Review: My Lie, Your Lie

 He thought heartbreak was the worst part.

Then came the need for revenge.

Patrick Tyrrell’s perfect marriage shatters the day his husband, Barney, leaves him—for a woman.

Marcella. Beautiful. Alluring. Dangerous.

Patrick can’t let it go. Why her? Why now? The questions consume him — until obsession turns to something far darker. As unsettling events unfold and violence creeps closer, Patrick faces the one temptation more powerful than love or jealousy:

Revenge.

But revenge has its own price. And once it begins, there may be no way back.

A taut, unsettling psychological thriller about betrayal, obsession, and whether vengeance ever truly heals the wound — or only feeds it.

Review

This book is not comfortable. It's heavy and angsty and disquieting. The writer has strong plot structure so the book traps you and doesn't let go. As a thriller, that works, but it's not fluffy or fun. This is a very good psychological thriller but be prepared for what it is. 

The book explores that thin line between love and hate. The crumbling of a love story is painful and often leads to violence, as any aficionado of true crime can attest. It's very evident here how that happens. So kudos to the author - I was left with a lot to think about and mourn.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Lie-Your-Paul-Clayton-ebook/dp/B0FPBJP29B/

https://www.amazon.com/My-Lie-Your-Paul-Clayton-ebook/dp/B0FPBJP29B/

 

Author Bio – Paul Clayton is a familiar face on screen, best known for his roles as Sophie’s dad in the BAFTA-winning Peep Show and Graham in the acclaimed Him & Her. Currently, he appears as Drew Peacock in EastEnders, Dennis in Disney’s sequel to The Full Monty and has featured in Brian and Margaret, Wolf Hall, House of the Dragon, and over 300 stage and screen roles.

 

He'll be seen in the new ITV thriller Secret Service, and in Season 3 of House of the Dragon

 

Beyond acting, Paul is an internationally recognised creative event director and sought-after presentation coach. His previous thrillers, The Punishment and The Hoax, have gripped readers, while his books for actors—So You Want to Be a Corporate Actor? and The Working Actor (both published by Nick Hern Books)—offer invaluable industry insight.

 

He lives in London with his partner.

Social Media Links – 

X – Claytoncast

Insta – Claytoncastgram

Giveaway to Win a Signed Copy of My Lie Your Lie (Open to UK only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Gleam box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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Review: The Teacher Evacuees

 

There are more dangers than German bombs in wartime...

Canadian-born teacher Victoria takes up a new position at a London school, but soon finds herself coordinating its evacuation to a Norfolk village along with standoffish spinster Beatrice and quiet young Nell. Victoria has to adapt to life in the countryside, petty politics and local busybodies. 

 When she meets attractive naval officer Louis Grainger, romance blossoms. Victoria is drawn into a clandestine world and told that she is helping the British government, but after she catches Louis covertly meeting a suspicious stranger in nearby woods, she fears the worst -- a traitor in their midst.

 It's a race against time for Victoria to discover the truth and keep the village -- and the country -- safe from invasion. 

 A thrilling and compulsive Second World War saga for fans of Lesley Eames, Katie Flynn and Betty Walker. 

'Leaves your breathless' Maisie Thomas

'Impossible to put down' Eva Glyn 

'A brilliant start to a thrilling new wartime saga series' Betty Walker

'A gripping saga' Vicki Beeby

Review

I read a lot of historical fiction so I am always fascinated by a book that teaches me a thing or two, especially about the vastly covered World War II era. This book was beautifully done. The teachers carry a heavy burden as they accompany the children from London to the rural areas deemed safer from the war. The kids need their teachers and the story reminds us why EVERY kid needs a good teacher. 

It would've been easy to rely on heartstrings to carry the novel, but Rose Warner masterfully creates plots ad character that create a delightful and intriguing story that will keep you reading into the night.

Purchase Links

https://mybook.to/TheTeacherEvacuees

Pre-order paperbacks beyond Amazon:

Blackwell’s online: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Teacher-Evacuees-by-Rose-Warner/9781835980262

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-teacher-evacuees/rose-warner/9781835980262

Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-teacher-evacuees-rose-warner/7731556?ean=9781835980262

Hive: https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Rose-Warner/The-Teacher-Evacuees--A-thrilling-and-page-turning-WWII-h/30586718

Author Bio –

Rose Warner, who also publishes as Jen Gilroy, writes historical women’s /saga fiction and feel-good contemporary romance. She has been a finalist for the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Joan Hessayon Award and Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® award.

She’s Canadian-British and although now based in Canada lived in England for many years and has undertaken extensive research in the WW2 and post-war periods. As Jen Gilroy she writes sweet small-town romance for Harlequin Heartwarming (HarperCollins) and has also published with Grand Central Forever (Hachette) and others. 

When not writing, she enjoys reading, ice cream, ballet and paddling her purple kayak.

Visit Rose / Jen online at https://www.jengilroy.com

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenGilroyAuthor/

X: https://www.x.com/JenGilroy1

Cover Reveal: Journey to the Scottish Highlands by Julie Shackman

Daisy’s career hasn’t exactly been going to plan and the last thing she wants to do is stay home and wallow in self-pity. So, when an opportunity arises to escape her London home, and make some money working a fancy event at a stately home, she jumps at it.

Determined to make the most out of the situation, she decides a road trip to the Scottish Highlands would be the perfect way to reset and take control of her life.

When devilishly handsome Evan finds himself stranded at the event following a cancelled flight to Scotland, Daisy does the kindest thing she can think of and invites him to join her. As they embark on their journey north, will the scenic trip help them rediscover themselves, and possibly even find something they weren’t expecting…

Pre-order Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Journey-Scottish-Highlands-contemporary-romance-ebook/dp/B0FBT1BBXT

https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Scottish-Highlands-contemporary-romance-ebook/dp/B0FBT1BBXT

Publication Date: 29th January 2026

Author Bio – Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. 

As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. 

She has two sons and a Romanian rescue pup, Cooper. 

Journey to the Scottish Highlands is Julie's fourteenth novel.

Social Media Links – 

Julie Shackman Author 

Julie Shackman (@G13Julie) / Twitter

Julie Georgina Shackman (@juliegeorginashackman) • Instagram photos and videos

(2) Julie Georgina Shackman | Facebook

Review: Love, Lies and Family Ties

A heartwarming, feel good romantic comedy. ‘I absolutely adored this book. It gave me all the feels! A charming read full of warmth and heart.’ ***** Kim the Bookworm

 

Bea Winters is in desperate need of a fresh start. Being bullied at work is not her idea of fun and she longs to follow her dream of becoming a published author. When an advert appears in her local paper to work in a publishing house in the sleepy village of Bloomsdale, it sounds too good to be true.

She strikes up an instant friendship with gorgeous aspiring author, Eddie Richards and her dashing millionaire boss Scott Summers. But all isn’t as it seems in the sleepy village of Bloomsdale.

How does the local clairvoyant know her name? Who does the little black dog that keeps appearing belong to and why does she keep bumping into the mysterious Charlie?

As she starts to unravel the truth, it seems that everyone in Bea’s life is keeping secrets.

An uplifting romantic comedy that will warm your heart – perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Milly Johnson and Carole Matthews.

Review --

Bea Winters has hit the skids early in her career. She winds up in Bloomsdale to work for the too-handsome Scott Summers. Then the world goes wonky as Bea becomes intrigued by the mysteries and secrets held by the townspeople. 

A lovely, cozy mystery that was as comfortable as a Hallmark movie on a Sunday afternoon. Bea may not be the most complex of characters, but she works well in the role she's given. The love story is simple, as per the genre. Overall, it was a charming story that could be enjoyed by any reader.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.eu/d/40GUHk8

Author Bio – 

I was born in Coventry but now live in Nuneaton. I married the love of my life over 20 years ago and we have two almost grown up children. We share our lives with two mad dogs as well.

Writing is a great passion of mine, that one day I hope to be able to turn into a career but until that day comes, I will continue working in accounts and payroll.

 

Social Media Links – @KeelingFlorence

https://x.com/KeelingFlorence

Promo: The Irish Midwife

 Can she finally put herself first, in order to find love?

Peggy Cassidy is a milly, working in the Belfast linen mills to just about get by. But Peggy also has another job - a secret one. She works as a handywoman - an illegal midwife, tending to the women of her community in their time of need.

When Peggy is offered the chance to leave Belfast to receive formal midwifery training in Dublin, it sets off a chain of events that will change her life forever.

But amongst her middle-class colleagues, Peggy must keep the truth about her past secret at all times. If the realities of her life in Belfast are revealed, she could lose everything she has worked for.

And when she meets a well-to-do doctor down in Dublin, she must make a decision: should she protect her family and her history? Or can she let herself fall in love?

The first book in a heartwarming new historical romance series, for fans of Dilly Court, Anna Jacobs, Rosie Goodwin and Call the Midwife.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/IrishMidwife

 

Author Bio – 

Seána Tinley is an Irish author of saga historical romance. She also writes regency romance as Catherine Tinley.

After a career encompassing speech and language therapy, Sure Start, being president of a charity, and managing a maternity service, she now works as NI Country Director for a leading UK charity.

Seána was appointed as chair of the Romantic Novelists’Association in August 2024.

 

Social Media Links – https://lnk.bio/seanatinley

Promo: Death at the School of Translators

 

Ivanhoe meets Phryne Fisher in this medieval adventure of a woman sleuth.

Toledo, 1193: A city of scholars, secrets, and simmering tensions. When Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine’s Jewish spy is found dead, whispers of treachery reach all the way to England.

Rebecca DeToledo, a gifted healer and wealthy Jewish heiress, arrives under royal orders to investigate at the School of Translators. Her mission quickly turns perilous as she faces threats to her life and a sudden battle over her inheritance.

Assigned to guard her is Sir John of Hampstead, a disillusioned crusader burdened with knowledge that could threaten King Richard’s release from captivity. Forced into this partnership, he must protect Rebecca while grappling with his own orejudices.

As they navigate Toledo’s complex alliances, where Christians, Jews, and Muslims coexist in fragile peace, they uncover a web of secrets reaching deep into the cathedral. Can Rebecca and John unearth the truth before they become the next targets?

For fans of historical sleuths, slow-burn tension, and secret missions cloaked in royal intrigue.

Purchase Link 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBWW9XSR

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Death-School-Translators-DeToledo-Medieval-ebook/dp/B0FBWW9XSR

 

Author Bio – Esther Knight writes historical mysteries featuring a bold heroine who challenges the norms of her time.

Social Media Links – https://www.instagram.com/medieval.author

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/57041953.Esther_Knight

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576873997012

 

Giveaway to Win a $15 Amazon Gift Card (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Gleambox below.  The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception ofthe winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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Promo: No Dream Impossible

 

Willkommen, bienvenue and welcome! It’s time for the newly launched musical celebration that is the Eurowide Song Contest, debuting in the unglamorous city of Ermpit in Rottimoldovia at Europe’s most easterly tip. It’s like Eurovision, but it’s not…

​Lifelong fanatic and walking Eurovision encyclopaedia, Jemma La Vie is the UK’s first ever buoyant Eurowide hope. Plucked from obscurity, her childhood dreams of taking part in a national song contest have come true as she finds herself standing centre stage, with the hopes of her nation on her proud shoulders. 

But in the week leading up to the final, a sinister set of events sees contestants dropping down dead before a single vote has even been cast. There’s something shady going on and it seems it’s not just a few dodgy notes onstage being murdered. Will Jemma actually survive to fly the UK flag at Eurowide on final night or meet her Waterloo? And if she does survive, will there be a douze points in sight?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/NODREAMIMPOSSIBLE

Author Bio – 

Nigel is an all-rounder in the world of entertainment working on both radio, TV and as a successful author and podcast host. 

As a TV host he has presented thousands of hours of both live and pre-recorded TV as well as outside broadcasts and events. He has featured on ITV, BBC, Channel 4 and C5 and has also broadcast live from America. He has been a presenter on craft TV for two decades and is happiest surrounded by glitter. Which is highly useful for his radio life as he has presented two of the sparkliest and glitteriest shows on Gaydio, the largest LGBTQ+ radio station in the UK, over the last few years. He hosts a weekly Sunday evening show called Wrapping Up The Weekend which features brand new LGBTQ+ music and top celebrity names dropping in for a chat and spilling the T. He loves nothing better than a bit of banter with iconic stars like Dannii Minogue, George Takei, stars of Strictly and Dancing On Ice, Matt Goss, Kim Wilde, Bananarama, Armistead Maupin, Layton Williams and even Stormy Daniels or fan-favourites from the world of international drag like Jinkx Monsoon, Bianca Del Rio, Danny Beard, Jujubee, Bob The Drag Queen, Cheryl Hole, Alaska, Peppermint and Ben De La Creme. He adores featuring brand new up ‘n’ coming LGBTQ+ talent and giving them a chance to shine. He also hosts the Saturday Weekend Breakfast show on Gaydio Brighton.

He hosts a successful queer podcast called A Gay Old Time interviewing celebrities from the LGBTQ+ world. Currently on Season 6 guests have included Todrick Hall, Charlie Condou, Samantha Fox, Hazell Dean, John Barrowman, Miriam Margolyes, Frankie Grande, Darren Hayes and Dominic Skinner.

As an author he has published eight novels so far. Six action-packed glam fiction blockbusters, a ‘sexy six-pack’ for which he earned the title ‘the UK’s male Jackie Collins’ (a huge honour as she was Nigel’s literary heroine). He’s also published a gripping psychological thriller with a dark and dangerous twist and a crafty cosy-crime novel. His books have been given countless five-star reviews and been featured in many national publications.

He’s obsessed with all things ’80s, flea markets and the Eurovision Song Contest. He’s a gay grandad living in Brighton who’s all about the body positive and has been a finalist on both Pointless and The Weakest Link. But didn’t win either! 

 

Social Media Links – 

www.nigelmay.net

Instagram: @nigelmay @agayoldtimepodcast      

X: @Nigel May @agayoldtimepod 

Tik Tok: @agayoldtime