This is my post during the book blitz for Burning Secret by R J Lloyd. Burning Secret blurs the line between fact and fiction, a retelling of the extraordinary life of Harry Mason – deceit, violence, power and wealth.
This blog tour is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours and the tour runs from 2 till 7 October. You can see the tour schedule here: http://www.lolasblogtours.net/book-blitz-burning-secret-by-r-j-lloyd-october/
Limited time discount!
For a limited time Burning Secret is only 99 cents! You can grab your copy here: https://books2read.com/BurningSecret
Burning Secret
By R J Lloyd
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 28 June 2022
Blurb:
Burning Secret is a dramatic and compelling tale of ambition, lies, and betrayal inspired by actual events.
Born in the slums of Bristol in 1844, Enoch Price seems destined for a life of poverty and hardship—but he’s determined not to accept his lot.
Enoch becomes a bare-knuckle fighter in London’s criminal underworld. But in a city where there’s no place for honest dealing, he is cheated by a cruel loan shark, leaving him penniless and facing imprisonment.
Undaunted, he escapes to a new life in America and embarks on a series of audacious exploits. But even as he helps shape history, Enoch is not content. Tormented by his past and the life he left behind, he soon becomes entangled in a web of lies and secrets.
Will he ever break free and find the happiness he craves?
• • • • •
Influenced by real people and events, Enoch’s remarkable story is one of adventure, daring, political power and, in the end, his search for redemption.
Links:
– Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61333266-burning-secret
– Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/burning-secret-by-r-j-lloyd
– Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Secret-R-J-Lloyd-ebook/dp/B0B21XJM3Q/
– Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Burning-Secret-R-J-Lloyd-ebook/dp/B0B21XJM3Q
– B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/burning-secret-r-j-lloyd/1141503776?ean=2940185825174
– Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ebook/burning-secret-6
– Books2Read: https://books2read.com/BurningSecret
BURNING SECRET
EXCERPTS
Excerpt One
An hour later, Price escaped the dark, rancid claustrophobia of the crowded court and stepped briskly into the weak, late afternoon sunlight, which had penetrated low along one side of Portugal Street. Wrapping his rough, woollen overcoat tight against the bitter cold, he turned to shake Rosenthal by the hand, thanking him heartily for securing a further adjournment and reprieve from prison.
Taking Enoch’s outstretched hand, Rosenthal pulled him near to avoid being overheard. His mellifluous tones now turned venomous as he hissed a cautionary note. ‘My dear, dear friend, I may have delayed your lodgings at the debtors’ prison, but I’ve shortened your stay by not one day.’ Releasing his grip, Rosenthal continued as if cheerfully taking leave of a favourite cousin on a summer lawn. ‘May I wish you and your dear wife a prosperous New Year.’ Then, lowering his voice, ‘Should my services be again required, ensure my fees are settled in good time.’
‘Will I be assured of justice?’ enquired Enoch.
‘You will receive the law, sir. Justice must wait a higher authority.’ Tipping his silk top hat, Rosenthal bade his client farewell.
Glad of his freedom, Enoch made his way towards Covent Garden. By the time he reached King Street, the milky afternoon sky had darkened to deep indigo, and by the flickering gaslights, specks of frost sparkled on the damp cobblestones. The gutters were strewn with litter from the flower market and the putrid detritus discarded by itinerant costermongers, the last of whom were loading their barrows. The streets were now quiet, with few passers-by.
Occasionally, a carriage rattled past, taking its gentleman owner towards the theatres on Drury Lane. Too soon for a performance, but early enough for a plausibly denied assignation.
Enoch glanced movement in bundles of old rags and broken crates in dark corners – rats taking their first opportunity to venture from the sewers or, more likely, poor souls who, having pawned their bed for a glass of gin, were now seeking shelter against the cold night air.
On reaching Rose Street, he stepped into a narrow alleyway and through the portal of The Lamb and Flag. The hostelry was, as always, convivial, warm and inviting. The yellow glow of the gas mantles cast deep shadows across the wood panelling and crowded booths filled with laughter and whispered conspiracies. A good log fire spat and crackled, and the comforting aromas of tobacco and strong drink filled the air. For the first time that day, Enoch relaxed and took his ease on a familiar bench near the bar.
The landlord’s ten-year-old daughter approached. ‘Mr Price! If you ain’t a sight for sore eyes.’ Her gentle Irish lilt was discernible beneath the local cockney dialect. ‘Can I bring you a drink to lessen your woes?’
‘A small glass of ale will suffice, if you please, Biddy.’ ‘And I’ll wager a slice of pie?’
‘That would be grand. Thank you.’
On her return, Enoch had shed his heavy coat and was filling a clay pipe with his favourite dark shag. ‘Is Michael at home?’ he asked.
‘I’ll fetch our da directly – he’ll be more than pleased to see you.’ Then, adding to underscore the sentiment, ‘We’re always pleased to see you, Mr Price.’
Praise for Burning Secret
Burning Secret has 50 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.7 and 24 x 5 star reviews. And 45 ratings on Goodreads with an average rating of 4.2 with 19 x 5 stars and 18 x 4 stars.
“Fans of historical fiction will find this read particularly interesting and entertaining.” – Bradley Campbell, Amazon Reviewer
“Where Burning Secret shines is its historical accuracy and wonderful world-building.” – Lit Crit, Amazon Reviewer
“Such a fascinating story!” – Reads Alot, Amazon Reviewer
“The attention to detail is amazing and intriguing.” – paws.read.repeat, Amazon Reviewer
“From the first page is was IN! This book is captivating right from the start” – The Pursuit Of Bookiness, Goodreads Reviewer
“This is going straight onto my favourites list (and may possibly remain the only historical fiction on there!) – I loved it so much and am definitely going to miss Enoch.” – Sonja Charters, Goodreads Reviewer.
About the Author:
Roger is the great-great-grandson of the main character, Enoch Price. A former senior police officer and detective, he has used his investigative skills to fashion this dramatised account of his ancestor’s extraordinary life. Fifteen years of genealogical research and interviews support the various factual strands of this pacy novel.
Roger graduated from both Warwick and UWE and has been a non-executive director with the NHS, social housing, and other charities.
He is retired and lives in Bristol with his wife. He travels, writes and produces delicious plum jam from the trees on his award-winning allotment.
Author links:
– Website: https://www.lloydfamilyhistory.co.uk/
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rjlwriteruk
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/rjlwriteruk
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjlwriteruk/
Diane’s Book Journal 