Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Review of The Unquiet Spirit by Penny Hampson

 



She wasn’t home alone...

With her love life in tatters, Kate Wilson needs a fresh start, and where could be better than the old Cornish house that had belonged to her godmother?

There’s just one problem – it comes with a ghost as a sitting tenant.

Her grumpy new neighbour, the broodingly handsome Tom Carbis, is another fly in the ointment – he seems to turn up wherever Kate goes. His dog might be friendly, but he’s definitely not.

Then the discovery of a hidden diary points Kate to a romantic mystery with links to both Tom’s family and her house’s past – a mystery that might explain the reason for her spectral lodger.

The downside? Kate needs Tom’s help to solve it and has to convince him that she is not his foe.

But working with Tom to unravel long-buried secrets has unexpected consequences, and Kate discovers far more than she bargained for.

The Unquiet Spirit is a spooky, suspense-filled, enemies-to-lovers romance.

A Five Star Read

I thoroughly enjoyed The Unquiet Spirit — it’s a captivating mix of romance and the paranormal that kept me hooked from start to finish. Kate’s move to her inherited Cornish house sets the stage for mysterious happenings and a slow‑burn connection with her intriguing neighbour, Tom. The story balances tender, emotional moments with an undercurrent of suspense, making it a charming yet eerie read that lingers after you’ve put it down.

* A compelling blend of romance and supernatural intrigue

* Engaging, relatable characters with real emotional depth

* A Cornish setting that adds atmosphere and charm

* Suspenseful yet heartwarming story that keeps you turning pages


This book is available in the following formats
#KindleUnlimited

Penny Hampson


Penny Hampson writes mysteries, and because she has a passion for history, you’ll find her stories also reflect that. A Gentleman’s Promise, a traditional Regency romance, was Penny’s debut novel and the first of her Gentlemen Series. There are now four novels in the series, with the latest, An Adventurer’s Contract, released in November 2024. Penny also enjoys writing contemporary mysteries with a hint of the paranormal, because where do ghosts come from but the past? The Unquiet Spirit, a spooky mystery/romance set in Cornwall, is the first in the Spirited Encounters Series. Look out for A Plethora of Phantoms coming soon.

Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time).

If you’ve enjoyed any of Penny’s books please leave a review on Amazon, Bookbub, or Goodreads, and let other readers know!

Penny's Social Media Links:

Publication Date: 17th October 2025
Publisher: PP&M Publishing
Page Length: 245
Genre: Paranormal Ghost Romance
Triggers: emotional abuse by partner









Thursday, January 22, 2026

Review of Rough Diamond - Rough Justice by Avien Gray

 



After a first kill, MI5 Agent and erstwhile photographer Cain becomes an undercover, extra-judicial killer for a secret Bureau.

Recovering from injuries sustained protecting the Royal Family, Cain embracesa new life and romance in sun-drenched Australia, leaving his past life behind.

But when tragedy strikes, he is on the move again. This time to a new career in the world of diamond dealings in Florida.

Curiosity takes Cain to the diamond world in South Africa, where his past finally catches up with him, the criminal world allies against him and he becomes a killer again.

In Cain's action-packed escapades, a spectacular betrayal takes him into the rigours of a Chinese prison where the truth about his past begins to unravel.

Aided by a loyal band of friends from the shadowy world of intelligence, he delivers his own particular brand of rough justice.

However, with enemies closing in on all sides, will Cain prevail?


Trigger warnings: violence, murder

A Five Star Read

I was completely drawn into Rough Diamond from the very start, finding it a gripping and emotionally intense read that felt raw, honest, and thoroughly engaging. Avien Gray delivers a story that doesn’t shy away from darkness, yet still manages to feel deeply human and absorbing from beginning to end.

*Gritty, realistic characters who feel flawed, layered, and genuinely believable

*Strong pacing that keeps the tension building and the pages turning

*Sharp, confident writing with emotional depth that never feels forced

*A story that lingers long after the final page, making it a truly memorable read


This book is available in the following formats



Praise

“Rough Diamond, Rough Justice” by Avien Gray is a riveting spy thriller that seamlessly blends electrifying elements of espionage, adrenaline-charged action, and daring escapades.
 
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion

“A gripping high-stakes thriller, “Rough Diamond - Rough Justice” by Avien Gray is driven by the urgent question of whether one can ever truly escape a dark and violent past.”

The Coffee Pot Book Club

“Avien Gray’s Rough Diamond, Rough Justice is a gritty and cinematic thriller that follows Cain, a former professional photographer turned MI5 surveillance agent, as he navigates a world of espionage, betrayal, and violence.”

Literary Titan

Avien Gray

Avien Gray, the English author behind Rough Diamond – Rough Justice, brings a wealth of experience to his gripping debut novel. Born in the UK, Gray has led a dynamic, bachelor’s life marked by an impressive array of skills and global adventures. He has a driver’s license, motorbike license, and pilot’s license. His physical discipline extends to martial arts, where he earned a karate black belt, complemented by a lifelong passion for photography that captures the world through his discerning lens.

Gray’s rumoured travels paint the picture of a man unbound by borders. He is said to have spent many months in Saudi Arabia, Australia, the USA, South Africa, Europe and China. This rich tapestry of experiences infuses his writing with authenticity, lending a vivid, worldly edge to the thrilling narrative of his complex protagonist: a man called Cain.

Avien and his best friend shared a flat and went out with various female friends together. They had a great time. As it says in the book when Cain is talking with his best friend: a Royal Protection Officer.

 ‘We will have to write that book when we retire,’ Cain said.
 They looked at each other with knowing smiles – for a long few seconds.
 ‘All those secrets,’ said Jerry. ‘Perhaps we will.’
 And time moved on.

But in real life, his best friend tragically died – leaving Avien to write their book alone.

Avien's Social Media Links:


Publisher: Avien Gray
Page Length: 466
Genre: Political Thrillers & Suspense / Historical Fiction










Review of The Unquiet Spirit by Penny Hampson

  She wasn’t home alone... With her love life in tatters, Kate Wilson needs a fresh start, and where could be better than the old Cornish ho...