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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Chrissy Spulak

On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista receives 4 out of 5 stars. First of all, there is a lot going on in this book. It is the third installment in the author’s Forerunner Series, and not having read the first two books, I got a little lost from time to time. There are difficult names of characters and places of which to keep track. That being said, the tale itself is wonderfully woven together, and an entire world has been created using real historic legends and events. As any fantasy tale worth its salt, it contains plenty of adventure, magic, and even a dragon! The vibrant imagery and characters that jump right off the page rival that of J.R.R. Tolkien. As stated, there is a lot to keep track of, so reading the first two books would have been helpful as to what is going on. I kept getting hung up on the pronunciations of names and the point of view, but it was a page-turner and kept me interested. I recommend this book to any lover of mythologies and historical fantasies. I would also recommend reading books one and two first, as it can only make the experience better! This author is definitely one to watch!

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Samantha Snow

On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

On Viking Seas is the third book in The Forerunner Series. It is a historical, fantasy story. It was such a great story. It will take you on an exciting journey into a time where God’s rule over the people. I enjoyed the many different aspects in which separately take place but merge together. I love stories that share different characters point of views and this one does just that! Loved the time period and the characters. Very imaginative and detailed. The way the author describes it all, made for an amazing read. I do recommend you read the first the two books in its series, to gain better knowledge of the unfolding story. If you love epic, historical, fantasy stories then this book is a must read!

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On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the continuation of the story of the Agneson family, in this installment they have split up and are all over the northern reaches, Thorfinn in on the Verdandi Smiles snekke with Karl and his crew as they battle their way through a gruelling storm in the northern seas, Cub has been captured after the battle at Ethandun and is in chains, injured and on his way to a tin mine in Devonshire as a slave. Sorven is travelling with his family to Jorvik where they will be staying so that they can rest and recover from the devastating news of their most recent tragedies, whereas Kara is shocked and appalled by the idea that she is of marrying age and is soon to be paired with a suitor by her uncle as a way to improve the ties to his Mercian comrades, when all she wants is to become a shield maiden. Meanwhile Yeru is recovering from her arrow wound with her cousin Gurid and her family while catching up on the most recent news of the rest of the family.

As their individual trials unfold, will they make their way through and keep themselves alive, or will they succumb to them never to see the rest of their family again? With hidden enemies, secret schemes and adventures galore, this is a fantastic romp through a living myth with twists, turns, happiness and sadness as the adventures continue.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Jules Herbert

On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

On Viking Seas from the Forerunner series By Jay Veloso Batista is a vivid, creative and well written novel by a truly talented Author. Every step of the story that the Author takes us on is carefully crafted to make us feel like we are truly IN the story with the characters. The story is told from various characters points of view which I think adds to the readers connectivity with the story.

I do feel however, that my experience would have definitely been further enhanced had I read the previous books in the series. So I suggest if you love well written characters and an action packed story told and therefore experienced from multiple points of view then this wonderful novel and series is definitely for you! Do yourself a favour and start at the beginning!

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Heather Lovelace

On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you like epic adventure and historic fiction, grab this book immediately. The detail is rich and I fell right in to the storyline, loving to explore the plot and characters. Everything felt very tangible and was just extremely well written. I look forward to reading more from this author. Loved this book!

Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Betsy Melano

On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On Viking Seas (The Forerunner Series Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista is an awesome historical fiction story that hooked me right away! It’s the first book I’ve read by this author and I will be searching out more of his books. I enjoy reading historical fiction stories that make you imagine what life was like. Add in some old gods, witches, trolls, it sure gets interesting. Once I figured out some of the characters, it was fairly easy to follow the story which is written from several different character’s points of view.
Thank you Mr. Batista for reminding me of my love for reading historical fiction!

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Jenni Bishop

On Viking Seas (Forerunner, Book #3)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On Viking Seas (The Forerunner Series book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista is a historical fantasy story. Jay gives the reader a vivid and engaging look into the life of a Viking and his passion and knowledge flows through the words. It makes it so easy to believe you have been transported to this time and a day in the life of dangerous voyages and hardships, epic battles and sweet love, pain, and joy.

I did not realise that this is the third book in the series so found it a little hard in the beginning but soon realised that it was because I didn’t have the knowledge from the first two books. Having said that I soon settled in and did enjoy this book and will be going back to read from the beginning.

With shapeshifting witches and trolls, wyrms and dark elves, ghosts and a whole world of creatures and characters, you will be transported to another magical time and adventures that take us across Midgard and the 9 realms and more.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Danielle Thompson

On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

On Viking Seas is the third book in the Forerunner Series by Jay Veloso Batista set in the Viking Era around 880. It is a historical fantasy with all the trimmings. Suspense, magic, and mystical beings are melded perfectly into a historical period. Hold on to your seat cryptozoology fans, we have (drum rolls please)… dragons. Did I mention dark elves? History buffs and fellow pagans will truly enjoy the detail and historical notes given in this fantastic story when it comes to the Wild Hunt, legends, and other historical events.

The story follows the protagonist children of the Agneson clan: Cub, Kara, Sorven, Fin, Karl, and forerunner Thorfinn. Each alone in facing grueling troubles, events, and enemies. From plotting alderman, pet dragons, forced marriage, slavery, life at sea, and the ever-looming Jarl’s curse they seek to end. They remain determined despite the grim onslaught of troubles that face them as they continue their journey across Midgard (in summary: the Viking version of Earth).

The main characters stay at the forefront of this work while the subplots are tangled in perfectly. The care the author put into the historical details, the magic system, the mythology spills onto the pages of this book in an unforgettable way. Fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike will gravitate to this series and find themselves spun in. Recommended for any age YA to Adult.

On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Lianne Probert

On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On Viking Seas is the third book in the Forerunner Series by Jay Veloso Batista.
I would definitely recommend starting this series from the beginning, it took me a few chapters to catch up with the story and I will definitely go back to book one to read all the bits I have missed.

As you would expect from the title, this story is packed full of adventure. There is a lot going on and the author really keeps the reader on their toes throughout by adding twists and turns along the way.
I particularly enjoy that the book is based on actual historical events, and the author really shows off their Viking knowledge which adds so much detail and passion. Great read, especially if you’re looking for something a bit different.

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Erica Shoebridge

On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! I can’t say enough good things about this book. On Viking Seas is a colourful, action-packed, can’t-turn-the-pages-fast-enough tale that has everything I need in a Fantasy story: epic adventures, larger than life characters, explosive battles, supernatural forces, and brave teenagers facing unimaginable challenges with heart and integrity. You can’t help but root for the heroes of the Agneson clan as they they boldly live into (and up to) the legend of their parents. From following Finn and his supernatural friends on a snekke longboat in the dangerous icy waters of the North, to Cub’s struggle to escape slavery and return to his prestigious family home, to Kara proving herself to be a brave shield maiden and try to escape being sold into the bonds of marriage, I was completely drawn in. I found myself telling my family parts of the plot so they could appreciate how hard I was rooting for Kara to live a life she loved! It is one of those books that felt so real I had trouble remembering these weren’t people I knew in imaginary lands.

This third book gives a great synopsis at the beginning of where the clan is at in their journeys, so you could probably read this as a stand-alone, but I seriously urge you to read them all. I would say this book is probably best for older teens or adults, but a younger teen could probably manage it if this is a topic they are invested in. I had assumed this was a trilogy, but I discovered at the end that there is a Book 4, which is really the best thing to find out when you think you’re finishing a set of books you wished wouldn’t end. I will be in line to buy the next one!

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Erica Fish

On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book combines fantasy with history and does it well to boot. I love Viking stories and when I saw this title I knew I had to read it. This book takes the best of characters; monks, slave drivers, elves, trolls. Witches, and a dragon. Jay Veloso Batista has an amazing imagination and writing skill that held my attention throughout the book. There is a battle to end all battles, enslavement of the losing army. The characters are fully developed and keep the story moving. There is a need to pay attention to the “bread crumbs” that the author gives throughout the twists and turns of the characters. The characters are unique and keep the story moving. I highly recommend this book to the lover of Vikings, magical beings, and historical fiction.

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Anantha Rusum

On Viking Seas (Forerunner, Book #3)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vikings and dragons aren’t so new in my world thanks to my son, who is fully into dragon books like How to train a dragon series. I have read all the books with him and enjoyed them very much. I have also watched Thor and read a little bit on Norse Mythology, so I was aware of the nine realms.
So, I wasn’t a complete novice when I started the book. But still I did wish I had read the first two books before I read the third one, which I am going to do now.
Nevertheless, after few initial hiccups, it was still a terrific read. Dive deep into the world of elves, ghosts, trolls, shape-shifters and a Dragon. There is a lot going on in the book, battles, sea voyages, marriages and politics. It also touches upon the topic of slave trade in great depth. The imagination is mind blowing and the action and adventure is quite gripping.
I loved every bit of this book, am looking forward to read the prequel.

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Sheri Schrader

On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista is the third book in the Forerunner series. I had not read the other books in the series and plan on going back to them. This is a highly detailed and well-thought-out historical fantasy. It is set in a time of emerging Christianity but also where the Gods rule over the people. The characters are well developed and I enjoyed the interactions between them and how they move the story forward. I also enjoyed the different aspects which take place separately but all come together in ways. There is a lot to take in and this is why I plan to go back and grab the other books so I can better appreciate all the different storylines. This is a good story and I look forward to reading more from this author in the near future.

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Erin Wolf

On Viking Seas (Forerunner, Book #3)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I give On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista, 5 stars.

This was such a great epic fantasy book! It put me in mind of A Song of Ice and Fire series. Set in a time when the old gods were still strong and Christianity was still trying to gain a foothold, this is such a wonderful time period to read about. The settings are incredible, as are the characters. We are constantly going back and forth between different storylines and this keeps it quite interesting. You really want to now what happens next, then bam! We are left hanging on the edge of our seat. Then it happens all over again with the next main character. And don’t forget the story itself. There are so many things going on and the author makes every single one of them so engrossing. I could not put this book down. I did not want to stop even to make dinner. There is such detail and emotion in this book, it’s absolutely incredible.

If you are a fan of epic fantasy, I highly recommend this book.

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Kasey McElroy

On Viking Seas (Forerunner, Book #3)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you appreciate lesser-known mythology and are looking for a story that reminds you vaguely of some of your favorite adventurous, royal families, this book should be at the top of your list. Even if you’ve never read the other books in this series, it’s quite easy to fall in line with the characters. You’ll quickly pick up on their stories without feeling overwhelmed with the details of their various activities up until this point. The book itself is full of adventure and mischief and is surprisingly enjoyable. Additionally, I found that unlike many stories that split the story between characters, I was able to follow along, interested in the stories that these families had to tell. Ultimately, it’s a detailed little story, with characters that are relatable and well-written and writing that fits the theme without being dull or unenthusiastic.

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Desiree Ottinger

On Viking Seas (Forerunner, Book #3)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First of all, I LOVE “The Last Kingdom” (Netflix show) and anything to do with the history of England and Scotland. So, for me, this book kept me reading, looking for characters that I would know from previous readings/shows/history (for example, Aethelred, Alfred, etc…).

Jay did a TREMENDOUS job describing each person’s perspective on where they were and what was happening around them, as well as how they felt. The way in which he described it all, I couldn’t help but feel for the Agneson clan. To have your family spread all over, never knowing if you would see them again, was heart wrenching. This was a fascinating read. I truly enjoyed reading about the characters’ adventures! Can’t wait to continue the story of the Agneson clan!

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Angela Hayes

On Viking Seas (Forerunner, Book #3)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

On Viking Seas is the third book in The Forerunner Series by Jay Veloso Batista. This is an epic fantasy- with plenty of adventure, action, history, (Norse) mythology, Vikings, hidden agendas, paranormal beings and elements, danger, drama, challenges, revenge, curses, and more.
There was so much going on in this story, and so many characters (most with difficult to pronounce names to try to remember) that at times this story got quite confusing.
I didn’t realise going into this story that it is book three in the series, so I think I would have fared better if I had read the other two books first before starting on this one. I have gone back and purchased books one and two- and plan on reading them soon. So, hopefully knowing what transpired in those first two books will shed this book in a better light.
I can tell that the author is very passionate about the subject matter and his stories, and it apparent that he put a lot of blood, sweat, heart, soul, and research into his work- which resulted in the rich and vibrant picture he painted that allowed his story to come to life.
But with so much going on, and so many different POV’s to get my head around, and the many difficult names to remember really made for a confusing and ‘choppy’ read for me. I did settle into it more as the story unfolded, so maybe I will feel better about this story once I have read the other two books. So stay tuned.
But if you like epic fantasy, with plenty of different situations, motivations, and threads- then this is definitely the book for you.

Thank you, Jay Veloso Batista.

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Crystal Jimmo

On Viking Seas (Forerunner, Book #3)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good read.

The first few chapters were a little hard to get through because it took me a second to realize what was going on and the lore was a little confusing, but once I got past that the book was really good. The action scenes were well written and the characters were awesome and I enjoyed the book. I can’t wait to see what he puts out next!

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Reviewed by @bookwitch92

On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Katie Matthews

On Viking Seas (Forerunner, Book #3)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was so impressed and I will definitely be reading the other books in the series. I really felt like I was right there in the story at times with the authors wonderful descriptive language. I will say it took me a little time to get into what I was reding but that was probably because I haven’t read the first two books but once I was a few chapters in I was kind of hooked.
Overall a really great book and not what I was expecting at all. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author again in the future.

@katiem
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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Kerry Baker

On Viking Seas (Forerunner, Book #3)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On Viking Seas by Jay Velosa is the third book in the Forerunner Series. This is a historical fantasy story that will take you on an exciting journey. Having read this book I think I would recommend reading this series in order to get a fuller enjoyment however after the first few chapters you can easily pick up what is going on.
I thought this book was very imaginative and descriptive. I felt like I was taking the journey with characters from the way the author wrote the story. It flowed really well and had a great pace about it.
This isn’t the first book that I have read by this author but he is still a relatively new one. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and I will definitely be going back to read the whole series.

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Bobbi Wagner

On Viking Seas (Forerunner, Book #3)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fantasy story that is full of action and best of all dragons. I enjoyed being pulled into the book by the characters and watching the story come to life. This is a well developed story that has characters that not only give the story life but also gave it a realistic feel. This is a newer author for me and I look forward to reading more of this type of book in the future. I truly enjoyed how this story developed and guessing at what would happen next. There is alot going on in this book you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista

~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~
On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista
Genre – Historical Fantasy, Myths & Legends, Adventure
Page Count – 392 pages
From Cornish pit mines to Jorvik back alleys, from the Mercian Court to beyond the North Sea, the Agneson clan continues their adventures across Midgard and the 9 realms: Scheming aldermen, duplicitous monks, slave drivers, dark elves, trolls, ghosts, shapeshifting witches, the legendary Norse Wild Hunt, and… a dragon!
With the fall of the Danish army at the battle of Ethandun, historical events scatter the Agneson family: Cub is enslaved in the Devonshire tin mines while Sorven stalks retribution in Jorvik; Kara is unwillingly propelled toward a convenient Saxon marriage while Karl and his crew are castaway on a mythic floating island. Separated and marooned, each is forced to tackle their challenges alone while the forerunner Thorfinn faces supernatural revenge, a battle to lift a Jarl’s curse and the release of his Jotenhiem wyrm in Midgard!
Can Cub escape his overseers in the tin pits of Devon? Can Kara evade her Saxon uncle’s plans for her marriage? Will Sorven succeed in his bloody revenge? Can Finn save a Jarl’s daughter and break a mysterious curse? Can the forerunner find and help his scattered family overcome their trials?
And what can Finn do with… a pet dragon?!?
Based on actual historical events and authentic legends, this epic fantasy follows the paths of the sons and daughters of Agne, Son of Ironfist in the Viking Era circa the year 880. Don’t miss this grand panoramic tale!

~ AMAZON ~

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Jay Veloso Batista is a published author of Historical Fantasy and Supernatural Suspense, technical non-fiction, poetry and role-playing games. The Forerunner Series includes ‘Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse,’ ‘The Vardoger Boy,’ ‘On Viking Seas,’ ‘Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (2022),’ ‘A Vardoger in Jotunhiem (2023),’ and ‘The Blue Man (2024).’ Jay loves history, cycling and hiking, and  good craft beer! A frequent traveler for business and pleasure, Jay has visited all 50 states and all of the continents except Antarctica, and the places he has frequented support his story craft. A father and grandfather, Jay lives on the eastern Delaware shore with his wife where they can kayak, swim in the ocean and eat lots of blue fin crabs! You can learn more about Jay at www.jayvelosobatista.com or on his Facebook Author page.

Author Interview With Jay Veloso Batista

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Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes – Review by Kari Williams

Grosse PointeGrosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grosse Pointe is my first novel written by Natalie Barnes and really only my second author who writes historical fiction and overalm I thought it was a wonderful story!

It follows Brek O’Brien and his friend Finnegan as they make their journey from their home country of Ireland over to the States. When they make it over they struggle to find work to really get this whole American Dream going for themselves, until one day they run into a man on the street who presents them with an opportunity.

Historical Fiction is a surprise genre I’m never really sure about, but never seems to disappoint, but especially the prohibition age. The stories are so in depth and the characters are some that you can’t help but fall in love with. Thank you for a great story!

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Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes – Review by Tausha Treadway

Grosse PointeGrosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes. I loved this book. Its set in the 1920’s in NYC. Brek and his best friend Finnegan travel overseas to get to the States. Ending up in New York City they struggle day in and day out trying to find work when a man offers them something that seems to good to be true they can’t pass it up. This opportunity sends them to Detroit where they are up to their necks in booze, women and guns, all things illegal especially during prohibition. Finally realizing they have entered a very dark and dangerous world (the Mafia) they are too far in to get out. During the time Brek meets Gabriella and falls madly in love but she doesn’t know that he is up to his eyeballs in illegal activity. Being away from Gabriella, Brek makes it his goal to get back to her and hopefully in one piece. This book is full of danger, romance, mafia and drugs. It will grip you from the start and you will be hard pressed to put it down until you finish. I loved it and can’t wait to read more by this author!

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Grosse Pointe By Natalie Barnes Reviewed By Laura-Jane Minnie

Grosse PointeGrosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grosse Pointe is a mafia romance set in the 1920’s, it will keep you on the edge from start to finish. I could not put it down once i started. Set in NYC, irish born Brek is in the mafia when he meets gabriella, they must over come obstacles to be together but can they do it? I won’t give anything away except its like a mafia version of Romeo and Juliet.

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Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes – Review by Liz Vrchota

Grosse PointeGrosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grosse Pointe is the first experience I have had reading Natalie Barnes, but it has me hooked and ready to check out her other works while I wait for more new stuff from her. Grosse Pointe is a vivid and crazy good ride you will take to the year 1926, the streets are alive and crawling with all walks of life during the prohibition era. We are transported to Ellis Island and the bustling city of New York, the beginning of the American Dream for many at the time in our world. I was so excited with how this book literally came to life and popped off my kindle to play out right before my eyes. We get to meet some amazing characters and follow them through a tumultuous time. I like the small nods to a mafia romance, something that was very prevalent at the time and the gangsters really were awesome to read. I am excited to see what will come next from Natalie Barnes!

Review by @lizaileen
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Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes – Review by Samantha Jayne Grubey

Grosse PointeGrosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So once I got used to the writing in this book it got a lot easier to follow that being said the author stays very true (I believe) to the time period that she is writing in. The book is action-packed and fast-paced and I loved the description in the book and how it didn’t slow the action down either. I really liked the scene with Brek and his mum that was really cute.

I really loved Finn! I kind of loved him more than Brek but he was a great character and I really loved his relationship with Hazel, weirdly more than I did with Brek and Gabriella. Regardless though still loved them but Finn and Hazel have my heart.

Honestly, some of this book is so tense and it did get me on the edge of my seat. This was a different kinda book for me and I’m glad I took the chance to read it. Also that ending… I don’t want to say anymore because spoilers. Let’s just say I was slapped in the face…

Reviewed by @samanthajayne96x
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Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes – Review by Sara Shalovelo

Grosse PointeGrosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Irish gentlemen, Italian mobsters, based in the 1920’s with a Romeo and Juliet love tale, what’s not to love? Brek O’Brien isn’t a character you will soon forget and the minute he’s introduced, you can’t help but cheer him on every step of the way. I warn you, if you have anything to do, be prepared to be sucked into this fantastic tale. For once you pick this book up, you will not be able to put this book down. This story will keep you guessing and sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Thank you Natalie for such a wonderfully written story.

Sara Shalovelo

October 2020

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Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes – Review by Erica Fish

Grosse PointeGrosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is a historical romance book. This is my first book by this author and I will be looking up more books by Natalie Barnes. This story is a mafia romance during the prohibition era. I was captivated from the first page until the last page. My emotions went on a wild roller coaster ride. The story is about Brek, a mafia member who met Gabriella, a beautiful young woman. Can Brek and Gabriella be together? What will Brek need to go through to be able to be with Gabriella? Will Gabriella go through everything to be with Brek? I highly recommend this story to fall in love with this mafia romance story.

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Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur

Grosse PointeGrosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the story of Brek O’Brien, he is born and raised in Kilkenny, Ireland, but decides to get on a boat to New York City to start a new life. This new life is a start from scratch, he has the clothes on his back, a little bit of money, but no plan or idea what he will do when he gets there apart from, find something to eat, find somewhere to lay his head on a night and then find work.

It is 1926 and this new life involves being on a boat for weeks, a trial in itself to survive, but a friendship is formed through this shared experience. As Brek and his friend arrive in New York City, their next trial is about to begin, they have to pass the entry tests and when this is finally over and done with, they have to face the next round of hardship and find somewhere to stay for the night and work out what the next few days will hold and how carefully they will have to spread their combined wealth.

The prospect of finding work seems to be out of their reach, until a man gives them an offer they can’t refuse in the city of Detroit. As the pair get sucked into a life of booze, pistols and women, they keep the booze and drug supplies flowing by going out on supply and delivery runs, while also keeping the competition in check with his persuaders. It is on one of these days where the competition needs to be reminded of their place when Brek catches sight of a beautiful woman in an outdoor market, his heart and breath are stolen away. This could be the beginning of something beautiful, if only life was as simple as Brek wishes it could be, be with his woman and keep doing his runs.

Soon Brek and his friend realise that the work they accepted is a different sort to what they initially expected it to be, but there seems to be nowhere to escape the bloody path which fate has in store for them. Will the only thing standing between Brek and Gabriella be the one thing which will break them apart? Or will life be as simple as they both would like it to be?

This is a tale of Irish cheek, friendship, love, life, death, disappointment, regret and discovery all set in a background of 1920’s Detroit. A snapshot of an exciting and dangerous life which draws you in until you’re as immersed in the characters’ fates as much as they are.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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