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The Calculated Risk #1
The Actuary
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
Emma is a young mother raising her son in terrible poverty, when she runs into her former Russian lover. The gorgeous Rohan Andreyev is determined to pursue her but the spiteful women who surround him, conspire to make Emma's life unbearable. When Rohan's work as an actuary spills over into his personal life, Emma finds herself at the centre of a dangerous conspiracy that will leave her in the hands of ruthless men. Into the intrigue comes Rohan's business partner, Christopher Dolan. Irish, handsome and with an agenda of his own, Emma struggles to understand whether he is friend or foe. The men in her life seem determined to win or destroy her. Emma has a choice to make; whether to stay in the sleepy town of Market Harborough or disappear with her son forever.
Whatever she decides, there is one good reason why her fate will be linked to Rohan Andreyev's until the end of time. She loves him, but he is the Actuary and his job isn't quite what she believes.
Emma is a young mother raising her son in terrible poverty, when she runs into her former Russian lover. The gorgeous Rohan Andreyev is determined to pursue her but the spiteful women who surround him, conspire to make Emma's life unbearable. When Rohan's work as an actuary spills over into his personal life, Emma finds herself at the centre of a dangerous conspiracy that will leave her in the hands of ruthless men. Into the intrigue comes Rohan's business partner, Christopher Dolan. Irish, handsome and with an agenda of his own, Emma struggles to understand whether he is friend or foe. The men in her life seem determined to win or destroy her. Emma has a choice to make; whether to stay in the sleepy town of Market Harborough or disappear with her son forever.
Whatever she decides, there is one good reason why her fate will be linked to Rohan Andreyev's until the end of time. She loves him, but he is the Actuary and his job isn't quite what she believes.
487 pages, ebook
First published July 10, 2015
335 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
K.T. Bowes
39 books66 followersMarried and bringing up four children during her twenties and thirties, K T Bowes reserved her storytelling for them.
She emigrated to New Zealand in 2006 with her family on a one way ticket. They arrived with just one suitcase each. The international bestselling Hana Du Rose Mysteries began shortly afterwards, hammered out on an old laptop used for Skyping family back home.
Since then, she has published more than twenty five books ranging from women's literature through teen series, to a fantasy trilogy.
The author has given interviews to That's Life Magazine and the BBC during her writing career. Each of her first in series novels are free to readers on all digital platforms.
K T Bowes has a passion for folk art and renovating wooden furniture. Her work as an archivist often appears within story lines. After two significant falls, she gave up horse riding but often has a guest horse or two in the paddock. She lives above the city of Hamilton, close to the Waikato River and the Hakarimata Ranges. Many of her novels are based in New Zealand, but some transport the reader back to England and the Midlands where she grew up.
She emigrated to New Zealand in 2006 with her family on a one way ticket. They arrived with just one suitcase each. The international bestselling Hana Du Rose Mysteries began shortly afterwards, hammered out on an old laptop used for Skyping family back home.
Since then, she has published more than twenty five books ranging from women's literature through teen series, to a fantasy trilogy.
The author has given interviews to That's Life Magazine and the BBC during her writing career. Each of her first in series novels are free to readers on all digital platforms.
K T Bowes has a passion for folk art and renovating wooden furniture. Her work as an archivist often appears within story lines. After two significant falls, she gave up horse riding but often has a guest horse or two in the paddock. She lives above the city of Hamilton, close to the Waikato River and the Hakarimata Ranges. Many of her novels are based in New Zealand, but some transport the reader back to England and the Midlands where she grew up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 28, 2017
This book was amazing. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I feel bad for Emma, since she has a son, and has to raise him on hardly anything. I don't like when Rohan shows up out of the blue, but it may have been a good thing. I like that she finds love with Rohan.
July 30, 2017
I like the characters, Rohan, Emma, Anton, Christopher, and little Nicky. There are some great scenes about their relationships and trials.
But overall, this book is a mess. Too many layers that are all disjointed, too much that pops up while something else is going on. Predictably, the ending is vague about the Actuary, because he's "addicted to danger." Ridiculous in light of all he lost and seems desperate to get back, his wife and son.
Emma seems somewhat unsteady, going up and down the roller coaster of her emotions, without talking to Rohan about what's happening to her, her doubts.
I liked it enough to finish reading, but this is really a 2 star with the way it's written, with 3 star characters. I was kind.
But overall, this book is a mess. Too many layers that are all disjointed, too much that pops up while something else is going on. Predictably, the ending is vague about the Actuary, because he's "addicted to danger." Ridiculous in light of all he lost and seems desperate to get back, his wife and son.
Emma seems somewhat unsteady, going up and down the roller coaster of her emotions, without talking to Rohan about what's happening to her, her doubts.
I liked it enough to finish reading, but this is really a 2 star with the way it's written, with 3 star characters. I was kind.
June 28, 2021
DNF @ 8%
When Rohan’s work as an actuary spills over into his life, I imagine his life becomes James Bond-esque. When MY work as an actuar(ial student) spills over into my life, it just means more overtime.
Sorry folks, I really meant to finish this to the bitter end to find out how the author managed to make actuarial work exciting (like how CSI is to forensic work), but it’s just so badly written and life is too short to waste it on bad books.
When Rohan’s work as an actuary spills over into his life, I imagine his life becomes James Bond-esque. When MY work as an actuar(ial student) spills over into my life, it just means more overtime.
Sorry folks, I really meant to finish this to the bitter end to find out how the author managed to make actuarial work exciting (like how CSI is to forensic work), but it’s just so badly written and life is too short to waste it on bad books.
October 30, 2018
The Actuary: From Russia with love book 1) by K.T. Bowes
Emma runs into the father of her child at a wedding and yet he does not know he is the father. She has lived in poverty for 6 years trying to raise her son alone. When Rohan goes after her, he knows she is hiding more than she is saying. Rohan is known as the actuary, for the work he does. It is dangerous work and it puts them all at risk. Emma has no choice but to live with Rohan after losing her job. Can she keep her secret or has Rohan worked it out? Can she keep her son safe from Rohan’s evil mother? While this book was intriguing, it was a mess. I had a problem with the 6 year old Nicky. One moment he came across as a 3 year old and the next as though he was 16. Rohan was this undercover agent, known as an actuary that gets back stolen data etc. He seems to have so many resources available to him and yet he could not work out that his mother played him, his brother set his life in motion, the girl he grew up with and married, ran from him, all while she hid his child. Then we had Emma who just really came across as a confused woman. There was just so much going on in this book that I felt like it lost focus on the actual story. So for me personally it was an okay read, that had potential but really needed an editor.
Reviewed for Hot books and Sassy Girls book blog
Amazon 25 October 2018
Goodreads 25 October 2018 2Stars
Emma runs into the father of her child at a wedding and yet he does not know he is the father. She has lived in poverty for 6 years trying to raise her son alone. When Rohan goes after her, he knows she is hiding more than she is saying. Rohan is known as the actuary, for the work he does. It is dangerous work and it puts them all at risk. Emma has no choice but to live with Rohan after losing her job. Can she keep her secret or has Rohan worked it out? Can she keep her son safe from Rohan’s evil mother? While this book was intriguing, it was a mess. I had a problem with the 6 year old Nicky. One moment he came across as a 3 year old and the next as though he was 16. Rohan was this undercover agent, known as an actuary that gets back stolen data etc. He seems to have so many resources available to him and yet he could not work out that his mother played him, his brother set his life in motion, the girl he grew up with and married, ran from him, all while she hid his child. Then we had Emma who just really came across as a confused woman. There was just so much going on in this book that I felt like it lost focus on the actual story. So for me personally it was an okay read, that had potential but really needed an editor.
Reviewed for Hot books and Sassy Girls book blog
Amazon 25 October 2018
Goodreads 25 October 2018 2Stars
October 8, 2015
James Bond meets soap opera. It just works!
It’s taken me a while to write this as I had to think long and hard about it. The author K.T. Bowes gifted me a copy for an honest review.
Let me start by saying this is not the genre I normally read. I’d classify this as a romance/action novel. The Actuary took me a while to get into, but can I state this was nothing to do with the writing or the character development, both of which are excellent. I especially loved Nicky, the young son of Emma and...well, I’ll let you figure that out. I found myself smiling every time he talked.
The beginning of the book is very dark, and tells a tale of a single mother living in abject poverty on a horrific council estate in Lincoln. The author has really done her research here, and I empathised with Emma. I actually loved the roguish neighbours who looked out for her.
This all changes when Rohan, the Actuary, re-enters her life after years apart. Their relationship is complex; so much so I found myself wanting to scream at them and reach into the pages and shake them at times. K.T. does an amazing job of showing not telling, and so much is left to our own imaginations, with questions constantly popping up in my mind as to what was actually going on. She is a master at this, and expertly ties up all the loose ends before the conclusion of the book.
The other main character is Christopher, a mysterious and handsome Irishman. Emma is torn between two men who could potentially ruin her life. She is a wonderful mother, and keeps her son’s best interests at the front of her mind, so the plot is constantly twisting and turning.
The ‘bad guys’ in the book are truly unlikeable. The author writes them perfectly; from the psycho girlfriend, to the mad mother-in-law.
Behind it all is the story behind the Actuary himself; an eliminator of risk. The risks turn out to be of higher stakes than you might imagine.
This book is an enjoyable read, and once I got into it, I found myself unable to put it down. Like I said, it’s not my genre, but I will read the next one. A solid five stars.
It’s taken me a while to write this as I had to think long and hard about it. The author K.T. Bowes gifted me a copy for an honest review.
Let me start by saying this is not the genre I normally read. I’d classify this as a romance/action novel. The Actuary took me a while to get into, but can I state this was nothing to do with the writing or the character development, both of which are excellent. I especially loved Nicky, the young son of Emma and...well, I’ll let you figure that out. I found myself smiling every time he talked.
The beginning of the book is very dark, and tells a tale of a single mother living in abject poverty on a horrific council estate in Lincoln. The author has really done her research here, and I empathised with Emma. I actually loved the roguish neighbours who looked out for her.
This all changes when Rohan, the Actuary, re-enters her life after years apart. Their relationship is complex; so much so I found myself wanting to scream at them and reach into the pages and shake them at times. K.T. does an amazing job of showing not telling, and so much is left to our own imaginations, with questions constantly popping up in my mind as to what was actually going on. She is a master at this, and expertly ties up all the loose ends before the conclusion of the book.
The other main character is Christopher, a mysterious and handsome Irishman. Emma is torn between two men who could potentially ruin her life. She is a wonderful mother, and keeps her son’s best interests at the front of her mind, so the plot is constantly twisting and turning.
The ‘bad guys’ in the book are truly unlikeable. The author writes them perfectly; from the psycho girlfriend, to the mad mother-in-law.
Behind it all is the story behind the Actuary himself; an eliminator of risk. The risks turn out to be of higher stakes than you might imagine.
This book is an enjoyable read, and once I got into it, I found myself unable to put it down. Like I said, it’s not my genre, but I will read the next one. A solid five stars.
December 28, 2017
Annoying
First time I have read anything by this author, perhaps it's the writing style but I found it so frustrating and drawn out. A six year old would not speak like that or have knowledge of drugs, if she was any sort of parent she would have protected her son from crime, prostitution and drugs. A guide dog what is working would not behave badly and drag its handler away. The storyline was ok at first but the mother and girlfriend of her husband were just irritating. The characters were just so thin, the dialogue just awful. Have to be honest I got halfway through the book and had to stop because it was just dragging and gave me a headache.
Why did her husband who claimed to love her take up with another woman and refuse to divorce his wife "married for life" yet propose marriage to another woman then introduce his wife to his fiancee as his step sister? Why did his friend Christopher make a pass at his wife after knowing her two minutes claiming her husband said his sister was staying with him.
Don't waste your time or money. The story doesn't flow it's just one irritation after another.
First time I have read anything by this author, perhaps it's the writing style but I found it so frustrating and drawn out. A six year old would not speak like that or have knowledge of drugs, if she was any sort of parent she would have protected her son from crime, prostitution and drugs. A guide dog what is working would not behave badly and drag its handler away. The storyline was ok at first but the mother and girlfriend of her husband were just irritating. The characters were just so thin, the dialogue just awful. Have to be honest I got halfway through the book and had to stop because it was just dragging and gave me a headache.
Why did her husband who claimed to love her take up with another woman and refuse to divorce his wife "married for life" yet propose marriage to another woman then introduce his wife to his fiancee as his step sister? Why did his friend Christopher make a pass at his wife after knowing her two minutes claiming her husband said his sister was staying with him.
Don't waste your time or money. The story doesn't flow it's just one irritation after another.
July 11, 2015
For anyone who thought an actuary was just an accountant...wait 'til you meet Rohan. He takes risk management consulting to a whole new level.
I loved Emma in this book. Her strength is incredible. She's a single mother living in the kind of area most would be terrified to set foot in, yet she survives...but just barely. The sleazy boss from hell, junkies squatting in her house and destroying her meagre furniture and she still struggles to put food on the table for herself and her son. Yet she's not a superwoman - she's always on the edge of panic that she can't hold everything together and her chaotic life will fly apart.
Then Rohan strides back into her life. He's her big, dark secret...but also the brightest part of her past. And he has secrets of his own...ones that could destroy Emma or get her killed. The relationship between these two - and everyone who comes between them - crackles with electricity, in the way a storm does before striking indiscriminately.
Brilliant suspense...with a sharp shot of romance. Five stars.
I loved Emma in this book. Her strength is incredible. She's a single mother living in the kind of area most would be terrified to set foot in, yet she survives...but just barely. The sleazy boss from hell, junkies squatting in her house and destroying her meagre furniture and she still struggles to put food on the table for herself and her son. Yet she's not a superwoman - she's always on the edge of panic that she can't hold everything together and her chaotic life will fly apart.
Then Rohan strides back into her life. He's her big, dark secret...but also the brightest part of her past. And he has secrets of his own...ones that could destroy Emma or get her killed. The relationship between these two - and everyone who comes between them - crackles with electricity, in the way a storm does before striking indiscriminately.
Brilliant suspense...with a sharp shot of romance. Five stars.
July 23, 2018
Good plot
The book would have been half as long if the lead character had exhibited any sense whatsoever. Her irrational running and refusing to move forward is so irritating. The plot is excellent and maybe others will enjoy her incompetence more.
The book would have been half as long if the lead character had exhibited any sense whatsoever. Her irrational running and refusing to move forward is so irritating. The plot is excellent and maybe others will enjoy her incompetence more.
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September 30, 2017
The description of The Actuary by K.T. Bowes is more intriguing than most of the book. The book starts strong, but it then gets bogged down in detail. I was expecting a story line more like the movie, The Accountant, but The Actuary reads more like a soap opera with international espionage thrown in the mix. And like a soap opera, it is addicting.
Filled with unlikable characters. The only redeeming character is Anton, and he is dead from the start of the book! Nicky the six year old sometimes talks as if he is 3, sometimes like he is a 16-year-old thug, and sometimes like a 40-year-old man. Emma, for all her complaining about the evil Alanya, likes to use the threat of physical violence to settle problems. Emma is supposedly college educated, but frequently her speech (and her son’s) is like a Cockney East Ender—and one who didn’t finish school at that. She pines for Rohan but desires male attention so much that she goes on a date with a stranger, Christopher. The mysterious Harley Man, who seems to have regular interaction with 6 year-old Nicky, is a bit creepy. Emma isn’t as careful a parent as she thinks since she has no clue her son is regularly speaking to strangers. Rohan proclaims his love of Emma but strings along Felicity in a little-too-chummy “friendship”. Christopher pursues Emma even though he knows she is secretly married to Rohan. These seriously flawed characters are perfect for a soap opera style drama.
The secondary characters are the most interesting in the story. From the abused Mel, to the angelic Allaine, to the neighborhood enforcer, Fat Brian these characters are interesting and make Emma a little more human and introspective. Felicity and Alanya are stereotypical evil female adversaries. Alanya is such a stereotype that she is even the “evil stepmother” to Emma’s “Cinderella”.
In terms of the plot, it was a long- winded story; I felt it would benefit from more editing to tighten up the story. The meandering and random additions made the book feel unfocused at times. For example, the addition of the auction scene was cute, but irrelevant to the overall plot. It added little to nothing to the story.
There are some basic mistakes that I found mildly irritating. The story takes place in the UK, but the author has the main character using US colloquialisms such as “I’ll take the fifth”, using baseball bat in one scene and a cricket bat in another, and inquiring about Social Security benefits instead of using the phrase National Insurance (however, those terms may have now both be in use). The first scene takes place at a fancy wedding, where Emma is wearing a lovely dress. However, in the rest of the book, she is described as owning nothing (not even basic furniture) and dressing in rags. The Russian actuary’s name, Rohan, has Irish and Indian origins, but I found no online references to the name having a Russian tie/use.
This romantic thriller has a convoluted plot, and a lot of angst given the stated age of the characters. It is as if, the characters who married at 16 and 19 years of age are still in a young-adult-style relationship seven years later. The use of characters not having time to talk and avoiding addressing the underlying issue was used to create romantic angst.
I was really disappointed in the heroine/narrator’s fade out as the story culmination comes to its height. It is an easy end for an author, but very dissatisfying for this reader.
I loved that the author made Rohan’s situation realistic. He came back from war with a lost limb and suffering nightmares. The author respectfully treated the topic of the vet’s lost leg, and made the character into a handsome hero whose disability didn’t define him. To me, this was a highlight of the book.
Another highlight of the book is the author’s respectful treatment of women trying to get out of abusive relationships and start a new life for their family. A variety of socio-economic levels are found at the school Nicky eventually attends. The development of strong female friendships was a highlight of the book (even though it was not integral to the overall plot).
Overall, The Actuary by K.T. Bowles was an okay read for me. I felt compelled to finish the story even though I didn’t find the characters or the plot engaging.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official: www.nerdgirlofficial.com
Filled with unlikable characters. The only redeeming character is Anton, and he is dead from the start of the book! Nicky the six year old sometimes talks as if he is 3, sometimes like he is a 16-year-old thug, and sometimes like a 40-year-old man. Emma, for all her complaining about the evil Alanya, likes to use the threat of physical violence to settle problems. Emma is supposedly college educated, but frequently her speech (and her son’s) is like a Cockney East Ender—and one who didn’t finish school at that. She pines for Rohan but desires male attention so much that she goes on a date with a stranger, Christopher. The mysterious Harley Man, who seems to have regular interaction with 6 year-old Nicky, is a bit creepy. Emma isn’t as careful a parent as she thinks since she has no clue her son is regularly speaking to strangers. Rohan proclaims his love of Emma but strings along Felicity in a little-too-chummy “friendship”. Christopher pursues Emma even though he knows she is secretly married to Rohan. These seriously flawed characters are perfect for a soap opera style drama.
The secondary characters are the most interesting in the story. From the abused Mel, to the angelic Allaine, to the neighborhood enforcer, Fat Brian these characters are interesting and make Emma a little more human and introspective. Felicity and Alanya are stereotypical evil female adversaries. Alanya is such a stereotype that she is even the “evil stepmother” to Emma’s “Cinderella”.
In terms of the plot, it was a long- winded story; I felt it would benefit from more editing to tighten up the story. The meandering and random additions made the book feel unfocused at times. For example, the addition of the auction scene was cute, but irrelevant to the overall plot. It added little to nothing to the story.
There are some basic mistakes that I found mildly irritating. The story takes place in the UK, but the author has the main character using US colloquialisms such as “I’ll take the fifth”, using baseball bat in one scene and a cricket bat in another, and inquiring about Social Security benefits instead of using the phrase National Insurance (however, those terms may have now both be in use). The first scene takes place at a fancy wedding, where Emma is wearing a lovely dress. However, in the rest of the book, she is described as owning nothing (not even basic furniture) and dressing in rags. The Russian actuary’s name, Rohan, has Irish and Indian origins, but I found no online references to the name having a Russian tie/use.
This romantic thriller has a convoluted plot, and a lot of angst given the stated age of the characters. It is as if, the characters who married at 16 and 19 years of age are still in a young-adult-style relationship seven years later. The use of characters not having time to talk and avoiding addressing the underlying issue was used to create romantic angst.
I was really disappointed in the heroine/narrator’s fade out as the story culmination comes to its height. It is an easy end for an author, but very dissatisfying for this reader.
I loved that the author made Rohan’s situation realistic. He came back from war with a lost limb and suffering nightmares. The author respectfully treated the topic of the vet’s lost leg, and made the character into a handsome hero whose disability didn’t define him. To me, this was a highlight of the book.
Another highlight of the book is the author’s respectful treatment of women trying to get out of abusive relationships and start a new life for their family. A variety of socio-economic levels are found at the school Nicky eventually attends. The development of strong female friendships was a highlight of the book (even though it was not integral to the overall plot).
Overall, The Actuary by K.T. Bowles was an okay read for me. I felt compelled to finish the story even though I didn’t find the characters or the plot engaging.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official: www.nerdgirlofficial.com
July 26, 2017
Entertaining and gripping story. I wasn't actually sure what type of story I would be getting into, and to be honest I thought it might be a little like the recent movie "The Accountant". While a little true, and who knows what story came first, that is not the focus of this story.
You get to walk through, some in flash back and some in everyday life, the story of Emma's life. At times, it was a bit jarring to follow b/c big reveals would happen in a flashback that you weren't expecting. But, after acclimating to the style of writing, I began to expect/pick up on the transition and follow more smoothly.
To me this is a well thought through world, and the many aspects that come together to traverse such disparaging different lifestyles and livelihoods was amazing. There are many phrases or terms used to help remind the reader that the story is set in Europe, specifically somewhere in Great Britain I believe. I have seen a few reviews that are disparaging in the fact that they couldn't follow what was happening, or that language used was confusing....but if you pay attention, you'll understand that it's b/c it's in a different part of the world. (again speaking as an American audience member) So, yes sometimes hard to understand, but with enough context you understand that "football" is what we in America call soccer. That's not a bad thing for the author, just means the reader must be more on point in what they are living in reading the story!
The only tiresome thing for me at times, was the absolute stubbornness of of Emma. Probably of Rohan as well, but the story is told through her eyes mostly, and she does some silly things vs. just talking. At the same time, I can also emphasize with some choices and see that many women would do the same. The mystery and intrigue throughout is great, and I could hardly put the book down to make lunch and come back to it.
Definitely a great read, and I can't wait to get the next book in the series and see what happens. A great new author to my "collection" of authors to follow!
You get to walk through, some in flash back and some in everyday life, the story of Emma's life. At times, it was a bit jarring to follow b/c big reveals would happen in a flashback that you weren't expecting. But, after acclimating to the style of writing, I began to expect/pick up on the transition and follow more smoothly.
To me this is a well thought through world, and the many aspects that come together to traverse such disparaging different lifestyles and livelihoods was amazing. There are many phrases or terms used to help remind the reader that the story is set in Europe, specifically somewhere in Great Britain I believe. I have seen a few reviews that are disparaging in the fact that they couldn't follow what was happening, or that language used was confusing....but if you pay attention, you'll understand that it's b/c it's in a different part of the world. (again speaking as an American audience member) So, yes sometimes hard to understand, but with enough context you understand that "football" is what we in America call soccer. That's not a bad thing for the author, just means the reader must be more on point in what they are living in reading the story!
The only tiresome thing for me at times, was the absolute stubbornness of of Emma. Probably of Rohan as well, but the story is told through her eyes mostly, and she does some silly things vs. just talking. At the same time, I can also emphasize with some choices and see that many women would do the same. The mystery and intrigue throughout is great, and I could hardly put the book down to make lunch and come back to it.
Definitely a great read, and I can't wait to get the next book in the series and see what happens. A great new author to my "collection" of authors to follow!
February 24, 2018
When Emma runs into the one person she never thought she would see again. She hurriedly leaves her friends wedding to make her escape.
Rohan Andreyev left Emma as a young 16 year old bride for the war. He did not know she was pregnant. Now, seven years later. He is known as the Actuary. He is more than just a number cruncher, he has a team of people who retrieve stolen and sensitive items and information for extremely good pay.
When Rohan's mother discovered Emma was pregnant, she locked her in a room and was making arrangements for Emma's illegal abortion. She managed to escape her mother-in-law by means of Anton, her brother-in-law.
Although this is listed as a Rural British mystery, it is really a very well written Romantic Suspense story. This is a slow pace story, but I found it to be an entertaining read with nicely developed characters, and several twist thrown in to keep you guessing who, or just how many bad guys there are in the story.
Rohan Andreyev left Emma as a young 16 year old bride for the war. He did not know she was pregnant. Now, seven years later. He is known as the Actuary. He is more than just a number cruncher, he has a team of people who retrieve stolen and sensitive items and information for extremely good pay.
When Rohan's mother discovered Emma was pregnant, she locked her in a room and was making arrangements for Emma's illegal abortion. She managed to escape her mother-in-law by means of Anton, her brother-in-law.
Although this is listed as a Rural British mystery, it is really a very well written Romantic Suspense story. This is a slow pace story, but I found it to be an entertaining read with nicely developed characters, and several twist thrown in to keep you guessing who, or just how many bad guys there are in the story.
November 7, 2020
Could have been great
Sorry about the headline, but that is my overall impression of an overly long novel that left me wanting. I was disappointed with the handling of the protagonist's character. A primary in the story that I felt should have been presented as stronger, sadly comes off as whining and childish. This character who should have had a powerful impact was instead likened to an immature schoolgirl.
I hate to abandon a book once I have committed to reading, but I must say I kinda wish I had quit after the first 7 or 8 chapters. Evidently there is at least one follow-up novel, but I won't be reading it.
Sorry about the headline, but that is my overall impression of an overly long novel that left me wanting. I was disappointed with the handling of the protagonist's character. A primary in the story that I felt should have been presented as stronger, sadly comes off as whining and childish. This character who should have had a powerful impact was instead likened to an immature schoolgirl.
I hate to abandon a book once I have committed to reading, but I must say I kinda wish I had quit after the first 7 or 8 chapters. Evidently there is at least one follow-up novel, but I won't be reading it.
October 10, 2018
Interesting
The love an sorrow in this book is touching. The author wrote little Nicky so fantastically. That kid was smart funny loving he made this book. The story itself was good. The banter back an forth between Actuary and Hack was hysterical. I cant put my finger on it but parts of the story drug and I dont want to ruin the book for other readers so I am not going to comment on the other issue I had with the story. It could be because I am from USA an the book was written from an author from a UK author.
The love an sorrow in this book is touching. The author wrote little Nicky so fantastically. That kid was smart funny loving he made this book. The story itself was good. The banter back an forth between Actuary and Hack was hysterical. I cant put my finger on it but parts of the story drug and I dont want to ruin the book for other readers so I am not going to comment on the other issue I had with the story. It could be because I am from USA an the book was written from an author from a UK author.
February 9, 2020
Emma is a single mother with a precocious son, Nicky. She fled from a maniacal stepmother after finding she's pregnant at 16. Her new husband, Rohan, is a dedicated soldier & doesn't know about the baby when he leaves for Afghanistan. Emma struggles to support herself and Nicky.
Great characters and plot - Emma's angst is overwhelming. Hard to put down and the twists & unexpected turns, makes one want to read in one setting.
Great characters and plot - Emma's angst is overwhelming. Hard to put down and the twists & unexpected turns, makes one want to read in one setting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2021
Very bumpy. Too much not explained in the first 200 pages. Characters did not grow. Nicky (6) was Emma's go to for support. Who does that to a 6 year old??? The poverty was exhausting and overdone, having to be mentioned at every turn (ie: "She pulled her threadbare sweater around her shoulders"). Didn't want to finish it, moved one. Although I gave it more then the water test of 50 pages, I couldn't get through it.
December 4, 2017
Emma has had a difficult life and struggles to provide for her son. She reconnects with her husband, The Actuary, but still struggles against seemingly insurmountable odds. K.T. Bowes is a talented writer and story teller. This is the second series by her that I have read and I am not disappointed. I will definitely continue reading this series and highly recommend it to others to read.
April 2, 2018
I enjoyed the humor in this book but I did have two problems with it. First, the sex scenes could have had more detail. Second, the main male character was suppose to be a strong, male Russian yet he often had tears well up in his eyes. He comes across as a bit wimpy. I'm glad that I just borrowed this book and did not actually buy it.
March 18, 2017
I really really REALLY wanted this book to be better than it was. The premise was interesting, and it even started out well, but the characters were just so darn frustrating! This book had a lot of promise, but the characters ruined it for me. Nicky ended up being my favorite character, and even his character wasn't believable as a six year old. Emma was too saintly and her constant perfection was annoying. Rohan (stupid name) was too flawed, so much so that I was surprised Emma kept giving him more chances. When you are a single mother, your child should come first, not your vagina. That was part of her being too perfect, she was just too willing to forgive Rohan for constantly treating her like shit. He's hot one minute and cold the next. With his behavior towards her, and Nicky getting too attached to Rohan (not to mention the crazy girlfriend and murderess stepmother), Emma should have immediately packed her shit and ran for the hills to protect her son. But she didn't. If the writer had dealt with this part of the story-line a little better, it would have been a lot less frustrating.
May 21, 2017
Liked the mystery, intriguing romance. This was hard to put down. Look forward to reading more of this author.
I have requested the second book that is free in her Logan series. On a fixed income so I can't afford to buy, or I would get the rest of the series.
I have requested the second book that is free in her Logan series. On a fixed income so I can't afford to buy, or I would get the rest of the series.
July 10, 2017
Perhaps not a not overly original story line but with enough satisfying twists and very well assembled. Bowes builds characters that we can begin to care about, leading us into the later books in this series.
December 1, 2017
K T Bowes
The Actuary, in a word, fantastic. Rich plot, rich characters and a really fantastic read. I could not put this book down and was sorry to read the end, but knowing the next book was available
The Actuary, in a word, fantastic. Rich plot, rich characters and a really fantastic read. I could not put this book down and was sorry to read the end, but knowing the next book was available
June 7, 2020
A Good Read That Pulls You In
Not far into the book, I found myself invested in the main characters. Ms. Bowes is a good story teller who creates unique, diverse characters. I found myself looking forward to each opportunity I had to continue the journey with them.
Not far into the book, I found myself invested in the main characters. Ms. Bowes is a good story teller who creates unique, diverse characters. I found myself looking forward to each opportunity I had to continue the journey with them.
September 21, 2021
Long but good
The characters were each powerful in their own Wright. The children same comic relief at times. The adults were intense and lost in their own life. The problems would have been much less intense if they communicated with each other.
The characters were each powerful in their own Wright. The children same comic relief at times. The adults were intense and lost in their own life. The problems would have been much less intense if they communicated with each other.
December 17, 2021
Couldn’t put it down…
Ms Bowes created such wonderful characters and situations so well that I couldn’t put this book down. In fact, I went and bought the other 3 books to see how the rest of the story went.
Ms Bowes created such wonderful characters and situations so well that I couldn’t put this book down. In fact, I went and bought the other 3 books to see how the rest of the story went.
June 24, 2017
From lost then rediscovered love, motherhood, insanity, poverty, riches, mysterious protectors, and espionage, The Actuary has it all. Although a little drawn out, I would still highly recommend it.
August 23, 2017
Another book that wasn't what I was expecting. From the little I read, it appears that this one is not going to be a clean book, so I put it down.
May 15, 2018
Action, romance, drama, passion! Nicky is quite a character, Emily is a wreck, and Rohan appears a bit clueless at times. A sensitive, heartbreaking, and heartwarming at the same time.
August 4, 2018
A little bit of everything
A little mysterious, a little suspenseful, a little funny and a little romantic. A good story to while away some time with.
A little mysterious, a little suspenseful, a little funny and a little romantic. A good story to while away some time with.
August 11, 2018
Enjoyed
A good read. Fairly clean and captivating. I would read others from the author. Also would recommend too. I really loved the storyline.
A good read. Fairly clean and captivating. I would read others from the author. Also would recommend too. I really loved the storyline.
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