Rachel’s Random Resources – Page 19

Today I’m reviewing the new James Ryker novel, The Enemy Within by Rob Sinclair #blogtour #thriller #newrelease

Here’s the blurb

The BRAND NEW, action-packed Ryker thriller from million-copy bestselling author Rob Sinclair.

His past is coming back with a vengeance…

Ex-intelligence agent James Ryker has done many things in the past he’d prefer to forget. The last time he saw Gregor Minko – son to one of Ukraine’s most dangerous and politically influential arms dealers – Gregor was a scared 6-year-old boy in need of protection. But Ryker had to walk away. The boy wasn’t the mission.

Twenty years on Ryker is approached by two strangers in Antibes, France, asking for his help in finding Gregor – now going by the name of Gregor Rebrov. With a back catalogue of ‘crimes against the Russian state’, Gregor has escaped from a gulag in Siberia and is now in the wind.

Fuelled by old demons and painful memories of his own brutal actions in the past, Ryker finds himself once again in the thick of a complicated race against time and who knows how many of the world’s secret services, to find Gregor and get some answers.

As answers turn into more questions, they lead Ryker closer to home… and he can’t shake the feeling that he may be to blame.

A brand new high-stakes thriller. Perfect for fans of Lee Child and Robert Ludlum.

Cover image for The Enemy Within by Rob Sinclair showing a man running towards the House of Parliament in London, UK, with a helicopter in the background.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/theenemywithin

My Review

The Enemy Within is the latest novel in the James Ryker series. I’ve not read all the books, but I’ve read enough to know they guarantee an action-packed adventure in which our main character will encounter a few baddies.

The Enemy Within quickly grabbed my attention, especially with the addition of Gregor’s point of view from the gulag, while James is in a somewhat better position in the south of France. As we’re taken back to Ryker’s past, events in the present start to unfold, and we’re also treated to a trip to the Ukraine and Russian border.

I don’t know if this book is more violent than earlier ones in the series or because one of the storylines is Ryker as a younger man; it’s just that we discover how truly lethal he used to be, but the body count is certainly high.

The ending was delightfully twisty, and readers will learn much about Ryker from reading the latest instalment.

It is a violent, bloody and twisty tale, with elements of the current difficulties of the Ukraine war threaded through, which also makes it shockingly current.

Check out my review for The Green Viper.

Meet the author

Rob Sinclair is the million copy bestseller of over twenty thrillers, including the James Ryker series. Most recently published by Bloodhound, Boldwood will publish his latest action thriller, Rogue Hero, in June 2024 and will be republishing all the James Ryker series over the coming months.

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I’m delighted to be reviewing The Secrets of the Rose by Nicola Cornick #blogtour #dualtimeline #historicalfiction

Here’s the blurb

Bestselling author Nicola Cornick’s brand-new heart-breaking historical tale of unforgettable courage, hidden secrets and lasting love, perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Philippa Gregory and Christina Courtenay.

1715: With the country on the brink of rebellion, Dorothy Forster’s life at Bamburgh Hall is ruled by the men in her life – her feckless brothers stirring up trouble at court, her elderly father with his dangerous secrets and the man she loves who the world seems determined to keep her apart from. As tensions grow, Dorothy finds herself caught between the warring factions, danger everywhere. Then Dorothy discovers her family are the keepers of the legendary Rose, the talisman both sides believe will guarantee them victory in this deadly conflict. Now Dorothy will have to risk everything to keep the Rose safe; the fate of the country and the men she loves rests in her hands.

Present Day: Hannah Armstrong has returned home to Bamburgh Hall for work but when she discovers that her stepmother Diana has been keeping worrying secrets, her focus shifts to getting to the truth. Their family home once belonged to heroic Dorothy Forster, whose portrait graces the walls and whose spirit lingers in her home, but soon Hannah learns that there was much more to this formidable woman. Because Dorothy left behind a mysterious legacy and it’s not long before Hannah realises it’s one people are willing to kill for. Now Hannah is in a race against time to unravel the secrets of the past before danger arrives at their door.

Two women divided by time but bound by a centuries’ old mystery. Bestseller Nicola Cornick is back with a brand-new thrilling adventure, a heartbreaking love story and the unforgettable story of how the courage of one woman can save a family and even save a nation.

Book cover for The Secrets of the Rose by Nicola Cornick

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/SecretsOfTheRose

Book cover image for The Secrets of the Rose by Nicola Cornick

My Review

The Secrets of the Rose is a dual-timeline novel set in the present day and 1715, and much more importantly, it’s located about 10 minutes from where I live. Just like when someone writes a historical novel featuring one of ‘my’ historical characters, I felt a little uneasy about it all. Thankfully, I needn’t have worried, and that allowed me to enjoy the story and local scenery very much.

Dorothy Forster is a local legend to the area and someone I’ve heard quite a bit about. It was lovely to put some ‘flesh’ on those stories and see her come to life as a real person. While the story has some slightly mystical qualities, it was still very enjoyable.

As always, I prefer the historical timelines to the modern-day ones, but Hannah was an engaging character with a lot going on in her life. I appreciated the parallels between the two main characters. The conclusions for both of our characters are thrilling and swept me along with them.

A delightful, easy read, I devoured in a couple of sittings.

(If you want to see some photos of Bamburgh then check out my blog post here).

And find the review for The Other Gwyn Girl here too.

Meet the author

Nicola Cornick is a historian and author who works as a researcher and guide for the National Trust in one of the most beautiful 17th century houses in England. She writes dual time novels that illustrate her love of history, mystery and the supernatural, and focus on women from the footnotes of history. Her books have appeared in over twenty five languages, sold over half a million copies worldwide and been described as “perfect for Outlander fans.” Nicola also gives writing and history talks, works as a consultant for TV and radio, and is a trustee of the Wantage Literary Festival and the Friends of Lydiard Park.

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I’m delighted to share my review for Adam Lofthouse’s Raven #historicalfiction #blogtour #Roman

Here’s the blurb

Chief Killer. Battle Turner. Oathbreaker.

Alaric is an enemy of Rome.

144 AD. Alaric Hengistson, leader of the Ravensworn, revels in his many fear-fuelled names whispered in the hearth flames. Cunning in battle, a ruthless war lord. He sleeps sound in the knowledge that he has been chosen by the Gods for a higher purpose – to rise up against the tyranny of an Empire.

For years he has thwarted Rome’s attempts to gain control over the land that has long resisted them. His land. Germania. However the rules are changing, and new deals are struck between the conquering Roman legions and the feuding Germanic tribes. Deals that could prove Alaric’s downfall.

As the eagles march with the wolves, together hunting the Raven, Alaric must prove his legend or watch his Ravensworn burn in flames.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/RavenDefierRome

My Review

Raven is a fun, violent, action-packed epic set in Germania in the second century AD.

Alaric is very far from being any hero. Yes, he might be prepared to stand apart from the might of the Roman Empire, but he doesn’t care who he tramples on along the way. Sometimes, he’s almost likeable, but a lot of the time, he’s just a single man, making slightly dodgy decisions, often based on his rage and fury and trying to live with the consequences.
Alaric is proud of his reputation, but of course, it means he has far more enemies than allies, as becomes clear as the plotline develops. Alaric also suffers in that he believes the accolades he receives and even revels in them, even though, as the reader discovers, much of it is down to blind luck and not any great skill.

Unlike many Roman-era books, Raven contains very little ‘Roman.’ Rather, the story is that of an outsider looking in and understanding how the Roman Empire works—perhaps better than the Romans did! It’s also filled with betrayal and violence.

It’s great to read a book that merges the Roman world and that of tribal Germania and have it told from the viewpoint of those tribes. I look forward to reading more about the rogue, Alaric.

Meet the author

Adam Lofthouse is the author of action-packed historical thrillers. His brand new series for Boldwood, ‘Enemies of Rome’, will focus on the boundaries at the edge of the Roman Empire. The first book Raven, will be published in February 2025.

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Blog tour banner for Raven by Adam Lofthouse

I’m delighted to be sharing my review for The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape by Kate Galley #blogtour #newrelease #comedy

Here’s the blurb

Two old friends. One unexpected adventure!

When, at the age of 71, Gina Knight’s husband of four decades left her unexpectedly, she thought her life over. Until she met Dorothy Reed – a woman so full of the joie de vivre you’d think she was 21, not nearly 90. Gina would do anything for Dorothy. So when Dorothy suggests she take on the role of companion for one of Dorothy’s old friends, Gina sees no reason to say no.

Meredith Harper is a successful writer, living in Provence, and needs help looking after her husband, whose health is deteriorating. But when Gina arrives at the grand chateau, it becomes clear that Dorothy has not given Gina the full story. Because Meredith is also writing her memoirs, and Dorothy wants to know the contents before anyone else. So much so, she’s sent Gina to spy.

But what secrets is Meredith keeping? And will Gina be able to find out the truth before her cover’s blown?

Cover image for The Old Girls Chateau Escape by Kate Galley

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/oldgirlschateauescape

My Review

The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape is a worthy follow-up to the first book in the series, Old Girls Behaving Badly.

This time, our cast are mostly in France, which makes a delightful scene change and allows Art Historian Gina to thrive.

While she once more takes on the role of companion to an older couple, Gina has been tasked with uncovering some secret that Dorothy doesn’t wish others to know. What follows is a charming tale filled with some trepidation and a lot of questions, which resolves itself quite beautifully in the final few chapters.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I’m sure readers will be equally entertained by Gina and Dorothy and their antics.

Check out my review for Old Girls Behaving Badly.

Meet the author

Kate Galley is the author of uplifting golden years fiction, including The Second Chance Holiday Club. She was previously published by Aria, and is a mobile hairdresser in her spare time.

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Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KateGalleyNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-galley

I’m excited to share Stephanie Wood’s covers for her The Greek Retreat Trilogy #blogtour #coverreveal #romance

Jessica is escaping to the Greek Retreat to discover if running away from a broken engagement really can lead to a happy ever after. She doesn’t believe life works that way, but her future could depend on it.
The Greek island of Kynos is an idyllic hideaway, offering its visitors the space and time needed to truly appreciate the traditional hospitality. The locals are always friendly and ready to entertain their guests, while the daily activities offer many different ways to explore the island and its heritage.
Jessica is hoping The Retreat will provide everything she needs in order to plan for a successful future, but has she left it too late?

The Greek Retreat is a trilogy of standalone tales full of sunshine, surprises and love.

Pre-order Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DPL8X95M

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPL8X95M

Publication Date: 20^th March 2025

Chrissie is escaping to the Greek Retreat to avoid some of the issues her parents have left her to deal with at home. She hopes that visiting a new location will give her a different perspective and help her to find a way forward.

The Greek Retreat is a trilogy of standalone tales full of sunshine, surprises and love.

Pre-order Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DPL9T6VH

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPL9T6VH

Publication Date: 22^nd May 2025

Katie is escaping to the Greek Retreat to give herself some space to recover from an unexpected predicament. She blames herself for the situation she finds herself in and knows that something has to change, although she has no idea what she is looking for.

The Greek Retreat is a trilogy of standalone tales full of sunshine, surprises and love.

Pre-order Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DPL3R8BP

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPL3R8BP

Publication Date: 21^st August 2025

Meet the author

Stephanie writes contemporary fiction in the form of novels, novellas and short stories and her books explore a wide range of life’s challenges, dreams and responsibilities. The stories are all character based, so she has fun expressing each unique personality and the reasons behind their actions in a setting which always has a strong sense of community.

She published the AEGEAN SUN series of books as a fly-on-the-wall vision of life in a Greek resort during the summer season, the CHRISTMAS ON THE CLOSE series is set in a British suburban cul-de-sac over the festive period and the GREEK RETREAT trilogy is planned for publication in 2025.

Stephanie lives in Lancashire where, apart from reading and writing, she loves gardening and cycling and is a huge fan of the soaps Emmerdale and Neighbours.