Welcome to the Blog Tour for Avein Gray’s "Rough Diamond – Rough Justice".

Rough Diamond - Rough Justice 
By Avien Gray

After a first kill, MI5 Agent and erstwhile photographer Cain becomes an undercover, extra-judicial killer for a secret Bureau.

Recovering from injuries sustained protecting the Royal Family, Cain embracesa new life and romance in sun-drenched Australia, leaving his past life behind.

But when tragedy strikes, he is on the move again. This time to a new career in the world of diamond dealings in Florida.

Curiosity takes Cain to the diamond world in South Africa, where his past finally catches up with him, the criminal world allies against him and he becomes a killer again.

In Cain's action-packed escapades, a spectacular betrayal takes him into the rigours of a Chinese prison where the truth about his past begins to unravel.

Aided by a loyal band of friends from the shadowy world of intelligence, he delivers his own particular brand of rough justice.

However, with enemies closing in on all sides, will Cain prevail?

Publisher: Avien Gray

Page Length: 466

Genre: Political Thrillers & Suspense / Historical Fiction

Trigger warnings: violence, murder

Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/4NJzBo

Book Review

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Rough Diamond – Rough Justice starts off like a typical spy story, but it doesn’t stay in that lane for long. What surprised me right away is how personal it feels. Gray doesn’t drown you in technical jargon or long-winded explanations; instead, you’re dropped into Cain’s world almost the way he was—half-prepared, slightly overwhelmed, and trying to make sense of the rules as he goes.

Cain’s shift from photographer to MI5 surveillance to, well… everything that comes after, has this uneasy, snowballing energy. It’s not glamorous. It’s messy. And that’s what makes it believable. When he heads to Australia, you actually start rooting for him to stay there and just be left alone for once. Of course, the story has other plans, and the moment things go sideways, you feel it in your stomach.

The diamond-trade sections are some of the most interesting in the book—not because of the diamonds themselves, but because Gray shows the people orbiting around them: the slick operators, the liars, the ones who smile a little too easily. It’s a shiny world with something rotten underneath, and Cain walks into it like someone who already knows he should’ve turned around five miles ago.

And then the prison arc hits, and the tone shifts again. It’s heavier, slower in a deliberate way, almost claustrophobic. Cain’s been through a lot by this point, but this is where the book finally pulls back the curtain on what all that violence and secrecy has done to him internally. Instead of nonstop action, you get a kind of psychological pressure cooker that feels earned after the chaos earlier in the book.

One of the things I liked best is that Cain isn’t written as an action hero caricature. He’s competent, sure, but he doubts himself constantly, and you’re right there in his head when he second-guesses a decision or replays a mistake. His dynamic with Jerry, too, gives the story a human foothold—someone who knows him well enough to call him out but still sticks around.

The pacing never really drags, though it does shift gears a few times. Some parts feel like a thriller, others like a quiet reckoning. It works because the book isn’t trying to be a perfect formula; it’s following a man whose life has become a chain reaction.

Rough Diamond – Rough Justice is gritty, restless, and surprisingly emotional. It moves fast, but it leaves room for the bruises. If you like thrillers that focus as much on the person behind the violence as the violence itself, this one’s worth picking up.

Avien Gray

Avien Gray, the English author behind Rough Diamond – Rough Justice, brings a wealth of experience to his gripping debut novel. Born in the UK, Gray has led a dynamic, bachelor’s life marked by an impressive array of skills and global adventures. He has a driver’s license, motorbike license, and pilot’s license. His physical discipline extends to martial arts, where he earned a karate black belt, complemented by a lifelong passion for photography that captures the world through his discerning lens.

Gray’s rumoured travels paint the picture of a man unbound by borders. He is said to have spent many months in Saudi Arabia, Australia, the USA, South Africa, Europe and China. This rich tapestry of experiences infuses his writing with authenticity, lending a vivid, worldly edge to the thrilling narrative of his complex protagonist: a man called Cain.

Avien and his best friend shared a flat and went out with various female friends together. They had a great time. As it says in the book when Cain is talking with his best friend: a Royal Protection Officer.

 ‘We will have to write that book when we retire,’ Cain said.

 They looked at each other with knowing smiles – for a long few seconds.

 ‘All those secrets,’ said Jerry. ‘Perhaps we will.’

 And time moved on.

But in real life, his best friend tragically died – leaving Avien to write their book alone.

Social Media Links:

Twitter / X: https://x.com/aviengrayauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51602430.Avien_Gray

Tour Schedule

Read my review of Rome by Ben Kane

 

For an empress to rise, a city must fall...

Rome, 410 AD

Half-sister to Emperor Honorius, unmarried and powerless, twenty-year-old Galla Placidia watches from the shadows as imperial policies are made and unmade.

Her plans to gain power and influence are halted when the city is besieged and captured by a vast army led by Alaric the Visigoth. Taken hostage, travelling out of Italy, Galla Placidia falls in love and marries a barbarian king.

At a time when Rome's power is fast dwindling, its authority diminishing year upon year, she embarks on a dangerous and remarkable journey towards the imperial throne.

But what price must a woman pay for power?

This is the compelling story of a little-known, remarkable woman whose burning ambition saw her, against all odds, become empress of Rome.

Book Review

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Rome by Ben Kane is the sort of historical novel that grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. You’re dropped straight into the heat, grit, and politics of the ancient world, and it all feels so vivid you can practically hear the marching boots and the roar of the crowd.

What really stands out is how Kane writes his characters. They’re tough, stubborn, and a bit rough around the edges, but they feel genuinely human. You end up caring about them far more than you expect, and every close call or emotional blow lands with real impact. The friendships and rivalries feel completely natural.

The action scenes are brilliantly done. Kane has a knack for writing battles that are exciting without ever becoming confusing. The pacing is spot on, and there’s always something at stake, so every fight feels meaningful rather than just another bit of violence.

The quieter moments are just as strong. The book gives you a real sense of what daily life might have been like—loyalty, fear, duty, hope, and all the messy bits in between. It’s not just grand historical events; it’s the personal stories that make the world come alive.

All in all, Rome is gripping, atmospheric, and hugely entertaining. It’s the kind of book you sit down with for “just one chapter” and suddenly an hour has gone. If you enjoy ancient history, strong characters, or simply a cracking good story, this is an easy five-star read.

Read my review of The Last Wish: The bestselling book which inspired season 1 of Netflix’s The Witcher Kindle by Andrzej Sapkowski

 

Introducing Geralt the Witcher - revered and hated - who holds the line against the monsters plaguing humanity in the bestselling series that inspired the Witcher video games and a major Netflix show.

Geralt of Rivia is a Witcher, a man whose magic powers and lifelong training have made him a brilliant fighter and a merciless assassin.

Yet he is no ordinary killer: he hunts the vile fiends that ravage the land and attack the innocent.

But not everything monstrous-looking is evil; not everything fair is good . . . and in every fairy tale there is a grain of truth.

Andrzej Sapkowski, winner of the World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement award, started an international phenomenon with his Witcher series. The Last Wish is the perfect introduction to this one-of-a-kind fantasy world.

Book Review

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The Last Wish is one of those fantasy books that feels instantly familiar but also completely fresh. Instead of jumping straight into a long, sweeping plot, Sapkowski introduces us to Geralt of Rivia through a collection of short stories, all wrapped in a simple framing narrative. It’s a structure that might sound unusual if you’re used to traditional fantasy epics, but it works surprisingly well. Each story feels like an episode from Geralt’s life—some funny, some dark, some philosophical—and together they paint a layered picture of who he is.

Geralt himself is a huge reason the book works. He’s a monster hunter by trade, genetically altered to fight things most people run from, but what’s most interesting about him isn’t the swordplay or the magic. It’s his personality. He’s quiet, a bit weary, and definitely sarcastic, but he’s also far more thoughtful than he lets on. Sapkowski has a great way of showing how Geralt tries to stay neutral in a world that makes neutrality almost impossible. You really get a sense that he’s someone who’s seen the worst humanity has to offer—and still hasn’t become completely cynical.

The supporting characters help balance him out, especially the ones who challenge him or bring out his softer (or snarkier) side. They add a lot of charm and humor, and they make the world feel lived-in instead of just a backdrop for monster-of-the-week encounters.

Speaking of the world, one of the book’s biggest strengths is how it plays with folklore. Sapkowski takes familiar fairy tales and myths and twists them so they feel both mythic and surprisingly grounded. You’ll recognize certain stories as they pop up, but they never feel predictable. That blend of classic inspiration and modern sensibility makes the world feel rich without drowning you in lore dumps.

The themes in The Last Wish sneak up on you, too. On the surface, it might seem like a book about fighting monsters, but it’s just as interested in the messy moral questions that come with those fights. Sapkowski doesn’t spell out who’s right or wrong, and he’s not afraid to show that the “monsters” are sometimes more human than the humans. It makes the book feel more thoughtful than your typical action-driven fantasy.

The writing style helps with that as well. The dialogue is quick and witty, the pacing is smooth, and the tone shifts easily between lighthearted and serious. It never feels heavy, but it’s not shallow either. The translation captures the humor and rhythm well enough that it’s easy to forget it wasn’t originally written in English.

If there’s one thing that might throw some readers off, it’s the non-linear, episodic structure. If you’re expecting a single, big storyline, it might take a moment to adjust. But once you get used to it, the format becomes a strength rather than a drawback. It lets you see different sides of Geralt without overwhelming you with exposition.

All in all, The Last Wish is a great introduction to the Witcher world—smart, funny, atmospheric, and surprisingly emotional. Whether you’re coming from the games, the show, or starting fresh, it’s a book that stands on its own. And by the time you finish it, you’ll probably want to jump straight into the next one just to spend more time with Geralt.

The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman

 I want to mark you as mine. And I can think of countless ways I would do it. Countless ill-advised, highly pleasurable ways I would do it.'

When war erupts between humans and werewolves, a princess finds herself torn between duty and desire.

On the eve of her wedding, Princess Aurora catches the eye of a powerful alpha, Callum.

Believing she’s the key to ending a brutal war, Callum kidnaps Aurora, whisking her away to the rugged lands north of the border.

There, a forbidden attraction starts to grow. Just as Aurora learns not all Wolves are bad, Callum discovers that she is in danger from those closest to him.

With monsters on both sides and a bloodthirsty war raging, will their story end in love or tragedy? And will Aurora ever get home?

Does she even want to?

Book Review

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The Wolf King is one of those books that instantly pulls you into its world—part fairy-tale, part fantasy romance, part “I’ll just read one more chapter” kind of story. Lauren Palphreyman has a really fun, accessible writing style, and you feel it right away. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still giving you enough intrigue, magic, and tension to keep you hooked.

Right from the start, the story blends familiar fantasy elements—enchanted forests, curses, shapeshifters—with a modern sensibility. It has that vibe of a classic fairy tale retold with a wink. The world feels whimsical without being fluffy, and there’s a nice balance between dark atmosphere and playful storytelling. You can tell Palphreyman enjoys twisting tropes just enough to keep things interesting.

The characters are where the book shines the most. The heroine is easy to root for: she’s capable but still relatable, with a voice that feels grounded even when the world around her gets increasingly magical. The Wolf King himself is exactly the kind of enigmatic, broody, morally-complicated figure you expect from this kind of fantasy romance—but he never feels like a cardboard cutout. He has layers, and watching those layers peel back is half the fun.

Their dynamic has that push-and-pull energy readers of fantasy romance love—plenty of tension, plenty of banter, and just enough vulnerability slipped in to make you care. And the side characters add warmth, humor, and a sense of depth to the world, making it feel more alive.

Plot-wise, the book moves at a brisk pace. There’s always something happening—mysteries to solve, magical politics simmering in the background, emotional stakes rising. It’s not the kind of story that bogs you down with heavy worldbuilding; instead, it sprinkles enough detail to make things feel immersive while still keeping the focus on character chemistry and adventure.

One of the nicest things about Palphreyman’s writing is how approachable it is. The prose is smooth and fun, the chapters are easy to sink into, and the tone strikes a great balance between romantic tension and fantastical danger. Even if you’re not a heavy fantasy reader, it’s very digestible.

If there’s a caveat, it’s that the book leans into genre tropes pretty comfortably. That’s not a bad thing—it’s part of what makes it such an enjoyable, cozy escape—but readers looking for something wildly unconventional might find it more charming than surprising. Still, it’s clear Palphreyman knows exactly what kind of story she’s telling, and she delivers it with confidence.

Overall, The Wolf King is an addictive, fairy-tale-tinged fantasy romance with great character chemistry, a vibrant world, and a playful narrative voice. It’s the kind of book you curl up with when you want something atmospheric, dramatic, and just a little bit magical. If you enjoy shapeshifters, cursed royals, or romance with a mythic twist, it’s definitely worth picking up.

Magical New Beginnings by Brenda Trim

 

When life goes sideways, embracing the adventure is the fastest way to set things right.

One day I was just a widow facing the prospect of an empty nest, living a life that was anything but enchanted. The next, I had discovered my magical roots, and my rightful place as the Guardian of the portal between the Faery and Earth. There was shock. And there was fear. After all, no one plans to start over at forty-five.

I intended to grow old with my husband. I thought we’d live an ordinary life. So I’ll be damned if I’m going to waste this opportunity to live in a world I always thought was imaginary. I’m half-witch, half-faery, and facing dangers as real as the ache in my bad knee. Ibuprofen and caffeine keep me going, and I could do this for the rest of my life.

Whoever thinks my family home is an easy mark better take notice: the new Guardian in town isn’t going down without a fight. After all, she’s already learned to let go of her simple existence and believe in the extraordinary power inside of her. What could possibly stop her now?

Book Review

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Magical New Beginnings is one of those cozy, uplifting paranormal stories that feels like sinking into a warm blanket—just with a bit more magic, sass, and supernatural chaos thrown in. Brenda Trim has a talent for writing characters who feel like people you’d actually want to hang out with, and that’s a big part of what makes this book so appealing.

The story centers on a woman who’s starting over—emotionally, magically, and pretty much in every way that counts. And Trim handles that “new chapter in life” feeling with a nice mix of humor and heart. Even before the magic kicks into gear, you can’t help rooting for her. She’s relatable, a little bruised from past experiences, and trying her best to figure out who she’s supposed to be now. It’s comforting, honestly, to follow a heroine who isn’t perfect but is determined.

Once the magical elements enter the scene, the book really starts to sparkle. Trim blends everyday life with supernatural surprises in a way that feels fun rather than overwhelming. You get witches, powers, quirky paranormal moments—exactly the kind of stuff that scratches the itch for light urban fantasy. The magic system isn’t overly complicated, but it’s imaginative enough to keep things interesting as the heroine discovers more about her abilities and the world she’s suddenly part of.

The supporting cast adds a ton of charm. Whether it’s new friends, magical mentors, or characters who seem like they walked out of a supernatural sitcom, they help build a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s easy to get attached to them, and the found-family aspect is one of the book’s sweetest strengths.

Tone-wise, this is a book that doesn’t shy away from emotional beats but also doesn’t drag you into anything too heavy. There’s plenty of humor—sometimes dry, sometimes snarky, sometimes endearing. It gives the story that perfect “comfort read” vibe: satisfying, uplifting, and just dramatic enough to keep the pages turning.

If there’s a caveat, it’s that the book leans more cozy-paranormal than gritty-urban-fantasy. So if you’re looking for big, world-shaking battles, political intrigue, or high-intensity action, this probably isn’t the tone you’re after. But if you want magic mixed with heart, healing, and character growth? This is exactly the spot.

Overall, Magical New Beginnings is a warm, feel-good paranormal story about transformation, empowerment, and stepping into a new version of yourself—with plenty of magical mayhem along the way. It’s charming, fun, and surprisingly relatable, and it’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling when you close the last page.

An Archer's Awakening (Of Crowns & Quills Book 1) by Casey Morales

 

A new love awakens. Dark forces stir, as the world stands on the brink of war.

My name is Declan Rea. I am a second-year cadet at the Melucian Ranger Academy, the place where those who guard our border are trained.

I thought becoming a Ranger and attending the Academy in a remote village far from the capital would give me some direction and a bit of peace; but, in a world where everyone wields magic, I'm the odd one out—ungifted and unsure.

My lack of magic gnaws at me.

Amidst this struggle, I find unexpected solace in Ayden, a fellow cadet. Our unexpected, forbidden romance becomes the one bright spot in my life.

When mysterious kidnappings occur and whispers of disaster force us into a dangerous journey, Ayden and I must navigate a treacherous path.

The fate of our world hangs in the balance.

An Archer’s Awakening promises an exciting, classic epic fantasy adventure wrapped in a heartwarming, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers tale for fans of contemporary and fantasy mm romance.

Book Review

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An Archer’s Awakening is one of those fantasy novels that immediately makes you think, “Okay, this author is having fun—and I’m along for the ride.” Casey Morales builds a world that feels both classic fantasy and fresh at the same time, with just enough magic, court tension, and personal drama to keep you flipping pages faster than you planned.

At the heart of the story is the protagonist’s journey from someone who thinks they understand their place in the world to someone who suddenly realises… nope, everything’s about to change. And that’s honestly the best part of the book: watching the main character’s identity crack open, grow, and—yes—awaken. Morales gives the protagonist a voice that’s easy to root for: a bit stubborn, a bit vulnerable, and always trying to do the right thing even when the world seems determined to make that impossible.

The magic feels accessible without being overly explained, which is nice if you prefer fantasy that doesn’t drown you in lore right away. Instead, you learn alongside the character as new abilities, responsibilities, and dangers reveal themselves. There’s a sense of discovery throughout the book that keeps things engaging.

The supporting cast brings a lot of charm, tension, and personality to the story. You’ve got mentors, rivals, friends, and people whose motives you can’t quite pin down. That mix helps build an atmosphere where you’re never entirely sure who to trust—and that’s part of the fun. Morales also has a knack for banter, so the character interactions feel lively and natural rather than stiff or overly dramatic.

Romance-wise, the book gives you a taste without overwhelming the main plot. There’s chemistry, there’s tension, and there are definitely moments that make you raise an eyebrow and think, “Oh, this is going somewhere.” But it never overshadows the protagonist’s personal arc or the broader world Morales is setting up.

Pacing-wise, it’s a pretty smooth read. The first book in a fantasy series often has to juggle worldbuilding, character introductions, and plot setup, but An Archer’s Awakening handles that gracefully. You get enough detail to feel grounded, but the story never stalls out. There’s always a new twist, reveal, or obstacle waiting.

If there’s one thing to keep in mind, it’s that this is very much the beginning of a series. Morales sets up a lot of threads—emotional, magical, political—that clearly point toward bigger things coming later. So while the book gives you plenty of satisfying moments, you also get that “I need the next one now” feeling by the end.

Overall, An Archer’s Awakening is an engaging, character-driven fantasy packed with discovery, tension, and just the right amount of heart. If you like stories where someone ordinary uncovers extraordinary potential, or if you enjoy fantasy with a strong emotional core and a touch of romance, this is absolutely worth picking up.

Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) by Suzanne Collins

 

When you've been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?

As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honour of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch's name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He's torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who's nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town.

As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he's been set up to fail. But there's something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.

Book Review

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Sunrise on the Reaping feels like returning to Panem with older eyes, and Suzanne Collins knows exactly what she’s doing. Even though it’s a prequel, the book doesn’t read like an add-on or a nostalgia trip—it feels essential, like it’s been quietly waiting in the shadows of the original trilogy this whole time.

Set decades before The Hunger Games, the story dives into the 50th Games—the infamous Second Quarter Quell—but what makes the book so gripping isn’t just the spectacle or the lore. Collins uses this era of Panem to peel back another layer of how the Capitol tightens its grip, how fear becomes tradition, and how violence becomes culture. It’s familiar territory, but the perspective is new enough that nothing feels repetitive.

One of Collins’ biggest strengths is her ability to write characters who feel real within incredibly harsh circumstances. The protagonist here is not a Katniss duplicate, nor a Snow-style antihero experiment—this is someone with their own voice, motivations, blind spots, and emotional landscape. You watch them interpret the world differently from any character we’ve followed before, and that alone makes the book worth reading.

There’s also that signature Collins rhythm: clear, lean prose; a sense of dread that builds slowly; and moments of emotional clarity that hit harder than you expect. She never glamorizes the Games, but she always shows how the Capitol tries to. That contrast—blade-sharp, uncomfortable, brilliant—is part of what made the original series stand out, and it’s back in full form.

The worldbuilding is especially interesting here. Because it’s set earlier in Panem’s history, you get to see the Capitol still defining how it wants the Games to look and function. It’s unsettling in that “oh no, this is how it begins” way. The book doesn’t rely on heavy exposition either—you learn through the characters, through the culture, through the cracks in the system that you recognize all too well.

Tonally, the book lands somewhere between The Hunger Games and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. It’s more mature and reflective than the original trilogy at times, but not as cold or analytical as Songbirds. It sits in a sweet spot: emotional but not sentimental, brutal but not gratuitous.

If there's one thing worth noting, it’s that Collins isn’t here to give you a triumphant, feel-good story. She’s here to explore power—who has it, who loses it, and how it shapes a nation. And she does it with the same sharp political edge that made the series so iconic in the first place.

Overall, Sunrise on the Reaping is a strong, thoughtful return to Panem. It deepens the world, expands the series’ moral and political questions, and offers a character-driven story that stands solidly on its own. Whether you’re a longtime fan or dipping back into the series after years away, it has that unmistakable Suzanne Collins spark—quietly intense, emotionally grounded, and deeply unsettling in all the right ways.