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The Family Man #1
The Family Man
The epic new thriller from the No.1 bestselling Queen of Gangland crime!Kenny Bond. A murderer. A gangster. A good family man.Meet the Bonds
Kenny Bond is finally out of prison after doing a long stretch for killing a copper, and is determined to get back to life on the straight and narrow.
A family like no other
Kenny’s son Donny might lack his father’s edge but his twin grandsons, Beau and Brett – well, they are Bonds through and through. Like him, they won’t let anyone stand in their way.
But they’re about to meet their match
Family comes before everything else for Kenny, but there’s a feud brewing that could cause murder, and a new family on Dark Lane might bring the Bonds to their knees. Kenny’s determined that nothing, and no one, will threaten his family. But can the Bonds stick together when someone’s out to take them down?
The Bond family's story is just beginning…
Don't miss The Brothers, the gripping new novel from the Queen of Gangland Crime – available to pre-order now!
Kenny Bond is finally out of prison after doing a long stretch for killing a copper, and is determined to get back to life on the straight and narrow.
A family like no other
Kenny’s son Donny might lack his father’s edge but his twin grandsons, Beau and Brett – well, they are Bonds through and through. Like him, they won’t let anyone stand in their way.
But they’re about to meet their match
Family comes before everything else for Kenny, but there’s a feud brewing that could cause murder, and a new family on Dark Lane might bring the Bonds to their knees. Kenny’s determined that nothing, and no one, will threaten his family. But can the Bonds stick together when someone’s out to take them down?
The Bond family's story is just beginning…
Don't miss The Brothers, the gripping new novel from the Queen of Gangland Crime – available to pre-order now!
491 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2021
674 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
September 16, 2021
READER WARNING - the storyline contains a shocking incident of child rape, the author is known for her frankness and this subject is dealt with in exactly the same way as any other subject she writes about,it is a relatively small part of the book and can be skipped over and although it is mentioned again through the book it is not in a detailed way and is in line with the story.
Kimberley Chambers is back and back with a bang, a massive bang with this book, the start of a new series, where as we have learnt to expect anything and everything can and does happen
Meet the Bond family with Kenny as the head of the tribe as he is released from prison,we meet his children, their children, in laws, out laws, past and present lovers, cousins, friends and a whole host of others (inc plenty of notrights!) ,there are a lot of people to get to know ( some I liked, some I really didn't ) and place who is with who and why, how and when but that is the same for any new 'family' series and a few seconds here and there to put them together every so often had it straight in my mind, it is told in the past from the 70's onwards as it charts their stories and lives and dramas
Known for her her no holds barred approach this book is for me her rawest and most shocking and some of the situations the family find themselves in will leave you reeling, it doesn't describe the writing well enough to say it's 'down to earth', fans will know what to expect and will not be disappointed by this book and like me look forward to Book 2 and hearing more about what has and is happening to them all
9/10
5 Stars
Kimberley Chambers is back and back with a bang, a massive bang with this book, the start of a new series, where as we have learnt to expect anything and everything can and does happen
Meet the Bond family with Kenny as the head of the tribe as he is released from prison,we meet his children, their children, in laws, out laws, past and present lovers, cousins, friends and a whole host of others (inc plenty of notrights!) ,there are a lot of people to get to know ( some I liked, some I really didn't ) and place who is with who and why, how and when but that is the same for any new 'family' series and a few seconds here and there to put them together every so often had it straight in my mind, it is told in the past from the 70's onwards as it charts their stories and lives and dramas
Known for her her no holds barred approach this book is for me her rawest and most shocking and some of the situations the family find themselves in will leave you reeling, it doesn't describe the writing well enough to say it's 'down to earth', fans will know what to expect and will not be disappointed by this book and like me look forward to Book 2 and hearing more about what has and is happening to them all
9/10
5 Stars
February 17, 2024
‘Never be a dogsbody. Only work for yourself.’ Granddad paused to catch his breath. ‘You earn money any way you can. That’s what I did. Banks, security vans – I’ve held up lorries carrying quality loads. You never thieve off your average man on the street, though. House burglars are vermin. Ya never rob your own, either.’
Welcome to another Kimberley Chambers tome. You know what’s to come when these wise words are espoused by a grandfather to his young grandson, Kenny Bond, on his deathbed. Next thing you know young Kenny, who is now in his early 30’s, is in Wormwood Scrubs (London prison).
It is like EastEnders (English soap opera, ‘This was better than EastEnders’ as it states in the book) but with added ultra-violence and bad language. As the title suggests this is more to do with how a family operates. Kenny Bond’s family. Like the soap opera there is always something happening and it’s not normally good. Drugs, booze, guns, beatings, prison, arguments, child abuse, revenge, affairs and plenty of sex and illegal activity including murder.
Chambers books are quite addictive. Some laugh out loud moments but with some absolutely awful incidents. I’ve said before that these are not going to win any literary genius awards but for down to earth readability you can’t really beat them. I am giving this four stars just because I kept wanting to read it. It is not an earth-shattering book by any means but certainly one that keeps your attention and wanting to know what happens next.
This is the first in a new series focussing on the Bonds. I am looking forward to the next one which looks like it will focus on Kenny’s favourite grandsons, the twins, Beau and Brett. ‘He could see so much of his younger self in Beau and Brett. They were extremely bright and with his guidance in the future, would definitely go far in life.’ I expect we are not talking about them becoming lawyers or doctors. It will be a life of illegal shenanigans.
Welcome to another Kimberley Chambers tome. You know what’s to come when these wise words are espoused by a grandfather to his young grandson, Kenny Bond, on his deathbed. Next thing you know young Kenny, who is now in his early 30’s, is in Wormwood Scrubs (London prison).
It is like EastEnders (English soap opera, ‘This was better than EastEnders’ as it states in the book) but with added ultra-violence and bad language. As the title suggests this is more to do with how a family operates. Kenny Bond’s family. Like the soap opera there is always something happening and it’s not normally good. Drugs, booze, guns, beatings, prison, arguments, child abuse, revenge, affairs and plenty of sex and illegal activity including murder.
Chambers books are quite addictive. Some laugh out loud moments but with some absolutely awful incidents. I’ve said before that these are not going to win any literary genius awards but for down to earth readability you can’t really beat them. I am giving this four stars just because I kept wanting to read it. It is not an earth-shattering book by any means but certainly one that keeps your attention and wanting to know what happens next.
This is the first in a new series focussing on the Bonds. I am looking forward to the next one which looks like it will focus on Kenny’s favourite grandsons, the twins, Beau and Brett. ‘He could see so much of his younger self in Beau and Brett. They were extremely bright and with his guidance in the future, would definitely go far in life.’ I expect we are not talking about them becoming lawyers or doctors. It will be a life of illegal shenanigans.
November 30, 2021
*TRIGGER WARNING* Contains a shocking child rape scene.
Kenny Bond is finally out of prison after doing a long stretch for killing a copper, and is determined to get back to life on the straight and narrow. Kenny's son Donny might lack his fathers edge but his twin grandsons, Beau and Brett - well, they are Bonds through and through. Like him, they won't let anyone stand in their way.
What a great start to this new series. With some great main characters, It's full of drama. We are introduced to the Bond family. This is a gritty, gripping, dark and violent book. So it's not really for the faint hearted.
#LibraryBook
Kenny Bond is finally out of prison after doing a long stretch for killing a copper, and is determined to get back to life on the straight and narrow. Kenny's son Donny might lack his fathers edge but his twin grandsons, Beau and Brett - well, they are Bonds through and through. Like him, they won't let anyone stand in their way.
What a great start to this new series. With some great main characters, It's full of drama. We are introduced to the Bond family. This is a gritty, gripping, dark and violent book. So it's not really for the faint hearted.
#LibraryBook
September 19, 2021
The Queen of gangland thrillers Kimberley Chambers is back! with one of my most anticipated reads of 2021 The Family Man. Welcome to the world of Kenny Bond, a world where violence is the norm and family are everything. Once again, the author has delivered on every level, it’s brutal, wickedly entertaining, and brilliantly written. Personally, I think it’s the authors’ best book yet! I’m loving The Bond family. Despite their foibles, like many families, they have their differences. Some are more likeable than other but they are a fascinating bunch.
I should warn those of a nervous disposition there is a very upsetting scene involving a child, but those use to the authors work know she keeps her books ‘real’ and that includes subjects that are often difficult to read about.Kimberly Chambers is one of those rare authors who has a gift for creating colourful characters, that are larger than life, you feel you know them inside out, and despite their flaws a small part of you can’t help but fall in love with everyone of the Bonds, even the ‘not rights’. it’s a testament to the authors writing that she can make you laugh and cry at their antics, love and hate them, all in the space of a few minutes!
The wonderful thing about reading Kimberley’s books is the sheer speed at which you are catapulted into the character’s world. From the moment I read the prologue, my heart was in my mouth as I raced through this book. I had reservations KC could not match the high caliber of her previous books, but bloody hell I was wrong. Not only has she wrote another blinding book, but she has surpassed herself.
Once again the author has created the most brilliant characters who get caught up in a life of crime that involves tension, violence, treachery and family falling outs.The Family Man moves along like an express train, leaving you no time to catch your breath! KC has away of writing that makes you fly through her books, it’s a cliche but I find them impossible to put down, and I always find myself bereft when I reach the last page. I seriously can’t wait for the second book in the Bond series. Highly recommended.
I should warn those of a nervous disposition there is a very upsetting scene involving a child, but those use to the authors work know she keeps her books ‘real’ and that includes subjects that are often difficult to read about.Kimberly Chambers is one of those rare authors who has a gift for creating colourful characters, that are larger than life, you feel you know them inside out, and despite their flaws a small part of you can’t help but fall in love with everyone of the Bonds, even the ‘not rights’. it’s a testament to the authors writing that she can make you laugh and cry at their antics, love and hate them, all in the space of a few minutes!
The wonderful thing about reading Kimberley’s books is the sheer speed at which you are catapulted into the character’s world. From the moment I read the prologue, my heart was in my mouth as I raced through this book. I had reservations KC could not match the high caliber of her previous books, but bloody hell I was wrong. Not only has she wrote another blinding book, but she has surpassed herself.
Once again the author has created the most brilliant characters who get caught up in a life of crime that involves tension, violence, treachery and family falling outs.The Family Man moves along like an express train, leaving you no time to catch your breath! KC has away of writing that makes you fly through her books, it’s a cliche but I find them impossible to put down, and I always find myself bereft when I reach the last page. I seriously can’t wait for the second book in the Bond series. Highly recommended.
March 23, 2025
A challenging read that I nearly didn’t finish as the story was so traumatic at one point. Glad I did see it through, a rollercoaster of emotions, lots of gang crime that I hadn’t read since my Martina Cole days years ago and the suspense, danger and characters made me want to read on, being totally hooked on the story. A great read and I will be looking for more of Kimberley Chambers books!
December 4, 2021
Another brilliant book from Kimberley Chambers.
Kenny Bond always puts his family first and will do anything to protect them.
The book begins with Kenny in prison and his wife Sharon visiting him regularly.
On his release, the whole family are there for him and Kenny is looking for his next business venture.
The Bond family certainly attract trouble and with Donny’s twin boys this is definitely the case.
This is a great thriller with family at its heart.
Kenny Bond always puts his family first and will do anything to protect them.
The book begins with Kenny in prison and his wife Sharon visiting him regularly.
On his release, the whole family are there for him and Kenny is looking for his next business venture.
The Bond family certainly attract trouble and with Donny’s twin boys this is definitely the case.
This is a great thriller with family at its heart.
October 3, 2021
Not impressed at all.
Usually a massive fan of anything Kimberley Chambers puts her pen to... but on this occasion slightly let down. Not the usual fast pace plot, and the ending? I have to admit slightly disappointing all round.
Usually a massive fan of anything Kimberley Chambers puts her pen to... but on this occasion slightly let down. Not the usual fast pace plot, and the ending? I have to admit slightly disappointing all round.
April 16, 2022
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 496
Publisher - Harper Collins
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
The epic new thriller from the No.1 bestselling Queen of Gangland crime!
Kenny Bond. A murderer. A gangster. A good family man.
Meet the Bonds
Kenny Bond is finally out of prison after doing a long stretch for killing a copper, and is determined to get back to life on the straight and narrow. He’s got a lot of time to make up for, he’s missed his beloved wife, Sharon, and his family is growing up fast.
A family like no other
Kenny’s son Donny might lack his father’s edge but his twin grandsons, Beau and Brett – well, they are Bonds through and through. Like him, they won’t let anyone stand in their way.
But they’re about to meet their match
Family comes before everything else for Kenny. There’s nothing he won’t do for them. But there are enemies from his past he can’t shake off, and a family feud is brewing. Kenny’s determined that nothing, and no one, will threaten his family. But can the Bond family stick together when someone’s out to take them down?
You don’t want to be on the wrong side of . . .
THE BONDS
A brand-new series from the queen of gritty crime.
My Review
If you have read Kimberley Chambers you know what you are getting, if not what are you waiting for. Kenny is getting out of jail (convicted of killing a police officer). He is ready to get out and things sorted. His son Donny is a disappointment, Kenny is a take no holds barred, quite to fight and not take any disrespect. Donny is more of a go with the flow, not really like his old man. We go across the years with the family and things are dark, horrific, brutal, cruel, page turning ooft.
So Chambers often deals with dark characters and dark lives but this book has some real horrific tones. Child abuse, drugs, infidelity, neglect, addiction and the horrors that follow it, murder, violence - the ganglands style life books like this do do dark themes but this is really brutal at parts so please take note.
Absolute page turner, some of the characters are absolutely vile and you just can't look away. They are flawed, brutal, aggressive, loyal and some of the antics just drops your jaw. If you want to just escape from your own life for a wee bit and jump into someone elses especially the darker sides of humanity, 4/5 for me this time. I do love Chambers books and read them pretty soon after they come out!
Pages - 496
Publisher - Harper Collins
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
The epic new thriller from the No.1 bestselling Queen of Gangland crime!
Kenny Bond. A murderer. A gangster. A good family man.
Meet the Bonds
Kenny Bond is finally out of prison after doing a long stretch for killing a copper, and is determined to get back to life on the straight and narrow. He’s got a lot of time to make up for, he’s missed his beloved wife, Sharon, and his family is growing up fast.
A family like no other
Kenny’s son Donny might lack his father’s edge but his twin grandsons, Beau and Brett – well, they are Bonds through and through. Like him, they won’t let anyone stand in their way.
But they’re about to meet their match
Family comes before everything else for Kenny. There’s nothing he won’t do for them. But there are enemies from his past he can’t shake off, and a family feud is brewing. Kenny’s determined that nothing, and no one, will threaten his family. But can the Bond family stick together when someone’s out to take them down?
You don’t want to be on the wrong side of . . .
THE BONDS
A brand-new series from the queen of gritty crime.
My Review
If you have read Kimberley Chambers you know what you are getting, if not what are you waiting for. Kenny is getting out of jail (convicted of killing a police officer). He is ready to get out and things sorted. His son Donny is a disappointment, Kenny is a take no holds barred, quite to fight and not take any disrespect. Donny is more of a go with the flow, not really like his old man. We go across the years with the family and things are dark, horrific, brutal, cruel, page turning ooft.
So Chambers often deals with dark characters and dark lives but this book has some real horrific tones. Child abuse, drugs, infidelity, neglect, addiction and the horrors that follow it, murder, violence - the ganglands style life books like this do do dark themes but this is really brutal at parts so please take note.
Absolute page turner, some of the characters are absolutely vile and you just can't look away. They are flawed, brutal, aggressive, loyal and some of the antics just drops your jaw. If you want to just escape from your own life for a wee bit and jump into someone elses especially the darker sides of humanity, 4/5 for me this time. I do love Chambers books and read them pretty soon after they come out!
September 19, 2021
1975 and Kenny Bond is doing a fifteen year stretch in Wormwood Scrub for the manslaughter of copper DS Harry Harrison and possession of a firearm, he yearned for visiting married to his soulmate Sharon with two kids Donny and Sherry he missed them so much then the grief she was getting outside forcing her to move to Essex to her folks home till he was released it couldn't come quick enough. he had the tempers of all tempers and this was sending him over the edge Shal and his kids were everything. The summer of 79 his parole was granted and he was at last a free man, and the book takes us through the years as the family grows and power and protection is all he asks for a lot is heart breaking to read and tough going but the stories all blend in perfectly, this is not a bad boy London gangster this is a family man dealing with some pretty hard going stuff in the family not coppers business Kenny is a man that sorts out his own and it not pretty. The author Kimberley Chambers has delivered a whole new book and a new start to a new series and it's has been well worth waiting for, it's a must read, Kenny is not perfect and makes grave mistakes in his private life that is going to send you haywire with your emotions that makes it a fully unique read. The book leaves us in the year 1993 so many changes with a few characters that I would like to get to know better so I know this is not the end I'm looking forward to more of the Bond family and our ultimate family man well deserved stars from a very happy contented Booklover.
October 1, 2021
To Kenny family is everything.
Kenny Bond is out of prison after doing 15 years for killing a police officer.
All he wants to do is get home to his wife Sharon and kids, Donny and Sherry.
Although he soon see's quite quickly that his kids especially Donny is maybe not cut from the same cloth and lacking and can't see Kenny's vision for the future, but luckily for him his grandsons are different.
Meet Beau and Brett....
Kimberley Chambers is one of my favourite authors. Her stories are addictive and once you start its a roller coaster until the last page.
This one is definitely no different.
Set in the 1970s and till 1993.... It revolves around the Bond family.
I would probably say this was more of a gritty family saga where the Butlers and Mitchells were a gritty crime gangster series and its good to do something fresh.
Now my thoughts on this one...
I really enjoyed it, its fast paced and I honestly couldn't put it down.
I have to be honest it took me a while to connect with the characters especially Beau and Brett.
Yes they are evil little brats and I’m used to KC psychopathic characters but at the same time some of their exploits made even me feel a bit uncomfortable and apprehensive.
And then there's Kenny.
The usual twists and OMG moments that Kimberley Chambers does so well are there.
Although for me something was just missing to give it 5 Stars… this time.
I'm definitely not put off and look forward to the next installment.
Kenny Bond is out of prison after doing 15 years for killing a police officer.
All he wants to do is get home to his wife Sharon and kids, Donny and Sherry.
Although he soon see's quite quickly that his kids especially Donny is maybe not cut from the same cloth and lacking and can't see Kenny's vision for the future, but luckily for him his grandsons are different.
Meet Beau and Brett....
Kimberley Chambers is one of my favourite authors. Her stories are addictive and once you start its a roller coaster until the last page.
This one is definitely no different.
Set in the 1970s and till 1993.... It revolves around the Bond family.
I would probably say this was more of a gritty family saga where the Butlers and Mitchells were a gritty crime gangster series and its good to do something fresh.
Now my thoughts on this one...
I really enjoyed it, its fast paced and I honestly couldn't put it down.
I have to be honest it took me a while to connect with the characters especially Beau and Brett.
Yes they are evil little brats and I’m used to KC psychopathic characters but at the same time some of their exploits made even me feel a bit uncomfortable and apprehensive.
And then there's Kenny.
The usual twists and OMG moments that Kimberley Chambers does so well are there.
Although for me something was just missing to give it 5 Stars… this time.
I'm definitely not put off and look forward to the next installment.
September 19, 2021
After saying goodbye to the Butlers I waited to see if a new series could be as good. I waited all day for my prime delivery which arrived before I went to bed. A night time read to meet this much anticipated new family. Written in Kimberley’s own great style of being gritty, hard hitting, sometimes funny and sometimes gut wrenchingly difficult this book made for fantastic reading. My only criticism is that I couldn’t put it down. You meet the Bonds in the seventies and follow them as their family grows. There are a lot of great characters some you love and some not so much. In true Kimberley style she leaves you wanting more. Hurry up and get writing Kimbo I can’t wait for more of the Bonds. A well deserved five stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 30, 2024
This was my first Kimberley Chambers book and won’t be my last.
I didn’t know what to expect but this was gritty and fast paced. We start off in 1975 and the story revolves around Kenny Bond who starts of the story in prison and we are introduced his family and follows them through the years until 1993. We meet many members of the family, some you know you shouldn’t like because they are are awful people with no morals and others who you hate and have every reason to. Yet the story draws you in and compels you to keep reading, even though if you met any of them in real life you would probably run a mile.
I will be starting The Brothers next. Can’t wait to read more about this family and see how some of their secrets will be revealed. I’m also excited to read more about the Tamplin family. I’m hoping we see more interactions between both families in book two.
I didn’t know what to expect but this was gritty and fast paced. We start off in 1975 and the story revolves around Kenny Bond who starts of the story in prison and we are introduced his family and follows them through the years until 1993. We meet many members of the family, some you know you shouldn’t like because they are are awful people with no morals and others who you hate and have every reason to. Yet the story draws you in and compels you to keep reading, even though if you met any of them in real life you would probably run a mile.
I will be starting The Brothers next. Can’t wait to read more about this family and see how some of their secrets will be revealed. I’m also excited to read more about the Tamplin family. I’m hoping we see more interactions between both families in book two.
August 26, 2024
I never write reviews but this was so bad I felt I needed to! If you like soap operas you’ll probably like this. It’s basically eastenders in book form. So badly written. They’re all one dimensional characters who are deeply unpleasant. I need at least one character I can root for but it wasn’t to be with this book. The plot is non existent and what there is is very boring. Loads of awful stereotypes and some unnecessary and inappropriate sex scenes. I’m clearly in the minority though judging by all the great reviews! Shame I can’t give it 0 stars.
March 12, 2024
Horrid But Good
Althouth I have titled this one horrid the story was actually quite good . I seemed a bit rough at times but definately gave an impression of the worst gangland crime ever .
Althouth I have titled this one horrid the story was actually quite good . I seemed a bit rough at times but definately gave an impression of the worst gangland crime ever .
December 5, 2021
Cracking read
September 29, 2024
3.5 stars
October 10, 2021
i a big fan of this author but i felt it was going over old characters from other books
September 18, 2021
Amazing
This author never ceases to amaze me with her books, and this one has blown me away, gutted that I’ve finished it
This author never ceases to amaze me with her books, and this one has blown me away, gutted that I’ve finished it
September 27, 2021
I knew nothing about Kimberley Chambers and her previous novels before reading this book so it was a bit of a surprise. This is cleverly plotted family history.
The characters are all stereo-types. The stories and speech seem like a mash-up of soap opera and various Guy Ritchie films and don’t get me started on the way the Traveller community was portrayed !!
I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The characters are all stereo-types. The stories and speech seem like a mash-up of soap opera and various Guy Ritchie films and don’t get me started on the way the Traveller community was portrayed !!
I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 27, 2022
This was the first book I had read by this author and I enjoyed it. The story begins in 1975 when Kenny Bond finds himself in prison for killing a police officer. He has a wife, Sharon, and two children Donny and Sherry. It starts with him sharing some stories of prison life, sharing a cell with a gypsy, Tamplin, who he found out was a robber of pensioners, and he took matters into his own hands and saw him right for that one day. Finally Kenny gets parole and is released, and the book goes on to document the years as their family grows.
The book is really well written, everything seems chaotic when we hear one story then straight onto another, but they do all make sense. Donny ends up having twins boys, Beau and Brett, with years later something terrible happening to one of them which is the course for some bad things occurring going forward. It's full of relationship dramas, blended families, mixed cultures, murders, lots of drama! It was good to read how the story came together with all the different characters, and if one thing is clear throughout the book is that Kenny is most definitely a family man, and will do anything....anything for his family.
The ending was a bit too quick for me so I am keen to read more and believe this is a series so will look out for when the next one gets published.
The book is really well written, everything seems chaotic when we hear one story then straight onto another, but they do all make sense. Donny ends up having twins boys, Beau and Brett, with years later something terrible happening to one of them which is the course for some bad things occurring going forward. It's full of relationship dramas, blended families, mixed cultures, murders, lots of drama! It was good to read how the story came together with all the different characters, and if one thing is clear throughout the book is that Kenny is most definitely a family man, and will do anything....anything for his family.
The ending was a bit too quick for me so I am keen to read more and believe this is a series so will look out for when the next one gets published.
July 16, 2024
SO i am so very very late in publishing this review and for that I apologise unreservedly.
I started reading this on 16th September as the book was sent out late. Shortly after I was moved from night shifts to three weeks of day shifts so had virtually no time to read at all. Life simply got on the way.
When I picked it up, I found it very easy to read and became immersed within its pages from the very start.
***WARNING***
This book contains a side story lie that at be distressing to those readers of a sensible nature. The storyline contains graphic details of child sexual abuse.
I instantly grew to like Kenny, I didn’t much like the twins Bean and Bret’s mother, the twins are one’s through and through just like their grandfather Kenny.
I was hooked by every chapter and was anticipating hope the twins would grow up and how they’d turn out.
Then along comes a family that stand and face the Bond family head on, will Kenny do what’s required to protect his family at all costs?
This author is now on my watch list and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series of the Bond family.
I started reading this on 16th September as the book was sent out late. Shortly after I was moved from night shifts to three weeks of day shifts so had virtually no time to read at all. Life simply got on the way.
When I picked it up, I found it very easy to read and became immersed within its pages from the very start.
***WARNING***
This book contains a side story lie that at be distressing to those readers of a sensible nature. The storyline contains graphic details of child sexual abuse.
I instantly grew to like Kenny, I didn’t much like the twins Bean and Bret’s mother, the twins are one’s through and through just like their grandfather Kenny.
I was hooked by every chapter and was anticipating hope the twins would grow up and how they’d turn out.
Then along comes a family that stand and face the Bond family head on, will Kenny do what’s required to protect his family at all costs?
This author is now on my watch list and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series of the Bond family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2022
Another briliant read from Kimberley Chambers. Her books are hard hitting and make you go through all types of emotions.
Kenny Bond is all for family, but also about making money. His money making schemes land his family in some trouble through their lives. His son Donny isn't as brutal as him, but his grandsons Beau and Brett are just pure evil. I felt sorry for them when they were young, but then couldn't believe the things they did as they got older.
From the way this ended I'm hoping it's not the last we hear of the Bonds........
Kenny Bond is all for family, but also about making money. His money making schemes land his family in some trouble through their lives. His son Donny isn't as brutal as him, but his grandsons Beau and Brett are just pure evil. I felt sorry for them when they were young, but then couldn't believe the things they did as they got older.
From the way this ended I'm hoping it's not the last we hear of the Bonds........
March 26, 2022
I only finished reading this book because I normally love all Kimberley Chambers' books. But it dragged. A lot. In the same time the story seemed so rushed, so many generations, so many characters, so many that sometimes I had to think for a few seconds to remember who's this one or that one. I normally love the main characters in K Chambers' books even if they are villains, but Kenny Bond has nothing to love in him: cruel, cheating, no morals whatsoever.
And the end of the book was ... weird.
And the end of the book was ... weird.
November 11, 2021
I absolutely loved this. Could not put it down. Fast paced and gritty. If you are a bit squeamish, I'd give it a miss. Good, strong characters. You either love them or hate them. Can't wait for the next one.
October 22, 2021
Brilliant author … totally hooked from start to finish.
November 26, 2021
Exactly what you’d expect… BRILLIANT!!
Hooked from the get go!
Can’t wait for the next Kimberley Chambers book to come, just hoping we won’t have to wait so long this time!!
Hooked from the get go!
Can’t wait for the next Kimberley Chambers book to come, just hoping we won’t have to wait so long this time!!
October 3, 2021
Gangland grit does not get any better than Kimberley Chambers’ latest white-knuckle thriller, The Family Man.
After doing a long stretch in prison for killing a police officer, Kenny Bond is finally free. Elated to finally have his life and his freedom back, Kenny returns to the family fold willing and determined never to darken the prison’s doors ever again. However, trouble seems to follow the Bonds wherever they go and when a new family comes to Dark Lane that could bring his clan to their knees, Kenny vows to do whatever it take to protect the people that mean the most to him – even murder…
Kenny’s son Donny might not have any of his father’s edge, but twin grandsons Beau and Brett are chips off the old block. Beau and Brett are leaders of the pack and kings of their domain. Like their grandfather they are no pushovers and they are ruthless, dangerous and determined to remain ruling the roost. The twins aren’t averse to flexing their muscles and using every weapon in their arsenal to get what they want and they will certainly not let anyone threaten their family. But do they have what it takes to continue reigning supreme? Or are they going to be up against a dangerous enemy who is just as vicious and driven as they are?
Kenny, Beau and Brett have the fight of their lives on their hands, but they will never surrender. After all, the family’s honour is at stake and nothing is more important than family.
EastEnders meets The Sopranos in Kimberley Chambers’ action-packed blockbuster full of larger than life characters, heart-stopping suspense and edge of your seat tension. Kimberley Chambers keeps her readers absolutely glued to the pages of The Family Man as they find themselves completely consumed by this brilliantly written tale of honour, vengeance and ambition.
Brilliantly crafted, terrifying and authentic, Kimberley Chambers’ The Family Man is a dark and disturbing gangland thriller from the queen of the genre.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After doing a long stretch in prison for killing a police officer, Kenny Bond is finally free. Elated to finally have his life and his freedom back, Kenny returns to the family fold willing and determined never to darken the prison’s doors ever again. However, trouble seems to follow the Bonds wherever they go and when a new family comes to Dark Lane that could bring his clan to their knees, Kenny vows to do whatever it take to protect the people that mean the most to him – even murder…
Kenny’s son Donny might not have any of his father’s edge, but twin grandsons Beau and Brett are chips off the old block. Beau and Brett are leaders of the pack and kings of their domain. Like their grandfather they are no pushovers and they are ruthless, dangerous and determined to remain ruling the roost. The twins aren’t averse to flexing their muscles and using every weapon in their arsenal to get what they want and they will certainly not let anyone threaten their family. But do they have what it takes to continue reigning supreme? Or are they going to be up against a dangerous enemy who is just as vicious and driven as they are?
Kenny, Beau and Brett have the fight of their lives on their hands, but they will never surrender. After all, the family’s honour is at stake and nothing is more important than family.
EastEnders meets The Sopranos in Kimberley Chambers’ action-packed blockbuster full of larger than life characters, heart-stopping suspense and edge of your seat tension. Kimberley Chambers keeps her readers absolutely glued to the pages of The Family Man as they find themselves completely consumed by this brilliantly written tale of honour, vengeance and ambition.
Brilliantly crafted, terrifying and authentic, Kimberley Chambers’ The Family Man is a dark and disturbing gangland thriller from the queen of the genre.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 13, 2024
I began reading Kimberley Chamber's back in 2010 and was blown away. She became a firm favourite of mine and I consistently read and fell in love with all her books. However, it's been a few years and I decided to make a start with The Family Man. First off her writing skill is still just as good and her chapters and storylines are full of all the wronguns you could possibly think of. However, for some reason I just didn't like Kenny Boyd our lead character at all. He has NO redeeming features and frankly the more of the Bond Family I read about the less I liked them. Kenny the main man, his wife Sharon, his kids Donny and Sherry....literally all of them. I just didn't like them at all and this kind of put a bit of a dampner on this book.
I don't know whether this is because she has done something similar in style before with The Butlers, but I just didn't gel with any of them. The story itself still pulled me in right enough but there were times I just got irritated. Another thing I noticed which was strange was that on a few chapters KC would end it by stating the obvious and it grated on me, Finishing a chapter by saying somehting like
What had he got himself into? or little did he know...
It may seem like I am being harsh with this review but in all honesty my standards are pretty high with KC as she has been producing cracking books for a lot of years now. This latest one to me just felt a bit off. I admit, even aside from the things I disliked I still read it in 2 days and went straight onto the next book to find out what happens next. Still a fabulous author and one I will continue to read, but for me this book just hit the mark.
I don't know whether this is because she has done something similar in style before with The Butlers, but I just didn't gel with any of them. The story itself still pulled me in right enough but there were times I just got irritated. Another thing I noticed which was strange was that on a few chapters KC would end it by stating the obvious and it grated on me, Finishing a chapter by saying somehting like
What had he got himself into? or little did he know...
It may seem like I am being harsh with this review but in all honesty my standards are pretty high with KC as she has been producing cracking books for a lot of years now. This latest one to me just felt a bit off. I admit, even aside from the things I disliked I still read it in 2 days and went straight onto the next book to find out what happens next. Still a fabulous author and one I will continue to read, but for me this book just hit the mark.
September 21, 2021
With authors you find and love, having read everything Kimberly Chambers has written so far you think the bar is set and you worry the next one might not be as good. Of course your very wrong to ever doubt Kimbo. The queen of the gangland thriller is back with a massive bang.
Kenny bond is The Family Man, we meet him banged up in wormwood scrubs, with devoted wife Sharon’s car knowing the route there and never missing a visit. Son Donnie who’s just starting out dating tansy a coppers daughter. That’s not going to go down well…. Daughter sherrie, and of course we meet Kenny’s mates, his mother and aunt, his in-laws. And as we’d expect outlaws, not rights and shit cunts.
Kenny is released and the story unfolds in a rollercoaster of violence, secrets, lies and crime and of course good old fashioned FAMILY VALUES.
Kimberly offers us up a good old fashioned geezer then reminds us “men are like dogs, if they ain’t trained they’ll shit all over the carpet”
There’s a shocking scene of child sexual assault that is handled in Kimberleys usual brutal blunt style, you could easily skip the scene If your unable to cope with it, but it is referred back to a good few times throughout the book of course in keeping with the story line. Nothing is off limits with Kimberlys writing and nobody does it quite like her.
The book takes us through the 70’s and 80’s and into the 90’s Kimberly as always sets the timeline brilliantly.
If you loved the Mitchell’s and the butlers, wait til you meet the bonds. I seriously can’t wait to see what they bring us next.
Outstanding!
Kenny bond is The Family Man, we meet him banged up in wormwood scrubs, with devoted wife Sharon’s car knowing the route there and never missing a visit. Son Donnie who’s just starting out dating tansy a coppers daughter. That’s not going to go down well…. Daughter sherrie, and of course we meet Kenny’s mates, his mother and aunt, his in-laws. And as we’d expect outlaws, not rights and shit cunts.
Kenny is released and the story unfolds in a rollercoaster of violence, secrets, lies and crime and of course good old fashioned FAMILY VALUES.
Kimberly offers us up a good old fashioned geezer then reminds us “men are like dogs, if they ain’t trained they’ll shit all over the carpet”
There’s a shocking scene of child sexual assault that is handled in Kimberleys usual brutal blunt style, you could easily skip the scene If your unable to cope with it, but it is referred back to a good few times throughout the book of course in keeping with the story line. Nothing is off limits with Kimberlys writing and nobody does it quite like her.
The book takes us through the 70’s and 80’s and into the 90’s Kimberly as always sets the timeline brilliantly.
If you loved the Mitchell’s and the butlers, wait til you meet the bonds. I seriously can’t wait to see what they bring us next.
Outstanding!
September 27, 2021
#bookreview #booktours
#thefamilyman
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Genre: Crime/ Gangland Drama
When I got over the beautiful cover sleeve and then removed it, and ogled at the more gorgeous gold cover, I eventually settled down to read.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and definitely won’t be the last! I found it addictive and like a drug, I wanted more and more!
The story of the Bond family of cop killers, and general bad guys grabbed hold of my attention and I was off on a reading marathon of the nearly 500 pages!
Kenny, despite his previous mistakes, is a family man who is determined to get back on track to a nice, quiet family life, with some business on the side. His other family members, however, have other plans meaning Kenny gets drawn in to more and more drama.
This book has a catchy storyline, relatable characters who despite some being bad, you kinda root for, and the story overall has a great flow making it difficult to put down!!
Totally deserving of the 5 stars.
Thank you to @randomthingstours for the slot on the tour and @harpercollinsuk for the beautiful copy of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it 🥰
#bookworthreading #bookcommunity #freebookreviews #readerssupportingauthors #nurseswhoread #fortheloveofliterature #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookworm #bibliophile #scotttishreader #somanybookssolittletime #scottishbookstagrammer #bookobsessed #allthegenres #honestreviews #paperbackbooks #alwaysreading #bookinhandatalltimes
#I❤️reading #womenwhoread #coffeeandabook #crimefiction #ganglandfiction #fivestarread
#thefamilyman
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Genre: Crime/ Gangland Drama
When I got over the beautiful cover sleeve and then removed it, and ogled at the more gorgeous gold cover, I eventually settled down to read.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and definitely won’t be the last! I found it addictive and like a drug, I wanted more and more!
The story of the Bond family of cop killers, and general bad guys grabbed hold of my attention and I was off on a reading marathon of the nearly 500 pages!
Kenny, despite his previous mistakes, is a family man who is determined to get back on track to a nice, quiet family life, with some business on the side. His other family members, however, have other plans meaning Kenny gets drawn in to more and more drama.
This book has a catchy storyline, relatable characters who despite some being bad, you kinda root for, and the story overall has a great flow making it difficult to put down!!
Totally deserving of the 5 stars.
Thank you to @randomthingstours for the slot on the tour and @harpercollinsuk for the beautiful copy of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it 🥰
#bookworthreading #bookcommunity #freebookreviews #readerssupportingauthors #nurseswhoread #fortheloveofliterature #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookworm #bibliophile #scotttishreader #somanybookssolittletime #scottishbookstagrammer #bookobsessed #allthegenres #honestreviews #paperbackbooks #alwaysreading #bookinhandatalltimes
#I❤️reading #womenwhoread #coffeeandabook #crimefiction #ganglandfiction #fivestarread
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