Valentine's Gifts

Thanks Booxies for a lovely birthday surprise for my friend, who loved the idea of getting a book and chocolate as her birthday treat sent to her as I am interstate so can’t be there.

“Ghost of Timor” by J. Collins is a historical thriller that sizzles, offering a provocative blend of erotica, suspense and drama. Told from dual timelines, the story includes themes of war, passion, betrayal, and the dirty little secrets that shape our lives.

In the present timeline, Christian Holland reunites with Alison Benaud, a former lover from 25 years ago. As Christian recounts the story of his eventful and dangerous life, Alison regrets her mundane-at-best existence and yearns for what could have been. The reunion rekindles their desires, but it also stirs lingering doubts from long ago as Alison suspects Christian’s past holds more than he’s willing to reveal.

The storyline from the past takes us to the late 1990s, after the Cold War where Christian serves as a liaison officer for the Australian Defence Force in East Timor. It’s during this time of political unrest that he becomes involved with Sally, a fiery, enigmatic woman whose relationship with him teeters on the edge of forbidden passion and moral conflict. Together, they experience the challenges of war and of their own boundaries.

As the stories come together, “Ghost of Timor” shows how two women profoundly shape Christian’s path while exposing the lasting consequences of choices made in extraordinary circumstances.

Wow!

For me, it’s the bold approach that sets “Ghost of Timor” apart. The story doesn’t shy away from explicit sexual content, and it’s well written. What I enjoyed most is that the erotica elements are not gratuitous, they are entwined with the exploration of Christian’s relationships, vulnerabilities, and emotional struggles. This makes his journey more personal without detracting from the themes of war, duty, and redemption.

Christian is a relatable protagonist. You know the type. He carries himself with confidence, like he has things all figured out. Then life happens, and readers can actually feel the weight from past hanging over him. What Collins really nails is showing us a man wrestling with his demons while trying to move forward. It’s not pretty, it’s not simple, but it feels true, authentic. Christian reminds us there isn’t some neat, straight path to follow– it’s more like stumbling through the dark, hoping you’re heading in the right direction.

The story is rich in layered themes, exploring the psychological toll of war, the lasting impact of colonialism, and the complex moral questions naturally tied to power and responsibility. But alongside these broader ideas, the story captures the deeply personal experiences of love and loss, showing us that even in global conflict, it’s often the small, human moments that leave the deepest impression.

The level of historical detail around Timor and the aftermath of the cold-war is impressive but can occasionally slow the momentum for readers who prefer action-driven scenes. It should be noted, however, that these moments of context deepen the story’s authenticity, grounding it in real events without overshadowing the personal stakes.

“Ghost of Timor” is the kind of book that stays with you. J. Collins has crafted an unforgettable journey. I highly recommend it for fans of erotica-tinged thrillers and character-driven narratives that explore the complexities of war and the human connection.

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I got the 12 months subscription as a gift to someone, it comes with a tea bag and a book mark and it is a nice way to treat someone who loves reading. Although it is only early days so I cannot yet comment on the quality of the books coming through, it has been very easy to use and set up!

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I love these book boxes, the treats are always good quality and getting a surprise book each month helps keep me out of a reading slump because there's always a new option on the way

Love it love getting the box and wondering what goodies I will get and what book I'm gonna read

Love love the choice of book I have been given so far - right up my alley! Presented well and the gifts are a great touch. Good price point!

Beautifully packaged, every item was high-quality & luxurious, and delivery was crazy fast! Such a thoughtful gift without any of the effort, I’ll definitely be coming back to Booxies for gifts in the future. 💛👶✨

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I decided to treat myself with an Australian Book box instead of the much more expensive book boxes out there. I found the value extremely reasonable, Books of different genres, new releases, and some fab treats in there as well. I got myself the mystery box, and was thrilled with the book I received as well as the cocktail in a can. 😋 Overall, it's a great treat and would make a wonderful gift for someone special.

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Great gift for my partner very happy with the book delivered and the gifts as well.