Too much of the story was focused around the writing angle for me personally, and a lot of the sub plots didn't engage, often just feeling like they were there to create drama for drama's sake, for instance the whole plot with Fraser as an alternative love interest for Otty, and likewise with Daphne. Nor did I understand the plot about Otty's father wanting her to be with his friend Sheila's son and being so imposing about the matter. Furthermore, the end obstacle could be seen coming almost from the very beginning, and made things so predictable. I loved that we get inside our male lead Joe’s head and heart in Our Story. Not only does it build the conflict (because we know what Otty and Joe are feeling when they don’t) but it makes it easy to relate to him and get that all important emotional connection. I saw Otty as much stronger and grounded than he was (not necessarily a good thing) – for me she was the practical one and tried to get on with everything whilst he was the creative/dreamer. Both of them start out with insecurities and they worry about pleasing others. I despaired they would ever get together. The ebb and flow is at the right pace and kept me engaged. As two men who made their mark and took over London's underworld by being savage and utterly fearless, a STRONG sense of morality pervades the entire book, even from Ronnie who, self admittedly, was heavily medicated since incarceration. This review (and others) can be seen in all its properly formatted glory on my blog Beauty and the Bookshelf.

Our Story by Reginald Kray, Ronald Kray | Waterstones

I’ve just finished reading this book and honestly my heart aches and I just want to read more of Otty and Joe. This book hit me hard and sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I smiled, I laughed and I felt my heart break for these characters throughout. I lean forward and the other three do the same. Hovering over poor, dead Grant, I say, “Okay, this is our story…”

In Kate Marino's town, this group is the River Point Boys, prep school royalty who host the wildest parties and have their hands in every cookie jar. I’m not going to spoil this for anyone, so I’m just going to stop there with the story specifics. Instead I’m going to tell you why you need to read this. This Is Our Story had the potential to be all shades of amazing. Its premise sounds like a mix between The Raven Boys and With Malice. It did take me a little while to find myself immersed in this love story which I thought didn’t really take off until the arrival of Fraser, the cat set amongst the pigeons. Also there is a huge emphasis on the script writing process which I think is to the detriment of exploring Otty and Joe’s romance. Being holed up in a room for hours on end, hoping for the creative juices to flow sounds like jolly hard work and I think the author has managed to convey all the highs and lows and tedium of this world in fine detail. I could visualise the script writing team bouncing off the walls with the amount of coffee they all drink!!

Our Story: from the Sunday Times bestselling author comes a

So to wrap this up, this is a book you want to read. If you don’t currently have this on your TBR pile, I can’t stress enough how much you need to add it. I’m so excited to see what Elston gives us readers next! Although you can tell they are not telling the whole truth throughout, this autobiography does strike me as an honest account of *their* view of their life. They are open and honest about the murders they were eventually jailed for, and a lot of the crimes they committed. Hearing about these infamous events from their own recollection was insightful into the mindset of these men. For a short time during the 60’s they used the violence, influence, intimidation and most importantly their menacing presence to become the most powerful and feared gang leaders in London. They owned a number of successful clubs such as Esmerelda’s Barn where the rich and famous stars were happy to visit and be seen in the company of the two brothers. Judy Garland, Stubby Kaye, Barbara Windsor, Danny La Rue, Diana Dors, Alan Lake were often to be seen in their company and indeed the twins at one point were attempting to form a link with the Mafia. Unfortunately Ron and Reg began to believe in their own invincibility and should have heeded the words a Mafia boss Angelo Bruno once said to them....never do your own dirty work and never trust too many people.As I read this book, I found myself admiring the Kray twins, in a weird sort of way. They lived by a different code of ethics from mine, but refused to apologise for something they weren't sorry for. As West End nightclub owners, they mixed with prominent entertainers including Diana Dors, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and with politicians. The Krays were much feared within their milieu, and in the 1960s became celebrities in their own right, even being photographed by David Bailey and interviewed on television.