Chasing Liberty


Fiction - LGBTQ
229 Pages
Reviewed on 02/11/2023
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

Chasing Liberty by Isabella is an engaging novel where the main characters identify as LGBTQ. Liberty “Libby” Chase, an uncompromising cop, witnesses a car accident and goes to the aid of the victim, Morgan Pierce, an attractive and successful corporate lawyer. Further investigation reveals that the almost fatal crash was caused by tampering with the brakes of Morgan’s car, making it clear that someone wants her dead and that her life is in danger. Libby is a lesbian and is attracted to Morgan who is unhappily married to David. Not yet completely out as a lesbian, Morgan also has feelings for Libby. As they explore their relationship, they also have to work together to figure out who wants Morgan dead. Can they solve the case before it’s too late?

Isabella’s Chasing Liberty has all the elements of a romance novel. Two people meet, they fall in love, and something prevents them from getting together. What makes this story fascinating is its compelling cast and the things they have to overcome to be united in the end. The novel is fast-paced and well-written. The author’s vivid description of the blossoming romance between Morgan and Liberty is sensual. The narrative does not dwell on the stresses and social issues of gay people, their lives, and their struggles. Liberty and Morgan fall in love with each other as if it’s the most natural thing to do. Unlike most LGBTQ novels, the book does not deal with the need for validation and understanding, which is surprisingly refreshing.

Jamie Michele

Chasing Liberty by Isabella is a contemporary mystery that revolves around a detective named Liberty “Libby” Chase and a car accident that leaves a high-powered, well-connected Ms. Morgan Pierce in the hospital and a whole lot of unanswered questions. At the scene of the accident, it appears that the cause is reckless but unintentional. Libby is willing to dig a bit deeper, intrigued by Morgan and certain their paths had crossed before. It's established that Morgan's husband David is a controlling jerk and a mafia-style socialite named Sarah Jean, who is well known to Libby, is also well known to Morgan. When Morgan is heading toward recovery and with Libby by her side, another vehicle nearly clips the pair and there is little left to argue against the fact that Morgan's life is in danger. The mystery unfolds as Isabella weaves a narrative through alternating points of view to showcase both Libby and Morgan as Libby investigates “the accident that wasn’t an accident...”

I think this might just be the first time I've come across another woman named Liberty, a name shared by one of my sisters-in-law who was born on the fourth of July, even if the Libby in Chasing Liberty isn't technically a real person. You could have fooled me though, as author Isabella certainly makes her feel like one. Between Morgan and Libby, we are definitely more ensconced in the latter's story and Liberty is absolutely the person we are rooting for. Initially, Morgan could be easily perceived as an unreliable narrator and, as a reader, it adds to the tension that Isabella has already built around another red herring. This shifts as Morgan finds her footing as a character who is unsure of the direction she wants her life to go but is very sure that the path she was on before the accident never felt authentic. The romance that slowly burns between Libby and Morgan is exceptional but does not come at the expense of a well-rounded plot and a riveting who-dun-it mystery. Well written, engrossing, and a wonderful romp pulled together by a talented writer.

Essien Asian

Liberty Chase witnesses an accident between multiple vehicles. She kicks into emergency mode and sorts through the pile-up, trying to help anyone she can find there when she stumbles upon the unconscious Morgan Pierce, a high-flying business executive with stunning looks and a bright future. Liberty knows she has to focus on her duty as a cop but something about Morgan keeps pushing her mind in a different direction. It looks as if there may be more to this random-looking accident than meets the eye. Someone wants Morgan out of the way permanently but who could it be? The list of suspects is piling up by the day as Liberty enters a race against time to catch the culprit before they strike again in Isabella's Chasing Liberty.

Isabella's penchant for blending intriguing mysteries into her romantic stories is put on display once again in Chasing Liberty. The LGBTQ-themed romantic novel is straight to the point as it dives right into the meat of the story from the first chapter. The characters are impressively well thought out, especially when you compare the relatively short narrative to how deeply their backgrounds and motivations are analyzed. The author maintains a high degree of suspense from the start, blending the exceptionally well-detailed detective aspects smoothly into some incredibly graphic romance scenes with a subtlety I have come to associate with her style of storytelling. Romance genre readers will enjoy what this novel has to offer. It was an interesting reading experience for me.

K.C. Finn

Chasing Liberty is a work of fiction in the crime, mystery, and LGBTQ+ subgenres. It is best suited to the mature adult reading audience owing to explicit scenes of sex and some violence, and was penned by author Isabella. In this fast-paced and action-packed thriller novel, we meet hard-as-nails cop Liberty Chase when a tragic car crash brings her into the life of corporate lawyer Morgan Pierce. Someone wants Morgan dead and her whole life plan has been derailed, but her new alliance with Libby might just be the thing she needs to find safety, solace, and a fresh start.

Author Isabella offers a non-stop thrill ride in this engaging crime novel with a spicy queer romance layered into the plot really nicely. Morgan and Libby both have well-developed backstories and personalities and the pacing of the novel allows us to get to know each of them in their own right before their central crime-fighting partnership deepens and develops. I thought the pacing was good for a concise read, and this is easily a book that a crime mystery fan could devour on a cozy night or vacation afternoon in a single, high-octane sitting. Another standout feature for me was the dialogue, which served to characterize the attitudes of the central protagonists well, but was also such a useful tool in plot exposition without ruining the pace with a wall of prose. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Chasing Liberty to LGBTQ+ readers and mystery fans alike for its accomplished, slick writing style and razor-sharp characterization.

Sheena Monnin

Chasing Liberty by Isabella is a riveting romance and action story that follows police officer Libby as she seeks to find out why someone targeted attorney Morgan Pierce, attempting to kill her on more than one occasion. Libby is first on the scene when a mysterious car accident lands Morgan in the hospital with a concussion severe enough to impair her memory. As the attorney wakes up several days later she is forced to navigate her way through a web of deceit, figure out who to trust, and understand her desires for her future. Her growing attraction to Libby guides some of her decisions and helps her to access parts of her past. They slowly put the pieces together to work out who is behind the attempts on Morgan’s life.

Chasing Liberty by Isabella is written with detail, passion, and experience. The plot moves forward at a good pace and the characters undergo realistic emotional and mental changes and growth. The mystery is unraveled bit by bit with just enough romance mixed in to keep the story interesting and heartwarming. I loved the gradual attraction between the two main characters and the portrayal of many successful women who are masters of their careers. This story highlights female leadership, quick decision-making, and strong personalities, a refreshing deviation from standard romance stories. I enjoyed the realistic portrayals of each character as they moved through challenging circumstances and persevered in the face of tremendous pressure.