SHE WAS MADE IN THE EAST END . . .
For young Queenie, life in the backstreets of Whitechapel was a lesson in survival – Hitler’s bombs hit those with nothing the hardest. When danger strikes close to home, Queenie finds an ally in Mrs O’Leary, whose two sons are the kingpins of the East End. But while the O’Learys are the light in Queenie’s life, fate has a different path in store. AND MEN ARE WHAT THEIR MOTHERS MAKE THEM . . . Now married to the useless Albie Butler, Queenie is raising her children to fight their own battles. If the O’Learys taught her anything, it was that surviving meant doing whatever you had to, no questions asked, and family always comes first. The Butler boys will make sure their mother’s name becomes East End legend. MEET QUEENIE. THIS IS HER STORY. What can I say. I really was looking forward to this and when I received an ARC from the publishers I was thrilled. I started reading as soon as I got the chance, I was due to go in hospital for surgery on my foot so knew I'd have lots of time to read it and didn't need to rush. (who am I kidding) I read a good chunk of this when I come around from the anaesthetic, and while waiting to be allowed home. When I got home later that night I picked the book up again, and I couldn't for the life in me remember what the heck I had read. lol I thought saving some of it was a great idea to help to recovery but clearly I was wrong. I purchased the kindle copy and decided I was going to start it again from the beginning, which is exactly what I did. What a fantastic read. I have to admit, I was concerned at first with KC going back to the beginning and giving us an insight into Queenies life. I thought we knew all we needed to know through the Butler series. Wrong again! I think this book ties off perfectly the series. As it's a prequel I would say you could actually read it as the first book, but don't. It's really much better reading after you have read the series as answers some questions you didn't realise you had. I'm guessing like me, everyone reading this will again want to go back and re read the Butler series, I expect all the series to fly up the charts all over again. This would also make a fantastic box ser. As with all Kimberley's books this is a tough, gritty page turner. Unlike other authors in this genre, Kimberley's books haven't faded or lost their brilliance, Kimberley really does know what her readers want, and despite having a big fan base, she still delivers. Nothing is taken for granted. I think that's is why readers know they can trust going to her books again and again.. Queenie has had a varied life, She knew what she wanted and went for it. Her character is one you will never forget about once you have read about her. Once of the best characters in a book series I've known. She is one of those characters I think I could read about daily and still not get fed up with. Along with her sister Viv they really are a pair to be reckoned with. Queenie is certainly the head of her family, reading about her earlier days has been an absolute honour. For me, this is the BEST book yet. How on earth is KC going to top this one? I think the Barr had been set real high this time. Certainly another addictive read you will struggle to put down, and SHOCK. OMG I wasn't expecting that! I even decided I was reading it with my signed cover on. KC signed this at a book signing in Manchester around 3 years ago.
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Sometimes crime does pay, but at what price?
Some people are made for a life of crime Dragged up on a council estate, Jason Rampling was determined to change his lot. Jason’s a chancer, shameless with his good looks and his gift for earning a few quid. Life is easy when the money rolls in. Some people are ruined by it Melissa thought she’d struck gold marrying Jason. Being on his arm meant she was finally a someone. But there’s no glamour in waiting for your husband to come home, or waiting for a knock on the door. Melissa made her bed the day she made her vows – will she lie in it without a fight? Some would kill for it After a stretch inside Jason wants to pull off just one last job, the biggest of all, it could solve all of their problems. But this is a game that could cost them everything . . .
My excitement when I received an ARC of this book was way off the scale. I have been a KC fan forever and a day. I was so excited to get stuck in and see what KC had to offer us this time.
Having followed the Butlers over the last few years, I have to say I was a little worried I would miss them when I started this book. It has to be difficult for an author to move away from a series of books that have been written so perfectly, and put them to bed and move on. I knew we wouldn't be having the Butlers, I knew I loved KC's writing so I was happy to embrace a whole new world. I really couldn't wait to read this book, yet I had told myself I was going to take it slowly and enjoy it. Yeah, right, like that's going to happen. It's quite clear that KC has put her all into this book, and for me personally it's paid off for her. I'm eager to see what others think of the move. We all make wrong choices in life, some make them more than others. In this book we are introduced to Jason Rampling. Jason a bit of a ducker and diver, meets Melissa while she is out shopping with her bestie Tracey. Melissa and Jason seem to hit it off, much to Traceys annoyance as she only took Melissa along to keep her company so she could flirt with Jason. They soon become an item, both having children of their own from previous partners, this could be a ready made, happy ever after family. (well it could if someone else had written the book). No No that's not what we want, We need ups, downs, crime, cheating, killing, thieving, lies and deceit. Well we certainly get all that and more. Jason who lives on the Mardyke estate with his mother, daughter, sister and two brothers. He wants off the estate and a better life for him and his daughter Shay. This book is Jason going on that very journey and doing exactly what is needed to achieve this. Starting off buying and selling he soon turns to a bigger Life of Crime. I loved most of the characters in the book and the way the story took them all on a journey of life. There are certainly a few cranks in here to, one of them being Jason's mother. I'm not sure mother is the correct term for her as it seems Jason and his siblings have been dragged up rather than brought up. This is one of the many reasons Jason wants out. Does he see marriage to Mel as his way out, his meal ticket to take on the world? Mel loves the idea of marrying Jason, a good looking chancer on her arm, worried her friendship with her bestie Tracie will suffer, but best friends can over come anything, Can't they! A Brilliant read, although at the beginning I felt it seemed a little slower that what we are used to from KC, it's more because we are being introduced slowly to the characters, the book soon ramps up and with a super OMG ending, I have to say I really didn't see that coming. I'm looking forward to reading more in the future from KC and have just bought again some of her older books, to have another read of. KC is certainly the Queen of this genre. This book gets the well deserved 5 stars from me for keeping me entertained. You may also like these books by Kimberley Chambers
It's an honour to be part of this blog tour, with some amazing bloggers. Just check out that list of amazing book bloggers, then little me has me name up there with them. What an honour. Thank You.
Product details
The No.1 Sunday Times bestsellerIf you don't face your enemies – they'll stab you in the back. One of them has a gun to his head. Who will pull the trigger? When king of the underworld Vinny Butler goes into business with respected villain Eddie Mitchell, it's a match made in East End legend. Friends and family are treated like gold, enemies like rats – it's the life. Then mysterious packages arrive, dead creatures and threats. Someone is out for revenge. Who the enemy is, nobody knows, anyone could be taking a pop. The gypsies who cursed Eddie, ghosts from Vinny's past, enemies needing revenge. Even their own flesh and blood? There are some people you should never cross, some who can't forgive or forget. Who is the backstabber? It deserves so much more than 5*
Well Well, where the hell do I start with this.
Firstly a super Huge thank you to Harper Collins. I was so thrilled when I was asked if I would be interested in receiving an early copy of this book. My hands were actually shaking as I responded to the message. It was an honour to be asked and a bigger honour to read this book early. I was also thrilled, to the point of shaking and laughing, (If I'd been feeling a little better I would have had a dance round the living room) when I also won a signed copy of this book on Kimberley's live Facebook chat. I was the first one to answer the question of naming Albie and Queenies kids. A- Michael, Vinny, Roy and Brenda. My god I was Buzzing... By god, Kimberley certainly knows how to write a book. Sometimes I think we should worry about what goes on in the minds of these authors. This book is twisted. An Explosive ReadThis book is so worth more than the 5 stars given. You just didn't know which way things were going, what was going to happen next. Who was safe. I so wanted to take my time reading it, I was determined to take it slowly, read a few pages at a time and not rush through it. I managed that in a way. I'd read a few pages, go get a drink read a few more.. and so on, It's not a book you can put down. It's not a book you can ignore once you start it. I had so many questions and theories as to where Kimberley could have gone with this book, and slowly, slowly things started to happen, and questions were answered. I was going to re re read the previous books, lol. ( I have read them all twice anyway) But I didn't get around to it, but it doesn't take long to remember who is who and what went on between them as Kimberley manages to jog your memory of things as you are reading. It's very clever the way it's been put together to help you remember who is who, and what has happened previously, without it feeling like its just being repetitive. It's one hell of a crazy arse read. There is so much going on in this book. Brilliantly written, and put together. The Butlers and back, and in this book they are joined with the Mitchell family. Vinny Butter and Eddie Mitchell, both men you wouldn't want to upset. Both men have seriously crazy families. But men you can't help but like. I really do like Eddie, and in a weird way I like Vinny. Going into business together, it's not long before they start to receive mystery packages, these packages contain dead creatures. Someone somewhere is trying to send out a message, but who, and Why? When you have such a shady past, all you can do is wonder and surmise. Is going into business together going to prove to be the best move these two villains could have made, or the worst decision of their lives. All the crazy bunch are back, Queenie, Little Vinny, Michael. Along with the rest of the family. Some have sorted their lives out and tried to do well for themselves. Yet others are just as mad as before and will never change. We have certainly seen some seriously colourful characters throughout this series of books. There are many characters, some of which you have probably forgotten about, but it doesn't take you to long to remember them. I don't want to say to much about what does go on in this book, as it would spoil it for others, and certainly anyone who is not up to date with the series. Because I'm finding myself wanting to say, Oh my god and what about.... and then..... and to be honest that just wouldn't be fair on anyone who has not read the book yet. But please if you are going to read this book do yourself one big favour and read all the others before it. If you can I would recommend you also read the Mitchell books, but that really is a personal choice it's not hugely necessary. The book I won on Kimberley's facebook live.
Three Butlers. Two weddings. One funeral. The explosive new novel from the Sunday Times #1 bestselling author Kimberley Chambers. Nobody can hurt you like the ones you love… Blood is thicker than water, love is stronger than hate – and that’s the problem. When your brother has betrayed you, there’s no coming back. Vinny and Michael have always protected each other and provided for the family. Together they were formidable but business always stopped at the front door. Now someone has changed the rules – women and children are fair game and one of the Butlers is going to end up six feet under. Little Vinny is battling not to follow in his father’s footsteps. Sweet Sammi-Lou has just vowed ‘til death do us part, but it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out about the murder he committed. Dark secrets are spiralling out of control and have the power to destroy them all for good. Is this the final nail in the Butler family coffin?
OH GOD.... This has to be Kimberley Chambers Best book ever. I was so so excited to receive an early review copy of this book, It certainly made me feel good, I was buzzing from the moment I opened the package, and positively fit to burst by the time I got chance to sit down and start reading it. I have waited a year for this book, since The Wronged finished I just couldn't wait for this.. But I can now reveal that IT WAS WELL WORTH THE WAIT, AND MORE...
We are back with the Butler family. One of those families you can't help but love, but glad you are not related to them. If you are reading this book or thinking of reading it, It really is best that you read the 3 books before it, as It really will help you get the right feel for what is going on, and a background history of the characters. And as I said with the last bookThe Wronged, I didn't believe Kimberley could match it, By god how this woman likes to prove you wrong. she's freakin smashed it with this book. And this book just show's why Kimberley Chambers is the favourite author of many, many people. She is certainly one of my all time favourite authors. It felt a bit like a family reunion reading this book, like I was back with people I knew well, but hadn't seen for a while. And then the teary goodbye's at the end when you know you are not going to see them for a long time. I loved every bit of this book, and I don't think my words will get across just how freaking good this series of books has been.
OH MY GOD. Kimberley. You have written a book and half here.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books featuring the wonderful Butler Family. The Trap and Payback. And after the end of Payback, I thought Kimberley would really have her work cut out matching it, But no, Kimberley has not matched it. shes bettered it. This is why Kimberly Chambers is such a fantastic author . And I think this book has everything a book should have. It keeps you wanting more. Holding your breath, talking to the pages, laughing, screaming at characters. I had decided before I started this book that I was going to take my time with it, and enjoy it. OHHH no that isn't possible, because once started you just can't help but keep going. Then you end up gutted that you have to wait, for Kimberley to bring out another book. What A fantastic read. I would really like to suggest that if you have not read the first two books, then it really is worth doing so before you start this one. I think you would get away with just reading this alone, but you would enjoy it even more if you had read the previous two. Available here - The Trap. Payback. And if you haven't yet read them then Lucky you.... you can read all 3 back to back. Again we visit the not so wonderful Butler family. A family that seem to make the rules up as they go along. Queenie and her sister Viv, still seem to be my favorite characters. I love the way they come across. I think a Life and loves of Queenie and Viv book should be written. I think the humour in Queenie and Viv, and their no nonsense ways is first class. This book kicks off pretty much from the ending of the last one, and if you have read the last one you will know what I mean. Michael and Vinny are The Buttler men, Vinnie is a man on a mission, someone not to be messed with, . Michael seems slightly more likeable, but certainly not loveable. His boys are slowly growing up, what sort of life would you want for your sons. I'm sure it wouldn't be a Butler life. Little Vinny is well, just a little twat, or a big one as he has started to grow up now. I hated him in the last book, and I hated him in this book. But my feeling for the characters is what helped me fly through this book. It doesn't matter which character you love or hate, you need to know what is going on with them, and therefore you have to keep reading. I'm trying my best not to say everything I want to say about this book, because if like me you have waited a year to read it, then it would be so unfair to spoil any of it for you. I still sit and giggle over the fact that I got an early copy of this book. Oh my god was I excited when I received it. The day it arrived, the postie knocked on my door. (not my usual postie or I wouldn't have had to go through the trauma) I could see her, but I couldn't find my door keys, having a bit of work done in the house, I had to climb over boxes and the sofa to get to the window, to open it to get my parcel. She then stood there and said, this has number 9 on it but I think it might be for you. (all the time, postie is still holding onto it for dear life) -- Well come on Mrs Postie. First point It has MY name on it. And second, well there is no number 9 on this street. JUST GIVE IT ME... and its a 4 not a 9. Oh god i opened it with shaking hands as i just knew what it was. I was so so bloody excited, and needed to tell someone who I knew would fully understand my feelings. So I sent a message to my mate Mrs Best Crime books, and she knew just how I felt.. lol.. Thanks Kat.. lol And of course a huge THANK YOU to Kimberley not only for writing such a fantastic book, but for allowing me the chance to read it early. And again.... I can not wait for the next one.
.A big fat 5/5
When the going gets tough, the Butlers get even… ‘Murdered in 1980 she was, bless her. Now I’ll tell you the story of everything that’s happened since…’ No parent should ever have to bury their child, but God knows the Butlers have buried more than their fair share. Now, Vinny and Michael are planning the downfall of all who’ve wronged them. The Butlers don’t forgive or forget, and they take their secrets to the grave. As yet more tragic events rip the family apart, loyalties are on a knife edge. Times are changing in the East End, and the brothers who have always stuck together are at each other’s throats. As the old saying goes – you keep your friends close, and your enemies closer… But you keep your family right where you can see them.
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May 2023
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