The Du Lac Devil: Book 2 of The Du Lac Chronicles by Mary Anne Yarde

 The Du Lac Devil: Book 2 of The Du Lac Chronicles

By Mary Anne Yarde

War is coming...

As one kingdom after another falls to the savage might of the High King, Cerdic of Wessex, only one family dares to stand up to him — The Du Lacs.

Budic and Alden Du Lac are barely speaking to each other, and Merton is a mercenary, fighting for the highest bidder. If Wessex hears of the brothers’ discord, then all is lost.

Fate brings Merton du Lac back to the ancestral lands of his forefathers, and he finds his country on the brink of civil war. But there is worse to come, for his father’s old enemy has infiltrated the court of Benwick. Now, more than ever, the Du Lac must come together to save the kingdom and themselves.

Can old rivalries and resentments be overcome in time to stop a war?

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In The Du Lac Devil, Mary Anne Yarde raises the stakes significantly: war is brewing across Saxon Britain as the ruthless High King, Cerdic of Wessex, presses his advantage, and the du Lac family finds itself under serious threat. 

 The political tension crackles throughout, and you can really feel how fragile unity is — especially when internal family divisions threaten to tear them apart. 

One of the most compelling storylines is that of Merton du Lac, a mercenary torn between his roots and his desires. 

 Yarde skillfully develops his character, giving him a believable arc of returning to his ancestral home only to discover that it's not just his homeland that's in danger — but also the legacy of his family. 

 The emotional core of the novel is strengthened by the du Lac family’s internal conflict: estranged brothers, old rivalries, and unspoken resentments make for a rich tapestry of personal drama.

The Du Lac Devil is a powerful continuation of the Du Lac saga — ideal for fans of Arthurian-inspired historical fantasy. If you enjoy stories of war, loyalty, and family legacy (especially set in a gritty, mythic Dark Age Britain), this is a very satisfying second book. 

My thoughs on The Du Lac Chronicles by Mary Anne Yarde

 The Du Lac Chronicles

By Mary Anne Yarde

 A generation after Arthur Pendragon ruled, Briton lies fragmented into warring kingdoms and principalities.

Eighteen-year-old Alden du Lac ruled the tiny kingdom of Cerniw. Now he half-hangs from a wooden pole, his back lashed into a mass of bloody welts exposed to the cold of a cruel winter night. He’s to be executed come daybreak—should he survive that long.

When Alden notices the shadowy figure approaching, he assumes death has come to end his pain. Instead, the daughter of his enemy, Cerdic of Wessex, frees and hides him, her motives unclear.

Annis has loved Alden since his ill-fated marriage to her Saxon cousin—a marriage that ended in blood and guilt—and she would give anything to protect him. Annis’s rescue of Alden traps them between a brutal Saxon king and Alden’s remaining allies. Meanwhile, unknown forces are carefully manipulating the ruins of Arthur’s legacy.

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mary Anne Yarde’s The Du Lac Chronicles is a rich, sweeping saga set in post-Arthurian Britain — a generation after King Arthur’s reign has ended and the land is fractured into warring Saxon kingdoms. 

 The protagonist, Alden du Lac, is Lancelot’s son: once the king of Cerniw, he’s now broken and betrayed, his back literally bloodied and chained, awaiting execution. 

 His salvation comes from Annis, the daughter of his sworn enemy, King Cerdic of Wessex — a brave, complicated woman who defies her father to rescue him. 

What makes the book compelling is how Yarde balances political intrigue, romance, and myth. The world she builds feels grounded (drawing on historical fact) yet lyrical, with tensions of war, loyalty, and legacy blending beautifully with Arthurian legend. 

 Alden and Annis’s relationship is emotionally charged — they’re on opposite sides of a brutal conflict, and their bond forces them to reckon with betrayal, identity, and what it means to rule. 

However, it’s not all smooth sailing: some readers feel the language can be too modern for the 5th-century setting, which occasionally breaks the immersion. 

 And while the romance and adventure are strong, there are moments when pacing slows or character motivations feel repetitive. 

 But these are relatively minor issues compared to the epic scope and emotional weight of the story.

My thoughts on Her Surrender (Fire and Ice Book 1) by Tara Conrad

 Her Surrender (Fire and Ice Book 1) 

By Tara Conrad

Natalie

I’m shattered.

Lies and betrayal my only company.

Until an invitation to an underground club.

Until I meet him.

Until I’m drowning in the sea of emotion he unleashes.

Until he crosses a line that shreds me to pieces.

Alex

I’m obsessed.

Her innocence.

Her bewitching beauty.

Her trust.

Her surrender sparks an inferno of desire that leads me straight to the gates of hell.

All lost the moment I listen to my head, instead of my heart.

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In Her Surrender, Tara Conrad spins a raw and emotionally rich romance centered on Natalie, a woman reeling from betrayal after walking into a shocking scene with her ex, and Alex, a seasoned Dom who’s set boundaries around attachment. Their worlds collide at Fire and Ice, a BDSM club, and what begins as a cautious agreement — a relationship with an “expiration date” — quickly becomes far more complicated as they both grapple with past traumas and trust issues. 

Conrad’s strength lies in how she balances the sensual with the emotional. Natalie’s journey of self-discovery is handled with sensitivity — she’s not just exploring the lifestyle, but also finding her voice after loss. 

 Alex, meanwhile, is more than a dominant figure: his patience, protectiveness, and capacity for vulnerability make him feel real, not a stereotype. The book’s pacing combines intimate, tender moments with bigger life challenges — and when tragedy hits Natalie's family, it tests the foundation of their relationship in powerful ways. 

Some readers do note that the story can feel emotionally heavy and the themes of loss, family, and power dynamics throughout aren’t always 

 That said, for anyone drawn to contemporary romance with deep emotional stakes, BDSM elements, and a journey of healing, Her Surrender is a very satisfying and immersive read.

My thoughs on Jasper by Tony Riches

 Jasper

By Tony Riches

What would you sacrifice for loyalty?

1461: King Edward of York has taken the country by force.

Jasper Tudor, Earl of Pembroke, flees to Brittany with his nephew, Henry Tudor.

But dare they risk a reckless invasion of England?

Travel back in time to fifteenth century England, Wales, Scotland, France and Brittany – and discover how they change British history – and become...

The Tudors.

The second book in the international best-selling Tudor trilogy is based on actual events of courage, adventure, and belief in the destiny of the Tudor dynasty.

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In Jasper, Tony Riches shifts his focus from Owen Tudor to Owen’s son, Sir Jasper Tudor, Earl of Pembroke. The novel is set around 1461, during the tumultuous early years of the Wars of the Roses, when Edward IV of York seizes power. 

 Jasper must navigate dangerous political waters, and after his army is routed at Mortimer’s Cross, he makes the bold decision to flee. 

Riches brings Jasper’s character vividly to life: he is loyal, resourceful, and deeply committed to the Lancastrian cause. His relationship with his young nephew, Henry Tudor, is particularly touching — Jasper becomes a protector and mentor, laying the groundwork for the future Tudor dynasty. 

 The author’s research is clear, and his personal connection to the historical setting (he lives near Pembroke Castle) adds authenticity to the story. 

The pacing is strong, with a good mix of military drama, political intrigue, and emotional moments. Critics and readers alike highlight Riches’s ability to juggle complex historical events without losing the personal stories at the heart of the novel. 

 That said, if you’re not already familiar with the 15th-century history, the many names and shifting allegiances might feel a little overwhelming.

 

My thoughts on Owen by Tony Riches

Owen

By Tony Riches

Can a servant marry a queen?

1422: Owen Tudor, a Welsh servant, falls in love with the Queen of England.

The beautiful Catherine of Valois, widow of the warrior king, Henry V, is lonely.... and her son, the future King Henry VI, shows signs of the family madness.

As the country simmers on the brink of civil war, will Owen risk everything to protect her?

Discover how they change British history – and establish a dynasty...

The Tudors.

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tony Riches brings to life the largely overlooked but pivotal figure of Owen Tudor, painting him not as a footnote in history, but as a compelling, complex man. Set in 1422, Owen begins his journey as a Welsh servant in the household of the dowager Queen Catherine of Valois. His position may seem modest, but Riches gives him depth — he’s loyal, ambitious, and haunted by both his heritage and the violent times he lives in. 

What truly elevates Owen is the emotional and political tension that underpins his secret romance with Catherine. Their love story is rendered with sincerity and restraint, built on mutual respect rather than mere passion. 

 Riches also delves into the broader historical backdrop — the looming Wars of the Roses, power struggles, and Tudor lineage — giving weight to Owen’s actions and legacy. 

Riches writes in the first person, present tense, which gives the narrative a very immediate, intimate feel. 

 That choice means readers get a strong sense of Owen’s internal life: his hopes, fears, and conflicts. Several reviewers praised this for making Owen feel real, though some found the present-tense narration jarring. 

In terms of historical fiction, Owen strikes a good balance between fact and fiction. The book is well-researched (even though historical records about Owen Tudor are scarce) and Riches weaves in fictional characters and events with skill. 

 The result is epic: a story that is both a romance and a political drama, and one that honors Owen’s role in founding the Tudor dynasty.

My thoughs on Gone in Seconds by M A Comley

 Gone in Seconds

By M A Comley

This is the first book in a spin-off series to the highly successful JUSTICE series from M A Comley, NY Times and USA Today bestselling author who has sold over four million copies worldwide to date.

Money rules...but to what extent?

DI Katy Foster knew she had big shoes to fill when her long-time partner DI Lorne Warner retired. Now she has a new partner, DC Charlie Simpkins, Lorne's daughter, and their first case together leaves them baffled.

A series of murders, and the deaths of two police officers leads to a dangerous investigation that makes no sense. One thing is certain-many more lives will be at risk unless Katy and her team can conquer the evil lurking within the city.

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In Gone in Seconds, M.A. Comley launches a gripping spin-off of her popular Justice series, centering on DI Katy Foster, who steps into the lead role after her long-time partner (DI Lorne Warner) retires. 

 She’s joined by DC Charlie Simpkins, Lorne’s daughter, which creates an interesting dynamic — part legacy, part fresh start. 

The core conflict is intense and disturbing: a series of brutal murders, including the deaths of two police officers, sets Katy and Charlie on a dangerous investigation. 

 As the body count rises, the pair must navigate not only the procedural challenges but also the darker, more insidious forces lurking in their city. 

What makes this book stand out is Comley’s strong character work. Katy is no longer just “the partner”; she’s a leader with her own strengths, insecurities, and moral code. 

 Charlie, meanwhile, is proving herself in a legacy she didn’t sign up for — and that tension feels very real. 

 The pacing is good: there’s a real sense of a race against time, and Comley balances the procedural elements with emotional stakes effectively. 

On the downside, with multiple murders right from the start, the plot can feel quite heavy — but that’s part of the point: the threat is serious, and Comley doesn’t shy away from evil. Some readers might find parts of the mystery a bit dense, especially if they’re new to Comley’s style or the world she’s built.

My thougths on None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

 None of This is True

By Lisa Jewell

Celebrating her 45th birthday at her local pub, podcaster Alix Summer crosses paths with an unassuming woman called Josie Fair. Josie is also celebrating her 45th.

A few days later, they bump into each other again, this time outside Alix's children's school. Josie says she thinks she would be an interesting subject for Alix's podcast. She is, she tells Alix, on the cusp of great changes in her life.

Alix agrees to a trial interview and indeed, Josie's life appears to be strange and complicated. Alix finds her unsettling but can't quite resist the temptation to keep digging.

Slowly Alix starts to realise that Josie has been hiding some very dark secrets, and before she knows it Josie has cajoled her way into Alix's life - and into her home.

Soon Alix begins to wonder who is Josie Fair really? And what has she done?

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

rom the start, Jewell weaves a tense, atmospheric narrative filled with manipulation, control, and unreliable memories. Themes like identity, obsession, and the ethics of using someone’s trauma for true-crime entertainment are central to the story. 

 Josie’s increasingly erratic behavior and Alix’s own vulnerabilities make you question who is the victim and who is the mastermind. 

One of the strengths of the book is its structure: Jewell uses alternating perspectives (Josie, Alix, and other voices) plus formats like interview transcripts and podcast-style storytelling to layer the mystery and blur the lines between fact and fiction. 

This really amplifies the sense of paranoia — and it’s easy to feel like you’re being manipulated along with the characters.

That said, the book tackles some very dark topics (including abuse, control, and disturbing family secrets), and some readers have found parts of it hard to swallow. 

 There’s also a tension between wanting to believe Josie’s narrative and doubting whether she’s using her story for something more sinister.