Broken Circle

Gray Ghost #1

by Amy McKinley

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B077YZTWWD

Upper East Side artist, Olivia Wrightwood is ready for a change. Marrying Alex Mudarra, a dedicated and up-and-coming NYPD detective, is exactly what she needs to escape the clutches and scrutiny of her family's political dynasty.

Life with Alex is simple and secure--everything she's ever wanted. Or so she thought...

When Alex's career plans shift from police work to politics, their idyllic life shifts back to the familiar corruption she ran away from. And after she overhears a late night call, her safety shatters and doubt sets in. Can a surprise trip make amends or will this second honeymoon lead to a dangerous life of manipulation and lies?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense, Mystery Thriller

266 pages, ebook

First published January 16, 2018

About the author

Amy McKinley is the USA Today bestselling author of the romantic suspense thriller Gray Ghost Novels, Deadly Isles Special Ops, Mafia Elite, Moonlit Destination, Five Fates paranormal romance, and several standalone titles. Her edge-of-your-seat books are filled with surprising twists and just the right amount of heat and danger. She lives in Illinois with her husband, two daughters, two sons, and three mischievous cats. You can find her at www.AmyMcKinley.com

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Major spoiler and I mean major:

Alex is not really the hero and he dies. She ends up with an entirely different man. I wanted Alex to be the hero. I wouldn't have read it otherwise. I kept hoping he wasn't bad and I hated that part.

He did love her but he was born into a bad family. The hero is a nice guy and honestly Alex pretty much gave her to him.

It's just a sad sad story and I do believe I won't read this series again. It's not a bad book at all and the writing is excellent just not for me. I was majorly disappointed. I guess if you go into it as reading a suspense novel only it would be better. Don't expect a romance like I did. I mean she gets a man but not the one I wanted at first. I can't even tell you how sad that made me!!!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Circle (A Grey Ghost Novel Book 1) by Amy McKinley is the first book in her A Grey Ghost Novel series. This is not my first book by this author but it has just become my favorite of her and I can't wait to see what she has next for us in this series. Her writing style is easy flowing and kept me engaged until the end of the book. I did have a hard time putting this book down and ended up reading it all in one night. The characters in this book are lovable and connectable. You will find that there is a couple that you won't like but they do make the story and I wouldn't change them. This story took me on some twists and turns that I didn't see coming and left me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what will happen next. This story is full of suspense, action and even some romance. This story is about betrayal, misconceptions and seeing things for what they are. This is the story of Liv. She seems to have the best marriage to those looking in from the outside. She even thought that until her husband, Alex, started acting weird. She over hears one of his phone conversations but what she doesn't realize is how it will change her life from that point forward. He suddenly decides that they are going to finally take that honeymoon they couldn't take when they got married. Will she get to see another side of Alex she didn't realize existed? He wants nothing more then to protect her but what will happen when he puts her in danger? Will this be a second chance for them or will they need to fear for their lives? I really enjoyed Liv's character. You would think that because she has a strong husband that she is a little weak but that is not the case here at all. Liv is really strong and the things that she goes through in this story just makes her stronger. I enjoyed seeing her grow throughout the story. I felt compassion for her when she starts realizing that life is not what it seems for her. I will say she does have a hard time listening to do what she is told so she is strong headed but I know you will enjoy her character. A few of the secondary characters are great too and I enjoyed them also. Alex is a character that I fell in love with at the beginning but by the end I think I wanted to kill him. All of the characters make this story flow into an action packed story. I highly recommend this story as I know you will want to see what happens with Liv. Will she get her happy ever after or does fate have something else in store for her.

[Natasha TerMaat · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow
I've been stuck in a funk lately with erotic romance books the last few months and honestly couldn't get myself to finish one. Soon After stating this story i was pulled in...i was reading every chance I got!
Before starting this book I didn't realize how much I loved this genre. The suspence ...my gosh... I was on edge the whole second half, wondering what the heck was going to happen and where the author was going to take this story! It was honestly an amazing read! It had everything from fantastic in depth main characters ,to second had characters we get glimpses of ( can't wait to read the Chris's story ) it had a nail biting storyline all the way to the last chapter! You NEED to read this!!!!

[Heather Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from this author and wow she blew me away. I love a good suspenseful romance but this author exceeded all my expectations. This is the first book of the Gray Ghost series. I was hooked on this story right from the beginning. These characters kept me up at all hours of the night. It only took me a few hours to devour this incredible story.

Olivia Wrightwood is ready for love so when she meets the handsome Alex Mudarra she falls hard for him. She loves him so much she gets married to him. They are now about to have their first year anniversary. Olivia is a beautiful artist and Alex works undercover. She feels safe and secure in her marriage. Alex surprises her with a trip to where he grew up. Olivia is so excited to go but one night she overhears a heated conversation which changes everything she thought she knew. Olivia feels like her husband is hiding something from her but what? Will their second honeymoon make them closer or will it put them against each other?

I absolutely loved this book. The storyline has it all romance, suspense, mystery, and healing. You will fall in love with all of the characters right from the start. Olivia is a very talented artist that where’s her heart on her sleeve. She loves her husband with all of her heart and will do anything for him. Olivia is my favorite female character of this year. She had a lot of struggles throughout this book but she ends up much more stronger in the end. This talented author will have you at the edge of your seat until the end. I love books that has twists and turns you don’t see coming. This book is the perfect way to start off an amazing series. I can’t wait to see what she will write for us next.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/3/2021)! 🎁

[Sara Oxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Circle by Amy McKinley a four-star read that will brake you. This is the first book in a Gray Ghost Novel series and if the rest of the series goes from strength to strength as this book did it will be a great series, Its filled with action and drama and characters like Olivia and as you follow her journey you will see the story and wonder if the life she is living is a lie, the husband she loves, is he the man she married? This story will have you on the edge of your seat, the twists and turns will astound you. Can’t wait to read book two.

[Socially Book Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artist Olivia is married to Alex, he is a detective and a good husband. But Olivia family is in Politics and she has had some experience with the ugly side of things. She gets suspicious of Alex and questions him and his motives. But when she goes on holiday to meet his family, she is confronted with some disturbing news. Alex may in fact be dirty. and connected to dangerous people. or is he just under cover? suspenseful, page turning, great read. keeps you on your toes till the very end.

[Kim Shofner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy wow, life gets interesting when the blinders come off. For Liv, the removal of her blinders came by way of a phone call. After that it's hard to ignore all the things she didn't see before. Alex, her perfect husband and her perfect life, isn't exactly as it seems. This book is a whirlwind of twists. Some you see coming and others that jist blindside you. So far I've loved every book Amy McKinley has written. This one definitely doesn't disappoint. Another great book!

[Smutty~ Vibes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that i have read by this author and im not disappointed i cant wait to read the other 2 books in this series it is everything i love to read and more i am defiantly a fan! Trust me guys you wont be disappointed:)

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Broken Circle (Gray Ghost #1)
Author: Amy McKinley
Publisher:Edition: Kindle
Amount of Pages: 266
Genre: Suspense, Romance, Military

Date Read: 01-12-2019

Favorite Quote: "Life with Alex is simple and secure - everything she's ever wanted. Or so she thought..."

Review:
This book was interesting. It had some interesting plot twist. I saw them coming and expected it judging from the characters behavior but it was good non the less.
Olivia was a bit naive and too sweet sometimes. Or maybe that seemed that way to me since i'm naturally more suspicious. I knew something was up the second stuff started to happen but Olivia kept teling herself other wise. It might have been easier to see for me as an outsider but his excuses weren't cutting it in my opinion.
I do like that once she found out what really was going on she made it her goal to get away and didn't go back once. I really liked that. She grew, got stronger and held her ground.

Overall this was an interesting book, It didn't fully deliver what I expected but it was still good. I would definitely read the other books in this series at some point.

Rating:
3 I enjoyed it stars

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Circle
(A Grey Ghost Novel Book 1)
By Amy McKinley
4 Stars


Broken Circle is book number one in the Grey Ghost series and it is also my first by this author and it left me with high hope for all her future books. Her writing style is a little different, but it flows very nicely and I was hooked on the story and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next and see what next surprise was going to jump out at me. The characters in this story are very likeable and I connected with more than one of them. This story was a little crazy (in a good way). The author kept me on the edge of my seat and the story was full of suspense and romance and A LOT of betrayal. This is one of those stories that you just have to read for yourself, so go get it NOW NOW NOW.
I would recommend this to a friend.
Review by Anastasia D.

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Circle (A Gray Ghost Novel Book 1) by Amy McKinley

5 Stars

Ummmmm Holy Moly what a book! I've never read a book with so many twists and turns, this author made sure you would never completely figure out what was going on or what was going to happen. I read it in one sitting because I truly could not put it down. The flow was exceptional and before I knew it I was done.

I don't even know where to start with this review, the synopsis the author has in place covers it to an extent but she very tactfully leaves out exactly what needs to be left out. The characters in play in this story were written beautifully. Liv just wanted a happy life with her husband far removed from the life her parents lived. Her husband Alex was a detective with the NYPD and was moving quickly to shut down major drug cartels, but his hopes to move into politics were becoming a reality and not something Liv was thrilled about getting back into. She overhears a phone conversation that bothers her and leads her to start wondering what exactly is going on and what secrets Alex is keeping from her, although knowing she is keeping her own secrets as well. When Alex whisks her away on the honeymoon they were never able to go on more questions without answers continue to creep up on Liv.

That’s all I’m gonna say, the rest you have to read to appreciate, just know that from there on you will be going out of your mind and won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough and get ready because I’ll guarantee you will be as mad as I was that somebody in this book just could not follow directions and do as they were told and it just kept going on and on lol I was yelling at my kindle at some parts.

This was a great start to the series and I absolutely can not wait to read more about all the characters that came into this story. This is a must read and now I will end here because I have to go see where the 2nd book is.

Loved it!!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an absolute fresh breath of air was this novel from Amy McKinley. From the stunning cover to the marvelous story between the covers, everything was flawless and mind-blowing. I really enjoyed every second that I spent with Liv. Amy McKinley is new author to me, but just became one of my automatic one-click favorites! I can’t wait to dive into the next book in this Gray Ghost series and everything else she has available to read.

In Broken Circle we learn all about Olivia, or Liv, Wrightwood. The way that McKinley writes, you feel every single emotion that Liv feels, and you are discovering things as she does. This is one unpredictable book, which was great! Just when I thought I had things figured out and was sure what would come next, boom, the absolute opposite of what I thought would happen, happens.

Liv is a woman with a mission, she just wants a normal and happy life. Whatever ‘normal’ is, she craves it. She loves her husband Alex and that he is able to give her an escape from things in life that she had to endure with her parents growing up. Until, he can’t. Life has different plans for Alex and soon Liv is questioning everything she thought she knew about him. When the Liv is forced to face the facts about secrets she has, and secrets that she discovers about her husband, things get really intense. Go into this novel with the thought that you are on a journey with Olivia, that you will not be able to predict this one, and it will blow your mind what happens. I found myself resisting the urge, which was strong at several moments, from throwing my tablet at the wall.

I would hate to give away anything more than what I have and ruin this amazing novel. Take my word for it, grab this one today, and while you are at it just one-click the next in the series, Eye of The Storm. That should help ease the pain of your book hangover from this one! Happy Reading!

[Jennifer Wolbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Circle is a story about how keeping secrets in a marriage can lead to the destruction of a relationship. I enjoyed the themes of love, infidelity, greed, deceit and family that were explored in this book. All of the characters had strong motivations and ties to one another. This is my fourth Amy McKinley novel, and I'm not disappointed. I love her writing style and how she structures her stories. This is also my second audiobook narrated by Regan Brown. I appreciated Ms. Brown's performance better in this one and felt like she gave all of the characters their own distinct feel.

I do have a few nitpicks. Sometimes, I felt annoyed with the main character, Liv. In the beginning of the book, she was very suspicious of her husband, Alex. She was afraid of infidelity because of how her parents had dealt with it during her upbringing. However, until the second act of the book, I didn't feel like Alex gave sufficient reasons to be suspicious. Liv felt upset that he was being secretive, but he literally worked in law enforcement to dismantle crime organizations. I didn't really understand why she felt so entitled to the classified information Alex had to deal with for his job. These are spoilers, but I also didn't feel like Liv had appropriate reactions when she found out that Alex belonged to a high profile cartel in South America, and she also seemed too careless when she was undercover and trying to run away from Alex's family.

In the end, this story is definitely a fantasy type of romance. The woman bounces from one handsome, sexy, wealthy man to another. She is always provided for and she always has a man to cherish and protect her. All of the danger and excitement are just twists and turns along the way. If you're looking for romance that's tinged with tragedy and adventure, then you'll enjoy Broken Circle.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Broken Circle is the first book in the Gray Ghost Novel series by Amy McKinley. I am very familiar with Ms. McKinley’s work, as I loved reading the first two books in her ‘Five Fates’ (erotic fantasy/paranormal romance) series- and have been anticipating the release of more installments in that series. So, when I saw she had released this book, which is the start of a new romantic suspense series, I grabbed it right away.
The story is quite suspenseful- with mystery, drama, action, danger, intrigue, tension, and a little spice. I really was trying to guess where the story was headed and what was going to happen, the whole way through the book. The story twisted and turned on itself- bringing surprises and unexpected developments that I never saw coming.
We jump right into the story, meeting Olivia who is a talented artist, and her husband Alex, who is a police detective. They have been married for a year and a half, are still very much in love, and have made a good life for themselves. But all of that is about to change, with an overheard late-night conversation that throws doubts into Olivia’s mind. Then subtle changes in her once predictable husband worries Olivia further. His sudden interest in a political career, is a further concern- especially when Olivia had her own reasons for staying clear of the political machine of her past.
Will a second honeymoon rekindle their spark and turn things around for them, or will it only bring further lies, deception, manipulation, danger, and suspicion.
This series is definitely off to a great start! It is a quick, easy read- I got through it all in one easy sitting. I am looking forward to the release of the next book, ‘Eye of the Storm’ to see where Ms. McKinley takes us.

Thank you, Ms. McKinley!

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Circle ( A Gray Ghost Novel Book #1)
By: Amy McKinley
4 out 5 stars

Broken Circle by Amy McKinley is the first in a new series. I have to tell you Amy is off to a magnificent start with Broken Circle. A romantic tale of love, deceit and things not always the way the appear. Amy McKinley has written great characters that are easy to connect to. The storyline is an steady build of drama that captivates you in from the beginning and hold you hostage tell the last page.
Olivia is a talent artist that has been happily married to Alex for over one year. Alex is a police detective with the NYPD. For Liv, Alex is safe and dependable after having a father who is in politics. A life that Liv could not wait to escape. Life is great for Alex and Liv or is it all a lie! Liv overhears a late night phone call that Alex is on and that call has the power to make Liv question her life and marriage to Alex. Tension starts to build, miscommunication starts to happen. Alex suddenly takes an interest in a Political career. A decision that Liv is totally against.
Alex decides it’s time for the honeymoon he and Liv didn’t have. Hoping this time will help them to reconnect and relax. Secrets and lies are never a good mix. Is Alex who he says he is? Can Liv trust what her and Alex have built. Broken Circle takes you on twist and turns as Amy takes us on the journey of Alex and Liv. This is an compelling read about trust and deceit. Are situations always black and white? Can you hold on to trust and love when the world that you knew isn’t all it seems. Amy McKinley has captured my attention and has been added to my TBR list. Broken Circle is a must read.

[Naomi Valkyrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time to read this author’s work and I will definitely be putting this series on my TBR list. Broken Circle is the first book in the Gray Ghost series and I am interested to see what other adventures are on the horizon.

The characters in Broke Circle are easy to connect with. I love the bravery that Liv has to help herself get out of the situations she has to face. You kind of go on a roller coaster of emotion about Alex. You love him, then hate him…and then you can’t decide how to feel about him. The Liam character is on my list of book boyfriends, yummy!

Being the daughter of a politician, Liv has lived most of her life in the spotlight. She’s has her every moved planned, and all she wants is to live her life the way she chooses it. When she meets Alex she feels like she hit the jackpot because her parents actually approve of him and she likes him too. A year into their marriage and Liv feels like she is in heaven. Alex loves her and gives her everything she could ever need. He supports her artwork, and whatever she decides to do.

After overhearing a conversation one night that Alex is having on a burner phone, the life she thought she was living begins to crumble. As events unfold, Liv realizes that the one thing she told Alex she wouldn’t put up with is exactly what he’s been doing. With the secrets and lies catching up to him, Alex tried to smooth everything over by taking Liv on a belated honeymoon. But, will a trip meant to strengthen his relationship actually destroy it?

Broken Circle is full of twists and turns that take you on a spellbinding adventure full of love, betrayal, loss, and redemption.

[Mom's Guilty Pleasure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Circle written by Amy McKinley
5 Stars

This was my first book I’ve read by Amy and it has me adding to my TBR list with a few others I have yet to read of hers. Amy kept me guessing and at the edge of my seat wondering what was around the corner for Liv and Alex. Those tiny hairs on your neck with get a workout. In the beginning you can sympathize with both Liv and Alex and understand the difficult situation they are in and why they feel the way they do. Early on I couldn’t help rooting for them as I remember the passion and adoration they had for one another. Then things started to get murky.

You may also start looking to travel to see how realistic these amazing descriptions are. I was lost in the scenery along with being immersed in their story.

“He deserved the truth. But she deserved to learn who he really was.”

Trust, hope, secrets, deceit, heartache, devastation, romance, betrayal and mystery are just a few gems you will feel while going on this journey with Liv and Alex. Sometimes in life when you want more…”more” may end up arriving differently than you anticipated. This story is full of twist and turns and will lead you through an unexpected journey.

“She was his life, at least the one worth living. Now he needed her like the air he breathed.”

I can not wait to get my hands on the second book of the Gray Ghost Novels~Eye of the Storm. I’m not sure if they need to be read in order, but you definitely don’t want to miss out on this fantastic read.

[Jean Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Circle by Amy McKinley has the feel of a first book. I really liked the plot. It was gripping and suspenseful. There is a consistent tension built up in several layers. Is Alex on the right side or wrong side of the law? What about Liam? He seems straight forward, but, is he really? There is a lot of “lead up” time in the first part of the book and not much Action. I was really looking forward to a little Action.
Ms. McKinley has written her characters well. They all work together. I happen to like my heroines a bit tougher and a little more self sufficient, however, Ms. McKinley’s portrayal of Liv is very consistent. Liv starts out a bit naive and she ends up a little that way as well. I would have liked to see a little more growth on her part. I think Liv could have developed into a little more of a bad ass toward the end of the book.
Alex is very well written. He is tough,committed to his goals and a totally alpha male. He is written from one side of that coin. Liam is also an alpha male. He is written from the other side of that coin. A professional and intent man who is willing to take on responsibility.
Again, I feel this series really has the potential to be amazingly great. It is just suffering from “First Book” syndrom. I expect the next book in the series to be amazing since Broken Circle has set itself up so well for a series. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series. Thank you Ms McKinley for the promise of more in the Gray Ghost series.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star

Broken Circle  (A Gray Ghost Novel Book 1 ) by Amy McKinley

 

Broken Circle  (A Gray Ghost Novel Book 1 ) by Amy McKinley is the first book in her Grey Ghost Novel Series.This isn't the first book I've read by this author and it definitely won't be the last.I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading. This story will takes us on a few twists and turns that literally had me sitting on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next. There's a little bit of suspense, action and some romance of course.This story is about   sometime things aren't as they appear to be on the outside. Liv seems to have a great marriage especially to those on the outside, even she believed it to until her husband starting to act a little weird. Liv actually overhears one of his conversations and don't realize really how it's going to change things for her from that point on.Alex which is Liv's husband  just kinda out of the blue decides they are finally going to go on a honeymoon  the one they didn't have when they got married. Alex really wants to keep her safe and protected but what happens when he puts her in danger? Can these two have a second chance? Or will they be in fear for their lives?The more I read the more I loved Liv's character and how strong she really is for everything she goes through she really amazed me.I highly recommend this book especially if you want to know how things end. I can't wait to see what is next for us in this series.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that I had a hard time in the beginning getting involved in Broken Circle (A Gray Ghost Book 1) by Amy McKinley. I read the first chapter then basically skimmed through a chapter, but then I stopped with the skimming because I was hooked! It went from reading about a poor little wife whining about how her parents planned her life out and she was basically just rebelling when she met/married her husband. Boy did things change quickly from that point.
Olivia is an artist/sculptor who wants nothing more than to spend her life on her art and with her loving husband of one year, Alex. She has everything she has ever dreamed of and she is content. That is until her police detective husband starts acting strangely and she overhears a phone conversation that has Liv questioning everything she knows. In an effort to get away from their daily stresses, Alex arranges for the two to go on a belated honeymoon and that’s when everything changes.
This is my first book by author Amy McKinley and after the incredible journey I was just treated to I can definitely say that it won’t be my last. The descriptions the author gives were so realistic it was like watching a really good action movie. I felt everything Liv was feeling from her love for Alex to the peacefully beautiful Caribbean landscape to the heart lurching fear of not knowing what was going to happen next. This was truly a stunning book, I can’t wait for the arrival of book two and I can’t wait to tell my fellow readers what a true treat this book was to read.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Circle by Amy McKinley is the first book in her new series A Gray Ghost and what a great first book this one was. This is the first book I have read by McKinley, and I can say that if all of her books are like this than I am definitely going to be hooked for life. Broken Circle is about Olivia and Alex, who couldn’t be more different in the beginning. Olivia is an up and coming artist on the upper east side artist, while Alex is an upstanding police detective for the NYPD. While the reader can assume that Olivia will always be looking for something more, Alex is just the type of man that she wants in her life. He is safe, dependable and lights her fires in all the right ways. But there is a shift in their lives coming, when Alex is offered a prime political spot, will he be able to keep Olivia with him? Or will secrets from her past keep her away from the man that she wants and needs in her life? This book is full of steamy romance, suspense, drama, and keeps you guessing from the very beginning to the last page. The suspense will keep you in the edge of your seat and make you want to buy the entire series once you end chapter one. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this book, and how fast I downloaded the rest of this authors library of books. If you are looking for a great read that will keep you jonesing for more than this is the author for you.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Circle ( A Gray Ghost Novel Book 1 )
By Amy McKinley
⅘ Stars

Broken Circle is book one in A Gray Ghost Series by Amy McKinley. This isn’t my first book buy this author. I have read several books and I’m never disappointed ! It’s well written, kept me interested and engaged in the story from beginning to end! It’s definitely a must read!!
Just when you think, you have it figured out… or when you know what’s gonna happen next. It’s takes an unexpected turn, something you didn’t see coming. It will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, blown away!! Those books are the best… books full of twists and turns!! This story is full of Action, drama, suspense, and even mystery. It’s one of those stories, that will have you guessing through the entire book!!
Liv seems to have it all, a life she has dreamt of. A loving and caring husband, stable home life,and a caring family she adores! But things changes quickly when she overhears her husband, Alex , on the phone. Things change in a matter of hours,when he starts to act oddly and decides to take a honeymoon, they never had the chance to take. Will she be able to put the pieces to the puzzle together?
This is an amazingly suspenseful read! It will have you wanting more and more! I’m looking forward to the second book in the series! I can’t wait to see what happens next! Outstanding job, Amy!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy McKinley's Broken Circle blew all my expectations out of the water. This is the first book I have read by her, and WOW! There was so many twists and surprises, and suspense, all wrapped into a romance story. I am really glad it is part of a series, so I can keep reading and see what is in store for the Gray Ghost team. The story is complex, but thrilling and suspenseful, and the characters are wonderfully written. There are a couple I didn't like, but they are needed for the story. McKinley's written is vivid and descriptive, so I can picture the story unfolding.
Liv and Alex are a power couple. She grew up in the spotlight, being the dutiful daughter to her political father. He is a detective in the NYPD. Their marriage is blissful, more than Liv ever imagined. One night she wakes up, to find the bed empty, and goes in search of her husband. She over hears a phone call that puts her on edge. This is the beginning of the roller coaster ride of the unfolding of a web of secrets. Alex and Liv never got a honeymoon, and Alex suddenly decides its time to go. She is thrilled, but soon is exposed to a whole other life that she didn't even know Alex led. He was also so protective, but now she is living in constant fear. But she is a strong woman, and takes her destiny into her own hands. I don't want to expose too much and ruin the story, so I recommend you read it yourself!

[Rhiannon Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Circle (A Gray Ghost Novel) by Amy McKinley is the first book in this series and what a great start to a series. This is the first book I have read by this author and was not at all disappointed. The book is very engaging and the writing style makes it easy to read and follow. The main characters are well described and easily attachable, even the characters who you start the book really liking but feelings change for them as the book progresses. This is an action packed start to a book series with lots of twists and turns.

The main character is Liv, to her and people from the outside it would seem Liv has the perfect life and happily married to Alex. Alex knows that isn't the case and without realising starts acting strange. It's not long till Liv notices this and one day happens to listen to a conversation Alex is having on the phone. What she doesn't realise is that this conversation is going to change her life.

Alex tells Liv that he is finally taking her on the honeymoon they didn't have to time to do when they got married. When is reality Alex is secretly trying to protect Liv from what she doesn't yet know.

Liv’s character grows immensely over this book and you grow to love her more and more with it. Definitely worth reading and look forward to the next!

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Circle (A Gray Ghost Novel Book 1)
By: Amy McKinley
5 out of 5 stars

The story Broken Circle (A Gray Ghost Novel Book 1) by Amy McKinley is a book that loved reading. It is a book that includes action, mystery, suspense, romance, and danger. The story hooked me in and I didn’t want to put it down until I had read the final page. There are times when I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I loved the character of Olivia Wrightwood. She is a wonderful artist and has found herself married to a man that she is deeply in love with. She feels his support for her which is something that she had not had in the past. Doubts begin to come to her mind when she overhears conversations. Are these doubts valid or just an overactive imagination? What will happen when she and her husband Alex go on a surprise trip together? Read this book to find out what the future holds for both Olivia and Alex. When reading this story there are questions raised and secrets to be uncovered. Will they all be answered? There are other characters that you are introduced to in this story who interact with Olivia. They all added to the story in their own way and I couldn’t see the story without them. This is a well-written book that had me turning pages. I would highly recommend reading it. This book is the first one in a series and I can’t wait to read the next one.

[Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Circle is the thrilling first instalment of Amy McKinley’s Gray Ghost series. It follows Liv, an artist and heiress, as she travels to meet her husband Alex’s family and discovers the dark secrets he’s been keeping from her.
Set against the dangerous backdrop of a powerful cartel, Broken Circle has a dark and tense feel to it. Liv, along with the reader, is never able to feel safe and comfortable for long. There are, though, moments of optimism and warmth as she finds help and friendship when hope is almost lost.
Broken Circle is predominantly fast-paced, with plenty of action and intrigue. It’s a real page-turner, with plenty of surprises. It’s mostly told from Liv’s point of view, although there are occasionally chapters from Alex’s perspective giving us an insight into his motives.
At times, I found the behaviour of some of the characters a little unconvincing, particularly in response to dangerous situations. However, it worked as a catalyst for what happened later and didn’t take too much away from my enjoyment of this book.
I give this book four out of five stars. Although it was a bit out of my comfort zone, I enjoyed the character drama and was caught up in the story. If you like something with a lot of action, this is a good read! I’m looking forward to reading more of the series soon.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great read about change. Olivia has the perfect life as a sculptor and is married to a wonderful husband Alex. When she announces to him that she is pregnant. everything changes. Alex insists they travel to Venezuela to meet his family to share the good news. His mother is lovely, but when they meet his father everything changes as Olivia is dragged into a dark new world. Will their marriage survive the trip or will everything change?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns Well developed characters like Olivia going for her dreams despite what people think or Alex trying to protect Olivia while doing his job.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like in the beach and waves of Venezuela or the view from their house in beauty that cant be tamed. I also loved the intricate detail of the necklace in bright colours which was beautifully written. Olivias passion for art and losing herself in it and as a sense of peace through it was emotive and powerful and perfectly written throughout as one constant thing. The only issue I would raise is that there was repetition in several places. The chapters in different perspectives worked to display both sides of events, but was difficult to tell which character held the narrative at times. Overall, a great read and I would give it four stars. .

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Circle
Amy McKinley
5 stars

What an introduction to Amy McKinley! I could not put this book down at all! My last few reads have been pretty much the same so when this one came along I couldn’t wait to get started and I am so glad I read it! I have to admit when I first started it I thought it was going to be a little predictable but how wrong was I!! There were twists and turns everywhere and my heart was in my mouth on more than one occasion! Absolutely fabulous, gripping writing!! Amy’s descriptive writing was also beautiful, I felt like I was travelling right along with the characters in this story!
I loved the characters, Liv and Alex. At the beginning I wasn’t too sure about Alex but he did show his love and his protective side towards Liv at the start - although there were a few times I got frustrated with him and then by the end well …..!! I really liked Liv and I really did feel sorry for her, she just thought she had met a man and fallen love and they would get their happily ever after! I thought that she was a strong lead character and really likeable.
I cannot wait to read more from Amy McKinley in the future! If you are looking for an exciting, nail biting read with amazing characters then you will NOT be disappointed with this book!!

[Lisette Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Circle (A Gray Ghost Book #1)
By Amy McKinley
4 Stars

Broken Circle by Amy McKinley is the first installment in the Gray Ghost series. This story is full of action, love and suspense. This is the story of Liv and Alex. From the outside, Liv and Alex seem to have the best marriage. Liv is an artist and Alex works in Law Enforcement. They are a very doting and loving couple, until Alex starts acting weird after a late night phone call from a drug informant or was it? She has a secret of her own, but scared to tell Alex. His job and current case has Alex very stressed and decides to finally take he honeymoon that he and Liv never took after their wedding. Liv finds herself reliving her past full of politics. Will Alex be able to protect her from the danger he possibly putting Liv in? What a roller coaster of a story! Amy McKinley did an amazing job with this story. The main characters are head strong and their passion for each other is off wall. There was a moment in a the story, regarding the secret Liv is holding from Alex, that makes me want to scream at him but I understand why he thinks the way he does. He is in protection mode and doesn’t want anything to happened to Liv. I recommend this book and look forward to reading the rest of this series.