Reviewed by: Sue Eaton
TITLE: Ghost of a Chance
SERIES: Bucket List Buddies #2
AUTHOR: JP Sayle and Lisa Oliver
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 214 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 4,2025
BLURB:
Can Fate once more pair mates at a Bucket List Buddies event? Or will one cowardly lion—Lionel—just be too fast on his feet for a teacup poodle—Brad, to catch?
Ghost hunting was at the bottom of a bottomless list of things Lionel wanted to do—alone. Forced to go to a Bucket List Buddies event without his friend, Lionel was oblivious to everything in the darkness without so much as a torch for company. After running away from the event before it gets going, Lionel hides out at home, suffering from acute embarrassment at letting his fears get the better of him.
At least no one saw him leave—right?
Wrong!
Workaholic, Brad, self-proclaimed cute teacup poodle shifter—yes, the declaration came from his animal side—really wants to kick back, have fun, and maybe find something or someone to go bump in the night with at a ghost hunting event. One whiff of a tantalizing smell and Brad is on the hunt for more than ghosts. But before he gets a chance to meet his mate, the sexy man disappears into the night.
As resourceful as Brad is, it seems others in his new circle of friends are more so. An offer to be delivery driver for some delicious chocolate éclairs, has Brad finding his mate.
Claimed, Lionel’s problems are only just beginning. His pride has other ideas on whats ideal when it comes to mating, and Brad is not it. Banished, Lionel discovers the past is not all what it seems, and he doesn’t get just a mate, but so much more.
REVIEW:
Lionel the cowardly lion and Brad the teacup poodle prove that love can bloom even in the dark. “Ghost of a Chance” is a paranormal rom com that turns ghost hunting into mate hunting, with sass, snark, and a whole lot of heart.
Lionel isn’t really a cowardly lion, but a childhood trauma makes him deathly afraid of the dark, so a ghost hunt isn’t his idea of fun, especially when his friend lets him down and he ends up going alone. As with most anxiety and fear Lionel works himself up before he even gets there and pretty much immediately makes a run for it. He then spends the time beating himself up for being so scared and embarrassing himself.
Lionel is the kind of guy who breaks into a cold sweat at the thought of ghost hunting or romantic vulnerability. He’s not just scared of the supernatural, he’s terrified of being seen. Years of hiding behind sarcasm and solitude have left Lionel emotionally constipated. He’s more comfortable with spreadsheets than soulmates, and his idea of intimacy is making eye contact for more than three seconds. Lionel’s internal monologue is a masterclass in snark. He’s painfully aware of his own awkwardness and often uses humor to deflect discomfort.
Brad is a teacup poodle shifter with boundless energy, relentless optimism, and a heart as big as his bark is small. He’s the emotional sunshine to Lionel’s storm cloud, persistent, affectionate, and hilariously unfiltered. He instantly knows what it means when he sniffs Lionel in the dark of the ghost hunt.
Even when Lionel runs from the ghost-hunting event (and from Brad), Brad doesn’t sulk. He’s the kind of guy who sends a “thinking of you” text with glitter emojis and a GIF of a dancing llama. Beneath the sparkle, Brad is deeply empathetic. He senses Lionel’s fear and doesn’t mock it, he gently nudges him toward growth, offering patience instead of pressure.
He’s convinced Lionel is his fated mate and treats their connection like a sacred quest, with snacks, sass, and snuggles. Brad doesn’t tiptoe around feelings; he cannonballs into them. From the moment he meets Lionel, he’s all in, declaring their mate bond with the confidence of someone who’s never doubted love. Brad’s confidence isn’t arrogance, it’s resilience. He knows Lionel’s fear isn’t personal, and he’s willing to wait, coax, and cuddle his way through the emotional minefield.
Where Lionel is cautious and closed-off, Brad is open and exuberant. Their dynamic is a classic case of opposites attract. Lionel’s fear of vulnerability makes him question the fated connection. He’s convinced Brad deserves someone braver, less broken. Lionel slowly begins to confront his fears. His transformation is subtle but powerful, like watching a turtle stick its head out for the first time.
Lionel is the kind of character who makes you want to wrap him in a weighted blanket and tell him it’s okay to feel things. His journey is messy, funny, and deeply relatable, proof that even the most reluctant hearts can find courage in love.
It was great to see friends from the previous book pop up again and they play a pivotal role in getting Lionel and Brad together. Brad’s friends are unapologetically supportive, cheering him on as he pursues Lionel with the enthusiasm of a caffeinated golden retriever. They offer advice, encouragement, and the occasional reality check, helping Brad stay grounded while still being his sparkly, persistent self.
Tasha, a good friend of Lionel, reminds him that hiding from his problems (and Brad) isn’t a long-term strategy. Her tough love and persistence help Lionel reconnect with the world, and with Brad. She’s not afraid to push him, even if it means dragging him out of his comfort zone by the tail.
Their journey is full of twists and turns, dark memories from the past, Lionel’s pack’s disapproval and banishment. Counterbalanced by Brad’s family who are supportive and determined that no-one will cause them harm. With new life, new hope and an abundance of love and laughter, this is a funny, joyous book.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS:
