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Eye of the Storm (A Gray Ghost Novel, book 2) AUDIO BOOK by Amy McKinley – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Eye of the Storm (Gray Ghost #2)Eye of the Storm by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was fast paced, adventure story packed with action and twists. Mari was amazing as the lead female protagonist, strong and competent and so brave. Completely kick arse and I love that she was the one doing the rescuing. Set in the Columbian jungle, Mari is tasked with rescuing Chris in exchange for her freedom to live in the US and leave her old life behind. I didn’t realise that this was the second book in the series and so I am intrigued to read the first and any follow ups. I really enjoy McKinley as a writer and I felt that Regan Brown did a fantastic job of bringing her novel to life.

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Antipodes by T.S. Simons – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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AntipodesAntipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was almost ironic to read a book about a world during a deadly virus outbreak whilst we are currently in the grip of a global pandemic due to a deadly virus outbreak. When a water borne virus begins to kill people in the thousands all across the world, Cam is one of 300 hundred people chosen to live in a dome covered colony on an island in the hope to preserve human life on the planet. I saw many similarities in this book such as sustainability, community living. etc that are buzzwords at the moment of how we can have a more secure future on earth. I found this book interesting and the premise is good. The characters were well thought out. However, I did find the lengthy descriptions hard to keep up with at times and almost got a bit lost with the actual plot.

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No Rest for the Wicked (Life Is Hell Book 1) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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No Rest for the Wicked (Life is Hell #1)No Rest for the Wicked by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Delilah is a demon, running a bar and hunting at night. Life in the city gets too much for her so she decides to book a cabin in the woods and treat herself to a vacation. That is until three witches summon her to do their bidding to avenge their long gone ancestors. Then on top of that there’s a handsome Sheriff in the mix who also happens to be in a poly amorous relationship with a Nix.
This novel was fun and whimsical, Delilah is kick ass and funny and easily likable. I really enjoyed this book and found it easy to follow. I would definitely read more in the series.

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Our Wicked Lies by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Our Wicked LiesOur Wicked Lies by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alicia Gray has the perfect life, perfect corporate lawyer husband, perfect home, perfect daughters, perfect best friend. Or does she? When Alicia finds out all is not as it seems in her perfect life and she begins to receive messages from someone claiming to know secrets about her husband, will her own secrets be spilled?
I found this story absolutely gripping. I really enjoyed getting to know the different characters of the book and the inter relationships between them all are very cleverly written. The book is fast paced which I liked as it keeps the suspense factor without lingering too long. I really didn’t see the end coming!

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Luminoso (The Luminara Series, Book 4) by SJ Molloy – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Luminoso (Luminara, #4)Luminoso by S.J. Molloy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This details the next chapter of Lucca and Lexi’s lives as they embark on the journey of parenthood whilst still dealing with their issues from the past. I did enjoy finding out what was next in their story and how they respond and adapt to the new challenges in their lives and how their relationships with each other and their families cope under these new pressures. My only criticisms of this series is that it’s very heavy emotional subjects and at times I would have to have a break and refocus myself. I also found the many deep and meaningful declarations of love quite repetitive at one point and they aren’t always needed for the story or the character development.

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Myths & Legends: An Indie Love Anthology – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Myths & LegendsMyths & Legends by Laura Greenwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book combines my two loves; fantasy and mythology. This is an anthology of different fantasy love stories from different authors and I really enjoyed that each story came from different folklore and mythological legends. I enjoy it when authors take myths such as these and put their own interpretation on them and these were nicely done. The writing was descriptive in such a way that I could picture the magic of the times. Having each story from a different author kept them fresh and exciting and I’m eager to explore more from each writer. This was a great taster collection.

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The Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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The Earl's Scandalous WagerThe Earl’s Scandalous Wager by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At first I wasn’t completely into the storyline with Emily being won in a bet to absolve her stepbrother of his debts. However reminding myself that this was typical of the times I managed to overcome this and actually really get into the story. The writing is very descriptive in a way that completely immerses you in the story and the characters are written with depth and this helped me connect with them and engage in their lives. i enjoyed finding out about what would happen after the Earl one his bet and where Emily fit in his life. Fans of Bridgerton and Austen will enjoy this.

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READY FOR FLYNN, PART 1 (READY FOR FLYNN SERIES) AUDIO BOOK by K.L. SHANDWICK – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Ready For Flynn, Part 1 (Ready For Flynn #1)Ready For Flynn, Part 1 by K.L. Shandwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wheww this novel is emotion!!l. There was alot of character and world building in this story, at times I did feel some of this could have been left out as it wasn’t essential to the story, however I felt that by the end of the book I knew the characters well and so I felt their highs and theirs lows with them. I did have to remind myself that Valerie, the main female character, is actually quite young in this novel as I felt there were alot of adult themes for a young woman of 15 to 18 years of age. I liked that the book ends on a cliff hanger as I am now eager to read the next one. I really enjoyed the narration of this book as I felt the narrator really brought the personalities of the characters to life which I feel is important for such an emotionally hard hitting story.

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Flowers in December AUDIO BOOK by Jane Suen – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Flowers in December (Flowers in December #1)Flowers in December by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is heart achingly beautiful. Connor hasn’t been back to his childhood hometown for over twenty years aside from birthdays and Christmas. However, when his mother dies he has to return to arrange her funeral and take care of her belongings. He finds himself overcome with regret and longing for his past mistakes, grief and love for the mother he loved with everything he had and with hope for his future. The words in this were so beautiful and really got to the heart of the lessons that we can learn from the passing of a loved one and what it truly means to be happy with a well lived and loved life. An absolutely stunning novel.

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Fake Fiancé (A Second Chance Office Romance) AUDIO BOOK by Amy McKinley – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Fake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office RomanceFake Fiancé: A Second Chance Office Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. It was fast paced, quick witted and the characters were well written and likable. 19 year old Adeline is due to start a new dream job in sunny Italy after graduating when an encounter with a psychic at her sorority graduation party tells her to remember to follow her heart. Determined to only focus on her career and her hard earned success, a spanner is thrown in the works when her hot, sexy boss Stone asks her to be his fake fiance. I got lost in this story and found it entertaining with great scene setting from the author. I also found the narration to this story added more depth and really helped bring the story to life.

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Exhale and Move On AUDIO BOOK by K.L. Shandwick – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Exhale and Move OnExhale and Move On by K.L. Shandwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Phwoar! This is how I would describe this book! This book is hot and steamy! This was really refreshing for me to read a bisexual romance (M/M/F).This is the story of Rick, a world famous rockstar who plays his music to millions of fans and has women throwing themselves at him day and night. But little does the world know he indulges in men too!
I especially liked the narration of this story.The narrator brought this story to life. The worlds flowed easily and he really brought the characters to life.
My only criticism is that I found that there were quite a few characters introduced and I found it hard to keep up at times with who was who but other than this I really enjoyed this story.

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight, #1)The Lightning Horse by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was well thought out and I found the story exciting and an epic, historical, adventure. The characters are so well written and described in such a way that I could see them clearly in my mind. I felt the pain and anguish of Tiwatipara after he experiences such tragic and profound loss and I was rooting for him to be the champion of his story. I enjoyed the different character arcs and sub plots and how they linked together. I was transported to another era with this book and quickly engrossed in Tiwatipara’s world. I’m really enjoying this series.

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My Sweet GI AUDIO BOOK by T.L Wainwright – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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My Sweet GIMy Sweet GI by T.L. Wainwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this story. So well written, the characters and plot have been well thought out by the author and the narrator really brings the story to life, she added such an exciting element to the story. I enjoyed that this is set in the war years and it really transported me to Yorkshire in the 1940s. My heart went out to Jenny as she was entering into her womanhood during a war, learning how to be an independent and determined girl and follow her dreams. Following her love story with her beloved Teddy was full of romance. This was one of my favourite audiobooks yet!

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Seductive Prey (Relentless #1) by Vivian Fiano – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Seductive Prey (Relentless #1)Seductive Prey by Vivian Fiano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a hot and steamy romance that had me racing through. I loved the cliffhanger at the end, it was perfectly done to get me wanting to read the next book as soon as possible. Jordan is a wonderful female protagonist, she is brave and ballsy yet also vulnerable too reminding you that she is a human with flaws. Watching the love story between her and Grant was intriguing and I’m itching to know how their future works out.

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On Viking Seas (The Forerunner, Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series)On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this novel. Although a little slow paced at times it adds to the atmosphere and the fill in, slow chapters help to add to the overall story. There were several main characters to this story and I found myself rooting for them all wanting Kara to become the warrior that she dreams of, Sorven to avenge his father’s death and for Cub to find his freedom. i also found Finn a really interesting character to and it really helped to add an element of folklore and magic to the story. This is the first I have read in this series and although you can read as a standalone I am going to be catching up with the first two and look forward to the next installment.

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Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I utterly loved reading this novel. Following three best friends through their summer before senior year, their fathers and a Hollywood leading man as he escapes to Little Rush, the small town the novel is set around. This novel has themes of mental health, the need to escape, coming of age, and how friendships can change over time. Hudson, the lead male protagonist especially captured me as he sunk deeper into loneliness and depression and a daunting future ahead of him. This book was beautifully written with the themes intricately woven throughout and each character developing and evolving throughout the book. This book had me thinking for a few days after I had read it about the main themes and indeed questioning my own small town life. Fantastic!

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Queen Of My Heart (Life Won’t Wait Book 1) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Queen Of My Heart (Life Won't Wait Book 1)Queen Of My Heart by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nikki Lynn Barrett is one of my favourite authors and I especially feel this was justified with this novel. This novel was brilliantly written, and the characters were relatable and interesting. Quinn Winters is a daytime soap and straight to TV movie actress whose first love is country music. After one TV death too many she turns her back on acting, moves to Nashville and tries her hand at making it as a country singer. Tucker McGinnis has been labelled as not only the sexiest country music singer but also the ‘next king of country’. His second album however has flopped in the record labels eyes. Pairing with Quinn to launch her career and save his own, they help each other out in more ways than one. Barrett writes her characters story in such an intriguing and believable way that you feel like you could be hearing about your favourite singers’ lives.

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The Luminara Series: Box Set – Volume 1 (Lussuria – L’amore – Lucca’s Lust) by SJ Molloy – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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The Luminara Series: Box Set Volume 1: Lussuria - L'amore -Lucca's LustThe Luminara Series: Box Set Volume 1: Lussuria – L’amore -Lucca’s Lust by S.J. Molloy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you like super descriptive books with instant romance plotlines and a trauma filled background then this book is right up your alley. I, however, found this series very difficult at times to get through and I did take some breaks and keep coming back to it. I understand that this is supposed to be a tale of romance and lust however I found some parts of Lexi and Lucca’s romance unrealistic and at times cringey. This is down to personal preference however, and some may enjoy this style of writing.

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Try Right (Aloha Series book 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Try RightTry Right by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This novel was hot hot hot! And I don’t mean because it was set in Hawaii. Disgraced Hollywood film star Claudia goes on location to Hawaii to film a low budget soap and in search of a past love. However, she gets more than she bargains for when she meets the rugged and daring stuntman, Henry. This is a raunchy, steamy love story. Claudia reminded me of Marilyn Monroe with her bombshell looks and 60s glamour. This is a perfect Summer read!

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Revelations (Separate Worlds Book 1) by Izzibella Beau – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Revelations (Separate Worlds Book 1)Revelations by Izzibella Beau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I got grown up Twilight/True Blood vibes from this story. I did really enjoy this book and found the character development that took place over the course of the book really well done. I especially liked the Jacob and Madison character arc. I could tell that the author had considered each different character arc and how the plotlines would interlink, and this was well thought out. When Emily starts a new school, she meets Zach, brother of the school’s star football player and resident bad boy, and his best friend’s Madison, and Danny and Alex who have just started dating. I liked the supernatural element of this story and am looking forward to each different character’s supernatural abilities being shown more in the next instalment.

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Savage (Ash Park Series Book 10) by Meghan O’Flynn – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Savage: An Ash Park Novel (Volume 10)Savage: An Ash Park Novel by Meghan O’Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a massive Karen Slaughter and Tana French fan I was really looking forward to reading this. I haven’t read any of the previous Ash Park series novels but that wasn’t a problem as the book is easy to follow and anything that is mentioned from previous books is explained anyway. The writing is so clever I was kept in suspense through all the twists and turns of the book but was still able to keep up with the story. I definitely had no idea who the villain would turn out to be in the end and was pleasantly surprised when they were revealed. I really liked Petrosky as a protagonist. He has likable qualities but at the same time battles his demons and I found him realistic as a lead detective who has worked on the cases of the calibre he has. I am very interested to read the rest of the Ash Park series and will keep my eye out for the next instalment.

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VENGEANCE (THE JOURNALS TRILOGY BOOK TWO) AUDIO BOOK by D.M. EARL – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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I actually enjoyed this one a lot more than I did the first. I found this book more emotionally in depth even though the subject material itself was still tough at times.The story was well thought out and I enjoyed the pacing of the story. It was interesting to get to know the secondary characters more in this story and I also found myself warming to Quinn, the main female protagonist too. It was interesting to go along her journey with her as she figured out how to get closure for what has happened to her in the past. I actually found the love story aspect of the story more likable in this next part of the trilogy and am looking forward to the final part.

To be a Fae Queen by Tricia Copeland – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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To be a Fae Queen (Realm Chronicles #1)To be a Fae Queen by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This for me was like Game of Thrones meets A Court of Rose and Thorns. I really warmed to the female protagonist in this story. Titania is a brave, determined and proud princess who goes on to become the Queen of the Fae after her brothers are killed in battle. I often forgot she was so young as she appears to be very wise and strong in her mind. The writer perfectly sets the scene and builds this story up gradually so that the great events aren’t overwhelming even thought hey are enthralling and exciting. I am excited to read the rest of this series and find out what happens next in Titania’s reign.

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Peaceful Slumber (Soul Connection Book 1) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Peaceful Slumber (Soul Connection, #1)Peaceful Slumber by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After being brought back to life after a close call with death, Scott can now see ghosts. It is not something he relishes in and he tries to avoid the spirits that seek him at all costs. That is until one particular ghost in a wedding dress appears to him at his late uncle’s funeral. Not having any memories of who she is, Scott works with her to figure out who she is and how he can help her. I really enjoyed this book. Both the main characters are likeable, and you really find yourself rooting for the. The plot is beautifully written and well thought out, there is lots of twists and turns to keep you interested but the main focus of the story is still there. I was intrigued to find out about Scott’s part and why he had such a connection to this ghost in particular. Seeing both characters develop over the book was particularly exciting. A great read.

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ANGUISH (THE JOURNALS TRILOGY BOOK ONE) AUDIO BOOK by D.M. EARL – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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This book was very emotional and contains quite a hard hitting story line. I found the female protagonist a strong character despite what she had been through and although I didn’t love this book I am intrigued to know if she does get the revenge she seeks. I enjoyed how fast paced the story was and found this helped keep me focused on the plot and stopped my mind from wavering.
My reasons for not liking this were mainly that as the plot was so hard hitting and emotional I found the racy, sexual parts out of place with the general plot. I also found that the sexual encounters were overly descriptive but that’s my personal taste. I struggled with the narration as I found the narration strangely robotic but again that is my personal taste.

Ocean’s Light (Blood of the Pirate BOOK 1) by Mina Chara – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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The Ocean's LightThe Ocean’s Light by Mina Chara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun filled, adventure packed, exciting pirate adventure from the word go. Captured by pirates who want her treasure map, orphaned Evie Waters becomes embroiled in a quest to find the much-coveted Ocean’s Light. The Ocean’s Light given by the sea, is able to grant a wish to those who posses it. Evie is convinced the Light holds the answers to who her parents are and will reveal what her destiny is. The plot was easy to follow yet still interesting and I really enjoyed the character development and the different personalities of everyone involved in the book. I’m happy to see that this is part of a series and I can’t wait to find out what the feisty Evie and the crew of the Easy Money get up to next.

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Wolf’s Beautiful Beast (The Untold Stories Book 3) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Wolf's Beautiful Beast (The Untold Stories, #3)Wolf’s Beautiful Beast by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third in the series and after loving the first two I was really looking forward to this one. Lynn didn’t disappoint. We followed, Rose, Lycus and Rapunzel as they began their journey to Oz with justice and vengeance in mind. After becoming shipwrecked in a storm at sea, Red and the gang fall on the hospital of the Kingdom of Bruen. But all is not as it seems. I really enjoy Lynn’s retellings, and this had the sharp, witty storytelling that I have come to expect. This was yet again a fantastic twist on much loved fairy-tale but remaining original and exciting. I am very much looking forward to the next one in series and seeing what adventures the gang get up to next.

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Red’s Tangled Tale (The Untold Stories Book 2) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Red's Tangled Tale (The Untold Stories, #2)Red’s Tangled Tale by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was excited to read the second in the Untold Stories series as I really enjoyed the first one and this one did not disappoint. After briefly meeting Red in the first book, I was excited to delve into her story and find out her Untold Story. Living in the land of Timbergard, fifteen-year-old Red hunts the woods in the night taking down the deadly super wolves that haunt the forest. After going on a quest with a returned Captain James Hook, nee Shaw, to the ash fields, she encounters a pack of wolves and must run for her life. She stumbles upon a mysterious tower that leads her to question all that she knows about the wolves in the wood. I really enjoy Flynn’s retellings of the classic fairytales. Her world building is brilliant, and the story envelops me. A really enjoyable read.

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Hook’s Little Mermaid (The Untold Stories BOOK 1) by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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Hook's Little MermaidHook’s Little Mermaid by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is brilliant for revisiting your childhood favourite fairy tales as an adult. This was a fresh spin on the Captain Hook/Peter Pan story and I really enjoyed it. Captain James Shaw is hell bent on revenge, blaming Peter Pan and the Lost Boys for the death of his son. Whilst plotting how to bring down his nemesis he meets a mermaid along the way who enthrals and makes him question everything he knew. The character building was brilliant and the story was so beautifully written. This is definitely a saga that I am going to continue with, looking forward to see what happens next.

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City of Whispers (Imperial Assassin Series Book 1) by Katt Powers – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

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City of Whispers (Imperial Assassin, #1)City of Whispers by Katt Powers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an action-packed adventure from the word go. The writer uses powerful scene setting and sharp, quick witted dialogue to bring this fast paced, dangerous story to life. I enjoyed the well thought out plot and the main protagonist, Dhani Khiram is a brave, intelligent ex-assassin who has been relocated to Regional Command. Partnered with Captain Parvan Gorshayik she sets out to uncover a plot that will lead her on a dangerous and exciting path. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next novel in Khiram’s world.

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