Category Archives: Books

Book Review: The Bruise-Black Sky (More Heat Than the Sun, #5) – John Wiltshire

Posted on June 19, 2015 | Leave a comment

The Bruise-Black SkyNote: This review may contain spoiler/s

I was actually very excited when I started reading this fifth installment of the series More Heat Than The Sun because the last book made me pretty upset so I was thinking that something needs to happen here or something will happen here.

I’ve envisioned Kate getting preggo with Ben’s baby after the incident in the fourth book, This Other Country and with this actually happening, I find myself utterly disappointed because that baby trope just doesn’t work for me. I feel that it was there just to fuck with the readers. And I didn’t like it one bit. Like if I were Nik, everytime I’d look at that baby – who’s got Molly Rose for a name – I’d just see that dark moments of Ben regardless of his condition back then. I loved babies in real life but in books – I’d be okay to have Ben’s baby out of the picture. I thought the inclusion of the baby isn’t a good call for the development of the series.

On a more positive note, I loved the introduction of new characters. Miles Toogood is just too good a character not to revisit further in the upcoming books!

This installment clearly separate Ben and Nik’s power over each other. With this though, Ben ends up getting the upper hand in terms of douche-ness level leaving Nik to be the poor underdog.

I somehow find the storyline here a bit weaker than the rest of the series so far, though the loopholes here will definitely bring about good plot points for the next installments. I for one is very curious about Nik’s son (Mr. Wiltshire – bring it on! And could you please let Ben grovel more?) The “rape” non-rape scene at the end was a very pivotal scene in the development of their relationship and the story I reckon. I feel like Nik being Nik – should’ve exploited that more out of Ben.

I didn’t like this installment very much but overall, I’m still enamored to continue with Nik and Ben’s story and still think that this is one of the best series’ I’ve ever read from any genre.

Additional Notes: I honestly do not expect this series to last until Nik turned 50. Gosh, the timeline was so fast I’m having a hard time grasping it.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Published March 20th 2015 by MLR Press (first published March 19th 2015)

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All Romance | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
iTunes | Kobo | MRL Books

About The Author
John Wiltshire spent twenty-two years in the military, perfecting the art of looking busy whilst secretly writing. He left as a senior officer when his tunnel was ready for use. He is now living in New Zealand until he can raise enough money to leave. Although he has no plans to return to the army, he can occasionally be caught polishing his medals.

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Book Review: This Other Country (More Heat Than the Sun, #4) – John Wiltshire

Posted on June 18, 2015 | Leave a comment

This Other CountryThis is the fourth book of the amazing series More Heat Than The Sun and I am still enthralled by the author’s writing and depiction of his main characters Nik and Ben from the first three books that this actually came a bit of a surprise for me – it’s a rather brow-raising surprise because I’ve this pet peeve about my characters which I’ll try to discuss in a bit.

Anyways, This Other Country saw the very dignified Nikolas Mikkelsen admitting himself into a gay therapy course for Ben’s sake (he’s with Ben here). And for Ben’s stupid friend Squeezy.

I actually find the whole thing quite amusing at the beginning – Nik being Nik – you just gotta love the guy’s snark! Despite his entire strong exterior, he’s really got a soft spot most especially for Ben.

This time, the story’s not divided into two arcs – it’s a continuous one with the initial premise being the gay therapy session. It’s clearly over the top but again, in a good way.

What happened after the therapy was something I wasn’t expected to come out of this book. Something that will tick-off some readers off of some characters most especially Kate. After reading that “scene” – I went ahead and plan for her demise right away. It was gulag style I reckon. I hate that part. I don’t like it at all and it makes my heart palpitate. I was so mad that Nik was so lenient and understanding towards Ben. I cried for Nik because it was so unfair for him. The author needs to make Ben grovel better come next time because it’s always Nik who’s left crying in the corner – with his gun and stuff for killing. I’m totally disappointed with Ben and I could already see where this will be heading – ugh. I’m calling this installment “Kate Must Die” –Arrrrgggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When are the gulag prisoners when you need them?

This book is still great like the rest of the series – with some disappointments that is, but seriously, the writing was so good that it’s unfair to say that I hate it just because what I want to happen with the characters were unrealized.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published November 22nd 2014 by MLR Press (first published November 21st 2014)

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All Romance | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
 Kobo | MRL Books  | iTunes

About The Author
John Wiltshire spent twenty-two years in the military, perfecting the art of looking busy whilst secretly writing. He left as a senior officer when his tunnel was ready for use. He is now living in New Zealand until he can raise enough money to leave. Although he has no plans to return to the army, he can occasionally be caught polishing his medals.

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Book Review: The Bridge of Silver Wings (More Heat Than the Sun, #3) – John Wiltshire

Posted on June 17, 2015 | Leave a comment

The Bridge of Silver WingsThis is one of those series that keeps getting better and as my new favorite couple’s (Nikolas Mikkelsen & Benjamin Rider)  relationship reached a new high – a lot of things were also revealed about their past that could have great impact in their relationship but we all know it by now right? – Love conquers all. Period. Stop. Ssshhh.

The Bridge of Silver Wings is part disturbing and part mysterious. When Nik and Ben found themselves in the midst of Gulag prisoner’s territory – they almost lost hope of surviving the brutality of their situation. And there is one thing certain for Nik – he would keep Ben alive at all cost. The whole thing about the first part of this novel is nothing short of shuddering. It was like a nightmare that won’t end for all the characters involved and for its readers. It was like watching Hannibal where you are always at the edge of your seat. At some point, I was almost afraid to turn the next page I’m almost shaking. Here, we see the intensity of Nik’s love for Ben. We see Nik here as someone almost inhuman. He’s been through this place and he survived it then and he’s gonna die trying to get Ben see himself out of this. That part about Ben getting “assaulted” was the most disturbing part for me. The trauma it caused Ben, the denial and just the way John Wiltshire spin that conversation between Nik and Ben just gave me goose bumps all throughout – it’s almost too reverent if you think about it. Not even the gory killings horrify me as much.

The second part of the book detailed Ben’s discovery of his father’s side. I didn’t exactly like this part of the book because Ben started second-guessing things about himself and Nik. I thought what happened with them previously is proof enough that it’s 100% solid with them. Here, Ben was acting like he’s twenty-two. Seriously, I was so annoyed when he got away with it so easily and he doesn’t even have to grovel that much. The whole thing about his “cousin’s death” was a tad predictable but it’s a good predictable. And fuck, I think I started hating Kate here. Is this when she started having her POV? I’m like – bitch please, I know you’re up to something in the next book/s – ugh. Little did I know this would hold true.

I’m weeping with Nik over here. I can totally feel his pain here. I really do love them as a couple but I’m team Nik come hell or high water. He’s like my little baby Nik and I hated the fact that Ben just doesn’t seem appreciate him that much here. He’s very lucky that Nik loves him very much. The ending was beautiful as usual but it just gives me the creep that something wicked is about to happen next.

Man’ what can I say? I’m just totally in love with this series. Get your copy now or you’ll miss out big time!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published August 22nd 2014 by MLR Press (first published August 21st 2014)

Buy now:
All Romance | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
iTunes | Kobo | MRL Press

About The Author
John Wiltshire spent twenty-two years in the military, perfecting the art of looking busy whilst secretly writing. He left as a senior officer when his tunnel was ready for use. He is now living in New Zealand until he can raise enough money to leave. Although he has no plans to return to the army, he can occasionally be caught polishing his medals.

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Book Review: Conscious Decisions of the Heart (More Heat Than The Sun, #2) – John Wiltshire

Posted on June 16, 2015 | Leave a comment

Conscious Decisions of the HeartNow this one easily includes some of the most intense scenes I’ve ever read from this genre. I’ve read a lot of blood, gore and horrific stuff but those are nothing compared to the intensity and the impact of the scenes here. It’s not even about the blood and all but you see, it’s not just about what the characters see right? It’s mostly what they / we feel along with the characters. Ben and Nik’s relationship is totally official in a way that it’s still not entirely open (with Nik being royalty and all) but they really don’t give a fuck about who knows about it – after all, they do their business privately and they have a very clear understanding about their relationship.

In this book, Nik’s dark past calls to him and went to Russia to do something for an old “friend.” Whilst Nik’s in Russia, Ben decided to travel to Denmark and learn Nik’s language. A slew of events led to Ben succumbing to darkness and a threat gearing up to change everything about them.

I’ve read this book about three months ago and up to now, I’m still in awe and very much affected by it. Rarely a book does it for me like this one. The whole scene with Ben almost doing that “deed” made my heart burn and the agony that follow was more than enough for me to actually pause for a bit before continuing. It’s that good but really, it got my blood pressure really high, I think. The intensity of their relationship was getting stronger and I think right from the very beginning, we all know how intense Nik’s character was. He’s one character that I’d definitely remember if I were given a choice to pick my top 10 from this genre. The secondary characters are very good addition to the cast as we see more from them.

Of course, there’s the event that led them to a relief effort in the Philippines – that was rather special which also proved to be a focal point of what they did next in the series.

John Wiltshire’s writing is nothing but spectacularly affecting. His style is strong, over the top and just too graphic. I would really like to discuss more about the scenes in this book but I’d rather have you guys read it for your enjoyment. Really, if you are a fan of this genre – or even non-reader of MM books – you should definitely give this book a try at least. I’m telling you, it’s so worth it and I encourage everyone to really, really spread the name of this author. I mean, people, he’s so fucking good!!!!

Note: I wrote this review after reading the whole five books (so far) in the series.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published July 3rd 2014 by MLR Press

Buy now:
All Romance | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
iTunes | Kobo | MRL Books

About The Author
John Wiltshire spent twenty-two years in the military, perfecting the art of looking busy whilst secretly writing. He left as a senior officer when his tunnel was ready for use. He is now living in New Zealand until he can raise enough money to leave. Although he has no plans to return to the army, he can occasionally be caught polishing his medals.

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Book Review: Love Complicated – Teegan Loy

Posted on June 15, 2015 | Leave a comment

Love ComplicatedThere are a lot of things to like about this book. First would be the main characters – I really, really liked Jalen’s character despite his somehow uber-jumpy attitude aka his ninja mode (which I honestly do not get – I mean being jumpy and all) and being whiny all throughout the book. He’s likeable enough that those attributes are easy to disregard. Austin is pretty likeable as well but because the story was told from Jalen’s POV, I somehow didn’t feel much from him. I wonder why it took him years before finally approaching Jalen. It’s so un-Austin based on his characterization.

At the beginning, it was in my understanding that Jalen is one of those kids that doesn’t stand out, get teased and all but after one session of singing at the music room (witnessed by his music teacher and some students)  he’s suddenly at the top of the high school food chain. I found it over the top but again, that plot point was easy to ignore.

I do find Austin and Clark’s set up pretty weird though. I was like, why’s Clark acting like Austin’s bitch? It’s just way too weird and the way the big football jock suddenly turned all “kitten that, kitten this” was almost comical and real awkward at times.

Sarah’s a great character as well as Jalen’s best bud. She’s the cliché best friend whose main part in the book is to listen to Jalen’s whining. At least she’s cool enough for me but she could at least have given Jalen some pep talk to boost his self-confidence through the years.

Can I just also mention how I hate the fact that Jalen’s always saying, “Don’t say shit like that, stop saying shit like that” blahblah – I’m like, seriously Jalen – please stop saying that already!

This book actually reminds me so much of Madison Parker’s Play Me I’m Yours – the whole high school setting, the bff, the bff’s big boyfriend, the athlete boyfriend, the wicked ex, the music etc…

Love Complicated is one of those books that started out really great but faltered midway until you’re left wondering at the end what the hell just happened.

I’m hoping for a sequel though because I was not really satisfied with how things ended – still, I thought it’s an A-okay book. Really not that bad.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Published May 11th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press

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Amazon | Dreamspinners Press | Barnes & Noble

About The Author
Teegan Loy(that’s me) began writing a long time ago. Notebooks filled with ideas were stacked around the house. One day, she sat down with renewed ambition and something fantastic happened: she completed a story.(unbelievable, but true) Now most of her time is spent writing, but she takes an occasional break to go to the movies, where she imagines her stories on the big screen. She also enjoys watching hockey(love, love hockey), filling her iPod with music, and driving her daughter around town(amended…around the country) to various activities.

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Book Review: The Demon You Know – Barbara Elsborg

Posted on June 14, 2015 | Leave a comment

The Demon You KnowEzra grew-up in Hell and has no memories outside of it. Nobody likes him and he’s yearning to get out and never to return to this tortured life. When he was told the reason he’s in Hell, he was beyond himself and believes that he’s really doomed for all of time.

Roman, leader of policing the paranormal in the UK is consumed by his past. An angel who thinks he’s a failure. When he meets Ezra, instant attraction ensues between them but when he found out Ezra’s true nature, things became far more complicated than a simple hook-up.

What could one sacrifice for love? Is there a chance for an angel and a demon to be together?

I absolutely loved this one! I loved the whole deal about “Angels” policing the paranormal on earth. Ezra’s condition was a tad heartbreaking – what he’s been through all his life in Hell until Roman came along. I loved that we get to see Inigo and Micah again from Bloodline! Inigo’s still awesome and it was such a pleasant surprise that Micah and Ezra have something in common! Real cool!!!

Their situation was both hopeless yet as the old adage go – love truly conquers all.

At the end, I was waiting for a more detailed “reprimand” towards Daniel to be delivered by Archangel Michael but I have a feeling that there’ll be more from this series.

Again, what a fantastic read from Barbara Elsborg!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published April 28th 2015 by Loose Id LLC (first published April 27th 2015)

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Amazon | Loose-Id | Barnes & Noble

About The Author
Barbara Elsborg lives in West Yorkshire in the north of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Vulcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.

Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they were to write.

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Book Review: Bloodline – Barbara Elsborg

Posted on June 13, 2015 | Leave a comment

BloodlineThere’s something about smart-ass vampires that always get me incredibly turned on. Bloodline has that to offer with Inigo who does tattoos on supernatural skins. When he was “forcefully” commissioned by a faerie king and brought him to Faerieland – he knows that he’s in very big trouble. Then he was thrown into a cell with Micah whose goal is to save his sister and family. Together, they tried to end the king’s oppression but ofcourse, things don’t always go as they planned…

This book was a very good surprise as my very first Barbara Elsborg book. It was highly recommended by a friend [thanks Riina!] and I must say, I was so happy that I took that recommendation. There are a lot of things happening in the story and a lot of characters as well. Although there was a first book before this, I didn’t mind having to read this first. There was no confusion with the flow of the story and there was enough backstory to easily relate with the characters.

As I’ve mentioned, Inigo’s probably the most bad-ass vampire ever! Like not in a Bruce Lee bad-ass but in a sorta quirky bad-ass way! I just totally loved him! Micah’s character was equally lovable and their banter was just sexy, funny and altogether too adorbs!

The story itself was as vibrant as its characters, the plot thick and that conclusion makes me want to yearn for more Inigo and Micah! Seriously guys, this is an amazing book!!!! Please don’t let yourself missed out on this one.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published April 1st 2014 by Loose-Id

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Book Review: Kick At The Darkness – Keira Andrews

Posted on June 12, 2015 | Leave a comment

Kick At The DarknessAfter a shitty day at school where he got a C- from a TA who’s too sexy for his own good, Parker felt like he woke up in a bizarre universe when people started acting like zombies. When the mob of “zombies” started to attack him, he was saved by none other than Adam; the very TA who refused to change his grade and who also makes his heart skipped a beat.

The chaos even got worst when they found out that this phenomenon has spread all over the continent. And if the zombie apocalypse isn’t enough, Adam’s most kept secret was revealed while saving Parker from the zombies aka “creepers.”

Now, what’s a boy to do with all of these going around him? Parker has no idea but he’s got to do something and simply follow his heart…

Adam + Parker. Sigh. These two just got me from the very first time their name appeared on the page. Parker is a college freshie, an overachiever who wanted to prove something to his family and cute as a button as well! I loved his characterization – it was easily relatable and I loved that he loves talking to himself!! Haha. Massive pep talk or just plain cray-cray?  You gotta admit though, he’s just too adorable!

Then there’s Adam. The sexy, mysterious and zen Adam. His demeanor was a dead giveaway from the very start if you are keen on reading stuff about shifters and all but it’s the good kind of being predictable. What’s not to love about Adam? I was swooning all over the book and those few times he’s blushing were like “awwwee” moments.

All throughout the book leading to the last few chapters, I was worried that this one would have a too hasty of a resolution for my liking but it ended well considering their hopeless circumstances and their hopeful determination. I certainly wouldn’t mind a second book because If I’m being honest – I felt like I was heavily teased by Keira with this book and  REALLY, there should be a second book because one book with Adam and Parker in it isn’t nearly enough!!!!

But again, this is Keira and she knows what she’s doing and I’m sincerely hoping that we’d get more… just how do you do a standing ovation on a review???

Keira Andrew, fantastic work yet again!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published May 28th 2015 by KA Books (first published May 26th 2015)

Buy now:
All Romance | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
iTunes | Kobo | Scribd | Smashwords

About The Author
After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, paranormal and fantasy fiction, and–although she loves delicious angst along the way–Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said, “The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.” Find out more about Keira and her books at http://www.keiraandrews.com.

 

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Book Review: Yes – Brad Boney

Posted on June 11, 2015 | 1 comment

“Every day for the rest of my life, it’ll remind me there’s only one way forward. I’m done being angry. I’m done feeling regrets and living on the sidelines. From now on, if life is a question, then this is the answer.”

During a trip to Denver with his best friend, Mark, Ian Parker buys a bar of enchanted chocolate from a candy store and wakes up two decades younger. Feeling like he was gifted by the universe a second chance to correct past mistakes, he poses as his nephew Ryan who then tried to pursue Bartley James, a regular customer at his La Tazza Magica cafe. Things, though, didn’t go as planned as his Ryan persona’s expectations didn’t bode well with the reality of things. Only what exactly is real and what is not?

You are forty, you have your own business and are successful enough, but you are not happy – you are still searching for that one thing and still feel that past mistakes are holding you back in reaching that.

What if you’ve got a chance for a do-over? Ian was given that chance, and as per Brad Boney’s tradition – magical realism was heavily used here. Yes will introduce you to the characters from the author’s past efforts entitled The Nothingness of Ben and The Return (you can include The Eskimo Slugger even). I’m confident you’ll enjoy reading this more if you’ve read the first three books because familiar characters were heavily featured here. However, I don’t think it’ll be a significant problem if you want to read this one regardless of the authors’ other books. What I can tell you is that this is a brilliant book. The characters are decidedly relatable, and the story was easy.

The whole 17 Again vibe was glaring at me at the onset of the story, and the excessive information dump about porn stars was somewhat informative, and I do like that part for some reason. It was like the pop culture lessons back in The Return.

Although there is one part that irks me, which I thought was intentional – the car sex scene between Ryan and Matthew – I was like, cmon’ man, it’s a do-over, right? —ever heard of protection? That was a ploy to get a rise out of the readers. I know I took the bait.

I think avid fans of Boney (like me) will get a kick out of this in the scope of things. I know I enjoyed this immensely and thought the author’s writing style is one of a kind in this genre. He’s just always on point, and the voices of his characters (especially Ian) speak to you.

Can I also mention how happy I am to hear from Topher and the guys? Ugh. So. Very. Special. And the preamble on Sam and Jeremy’s story. I couldn’t wait!

Yes may not be the strongest amongst Brad Boney’s novels, but it is a solid effort deserving of a five star-ratings like its first three predecessors.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published March 16th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press

About The Author
Brad Boney lives in Austin, Texas, the 7th gayest city in America. He grew up in the Midwest and went to school at NYU. He lived in Washington, DC and Houston before settling in Austin. He blames his background in the theater for his writing style, which he calls “dialogue and stage directions.” His first book was named a Lambda Literary Award finalist. He believes the greatest romantic comedy of all time is ’50 First Dates’. His favorite gay film of the last ten years is ‘Strapped’. And he has never met a boy band he didn’t like.

Please note that this blog is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission via Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Book Review: Signs – Anna Martin

Posted on June 10, 2015 | Leave a comment

SignsSigns is a heartwarming story of two 18-year-old boys finding each other through social media and connecting right away with their smiles, thoughts and with their hearts.

Caleb Stone is deaf and has social anxiety issues – he keeps to himself and does shorthand signs with his parents. He does not have friends to really “talk” to except for the people from the local deaf community. A single post on his Tumblr account led to a conversation with Luc Le Bautillier who’s got his own family issues and is looking for someone to “really” understand him. When goth Luc met up with the shy Caleb, there was that instant connection that grew more as they explore their feelings and learned more about each other – when love is already in front of them, looking for signs is just way overrated.

One would be able to totally relate with these two young boys as they learn how to take in the outside world and accept things about themselves. When you’re young, everything seems to be easy because you have people who you can depend on – parents, caretaker, teachers etc… but when you’re on your own – it’s actually a ton harder than you expected. Signs isn’t exactly a heavy book about teen struggles. It’s actually a book that is more on acceptance and being able to be yourself regardless of what other people say. It’s also about equality – like with Luc and Caleb – the latter’s deafness isn’t a deterrent to pursue their connection. Rather than be discouraged, in the story Luc learned how to use American Sign Language (ASL) in order to communicate better with Caleb in person. I thought that was really sweet –that gesture alone makes me want to squeeze Luc so hard and kiss his adorable little goth face.

There is no angst in this story, there’s just the comfortable transition of Caleb and Luc from being total strangers to friends and to being lovers. As young as they are, both were incredibly mature about a lot of things. They know what they want out of life and they have the courage to pursue whatever that is.

This story just makes my heart incredibly light and just happy. And that ending was just a movie moment when you just go awwee…

“Hi,” Luc said.

One word, but loaded with emotion that felt like a punch right to Caleb’s chest. Luc looked the same as he always did: dark hair, pale skin, the silver loop through his bottom lip. He’d known all this about Luc, and so much more, but not what his voice sounded like. Not until now.

“Hi,” he said back.

Anna Martin, thank you for this wonderful, wonderful book!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published March 20th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press

Buy now:
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About The Author
Anna Martin is from a picturesque seaside village in the south west of England. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English Literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.

Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.

Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.

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