Tag: reviews

blog tour, books, reviews

Blog Tour: The Betrayal of Thomas True – A.J. West

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The Betrayal of Thomas True is out now in glorious purple paperback and I am re-sharing my thoughts from the hardback tour below. You can buy a copy from all the best bookshops or direct from Orenda Books.

It is the year 1710, and Thomas True has arrived on old London Bridge with a dangerous secret. One night, lost amongst the squalor of London’s hidden back streets, he finds himself drawn into the outrageous underworld of the molly houses.

Meanwhile, carpenter Gabriel Griffin struggles to hide his double life as Lotty, the molly’s stoic guard. When a young man is found murdered, he realises there is a rat amongst them, betraying their secrets to a pair of murderous Justices. Can Gabriel unmask the traitor before they hang? Can he save hapless Thomas from peril, and their own forbidden love?

Set amidst the buried streets of Georgian London, The Betrayal of Thomas True is a brutal and devastating thriller, where love must overcome evil, and the only true sin is betrayal…

A.J. West’s bestselling debut novel The Spirit Engineer won the Historical Writers’ Association Debut Crown Award, gaining international praise for its telling of a longforgotten true story. An award winning BBC newsreader and reporter, he has written for national newspapers and regularly appears on network television discussing his writing and the historical context of contemporary events. A passionate historical researcher, he writes at The London Library and museum archives around the world. To connect with AJ and discover more about his research, visit http://www.ajwestauthor.com

My thoughts: set in the world of molly houses, secretive clubs where gay and bisexual men gathered when homosexuality was illegal and men could be hung for the crime of sodomy, The Betrayal of Thomas True relates in slightly Dickensian ways, the story of young Thomas True, who runs away to London from Highgate (then a village outside of London) to stay with his relatives, a macabre uncle and aunt and cousin Abigail, his pen pal. They run a chandlery – making candles, and Thomas asks to apprentice rather than return to his parents.

He meets The community of “mollies” that gather at Mother Clap’s, discovering his place and his true desires there. Unfortunately the men who congregate there are under threat and with a Rat passing their names to the authorities and their friends being killed.

There’s a playfulness to the language – and certainly in the nicknames the mollies use for themselves in their community, as well as in the characters’ daytime names. As Gabriel and Thomas hunt for this Rat, as their friends are arrested and prosecuted, executed and murdered, and as the two fall in love; they see horrors, confront assassins and venture into Bedlam to rescue one of their number.

Georgian London’s dank underworld, it’s sinister demi monde is explored in fascinating and intelligent detail. Despite the darkness of Thomas’ London life, there is some brightness and colour in his misadventures. I found the book thoroughly enjoyable and was sad to reach its end.

blog tour, books, reviews

Blog Tour: Jaipur Moon – Liz Harris

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Jaipur, 1934

When Philip Grainger and Frank Fletcher met late at night on the edge of an indigo plantation in Gujarat back in 1916, and one of them handed a new born baby to the other and walked away, their stated intention was never to see each other again.

In Jaipur, 1934, almost eighteen years later, Philip’s daughter, Eleanor, is excited to learn that a new family has moved into the street where they live, and that the family has a daughter similar in age to
herself.

When Frank Fletcher, having struggled for years to make a profit from his isolated indigo plantation, turns to exporting, he is encouraged by his exporter friend, Maxwell Anderson, to move his family to
Jaipur. His daughter, Alice, hopes that at last she will make some friends.
But where there are secrets, someone invariably senses a secret, is determined to uncover it and use it to his advantage. Nothing stays hidden for ever…

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Liz Harris is the author of the historical novels THE ROAD BACK (US Coffee Time &
Romance Book of the Year 2012) and A BARGAIN STRUCK (shortlisted for the RoNA Historical 2013).

Both they and THE LOST GIRL/GOLDEN TIGER and A WESTERN HEART were shortlisted for Best Historical Romance by The Festival of Romance. In addition are contemporary novels EVIE UNDERCOVER, THE ART OF DECEPTION, THE BEST FRIEND and WORD PERFECT. THE DARK HORIZON, THE FLAME WITHIN and THE LENGTHENING SHADOW, set between the wars, comprise The Linford Collection, which was followed by The Colonials : DARJEELING INHERITANCE, COCHIN FALL, HANOI SPRING and SIMLA MIST.

The second edition of THE ROAD BACK appeared in August 2022, followed by IN A FAR PLACE. Second editions of A BARGAIN STRUCK and GOLDEN TIGER were published in 2023. THE LOOSE THREAD, the first in the Three Sisters trilogy, was published in February 2024, THE SILKEN KNOT, the second in September 2024 and THE WOVEN LIE in February 2025. AWESTERN HEART was published December 2024.

In addition to these, Liz has had short stories published in anthologies and magazines.

Twitter Handle: @lizharrisauthor
Bluesky handle: @lizharris.bsky.social
Instagram Handle: liz.harris.52206
Facebook: Liz Harris Website

My thoughts: Set during the height of the British Empire among the expat community of Jaipur, who gather at the Bitish club to socialise and mingle. 

When a new family move in down the road, Eleanor Grainger is pleased that there’s a daughter close to her age, potentially a new friend. But there’s a connection between the two families that she has no idea about. She and Alice do become friends, although Alice has secretly learnt about the connection.

As the two girls shop and Eleanor and friend Harriet show Alice the beautiful buildings of Jaipur, the fathers attempt to keep their families apart. Meanwhile a gem smuggling operation sets up in town, risking businesses and prison for anyone caught. As the men get drawn into conspiracies and plots, they are secretly under surveillance. When the truth is exposed, everything will change.

Intelligent and engaging, this was a pleasure to read and brought the past vividly to life, with an intriguing plot and likeable characters.

    *I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.

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    Blog Tour: Murder Most Wilde – Helen Golden

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    In the world of amateur theatre, the drama isn’t all onstage…

    Tragedy Strikes the Windstanton Players
    Popular local actor, Noel Ashworth, who collapsed during the rehearsal of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, was pronounced dead at the scene. As shock ripples through Windstanton’s tight-knit amateur theatre group, the Fenshire Police are looking at them as suspects.

    I can’t let Perry’s acting debut end in disaster! With the cast spooked and the local police under-resourced, Bea—along with Perry, Rich, Simon, and her trusty Westie, Daisy must shift through the
    cast’s petty jealousies and diva behaviour to unmask the killer before they strike again.

    When the show must go on…will everyone make it to opening night?

    Amazon US Amazon UK 


    Helen Golden spins mysteries that are charmingly British, delightfully deadly, and served with a twist of humour.
    With quirky characters, clever red herrings, and plots that keep the pages turning, she’s the author of the much-loved A Right Royal Cozy Investigation series, following Lady Beatrice and her friends—
    including one clever little dog—as they uncover secrets hidden in country houses and royal palaces.
    Her new historical mystery series, The Duchess of Stortford Mysteries, is set in Victorian England and introduces an equally curious sleuth from Lady Beatrice’s own family tree—where murders are solved over cups of tea, whispered gossip, and overheard conversations in drawing rooms and grand estates.
    Helen lives in a quintessential English village in Lincolnshire with her husband, stepdaughter, and a menagerie of pets—including a dog, several cats, a tortoise, and far too many fish.
    If you love clever puzzles, charming settings, and sleuths with spark, her books are waiting for you.

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    My thoughts: Yay! We’re back in Fenshire with Lady Bea, Perry, the rest of team Royal Investigation and most importantly, of course, Daisy. Perry’s landed the lead role of Algernon in the local am dram production of The Importance of Being Earnest, and is eagerly looking forward to opening night. Then mid rehearsal, disaster strikes as Noel, playing Jack, collapses on stage.

    It could be a heart attack, but forensics reveal it was murder! Call in the team. While Perry keeps his ear to the ground with the cast and crew, Bea helps the local detectives search for evidence. Someone’s telling fibs, and everyone has secrets.

    Bea’s also trying to look forward to marrying Rich, but the press interest is a nightmare and now her uncle and aunt, the King and Queen, have asked for her help. Will her future look so very different from how it does now?

    With another clever and complicated case to investigate, questions about the future have to wait, but everyone’s in a state of flux and if they can get this mystery solved, maybe it’s time to make some decisions. Hopefully it’ll all end well!

    Loved this outing for the gang, Daisy is still on a diet, and once again finds clues and generally is an excellent canine detective. The humans have plenty on their plates and need a break to sort through it all. The series is taking a hiatus, as are the whole gang, so fingers crossed more adventures await in the future. 

    *I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.

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    Blog Tour: The Case of the Body on the Orient Express – Kelly Oliver

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    Paris, 1928: Agatha Christie and fellow writer Dorothy L Sayers board the Orient Express, bound for Constantinople. Christie in particular is looking forward to a break from recent dispiriting events in
    both her work and private life – the finalisation of her divorce from her philanderous husband Archie, and the miserly reception of her latest book.

    But before the duo can settle in to enjoy the luxuries of their first-class journey, their journey is derailed when a fellow guest drops dead during the dinner service. And as the last person to speak to
    the victim, Dorothy finds herself a prime suspect in his murder.

    As the train hurtles East, Sayers’ resourceful assistant Eliza and her friend Theo must navigate a maze of suspects. But with each passing mile, the stakes rise, and when another body is discovered, their search to find the killer before they reach their destination becomes increasingly complicated.

    Can Eliza and Theo stay one step ahead, crack the mystery and clear Dorothy’s name? Or will this be one journey too far for the amateur sleuths?

    Purchase


    Kelly Oliver is the award-winning, bestselling author of three mysteries series: The Jessica James Mysteries, The Pet Detective Mysteries, and the historical cozies The Fiona Figg Mysteries, set in
    WW1. She is also the Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

    Facebook: @KellyOliverAuthor
    Twitter: @KellyOliverBook
    Instagram: @kellyoliverbooks
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    Bookbub profile: @KellyOliverBook

    My thoughts: Would I willingly get on the Orient Express with Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers having already been involved in a murder case with them? Not sure, but Eliza does. And a fellow traveller, an old flame of Sayers’, promptly drops dead in the dining car.

    Eliza knows her employer didn’t kill him, but somebody did, and far from the heart attack others suspect, she thinks it’s poison. Christie of course was a pharmacist and knew all about poison, but has no connection to the deceased, so Eliza rules her out. But the man’s wife ate from the same plate, so how, if it poison, did she survive?

    Digging into the man’s life and secrets, Eliza and Theo (working on the train as a waiter/general dogsbody alongside a very young future George Orwell) must solve the case before anyone else is killed or disappears. With a train full of suspects, a mysterious inspector, and no official authority to investigate, what could go wrong?

    Clever, full of little literary references, twists and with a canine sidekick, courtesy of Eliza’s beagle Queenie, as well as an espionage angle when MI5 operative (and Eliza’s sister) Jane joins them, there’s plenty for the duo to dig into here. Very enjoyable.

    *I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.

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    Blog Tour: Legacy.exe – J.A. Gillette

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    Welcome to the tour for Legacy.exe by J.A. Gillette. Read on for more details!



    Legacy.exe (The Bailey Files Book 1)
    Release Date: March 30, 2025
    Genre: LGBTQ+ Science Fiction/ Dystopian

    Representation:
    Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), lesbian, bisexual, BIPOC, intersex

    Success and failure, reason and passion, Blair and Roslyn.

    When these two roommates volunteer for a brain mapping experiment at Michigan University, all they’re looking for is one last shared experience to cap off their semester together. Despite Roslyn’s misgivings, Blair leaves her behind and enters the imaging chamber without a care in the world.
    Then fifty years pass in the blink of an eye.
    Blair wakes up alone in New York City, far removed from everyone she’s ever loved, including Roslyn. She’s been murdered, but a digital copy of her mind remains trapped inside a synthetic body. With the help of a cheery young AI and a street-savvy private investigator, she resolves to hunt down her killer before they can strike again.
    But Blair soon discovers she’s not quite alone as she believed; Roslyn’s memories are still alive inside her. In pursuing the mystery, these two head-mates learn their deaths may be as closely linked as their new lives. It’s a test of cooperation and compromise for these polar opposites, and if they fail, one or both of them could be deleted forever. They’ll either live together, or die alone.

    Content Warnings: Death, gaslighting, violence, suicidal ideation, radical ideologies, codependency, transphobia, violation, child in peril

    GET IT HERE

    My thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, it’s a clever, future set thriller, where you can upload your consciousness into a replica body when you die. Unfortunately Blair is missing the last 50 years of memories, and doesn’t know what’s going on. Thankfully between the AI past her built and the PI she hired, they’ve got it covered. Oh, and she’s sharing head space with her former BFF, college roommate and ex-girlfriend Roslyn.

    Both women have the knowledge and skills needed to survive the dangerous future they find themselves in, as long as they don’t fall out. And you thought sharing a room was hard! Try sharing your whole body.

    Hopefully book two would be out in the not too distant future as there’s lots of mysteries still to unpack and I want more!



    IG: @j.a.gillette @rrbooktours
    Tags:
    #rrbooktours #rrbtLegacyexe #legacyexe #lgtbq+sciencefiction #scifibooks #scifidystopian #sciencefiction #booktours

    *I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.

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    Blog Tour: Secrets Among Thorns – J A Andrews

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    She’s been missing for 10 years, but can a gut feeling unravel the truth?

    Carol, is a mother struggling to hold her family together in the aftermath of her brother-in-law Luke’s terminal diagnosis. As Carol and her husband Darren grapple with this tragedy, their daughter Lauren mysteriously vanishes. This inciting incident sets the stage for a decade-long
    mystery that consumes Carol and Darren’s lives, straining their already tumultuous marriage.

    Years later, Brenda, a 63-year-old woman who is partially retired, becomes obsessed with Lauren’s disappearance after seeing her face in a local newspaper. Despite her husband Alan’s scepticism, Brenda feels a profound spiritual connection to the case and is convinced that she is meant to help
    uncover the truth.

    Does Brenda know something she shouldn’t? What secrets are the family hiding? And, who is lying?

    Amazon UK Amazon US

    JA Andrews is from Devon in the UK and is the author of gripping twisty psychological
    thrillers. As well as writing fiction, he enjoys reading a mix of genres, watching reality TV and spending time with family and friends…

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    My thoughts: This was really good, with a shocking twist at the end you won’t see coming.

    When Carol and Darren come to town, following a supposed sighting of their missing daughter, they meet Brenda, who cleans the cottages at the holiday site they’re staying at. Brenda comes from a Romani Gypsy background and thinks she might have inherited her grandmother’s gift. On meeting Carol she gets the strong sense of Lauren and following a strange dream, decides to offer up her insights, much to husband Al’s dismay.

    Carol and Darren’s marriage is barely holding on, Darren drinks too much and is violent and aggressive. Carol seems terrified. She hopes that finding Lauren will fix things, but doesn’t know if they ever will. She turns to the kind-hearted Brenda as a friend and ally. Things take a shocking turn and Brenda’s insights might put her in danger.

    I was totally gripped, nothing in this story goes the way you might expect, whether you believe Brenda has psychic powers or not. Maybe she’s just really good at reading people or a bit of an empath, picking up on their moods. Regardless, the twists and turns throw up surprises and revelations that you cannot imagine. Definitely read this!

    *I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.

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    Blog Tour: The Silent Witness – K.J. McGillick

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    History is fragile. A single brush can forge it anew.

    When a stolen Klimt painting becomes a death sentence, lawyer-turned-writer Saoirse St. James must choose between justice and survival.

    Eleanor Ashford should have been safe in her Boston home. Instead, she’s found murdered—and The Golden Veil, her priceless Gustav Klimt, has vanished without a trace. As executor of Eleanor’s will and the painting’s unexpected heir, Saoirse inherits more than art: she inherits a target on her back.

    What begins as a simple insurance claim spirals into a deadly conspiracy stretching from Boston’s elite galleries to Venice’s shadowed auction houses. Alongside enigmatic investigator Matthew O’Donnell, Saoirse uncovers a criminal network that has been rewriting history itself—using forged masterpieces to manipulate the past, reshape power, and conceal the truth behind decades of crimes.

    But Eleanor’s death was just the beginning. As bodies fall and evidence vanishes, Saoirse realizes The Golden Veil hides secrets that could expose this empire of lies—and powerful people will kill to protect it. Every step toward the truth draws her deeper into the crosshairs of Maximilian Devereaux, a ruthless powerbroker whose fortune and influence were built on stolen identities, forged
    provenance, and silenced witnesses.

    From Zurich’s cobbled streets to Venice’s labyrinthine canals, this fast-paced thriller follows Saoirse as she stays ahead of assassins who erase their victims as cleanly as they forge the records of history.
    Because in a world where beauty masks brutality and culture conceals corruption, the most dangerous thing isn’t possessing a stolen masterpiece—it’s knowing who forged it and why.

    Some inheritances are worth dying for. Others are worth killing for.

    Amazon UK Amazon US


    From the bustling courtrooms of Atlanta to the vibrant tapestry of 16th-century England, Kathleen McGillick’s life and career have been a captivating blend of legal expertise, artistic passion, and a
    thirst for adventure.

    Fueled by an undergraduate and graduate degree in nursing, Kathleen built a foundation of compassion and care. This dedication to service later led her to pursue a Juris Doctorate, allowing
    her to navigate the intricacies of the legal system for nearly three decades. Her courtroom experience now breathes life into the intricate details of her legal thrillers, ensuring every courtroom
    scene crackles with authenticity.

    But Kathleen’s story does not end there. A deep fascination with art history led her to delve into the world of renowned artists and captivating eras. Her particular passion for 16th-century British history
    allows her to transport readers to richly detailed historical settings, immersing them in the culture,  politics, and societal nuances of the time.

    Driven by an unwavering dedication to her craft, Kathleen has independently published twelve thrillers since 2018. Her commitment extends beyond solo creation, as she actively engages with the
    writing community, honing her skills through workshops and courses led by renowned authors.

    And when she’s not crafting captivating narratives, Kathleen embarks on international journeys, soaking in diverse cultures and experiences that further enrich her writing. This global perspective
    adds another layer of depth and realism to her stories, allowing readers to connect with characters  and settings that transcend geographical boundaries.

    Website

    My thoughts: The world of international art dealing is infamously riddled with forgeries, dodgy paperwork and mysterious collectors. Saoirse St. James is drawn into that world when a client, and friend, is murdered and leaves a priceless Gustav Klimt to her. Unfortunately the murderer stole the painting and the police don’t seem too bothered about getting it back.

    With the help of Naval intelligence turned insurance investigator Matthew O’Donnell, she traces it across the globe, drawing the attention of ruthless Maximilian Devereaux, a collector, dealer and underworld fixer. He has no qualms about ordering the deaths of those who cross him, and now Saoirse is on his hit list.

    Clever, filled with labyrinthine art world intrigue, gripping and enjoyable thriller that takes the characters from Boston to Vienna, Zurich to Venice on the trail of the painting and the killer.

    *I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.

    blog tour, books, reviews

    Blog Tour: The Jericho Manuscript – Julian Doyle

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    At last, the incredible account of Sherlock Holmes’ investigation into the brutal murder of Canon Alfred Lilly and the secrets of the Jericho Manuscript can finally be published. Although Holmes’ faithful friend, Dr. John Watson, gave strict instructions that his account should not be released till a hundred years after his death, it has not made the astonishing discoveries any less explosive now as they were when written in 1901.

    “Sherlock Holmes meets the Da Vinci Code in a gripping murder mystery.” – Daily Express
    “Is this the most extraordinary Holmes Adventure ever written? The answer is ‘elementary'” – The Sun

    It was 24th June, when the Rev. David Adams discovered his friend Canon Alfred Lilly dead at his desk in a pool of blood. The police considered it suicide, but the Rev. Adams refused to accept the verdict and employed the celebrated detective to locate the murderer and the missing Jericho Manuscript that Lilly had been translating.
    The hunt for the killer takes Holmes and Watson to Paris where an encounter with mystic composer, Claude Debussy and his symbolist friends, not only leads to Holmes unravelling the secret history of Notre Dame Cathedral but forces the chase south to the birthplace of Nostradamus and the fortified town of Carcassonne. At the mysterious Magdalene church at Rennes-le-Châteaux, Holmes uses all his observational skills to decipher the heretical statues recently erected by the local priest, Abbé Saunière.
    Clues lead the intrepid detective and his excitable friend to the Monastère de Prouilhe, the centre of the dreaded Dominican monks who supervised the horrifying tortures and burnings of thousands of innocent Christian Cathars in the area. Can Sherlock Holmes use his special talents to extract from these monks the final link to the Jericho Manuscript and the monumental secrets it contains? The game’s afoot in an unmissable thriller that breaks through from fascinating fiction to extraordinary reality.

    As we unravel the secrets of the Jericho Manuscript, never forget Sherlock Holmes famous axiom,
    “Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth”

    JULIAN DOYLE, is one of the world’s most versatile Film Makers. He has written, directed, photographed, edited and created Fxs all to the highest standards. He is most famous for editing the Monty Python Films like ‘LIFE OF BRIAN’ and shooting the Fxs for Terry Gilliam’s ‘TIMEBANDITS and ‘BRAZIL’, which he also edited. His cult classic ‘CHEMICAL WEDDING’ featuring Simon Callow about the outrageous British occultist, Aleister Crowley and described by one US reviewer as ‘Thoroughly entertaining although at times you wonder if the film makers have not lost all there senses’. He has directed award winning pop videos such as Kate Bush’s ‘CLOUDBUSTING’ featuring Donald Sutherland and Iron Maiden’s ‘PLAY WITH MADNESS’. He recently wrote and directed the play ‘TWILIGHT OF THE GODS’ investigating the tumultuous relationship between Richard Wagner and Friedrich Nietzsche and described by ‘Philosophy Today’ magazine as ‘masterful’.

    Julian was born in London and started life in the slums of Paddington. His Irish father, Bob, was one of the youngest members of the International Brigade that went to fight against Franco’s invasion of democratic Spain. His mother, Lola, was born in Spain of an Asturian miner who died early of silicosis. She was thereafter brought up in a Catholic orphanage in Oviedo.

    Julian started his education at St. Saviours, a church primary school. He went on to Haverstock Secondary school, one of the first comprehensive schools in England. His first job was as a junior technician to Professor Peter Medawar’s team, which won the Nobel Prize soon after Julian’s arrival. Not that he claims any credit for that. At night school he passed his ‘A’ level exams and took a Zoology degree at London University. After a year at the Institute of Education, he taught biology for a year before going to the London Film School. Besides film making, Julian is well known for his Master-classes in Film Directing. While still at school, Julian had a daughter, Margarita who was brought up in the family. He then had 2 further children, Jud and Jessie.

    My thoughts: An interesting blend of Sherlock Holmes and The Da Vinci Code (which I thought was rubbish) inspired by the author’s research into the history of the Bible (his book The After-life of Brian expands on a lot of this)

    After a Canon is murdered, a friend of his asks Dr Watson for his and Holmes’ help in solving the murder and locating a stolen scroll relating to the Bible, that the Canon (a position in the Church of England, higher than a vicar but lower than a Bishop) was translating when he was killed. The hunt takes Holmes and Watson across the Channel to France and deep into the turbulent history of early Christianity in Europe and also the literal history of the Biblical figures around the time of the crucifixion.

    The quest focuses on the historic Jesus, the person, not the Christ of faith, so please read with a large pinch of salt if you’re religious, and if you’re easily offended, maybe read something else.

    As someone raised in the Church, named after Mary Magdalene, whose family come from France, and who has studied the Bible quite extensively. I nodded at a lot of the points Holmes raises, I’ve also read not only this author’s previous book, but others with similar interests. Some of the things Holmes and Watson discuss as they travel across France I am familiar with, some was new to me. At no point are they disrespectful although I always thought Holmes was an atheist, partly because his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, was a Spiritualist who believed in ghosts and fairies, and partly because I can’t imagine him believing in anything without being able to see it for himself. Dr Watson is definitely CofE.

    I really enjoyed this book, it’s a fascinating mix of fiction and theory that is debated theologians and historians of the period. While ultimately Holmes cannot reclaim the vital scroll, he does solve the murder along the way, and indulges in a complex and enjoyable debate with his friend and companion.

    *I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.

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    Blog Tour: Brothersong – TJ Klune

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    Set in the dreamy backwoods of Oregon, Brothersong is a queer, paranormal romance of burning passion and pack loyalty, and is the fourth book in the Green Creek series.

    In the ruins of Caswell, Maine, Carter Bennett glimpsed the truth of what had been right in front of him the entire time. And then it was ripped away from him.

    Desperate for answers, Carter takes to the road, leaving family and the safety of his pack behind. But therein lies the danger: wolves are pack animals, and the longer Carter is on his own, the more his mind slips toward the endless void of Omega insanity. Relentless, he pushes on, following the trail left by the feral wolf he tracks: Gavin, the son of Robert Livingstone. The half brother of Gordo Livingstone.

    What Carter finds will change the course of the pack forever. Gavin’s history with the Bennett family goes back further than anyone knows. And it includes a secret kept hidden by Carter’s father, Thomas Bennett. But uncovering this knowledge will come at a price: for the sins of the fathers will come to rest on the shoulders of their sons.

    Brothersong is the fourth and final book in the beloved Green Creek series by bestselling author TJ Klune. Start the journey with Wolfsong.

    My thoughts: Return to Green Creek and the gayest wolf pack ever, where it’s finally time to face their biggest enemy, the twisted Robert Livingstone. He’s been turned into a giant mutant wolf, mad with rage and without his magic. He’s also keeping his son Gavin tortured and bound to him, despite the call of the pack.

    Carter, the oldest Bennett brother sets out to find this missing wolf, to bring him home, despite the dangers. But in typical Bennett style he doesn’t tell his brothers where he’s going and they have to come after him.

    Livingstone brings the fight to their town, to their pack and to the resilient humans who live alongside them. Can Green Creek survive and what will the pack lose in the fight?

    It was about time Carter had his own story after both his brothers and Gordo had told theirs, but his story is also Gavin’s story. Gordo’s half-brother has had a sad time of it and being slowly drained of his life and living in terror with his deranged father isn’t much of a life.

    Carter was probably the most straight brother, plenty of women around Green Creek could attest to that, but as with much of the rest of the pack, his mate is not going to fit into his image of himself. Gavin might be damaged, might prefer being a wolf to being human, but he’s always heard Carter, even while his father’s voice drowns out his thoughts.

    The final book in the quartet means endings, bringing the story to its conclusion and hopefully peace for the Bennett pack and their friends. If you’ve been enjoying the series, it’s definitely bittersweet, saying goodbye to these characters but I think they deserve it, as all four books have had them fighting for their lives against all manner of terrible things.

    *I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.

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    Blog Tour: Let’s Make a Scene – Laura Wood

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    Their story might be scripted, but the chemistry is real.

    When Cynthie Taylor gets her first real acting job, starring in a small British movie, she is over the moon. There’s only one problem . . . Cynthie’s arrogant and annoyingly handsome co-star Jack hates her, and the feeling is definitely mutual. While they may be at war behind the scenes, their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and the studio sees an opportunity – have the two young stars fake a romance that will charm fans and draw crowds.

    Thirteen years later, Cynthie and Jack have successfully kept their promise to stay far away from one another, until a surprising offer comes to make a sequel to the cult classic that launched their careers. But there’s a catch: they must also rekindle their pretend relationship . . . and this time there’s a documentary crew following their every move.

    Cynthie and Jack both desperately need this film to work, but can two ex-rivals ever really trust each other? And what happens when the roles they’re playing start to feel all too real?

    My thoughts: This is a pretty classic enemies-to-lovers rom com, set in the world of Hollywood movie making, with our two leads doing their best Cary Grant/Rosalind Russell in His Girl Friday bickering and banter.

    Cynthie and Jack made their first film together, she the engenue cast from nowhere, he the son of acting royalty (his parents are ghastly) who might have got the role with a bit of nepotism, and a lot of talent, he gives good smoulder. 

    They obviously fancy the pants off each other, but insist they are bitter enemies. They have a wonderful supporting cast of friends, and the prank war is hilarious. 

    Thirteen years later, the sequel calls them back into each other’s lives, and they’re fake dating for column inches, Cynthie’s currently being painted as the scarlet woman and Jack wants to keep his role on a vampire TV show so they both need the publicity. Except of course, that spark between them is still there, and it’s impossible to ignore this time around.

    I loved Cynthie’s friends, Hannah (best friend and assistant) was my favourite. She was just so much fun. And the rest of the gang were delightful. Someone needs to create fan art of them as Minions, I love that.

    If you’re looking for a funny, intelligent romance, then look no further, this was a delight.

    *I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.