Tag Archives: Monica James

Beyond the Roses by Monica James-a review

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Beyond the Roses by Monica James-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 11, 2020

To the outside world, my life is perfect.

I’m young and rich, and some may even say I’m beautiful. But I would give anything to be somebody else because after being extraordinary all my life, all I wish for is…silence.

My name is Lola Van Allen, and there’s no easy way to say it, but…I’m dying.

When my doctors reveal all hope is lost, I decide to spend the time I have left sharing my experience at Strawberry Fields, a summer camp for terminally ill children. No matter my fate, I yearn to make a difference.

Things are quiet and slow-moving until I meet him.

Dr. Roman Archibald.

From the moment our lives entwine, he pushes me until breaking point. But for someone who has nothing left to lose, I push back twice as hard. Roman challenges me in ways I never imagined, revealing things aren’t always what they seem.

This is my story…and how I got a second chance at life.

•••••••••

REVIEW:  BEYOND THE ROSES by Monica James is a contemporary, adult story of romance and loss focusing on twenty five year old Lola Van Allen, and thirty year old Dr. Roman Archibald.

Told from first person perspective (Lola ) and one final chapter by Roman, BEYOND THE ROSES follows twenty-five year old Lola Van Allen as she enters into the remaining months of her life. Volunteering at a summer camp for children with terminal illness, Lola will meet Dr. Roman Archibald, the man with whom Lola will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and love between Lola and Roman, as Lola makes a decision in an effort to get and give a second chance at life.

BEYOND THE ROSES is an emotional and heart breaking story of love, life, second chances and forever. Monica James pulls the reader into a roller coaster of feelings; of life and death; hope and understanding; sacrifice, struggle, acceptance and moving forward. BEYOND THE ROSES is a tragic yet joyous, sensitive and poignant look at death and dying, love and loss.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

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The Devil’s Crown Pt 2 by Monica James-Review Tour

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THE DEVIL’S CROWN Part 2 by Monica James-Review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 22, 2020

With the enemy dead, my throne awaits my return. But the reason I’m still standing is being held captive by another foe.

••••••••

REVIEW: THE DEVIL’S CROWN Part 2 is the second instalment in Monica James’ contemporary, adult THE DEVIL’S CROWN dark, mafia romance duet focusing on former head of the Russian mob Aleksei Popov, and Antonella ‘Ella’ Ricci. The Devil’s Crown is a spin off from the author’s ALL THE PRETTY THINGS trilogy. THE DEVIL’S CROWN Part 2 should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the cliff-hanger and events of Part 1.

We were first introduced to Aleksei Popov in the ALL THE PRETTY THINGS series (Saint and Willow’s story). You do not have to have read the original series to follow or understand but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading All the Pretty Things Trilogy to understand Aleksei and his relationship to Willow and Saint. Saint and Willow play strong secondary and supporting characters throughout The Devil’s Crown duet.

TRIGGER WARNING: THE DEVIL’S CROWN Part 2 contains mature adult content with scenes of graphic violence, rape and sexual abuse that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspective (Alek and Ella) THE DEVIL’S CROWN follows the former head of the Russian underground Aleksei Popov as he sets out to reclaim his crown and take back his position as the head of the Russian mob. With the woman he loves now a willing captive of the man targeting Aleksei Popov, our anti-hero sets a plan into motion to prove he is worthy of Ella’s love but a series of missteps, miscommunication, and threats against both of their lives finds Aleksei and Ella on the run where they will come face to face with the reality of the world in which they live. In an effort to regain control Aleksei pulls together the people he trusts, as they methodically wipeout anyone who dared to cross the line.

THE DEVIL’S CROWN is a dark, gritty, emotional, twisted and heart breaking story. A tale of devastation and betrayal, power and control in which Aleksei Popov proves he is worthy to wear the crown but in doing so must destroy anyone and everyone who stands in his way. No one is safe as the darkness consumes our ‘anti’ hero but it’s the darkness that will push him forward as he protects the woman and the child he has come to love. The premise is intense and dramatic; the romance is fated; the characters are broken, determined, powerful and strong.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of The Devil’s Crown Part 1

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

TWITTER /  FACEBOOK /  PINTEREST / AUTHORGRAPH /  WEBSITE

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The Devil’s Crown Part 1 by Monica James-Review tour

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The Devil’s Crown Part 1 by Monica James-Review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Apple /

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 21, 2020

I was feared.
Respected.
Worshiped.

But all of that changed when the impossible happened—I fell in love. Only those feelings weren’t reciprocated, because who could love a monster like me?

My empire crumbled. People died. I went from being a victorious leader to lurking in the shadows, planning revenge on my half-brother who now reigns in my place.

An orphanage is where I find sanctuary, but when she walks into my world and evokes a yearning I thought long dead, my demons are awakened and want what they can’t have—her. Sooner or later, I knew I’d need to feed the darkness inside me.

Mayhem, power, and control course through my veins. I will use them to regain my crown, my throne, and then claim her, despite what solemn vows she might’ve made.

I will break them…and her.

••••••

REVIEW: THE DEVIL’S CROWN is the first instalment in Monica James’ adult, contemporary, dark erotic romance duet focusing on former head of the Russian underworld Aleksei Popov, and Sister Arabella aka Antonella Ricci-a spin off from the author’s ALL THE PRETTY THINGS trilogy. We were first introduced to Aleksei Popov in the aforementioned series. You do not have to have read the original series to follow or understand but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading All the Pretty Things Trilogy to understand Aleksei and his relationship to Willow and Saint.

WARNING: THE DEVIL’S CROWN contains scenes of graphic violence and sexual abuse that may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Aleksei Popov) THE DEVIL’S CROWN follows the former head of the Russian underground Aleksei Popov as he sets about to reclaim that which his half-brother has stolen. Having lost the woman with whom he had fallen in love to the man he groomed to be an assassin and killer, Aleksei Popov focuses on the orphanage where he has taken refuge, and in the interim sets about to take down his half-brother Serg Ivanov. But Aleksei never expected to fall for Sister Arabella, a young nun who is working and living at the Russian orphanage, a woman on the run from a past that is desperate to take back that which doesn’t belong. A contract for hire in exchange for his brother’s location, Aleksei sets about to take back his world only to discover that all is not as it appears to be. Betrayal, vengeance, power and control are but the tip of the proverbial iceberg as Aleksei plans to sacrifice himself to save the woman that calls to his heart.

THE DEVIL’S CROWN is a story of dysfunctional family, the criminal underworld, betrayal and vengeance. A haunting, gritty and dramatic tale of one man’s struggle to regain his power, and one’s woman’s battle for the freedom she lost. The premise is dark and edgy; the characters are broken, flawed, and tragic. THE DEVIL’S CROWN ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

TWITTER/  FACEBOOK/  PINTEREST/ AUTHORGRAPH/  WEBSITE

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Blowback (The Monsters Within 2) by Monica James-Review tour

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Blowback (The Monsters Within Duology 2) by Monica James-Review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 7 ,2020

This was supposed to be simple. Vengeance was mine. But I should know by now that nothing in life is easy.

My endgame has changed all because I met someone who wishes I was dead. Yet her hatred is the only thing saving her from The Big Bad. My lies protect her, so the harder she hates, the safer she is.

The thing about love and hate—it skates a very thin line. I need to stay away. It’s better for everyone if I do. But fighting this is like fighting nature.

Our paths crossed for a reason, and my Tiger isn’t fooled. Once the smoke clears, she will see every player, including me. I don’t deserve a second chance. But I want one…because I want her. The question is, what happens when the truth is finally revealed?

With the end in sight, I can promise you there will be nothing but violence and mayhem.

Oh yes, blood will be shed.

••••••••

REVIEW:BLOWBACK is the second and final instalment in Monica James contemporary, adult THE MONSTERS WITHIN dark, erotic, romance duet focusing on former inmate, and bouncer thirty year old Cody ‘Bullseye’ Bishop, and twenty-eight year old, exotic dancer/ dance instructor Lily ‘Tigerlily’ Hope. BLOWBACK should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff-hanger of book one BULLSEYE.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately fifteen years earlier, at the age of fifteen, Cody Bishop witnessed the murder of his older brother Damian by four wanna-be gang bangers, and our anti-hero pledged to kill everyone involved. Following the death of one of the men responsible, Cody would serve twelve years in jail where he would take the name Bullseye, excelling in the game of underworld fighting. Upon his release from prison, Bullseye vowed to kill the surviving three men but finds himself falling for an exotic dancer with connections to his past.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Bullseye and Tigerlily) BLOWBACK follows Cody ‘Bullseye’ Bishop as he continues to exact revenge on the people responsible for Damian’s murder. As Bullseye’s plan comes to fruition Lily will soon discover to what depths Bullseye is willing to go in an effort avenge the brother he lost. Playing both sides in a war between competing cartels, Bullseye unapologetically makes himself the target, willing to sacrifice his own life if it means saving the woman with whom he will fall in love but it is Lily’s past that will pose the greatest threat using our heroine in the process.

The numerous colorful secondary and supporting characters include the return of Bullseye’s parole officer Franca Brown; Lotus, the owner of The Pink Oyster; and several local gang-bangers and the men who rule the streets of Detroit- Jaws, Hero, Scrooge, Stevie and Kong, as well as Lily’s son Jordy. We are introduced to Stevie’s wife Bianca, Jose, and Bulleye’s young helper Paul Garrison.

BLOWBACK is a gritty story of betrayal, vengeance, murder and death; heart break and revelation; retribution and love. The premise is dark and raw; the romance is provocative, complicated and passionate; the characters are broken, dangerous, determined and deadly. BLOWBACK is a thought provoking look at vengeance, and to the depth of which one man is willing to go.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one BULLSEYE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

TWITTER/  FACEBOOK/  PINTEREST/ AUTHORGRAPH/  WEBSITE

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Bullseye (The Monsters Within 1) by Monica James-Review tour

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Bullseye (The Monsters Within 1) by Monica James-Review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 20, 2020

For twelve long years, I’ve breathed, I’ve bled for only one thing…

Revenge.

Four men took something from me, something which can never be replaced. That one night changed the lives of so many and taught me that monsters are real.

But I also learned I’m the biggest monster of them all.

Nothing and no one will stand in my way of redemption because those men…they’re now three. The fourth—he is the reason they call me Bullseye. They can run, but sooner or later, I’ll find them, just as I did with their friend. They’re already dead…they just don’t know it yet.

My plan was simple until I met her. A fierce tiger who had the power to break my heart. Lucky for me…she can’t break what’s already broken. I am no longer a man because the world is a jungle, and we’re all just animals—ready to tear one another apart.

•••••••••

REVIEW: BULLSEYE is the first instalment in Monica James’ contemporary, adult THE MONSTERS WITHIN dark, erotic, story line focusing on former inmate, thirty year old Cody ‘Bullseye’ Bishop, and twenty-eight year old, exotic dancer Lily ‘Tigerlily’ Hope. At this stage of the duet I am reluctant to call is a romance story line.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Bullseye and Tigerlily) BULLSEYE follows Cody ‘Bullseye’ Bishop as he sets into motion a plan to avenge the murder of his older brother Damian. Approximately fifteen years earlier, at the age of fifteen, Cody Bishop witnessed the murder of his brother by four wanna-be gang bangers, and our anti-hero pledged to kill everyone involved. Fast forward three years and Cody took down one of the men, but in doing so wound up on the wrong side of the law. Twelve years in prison gave Cody, now known as Bullseye, the time to perfect his style of fighting, and organize a plan to avenge the brother he lost. Taking a job as a bouncer at a local bar called The Pink Oyster found Bullseye face to face with exotic dancer Lily ‘Tigerlily’ Hope, a woman who stirred something deep within Bullseye Bishop. What ensues is Bishop’s search for the men who killed his brother as his friendship with Lily comes at a terrible cost.

Cody ‘Bullseye’ Bishop is no longer the naïve and innocent man he was fifteen years earlier. Believing himself to be unworthy of love, Bullseye struggles with basic social skills, preferring to do everything on his own but a few well placed questions opens up the possibility of taking down the men who destroyed his life. Lily Hope is a single mother with a defiant eleven year old son; a ballet teacher who dances nights at the local bar but all is not well at The Pink Oyster, and Lily finds herself in a fight for her life. Hoping that Bullseye feels the same about her, Lily opens up only to discover that darkness that surrounds Bullseye is more dangerous and deeper than she could have imagined.

The relationship between Lily and Bullseye is acrimonious at best. Bullseye struggles with personal relationships including continuously cutting down a woman who is willing to look beyond the darkness. Bullseye is the epitome of bad boy but Lily sees something that no one else sees, a vulnerability that could destroy her life. The $ex scenes are aggressive, raw and intense.

We are introduced to Bullseye’s parole officer Franca Brown; Lotus, the owner of The Pink Oyster; exotic dancer Tawny; and several local gang-bangers and the man who rules the streets of Detroit- Andre the bouncer, Hero, Scrooge, Kong, and Jaws.

BULLSEYE is a story of murder and revenge; betrayal and vengeance; heart break and pain. The premise is dark and gritty; the characters are broken, tragic and ill-fated; the romance is virtually non-existent as Bullseye battles between head and heart.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Book Trailer: https://tinyurl.com/tfb7dkf

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

TWITTER/  FACEBOOK/  PINTEREST/ AUTHORGRAPH/  WEBSITE

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CHASE THE BUTTERFLIES by Monica James-Review Tour

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CHASE THE BUTTERFLIES by Monica James-Review tour

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / ibooks /

About the book: Release Date December 5, 2019

“Victoria, will you marry me?”

Those words changed my life forever…just not in the way it would for most. I had it all until one fateful evening transformed my life in ways I never imagined.

Nine months later, I move to a sleepy little town, hoping to escape the demons of my past. As I attempt to claim back my life, Jude Montgomery enters my world, and things begin to change.

I thought running would appease the nightmares, but I soon discover my past won’t let go. Things are not what they seem, and I begin to question the world as I know it. Jude may hold the answers, but will my love for him blind me to the truth?

Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas? In my case, yes, it does.

Will the truth set me free? Or will it imprison us both?

My name is Victoria Armstrong, and this is my story…I think.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: CHASE THE BUTTERFLIES by Monica James is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, romance plus something -more story line focusing on Victoria ‘Tori’ Armstrong, and Jude Montgomery.

Told from first person perspective (Victoria) with a few chapters from Jude and Henry CHASE THE BUTTERFLIES follows in the aftermath of a terrible tragedy, one in which our heroine was shot just minutes after accepting her boyfriend’s proposal. Fast forward nine months wherein Victoria ‘Tori’ Armstrong heads to northeastern Connecticut in an effort to reclaim her life where she will meet and fall in love with a man’s whose own demons are dangerous and dark. Secrets and lies begin to reveal a path that transcends anything and everything Tori could have ever imagined including the reality that her life is no longer her own.

CHASE THE BUTTERFLIES is a thought-provoking story of heart break and loss; an emotional and raw tale of grief, love, acceptance and moving on……a brilliant, profound and clever tragedy where several people pulled together by circumstance, time, destiny and love.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

TWITTER/ FACEBOOK/ PINTEREST/AUTHORGRAPH/ WEBSITE

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FALLEN SAINT (All the Pretty Things #2) by Monica James-a review

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FALLEN SAINT (All the Pretty Things #2) by Monica James-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /iBooks/

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 14, 2019.

Just as this nightmare began, I once again find myself bound, destination unknown. However, this time, my kidnapper is the man who shattered my world beyond repair.

Aleksei Popov—Russia’s number one mobster, and the man I was sold to.

His intentions for me are clear—submit, obey him, and call him master—but I won’t surrender. I’m not like the other girls. Whether that’s a blessing or curse, I’ve yet to decide. The problem is, my disobedience intrigues my captor all the more.

When we arrive in Russia, the rules change.

Saint, the man who was once a sinner, is my only salvation. What was forbidden now gives me hope that there is light in the darkness. He will risk everything to set me free.

But behind these opulent walls, things aren’t what they seem, and when the fine line between pleasure and pain begins to blur, only one thing matters—saving my soul.

I will lie.

Cheat.

Steal.

I was once an angel, but now… I’m a fallen saint, ready to inflict my own pain and burn this hellhole to the ground.

••••••••••

REVIEW: FALLEN SAINT second instalment in Monica James’ contemporary, adult ALL THE PRETTY THINGS dark, romance trilogy focusing on Willow Shaw, and thirty-three year old, Saint Hennessy. FALLEN SAINT should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book one BAD SAINT.

SOME BACKGROUND: Willow Shaw was sold as a means to an end; a payment for a debt but a payment that offered so much more for our anti-hero, Saint Hennessy, who is battling to save not only his sister but the woman with whom he has fallen in love.

NOTE: Due to the story line content, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Willow) FALLEN SAINT follows in the aftermath of Willow Shaw’s abduction, and her subsequent arrival in Russia into the hands of a drug lord known for his dalliances in human slavery, arms deals, and a potential member of a secretive group known as The Circle. With Willow’s safe arrival, and Saint’s meticulous care of his prized possession, Russian mobster Aleksei Popov offers Saint and his sister their freedom, as payment for services rendered. Leaving Willow in the hands of Aleksei threatens Saint’s barely veiled control of his anger, an anger he has directed at the Russian mobster. As Willow is prepared for her ‘coming out’ to The Circle, Saint prepares a surprise of his own. What ensues is the building relationship between Saint and Willow, as Willow slowly succumbs to Aleksei’s charismatic personality when left on her own.

FALLEN SAINT is an intriguing, captivating and seductive story; a Stockholm Syndrome-esque scenario wherein our heroine struggles between her head and her heart, not only with Saint but with her ultimate captor. A bird in a gilded cage, Willow begins to fall under the spell of the people controlling her life, a life that is no longer her own. A dark and emotional forbidden romance; an enemies to lovers relationship; a haunting tale of dark secrets, dangerous liaisons, manipulation, power and control.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one BAD SAINT

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

TWITTER/ FACEBOOK/ PINTEREST/AUTHORGRAPH/ WEBSITE

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BAD SAINT (All The Pretty Things Trilogy #1) by Monica James-a review

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BAD SAINT (All The Pretty Things Trilogy #1) by Monica James-a review 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / iBooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 7, 2019

I was kidnapped on my honeymoon by three masked men.

Blindfolded.
Bound.
Destination unknown.

I was told to stay silent and abide by their rules. But they didn’t realize I wasn’t a victim…not anymore.

The open sea was my backdrop for nine torturous days. During that time, glimmers of my fate were revealed by a man with the mysterious chartreuse-colored eyes. He should have scared me, but he didn’t.

He intrigued me. And I intrigued him.

He punished me when I didn’t listen, which was every single day. But beneath his cruelty, I sensed he was guarding a grave secret.

I was sold.
And in a game of poker, no less.

My buyer? A Russian mobster who likes to collect pretty things. Now that I know the truth, I only have one choice.

Sink or swim.

And when one fateful night presents me the opportunity, I take it. I just never anticipated my actions would leave me shipwrecked with my kidnapper.

He needs me alive. I want him dead.

But as days turn into weeks, one thing becomes clear—I should hate him…but I don’t.

My name is Willow.
His name is Saint.

Ironic, isn’t it? He bears a name that denotes nothing but holiness yet delivers nothing but hell. However, if this is hell on earth…God, save my soul.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: BAD SAINT is the first instalment in Monica James’ contemporary, adult ALL THE PRETTY THINGS dark, romance trilogy focusing on Willow Shaw, and thirty-three year old, Saint Hennessy.

NOTE: Due to the story line content, there may be some trigger for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Willow) BAD SAINT follows in the aftermath of Willow Shaw’s abduction while on her honeymoon in Greece. Unaware that her husband had gambled and lost, Willow is the ultimate payment for indebted sins. At the mercy of her kidnappers Willow’s life is threatened on numerous occasions but for not the actions of one of her abductors Willow’s life would be forfeited, her body no longer her own. What ensues is the acrimonious relationship between Willow and Saint, and the fall-out as a storm lands our couple on a deserted island where Willow discovers there is more to Saint then she could have ever imagined.

BAD SAINT is a story of secrets and lies; of sexual slavery, payment for a debt, intimidation, assault, recklessness and death. Frightened yet strong, willing to stand up to her captors Willow battles between her head and heart fearing life as she knows it is spiralling out of control.

Monica James’ pulls the readers into an intense, raw and gritty story of payback and vengeance; of power and control; of repercussions, suspense, danger and more. The premise is tragic, impassioned and fascinating; the characters are strong, resilient, animated and energetic. BAD SAINT ends on a cliffhanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life.

She is a bestselling author in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.

TWITTER/ FACEBOOK/ PINTEREST/AUTHORGRAPH/ WEBSITE

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