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Badass Heroes of World War Two #1
The Hellraiser and The Spy
He's a soldier who doesn't believe in obeying orders, but his bravery in battle earns him his country's highest military honor. She's a British spy operating behind enemy lines. The same brutal Italian campaign that brought them together soon tears them apart.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2021
8 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Anna Markland
239 books252 followersAnna Markland is a Canadian author with a keen interest in genealogy. She writes historical romance about family honor, ancestry and roots. Her novels are intimate love stories filled with passion and adventure. Following a fruitful career in teaching, Anna transformed her love of writing and history into engaging works of fiction. One of the things she enjoys most about writing historical romance is the in-depth research required to provide the reader with an authentic experience.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 14, 2021
The Hellraiser and The Spy
Badass Heroes of World War Two #1
Anna Markland
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alvin is a soldier who doesn't believe in obeying orders, but because of that his bravery in battle earns him his country's highest military honor.
Pippy is a British spy operating behind enemy lines. The same brutal Italian campaign that brought them together soon tears them apart.
They are then lucky enough to meet up and from there they have a love that will flourish through the ends of time.
Anna Markland writes a different kind of fabulous book that will keep you reading all day. I read this book in one day and didn't stop until it was finished. I really enjoyed learning what both Alvin and Pippa had been through. I was even happier that they got a chance to rekindle their love affair and turn it into a life long love. This is the first book that I have ever read like this and I really enjoyed it.
Badass Heroes of World War Two #1
Anna Markland
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alvin is a soldier who doesn't believe in obeying orders, but because of that his bravery in battle earns him his country's highest military honor.
Pippy is a British spy operating behind enemy lines. The same brutal Italian campaign that brought them together soon tears them apart.
They are then lucky enough to meet up and from there they have a love that will flourish through the ends of time.
Anna Markland writes a different kind of fabulous book that will keep you reading all day. I read this book in one day and didn't stop until it was finished. I really enjoyed learning what both Alvin and Pippa had been through. I was even happier that they got a chance to rekindle their love affair and turn it into a life long love. This is the first book that I have ever read like this and I really enjoyed it.
September 30, 2021
WOW… TALK ABOUT HISTORY!!! The Hellraiser and The Spy by Anna Markland is book 1 in her new series Badass Heroes of World War. This Canadian Army vs the Nazi invasion of 1944 is one for the history books. So much detail and what heroes and heroines were truly like and what they suffered. I found this book very eyeopening to how much the Canadian Army helped to win this war and how a British women spy was at risk of all sorts of things. Anna has such a wonderful way in installing tragic and romance in a book. I found myself getting all worked up over a war scene and in pops a bit of romance to smooth it all over. Just genius!!! This story has a British spy who parachuted into Italy, a Canadian war hero, fighting for the one you love, being awarded with the Victoria Medal of Honor (which is one of the highest medal of honor you can get), fighting, surviving, being separated, rescue and finding love in the middle of a war. If you are a history lover as I am I would highly recommend you read this book. As I said… It was really eyeopening.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
September 21, 2021
This was so different than anything I've ever read before but because it's written by Anna Markland, I wanted to give it a chance. I'm so glad I did because honestly, it's a very powerful story that takes place during World War 2. The bravery of our men and women in the service knows no bounds. This is Pippy and Alvin's story, a Canadian soldier and a British spy, who meet when he saves her from a sure death.
I like the way the story is told by Pippy who is now in her 90's, being interviewed by a reporter about her and Alvin's time at war. She reminisces of the danger they were both in and how an unlikely romance blossomed amidst it all. Anna Markland has done her homework in the research and it always shows in her stories.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I like the way the story is told by Pippy who is now in her 90's, being interviewed by a reporter about her and Alvin's time at war. She reminisces of the danger they were both in and how an unlikely romance blossomed amidst it all. Anna Markland has done her homework in the research and it always shows in her stories.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 19, 2021
I found this interesting as both Pippy and Alvin tell their tales to each other when they find each other again. Both have tragic tales of their experiences in WWII, and all comes out in a "present day" interview, taking place in New Zealand. A lot of research was showcased here with very detailed description of maneuvers and such. A bit back and forth between the past and present but worth the read.
I received an ARC of this story, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received an ARC of this story, and this is my unsolicited review.
October 1, 2021
A delightful change of pace!
I have loved the historical novels Ms. Markland has written, especially for the extensive research she uses as the basis upon which she builds her story. When I realized that she had moved centuries into the future, I was a bit uneasy. Even the format of a dialogue with a female reporter about her role in WWII, was different. What I quickly saw, was how skillfully the past was woven into the interview process. In the vignettes of past events, the deep research into the places ands events was quietly revealed, and added much to my education of certain areas of the war about which I had little knowledge. (For example, who knew that the island of Malta received a Victoria Cross for its war efforts?). I found myself referring repeatedly to Wikipedia (thank you kindle links!) for verification and further elucidation of points.
Yes, this was a faster read than usual for Ms. Markland’s books, but that was a benefit as I, too, could not put it down! The format of an interview was quite successful. It seemed so real, that I found myself wondering if the story was based on a family member’s wartime experience of falling in love with an overseas soldier, then migrating to a new country after the war. To the complaint from another reviewer that there was violence mentioned, anyone who lives through a war will verify that what we read here is toned down from actual real-life experiences, but the story does give a sense of what was endured.
In summary, I found the story a successful beginning to what promises to be just as well researched as any of Ms. Markland’s previous series, and it whetted my appetite to see what we will have next up for us!
I have loved the historical novels Ms. Markland has written, especially for the extensive research she uses as the basis upon which she builds her story. When I realized that she had moved centuries into the future, I was a bit uneasy. Even the format of a dialogue with a female reporter about her role in WWII, was different. What I quickly saw, was how skillfully the past was woven into the interview process. In the vignettes of past events, the deep research into the places ands events was quietly revealed, and added much to my education of certain areas of the war about which I had little knowledge. (For example, who knew that the island of Malta received a Victoria Cross for its war efforts?). I found myself referring repeatedly to Wikipedia (thank you kindle links!) for verification and further elucidation of points.
Yes, this was a faster read than usual for Ms. Markland’s books, but that was a benefit as I, too, could not put it down! The format of an interview was quite successful. It seemed so real, that I found myself wondering if the story was based on a family member’s wartime experience of falling in love with an overseas soldier, then migrating to a new country after the war. To the complaint from another reviewer that there was violence mentioned, anyone who lives through a war will verify that what we read here is toned down from actual real-life experiences, but the story does give a sense of what was endured.
In summary, I found the story a successful beginning to what promises to be just as well researched as any of Ms. Markland’s previous series, and it whetted my appetite to see what we will have next up for us!
December 2, 2022
He's a soldier who doesn't believe in obeying orders, but his bravery in battle earns him his country's highest military honor. She's a British spy operating behind enemy lines. The same brutal Italian campaign that brought them together soon tears them apart.
As Canadian soldiers pushed from the south to the north of Italy over a 20-month period,they faced difficult battles against some of the German army's best troops in hazardous climate.The Allied invasion of Sicily was codenamed Operation Husky.
Grammichele is a town and commune in the Metropolitan City of Catania.On July 15,1943,the 1st Canadian Infantry Division fought its first battle with the Germans in Operation Husky.The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, Saskatoon Light Infantry(Machine Gun) and the Three Rivers Regiment(tank) all took part in the fighting,which concluded at midday with the town in Canadian hands.
Ortona is a coastal town in Abruzzo.The defensive Gustav Line was established by the Germans at Ortona(extending towards Cassino).Ortona offered the Allies a supply port on the Adriatic,and was fiercely defended by the Germans.The struggle between German paratroopers and the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade attracted the attention of the international press,leading this battle to be known as "Little Stalingrad."
In early 1945,the First Canadian Army liberated the Netherlands and the Dutch people saw Canadians as saviours and the rest is history.
Cesena is a city and commune in the Emilia-Romagna region.It was near the Gothic Line,which ran along the Appennini near the city,and suffered heavily from bombing.
As Canadian soldiers pushed from the south to the north of Italy over a 20-month period,they faced difficult battles against some of the German army's best troops in hazardous climate.The Allied invasion of Sicily was codenamed Operation Husky.
Grammichele is a town and commune in the Metropolitan City of Catania.On July 15,1943,the 1st Canadian Infantry Division fought its first battle with the Germans in Operation Husky.The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, Saskatoon Light Infantry(Machine Gun) and the Three Rivers Regiment(tank) all took part in the fighting,which concluded at midday with the town in Canadian hands.
Ortona is a coastal town in Abruzzo.The defensive Gustav Line was established by the Germans at Ortona(extending towards Cassino).Ortona offered the Allies a supply port on the Adriatic,and was fiercely defended by the Germans.The struggle between German paratroopers and the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade attracted the attention of the international press,leading this battle to be known as "Little Stalingrad."
In early 1945,the First Canadian Army liberated the Netherlands and the Dutch people saw Canadians as saviours and the rest is history.
Cesena is a city and commune in the Emilia-Romagna region.It was near the Gothic Line,which ran along the Appennini near the city,and suffered heavily from bombing.
September 23, 2021
This story is written by Anna Markland and it is so different from her normal works but it also was a fantastic read which I did expect with it being written by her. This story draws you into it immediately and you won't put it down until you have finished it! Alvin is a Canadian who joined the military to escape his horrible, poor upbringing and to make more of his life. He was dubbed the Hellraiser because he didn't like to follow orders and had been demoted many times over back down to private because of it. He meets Pippy a British spy and it is an instant attraction for both of them. You will fall in love with their story and will wonder why it ended so soon! I know I was looking forward to reading more about them, and then realized that I was at the end of the story. The characters are great and you have to love how it seemed like they were meant to be from the beginning. It meant all of the expectations of an Anna Markland story, just a different genre.
September 17, 2021
This is a lovely story of love during World War II. She brings us into it in 1944 when Phyllis Letourneau meets Alvin West in Italy. She was being pulled out into the street by a mob, who wanted to do things to her she did not want. Alvin came around the corner saw, what was happening, and rescued her. They spent the day and night but when she woke up he was gone. She had finished her job and was on her way back to England. He was Canadian.
I was very taken with this wonderful tale of love and the horrors of war. The author did a beautiful job. It is so hard to write on this kind of subject. But she does it with flair. It does get a little steamy but it only enhances the book. I recommend this heartwarming novella. I hope you like it as much as I did.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I was very taken with this wonderful tale of love and the horrors of war. The author did a beautiful job. It is so hard to write on this kind of subject. But she does it with flair. It does get a little steamy but it only enhances the book. I recommend this heartwarming novella. I hope you like it as much as I did.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
September 26, 2021
This story was as much a historical reenactment of key troop movements and exploits in WWII as it is a lovely love story. The way Ms. Markland spins this story is different from her usual style, however it was a successful way of telling this romance. The author makes history so very interesting and in this book it takes a starring role with the romance woven throughout. War is not pretty and this book really makes the reader aware of some of the seedier, smelly, gory, and downright tedious aspects of conflict. A great read for history buffs!
October 2, 2021
I don't think I've ever read a book with this writing style. Instead of watching a documentary, it was like reading one. It's very detailed and some of the things they experienced were very interesting. I am just used to something more romantic when reading this authors historical stories and I really wasn't prepared for a retelling format. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to read and leave a review.
September 24, 2021
This is an interesting historical story where a fascinating lady tells her tale to the world. Our heroine tells of falling in love while working as a spy. Our hero is a soldier who is known for getting into trouble.
For those interested in the second world war, this is a really good insight for the behind the scenes action.
For those interested in the second world war, this is a really good insight for the behind the scenes action.
September 26, 2021
Good story with lots of interesting historical info. I received an ARC of this book.
September 27, 2021
This different from anything I’ve read by this author.
World war 2. A soldier who doesn’t obey orders meets a young woman whose a British spy. A love story , a war story very enjoyable read.
World war 2. A soldier who doesn’t obey orders meets a young woman whose a British spy. A love story , a war story very enjoyable read.
September 27, 2021
The story off a hellriser and a spy or a love story
When a hellriser mets a woman.unknown to him !she is not.only a spy but the woman for him and his dreamx
When a hellriser mets a woman.unknown to him !she is not.only a spy but the woman for him and his dreamx
September 27, 2021
History brought to life. This book brings the Second World War to life . . . great story!!!
October 27, 2022
This is a remarkable story of Oliver, a Canadian soldier and Pippy a British spy, who meet during incidents in WWII, fall in love and live a long life together. So many trials and tribulations would not keep them apart. Lots of historical information make this a page turner. A wonderful love story. I could not put this book down! A must read!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews