Genre: Poetry, Autobiography

​After reading the Gold from the Stone by Lemn Sissay I believe that I have gotten to know this poet extremely well. 

This is the first body of work I have read of Mr Sissay, ad I like it - very much.

By pulling poems from all of his other collections this book shows the poets skill with words and verse.

Throughout there is a Mancunian tone, especially when the pieces looks back at his youth or on the places he has called home.

Much of the collection is autobiographical in nature with Sissay focusing on his childhood, family, political and sociological views, etc.

My favourite poem of this collection is 'Remember How We Forgot' - especially the following lines:

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Historical Fiction

​Origin is the fifth instalment in the Robert Langdon series by Dan Brown​ set in Bilbao, Madrid and Barcelona - focusing on the debate between religious leaders and scientists on creationism.

The main character in this book, Edmond Kirsch, is extraordinarily smart and is the anchor for the books narrative. His discovery causing wide debate and intrigue both in the book and to myself the reader.

From the get-go Brown has me gripped - to the point where I physically could not put the book down. I had to know what this discovery is. 

Brown's writing style and depth of research definitely comes through when reading this captivating novel. Even though the book jumped from Robert Langdon to Prince Julian throughout the book, but it was done in such a way that it did not detract the flow of the narrative, showing Brown's writing mastery.

Gaudi is a central figure in this novel - since finishing the book I have found myself drawn to Gaudi in a way I was not previously. I will look to read more about him and explore his works even more.

​My reasoning for awarding this book a four-out-of-five stars is that some of the twists and turns, even though required by genre doctrine were a little bit predictable. If they had been a bit more obscure and unpredictable then this book would definitely have received full-marks. A really enjoyable read.

Genre: F/F, Romance, Erotica, Female Fiction, Adult Fiction, LGBTQI

​Harper Bliss tells the tale of Jessica Porter and her romance with escort Liz in the eighth instalment of the Pink Bean series, Crazy For You.

We were first introduced to Jessica Porter in the previous novel within the Pink Bean series - Love Without Limits, where she gets involved in the physical part of Jo and Caitlin's relationship.

This book struck a cord with me personally as within the narrative it tackles breast cancer and the psychological effects it has on an individual. The reason this resonated so deeply with me is that I have had a number of family members who have also been affected by this type of cancer.

Hearing Jessica's story it highlighted to me how some of my relatives must have felt and possibly what they must have gone through when they had gone through their cancer treatment. It was quite emotional.

The relationship issue tackled in this novel is between Jessica and Liz, who Jessica hires as an escort, but ends up falling in love with. At the beginning I did question the validity of this relationship and the intentions of Liz. However, as they spent more time with each other and I learnt more about both of them it did become genuine and I did feel the chemistry between the both of them. It's an interesting concept.

I gave this book four-out-of-five stars because I really enjoyed it. It hit be personally and drew out emotions in me. The concept of the book I also felt was intriguing and I liked both of the characters - seeing both their strengths and vulnerabilities. This is definitely a must read...

Genre: F/F, Romance, Female Fiction, Erotica, Adult Fiction, LGBTQI

Curating a Masterpiece is the first book I have read by Sybil Smith and I must say it was a really interesting read. This book highlights the creation of a relationship between an employee and their boss within the art world.

Rebecca and River work together at the art gallery Minnessak, Rebecca as curator and River as her assistant. It is evident that there is a chemistry between them from the outset.

Sybil's writing style is easy to read and offers an intriguing concept. She has obviously done her research or has had experience within the art world, as she goes into details on contemporary artists and works and the processes of selling them.

Art played a significant role within the narrative of this book and it inspired me to think about art and continue writing my collection Dalí: In Verse, which at the time was focussed 

There was a genuine connection between both protagonists, but what I struggled with was the abuse in power with the main character Rebecca. River was a university art student and she was there on a placement. The formation of a relationship between the pair shows a lack in judgement from Rebecca. Sybil did try to address this, however, it did feel that this was just glossed over instead of debated fully.

This was primarily the reason why I gave this book only three-out-of-five stars. If the issue of 'abuse of power' was addressed fully then I believe I would have given this book a higher rating. Even though, this book was a very enjoyable read and I will look to read more of Sybil Smith's future work.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

​Within Jayne Seymour: The Haunted Queen acclaimed historian and novelist Alison Weir creatively tells the story of Jayne Seymour through fiction. This book has everything from romance, drama, political intrigue to executions and court hearings.

From the epic Six Tudor Queens series Weir clearly captures the tension of the time surrounding Anne Boleyn's fall from grace and power through to Jane's subtle and endearing nature.

I enjoyed Alison's portrayal of Jane, it's how I envisaged her being; trusting, endearing, loving, loyal - but also a little naive. It showed her journey from a country maid to lady at court and eventually Queen of England.

What was really intriguing about this novel was her interactions with other characters and the growth and development of her as an individual from - Jayne the loyal servant, Jayne the loving daughter/sister/aunt, Jayne the loving companion and finally Jayne the Queen. I felt like I had been taken on quite the journey with Jayne.

Personally I did not like the character of Anne in this novel, however it will be interesting if this changes when reading the second novel in the series - Anne Boleyn: A Kings Obsession. Katherine of Aragon's character was very regal and pious and I look forward to reading her story, especially about the beginning of her relationship with Henry - from her perspective, in Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen. 

I have digested this series in a rather odd way in reading the third book of the series first, however, I had an opportunity through Pigeonhole - and if you have not yet explored this site/app you should, it's awesome - to read this pre-publication. 

This book has been given five-out-of-five stars because I enjoyed it very much and could not fault it in anyway. If you get a chance please do check out Alison Weirs - Six Tudor Queens series. It offers a whole new perspective on such a poignant and critical period within English history.

Genre: F/F, Romance, Erotica, Female Fiction, Adult Fiction, LGBTQI

Love Without Limits is the second instalment of the Josephine and Caitlin love story from the Pink Bean series by Harper Bliss. It goes deeper in detail to understanding non-monogamous relationships.

The narrative of this story tests Jo and Caitlin's relationship. It also explores a relationship deeper into it's duration and not just at the formation of the relationship. 

Non-monogamy is debated thoroughly throughout this book and its place within the relationships within modern society. To be honest before reading any of the Pink Bean series and reading about Caitlin and her work/beliefs I had not really known much about non-monogamy. 

Harper's writing lends nicely to the discursive nature of the narrative of this book. It also showed the progression of the characters, especially Jo, from the first book - Everything Between Us, where we were introduced to both protagonists and the exploration of body image and self-confidence within lesbian relationships was shown within the narrative.

The reason why I only gave this book two-out-of-five stars is purely for the non-monogamy element, as personally I do not believe in it. There also was not as much development of the characters within this, especially in Caitlin. However, the book did read well and I could see how some people could enjoy this. It will be interesting to see how the Pink Bean series develops from this...

Genre: F/F, Romance, Erotica, Female Fiction, Adult Fiction, LGBTQI

Twice in a Lifetime is the first book I have read from Clare Lydon and I must, I did enjoy it. It's the story of two individuals, Harriet and Sally, who meet again years after their initial relationship.

What this book does well is it explores the second chance at love very well. It does this by providing flashback memories to their relationship and comparing each character as they are now.

I liked the introduction of Harriets aunt Paula, who's eccentricity helps Harriet in a more unconventional way. She's a firework.

Due to the narrative it makes the character development for both Sally and Harriet very clear. It was especially interesting to see the development of Sally throughout the book and how she had change since their initial dalliance.

Away from the narrative, I really enjoyed the writing style of Clare - it made the story flow and made it easy to read. In essence Clare did not try to make this book more than what it is in her writing. She provided enough detail to help me, as the reader, visualise what it is she is saying, but not to the detriment to the flow of the book. 

I gave this book four-out-of-five stars because it was a good read. It had a clear plot and outline and the flashbacks added context to their meetings. I look forward to reading more by Clare in the future.

Genre: Writing, English Language, Politics, History

This book was no surprise to me when I come to think of George Orwell. In fact it has everything you can ask for from a class Orwellian masterpiece - political intrigue and debate followed by a distinct argument and perspective.

​Notably this collection of works by Orwell does this in a more direct way than his fictionalised counterparts. Gone are the use of metaphors and similes and replaced with direct references and assumptions. I do believe, however, that if this had used the former then it would not have been as greater impact.

My only criticism of this collection of essays is the bias and reluctance to consider multiple points of views within the arguments of each essay, and where this has been done they have been ridiculed or put-down.

The essay, 'Politics and the English Language', although fairly wordy offers some insightful and useful techniques for writing; especially his 6 rules for writing, which I would employ every professional and aspiring writer to know and take heed of.

I gave this book four stars because overall I enjoyed reading Orwell's arguments and seeing his perspective, it has made me want to read more from the 'Penguin Books: Great Ideas' collection. More reviews on books like this to come soon, watch this space...

Genre: Poetry

Sinéad Morrissey's latest collection acts as the metaphorical scales for the worlds political, economical and down-right sensible issues not only in the modern era but throughout time itself.

It is clear to see from the outset how On Balance has become one of the leading collections in the world of poetry and how it won the 2017 Forward Prize and shortlisted for the Costa Book Awards 2017. 

Morrissey has been extremely creative in her selection of topics to cover within the narrative make-up of each piece. The book itself seems to glide effortlessly from one issue to the next.

Her use of imagery within every piece is thought-provoking and striking making me consider every element used in their construction.

I liked how each piece enhanced not only the topics/issues it discussed but also the way that it made me consider and perceive each subject in new ways.

Sinéad's writing style flows effortlessly and uses technical devices to enhance each piece methodically but with done so with ease and finesse. 

So, I gave this book five out of five stars because I enjoyed it immensely and it had everything I could possibly want from a collection of poetry. I will definitely be following Sinéad's work a lot more closely and I most certainly look forward to seeing what comes next from her...

Genre: Poetry

​Jo Shapcott shows off her 'poetic prowess' with this collection of imaginative verse. It has everything you could want from a collection of poetry.
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Within 'Of Mutability' are poems utilising strong poetical forms and technical devices to create very powerful imagery.

​It is clear from the outset why this collection won the Costa Book of the Year award in 2010.

What I liked within the collection was it's subtlety. The poems contained various technical devices to enhance the images created in each piece.

I felt like I was standing, as a spectator, while reading these poems, which intensified my experience of Jo's writing.

I had the pleasure of seeing Jo perform some of her poems on the 21st of November at the incredible Keats House Museum - see a video below of Jo performing her poem 'At Guys' :