Running scared by Mandasue Heller

Running Scared by Mandasue Heller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - < 1 day

Pages - 384

Publisher - Pan Macmillan

Source - Netgalley & bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Set in Manchester, Running Scared is a nerve-shredding thriller by bestselling author Mandasue Heller.

When Alexis ‘Lexi’ James falls out with her best mate Nicole over ‘bad boy’ Ryan King, it’s just the beginning of a chain of events that go from bad to worse to deadly.

Returning home one night to her high-rise flat, she is faced by a terrifying scene that changes her life forever and matters are made worse when she is put into care in another town.

Years later, Lexi has left school and is back in Manchester. A chance meeting with Nicole and her so-called ‘other half’ Ryan ends in disaster and she vows never to see them again. Then one night she is saved from a vicious attack by a charming stranger. He takes her home and their acquaintance blossoms into something much deeper.

When her new man receives a call in the middle of the night and leaves in a hurry, she is horrified when he returns with someone she never thought she would see again. It soon becomes obvious that Lexi doesn’t know her new lover as well as she thought, and she is forced to make a decision that will have devastating results . . .


My Review

It has been a wee while since I read Heller and I forgot how much I enjoy her writing. She creates some real unsavoury characters, some we root for and can still get exasperated but some of their choices and behaviours. Meet Lexi, poor, estate kid, best pal has now got money, isn't a very nice individual and her home life brings its own challenges. When she has a chance to stay out, be with her friend and just enjoy a party.............everything changes!

The story spans over ten years, the first part is meeting the characters and then we flip forward to ten years later. Oooft guys, we see some really reprehensive behaviour, shady/dark sides of humanity, abuse, intimidation, SA, abuse of power/authority, drugs, violence, murder - it has a whole whack of everything.

Even when things get really dark you struggle to put it down, how can people be like this and you get the WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!? for some people's life choices/decisions, why, NO don't do that, OMG, AHHHHHHH. I read this in less a day, sometimes you just want to step outside your own world/drama just for a little while, Heller gives you that opportunity to immerse in some shady underworld style characters, 4.5/5 for me!

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Save Me by Mandasue Heller

Save Me by Mandasue Heller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 400

Publisher - Pan MacMillan

Source - Netgalley

Blurb from Goodreads

A gripping thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Run, Mandasue Heller. When Ellie Fisher misses her train home one night, she has no idea that being in the right place at the wrong time will change her life forever. That night she comes across Gareth, a young man about to take his own life, because as far as he’s concerned there is nothing left to live for. Putting her own life in danger Ellie convinces Gareth that there is always something left. Her own life is no bed of roses, she explains, but she always pushes on. However, good deeds aren’t always repaid the way we want. Has Ellie unwittingly put her life in danger, or is the real danger a lot closer to home?



My Review

Ellie Fisher misses her train home, bringing her into the path of a stranger Gareth who is going to take his own life. Ellie puts herself at risk, saving Gareth and in turn causing more ripples in her own life. Her controlling husband is suspicious, her colleagues take advantage of her good nature as does her sister who is utterly vile. All actions have consequences and Ellie is about to discover just how big an impact one kind deed can have on her life and those around her.

It has been a while since I read a book that grabbed me pretty much from the get go and it wasn't due to the knowing something bad was coming. The relationship dynamics infuriated me, I wanted Ellie to deal with the selfish horrible people in her life and put them in her place. I think depending on your family life and personal experiences will depend on how much that part of the story will impact on you. I was so infuriated I could have flung the book because I was so angry at how much Ellie allowed people to walk over her. The more I read and the more things happened I got so exasperated, then you have the violent side. Things start happening, you don't know who to trust or really what is coming next.

I have always enjoyed Heller's books, I didn't even look at the blurb when going for this book so it was a bit different from what I expected. It isn't her normal estate gritty type book, this is relationships, families, stalker type vibe with violence, suspense and building up page by page. 4/5 for me this time, available to buy from 28th December this year, my thanks to Netgalley.

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Supporting our authors giveaway alert

Because bloggers aren't blaggers! Bloggers support authors in many different ways. Some will only post reviews of the books they loved & contact the publisher with feedback on the ones they didn't. I tend to be one of the bloggers who post all of my reviews, low and high star ratings as I think what one dislikes can be another persons love and snag the sale. I myself have bought a fair few books based on those low star reviews because the things they hated are a huge selling point for me and vice versa. Some will buy a copy or two of most review books they are sent, some buy ones they loved only, some buy finished copies for friends and or themselves, we all do our bit.



Being a blogger means we review books we have read and some of us are lucky and privileged to be sent copies to review and advanced reading copies of books before they are available to buy. I was sent an e copy of Run by the fabulous Mandasue Heller.





So, today I am doing a wee impromptu giveaway of a brand new paperback copy of Run, you can read my review HERE!


Mandasue is a great author, gritty crime and her novels are standalones so you can jump right in with her newest release. Her next book is due out December this year or January 2018, keep your eyes peeled for that one.





You can find Mandasue on Twitter @MandasueHeller or on Facebook, give her page a wee like CLICK HERE.


Here is Princess T posing with the prize. To be in with a chance of winning, as always, just use the Rafflecopter below, as always the more entries you complete the more times your name goes into the draw. Good luck, this comp is open to all.


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Run by Mandasue Heller - Blog Tour

Today is my turn on the blog tour for RUN by the fabulous Mandasue Heller, I was very lucky to receive an arc from Netgalley, click HERE to read my review. Mandasue has very kindly agreed to do a Q&A so without further delay, welcome to So Many Books, So Little Time and thank you so much for taking the time out to answer some questions.





It has been quite a time for you since your last book release, how are you doing?

I had to skip a year to look after my mum so it’s been difficult, but I’m slowly getting back on my feet.


Run is quite a book, mixed with friendships, relationships, lies and secrets, how hard was it writing it?

It was really hard, because my head was elsewhere for so long. I completely lost sight of it halfway through and didn’t know if it was good or bad, so my lovely man, Win, read the first half and told me it was fine and he didn’t see what I was worrying about. He also made a suggestion about one of the characters that I hadn’t thought of, which really moved it forward.


Who is your favourite character in the book and why?

I really like the friendship between Leanne and Chrissie, and I have a big soft spot for Ben. As for favourite, I’m not sure. Possibly Chrissie, because she’s sharp and takes no shit.


I felt Run snared you from the opening chapter as you didn’t know who was in such peril, was this intentional or just fabulous writing?

It was intentional, although I originally had a different scene as the prologue. My editor suggested changing it when I’d finished, because it gave too much away - he was right.


Do you read other books whilst penning a new novel or do you have a set routine

I used to be an avid reader, but I read very little now as I tend to mentally rewrite everything, which takes away the enjoyment.


When is the next book and do you have a story line in mind?

I’m writing the next book already, and it should be out next year. I’ve also made a start on the one I’ll be working on after that.


I have to ask for our Scottish fans, do you think you will ever make it up here for a launch?

I have done events in Scotland in the past, and imagine I will again in the future. Beautiful place.


What about a duo author interview night with Kimberley Chambers?

We done several events together in the past, and will definitely hook up again at some point.


What is next for Mandasue?

When my latest book is finished, I’ll start writing and recording songs for the album of ballads Win has been composing for me while I’ve been working. After that, it’ll be time to crack on with the next book :)


Thanks again for stopping by Mandasue, good luck for the release date. You can buy Run from all good retailers from tomorrow 12/01/2017 available in paperback and ebook. Follow Mandasue on Twitter @MandasueHeller or visit her Facebook page

Run by Mandasue Heller

Run by Mandasue Heller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - < 1 day

Pages - 400

Publisher - Pan MacMillan

Blurb from Goodreads

Run by Mandasue Heller is a gritty story of Manchester's criminal underworld, from the bestselling author of Afraid.

After being cheated on by her ex, Leanne Riley is trying her hardest to get her life back on track, which isn't easy without a job and living in a bedsit surrounded by a junkie and a mad woman.

On a night out with her best friend she meets Jake, a face from her past who has changed beyond all recognition. Jake is charming, handsome and loaded, a far cry from the gawky teenager he used to be. Weary of men, Leanne isn't easy to please, but Jake tries his best to break through that wall she's built around herself.

But good looks and money can hide a multitude of sins? Is that good-looking face just a mask? What's more, what will it take to make it slip, and who will die in the process...



My Review

Leanne is out with her best friend on a night out, trying to enjoy herself and forget her idiot ex who cheated on her. The last thing she expects is a face from the past and what a beautiful face it has become, enter Jake. Jake had been a scrawny kid but has now grown into a beautiful young man and appears successful, nice clothes, has money, he appears to have it all. Leanne takes a chance and Jake is everything she could have asked for, but is there more to Jake than meets the eye and harboring a secret that could threaten everything they have.

Oooh this is a good one, we have waited a while for Heller's newest release and it is worth the wait, Leanne lives in a pokey wee flat, life is a bit rubbish and then boom, hello Jake. Their relationship goes from strength to strength, he is charming, attentive and dishy. Leanna experiences problems with her neighbour, there is a dead body and things become dark and dangerous.

Run opens with a chapter that pulls you in, no clues to identities of the people in the scene and then opens with introductions to our characters. The story breaks down into relationships, person demons Leanne has to overcome after being hurt in her previous relationship and taking a leap of faith on this one. Sex, violence, friendship, love, betrayal, blackmail are just some of the topics covered. Heller creates characters the reader becomes vested in pretty much from page one, action packed with themes of grief and loss, some sexual content and violence hooks you quickly. Thanks so much to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this, 4/5 for me this time, if you haven't read Heller before you are in for a treat and I advise you to get her back catalogue which are all great reads too.

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Shafted by Mandasue Heller

Shafted by Mandasue Heller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 551

Publisher - Hodder

Blurb from Goodreads

Larry Logan is a small-time TV star with a mile-wide ego. When his latest show is axed, he is dismayed to find that the only work he can get is fronting a fake game show that is actually an undercover police sting designed to trap criminals. His reluctance evaporates, however, as the show rockets his career back to prime-time stardom, and when the lovely, shy Stephanie enters his life he thinks he finally has it made. But Larry doesn't know how dangerous those criminals are. He helped imprison some dangerous men—and they want revenge.


My Review

Larry Logan is a disgrace, at the top of his game on a tv show and raking the cash in he is rude, turning up drunk and rude and about to make the mistake of his life! When he pushes his luck one time too much he finds himself spurned from those who loved him, broke and fallen from grace. His only chance at redemption lies in accepting home truths, help from his agent and a new tv show that may boost him back onto the scene but at what cost. Liaising with producers and the police Larry gets involved in a new project were he meets Stephanie and Larry finds out the past isn't always easy to leave behind.

As always, I love the worlds Heller creates, the writing draws you in and the characters are despicable. Just when you think it can't get any worse for Larry there is another twist. I worked out one or two early on but there was plenty to keep you guessing and amused. Larry's life is just a car crash, you cringe for him and can see so many of hollywood's "finest" getting into one or two of these scrapes. 4/5 for me this time, I read this in practically one sitting, I have read most of Heller's work and will continue to do so. One of my fav gritty crime writers, for anyone who isn't familiar with this author, there is swearing, sex, drugs, violence and themes that coincide with the darker side of society.

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The Driver by Mandasue Heller

The Driver by Mandasue Heller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Publisher - Hodder

Pages - 320

Blurb from Goodreads

When you play with fire, everyone gets burned... Joe Weeks is new to the Grange Estate. Tolerant, doesn't mind a bit of weed, doesn't try to pull other men's women. Live and let live is his motto... Eddie Quinn is the hardest man on the estate. Everyone knows that it's a bad idea to cross him, or his pit bull. But everyone also knows he's honest, as drug dealers go. Joe's pleased when Eddie offers him a job. But then he meets Katya. A prostitute. A slave. And desperate to escape from Eddie.


My Review

Joe Weeks has just moved to the Grange Estate. It is rife with drugs, prostitution, violence and a tight leash on it all - held by Eddie Quinn. Joe just wants an easy life after breaking up with his girl. Eddie is hardcore, he will let loose his dog or his temper if pushed and Joe best watch his step. However, once he befriends some of the neighbours and is in need of a job, he finds himself working for Eddie and catching the eye of Katya. Katya works for Eddie, no one messes with Eddie or his business, Joe can't help himself and gets caught up in a tangled web that threatens not only him, but all involved.

Ooooh this was a good read, I love small estate style stories as there is always gossip, nosy neighbours and scandal. Throw in some thugs ruling a small empire, affairs and murder and you would have just some of the things covered in The Driver. This book draws you in fairly quickly, you meet the residents as the main character Joe does, how quickly he gets drawn in and follow him down a slippery slope. The story flows well as Heller always manages, nearing the end we are flung a curve ball which I did not see coming and even now I am finished I am not sure how I feel about it. There is also quite a brutal violent scene in this story and a few issues that reflect the reality of drug addiction, particularly in relation to a dependent child, just a heads up.

Well done, good charactisation and she really brings to life and lifts the estate from the page. 4/5 for me, if you follow my reviews you know I am a huge Heller fan so this won't be my last. I have another on my tbr and look forward to the one she is currently penning. If you haven't read Heller before, you don't mind swearing, gritty crime and some harsh issues then definitely give her a go.

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Afraid by Mandasue Heller

Afraid by Mandasue Heller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton

Pages - 344

Blurb from Goodreads

Mandasue Heller's thrilling novel is set on the gritty streets of Manchester.
When fifteen-year-old Skye's mother finally does something so shocking that it can't be hushed up, the police turn her over to the social workers - and that's when the nightmare begins.
She doesn't know if her father is alive or dead; the woman who is supposed to be helping her dumps her in a terrifying 'home' that's more like a jail. But she still has one friend to turn to: the sympathetic girl she's met in an internet chat room, the one who seems to have a home life as unhappy as Skye's. And Jade offers her a safe place to stay . . .
Alone in Manchester, nearly penniless, Skye is willing to trust Jade. Even when it isn't Jade who turns up at the rendezvous, but a grown-up man who says he's Jade's brother . . .


My Review

Set in Manchester, Skye Benson is fifteen years old living with her mum and dad, bullied at school, parents fighting and mum has some mental health issues. After a particularly horrific physical fight between her parents, Skye ends up in a children's home with more bullies. Feeling trapped, unable to find out what is going on with her parents, Skye reaches out to a friend she met on the internet, Jade. Jade can help out, she has the same issues with parents, is the same age and understands Jade completely. When Skye meets Jade it is her older brother who shows up, Skye has no reason not to trust him and gets in the car.

Oooooh this book is a doozy, it has some really dark gritty themes which can be really hard going to read, however the story pulls you in and you have to find out how it plays out. The stories jump between what is happening with Skye and then back to her father where the police, one officer in particular has a vendetta against Jeff Benson. Now his daughter is missing he has the perfect excuse to hound Jeff as his life is falling apart. Skye on the other hand is finding out that Jade's brother Tom is willing to help her anyway he can, now that the police are "after her".

What follows is a stomach turning, well executed plan to get Skye into his way of thinking and whilst the police are pre occupied with Skye's dad, Tom has all the time in the world with her. This story will have the hair on your neck standing up, makes you realize how quickly someone can ruin your life and an insight into Stockholm syndrome and the conditions required to evoke this psychological phenomenon.

The book is fast paced, harrowing, covers many themes including childing exploitation, rape, pedophilia, murder, family violence and relationships to name just a few. It is not an easy read due to the subject content however it is done well enough that you know exactly what is transpiring without focusing purely on the stomach turning details. Due to the story line there does need to be some detail on some of the sexual content and for that I would warn readers before picking up the book. I think Heller has done very well in how she has handled it and it does not deflect or detract from the actual story line.

I think this is one of those books that will stay with you for a long time after putting it down. This is a great author, I can't recommend her high enough. I was a big apprehensive picking this one up as I haven't been enjoying books so much lately, I am glad I did though. 5/5 for me this time and thanks to the publicist over at Hodder & Stoughton for giving me an advanced reading copy. This book came out yesterday so you can grab your own copy now!

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ARC - Respect by Mandasue Heller

Respect by Mandasue Heller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1.5 days (I missed a day of reading)

Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton

Pages - 360 (uncorrected proof copy)

Blurb from Goodreads

Chantelle has everything going against her. She's a good student who only wants to pass her exams and find a way out of the sink estate in Manchester where she grew up. But now her feckless mother has taken off for Spain with her latest boyfriend and she's single-handedly raising her tearaway nine-year-old brother Leon. She thinks her worst problem is the debt collectors at the door. But Leon has made some new friends: teenage gang members who have given him a mobile phone, a knife - and some drugs to hide in her flat.
A part-time job seems to be the answer to Chantelle's prayers. But the violence is about to come home to her - with a vengeance. And the only person who's offering any help seems to be just as bad as the people she's trying to escape from . . .



My Review

Chantelle is fifteen and holding everything together, raising her nine year old little brother, Leon, whilst her mum gets wasted and parties. It is not uncommon for her to disappear for a few days and leave Chantelle holding the fort. However this time Mary, Chantelle's mum, goes off with her newest man and leaves Chantelle with nothing. All she wants to do is go to school and get on with her upcoming exams and stay out of all the trouble that comes from living in an estate. Leon quickly gets into trouble with a gang, Chantelle needs to find money so they can eat and try and track down her mum, before Marys debts fall on Chantelle and estate life takes over.

When you pick up a new copy of one of your favourite authors book, it is always with excitement, joy and apprehension. The last books have been fabulous and you worry that something will be lacking from this new one. Thankfully this was an unfounded fear, the book was fabulous.

Chantelle is a likable character, she is so young yet wise beyond her years. She has a strong family ethic and does what she has to to look out for her brother by taking a job as well as trying to keep up with studies. This leads her a new kind of trouble that puts her and Leon in grave danger. Only one person can help her, Anton, a local Lothario who has been giving her the eye since he got out of jail. Involving him is her only hope but is she trading one evil for another?

This story, I have to say, is quite different from the previous books. Yes there is violence, sex and all the usual we have come to expect and love from Heller however this one has very strong focus on family and loyalty which I really loved. Her mother is one of the most despicable characters and Chantelle's only role model however she still cares about her. As much as she wants to better herself and do well at school she doesn't look down on anyone and her brother comes first, at all costs despite him being a wee horror for a lot of the book.

I really enjoyed this, 5/5 for me this time and you only have to wait until the end of the month before you can get your hands on a copy. Available from the 31st f January 2014, for all good retailers. I received an advanced copy from Emilie Ferguson from Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review.

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Brand new copies of MandaSue Hellers Broke (paperback)

As part of the book tour I took part in for Mandasue Heller's awesome new book, Hodder & Stoughton are giving away two brand new copies of Broke in paperback. This competition will run for 2 days and end on Monday. To be in with a chance for this great prize you just need to fill in the rafflecopter below.

Good luck to everyone entering. I really enjoyed this book, read my review here http://www.alwaysreading.net/2013/01/arc-broke-by-mandasue-heller.html

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Review - Snatched by Mandasue Heller

Snatched by Mandasue Heller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 5 days

Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton

Blurb from Goodreads

It begins on a winter afternoon, when schoolgirl Nicky Day runs from a gang of bullies. Then her little brother starts the fire. But the nightmare that is engulfing Sue and Terry Day is only beginning ...A single mother who left a six-year-old on his own while she went clubbing on a Friday night. An absent father with a hot teenaged girlfriend who didn't seem to care who was minding his former family. The police, the neighbours, the friends, the lovers turn accusing eyes on them both. Suspicious voices ask whether Nicky has run away; whether the fire is really an accident. And meanwhile, time is running out for Nicky.

My review

I love when I your having a readers block and you need something to get you over it, Mandasue Heller does that for me (so far every time). The book kick starts with 15 year old Nicky running from bullies and then the first hit. We flip to her mum and friend wanting to get out for the night and her 6 year old younger brother being left alone. Her mum Sue knows Nicky is reliable and will be home soon and gives in to her friend for a night on the town. A fire starts, Nicky is missing, her brother in a hospital bed, her mother is MIA and her father is at the hospital looking for answers and his estranged wife.

There is drama in this story from the get go, you quickly get the insight of poor Nicky's life. Looking after her brother whilst mum copes with dads desertion for a younger girl, gossip around the scheme, everyone fighting, bullies, there is always something on the go. After the fire, Sue has a lot of explaining to do, Connor (the little brother) is petrified the truth with come out about the fire and is worried about his sister. Sue has her hands full with no home, Connor's after effects from the fire and a known face taking interest in her and the possible repercussions from that.

Nicky is at the start of the story and then always in the background as in where is she, what happened but you don't find out til later what the score is with that which I found a tad annoying as I like to know what is happening. There is a lot happening throughout, family arguments, lies, secrets and betrayal. The chapters are fairly short which results in just one more before bed, next thing you know it is 1am as you can't put it down. Council estate crime and drama, you really can't beat it, 4/5 for me.

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Tainted Lives by Mandasue Heller

Tainted Lives by Mandasue Heller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time Taken To Read - 3 days

Blurb From Goodreads

Sarah Mullen is a beautiful child who at seven years old is put into care by her drug-addicted mother. Trying to live with the rejection is bad enough, but no one could have prepared her for the pain that was yet to come. Harry Shaw is the boy that everyone bullies, the kid whose own mother locked him in a cupboard so she wouldn't have to look at his face, and then left him there. When he meets Sarah for the first time, a friendship is instantly forged. And out of a desire to be loved an alliance is born. Then into their lives comes Vinnie Walker, a good-looking and calculating thirteen-year-old who will change both their lives forever.

My Review

This tale kicks off pretty quick, a little girl tormented and battered by her mother and subjected to horrors by her friends. She is removed from her mothers "care" after an incident and placed into care. She meets people who will be bound to her life in different ways and will shape the person she will become. Betrayal, friendship, loyalty, brutality, shame, distrust is just a few of the issues covered in this story.

It is split over a few decades although the story flows so you don't miss anything and can follow easily. I could have read this in one sitting had circumstances allowed. Although the story is spread over a significant time period, all the questions you have from one are answered in latter part. This story provokes different emotions from rage and anger at a mother who can behave as she did and treat her child so, to admiration for a girl who bounces back no matter what life throws at her.

The characters are life like and well portrayed, from the bullied geeky Harry who shows how strong friendship can be. To the despicable, calculating and nasty Vinnie who you get to see from a young laddy to a grown man and the lengths one person will go to to get what he wants. It is no secret I love Mandasue Heller's books and writing and sometimes when you go back to earlier stuff you find you don't enjoy it as much or find something lacking. Thankfully this wasn't the case, I loved this as much as her recent writings and will get the others I have missed so far. 5/5 for me, as always if this is a new author to you, there is sex, violence, aggression, swearing, murder and all the usual that follows nitty gritty crime. If you like Martina Cole you will love Mandasue Heller.

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ARC - Broke by Mandasue Heller

Broke by Mandasue Heller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Blurb From Goodreads

Amy's marriage to Mark isn't the best—he can't resist the girls or hold down a job. But she doesn't know just how bad things are until his gambling habit brings the debt collector to her door. He makes it brutally clear how she can pay off Mark's debts, and here Amy's troubles are only beginning. Someone else wants Mark for herself and she is ready to steal Amy's man, her self-respect, and even her children. As the stakes rise, Amy will either lose everything,or learn how to be as hard and ruthless as her enemies.

My Review

I think I along with all the other fans waited patiently, or impatiently, for this book. I love Mandasue Heller's writing and she hasn't disappointed in this book.

The book starts jumping right into the story, Amy is pregnant and celebrating her wedding day with her another blue wicked, this is my favorite drink so I loved this wee add-in, when her waters break and everything kicks off. The story then jumps a few years later and Amy and Mark are about to have their lives turned upside down when a money lender comes to collect and Mark leaves Amy to face it. What follows is drugs, prostitution, abuse, heartache and betrayal, this book has everything!

I haven't had a great run with books lately as when your studying and reading academic work I think it is hard to get into fiction as you normally would and worried books had been ruined for me. Heller has flung me back into my love of fiction and provided a much needed break from reality. Had it not been for the demands of work and study I would have devoured this in one sitting.

The characters put you through your paces, I went through disliking Amy, to hating her, liking her, hating her, feeling sorry for her and back full circle. Mark I disliked from the off and I won't even start on Jenny as it would evoke spoilers which I hate. You get totally swept up in the drama and can't put it down.

It is nitty, gritty and some of the writing makes you uneasy however this is what makes a fantastic crime writer, she draws you into the belly of the under world of drugs, money, sex and paints a very dark, depraved and realistic picture. I loved this book, 5/5 - I would recommend it to any one looking for a Martina Cole crime type style and who isn't easily offended.

Thanks so much to Hodder & Stoughton Publishers for providing me with this ARC, you can get your own copy from all good retailers from the 31st of January 2013, paperback for £12.99

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A.R.C Lost Angel by Mandasue Heller

Lost Angel by Mandasue Heller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Blurb From Goodreads

Combining grit and glamour, this thriller set in Manchester's criminal underworld is a spellbinding story of young love and old scores Many years ago, Johnny Conroy was forced into a shotgun wedding with a Manchester gangster's daughter. He's never even begun to love her, but can't leave without being killed by her vicious father. He turns out to be a success in the car-theft business, with a used car lot that provides both cover and a way to fence the cars. But now his daughter Angel--the best thing in his life--is 16, and history seems to be repeating itself when she falls for one of his employees. Ryan is a nice boy, and he really loves Angel, but there are secrets that could destroy the happiness of Johnny and his daughter, and they are about to come out.

My Review

Johnny Conroy is a jack the lad who finds he has bitten off more than he can chew when he pursues the local gangsters daughter, he is forced to marry her or be maimed or killed by her dad. Fast forward to present day and his daughter Angel is 15 and in the same situation as her mum was and history seems to be repeating itself but this time there are skeletons in the closet that could ruin the whole family.

What a brilliant read, I could have devoured it in one sitting but other things have happened. The book follows Johnny's life from a careless teenager to an adult with a teenage daughter himself. His struggles within his family, his wife who by the end of the book I absolutely hated, his family and his career from being a lackey to a well respected business man in their community.

It is a total page turner, good paced, action, lies, secrets, betrayal. It has the usual sex, bad language and drugs. If you like Manadasue Heller's previous books you will love this one, I don't claim to have read them all but of the ones I have this is my favorite. It was going to be a 4 star rating until just under the last quarter of the book which became explosive with secrets revealed and all loose ends tied up and I love my books like that. 5/5 for me and a massive thank you to the publisher Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to review this. Lost Angel is out on the 12th of April 2012.

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