Bena Roberts's Blog, page 4
September 12, 2018
Review - The Amber Maze by Christopher Bowden
The Amber Maze
While staying in a Dorset cottage, Hugh Mullion finds a mysterious key down the side of an antique chair. No one can say how long the key has been there or what it opens.
Hugh���s search for answers will unlock the secrets of the troubled life of a talented artist, destined to be hailed a neglected genius fifty years too late. And no secret is darker than that of The Amber Maze, from whose malign influence he never escaped.
The trail takes Hugh from Edwardian Oxfordshire to 1960s Camden Town, where the ghosts of the past are finally laid to rest.
Delicately crafted noir fiction at its best.
Purchase Links:
Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0955506751
Waterstones - https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-amber-maze/christopher-bowden/9780955506758
Smash words - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/880652
Author Bio ��� Christopher Bowden lives in south London. The Amber Maze is the sixth of his colour-themed novels, which have been praised variously by Andrew Marr, Julian Fellowes, Sir Derek Jacobi, and Shena Mackay.
Social Media Links ��� https://www.facebook.com/christopher.bowden.90
My Review
The Amber Maze
by Christopher Bowden
#onionstyle detective story
The Good
I wasn't sure at first but by the time Hugh had tugged out the key and found Mr. Lion.... it was all over!
The Bad
This is like the Secret Seven, without the Seven and with one Columbo style man who never gives up. But this is not the USA it is the UK and a very British piece of detective work, by an older man.
The Ugly
I might never be able to resist putting my hand behind the back of an antique chair again! Seriously, the plot really was an onion peel of detective work. From one key a whole novel, a secret, the maze, the fire ... I think that this is the perfect read in front of a fire on a cold day.
4 Stars
September 9, 2018
Special Promotion - The Forever Night Stand now Free! #free #freebies #freeebooks #whattoread
I have a special offer on a the moment and The Forever Night Stand is currently free! Please download... https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Night-Stand-second-romance-ebook/dp/B07BL2JCXQ/
September 5, 2018
Review - Dating Down by Diane Louise
Dating Down
Suddenly single and unexpectedly poor, it���s definitely safe to say that Alexis Harland is not living the life of her dreams.
Although she���s determined that nothing, not one little thing, will stop her return from poverty. Well, almost nothing. Her pride might get in the way a little. And possibly her family. And maybe the fact that she hasn���t got a clue where to start.
Many years ago, Alexis was swept away from life on a caravan park and introduced to a world of riches and glamour. All thanks to a wealthy man who married her, reinvented her��� and then dumped her for a younger model at the first sign of cellulite.
Now Alexis is stranded, struggling to keep her head above water and her history a secret from her highbrow friends.
As if that isn���t enough for a woman to deal with, one night she comes home to find a sexy man has landed, quite literally, on her doorstep. A man hell-bent on testing everything Alexis thinks she knows about true happiness.
Caught between the life she knows and her blossoming love, can Alexis afford to let go of her unwavering pride, kiss her social status goodbye and accept that stepping back to square one is sometimes a huge leap forward?
Publication Date 30th August
BUY -
Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dating-Down-Diane-Louise/dp/1719883521
Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/Dating-Down-Diane-Louise/dp/1719883521
Author Bio ���
Diane Louise is a dairy farmer���s wife from the UK who doesn���t know a Holstein from a Hereford.
But what she does know is how to write a funny story. Three years ago she tried to write steamy romance and sucked at it. Honestly, her stiff upper lip made her heroes more wet blankets than wet dreams. With a steely determination to avoid milking the cows, she turned her hand to Romantic Comedy and a star was born. Well, in her mind at least.
Fancy getting to know the woman behind the words?
She hangs around Facebook daily, desperately avoiding housework, and loves nothing more than chatting to fellow lovers of Romantic Comedy over at Di���s Romantic Comedy Club. Or, if you don���t do Facebook, that���s cool, because she also sends a monthly email to her readers, making sure they never miss a new release and sharing behind the scene info about her books. You can join The Monthly Club here.
Social Media Links ���
Facebook Group - Di���s Romantic Comedy Club - https://www.facebook.com/groups/954521864707822/
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16873120.Diane_Louise
Mailerlite Newsletter Sign Up - https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r9i1b8
Twitter - https://twitter.com/DianeLouise12
My Review Dating Down by Diane Louise
With friends like these...... you need Bob the builder (or taxi driver)
The Good
I was hooked on this book on page two or three with Crave Vagina - I can't say more but that one line with the very bad word had me spluttering my Earl Grey all over the patio!
The Bad
This is quite a sad story laced in humor and fun and laughter. I did laugh out loud.
The Ugly
However far-fetched, some bits of this book were so believable. I remember when I stopped working due to illness. No income and suddenly, you just can't keep up with your friends. The restaurant scene was one I have lived myself!
All in all, this ticks several adorable boxes for a marvelous rom-com.
4.5 Stars - I couldn't put it down. I read this as part of a blog tour and I also reviewed on Goodreads and my blog Six Tinder Weeks
Review - Violet Souls by Abbey MacMunn
Violet Souls, book 1 The Evoxian Legacies
While searching for clues to her past, shy single mum, Bree Mills discovers a subculture of aliens with supernatural abilities living on Earth.
And she���s one of them.
Finding herself hurled into a world of possibilities, it���s made more alluring by Quinn Taylor, the violet-eyed Evoxian from her childhood dreams.
324-year-old Quinn knows his destiny is entwined with Bree���s, but before he can confess his love, he must wait for her to sense the Akui, a mysterious force tied with ancient Evoxian law.
At a Cotswolds country manor, passions awaken and ignite a love more magical than the once-Utopian planet, Evox. Then Fate delivers a cruel and heart-breaking blow when Bree is kidnapped by a malicious alien who wants her and her power.
Will Quinn still love her when she���s faced with protecting her half-human daughter��� whatever the cost?
Purchase Links
Author Bio ���
Abbey MacMunn writes paranormal and fantasy romance. She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband and their four children.
When she���s not writing, she likes to watch films and TV shows ��� anything from rom-coms to superheroes to science fiction movies. She is a proud member of the Romantic Novelists' Association.
Social Media Links ���
My Review Violet Souls
#sci-fi meets shifting
The Good
This was a fresh twist on the bonding type of werewolf story. In fact, it goes dimensional and introduces us to new planets (EVOX). I enjoyed the new approach and had fun reading it.
The Bad
I loved the start and the end of the story. The mix with Michael and the wombs, saving things made this a Star Trek mix with a strong woman. I love strong woman stories!
The Ugly
A strong start and finish. The middle dipped only slightly. Four stars from me, but I would like to read more.
4 Stars - I read this as part of a blog tour and have published the review on Goodreads and my blog Six Tinder Weeks
August 31, 2018
Review Evie's Little Black Book by Hannah Pearl
Evie���s Little Black Book
Is hunting down every man you���ve kissed the answer to finding Mr Right?
When Evie is invited to the wedding of the guy she���d fancied throughout her teens, it���s the final straw. What���s wrong with her and why can���t she keep a man?
In between consoling herself with ice cream and chocolate, and sobbing her heart out to her cousin Chamaine, Evie has a brainwave ��� and it all centres around her ���little black book��� (well, more floral patterned notebook really) ��� which contains the details of every man she���s ever kissed or dated. Perhaps the cure for her disastrous love life has been nestled within its pages all along ���
Does Evie���s little black book really hold the answers, or will she learn that exes are exes for a reason?
Purchase Links
Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Evies-Little-Black-Book-fabulous-ebook/dp/B07F39FYSX/
Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/Evies-Little-Black-Book-fabulous-ebook/dp/B07F39FYSX/
Audible - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Evies-Little-Black-Book/dp/B07FQSZX5J/
Author Bio ���
Hannah Pearl was born in East London. She is married with two children and now lives in Cambridge.
She has previously worked as a Criminology researcher at a university in Leicester, as a Development Worker with various charities and even pulled a few pints in her time.
In 2015 she was struck down by Labrynthitis, which left her feeling dizzy and virtually housebound. She has since been diagnosed with ME. Reading has allowed Hannah to escape from the reality of feeling ill. She read upwards of three hundred books during the first year of her illness. When her burgeoning ereader addiction grew to be too expensive, she decided to have a go at writing. In 2017 she won Simon and Schuster���s Books and the City #heatseeker short story competition, in partnership with Heat magazine, for her short story The Last Good Day.
Hannah is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association.
Blog - dizzygirlwrites.wordpress.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HannahPearl_1
Giveaway ��� Win 2 x set of floral notebook, pen, book locket necklace and chocolate (Open Internationally)
*Terms and Conditions ���Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners��� information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
My Review Evie's Little Black Book by Hannah Pearl
Who had a black book when they were young?
The Good
The storyline of this book is a hit. Fresh different new and so, believable!
I have done what Evie did but never followed through. Who doesn't Google the ex?
The Bad
There are some sensitive issues towards the end of the book that are tragic and hard. But the start and the middle are unstoppable. From the invitation to the cousin to the wedding - I was hook, line, and sinker into this book!
The Ugly
If you are looking for a romance with some serious bits - this is an unstoppable story with some laughs. Also, there are some gulp moments. I honestly have to say that meeting the gay-ex, the different men, the one that stuck out his tongue... was my pleasure!
Quite simply a great read.
5 Stars - I read this as part of a blog tour and this review is posted on my blog Six Tinder Weeks and Goodreads
August 30, 2018
The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane-Part Four: Trick or treat by Emily Harvale
#LilyPondLane
The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane
Part Four Trick or Treat
Mia Ward was amazed to inherit her great-aunt Matilda���s thatched cottage in the tiny seaside village of Little Pondale ��� especially as Mia didn���t know she had a great-aunt Matilda. She was even more astonished to discover she���d only inherit the place if she lives there for a year.
But a lot can happen in a very short time, and life in Little Pondale is not going quite as Mia hoped. She may have finally beaten one fear, but now heartbreak threatens to drown her.
And when at last, she starts to unravel the mystery of Matilda���s past, she uncovers an extraordinary plan for her own future. Now just who can Mia trust?
As the nights draw in and cold winds steal through Sunbeam Cottage, she turns to an unlikely source for comfort and support. But with the fortune teller���s warning still ringing in her ears, is Mia about to make the biggest mistake of her life?
Purchase from http://newbook.at/Trickortreat
Author Bio ���
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now spends her days writing... and chatting on social media. Emily is a Member of the SoA, a PAN member of the RWA and a Pro Member of ALLi. She's an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. Emily loves writing and her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Emily says, "I write about friendship, family and falling in love. I believe in happing endings." When she isn't writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both.
Social Media Links ��� https://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalewriter
https://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale
https://www.instagram.com/emilyharvale
My Review The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane-Part Four: Trick or treat
by Emily Harvale
#lovely
The Good
A lovely warm finale to a great book!
The Bad
The mystery the diaries and Gill gave this book a different feel at the end. It was warmer. I loved the Jett thing..
The Ugly
The best part of this whole series for me was the fortune teller. Then the secret spy and the issue of the house. They all were rounded up well.
4 Stars - I read this as part of a blog tour and will publish on Goodreads and Amazon
August 29, 2018
Review - Angelica Stone by Susi Osborne
Please see my review of this book below - what a powerful read!
Angelica Stone
Following years of sexual abuse, Angelica is brought up in care. As a teenager she absconds, living on the streets, before eventually being forced into prostitution to survive. She learns to rely solely on herself and is reluctant to allow anyone to get close to her, until she forms an unlikely bond with Lola. In contrast, Lola is from what appears to be a happy middle-class background ��� but all is not what it seems...
Slowly, as their friendship grows, cracks start to appear in Lola���s life, and a series of events leave her on the verge of ruin. Can these women break the cycle of their lives? Or will they succumb to the path laid out before them? Angelica Stone is an emotional rollercoaster of laughter and tears as the women embark on a journey of self-discovery, with the support of one another.
Purchase Links
Angelica Stone - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Angelica-Stone-Susi-Osborne/dp/1911320947/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Secrets, Lies & Butterflies - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secrets-Lies-Butterflies-Susi-Osborne/dp/1846248914/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Grace & Disgrace - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grace-Disgrace-Susi-Osborne/dp/1846244633/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
The Ripples of Life - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ripples-Life-Susi-Osborne/dp/1846241804/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Author Bio ��� Susi Osborne is the author of The Ripples of Life, Grace & Disgrace, Secrets, Lies & Butterflies and Angelica Stone. She lives in Cheshire with her Scottish husband, her actress daughter and their two mischievous little dogs. Susi also has an adult son and a grandson who live nearby. Amongst friends their house is known affectionately (she hopes!) as the Osborne madhouse, for obvious reasons.
Before she became a writer, Susi worked in libraries for many years. She also worked as a classroom assistant in a junior school. In addition to her writing Susi organises Northwich LitFest, which she has been running for the past seven years. Alongside the writing of her latest book, Angelica Stone, Susi has been raising money for Centrepoint, the charity for youth homelessness, and has set up a Just Giving Page for the charity in her name.
Susi is a firm believer in the fact that it���s never too late to do anything. ���You only have one life ��� go out and grab it with both hands!���
Social Media Links ���
Facebook Susi Osborne ��� Author https://www.facebook.com/susiwritesbooks
Twitter https://twitter.com/susiosborne
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/susi.osborne/
Giveaway ��� One Winner will win all 4 of Susi Osborne���s Books (Open to UK Only)
*Terms and Conditions ���UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners��� information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
My Review Angelica Stone by Susi Osborne
Wow.
The Good
Harrowing, tragic and well written. A tale of two women who are very different but share things in common.
The Bad
I loved the over and undertones of this hard to put down novel. The sad and painful issues were dealt with well.
The Ugly
There is a lot of ugly in this book. But also a lot of friendship. I really recommend this compelling read. It wasn't erotic, flirty or a lot of fun - but it was a damn good read!
5 Stars - I read this book as part of a blog tour and this review is also published on Goodreads and Six Tinder Weeks
August 27, 2018
Blog Tour - The Things We Leave Unsaid - Megan Mayfair
I am so excited to host this fantastic Rom Com on Six Tinder Weeks! Enjoy!
The Things We Leave Unsaid
Is it the things we don���t say that haunt us the most?
Clare is anxious to start a family with adoring husband, Pete. When she takes on the seemingly simple task of obtaining her late mother���s birth certificate, she finds herself in a family history search that will challenge everything she thought she knew about her life.
Scarred by her parents' ill-fated marriage, Tessa lives by three rules ��� dating unavailable men, building her caf�� into a food empire, and avoiding her father. However, when her carefully planned life is thrown into chaos, Tessa is forced to decide which of these rules she���s willing to break.
As Clare and Tessa���s paths cross and their friendship grows, can they both finally unlock their family secrets in order to realise their futures?
Purchase from Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Things-We-Leave-Unsaid-ebook/dp/B07DHVPZ1V
Author Bio ���
Megan Mayfair is a Melbourne-based writer who draws inspiration from her beautiful hometown and regional Victoria to create contemporary women's fiction, containing a big dash of romance and a spoonful of family intrigue.
With a background in public relations, copywriting and higher education, Megan is passionate about words and loves to bring them to life on the page. Megan holds a Master of Arts in professional communication and is a member of Romance Writers of Australia and Writers Victoria.
Megan is married with three children, loves a good cup of coffee and believes you can never have too many scarves.
Social Media Links ���
https://www.facebook.com/meganmayfairauthor/
https://twitter.com/MayfairMegan
August 21, 2018
The Last Plantagenet? By Jennifer C. Wilson
Fireplace... time portal? Ooohhh! I feel a bit of Dr. Who coming on here!
The Last Plantagenet?
The fireplace hadn't looked like a time-portal.
All Kate had wanted was a fun, relaxing day out, watching the knights jousting at Nottingham Castle. What she ended up with was something quite different.
Transported in a heartbeat from 2011 to 1485, how will Kate handle life at the Ricardian court? Even more importantly, how will she cope when she catches the eye of the king himself?
Purchase Link - Amazon
Author Bio ��� Jennifer is a marine biologist by training, who developed an equal passion for history whilst stalking Mary, Queen of Scots of childhood holidays (she since moved on to Richard III). She completed her BSc and MSc at the University of Hull, and has worked as a marine environmental consultant since graduating.
Enrolling on an adult education workshop on her return to the north-east reignited Jennifer���s pastime of creative writing, and she has been filling notebooks ever since. In 2014, Jennifer won the Story Tyne short story competition, and also continues to work on developing her poetic voice, reading at a number of events, and with several pieces available online. Her Kindred Spirits novels are published by Crooked Cat Books and available via Amazon.
Social Media Links ��� Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
My Review - The Last Plantagenet? by Jennifer C. Wilson
Was Richard III good? I don't remember that or was I wrapped up in Shakespeare?
The Good
Fantasy at its best. If you can't wait for Horrible Histories and love it when your children watch it.... you will love this. Dr. Who come sexy romance.
The Bad
I am not sure the facts were correct in the book - but this is great fiction and escapism that I enjoyed.
The Ugly
I could have read more. This is a lovely novella - but it could have been a lot more with juicier bits too! Not that I wanted more romping... (well maybe!)
4 Stars - I read this as part of a blog tour.
August 20, 2018
Review - The Good Sister by Rachael Stewart
The Good Sister
HE WASN���T HERS TO LOVE ��� BUT HER HEART DOESN���T CARE���
When Isla Evans agrees to switch lives with her rising star of a twin for three weeks, she has no idea the move will thrust her into the same bed as her teenage celebrity heartthrob, Bradley King. Trapped there at her sister���s request, she gives her desire free reign and finds herself falling hard and fast.
And she���s not alone.
Bradley wants a wife to tick all the boxes, save for one: love. It���s not part of the deal, never was, never will be. But when he returns home early to find his hopeful-fianc��e behaving all sorts of different, he likes it. A lot. Suddenly, he wants a real marriage, with all the trimmings, and he will stop at nothing until he gets it.
But this Hollywood HEA faces one big hurdle���she���s not who he thinks she is���
Purchase Links
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Good-Sister-Rachael-Stewart-ebook/dp/B07FYDT2J9
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Sister-Rachael-Stewart-ebook/dp/B07FYDT2J9
Author Bio ���
Rachael Stewart adores conjuring up stories for the readers of Harlequin Mills & Boon and Deep Desires Press, with tales varying from the heart-warmingly romantic to the wildly erotic.
Despite a degree in Business Studies and spending many years in the corporate world, the desire to become an author never waned and it's now her full-time pleasure, a dream come true.
A Welsh lass at heart, she now lives in Yorkshire with her husband and three children, and if she's not glued to her laptop, she's wrapped up in them or enjoying the great outdoors seeking out inspiration.
Social Media Links ���
Website: www.rachaelstewartauthor.com
Twitter: @rach_b52
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rachaelstewartauthor/
My Review - The Good Sister by Rachael Stewart
Trashy fantastic!
The Good
So, this is my kind of fiction. Trashy in a lovely way as it is a page turner and great bedtime reading!
The Bad
Forget Darcy - Hello... BRAD!!
The Ugly
Escapism, sex, wild moves - this book has it all. I really enjoyed it! The story was weak at first, got better and a cheesy ending. Everything I love in a romance!
5 Stars
