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Toxic
Sometimes love is toxic…
Bree Dwyer is desperate to escape her husband, take the children and run. But he’s always watching. And she always gets caught. Until her first love, Alfie Jennings, returns to Essex…
Gangsters Alfie and Vaughn have been out of the game for a while, but a life of crime is one you never forget.
To get back on top they need serious money, because loyalty and power don’t come for free. One dangerous job and they’ll have the payoff they need. And Alfie isn’t going to let anyone get in the way, least of all a pretty face like Bree.
It’s time to show Essex what they’re made of. And this time, Alfie and Vaughn aren’t backing down.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2018
276 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Jacqui Rose
33 books175 followersJacqui Rose is a novelist who hails from Manchester and South Yorkshire, though she now lives in the South East in the countryside, surrounded by her horses and lots of animals. Jacqui first came to appreciate the power of the written word when as a child she charged her classmates a packet of sherbet dips to write their essays for them. Adopted at a young age and always a daydreamer, she felt isolated growing up in a small mining village in South Yorkshire and it was her writing which kept her company.
Jacqui has written a variety of things including
stand-up comedy, radio drams and screenplays.
She is published by HarperCollins and Pan Macmillan and has written over 16 bestselling novels. She is also collaborating with Martina Cole on Martina's new novel, Loyalty.
Jacqui Rose also writes under the name of
J P Rose (not to be confused with the American author!) and has written, The Haunting of Tyrese Walker her first teen/YA novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 18, 2018
5☆ A Compulsive Page Turner
Toxic is a gritty crime thriller that had me hooked from the very start.
I haven't yet had the pleasure of reading any of Jacqui's previous books but now I can't wait.
The story packs a real punch and right from the very first few pages you are drawn into the action and danger of Johnny's world.
He isn't a man to be messed with.
He owns people and he says.....
'nobody leaves Johnny' and he means every word of it.
Including his poor wife Bree and their two children.
Every time she tries to escape his abuse he finds out. He owns her and isn't about to let them go. I felt so sorry for Bree you can really feel her desperation and fear.
All she wants to do is be free and protect her children.
But is Johnny's rein as top dog about to be blown apart!!
Jacqui has created multi layered and believable characters.
The writing is fantastic and gritty that instantly drew me in, she ramps up the tension page by page.
Creating an action packed, taut engrossing storyline with an enticing mix of suspense and danger that kept me turning pages.
I highly recommend this compulsive and addictive crime thriller.
I am so looking forward to discovering more of Jacqui Rose's books!
Thank you to Avon Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website:-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
Toxic is a gritty crime thriller that had me hooked from the very start.
I haven't yet had the pleasure of reading any of Jacqui's previous books but now I can't wait.
The story packs a real punch and right from the very first few pages you are drawn into the action and danger of Johnny's world.
He isn't a man to be messed with.
He owns people and he says.....
'nobody leaves Johnny' and he means every word of it.
Including his poor wife Bree and their two children.
Every time she tries to escape his abuse he finds out. He owns her and isn't about to let them go. I felt so sorry for Bree you can really feel her desperation and fear.
All she wants to do is be free and protect her children.
But is Johnny's rein as top dog about to be blown apart!!
Jacqui has created multi layered and believable characters.
The writing is fantastic and gritty that instantly drew me in, she ramps up the tension page by page.
Creating an action packed, taut engrossing storyline with an enticing mix of suspense and danger that kept me turning pages.
I highly recommend this compulsive and addictive crime thriller.
I am so looking forward to discovering more of Jacqui Rose's books!
Thank you to Avon Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website:-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
May 6, 2019
Bree Dwyer is trapped in a violent relationship with husband Johnny, she is desperate to leave with her 2 children molly & Kieran. Every time time she tries to leave he always stops her. “Nobody leaves Johnny”
Alfie Jennings returns!! Without giving anything away, could he be the one to help Bree and knock Johnny off his perch!!
I was totally addicted to this book, it is action packed from start to finish with a few surprises thrown in. I haven’t read Jacqui Rose’s earlier books but will definitely be looking out for them now!!
What isn’t there to love, we have diamonds, believable characters, the sense of danger and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat desperately hoping for a safe ending for Bree. It’s gritty without being over the top and the tension builds throughout the book like a pressure cooker about to explode.
Wow!! I need a lie down after finishing this book to digest that reveal at the end.
10 out of 10 from me.
Thank you to Net galley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Alfie Jennings returns!! Without giving anything away, could he be the one to help Bree and knock Johnny off his perch!!
I was totally addicted to this book, it is action packed from start to finish with a few surprises thrown in. I haven’t read Jacqui Rose’s earlier books but will definitely be looking out for them now!!
What isn’t there to love, we have diamonds, believable characters, the sense of danger and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat desperately hoping for a safe ending for Bree. It’s gritty without being over the top and the tension builds throughout the book like a pressure cooker about to explode.
Wow!! I need a lie down after finishing this book to digest that reveal at the end.
10 out of 10 from me.
Thank you to Net galley for my copy in exchange for a review.
June 24, 2018
As this was my first time reading a Jacqui Rose novel, I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I was gripped by the storyline which was both gritty and believable. I would've awarded the full five stars but I agree with another reviewer that the amount of characters was rather daunting and keeping them all straight took effort. As I like to relax whilst reading this was a slight issue for me. I read fiction to relax alongside non-fiction which is what I dive into if i'm up for using my brainpower!
Apart from the character overload I found everything else great. There were various strands of the story which seamlessly combined towards the end to produce the conclusion and the plot was one that kept me interested. I enjoyed the writing style too as it was very easy-to-follow and had me hooked pretty early on. The narrative progressed at a fair old canter enticing you to keep on reading just one more chapter before bed!
As a lot of the characters appear to be from the previous books I am guessing there will be a lot of their backstory that I am not privy to. Before the next in the series comes out in 2019, entitled Fatal, I will be catching up so that I know all I need to to benefit fully from future novels. I will be adding her previous titles to my to-be-read pile and my Goodreads profile and hope to find a new favourite author in Ms Rose.
Many thanks to Avon for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Apart from the character overload I found everything else great. There were various strands of the story which seamlessly combined towards the end to produce the conclusion and the plot was one that kept me interested. I enjoyed the writing style too as it was very easy-to-follow and had me hooked pretty early on. The narrative progressed at a fair old canter enticing you to keep on reading just one more chapter before bed!
As a lot of the characters appear to be from the previous books I am guessing there will be a lot of their backstory that I am not privy to. Before the next in the series comes out in 2019, entitled Fatal, I will be catching up so that I know all I need to to benefit fully from future novels. I will be adding her previous titles to my to-be-read pile and my Goodreads profile and hope to find a new favourite author in Ms Rose.
Many thanks to Avon for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 12, 2018
And welcome to Essex, all human life is here. In Toxic we have a range of characters who are NOT the most law abiding in the county. We have a gypsy lifestyle with their mobile home site, some criminals involved in drugs and theft, plus an ex-prostitute and ex-wifes thrown into the mix. What we have is one violent but very exciting thriller about people who live on the wrong side of the law.
I found Toxic to be a refreshing change from your average British crime thriller. In Toxic you only read about the bad guys. There are no good guys in this story AND the police do not get involved as these people look after their own.
Toxic is a violent novel and Jacqui has chosen her title well. She sets the scene straight off and the torture will make your eyes water. There is no please or thank you in these conversations, they are vulgar as the characters believe actions are stronger than words.
The dialogue used in Toxic is local which adds to it’s realism. How Jacqui managed to write paragraph after paragraph of conversation between characters with the same poor grammar, is a wonder. Each character says “me” instead of “my” when they speak! I also loved the Cockney slang sprinkled throughout this novel, my favourite being…
“Ten per cent is just a sniff of a cockerel’s arse.”
...I also loved the attitude of this book, my favourite comment from one of the characters was…
He didn’t impress anyone. Women wanted real men. Flash cars and a bit of bling not a gutless muppet and a pub lunch with a ten-year-old Ford Focus parked outside.
...Although Toxic is written by a woman, Jacqui tells a great misogynistic tale from a man’s point of view. Henpecked husbands are going to love Toxic, where the male characters are strong and put their women firmly in their place. I liked the humour of the man’s world and could engage with the resentment many of the men felt towards women.
Toxic was a refreshing and thrilling read. There were many shocks as the nitty gritty of gypsy life was revealed. Toxic created a big impression with me as the characters lived a life far away from the mainstream. Toxic was violent but in your own private pleasure, simply a joy to read. I thought this book was a great escape into another world and it gets the top score of 5 stars from me. I have NOT read a Jacqui Rose novel before but after reading Toxic, count me in!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Avon Books for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
I found Toxic to be a refreshing change from your average British crime thriller. In Toxic you only read about the bad guys. There are no good guys in this story AND the police do not get involved as these people look after their own.
Toxic is a violent novel and Jacqui has chosen her title well. She sets the scene straight off and the torture will make your eyes water. There is no please or thank you in these conversations, they are vulgar as the characters believe actions are stronger than words.
The dialogue used in Toxic is local which adds to it’s realism. How Jacqui managed to write paragraph after paragraph of conversation between characters with the same poor grammar, is a wonder. Each character says “me” instead of “my” when they speak! I also loved the Cockney slang sprinkled throughout this novel, my favourite being…
“Ten per cent is just a sniff of a cockerel’s arse.”
...I also loved the attitude of this book, my favourite comment from one of the characters was…
He didn’t impress anyone. Women wanted real men. Flash cars and a bit of bling not a gutless muppet and a pub lunch with a ten-year-old Ford Focus parked outside.
...Although Toxic is written by a woman, Jacqui tells a great misogynistic tale from a man’s point of view. Henpecked husbands are going to love Toxic, where the male characters are strong and put their women firmly in their place. I liked the humour of the man’s world and could engage with the resentment many of the men felt towards women.
Toxic was a refreshing and thrilling read. There were many shocks as the nitty gritty of gypsy life was revealed. Toxic created a big impression with me as the characters lived a life far away from the mainstream. Toxic was violent but in your own private pleasure, simply a joy to read. I thought this book was a great escape into another world and it gets the top score of 5 stars from me. I have NOT read a Jacqui Rose novel before but after reading Toxic, count me in!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Avon Books for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
July 3, 2018
Jacqui Rose is finally back! It has been far too long since we had a book from Jacqui and Toxic was well worth the wait, she is one of my favourite gangland authors. Sometimes in this genre I think it’s more about popularity than the standard of a book because Jacqui can easily hold her own against some of the bigger authors in this genre and I am ecstatic to see her back and with a book as brilliant as Toxic.
Toxic sees the return of Alfie Jennings and Vaughn Sadler. Soho has been left behind now that it’s a different place and the duo are returning to take over Essex, little do they know it’s not going to be the walk in the park they were expecting. Toxic is the perfect title for this book because that’s exactly what the majority of the characters are. Toxic and absolutely twisted. And I loved every single page of it. There’s a lot of characters in the story, far too many to talk about however there’s characters I absolutely despised (namely Ma and Johnny) and then there’s characters I rooted for the whole way through (namely Bree). I got so involved in this story that I shared every emotion Bree felt, and felt genuine disgust, anger and at times disbelief at what I was reading. An author has done their job when a reader feels genuine emotion towards their characters.
The plot itself whilst pretty much centring around just one element had a lot going for it and moved at a brilliant pace that meant I struggled to put my Kindle down at times and I was constantly thinking about the story when I wasn’t reading it. Jacqui is not afraid to push the boundaries to shock her readers (and oh my God does she shock at times in this story). The story is at times dark and extremely brutal, and utterly addictive at the same time. I am already counting down the days until the next one. If you are a fan of the usual gangland authors and you are yet to meet Jacqui Rose, then you’ve got a whole host of fantastic books ready to pick up. If you’ve read one of her books before, then pick up Toxic and enjoy it and then join me in saying welcome back Jacqui Rose.
Toxic sees the return of Alfie Jennings and Vaughn Sadler. Soho has been left behind now that it’s a different place and the duo are returning to take over Essex, little do they know it’s not going to be the walk in the park they were expecting. Toxic is the perfect title for this book because that’s exactly what the majority of the characters are. Toxic and absolutely twisted. And I loved every single page of it. There’s a lot of characters in the story, far too many to talk about however there’s characters I absolutely despised (namely Ma and Johnny) and then there’s characters I rooted for the whole way through (namely Bree). I got so involved in this story that I shared every emotion Bree felt, and felt genuine disgust, anger and at times disbelief at what I was reading. An author has done their job when a reader feels genuine emotion towards their characters.
The plot itself whilst pretty much centring around just one element had a lot going for it and moved at a brilliant pace that meant I struggled to put my Kindle down at times and I was constantly thinking about the story when I wasn’t reading it. Jacqui is not afraid to push the boundaries to shock her readers (and oh my God does she shock at times in this story). The story is at times dark and extremely brutal, and utterly addictive at the same time. I am already counting down the days until the next one. If you are a fan of the usual gangland authors and you are yet to meet Jacqui Rose, then you’ve got a whole host of fantastic books ready to pick up. If you’ve read one of her books before, then pick up Toxic and enjoy it and then join me in saying welcome back Jacqui Rose.
October 14, 2018
My adrenaline is pumping, and I'm sitting here utterly enthralled with how this book ended. I'm normally one that stays away from gangsters, as they really aren't my thing, but this particular group of lowlifes didn't half cause some drama.
When I wasn't reading Toxic, my mind was on it, until I ended up curling up with most of the second half of the book to read and couldn't tear myself away.
Yet for all of its compulsiveness, I only having read it just about know who all the characters are and how they were properly connected. On the whole I hated them all and Bree, well I felt a bit sorry for her, but still wasn't that keen on her.
Normally I hate books where I don't like the characters but I can't put my finger on it but something kept me reading, and I had to know how it finished. This is one fast paced book which is certainly what helped hold my interest with relatively short chapters, meaning I kept thinking, well one more chapter won't hurt!!
There are many many characters in this and being from Essex gangland culture they are all intertwined, all know of each other, but no one really trusts anyone.
From just how its been making me feel I can tell that Jacqui Rose is clearly a fabulous writer, anyone that grips me like this and has me riled up, has definitely got under my skin. I just hope I don't have a sleepless night now as a result of all the violence in the book.
I would love for there to be another book featuring these characters, as I can't help but feel their stories could go on for quite a while.
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
When I wasn't reading Toxic, my mind was on it, until I ended up curling up with most of the second half of the book to read and couldn't tear myself away.
Yet for all of its compulsiveness, I only having read it just about know who all the characters are and how they were properly connected. On the whole I hated them all and Bree, well I felt a bit sorry for her, but still wasn't that keen on her.
Normally I hate books where I don't like the characters but I can't put my finger on it but something kept me reading, and I had to know how it finished. This is one fast paced book which is certainly what helped hold my interest with relatively short chapters, meaning I kept thinking, well one more chapter won't hurt!!
There are many many characters in this and being from Essex gangland culture they are all intertwined, all know of each other, but no one really trusts anyone.
From just how its been making me feel I can tell that Jacqui Rose is clearly a fabulous writer, anyone that grips me like this and has me riled up, has definitely got under my skin. I just hope I don't have a sleepless night now as a result of all the violence in the book.
I would love for there to be another book featuring these characters, as I can't help but feel their stories could go on for quite a while.
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
July 25, 2018
If you enjoy gritty, gripping, gangland fiction, then Toxic needs to be on your radar. The plot is dark, sometimes violent, an engaging crime thriller with heart! If you love a good gangster novel, this doesn’t disappoint, there are some great characters to get behind and support, some characters to hate, and some characters your heart breaks for.
There’s so many little things I love about this novel, and together they make Toxic the perfect fit for me. Firstly, I love the location – spanning London and Essex, these are two areas I know well, the familiarity of these locations really help bring the story to life, creating the visuals. When a character is hauled up in Southend-on-Sea, or there’s talk of a known face in Soho – I can picture the setting these characters are in, and it makes this novel more ‘real’ to me. Also, the use of cockney rhyming slang, I don’t care who you are or where you’re from, you’ve got love a bit of cockney rhyming slang – in the gang life, you could end up brown bread [dead], if people don’t believe your jackanory [story].
A further thing, I love about this novel is the unwritten code these gangsters live by, amongst all the crime, they move heaven and earth to protect their women, and their families. I love seeing the vulnerable side to these gangsters. Alfie and Vaughn, that is, some of the characters in this novel have no code, they’re just evil through and through, that’s what gives this novel its dangerous edge, the unpredictability the unstable characters deliver. In fact, toxic is the apt word to describe some of these characters.
Having read previous novels by Rose, I was familiar with some of the main characters in this novel, and I was surprised to find, I remembered a bit about some of their lives from previous books. I don’t think you need to read Rose’s books in order but there is some continuity between them. I think I definitely gained more from this one, having previously read Avenged.
I’m so excited to hear that Rose has another book coming out in January 2019, Fatal, I’ll be reading that one for sure. If you’ve enjoyed any of Rose’s previous novels, then you’ll enjoy this one too. Toxic would also appeal to fans of authors such as Martina Cole, Kimberly Chambers and Casey Kelleher. I highly recommend Toxic, get yourself a cup of Rosie Lee [tea] and come and meet the gangsters of Essex.
*My thanks to the publisher (Avon.) for providing me with a copy of this title*
There’s so many little things I love about this novel, and together they make Toxic the perfect fit for me. Firstly, I love the location – spanning London and Essex, these are two areas I know well, the familiarity of these locations really help bring the story to life, creating the visuals. When a character is hauled up in Southend-on-Sea, or there’s talk of a known face in Soho – I can picture the setting these characters are in, and it makes this novel more ‘real’ to me. Also, the use of cockney rhyming slang, I don’t care who you are or where you’re from, you’ve got love a bit of cockney rhyming slang – in the gang life, you could end up brown bread [dead], if people don’t believe your jackanory [story].
A further thing, I love about this novel is the unwritten code these gangsters live by, amongst all the crime, they move heaven and earth to protect their women, and their families. I love seeing the vulnerable side to these gangsters. Alfie and Vaughn, that is, some of the characters in this novel have no code, they’re just evil through and through, that’s what gives this novel its dangerous edge, the unpredictability the unstable characters deliver. In fact, toxic is the apt word to describe some of these characters.
Having read previous novels by Rose, I was familiar with some of the main characters in this novel, and I was surprised to find, I remembered a bit about some of their lives from previous books. I don’t think you need to read Rose’s books in order but there is some continuity between them. I think I definitely gained more from this one, having previously read Avenged.
I’m so excited to hear that Rose has another book coming out in January 2019, Fatal, I’ll be reading that one for sure. If you’ve enjoyed any of Rose’s previous novels, then you’ll enjoy this one too. Toxic would also appeal to fans of authors such as Martina Cole, Kimberly Chambers and Casey Kelleher. I highly recommend Toxic, get yourself a cup of Rosie Lee [tea] and come and meet the gangsters of Essex.
*My thanks to the publisher (Avon.) for providing me with a copy of this title*
June 24, 2018
This is my first read by this author. After reading this the author has a new fan in me.
Bree hasn’t had it easy. She’s had a real tough time with her husband and her mother in law. She just wants out, to escape with her children but her husband has other ideas.
This is a really well written crime thriller. I read it in a day. With so many characters it took me a while to get into it but when I did I loved it.
Reading this brought back memories of when I went through a phase of reading similar authors.. thank you for that.
I’m looking forward to going back and reading previous books by this author.
Bree hasn’t had it easy. She’s had a real tough time with her husband and her mother in law. She just wants out, to escape with her children but her husband has other ideas.
This is a really well written crime thriller. I read it in a day. With so many characters it took me a while to get into it but when I did I loved it.
Reading this brought back memories of when I went through a phase of reading similar authors.. thank you for that.
I’m looking forward to going back and reading previous books by this author.
July 25, 2018
I absolutely love Jacqui Rose's books - this one, with superb narration I might add, was awesome!
May 21, 2018
Jacqui Rose definitely knows how to write! I have read most of earlier books and loved them all so I was delighted to read an early copy of her new book Toxic.
As soon as I opened the book I was quickly drawn into the story and hooked to what was happening.
I loved the characters, they were very realistic, believable and I enjoyed the tense storyline. Some of the characters are from earlier books which made the story even more enjoyable.
Toxic is fast-paced and thrilling with the right amount of tension and suspense, so I was kept turning the pages keen to find out how things would finish.
Well done to Jacqui, I can't wait to read more! Highly recommended.
As soon as I opened the book I was quickly drawn into the story and hooked to what was happening.
I loved the characters, they were very realistic, believable and I enjoyed the tense storyline. Some of the characters are from earlier books which made the story even more enjoyable.
Toxic is fast-paced and thrilling with the right amount of tension and suspense, so I was kept turning the pages keen to find out how things would finish.
Well done to Jacqui, I can't wait to read more! Highly recommended.
May 3, 2018
Jacqui your readers have missed you so much so pleased you back and what a story this book needs to come with a warning addictive a can not put down its lovely the old characters in it Alfie frankie Vaughn lola the storyline will keep you gripped from page 1 bree is very vulnerable woman and how the story folds and the twists woow ma is the mother in law from hell so can not wait for next book fans are in for a treat Jacqui s come back with this book has smashed it highly recommend addictive
February 25, 2022
I wasn't sure about this to start with and because it had flashbacks I was a little confused at the start, but once things started slotting into place and I could remember who was in which "gang" I was hooked and the voices that the narrator managed were a big help, really impressive. I've finished it and downloaded the next one in the series straight away !
August 5, 2018
Brilliant novel.
Toxic is a great novel and will keep you gripped to your chair . From start to finish you don't want to put the book down the characters in this book seemed so realistic actually thought I was in the book . If you don't know the author jacqui rose but like Martina Cole then buy the book and you will not be disappointed . Irate this book 5 stars .
Toxic is a great novel and will keep you gripped to your chair . From start to finish you don't want to put the book down the characters in this book seemed so realistic actually thought I was in the book . If you don't know the author jacqui rose but like Martina Cole then buy the book and you will not be disappointed . Irate this book 5 stars .
July 13, 2018
Yes! Jacqui Rose is back. Its been too long since her last book and the waiting is finally over. Toxic by Jacqui Rose was just Brilliant. It was Gritty, extremely brutal, but so addictive at the same time. I was hooked from the first page.
Bree Dwyer hasn't had it easy and is desperate to escape with their 2 children from her gangster husband Johnny Dwyer, and run to protect their children from their abusive father etc. But her husband is always watching.
She always gets caught.
Johnny owns people and he always says....."Nobody leaves Johnny" and he means every word of it!!
Until another gangster Alfie Jennings, finally returns to Essex. Alfie and Johnny have History
Will Johnny's rein as top dog about to be blown apart!!
5 ☆ A Compulsive Page Turner
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for letting me read Toxic by Jacqui Rose for an honest review.
Review shared online on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon when published.
Bree Dwyer hasn't had it easy and is desperate to escape with their 2 children from her gangster husband Johnny Dwyer, and run to protect their children from their abusive father etc. But her husband is always watching.
She always gets caught.
Johnny owns people and he always says....."Nobody leaves Johnny" and he means every word of it!!
Until another gangster Alfie Jennings, finally returns to Essex. Alfie and Johnny have History
Will Johnny's rein as top dog about to be blown apart!!
5 ☆ A Compulsive Page Turner
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for letting me read Toxic by Jacqui Rose for an honest review.
Review shared online on NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon when published.
May 15, 2018
When i heard that Jacqui Rose had written a new book i was so looking froward to reading it as i have all her previous books.Toxic is a story of abuse,murder and above all else love,Bree has a very hard life she ruled over by johnny and ma unable to live her own life she can't leave because of ryan.Then Alfie and Vaughn are back in blighty to become kingpins again only things don't go to plan when Alfies franny does a runner with their money.As the old gang are back and planning how to raise money,alfie bumps into bree a blast from his past.Jacqui Rose is back and with an exciting,nailbiting book.Welcome back Jacqui.
June 2, 2018
Another great book by Jacqui. If you haven’t read Jacqui’s books before I suggest you start at the beginning as characters follow on. Alfie and Vaughn have come back from sunning themselves in the Costas to take over Essex from an old villain they know. Sounds easy just give him the agreed sum and they are the next Kingpins of Essex. Unfortunately things never go easy for Alfie and it’s not long before trouble with a capital T is following him around. If this is your genre I highly recommend this book.
June 17, 2018
Toxic – Another Rose Classic
Jacqui Rose is one of the best thriller writers around today, she really knows how to grab the readers attention and keep them hooked throughout. I have read many of her books and have never been disappointed, she really knows how to write exciting thrillers. Taking us into the underworld where nothing is given, and plenty is taken, and where life is not as glamourous as it seems.
Bree Dwyer is stuck in an abusive marriage and an overbearing mother-in-law who has an iron grip on her, her husband and her children. She knows what will happen to her if she tries to escape, all her life is stuck in a traveller’s caravan where she can be observed and punished at will. Her husband is a well-known traveller, drug importer and all-round psycho, best avoided at all costs.
Alfie Jennings and Vaugn were once well-known faces round Soho and the underworld in the South East, but they retired to Spain. They are back in Essex, skint and looking to take over another former face’s patch, and all his legitimate and illegitimate businesses. They need to raise the cash, and quickly, and do somethings they thought they had left behind years ago.
They do a job, expecting cocaine and find diamonds, and the world and his wife want those diamonds and the do not care who gets hurt in the process. The ‘owner’ of the diamonds will want them back, and sides with the Dwyer crew to get them back. Whatever happens the big beasts are going to clash. Who ever walks away from this clash will be king of the underworld and those left behind quite simply will be dead.
While there is a large cast of characters, there are all the things that have made Jacqui Rose’s books so addictive. People who do not care who gets hurt, innocent family members getting hurt, wanton abuse and bodies dropping like flies in a trap.
Classic Rose material that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Jacqui Rose is one of the best thriller writers around today, she really knows how to grab the readers attention and keep them hooked throughout. I have read many of her books and have never been disappointed, she really knows how to write exciting thrillers. Taking us into the underworld where nothing is given, and plenty is taken, and where life is not as glamourous as it seems.
Bree Dwyer is stuck in an abusive marriage and an overbearing mother-in-law who has an iron grip on her, her husband and her children. She knows what will happen to her if she tries to escape, all her life is stuck in a traveller’s caravan where she can be observed and punished at will. Her husband is a well-known traveller, drug importer and all-round psycho, best avoided at all costs.
Alfie Jennings and Vaugn were once well-known faces round Soho and the underworld in the South East, but they retired to Spain. They are back in Essex, skint and looking to take over another former face’s patch, and all his legitimate and illegitimate businesses. They need to raise the cash, and quickly, and do somethings they thought they had left behind years ago.
They do a job, expecting cocaine and find diamonds, and the world and his wife want those diamonds and the do not care who gets hurt in the process. The ‘owner’ of the diamonds will want them back, and sides with the Dwyer crew to get them back. Whatever happens the big beasts are going to clash. Who ever walks away from this clash will be king of the underworld and those left behind quite simply will be dead.
While there is a large cast of characters, there are all the things that have made Jacqui Rose’s books so addictive. People who do not care who gets hurt, innocent family members getting hurt, wanton abuse and bodies dropping like flies in a trap.
Classic Rose material that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
April 5, 2020
Page turner
Right from the start the book has you hooked, Alfie Jennings has royally messed up and Vaughan isn't happy but losing 2 million pound who would be. It all becomes a mess when a lucky find in horse manure is the way out of their troubles or is it just the start.
Right from the start the book has you hooked, Alfie Jennings has royally messed up and Vaughan isn't happy but losing 2 million pound who would be. It all becomes a mess when a lucky find in horse manure is the way out of their troubles or is it just the start.
May 19, 2023
This was an OK read, nothing too taxing on the cerebral cells, but a good read for those who enjoy Mandasue Heller and Kimberly Chambers. Set in Essex it travels at a reasonable speed, although at times I felt the number of characters "with a speaking part" was maybe too many!
August 26, 2018
Enjoyed Toxic looking forward to Jacqui Rose,s next book
March 10, 2025
Fantastic!! My favorite Jacqui Rose novel to date!
More cracking good Alfie one-liners and mighty fine shocking twists in this one!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
Absolut banger of a read!
More cracking good Alfie one-liners and mighty fine shocking twists in this one!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
Absolut banger of a read!
February 24, 2020
Toxic it certainly was, and there were horrors beyond and violence replaced most discourse and what there was also pretty violent. But a very good read, fast moving, wonderful sub plots and a host of characters that made sense and some that you warmed to. So a winner.
February 13, 2020
This is a story where nobody leaves Johnny and Ma to be precise. Bree is desperate to escape the life being stuck with them and being punished. It is a gangsta sort of world as a shipment proves to be more valued than expected. The story has some surprises but it was kind of lame in places and it is all a bit of a mis match, didn’t have much flow at all. Not for me I’m afraid.
August 13, 2018
I’ve read this authors other books and really liked them but to be honest I struggled with this one a bit. There were so many characters just thrown in and it was difficult keeping track of who was who. I also felt there was something missing as it didn’t keep me hooked like her previous books have. I did however like it and it was a fast paced gritty novel.
June 20, 2018
I have been a fan of Jacqui’s since the moment I picked up her first book and I eagerly devour each and every book that she has released since. So you can imagine my excitement when I was invited to take part in the blog tour for her new book ‘Toxic’ which was released on 14th June 2018. As with all of Jacqui’s reads, this one is one seriously fantastic book. I absolutely loved it but more about that in a bit.
A lot of the characters in this book are more than a bit scary and the kind of person you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. No doubt they might have their good points but I am a big wimp so I would steer well clear. That said there were certain characters that I really felt for. One such character is Bree Dwyer. She is desperate to take her two children and escape her brute of a husband. She has made more several attempts to leave but something always happens to drag her back and it usually has something to do with her nightmare of a mother-in-law, who really is the mother-in-law from hell. Johnny Dwyer has abused Bree in every way possible – sexually, financially, emotionally, mentally and any other way that you can come up with. Bree is one heck of a strong woman because not only has she survived the abuse but she manages to protect her children and each beating she receives strengthens her determination to eventually escape. I so wanted to jump inside the pages of this book to look after Bree and to deal with those who thought it appropriate to mistreat her.
Blimey oh riley I was hooked on this book from the moment I picked up the book and opened the front cover. The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn into the story and before you know what is happening you are hooked on the book. For me, ‘Toxic’ really was a ‘CPID’ (can’t put it down book). The book wasn’t glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me and I begrudged having to put it down to take out my two Labradors, which didn’t go down very well. Anyway I digress so back to the review I do go. I picked up this book only intending to read a couple of chapters but that intention soon flew out of the window and before I knew what was happening I had read over twenty chapters. I hadn’t realised how quickly the pages were turning or how the time was passing until I happened to look up and at the clock and down at the book to realise that I had read almost a third of the book. Reading ‘Toxic’ was much like riding on a very scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with lots of twists and turns and moments that you don’t see coming, which when they happen feel like a punch to the gut and genuinely leave you breathless. There were also moments where I almost had to read through my fingers because I genuinely feared what was going to happen next. If this book is anything like the real life underworld then I will happily go along with my fingers in my ears and my eyes shut because the world of crime and the underworld are far too scary for this wimp.
In short I absolutely loved reading ‘Toxic’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. Jacqui Rose certainly has another winner of a book on her hands. I can’t wait to read what comes next from this fantastic author and thankfully I don’t have too long to wait because her next book ‘Fatal’ is due to be released on 10th January 2019. Hurry up January. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
A lot of the characters in this book are more than a bit scary and the kind of person you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. No doubt they might have their good points but I am a big wimp so I would steer well clear. That said there were certain characters that I really felt for. One such character is Bree Dwyer. She is desperate to take her two children and escape her brute of a husband. She has made more several attempts to leave but something always happens to drag her back and it usually has something to do with her nightmare of a mother-in-law, who really is the mother-in-law from hell. Johnny Dwyer has abused Bree in every way possible – sexually, financially, emotionally, mentally and any other way that you can come up with. Bree is one heck of a strong woman because not only has she survived the abuse but she manages to protect her children and each beating she receives strengthens her determination to eventually escape. I so wanted to jump inside the pages of this book to look after Bree and to deal with those who thought it appropriate to mistreat her.
Blimey oh riley I was hooked on this book from the moment I picked up the book and opened the front cover. The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn into the story and before you know what is happening you are hooked on the book. For me, ‘Toxic’ really was a ‘CPID’ (can’t put it down book). The book wasn’t glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me and I begrudged having to put it down to take out my two Labradors, which didn’t go down very well. Anyway I digress so back to the review I do go. I picked up this book only intending to read a couple of chapters but that intention soon flew out of the window and before I knew what was happening I had read over twenty chapters. I hadn’t realised how quickly the pages were turning or how the time was passing until I happened to look up and at the clock and down at the book to realise that I had read almost a third of the book. Reading ‘Toxic’ was much like riding on a very scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with lots of twists and turns and moments that you don’t see coming, which when they happen feel like a punch to the gut and genuinely leave you breathless. There were also moments where I almost had to read through my fingers because I genuinely feared what was going to happen next. If this book is anything like the real life underworld then I will happily go along with my fingers in my ears and my eyes shut because the world of crime and the underworld are far too scary for this wimp.
In short I absolutely loved reading ‘Toxic’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. Jacqui Rose certainly has another winner of a book on her hands. I can’t wait to read what comes next from this fantastic author and thankfully I don’t have too long to wait because her next book ‘Fatal’ is due to be released on 10th January 2019. Hurry up January. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
July 23, 2018
This was certainly an Intriguing Read!
The cover and Blurb didn’t give much away as to the story, and I was expecting something entirely different.
I assumed a Crime/Romance type Thriller maybe? Not really sure, but I certainly dod not expect what I found!!
The Plot line kept me guessing from the start, with Plenty of thrills an “omg” moments. Some made me cringe, some made me shudder. One thing is certain, this is not a book to be taken lightly!!
I have never read anything like this, and the variety of characters along the way kept me on my toes. Not one of them is wholly evil, everyone acts in the ways they do as a result of their own situation and experiences.
At first i Hated Johnny with a passion, Bree I felt sorry for. By the end, I realised just how strong a person Bree was, there were many surprises about her and her past, and Johnny although not a nice person, was a product of his upbringing. As we found out more about the situations, with different things being brought to light, we get a wider view of who these people are, and why they act in the ways they do.
When I first started the book, i was surprised at how quickly ai found myself invested in finding out how these lives were intertwined, and what outcome would come of it. I was far from disappointed, despite this being outside my usual type of read.
The plot is well thought out, enough going on constantly to keep you wondering what will happen next, and the multiple perspectives was perfect. It meant that at each point, we were wondering how someone else would react to the situation, seeing a whole scenario and therefore becoming immersed in their world, their choices, and sometimes in a position where I found my heart pounding because I was nervous, thrilled and thoroughly engaged in how the others would react.
This isn’t a Light-hearted read at all, so if that’s what you are after don’t pick it up, instead, wait for a day when you want a thrilling story full of intrigue, twists and turns.
You won’t be disappointed.
The cover and Blurb didn’t give much away as to the story, and I was expecting something entirely different.
I assumed a Crime/Romance type Thriller maybe? Not really sure, but I certainly dod not expect what I found!!
The Plot line kept me guessing from the start, with Plenty of thrills an “omg” moments. Some made me cringe, some made me shudder. One thing is certain, this is not a book to be taken lightly!!
I have never read anything like this, and the variety of characters along the way kept me on my toes. Not one of them is wholly evil, everyone acts in the ways they do as a result of their own situation and experiences.
At first i Hated Johnny with a passion, Bree I felt sorry for. By the end, I realised just how strong a person Bree was, there were many surprises about her and her past, and Johnny although not a nice person, was a product of his upbringing. As we found out more about the situations, with different things being brought to light, we get a wider view of who these people are, and why they act in the ways they do.
When I first started the book, i was surprised at how quickly ai found myself invested in finding out how these lives were intertwined, and what outcome would come of it. I was far from disappointed, despite this being outside my usual type of read.
The plot is well thought out, enough going on constantly to keep you wondering what will happen next, and the multiple perspectives was perfect. It meant that at each point, we were wondering how someone else would react to the situation, seeing a whole scenario and therefore becoming immersed in their world, their choices, and sometimes in a position where I found my heart pounding because I was nervous, thrilled and thoroughly engaged in how the others would react.
This isn’t a Light-hearted read at all, so if that’s what you are after don’t pick it up, instead, wait for a day when you want a thrilling story full of intrigue, twists and turns.
You won’t be disappointed.
October 13, 2018
This is a modern thriller and was ok. I wouldn't recommend it as I found that there were too many character's. Even for a seasoned reader like me. I did however discover that all this author's previous books seem to be connected. Probably why there were so many character's.
July 13, 2018
Thanks to the publisher for a copy to read and give my honest opinion.
The blurb starts out that the relationship was toxic... I think the book in its entirety was toxic. There was no good relationship in this book, none....none....none. Ma Dwyer would have been the first I'd have put out of her misery. This is a mafia type book with a peculiar back and forth between past and present that didn't really appeal to me. Between the abuse, incest, mafia vengeance, and criminal behavior...the book was a hard read.
What did I like about the book? Bree, and her daughter Molly seemed to be the only innocent things in this book. Bree finally standing up for herself was a pinnacle moment.
Would I buy this book? No, I wasn't made a fan even though this is a popular author and the style of writing put me out.
What would I tell the author? It's probably not the author's fault but the copy I received was not clearly marked with chapters and such...so it wasn't until something didn't go with a previous paragraph that I realized the author had moved on...if that makes sense. Which may or may not have reduced my reading entertainment. Three stars for entertainment.
The blurb starts out that the relationship was toxic... I think the book in its entirety was toxic. There was no good relationship in this book, none....none....none. Ma Dwyer would have been the first I'd have put out of her misery. This is a mafia type book with a peculiar back and forth between past and present that didn't really appeal to me. Between the abuse, incest, mafia vengeance, and criminal behavior...the book was a hard read.
What did I like about the book? Bree, and her daughter Molly seemed to be the only innocent things in this book. Bree finally standing up for herself was a pinnacle moment.
Would I buy this book? No, I wasn't made a fan even though this is a popular author and the style of writing put me out.
What would I tell the author? It's probably not the author's fault but the copy I received was not clearly marked with chapters and such...so it wasn't until something didn't go with a previous paragraph that I realized the author had moved on...if that makes sense. Which may or may not have reduced my reading entertainment. Three stars for entertainment.
September 8, 2025
It's been so long since I read a Jacqui Rose book and I used to love her as an author so decided to start playing catch up with this book and I can tell you that it was 100% the best decision I made in ages. Bree Dwyer is our focus for this book as she struggles with her life stuck with her partner Johnny and his mother who they all call Ma. They are both despicable but brilliant characters to read about. However, both Alfie Jennings and Vaughn Sadler are back (they featured in previous books) and Alfie Jennings happens to have been her first love.
The plot is absolutely brilliant and although it may seem like there are a lot of characters there is a reason for that and these will all play out in the coming books. This book had literally everything I wanted in this type of genre (the London gangland kind) with tons of characters some you will love and some you will wish death upon but boy was it a good read. This book was absolutely brilliant and as I turned the last page on this book I made sure I had the next book lined up. An absolute cracker that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
The plot is absolutely brilliant and although it may seem like there are a lot of characters there is a reason for that and these will all play out in the coming books. This book had literally everything I wanted in this type of genre (the London gangland kind) with tons of characters some you will love and some you will wish death upon but boy was it a good read. This book was absolutely brilliant and as I turned the last page on this book I made sure I had the next book lined up. An absolute cracker that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
May 4, 2018
I have been waiting for the latest Jacqui Rose book for what feels like forever, Toxic has been a long time coming. It’s the tale of Bree, a lady who finds herself in unfortunate family circumstances. Both her Mother in law ‘Ma’ and her Husband are evil and involved in some very bad things. The story also includes some old school crime with Vaughan, Alfie and Frankie, with an ex-wife or two thrown into the mix. Initially, I struggled with the plot as found it hard to follow; however, once I got my head around it I really enjoyed it. It’s gripping, but not as fast paced as some of Jacqui’s previous books, which I have loved. It’s a warm welcome back and I am really looking forward to her next book now.
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