strongly urge Eva to just go and be with him. He is hers, completely. The feelings that these two characters have are overwhelmingly strong. And I love that Eva keeps him at arms length mostly and considers her family. She is using her mind but instinct should surely show her to follow her heart on this occasion.

The story’s novella length is perfect as the story continues at a steady pace with every intensity and passion you can imagine. There is certainly no opportunity for the mind to wander anywhere else. Lucy Oliver’s writing style is quite direct and easy to follow, at a good pace and leaves the reader intrigued with the characters and how they feel for each other.

There is no reason why Summer in Rye couldn’t be a Top Seller. I would certainly like to read more of Lucy Oliver’s work in the future.

I think one conclusion I can draw from this is for all those doubtful ones amongst us to go and grab the bull by it’s horns. Go grab your man, girls, before you miss that chance. Sometimes it is good to follow your heart, especially when it is being heard by another!

A copy of Summer in Rye was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Summer in Rye is available on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

January 9, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Update by Caroline

Hi readers, I hope it has been a fantastic start of the New Year for you. I can’t believe that October last year A Reader’s Review Blog had it’s first birthday and on 15th January our Facebook page will also turn 1! It has been an exciting journey for Tina and myself having fun reading, reviewing and socialising with many of our followers, readers and authors alike. We would also like to say a huge ‘Thank you’ to author, Samantha Holt, who has recently held a fantastic giveaway on her site and shown her appreciation by spreading the word of bloggers she has been working with. Due to this we have noticed a great deal of traffic come our way (via Facebook, Twitter and our blog) and would like to welcome every one of you who have visited us on this amazing journey through books!

If you haven’t already you can check out our Top Reads of 2013 below:-

Caroline’s Top Reads for 2013 Tina’s Top Reads for 2013

This week, on Wednesday 15th January, I am happy to say will be Tim O’Rourke’s first paperback release from major publishing house Little Brown/Piatkus with Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter #1). To celebrate this release we will be hosting a main feature over the following days, including the book blurb, our review and a GIVEAWAY of a signed paperback! We wish Tim every success 🙂

And so, below you will find the journey that Tina and myself have been on over the last month with reviews we have written, followed by a small selection of books we will be reviewing in the very near future. As our current reading lists are lengthy we will be posting a separate list with our current ‘to-reads’ on. As always, I am sure that there will be something for everyone! (Please click on titles to read our reviews.)

Pastels & Jingle Bells (a Heavenly Bites novella) by Christine S. Feldman (reviewed by Caroline)

Trish Ackerly never expected to cross paths with Ian Rafferty again, but when she spots the former bully of her childhood years through her bakery window, she thinks she may just have been given the best Christmas gift ever: the opportunity to finally give Ian the comeuppance he deserves.

But clearly she does not have a knack for this whole revenge thing, because before she can make good on her plans, Trish gets inadvertently drawn into Ian’s life in an unexpected way that lets her see just how different the man is from the boy he used to be. In fact, much to her astonishment, she actually starts to like the guy.

A lot.

Trouble is, Ian doesn’t know who she really is, and explaining it to him is going to be a little difficult now—which is bad news, because Trish is starting to realize that all she really wants for Christmas this year…is Ian.

Demonica by Will Davis (reviewed by Caroline)

When spoilt eighteen year old Miranda suffers a terrible accident she survives, but her face is hideously scarred.

Unable to bear what has happened to her, she locks herself away. Her only companions are Veronica, her cruel and beautiful mother, and Nelly, the sympathetic housekeeper.

As time passes Veronica inflicts cruelty after cruelty on her disfigured daughter. Lonely and filled with despair, Miranda is astonished when Bernard, Veronica’s handsome younger boyfriend, takes an interest in her circumstances.

For Bernard believes there is an operation that can restore Miranda’s face. But it will involve committing an unspeakable crime. A decision that will haunt her for the rest of her life…

In the tradition of Angela Carter and Daphne du Maurier, Demonica is a terrifying modern fairy tale.

To Have and to Hold & Reluctant Rapture (101 Nights Series, Books 1 & 2) by Kellyann Zuzulo (reviewed by Tina)

To Have and To Hold is the first instalment in the ongoing tale of love, lust, lies and loyalty that surround a beautiful genie living in the New Jersey suburbs. There will be four more episodes in the 101 Nights series.

Conspiracies abound, and enemies lie in wait. Introduced to her new husband-of-convenience, Dr. Jason Masters, Amani must decide if their chemistry will save her world…or end his.

Reluctant Rapture: The wedding night was a blaze of ecstasy, but soon Amani feels the white picket fences of her suburban prison closing in. Worse, while she had no misconceptions that this was a love match, she can’t help but be alarmed by her husband’s emotional past—and the woman who threatens to emerge from it. But a true friend waits in the wings, and a better connection to the man she wed.

Lightning Strike (short read) by Beverly Ovalle (reviewed by Tina)

For generations Levi’s family had guarded a sacred glen in the mountains. Still far from man this isolated area was a favorite spot of his grandfather. Levi grew up listening to his tales and fell in love without ever having stepped foot there.

Now Levi’s family, led by his grandmother, wanted to sell the land. With only his grandfather and Levi against it, Levi has to prove to the rest of the family why they needed to continue their guardianship. Believing in his grandfather’s tales despite himself, Levi went armed with his camera and his well-known expertise behind the lens and headed out for proof.

Providing that proof and protecting the secrets of the glen from the world, Gaia needs to convince Levi to continue that protection. Daphnaie, the embodiment of his every dream, is sent to show him why, stealing his heart in the process to save her world.

Stilts (Tessa Dark Trilogy #1) by Tim O’Rourke (reviewed by Caroline)

‘Stilts’ is the first book in a new dystopian trilogy by #1 bestselling author Tim O’Rourke.

While eighteen-year-old, Tessa Dark was serving her prison sentence for murder, the world beyond her cell walls changed forever. The thunder came and destroyed the world she had once known.

Trapped inside the prison and faced with no future, Tessa’s only glimmer of hope is her friendship with fellow inmate Joe McBride.

Despite Tessa’s fear, Joe decides to go beyond the prison walls to seek help. But when he fails to return, Tessa is determined to go and search for him.

To gain her freedom, Tessa must first learn to walk, run, and fight on stilts if she is to survive the new and terrifying world on the other side of the prison walls.

Lightpoints by Peter Kassan (reviewed by Caroline)

What if you suddenly discovered you had a sense-and powers-that almost no one else in the world did? When Amanda Lindner Nichols, a 24-year-old graphic artist living with her husband in Queens, New York, is revived from a near-death experience, she discovers she perceives everyone around her as points of light-but not with her eyes. She soon learns she can not only perceive the life energy of others, but she can give and take it. With the help of others like her, she brings her husband Chris to the brink of death and back to bestow on him the same remarkable faculty, and they’re the happiest they’ve been. But not for long. All over the world, people who’ve been revived from their own near-death experience at just the right moment discover themselves with these same unusual powers. They find ways to use them-some for good and some for evil. When Amanda and Chris encounter a ruthless group of gangsters with the same faculty, tragedy follows-and Amanda faces the greatest challenge of her life.

The Twelfth Night Wager by Regan Walker (reviewed by Tina)

THE REDHEADED RAKE
It was a dull day at White’s, the day he agreed to the wager: seduce bed and walk away from the lovely Lady Leisterfield, all by Twelfth Night. This holiday season, Christopher St. Ives, Viscount Eustace, planned to give himself a gift.

THE INNOCENT WIDOW
She was too proper by half—or so was the accusation of her friends, which was why her father had to find her a husband. But Lord Leisterfield was now gone a year, and Grace was at last shedding the drab colors of mourning. The house felt empty, more so during the coming Christmastide, and so tonight her coming out would begin with a scandalous piece of theater. The play would attract rogues, or so promised her friend the dowager countess. It would indeed. The night would bring about the greatest danger—and the greatest happiness—that Grace had ever known.

Her Savage Scot (Highland Warrior Chronicles #1) by Christina Phillips by (reviewed by Tina)

In Her Savage Scot, when tough Scot warrior Connor MacKenzie rides into the barbaric lands of the Picts on a mission for his king, he never expects to be captivated by a beautiful Pictish widow. Drawn under her spell, yet unaware of her true identity, he risks everything for one passionate night in her arms.

Aila, princess of Pictland, swore long ago she would do anything within her power to help defeat the Vikings who invaded her land and murdered her husband. But after meeting Connor, her frozen heart thaws and once again she imagines a future filled with love and passion.

When Connor delivers the message from his king, Aila becomes a pawn in a deadly game of politics. Her heart belongs to Connor, but she must marry the prince of Dal Riada – Connor’s half-brother. But the fates have other plans for the star-crossed lovers as they fight their enemies and themselves to find true love.

Buckle Down (3 erotic cowboy novellas) by Samantha Holt, CV Madison and JT Seate (reviewed by Tina)

An anthology

Her Dream Cowboy

Talked into experiencing ranch life for herself by her best friend, Sophie comes all the way from England to Nevada, alone. But while her friend may have abandoned her, her guide for the week promises to stick close to her side.

A guide who just happens to be an honest to goodness, sexy cowboy.

Luke Harper is a busy man. He’s dedicated years to turning his ranch into a successful holiday business. He’s yet to find a woman who can deal with the realities of dating a cowboy. In his experience, they’re all after a dream. But Sophie proves too tempting for her own good and Luke can’t help wondering if the gorgeous woman would be willing to give him a chance.

Or is she just looking for a dream cowboy too?

The Layover

Security officer and avowed city boy Reno Locke drops into The Meeting Place for a little loving to fill his off hours. Country boy Wilder Henderson swings through to blow off a little steam after winning a rodeo competition. Locke finally works up the nerve to hit on Wilder and Locke takes Wilder back to his room. He finds out this urban cowboy is just what he was looking for during The Layover.

Faith, Hope and Charity

True grit and humor accompany sex and cowboy clichés in this adventurous western set in the New Mexico Territory. A young girl wants to run off with a sexy cowboy, but her daddy doesn’t approve. Not only that, but Daddy’s a Territorial Marshall who wants to kill poor Johnny for taking advantage of his daughter. With the chance of a fresh start and an interesting future, will love conquer all?

In the old west, a young couple have plotted a future rendezvous for any chance of a life together, if only poor Johnny isn’t gunned down first by Faith’s father who is out for the cowboy’s blood.

Johnny, a wrangler, and Faith, the apple of her mother and father’s eye, meet at a fiesta in a small New Mexico town. She’s different from any girl Johnny’s ever met, the kind of girl that tickles the thought of settling down. At a late night rendezvous, they reveal everything there is to know about each other, except for one ominous circumstance. Faith’s father is the Territorial Marshall and he doesn’t take kindly to what happened between the young couple along a riverbank. The Marshall sets out on a quest to make the young cowboy answer for his misdeeds and bring an end to this sudden, lovesick couple’s plans to reunite. While Johnny dodges the man in search of blood, a train awaits the couple if they are allowed to carry out their plan. But philosophies are bound to clash during the final showdown between generational attitudes.

Where Secrets Lie (Where Secrets Lie series #1) by Ebony Kent (reviewed by Tina Williams)

When Detective Kara Everitt’s sister Alyssa becomes enthralled by a clan of vampires, Kara must choose to become a slave to the head vampire Michael Caswell in order to protect and save her sister. Hating vampires is in Kara’s blood, but as she grows to know Michael, she finds herself falling for the brooding vampire.

Unfortunately, being part of the Caswell Clan isn’t all romance and glamor. New threats emerge, and Kara realizes this is no longer a simple rescue mission. Despite the danger, Kara refuses to stop fighting to protect herself, her sister and her new family.

One Way or Another You Will Pay (You Will Pay, Book 2) by Eve Rabi (reviewed by Tina)

Years ago, I managed to flee my abusive husband, fell in love with a beautiful man called Bear and was blissfully happy.
My ex-husband Tom was livid and promised to get back at me.
He did. He murdered my baby. My gut told me it was him behind the murder, but I just couldn’t prove it, so he got away with it.
Then, he quietly found a way to send me to prison.
When I got out of prison, together with Bear, I fought back and found a way to turn the tables on Tom. I sent him to prison for more than thirty years.
I am now happier than I have been in my whole life.
But Tom, even though he’s behind bars, is determined to have the last word. He has found a way to wedge himself in my life once again and is threatening my marriage and my children.
Something has to be done. Something final, this time.
Warning: Contains violence, sex scenes and strong language.
Before you read this book, please read the first part of this story in, You Will Pay For Leaving me.
It’s free on amazon and smashwords!!!
Here are the links:
http://www.amazon.com/You-Will-Pay-Fo…
http://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Will-Pay-…
http://www.amazon.com.au/You-Will-Pay…

Gentleman Traitor by Alan Williams (reviewed by Caroline)

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WORLD’S MOST NOTORIOUS MASTER-SPY COMES IN FROM THE RUSSIAN COLD?

After years of exile in Russia, Kim Philby has had enough. He wants out. But where can he go? He knows too much to be let loose. Above all, he knows too much about his old accomplices who still operate at the highest levels of the British Establishment, occupying top Whitehall positions. So once he sticks his nose outside his privileged Soviet lair, the old wolf’s as good as dead. MI6, the KGB – above all, MI6 – will ruthlessly hunt him down. But Philby is, after all, one of the most skilful agents of all time. So he risks it.

Vicious power politics in London and Moscow… murder beside the Black Sea… bloody massacres in the heart of Africa – as Philby makes his break, violent death follows him. And British Intelligence is threatened with the exposure of the greatest infamy in its history…

Spy fiction from the same stable as Ian Fleming’s James Bond.

Our following reads are going to be:-

(Please click on titles to view on Goodreads)

Summer in Rye (novella) by Lucy Oliver (Caroline to review)

A tragedy brought Eva Brookwell and Samuel Shaw back into each other’s lives. But will lies from the past destroy their chances of a future?

Tour of Duty (When Riley Met Cara 2) by C.J. Pinard (Caroline to review)

Army Sergeant Riley Forrester knew all about love, loss, and pain. He knew the love of a woman just to lose it. He had spent the best summer of his life with a beautiful single mother named Cara Reid, and then desperately needed her love to get him through a long, cold deployment. When things went horribly wrong overseas, he decided it was best to let Cara go and let her move on with her life. Cara wouldn’t be forgotten that easily, though. She had seeped her way into his heart and his dreams and Riley knew he’d never love another like her.

Contains adult content, for readers 18 and older. Also contains minor scenes of war.

The Drake Equation by Heather Walsh (Caroline to review)

She’s a Democrat, he’s a Republican. She spends her days fighting global warming at an environmental non-profit, he makes his living doing PR for Bell Motors and their fleet of SUVs. But as soon as they meet, Emily Crossley and Robert Drake realize they have encountered their intellectual match. You’re never challenged, he tells her. You’ve surrounded yourself in a cocoon of people who think exactly the same way you do. She hurls the same accusation back at him, and the fiery debates begin. Despite both of their attempts to derail it, there is no denying that they are falling in love. But their relationship is threatened by political differences, Robert’s excessive work hours, and Emily’s fear of losing her identity as she falls deeper in love. Can their love survive? The Drake Equation is a tale of modern love and all its complexities.

The Lakeside Legacy by Jean Jennett (Caroline to review)

What Krista Lucas finds when she arrives in picturesque Camden, South Carolina, is beyond all expectations. Her biological father, a man she never knew, has left her a large house in town and beautiful lakeside wooded acreage. How he came to own the property is a mystery Krista needs to solve for her own peace of mind.

Jake Thornton maintains that his family owns the house and land, and he can prove it with a document his own father left.

… Or can he?

Jake isn’t the only one with an interest in the property. His three brothers are ready and eager to develop the land, and nothing is going to stop them.

Including Krista Lucas.

With Krista’s life in danger, whose side will Jake take? His family … or Krista? Will the truth be discovered in time?

Early readers have said that The Lakeside Legacy has it all: suspense, danger, mystery, romance … and love.

The Lakeside Legacy is the first book in the South Carolina Romantic Suspense series.

WARNING: This book contains graphic sexual descriptions.

Stray by Mark Matthews (Caroline to review)

Therapist Tomas Cleaves is many years sober from his addiction but is now losing his mind. There are voices in his head and the occasional seizure, and then his wife has a miscarriage on the same day his client dies of a heroin overdose. Tom becomes certain that the addicts he treats must have infected the womb of his wife.

Lost and bitter after the miscarriage, Tom is in desperate need of a client who can give him some hope.

James White is one such client — a newly orphaned alcoholic dead bent on drinking again until he gets discharged and finds himself rescuing lost strays at the next door animal shelter. Can James find a reason to live by rescuing the throw-away pets of the city?

A gritty novel with an edge yet surprisingly gentle and sweet, Stray will take you through the dog fighting dens and crack houses of Detroit where Stray souls can find connections in the most unusual of places.

Dark Reaper (WesternWind #8) by Charlotte Boyett-Compo (Tina to review)

Iden Belial, the youngest Reaper, finds a great evil in Land’s End. He also finds Kallista, his mate, the woman the Goddess intends for him, and the only way he can claim her from her disapproving mother is to sate his lust and make her his.

But when they are torn apart by the Nikkeson, a demon that brings death and destruction to everything it touches, part of its wickedness is left inside him, warping the warrior and twisting him to its own evil ends. The Shadowlords of the Citadel are determined to heal him, but what Iden needs is the touch of his wife – the only one whose loving and sensual touch can truly make him whole again.

Not Another Soldier by Samantha Holt (Tina to review)

“I’ve just buried my husband. I was going to divorce him and now he’s dead.”

After five years as a military wife, Sienna is moving on. She’s keen to leave behind the misery of her marriage to Rob but for some reason the past won’t let her go. It doesn’t help that her closest friend, Nick, is also a soldier. Unfortunately Sienna is struggling to deny her attraction to the sexy marine, even knowing there can be no future in it. When the injured soldier admits he wants her just as badly, and has always wanted her, the fight to control her feelings becomes harder.

And now she’s learning things about her late husband that surprise even her. When the secrets of Rob’s life come to light, Sienna finds herself involved with some very nasty people and Nick is determined to protect her, no matter what.

As the danger grows to both her heart and her life, Sienna needs to decide if it was the army that was the problem or her late husband. Is Nick worth the heartache of being a military spouse again? And will he be able to protect her from the ring of drug dealers slowly closing in?

Rain by Nicole Hurley-Moore (Tina to review)

1216 AD
Nuri is caught between heaven and hell. Two men fight for her love and her soul. The first is Maras, an elemental being who follows the storms. The second is Brother Erebus, a pious monk whose tortured soul is twisted by his desire for her. But Nuri may sacrifice more than her heart when the Church brands her angel a demon. As Brother Erebus will do anything to protect her soul from the silver haired devil, even if he has to crush her body to do it.

And last, but not least……

By Force (Forever Fae #1) by Sara Hubbard (Tina to review)

Isame wanted freedom: the freedom to travel, the freedom to explore, but most of all, the freedom to choose the life she wanted over the life—and the husband—her parents had chosen for her. But when Isame leaves home to accept another man’s proposal, she happens across five fierce, handsome warriors. She wonders why they’ve travelled so far from home, but she never imagines their purpose might have something to do with her. Not even after they kidnap her.

Remmie is a man of honor and fierce loyalty. So when his king commands him to find a specific young woman on the island of Copaxa, he’s prepared to obey. But he’s not prepared for the woman to change everything. Isame is special. He can see it from the start. But how can one puny woman make him question everything he’s always known, including the rightness of doing what he’s promised?

Happy reading, guys! And thanks again for the ongoing support 🙂

Caroline and Tina 🙂

January 7, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Gentleman Traitor by Alan Williams

Alan Williams’ ‘Gentleman Traitor’ Book Blurb (followed by review):

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WORLD’S MOST NOTORIOUS MASTER-SPY COMES IN FROM THE RUSSIAN COLD?

Spy fiction from the same stable as Ian Fleming’s James Bond.

Originally released in 1974, Gentleman Traitor has been re-released in December 2013 by Hashtag Books.

I have to say that Gentleman Traitor was an on/off/on read for me, although I did read this over the busy festive period. The very first chapter gripped me with it’s drama and violence, after what was thought to be a group of terrorists entering a busy hotel in Africa, opening fire and killing every soul there, including youngsters! This was quite horrific and at one point in particular with young girls involved, it was quite emotional and tragic.

I just had to read on and longed to find out who was behind this attack. Were the culprits terrorists with serious political issues or could there be some other explanation to this horror? However, the following chapters focused on journalist, Barry Cayle, who was set to write a book on spy and traitor, Kim Philby, who had been living in exile in Russia for the last few years with a reputation of a man who likes a drink or two. Although the initial chapters were of interest and a great basis and background for the remainder of the story, I was a little disappointed that there was no more mention of the event from the first chapter and that the pace of the book was a little slower than I had expected.

The reader follows Cayle’s journey through most of the first half of the story and we find out about Philby’s desired comeback and the story picks up again at a nice pace as Cayle gets to meet Philby. Alan Williams describes the distances that Philby (and anyone connected to him) needs to make to keep everything under wraps extremely well and clear, making it a nice read to follow at the same time as providing the reader with a more complete picture of Philby’s way of life and everything he has to consider before making a move. There are moments in Gentleman Traitor when you simply just don’t know what is going to happen and when, making it an intense read at parts.

I like Cayle’s enthusiasm and determination to acquaint himself with Philby as much as he can. Cayle knows he is in dangerous waters but he still has this drive to discover as much as he can and to be as close as he can if and when anything should happen. Philby, although a traitor, doesn’t seem to be a character the reader dislikes. He has his problems and, knowing he is a hunted man, he has to go to extremes to avoid capture or even death. These events unfold in tragic and disastrous ways for some others, which is incredibly sad and unfortunate for those involved. However, I found myself wanting him to be able to make it through all of this and be able to live the rest of his life in a more relaxed manner and completely disconnected from the British and Russian Establishments.

I must admit a little more speed would have been welcomed during the first section but I must hand it to Alan Williams that he has written this novel well. With a great deal of politics continuing in the background of the main plot, involving the USSR’s KGB and the British MI5 and MI6 and also the geographical scope covering Europe and Africa mostly, one cannot doubt that Alan had extensive knowledge in this area. (I have later came to realise that Alan was in fact a great journalist himself, corresponding from across the globe, and at times when tensions must have been high, in Vietnam, for example.) It was also quite exciting to discover that Kim Philby was a real-life spy who did live in Russia. A character I am sure Alan Williams met once, briefly in Beirut. If so, this explains the storyline of Cayle and Philby, i.e. Cayle is possibly a fictional character based on Williams himself.

After hoping for a little more action in the first half, I did find the latter chapters somewhat fast moving and exciting in comparison. This half of the book certainly goes into the details of Philby’s ‘escape’ from Russia. From hijacking planes, travelling through Scandinavia, keeping an extremely low profile and maintaining an alias this second half becomes quite tense and gripping at times! Without wanting to spoil the ending, I have to say that I was surprised at the ending but found it interesting and liked it a great deal. For me, it was left open with a chance to write a sequel, however, I do like the idea that the reader can still ask questions and perhaps make up their own ending. This is not to say that on the most part stories weren’t wrapped up, because in many respects they were. The story truly came full circle.

Once I realised that Gentleman Traitor was written in 1974, before I began to read the book, I did consider how I would find the language of the era and questioned whether or not this would be a difficult story to follow. But, as I mentioned above Williams has written this thriller well. It is easy to follow, informative of some political views of the day and well explained. As I was born a good eight years after the original novel, my knowledge of the political states of the countries involved and the espionage that went along with it is very little. For instance, I was aware of the KGB in the USSR but only as I was an avid fan of the fictional tv series ‘The Professionals’ CI5 (the re-runs in the late 1990’s). Many of the episodes focused on foreign politics and MI5/6 and the KGB and more. Gentleman Traitor has made me more interested in the politics of the 1970’s, even if just to gain a small background knowledge.

I did carry out a little digging and found this great article on Alan Williams, and also found out some more ‘facts’ on Wiki.

Gentleman Traitor is available in Kindle edition on Amazon UK for 77p, and on Amazon US for $1.25. (Prices are correct at the time of posting but are subject to change.) You can also find paperback copies of Gentleman Traitor on Amazon too!

Gentleman Traitor was received gratefully by publisher, Hashtag Books, in return for an honest and fair review.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

December 19, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Caroline’s Top Reads of 2013

Hello readers, I hope that you have all had a great year in 2013 and have had a chance to bury your head in many a good book this year. It has been a great first year for Tina and myself at A Reader’s Review Blog and we have made many online friends with authors and readers alike, as well as have a steady growth in followers. Thanks, guys. I hope that you all have a fantastic Christmas and a very Happy New Year! x

I would like to take you on a journey through my favourite reads of this year. Initially I was going to pick ten but soon realised that there have been more than ten to leave an impact on me. However, some of them are part of the same series and so I have given the whole series a mention. In all there are about 14/15 titles and they are in no particular order. (It would be impossible for me to number them!) Most genres are covered, including paranormal, fantasy, dystopian sci-fi, romance, comedy, thriller and horror. Romance is a theme that runs through many of them quite strongly.

Please click on titles for our full review and blurb!

Romantic comedy

Well, I had to begin with a rom-com. I absolutely LOVED The Debt & the Doormat by Laura Bernard. The comedy elements to this great book reminded me that of the style of Helen Fielding’s ‘Bridget Jones’ and Miranda Hart’s ‘Miranda’! With a fantastic love story making up the focus of the novel there are so many other aspects to this book, with various family members and work colleagues providing sub plots and more comedy. It is also very heart-warming. A perfect read for anyone who loves a great chick-lit! I am over the moon to hear that there will be a sequel next Spring!

Romantic paranormal

Unscathed

Unscathed is a collaboration by two of my favourite authors, Tim O’Rourke and C.J. Pinard. Initially a contemporary romance, this story is sweet and heart-warming, with two young people falling for each other. However, Unscathed is unique. As you read on there becomes a paranormal element that raises it’s ugly head at times and causes some trouble between our two young lovebirds. I enjoyed the unpredictability of this story and in many of the author’s solo books too. They both provide the element of surprise!

Paranormal/Fantasy

Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter #1) I’m going to have to begin this genre with possibly my favourite book since the beginning of A Reader’s Review Blog. Tim O’Rourke’s ‘Vampire Seeker’ is the ultimate action/adventure, fantasy/paranormal and sci-fi all rolled into one for me! From a vampire seeker in London, following a possible Jack the Ripper copycat in 2012, to a cowgirl in the Wild West in 1888, Samantha Carter is a brilliant heroine. With plenty of action and gore, as with all of Tim’s stories, this is a thrilling, rollercoaster-like quick read with a little sexual tension too! Now signed to Little Brown/Piatkus publishing, the hard copy will be released in January 2014. However, it is available as an e-book for the Kindle at Amazon.

Now, if one is to mention Tim O’Rourke it is impossible to not bring up his Keira Hudson series. Keira is a young policewoman and is taken out of her comfort zone when she goes to work at The Ragged Cove, where there have been people going missing and some turning up dead. It isn’t too long before the reader is opened up to a fantastic world of vampires, Lycanthrope and follow Keira on a journey like no other. Again, Tim’s writing is complete with punchy lines, high impact action scenes, comedy and romance. The Keira Hudson series is followed by many and Tim will soon be writing his third series under the Keira Hudson title! Please click on the links below to read all of our reviews thus far on the Keira adventure.

Control (The Soul of Voodoo, #1) With Control (The Soul of Voodoo #1) by M.C. Lavocat we begin to go a little darker into the paranormal. In many ways the first part of Control can appear to be a romantic love triangle situation but as the reader gets sucked in too, by the spell, we realise that it is so much more; where lives are at stake, time is not as it seems and people’s destiny’s are affected! There is nothing we can do to prevent it – or so it seems – but we have to find a way! A curse, a spell, voodoo even is considered when darker events take place and the ‘control’ or lack of it goes to a complete extreme. This is a must-read for those that love dark, paranormal horror, mixed with comedy and romance!

Earlier this year Tina and myself focused on a Werewolf theme. During this time I read two fantastic books that I have been longing to read the sequels to. The first, Nicky Charles ‘The Mating (Law of the Lycans #1)’, was recommended by a follower of our blog. I was grateful for the recommendation as The Mating was gripping from the beginning. It is a romantic suspense and the tension is apparent almost immediately as the main character, Elise, is mated to an Alpha of a neighbouring pack. However, this was not her choice.

Cursed: A Werewolf's Tale The second of my werewolf stories is Cursed (A Werewolf’s Tale #1), also known as ‘Frostbite’, by David Wellington. Cursed concentrates on the survival of a werewolf who finds herself lone in an Arctic forest, where a pack of others is trying to track her down. It is rather a chilling paranormal which includes some ferocious and horrific attacks, making this a bit of a horror too. It is gripping and the Arctic setting fits in nicely with the characters as they seem too cold to air any romance. It is a case of can they learn to live separately or must they try to eliminate the other in order to survive?

Boreal & John Grey (Complete Series One) by Chrystalla Thoma is one of the best paranormal/urban fantasy series I have ever read. There is definitely something for everyone with this magical story of the human world having Gates appear from another world, where it brings Shades, snakes, dragons, dwarves and goblins, not to mention sexy elves! The story itself is complete with action and adventure, mystery and romance. And what’s more is that you can purchase all 5 books under the one title.

Horror

One of the most chilling stories I have read is Mark Matthews ‘On the Lips of Children‘! This is definitely one to read under the covers as we follow the horrific ordeal as a marathon runner and his family are held captive by some scavengers. Mark Matthews’ writing is so clear, the reader doesn’t miss a thing – even though they may wish they had at times. For the taste of the heebie jeebies and a good scare this one is highly recommended!

Tatterdemon by Steve Vernon was our Halloween Horror. There is so much going on in this book, but at the same time it’s enough to handle. Tatterdemon focuses on a cursed town of 300 years, where now some of the townsfolk turn on each other. This horror holds it all, from witches, ghosts, zombies and killer scarecrows and complete with resurrections, spells and voodoo. It is a little crazy as well as being a fantastic fearsome horror!

Horror/Dystopian Sci-fi

Stilts (Tessa Dark trilogy #1) is the latest book released from author Tim O’Rourke. It is also Tim’s first dystopian. I was so curious to read this one as it completely different from anything else I have ever read. Stilts is a story of survival. The only place that remains save is the prison that Tessa has been serving time in. However, outside the prison the world is not how she remembers it and the only living creatures outside appear to be similar to melting zombies, ‘scorchers’! It won’t be too long before the prison supplies run out and so the only hope they have is for some to leave the prison to bring back supplies. To prevent the scorchers from touching and melting them they find a way to travel with the use of stilts. With a romantic story running parallel with the survival story this proves to be a brilliant read.

And my last genre, but certainly not least is ………………..

…………….. Thriller

Although an avid reader of romance and the paranormal, I do love to read a great thriller. And my following thriller favourites really stood out to me this year. One of my first reads of 2013 was A Presence in Russell County (The Organization Book 1) by S.J. Sprague. In a County where police corruption is high, Samantha Biggers finds herself in a vulnerable situation. After chatting online to a guy for two years she leans on him for support. He is an ex-military man who is part of The Organization. An organization targeting corrupt law enforcement officers. Once The Organization are involved, Samantha’s safety is a priority as well as bringing down the corrupt officers. I do love this series as not only is there the crimes and the thrills but there is also romance amongst the main characters. Later this year I also read the sequel, Mulberry (The Organization Book 2). Mulberry again has a great crime story involving corrupt police and continues with the romance surrounding Samantha. The main difference being that Samantha is now a member of The Organization! I do like the characters and the whole idea of The Organization. The Organization can deal with these corrupt officers swiftly through the justice system. This is definitely a series to look out for. And Jesse Butterfly (The Organization Book 3) will be released in early Spring 2014!

Now for this little treat, Tina and myself both reviewed Addicted by JoAnn DeLazzari for Blue Star Books. Set in a Colombian jungle, journalist Nikki Bradley is trying to find sufficient evidence to bring down a high and mighty drug trafficking operation. However, when she gets captured by these organised criminals the tension mounts as they have the potential to do with her as they please. One of her captors, King, although fearsome and rugged, he does prevent the others from harming her and the intensity and passion grows between them. Nikki desires him in ways she knows she shouldn’t. The chemistry and tension between these characters, as well as the setting in the jungle, reminds me of ‘Romancing the Stone’ and/or ‘Crocodile Dundee’ – although perhaps more adult-based. A very sensuous read. Hmmmm, I will certainly have to read this one again!

The Hourglass Killer Trilogy - All 3 Books And finally, but again, certainly not the least, I have The Hourglass Killer Trilogy by LR Potter. Consisting of three books: Dwindling Sands, Shifting Sands and Cascading Sands. I am glad that I read the whole trilogy together as each story combines together perfectly with the following one. This one is a dark crime thriller, concentrating on Tess Champion, a female detective who has been subjected to a violent sexual crime. However, when she returns to work, she and her partner are faced with the murder of a woman who has been seriously sexually harmed in similar ways that she has. Is she being paranoid, or could there be a connection between this case and her own? Each step of this trilogy is quite adult-based, especially given the crimes committed. The reader is also aware of how each step of the case affects Tess and the people around her. However dark it gets, once you are gripped you really can’t put this book down!

And so as we move on into 2014 I am looking forward to reading some more great reads by some great authors. Where possible I am hoping to follow the series’ I have begun as well as begin some new ones.

I hope that I have intrigued you enough to take a peek at our full reviews. (Reviews can be seen by clicking on the titles). And if you are really keen we also have the links to Amazon UK and Amazon US.

If you have any great reads of this year that you would like to share with us, please feel free to comment below! We’d love to hear some of your favourites 🙂

Be sure to keep a look out for Tina’s Top Reads of 2013, coming shortly. And again, we both wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Caroline 🙂

December 19, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Pastels & Jingle Bells (a Heavenly Bites novella) by Christine S. Feldman

With only 6 more sleeps to go, we’re all feeling quite festive. We hope you’ve enjoyed the snow effect on our blog. Here is a reblog of a recent review of Christine S. Feldman’s ‘Pastels and Jingle Bells’. It is a beautifully written novella, a seasonal, sweet romantic short read which is also a little festive fun! Enjoy, guys! Caroline 🙂

areadersreviewblog

SEASONAL ROMANTIC FUN

Pastels & Jingle Bells (a Heavenly Bites novella #1) gripped me from the first few pages and the story grows very quickly in this short, beautiful, seasonal contemporary romantic novella.

Trish encounters her former school bully, Ian, at her bakery years after high school has finished. He has absolutely no idea who she is and Trish decides to use this at her advantage and begins to plan her revenge. However, Trish becomes drawn into Ian’s life in ways she’d never imagine and during this time her plans for revenge diminish. After spending time with him and finding out more about him, i.e. his childhood and the man he is today, she begins to have feelings for him. The trouble she has now is explaining to Ian who she really is. Will she be able to tell him? If so, how will he react?

I loved the little comical…

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December 14, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Competition winners of Will Davis’ ‘Demonica’ ebook revealed

Hi guys, A Reader’s Review Blog would like to congratulate Anne Dixon and Lee Creed for both winning a copy of Will Davis’ horror ‘Demonica‘! We hope you love the read 🙂

Many thanks to all of those who entered. We wish you all every success in any future giveaways 🙂

Caroline and Tina x

December 12, 2013 by Caroline Barker

1 day to go for WILL DAVIS’ ‘DEMONICA’ ebook GIVEAWAY

Wow, guys, we’ve had a quite a few entries for Will Davis’ twisted, dark, modern-day fairy tale Demonica Giveaway! Thanks to all of those that have entered. Good luck 🙂

For those that haven’t yet, please check out the book blurb and our review. All you have to do to enter the competition is enter your name in the comments box below or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AReadersReview.

Closing date is Friday 13th December 2013 for this fearsome Friday giveaway. You’ve nothing to lose.

We have two copies to giveaway.

The winners will be randomly selected on Saturday 14th December and will be notified in due course. Fingers crossed!

Oh, and please share via Facebook, Twitter etc – the more the merrier!

Caroline 🙂

December 9, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Lightpoints by Peter Kassan

Lightpoints is a magical, mesmerising and surreal sci-fi. It is also very spiritual and wondrous, with near-death experiences (NDE’s) and out-of-body experiences (OBE’s) being described in brilliant detail, allowing the reader to imagine even the smallest of details whilst the victim is in this state. Peter Kassan introduces the concept of the ‘lightpoints’ well, intriguing the reader from the very beginning and ultimately gripping the reader’s attention to the very last page.

Blurb:

The drama and tension begins as 24 year old, Amanda Lindner Nichols, is stabbed at Grand Central Station. Amanda experiences a near-death experience and doesn’t regain her consciousness until later in the hospital. The reader is then taken on a mesmerising journey with Amanda as, when she wakes up, she discovers that she has some unusual qualities – she can now see people’s lightpoints! All of their energy, along with their approximity and emotive state, is clear to her.

Although quite confusing and strange for Amanda she tries to keep her new sense to herself, without wanting to alarm her family. This did prove difficult, especially with her husband, Chris. I felt a little sorry for Chris as he is shut out a little from Amanda and during intimate moments she rarely kisses him. However, once he is aware of Amanda’s abilities he wants to be like her and have the sense himself.

Throughout Lightpoints, Peter Kassan tells the story of the nicer and the darker sides of being a sensitive. For example, when Amanda becomes acquainted with Lisa she realises that Lisa looks out for new sensitives and reaches out to them, allowing them to talk over their new senses and to not feel so alone. But the reader also discovers that some people use their new ability for evil by sucking the life from other sensitives, or even taking as much energy from them as necessary in order for the individual to carry out actions that they would never consent to, before giving them back their energy.

I really liked the style of writing and the tension when the darker side was mentioned, i.e. with the gangsters – as they were trying to reach any sensitive they could find ask them to work with them. If the approached sensitive refused then their end would be met.

Here is an example of the darker side of some sensitives and the tension Peter Kassan builds up. Inside a parking garage two gangsters are trying to convince another sensitive to join them. The guy is in his car, at the wheel ready to leave when they approach him. The guy shows no interest in their offer and so they know what they are expected to do. Besides, he’s not only turned them down but he is also a witness who could identify them:-

‘They heard footsteps, and they both dropped to the asphalt until the footsteps receded. When it was silent again, Stanley reached through the window with his gloved hand. He pushed the guy’s head back, pinched his nose and put his palm over his mouth.’

This is powerful, eerie and violent. Amanda’s experience and relationship with Lisa and John is a complete contrast to this darker side.

I loved following the story of Amanda, her husband, Chris, and Lisa and John (sensitives). I didn’t see how some of the other characters fitted in to the story, although there were some great examples of how the light could be used for evil purposes. As the story continued the reader begins to guess that Amanda was to come into contact with some of the other sensitives mentioned.

I found some areas of the story, in particular the process of Chris trying to become a sensitive, to be a little repetitive. I could understand why as it was used to build up momentum and tension, however once the first and certainly the second process was mentioned then shorter descriptions for the subsequent processes would have been sufficient in my opinion.

It also didn’t become obvious until a good way through the story that the good and evil were to encounter each other. This led to a small moment where I wondered what the point was of explaining the evil sides to the reader but it does become clear and the story finishes with a surprising dramatic end.

I enjoyed ‘Lightpoints’ with its captivating concept and storyline. I would be interested in reading a sequel, either with the same characters or even with fresh characters and maybe set in a different part of the world. There were some characters mentioned that didn’t seem to fit in to the main plot but used as examples of the darker side. Maybe these characters could be revisited in any follow-up novels so that the reader can follow their story.

Lightpoints is the first book of its kind that I have read and it really leaves an impact, making the reader think about mortality, the spirit world and what truly does happen when we meet our end. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

Lightpoints was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

You can find Peter Kassan’s ‘Lightpoints‘ on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

December 6, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Stilts (Tessa Dark Trilogy #1) by Tim O’Rourke

STILTS = ORIGINAL + FUN + FASCINATING

Oh wow! Stilts has blown my mind!!! Such an original idea combined with the need to survive in this great dystopian adventure and not without the conflicts of character, along with a sweet romantic element. Needless to say, I absolutely LOVED this story from beginning to end! Yes, Tim O’Rourke has done it again with his fascinating imagination for story and characters as well as his ability to keep the reader constantly surprised!

‘Stilts’ is the first book in a new dystopian trilogy by #1 bestselling author Tim O’Rourke.

While eighteen-year-old, Tessa Dark was serving her prison sentence for murder, the world beyond her cell walls changed forever. The thunder came and destroyed the world she had once known.

Trapped inside the prison and faced with no future, Tessa’s only glimmer of hope is her friendship with fellow inmate Joe McBride.

Despite Tessa’s fear, Joe decides to go beyond the prison walls to seek help. But when he fails to return, Tessa is determined to go and search for him.

To gain her freedom, Tessa must first learn to walk, run, and fight on stilts if she is to survive the new and terrifying world on the other side of the prison walls.

When I looked at the words ‘Chapter One’ and read the first sentence “My elbow crunched into his face” it had me straight away. And that is a great example of Tim’s writing, direct, to the point and providing plenty of curiosity for the reader to want (and have) to read on!

The concept of the stilts is a very original idea. Before reading the book I was a little unsure of how this idea could be used in a believable way but I have to say it does work and it works brilliantly! The stilts are used to help the prisoners to survive. And the main focus of ‘Stilts’ is the need to survive for the sake of mankind. Trapped in a prison, it isn’t too long before supplies run out and in order to leave for more they need some way to try and avoid being attacked by Scorchers. Elements of the story early on reminded me a little of ‘The Walking Dead’ tv series. However, instead of zombies here we have Scorchers who have an easy ability to melt/scorch anything they touch.

The turning point is certainly when Joe leaves the prison in the hope of bringing back help. When he doesn’t return hope seems lost. The reader really experiences the rawness of Tessa’s determination to be able to find Joe and help for all of the inmates. These are desperate times and Tessa will do anything for a chance to find Joe. During Tessa’s adventure the reader is not hidden from the destruction and horror in which the thunderstorm has created. Many of the scenes involving the Scorchers are edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting, excruciating excitement. All of the action scenes are intense, dramatic and gory at times.

Tessa is a great heroine and, for me, not too unlike Keira Hudson from Tim’s Keira Hudson series. Tessa is a strong, decisive, young woman who, when challenged in some pretty terrifying ordeals, she rises above with her head held high and gives it what she’s got. I love her energy, her practicality and her drive. However, unlike Keira, Tessa has been on the wrong side of the law and trouble has come to her. ‘Stilts’ is told from Tessa’s point of view and reads like a narrative, allowing the reader to always be with Tessa and understand all of her thoughts and feelings.

Joe is adorable. Although very much a character to keep himself to himself, especially after past experiences, he almost has no option but to try and fit in after realising there are only those within the prison walls that have been unaffected by the change of the world. It isn’t too long before he finds a friend in Tessa and as their relationship blossoms so do the romantic gestures and dialogue. The writing is truly beautiful, so sweet and heartwarming. It certainly pulls on the heartstrings and the reader could lose a tear or two!

An example of a romantic moment between Tessa and Joe is when Tessa realised Joe had been keeping a CD player in secret:-

‘“Why didn’t you show it to me sooner?” I asked, my face just inches from his.

“Because I preferred to listen to you hum,” he smiled, leaning in and kissing me gently on the cheek.

Closing my eyes, I kissed him back. We danced together cheek to cheek in the workshop while the music played softly all around us.’

One of my favourite areas of Tim’s writing is the describing of the scenery. Tim always makes it so intensifying and exciting, allowing the reader to understand where the characters are and how they deal with their surroundings and the weather. However, whilst some authors can be a little too descriptive Tim writes in such a way that it is incorporated with the characters and their actions, whilst allowing the reader to imagine it for themselves. In ‘Stilts’ the world as we know it becomes cracked, smoking, and even the sky is a constant shade of red. It is absolutely fascinating stuff!

Already ‘Stilts‘, being the first of a trilogy, is making me a little sad to think that after the next two books it will be over. I didn’t want to stop reading about these characters. The only dislike I had was having to finish it. I’ll certainly be looking forward to the sequel, due for release in 2014!

A copy of ‘Stilts’ was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

‘Stilts’ is published by Hashtag Books and was released on the launch of the publishers, 1^st December 2013, along with Alan Williams ‘Gentleman Traitor’ (soon to be reviewed) and Will Davis’ ‘Demonica’. Please check out our review of ‘Demonica‘ and enter your name for a chance to win an e-copy of the book!!!

‘Stilts’ is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Tim’s books are suitable for for young adults and over. To read our reviews of many of his other novels please click on the titles below:-

Vampire Shift (Keira Hudson Series 1, Book 1)

Vampire Wake (Keira Hudson Series 1, Book 2)

Vampire Hunt (Keira Hudson Series 1, Book 3)

Vampire Breed (Keira Hudson Series 1, Book 4)

Wolf House (Potter’s Story) (Kiera Hudson Series 1 Book 4.5) – novella

Vampire Hollows (Keira Hudson Series 1, Book 5)

Dead Flesh (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 1)

Dead Night – Potter’s Secrets (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 1.5) – novella

Dead Angels (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 2)

Dead Statues (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 3)

Dead Seth (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 4)

Dead Wolf (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 5)

Dead Water (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 6)

Moonlight (The Moon Trilogy #1)

Moonbeam (The Moon Trilogy #2)

Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter #1)

Witch (Sydney Hart #1)

Vampire Shift – The Graphic Novel (Volume One) (Keira Hudson Series One) – illustrated by Craig Twyman

Unscathed (written with C.J. Pinard)

December 1, 2013 by Caroline Barker

The launch of publishing house – Hashtag Books!!!! Plus 2 e-copy GIVEAWAYS of Demonica!

Hi guys, I am so pleased to announce that Hashtag Books are launching today, 1st December 2013. Hashtag Books is a new publishing company established by author Tim O’Rourke, Lynda O’Rourke and Peter Buckman (who sold the movie rights for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ amongst many other accolades spanning 50 years in the TV, Movie and publishing industry).

To kickstart their launch today they have three fantastic novels to release:-

Stilts (Tessa Dark Trilogy, #1) by Tim O’Rourke

(Please click on the title for our review)

‘Stilts’ – the first book in a new dystopian trilogy by #1 bestselling author Tim O’Rourke.

While eighteen-year-old, Tessa Dark was serving her prison sentence for murder, the world beyond her cell walls changed forever. The thunder came and destroyed the world she had once known.

Trapped inside the prison and faced with no future, Tessa’s only glimmer of hope is her friendship with fellow inmate Joe McBride.

Despite Tessa’s fear, Joe decides to go beyond the prison walls to seek help. But when he fails to return, Tessa is determined to go and search for him.

To gain her freedom, Tessa must first learn to walk, run, and fight on stilts if she is to survive the new and terrifying world on the other side of the prison walls.

Stilts can be found on Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Demonica by Will Davis

(Please click on the title for our review to enter our GIVEAWAY! We have 2 e-copies to giveaway – simply add your name in the comments below to enter. The winners will be randomly selected on FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2013.)

When spoilt eighteen year old Miranda suffers a terrible accident she survives, but her face is hideously scarred.

Unable to bear what has happened to her, she locks herself away. Her only companions are Veronica, her cruel and beautiful mother, and Nelly, the sympathetic housekeeper.

For Bernard believes there is an operation that can restore Miranda’s face. But it will involve committing an unspeakable crime. A decision that will haunt her for the rest of her life…

In the tradition of Angela Carter and Daphne du Maurier, Demonica is a terrifying modern fairy tale.

Demonica is now available on Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Gentleman Traitor by Alan Williams

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE WORLD’S MOST NOTORIOUS MASTER-SPY COMES IN FROM THE RUSSIAN COLD?

Spy fiction from the same stable as Ian Fleming’s James Bond.

You can find my reviews of DEMONICA (WILL DAVIS) and STILTS (Tim O’Rourke) live on our blog and Gentleman Traitor (Alan Williams) will follow soon!

Don’t forget to enter our Demonica GIVEAWAY!

We wish Hashtag Books every success!!!

Caroline 🙂