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The Trouble With Paradise (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 4) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Trouble With Paradise (The Madeline Dawkins Series)The Trouble With Paradise by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Trouble with Paradise is a Madeline Dawkins Mystery by Cynthia Hamilton, the fourth in the series. I was drawn to it by the title, promising a gorgeous setting and captivating mystery. The book delivered on both fronts!
Injured in a previous case, our heroine Madeline has just come back to her job as a PI. We get glimpses throughout that she is still healing physically and mentally, but she is determined not to be held back. She’s a likeable character, using her social skills to get (almost) everyone to open up to her whilst constantly processing things that don’t quite fit.
Setting-wise, I particularly liked the ranch and vineyard! It was beautifully described, and such a great location being by the sea. I wanted to be there, tasting the wine and enjoying the view (as long as there weren’t any tragic accidents happening on that particular day…).
Madeline and her partner Mike have two big cases keeping them occupied throughout the book. Both involve men dying in mysterious circumstances, leaving behind widows who aren’t satisfied with the official causes and reasons for their deaths. The pair of PIs try to approach both cases with open, fresh minds to discover the truth and ensure that justice is served.
I really enjoyed this book – it gets five stars from me. I haven’t read any of the earlier books in the series but they’re on my tbr list now. The story made enough sense without them, but I’m sure they would have given me a lot more background on the central characters.
I would recommend this book to fans of a good murder mystery, who will enjoy being transported to a beautiful Californian setting.

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Flicker to Fire (Crimson Sash Book 3) by Amanda Marin – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Flicker to Fire (Crimson Sash, #3)Flicker to Fire by Amanda Marin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Flicker to Fire is the exciting conclusion of Amanda Marin’s Crimson Sash trilogy. I’ve somehow ended up binging the series in a day and a half because I just couldn’t put it down, and whenever I finished a book I HAD to know what happened next. Seriously good.
Crimson Sash is a dystopian YA series which follows Neve Hall and Micah Ward, whose love for each other is forbidden by the strict rules of the Nation they both come from. Their feelings for each other, and the painful consequences of their relationship, have helped them to see the deeper flaws in the Nation and how it is run, and they can’t let things continue as they are.
In Flicker to Fire, Neve and Micah work within Sans Murs, an activist movement fighting for freedom of movement between the Nation and the New Republic, and seeking to put an end to the human rights violations in the Nation. The focus on Sans Murs allows for an interesting exploration of activism, with characters conflicting on the best methods to achieve their goals, and balancing protecting individuals and fighting larger-scale issues.
This book is full of twists – it really kept me on the edge of my seat. I remember noticing I was getting near the end and thinking I knew how things would wrap up – I was very wrong!
I’ve really enjoyed this whole series, and this is another five stars from me! I’d definitely recommend reading the books in order (starting with North to Nara) – you’ll get a lot more context that way as well as a chance to build a connection with the characters. I’d recommend this to teen and YA readers who are concerned about social issues – Marin uses speculative fiction to shine a light on many issues and explore some “what if?”s, as well as showing many aspects of activism with relatable and inspiring characters.

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Sky to Sea (Crimson Sash Book 2) by Amanda Marin – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Sky to Sea (Crimson Sash, #2)Sky to Sea by Amanda Marin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started reading Sky to Sea almost as soon as I’d finished the previous book in the Amanda Marin’s Crimson Sash series. I’m totally hooked! It’s an engaging dystopian YA story that engages with loads of big social issues in a well-developed world.
Sky to Sea opens with Neve and Micah safely over the border. They’ve left the Nation that has tried to break and kill them behind, and are eager to start a new life in the New Republic. But they face challenges as they must prove their eligibility for immigration, or successfully claim asylum. There are language and culture barriers, skills that were in demand in the Nation that have no use in the Republic. Not to mention the hostility towards people from the Nation meaning that Neve and Micah never quite feel safe.
Something I particularly liked about Sky to Sea is that it addresses Micah’s PTSD. After all that he endured in the previous book, he has deep wounds that require time, care and expert help to heal. Marin approaches the subject in a sensitive and clear manner. We see Neve and Micah recognising and accepting Micah’s PTSD, and Micah’s journey through treatment. I really appreciated his use of art to process his experiences.
This is a great series! Definitely gets five stars from me. I would recommend reading it in order, starting with North to Nara, as this allows you to get to know the characters and the Nation (and the books are so good you’ll want to read them all eventually, so you might as well start at the beginning!). This is a great series for young adult and older teen readers who are concerned about social issues and enjoy speculative fiction.

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North to Nara (Crimson Sash Book 1) by Amanda Marin – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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North to Nara (Crimson Sash, #1)North to Nara by Amanda Marin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

North to Nara is the first Crimson Sash book, a dystopian YA series by Amanda Marin. Marin paints a picture of the Nation, built on loyalty (following the Expulsions which dealt with those who were not loyal) and strict rules and consequences.
Neve Hall is in many ways a classic YA dystopian heroine. Confident and independent, she is fascinated by the animals which have long since left the Nation. The more she learns about the secrets that keep the Nation running smoothly, the angrier she gets and the more determined to fight for change. Young activists will relate to her sense of justice and willingness to put herself at risk for what she believes in.
Micah Ward is a Sufferer – a fascinating profession that involves him taking on the pain of others so they can go about their lives unhindered. As such, he is empathetic and caring. He is also required to follow a rigid code of conduct which, amongst other things, forbids him from entering into any romantic relationships.
The worldbuilding in North to Nara is fantastic, really setting the reader up for the rest of the series. The story is a bit of a rollercoaster as Neve and Micah face danger and challenges to their beliefs and loyalties. I couldn’t put it down – I had to stay up late to find out what happened! And I’ve got the sequel ready so I can get onto it asap.
For me, this is a five star book. Really enjoyable story, with a world that highlights flaws and risks in our own societies. Perfect for teens and young adults who are concerned about the environment and social issues.

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The Slaughter of Leith Hall by Lexie Conyngham – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Slaughter of Leith HallThe Slaughter of Leith Hall by Lexie Conyngham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Slaughter of Leith Hall by Lexie Conyngham is a rich, enticing historical mystery, set in 18th-Century Scotland. John Leith, the master of Leith Hall, tried to regain favour and social status following the defeat of the Jacobites by fighting for the British army in America. He has returned to Scotland but continues to be preoccupied with his experiences in America and the people with whom he fought.
The story is told in third person, over the shoulder of Charlie Rob which works very well. He has worked with the Leith family for many years but has only recently begun taking on more senior duties. We see him accompany his master to Aberdeen for the first time, encountering the space for the first time through Charlie’s naïve eyes. He is experienced enough to know to be observant but discrete, although he does not always piece together what he has observed which allows the reader to get a few steps ahead at times. Thrown into situations he feels completely unprepared for, we find ourselves rooting for Charlie and admiring his tenacity.
There is plenty of mystery in this story. The reader gets a slow drip of information we know will be relevant, as well as sudden shocking events. It’s a real page-turner as we race to piece together the facts and figure out what happened, and why.
For me, this is a five-star read. A great way to delve into an interesting part of history, and a really gripping story! I’d recommend it to fans of historical mysteries, particularly if you’re interested in Scottish history!

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The Widow: A Dark Romantic Fantasy by Naomi Valkyrie & Rebecca E. McEwen – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Widow: A Dark Romantic FantasyThe Widow: A Dark Romantic Fantasy by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Widow is an enticing romantic novel by Naomi Valkyrie and Rebecca E. McEwen. In it, we meet the beautiful and mysterious widow Vashti Paladin and gradually learn her secrets as she befriends students Absalom and Simeon.
In spite of its modern setting, The Widow definitely has a feel of the Gothic to it. Scenes reminded me of Northanger Abbey and Bluebeard’s Castle, but in this case our inquisitive young heroines were men. There’s a locked door which Simeon and the readers are both desperate to open and terrified of what might be behind.
It’s billed as a dark story, but has a warmth and a light to it that I wasn’t expecting. There’s a focus on found family and protectiveness – Vashti is private but kind to those she lets in.
The Widow is an engrossing read and gets five stars from me. I’d recommend it to fans of the Gothic who are eager to see gender roles reversed, and fans of paranormal romance. The twists and secrets will keep you turning the pages – I couldn’t put it down!

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Blessed: The Academy of Seraph by Brandi Elledge – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Blessed: Academy of the SeraphBlessed: Academy of the Seraph by Brandi Elledge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blessed: Academy of the Seraph is a YA fantasy book by Brandi Elledge which centres around a school for young adults who have been chosen by angels (and, sometimes, demons) and given special abilities. The protagonist Gabriella is extremely powerful, but knows that her powers could put her in danger and so has been hiding and avoiding going to the Academy for as long as she can.
My favourite characters are Gabriella’s best friends, Remy and Hannah. They’re both so fun and kind, and help to lighten the mood of the book. Also Remy spends a considerable amount of time asleep which is relatable.
There’s a bit of a love triangle, which I could live without, but it does link in to aspects of the story and adds to the tension. Generally, though, there is more focus on friendship than romance which is great!
For me, this is a five star read. Great for young adults who enjoy the whole school for people with special powers thing. It ends on a cliff-hanger, so I’m eager for the sequel to come out so I can find out what happens next!

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The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (The Crown of Stones Novella Series Book 1) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Wandering Isles, A Crown of Stones Novella (Novella Series #1)The Wandering Isles, A Crown of Stones Novella by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Wandering Isles is the first in a series of novellas that continues the story of C.L. Schneider’s Crown of Stones series. It’s been a while since I read the series, so it’s great to get more of the story!
The novella format is a departure from the longer novels that made up the original series. It works well with this story, which focuses on a single incident on Troy and Kane’s journey. It’s an intense, mysterious story with strong psychological elements which is short enough to hold the reader captive for the duration.
The connection between Troy and Kane, both magical and personal, is a powerful force and motivator in the Crown of Stones series and the nature of this story, where the two are travelling alone and are forced to confront and expose some of their deepest and darkest fears, really develops that relationship.
For me, this is a five-star read. I was totally immersed in the strange world Troy and Kane found themselves in and couldn’t put the book down! It reminded me at times of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and also of a Stargate SG-1 episode (The Gamekeeper – S2 Ep4). It was also great to be reminded of the Crown of Stones series – I want to reread all of the books now!
This could be read as a standalone, but for me it was particularly powerful in that it reminded me of the events and tensions of the novels. If you have enjoyed the Crown of Stones series, this is definitely worth a read! If you haven’t read them yet, this might be a good place to start as a shorter story that gives you a taste of Schneider’s style and introduces the characters.

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Being Lost (Satan’s Devils MC San Diego #1) by Manda Mellett – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Being Lost (Satan's Devils MC San Diego #1)Being Lost by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Manda Mellett’s Being Lost, we are introduced to the San Diego chapter of her Satan’s Devils MC. Other chapters of the MC – Colorado and Arizona – are already well established in Mellett’s books and San Diego has been mentioned before so it is exciting to get to know it properly!
Lost has made mistakes and trusted the wrong people, and suffered for it. He is still suffering, and worried about what the future could hold for him and the San Diego chapter. But this fear feeds a determination to do the right thing, and a carefulness about where he places his trust. He’s got a good team around him and is willing to work hard.
This story has plenty of tension and action in it. It’s a real page turner! But this doesn’t take away from the romantic story. It’s great to have an older couple as romantic leads, particularly with both of them dealing with the pain they have suffered in the past.
You can absolutely jump in at this story if you haven’t read the others. Mellett gives the reader all the backstory they need to understand what’s going on. That said, the story leads on from the events of Ink’s Devil, the 5th book in the Colorado Chapter series. And if you’re going to read that, you might want the backstory in Devil’s Dilemma at which point you may as well read the whole Colorado Chapter series, and the original Satan’s Devils series, because why not? They’re great books.
For me, this is a five star book. A great addition to a great series – I’m looking forward to reading more from the San Diego chapter!

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Feisty Heroines Romance Collection of Shorts Anthology – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Feisty Heroines: Romance Collection of ShortsFeisty Heroines: Romance Collection of Shorts by D.F. Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Feisty Heroines is a collection of short stories by 36 fantastic authors. The stories vary in genre, with two sections dedicated to paranormal and fantasy stories such as Tia Didmon’s Dragon Rules and Elleen Mint’s Banshee Kiss, one section of contemporary romance such as Maggie Adams’ Good Bones and Savannah Kade’s Redemption, and one section of historical fiction including To Rescue My Princess by Lane McFarland and Destiny’s Way by Karen Muir.
This collection is a great way to meet new authors. The short stories don’t require a big commitment, and after each one there is information about books the author has written. Romance fans are bound to find some new favourites, and the mix of genres might draw you out of your comfort zone.
As the title of the collection suggests, all of these stories present a strong female lead. I was particularly impressed by Casey in Adams’ Good Bones, who runs a palliative care home and is fighting a developer who wants to turn the property into a fancy golf course. Her unconditional care for others and determination to do what is best for the community is admirable.
For me, this is a five star collection. It’s introduced me to a lot of authors who I look forward to reading more of, and the short stories have been perfect for flicking through in a lunchbreak (they would also be great for reading on the train if I wasn’t stuck at home!). I’d definitely recommend this to romance fans who can’t decide what to read next!

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Deleted by Ruth Mitchell – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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DeletedDeleted by Ruth Mitchell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Deleted is a young adult sci-fi book by Ruth Mitchell. The story takes place in the near future – a few decades on from where we are now. Technology has progressed with digital assistants connected directly to most people’s minds.
Our protagonist Lucy, a philosophy student, is one of the few people app developer Marco has ever met who still relies on a smartphone rather than the much more convenient Spex. She is concerned about privacy and security, and it turns out her concerns are not unfounded. It is possible, it turns out, to hack people’s minds through their Spex and while Lucy’s reluctance to embrace the technology keeps her mind safe, it doesn’t stop other people’s memories of her being accessed and erased.
This is an enticing story, and an interesting exploration of the advantages and dangers of technology. It also touches upon how fragile our memories are, even without technology that’s vulnerable to hacking.
This is a great book for teens and young adults who are interested in how technology can develop in the future, and concerned about privacy and how their data is used. The near future setting means much of the world seems familiar, so it would be a good starting point for readers who are just beginning to get into sci-fi. It’s also a fun, thought-provoking read for adults – I thoroughly enjoyed it! It gets 5 stars from me!

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A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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A Book Signing To Die ForA Book Signing To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Book Signing to Die For is a cosy mystery book by Judy Moore. If you’re not sure what a cosy mystery is, you’re in luck because protagonist Becca tells us in chapter five as “kind of a Hallmark version of a mystery – no swearing, no extreme violence, and definitely G-rated”. A Book Signing to Die For definitely fits the bill, centring around a bookshop/café in a quaint seaside location with a book loving protagonist and a handsome detective. If you’re after something comfortably engaging, this is the book for you!
I particularly liked the cast of characters (human and animal!). At the outset, some seem a little two-dimensional and stereotypical (the sister who hates books and is obsessed with boys, for example) but over the course of the story they are fleshed out and developed. Miss Alice is one of my favourites, with her stern and driven attitude towards business and the soft side that we glimpse every now and then.
The setting, and the book signing event that gets the story going, will appeal to fans of mystery books, so it’s definitely a likeable book! And a holiday to Florida, even if only on the pages of a book, is a welcome escape for anyone stuck somewhere cold, rainy and far from the sea.
For me, this is a four-star book. A great comfort read, and an intriguing mystery!

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Saint Code: The Lost (Saint Code Book 1) by Megan Mackie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Lost (Saint Code Book 1)The Lost by Megan Mackie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Lost is a vibrant cyberpunk novel by Megan Mackie. It is the first book in the Saint Code series and follows Saint Augustina as she reluctantly a mysterious and undoubtably dangerous job in partnership with Saint Benedict, with whom she has a complicated history.
It’s an exciting, immersive story. The world is well constructed and I quickly became invested in Saint Augustina as a character. It is good to see a women of colour as the protagonist, and she is a resourceful and complicated character. It is fascinating learning about her backstory, and rooting for her as she tries to find a better life for herself.
I particularly enjoy how Mackie blurs the lines between technology and magic. I found this very engaging, and it increased the sense of mystery surrounding the job the two Saints had set out to complete.
For me, this is a five star book. It’s original and exciting, with a good balance of action and character-driven scenes. I would recommend it to sci-fi fans wanting to escape into a dark, exciting world.

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Love the Way You Dance by Allison M. Boot – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Love the Way You DanceLove the Way You Dance by Allison M Boot
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love the Way You Dance is the charming sequel to Allison M. Boot’s Just the Way You Are. Where the previous book focuses on Misty, this book’s protagonist is Kara.
Kara is a young girl who, after worrying that her disabilities would mean she would never find a family, was adopted by none other than the King and Queen of Starrycrest. Now a princess, Kara has plenty to worry about including whether she’ll nail an upcoming dance performance, and whether the Queen’s pregnancy is threatening Kara’s place in the family.
The world Boot has created is fun and exciting. In a fantasy land, anything goes and Boot has certainly had fun with this! Kara has access to all the delicious food a person can dream of (thanks, in part, to the friendly and talented chef Tony). She has a super wheelchair designed especially to enhance a dancer’s performance, and excellent instruction from pink-haired dance teacher Stella. There’s a cinema in the palace with a fairly comprehensive collection of Rom-Coms. And also trolls, which will grant wishes but always with an aim to furthering their quest to wreak havoc on Starrycrest.
This is a fun book, suitable for YA and teen readers (but also very enjoyable for adults!). It addresses emotional topics, including disability and foster care, but the fun and vibrant setting keeps the tone light and friendly. For me, this is a five-star book. I’m enjoying the series, and hope there’s more to come! (perhaps a book focusing on Tyler? Or a chance to revisit Kara as a young adult?).

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Hero High: Figure In The Flames by Mina Chara – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Figure in the Flames (Hero High, #1-3)Figure in the Flames by Mina Chara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hero High: Figure In The Flames collects the first three parts of Friday Fitzsimmons’ story, written by Mina Chara. Friday, or “Fitz” as she is sometimes known, is a trainee superhero in a world where superheroes are celebrities, surrounded by cameras at all times. Friday doesn’t particularly want to be famous, and certainly doesn’t want to wear revealing clothes and smile for the camera, but she does want to make a difference and support her family.
The story is told within a framing narrative of an interview where an older Fitz is asked to discuss her origins. This works well, both reassuring the reader that Fitz will be alright in the end and allowing the older Fitz to break up the flow of the story every now and then to provide useful information or interesting commentary.
I particularly like Chara’s vivid descriptions of things. Everything from settings to clothes and food (food!). Chara gives the reader plenty of detail that really allows you to feel like you’re seeing and tasting everything.
For me, this is a five-star book. I would recommend it to fans of teen and YA superhero stories (it has a particularly X-Men feel to it with the special school for superheroes). There’s a good balance of character drama and action, and there are familiar tropes without it being boring or too predictable.

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Just the Way You Are by Allison M. Boot – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Just the Way You AreJust the Way You Are by Allison M Boot
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just The Way You Are is a charming fantasy story by Allison M. Boot. It follows the beautiful, adventurous princess Misty Miles as she attempts to escape from the tower her parents have been keeping her hidden away in for the 21 years of her life so far, and find the prince she knows she is destined to be with.
Misty has a physical disability which means she relies on a wheelchair to get around, and is always accompanied by her spritely service dog Dex. A wish-granting troll enables her to walk and dance for three days – just long enough to find Prince Derrick and for the two to fall in love – but the troll neglects to mention the darker consequences of the wish.
As well as fighting a troll, Misty and Derrick must overcome the longstanding rivalry between their two families, which divided the once unified kingdom in two. The pair have a lot to do, and it’s a good thing that they are both very diplomatic and confident.
This is an enchanting story. I loved the descriptions of food and clothes, as well as the magical dance scenes. It’s a wonderful fairytale for modern readers. For me, it’s a five-star read and I would definitely recommend it to teenagers and young adults who enjoy stories with princesses, magic and cute animals.

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Arrows Tipped with Honey (Natural Forces Book 2) by Jean Gill – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Arrows Tipped with Honey (Natural Forces #2)Arrows Tipped with Honey by Jean Gill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Arrows Tipped with Honey is the exciting second book in Jean Gill’s Natural Forces series. It is a fantasy series, with a heroine who has a magical connection with bees and is seeking to overcome a corrupt city that shuns all connections with the natural world.
Following the climactic battle of the previous book, the Citadel believe they are victorious. Sure, the Queen of the Warrior Bees has made some demands of them when they forged their peace treaty, but they have their children back and are able to return to life as normal. But the Queen, Mielitta, is playing a long game. With a spy inside the city, and a generation of children who have seen the forest and tasted the honey, Mielitta hopes she can change things for the better.
Already in the first book, this was a really well developed fantasy world. The rules of the Citadel are clear, and the secrets it hides intriguing. There is a contrast between the strictly ordered Citadel and the wild forest which can seem cliché, but contributes to the power of the story. There is a depth to the characters, particularly coming into the second book as they adapt to their new roles and relationships.
For me, this is a five star book. It’s a great fantasy series for young adults who are concerned about the environment. Readers should start with the first book, Queen of the Warrior Bees, as the story in the second book follows on from the events of the previous book.

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Finding Leda; the Science of Happiness (Italian College Novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness (The Italian Saga #5)Finding Leda, the Science of Happiness by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finding Leda: The Science of Happiness is the first book in the Italian College series, part of Gaia B. Amman’s The Italian Saga. The saga follows Leda from childhood to adulthood, through relationships and friendships, studies and travels as she grows up.
In Finding Leda, we see Leda starting college to study Biotech. Determined to move on from a bad relationship, Leda welcomes a fresh start. Her social group at college is determined more by her carpool group and choice of seat on the first day than anything else, leading to an interesting mismatched group. She gets a blast from the past when she finds that Claudio, a boy she went to middle school with, is now two years ahead of her and, somehow, less evil than she remembered.
In this series, I particularly like the characters who are always there, in the background. Boyfriends come and go, but people like Starry, Leda’s mum, and Lexi, her best friend, are always ready to come back on the scene when Leda needs them. It’s interesting seeing their relationships develop.
Another thing I particularly like in this book is seeing Leda muddling her way through the sciences, as someone who had previously mostly studied literature. Having already read some of the later books, when Leda seems pretty confident as a scientist, seeing her struggling to get to grips with a whole host of ideas and processes is interesting (and not just because I learnt a lot about science on the way!)
For me, this is a four star book. I’m enjoying the series, and would recommend it to fans of coming-of-age stories that span a long duration (I feel like I bring up Adrian Mole every time I review one of Amman’s books but seriously, if you liked Adrian Mole and feel like Adrian could have been a bit more female and Italian, you’ll love this).

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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sex-O-S is the second novel in the Italian Teens series, part of Gaia B. Amman’s Italian Saga. The saga follows Leda, a young Italian woman, as she grows up.
In Sex-O-S, Leda is in her mid-teens. The boys she’s dating (in particular, the seemingly ever-present Nico) want to have sex. She’s not sure she’s ready. With conflicting advice from her friends, the church, her family and everyone else who seems to want to butt into her love life, Leda struggles to make the right decisions and to trust her judgement.
There are some darker moments in this book, particularly relating to sexual abuse. These are handled sensitively, from the perspective of a young Leda coming to understand why people (especially Nico) behave in the way they do.
I really enjoy all the characters and places that become familiar over the course of the series. Leda’s summer routine, visiting her grandmother, feels particularly nostalgic to me by this stage! The Italian settings are wonderful to get to know, like going on holiday to the same place again and again.
For me, this is a four-star book. I’d recommend it to older teens and young adults – it’s not unlike Adrian Mole but with an Italian girl! I’ve read the books in slightly the wrong order – it’s still perfectly easy to follow the story as Amman reminds us of any important information and backstory as it comes up. That said, once I’m finished I will probably reread them in order!

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Romance in Rehoboth Boxed Set (Books 4-6): A Small Town Romantic Comedy Series by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Romance in Rehoboth Boxed Set ( Books 4-6)Romance in Rehoboth Boxed Set by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second Romance in Rehoboth box set collects books 4-6 of K.L. Montgomery’s series. It’s a really enjoyable series of entertaining and heart-warming romantic comedies, set by the beach. Each story works as a standalone, but with the small-town setting you’re always bumping into familiar characters and the box set allows you to get to know the people and places that bit better.
I read Badge Bunny a couple of years ago and loved it! Brynne and Chris both have jobs where they are often responding to emergencies which means that there’s plenty of action and tension in this book, which makes it even more of a relief when the characters get time to enjoy each other’s company.
Wedding War focuses on the threat of superstores to small family businesses – if you like You’ve Got Mail then this is right up your street! Jason and Hannah overcoming their differences to unite against a common enemy is fun to read.
Stage Mom is a particularly poignant read, with single mum Larissa willing to move mountains for her daughter. When Hailey, who has Down Syndrome, decides she wants to take part in a pageant Larissa has to fight to make the pageant inclusive.
There’s plenty of variety in these stories, and so much to enjoy! The collection gets five stars from me. With this, and the other box set that brings together the first three books in the series, you’ve got holiday (or lockdown) reading sorted!

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Read Between The Lines (Freshwater Book 1) by Belinda Williams – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Read Between The Lines (Freshwater, #1)Read Between The Lines by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Read Between The Lines is the first book in Belinda Williams’ Freshwater series. It follows television host Kat and obstetrician Matt from their first encounter, through the broken partition on their adjoining balconies, as they get to know each other. Both are eager to get to know each other, but both have aspects of their own lives they would rather not share.
I particularly liked Kat’s development over the course of the story. She was always quick to judge people, deciding how she felt about them even before she’d met them in some cases. This was a skill that helped her in her interviews, leading her to ask the right questions. But, as she got to know people and let them in to her life, she began to see that people were more than her first assessments of them. From the reader’s perspective, this meant we also had our own assumptions about characters put into question and were reminded not to judge characters, and people, we don’t really know.
The setting was lovely – by the sea in Australia. I haven’t read many books set in Australia, so it was lovely having something that had a bit of local colour to it. The characters spend a lot of time looking out over the waves, or exercising on the sand. Perfect escapism!
For me, this is a five star book. A really enjoyable read. I felt properly invested in the characters and enjoyed getting to know them as they became comfortable enough to reveal a bit more about themselves. Would definitely recommend to romance fans who enjoy characters with busy lives and loveable friends!

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Prophecy Girl (Camille Bishop Book 1) by Ravin Tija Maurice – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Prophecy Girl (Camille Bishop, #1)Prophecy Girl by Ravin Tija Maurice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Prophecy Girl is the first book in Ravin Tina Maurice’s Camille Bishop series. Bishop is a PI, just starting to take her own cases. What seems like a simple case – a young woman worrying that the man she thinks is her father might not be – quickly turns complicated. The case leads Bishop into a paranormal world, and offers to shed some light on the fate of her own parents.

I like how this series combines the genres of mystery and paranormal. The story is very much grounded in reality, and so takes the reader along when it expands into fantasy.

Bishop is an interesting character. She’s very self-analytical, but nonetheless confident and determined to finish the job. She’s got a good support network and reaches out to them for advice and help – I particularly like her cousin Kiera, who followed the family tradition of joining law enforcement.

This is a great book if you can’t decide whether you want to read a classic mystery or a paranormal adventure. It would also be a good way to get a taste for one of the genres if you’re already familiar with the other – a way to bridge the gap. For me, it’s a four star book. Great characters, and an intriguing story!

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Moonlit Mirage: A Cook Islands Romance (Moonlit Destination Series) by Amy McKinley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Moonlit Mirage - A Cook Islands Romance (Moonlit Destination Series)Moonlit Mirage – A Cook Islands Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Moonlit Mirage is the first book in Amy McKinley’s Moonlit Destination series. It ties in with her Gray Ghost series, with a few background characters from the familiar team, but is shorter and contains less action. The focus is on romance and character development, in a book that can easily be read in one sitting.
Cade was the reason Nadia defected. The target she couldn’t leave to die. Nadia was Cade’s angel. The face he could never forget after she saved his life and disappeared. When chance brings them together years later, on a beautiful island that both have come to as an escape, neither can resist the chance to get to know each other properly. But Nadia’s past threatens to catch up with her, as she struggles to keep secrets from Cade.
This is a captivating book. All through I was desperate to find out why Nadia had saved Cade, and why he was targeted in the first place. Although short, there were plenty of interesting details like Nadia’s efforts to increase the time she could hold her breath underwater, which added depth to the story.
For me, this is a four-star read. I’d recommend it to fans of the Gray Ghost series, and if you haven’t read the series yet this would be a great way to get a taste of McKinley’s writing style.

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FLOWERS IN DECEMBER TRILOGY: Flowers in December, Coming Home, Second Chance by Jane Suen – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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FLOWERS IN DECEMBER TRILOGYFLOWERS IN DECEMBER TRILOGY by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Jane Suen’s Flowers in December Trilogy, so it’s great that the three books are now collected into one volume! When I finished the first book, I was eager to find out what happened next so being able to seamlessly segue into the next book (and the one after!) is a big advantage!
It’s a heart-warming wintery romance story that follows Connor as he copes with the grief of losing his mother and re-evaluates his life. His priority so far has been working his way up the business ladder, chasing promotions at the exclusion of all else. Returning home to bury his mother reminds him of everything he missed. It’s a hard journey but, with the help of Tom the cat (who disapproves strongly to city life) Connor figures out what matters most to him.
I particularly like how we see the broader cast of characters develop over the course of the books. It’s particularly seeing how the relationship between Mrs Rainer and her daughter, Alana, unfolds – especially after everything Mrs Rainer has done for Connor!
When I read the books separately, I rated them either four or five stars. The added convenience of having all the books together bumps this up to a five-star collection! I’d recommend it for snuggling up with on cold winter’s days – it would make a great holiday read!

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Forget Nico: Falling for the Wrong Italian (Italian Teens novel 1, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B. Amman – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Forget Nico: Falling for the Wrong Italian (The Italian Saga #3)Forget Nico: Falling for the Wrong Italian by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forget Nico: Falling For The Wrong Italian is the third book in Gaia B Amman’s The Italian Saga, and the first in the Italian Teens series. The series follows Leda from her childhood onwards as she grows up.
Leda and her friends are hitting puberty. Raging hormones are adding to the drama and tensions they were already having to deal with. Leda is struggling to get Nico to notice her as she fends off unwanted attention from other boys.
I found the pacing a bit weird at times, with a few big jumps forward in time. This does allow the story to follow straight on from the previous book Out of the Nest: An Italian Summer and doesn’t affect the pacing too much.
This book does just about work as a standalone, but the series as a whole is very enjoyable and it’s nice seeing Leda grow up and the other characters develop around her. I haven’t quite read them in order, but I did start with An Italian Adventure which was a good introduction to Leda and her family, as well as some of her friends.
For me, this is a four star book. It’s enjoyable, if tense at times, and good to see this part of Leda’s journey. I’d recommend the series to fans of the Adrian Mole series and other coming-of-age stories, particularly if you’re interested in women in STEM.

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Covert Threat (A Gray Ghost Novel, book 5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Covert Threat (Gray Ghost #5)Covert Threat by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Covert Threat is the fifth book in Amy McKinley’s exciting Gray Ghost series. Like the others, it can be read as a standalone but features characters and references events from the previous books.
The Gray Ghost team specialise in difficult missions. They can keep people safe or get them out of tricky situations. The core of the team is former military, and they put their training to good use in dangerous situations. The books are packed with action and tension.
Jules, the protagonist of Covert Threat, realises that she is in trouble when she starts noticing small things out of place. A drawer she doesn’t remember opening. A change to the screensaver on her computer. As things build up, and Jules realises she’s not just imagining it, Trev steps in to protect her and help get to the bottom of things.
I particularly like Jules as a character. Her interest in food and cooking means that McKinley applied her generous attention to detail to descriptions of delicious, nostalgic food (I’m hungry just reading it!). Also, her work as an epidemiologist is really cool and I learnt a lot from reading about it.
For me, this is a five star book. I’d recommend the series to fans of action who like a book with a complex story and characters that you get to know over time. Although you can jump in here, reading the stories in order gives you a chance to meet the characters properly and see their stories unfold (and you’re going to want to read them all eventually!).

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Jake Wolfe Series Bundle Box Set: (Books 1-2-3) Vigilante Justice Thriller Series by Mark Nolan – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Jake Wolfe Series Bundle Box Set (Jake Wolfe #1-3)Jake Wolfe Series Bundle Box Set by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This box set brings together the first three books in Mark Nolan’s Jake Wolfe series – Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie, Vigilante Assassin and Killer Lawyer. The books are real page turners that keep you on the edge of your seat as Wolfe gets himself in and out of trouble trying to ensure justice is served.
I particularly like that the stories switch between various viewpoints, including the “bad guys”. This removes some of the mystery but also fleshes out those characters and their motivations. It also increases the tension when you know what they’re planning to do and have to wait and see if Wolfe is able to stop them in time.
Cody is one of my favourite characters – a retired military dog who Wolfe adopts after Cody’s previous owner dies. As a former dog handler, Wolfe has a special connection with Cody and the pair make a great team!
For me, this is a five-star collection. It’s great having the three books together so you don’t have to wait before starting the next (well, until you need book 4…). The books are fairly long, so this would be good to bring on a holiday where you need plenty of reading material to keep you going. I’d recommend it to fans of action and crime books who like dogs and heroes who aren’t afraid of bending the rules.

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Ink’s Devil (Satan’s Devils MC Colorado Chapter #5) by Manda Mellett – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Ink's Devil: Satan's Devils MC (Colorado Chapter) #5Ink’s Devil: Satan’s Devils MC (Colorado Chapter) #5 by Manda Mellett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ink’s Devil is the fifth book in Manda Mellett’s Satan’s Devils: Colorado Chapter series. It begins at Pyro and Mel’s wedding, picking up where the previous book left off. The book then follows Beth, Mel’s best friend, and Ink, one of the bikers, as they realise that their post-wedding one-night-stand has left them both wanting more.
For me, this story got off to a slow start. I wasn’t really hooked and was struggling to get through it. Then things kicked off and I couldn’t put it down! Ink and Beth’s relationship is just starting to take shape when an unexpected phone call in the middle of the night sets off a chain of events that turns everything upside down. It’s tense and dramatic and there’s mystery and action and all the while you’re left wondering if Ink will ever get to teach Beth to ride a bike.
What I particularly like about this series is how we get to see all the characters we’ve fallen in love with in previous books. It’s good to know there’s something beyond just a simple HEA – they’re still together, still figuring things out, while other stories take centre stage. It’s also fun guessing who will get to be in the spotlight next. In this one, Dirt and Nails were my favourite minor background characters so I’m really hoping they get their own book soon!
For me, this is a four star book. It’s a fun series, and this one had me on the edge of my seat at times! If you’re new to the series, good entry points would either be the start of the main Satan’s Devil’s series or the first book in the Colorado Chapter. You can dive in anywhere, but it’s nice to get to know the characters!

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Lillie (Maggie Trilogy Series Book 3) by Mya O’Malley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Lillie (Maggie Trilogy Series Book 3)Lillie by Mya O’Malley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lillie is the third and final book in Mya O’Malley’s Maggie Trilogy. This series has gripped me from start to finish – so much so that I started reading Lillie within a day of finishing Naomi.
The series’ protagonist, Naomi, is particularly sensitive to ghosts and throughout the series has helped a number of them avenge their deaths and find peace. Naomi has had her abilities since she was a child, something which is brought to the forefront in this book when her supposed imaginary friend returns to her life. When Lillie’s mischief threatens to tear Naomi’s new family apart, Naomi has to figure out what exactly it is the ghost needs to be able to move on.
Like the others, this book is a real page-turner. Again, I couldn’t put it down and had to read it in one sitting. It’s short enough to keep my attention, but packed full of story. Lillie takes us further back in time than the previous books, while also giving Naomi a glimpse of what lies in her, Holly and Bryce’s future. It’s got history, mystery, tragedy, romance and so much more.
For me, this is a five-star book. It’s definitely worth reading the series as a whole – the other books are also fantastic and the stories very much lead on from each other. I’d recommend it to fans of ghost stories and murder mysteries.

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Naomi (Maggie Trilogy Book 2) by Mya O’Malley – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Naomi (Maggie Trilogy Book 2)Naomi by Mya O’Malley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Naomi is the second book in Mya O’Malley’s Maggie trilogy. It is a ghost story, centring around the protagonist Naomi who has the ability to see ghosts. In the first book, she solved the mysteries surrounding the death of a young woman who was buried in the graveyard at the end of her garden. In this book, it gets a lot more personal and dangerous with a ghost seemingly bent on ruining the happiness Naomi has found.

This is an enjoyable, gripping series. There’s lots of mystery and the reader is dropped enough clues that, over time, we begin to piece things together. Naomi is often in danger making for a tense, thrilling read. I couldn’t put the book down!

Naomi is a great continuation of the series. It builds on what we’ve already learnt of ghosts and what they want and after capable of. We get to see the development of Naomi’s relationship with Bryce and Holly too, and see Bryce struggle to accept and support Naomi’s calling in life.

For me, this is a five star book. I’d recommend it to fans of ghost stories and mysteries. It’s definitely worth reading the books in order as the events of Naomi very much follow on from the first book, Maggie.

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