This week, I’m diving into The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen, a mythology-inspired fantasy romance filled with deadly challenges, divine politics, and a reluctant heroine caught in the middle of it all. With a premise rooted in ancient rivalries and a high-stakes tournament hosted by the gods themselves, it’s a story that promises danger, drama, and a healthy dose of romantic tension. As always, these are just my personal thoughts. I’ll be talking about the world-building, the main characters, and also going into a little bit of the mythological archetypes included in the story. As ever, everything is completely spoiler-free. If you enjoy mythological twists and enemies-to-lovers dynamics, this might be one to add to your TBR. And stay tuned to the end of the episode for a quick review of The Names by Florence Knapp, a beautifully written, thought-provoking read that I just couldn’t leave unmentioned. So pop the kettle on, get comfy, and let’s talk books.
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Silver Elite by Dani Francis
This week, I’m diving into Silver Elite, a dystopian romance that’s been making waves in the book community. A debut novel by author Dani Francis, it is set in a high-stakes world, with slow-burning tension, and a heroine hiding more than just her powers. Silver Elite is a release that has caught the attention of a lot of readers across socials, and I was so curious that I just had to pick it up..As usual, all opinions are completely mine, and I’ll be sharing my honest thoughts on everything from the pacing and character development to the emotional pull of the romance. I’ll also touch on some of the conversation happening around the book, praise and criticism, everything is fair game. As ever, it's 100% spoiler-free, so whether you've read the book or are thinking about it, I'm not going to be revealing massive plot points, character motivations or the ending!Grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s have a chat about whether Silver Elite lives up to the hype, or if it left me wanting something more.
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An Interview with Author Niloufar Lamakan
When you reach a certain age, you can feel as though you're forgotten, whether that's because you've suddenly reached the age of grandmothers in books who sit and knit while adoring their grandchildren, or because you are no longer seen as anything but the extension of the family unit. Aged to Perfection, the debut novel by author Niloufar Lamakan, is one of a recent batch of romantic comedy novels that turns this preconception on its head. With a leading lady in her early 60s who wants to go out and enjoy life - and by that I don't mean sitting on her deck with a sherry as people bring her a birthday cake that could set a house on fire...Sophia has a goal: 52 dates in 52 weeks. She's in her new romantic era. Join me today as I talk with Niloufar about Aged to Perfection, the preconceived belief that women in their 60s are old and past it, and why she wrote this novel. Niloufar online Instagram Facebook Buy the book Amazon Waterstones Indie Bookstores
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An Announcement
No, this is not bad news. A change is afoot, and I am really hoping you'll join me. The podcast isn't going anywhere, honest.
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An Interview with Author Mandy Robotham
This week, I’m joined by bestselling author Mandy Robotham to talk about her latest novel, Mrs Spy, a gripping and atmospheric story of secrets, betrayal, and the high personal cost of espionage. The book is released on Thursday, the 15th of May and published by Head of Zeus.Set against the tense backdrop of 1960s Britain at the height of the Cold War,we follow widowed single mother, Maggie Flynn, who, following the unfortunate and sudden passing of her husband, works for MI5. Maggie’s world is one of order and duty, balancing the demands of intelligence work with raising her Beatles-fanatic daughter and spending time with her colourful and exuberant mother. Things begin to unravel when she meets Yuri. He knew her husband, and knows things about his career that he had kept a secret from her. As Maggie delves deeper, she finds herself questioning everything: her colleagues, her past, and even her memories of her husband. In a world where deception is currency and silence can be deadly, Maggie must rely on her instincts and inner strength to uncover the truth. But with powerful forces determined to keep her quiet, will she be silenced before she can expose what really happened?Mrs Spy is an evocative and emotionally charged novel that captures the danger of the Cold War era and the quiet bravery of women who refuse to be overlooked—or silenced.Find Mandy Robotham onlineInstagramFacebookBuy Mrs SpyAmazon UKWaterstonesBookshop.org UK
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