The Duke and I by Julia Quinn - 4 Stars!

Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton have decided to pretend they are courting, so Simon doesn't have to deal with marriage-minded society mothers. And Daphne will attract some worthy suitors. But as Daphne waltzes with Simon, it's hard to remember that their courtship is a sham. Can she convince Simon to give their love a chance?

This was a great love story filled with intense emotions, and steamy bedroom scenes. The main characters were opposites, but their attraction leaped off the page, and you could feel the emotional connection. The one thing that I did not like was that each chapter was so long. In my opinion, it threw the pacing off. But I will continue to read the rest of the series. This review is my honest opinion.

 

At Death's Dough by Mindy Quigley - 4 Stars!

It’s February in the resort town of Geneva Bay, Wisconsin, and love and danger are in the air. Pizza chef Delilah O’Leary is gearing up to celebrate her first Valentine’s Day with her police detective boyfriend, Calvin Capone. But their romance is put on ice when a discovery plunges Delilah and Capone into the heart of a century-old crime. As old secrets begin to surface, Delilah realizes that nearly everyone in town has something to hide. With the pressure mounting, Delilah must help Capone untangle a web of deceit that could lead them to a priceless treasure. Will Delilah and Capone solve the mystery and find the loot? Or will they spend their first Valentine’s Day sleeping with the anchovies?

I love reading about Delilah and her pizza shop. She's not your typical sleuth and she knows that she's stubborn and doesn't like to apologize for anything. She's human, and sometimes her stubbornness gets her into trouble. I enjoy reading her exploits and how she tries to get out of trouble. The other characters in this story are very individualistic and enjoyable to read. The plot was diabolically devised with several red herrings that kept me guessing until the very end. I enjoyed this series and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Crime Rangoon by Vivien Chien - 5 stars!

Cindy Kwan, owner of The Modern Scroll, is privileged to host author, Charlene Chan for a signing in honor of her latest book, The Mystery of General Tso. Lana Lee is thrilled when Cindy asks her to be Charlene’s helper for the event. Taking her duties seriously, Lana stays by the author's side to assist when needed. With a line out the door, Cindy is overjoyed at the signing's success. Until the author is found dead in the mystery aisle, clutching a copy of her own book. Lana’s boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, is in charge of the investigation, and feels overwhelmed. For the first time, Adam calls on Lana to help him solve the case. The couple must work together to outwit the murderer and solve the mystery.

This mystery will make you think on your feet until the very last page wondering who the murderer is. I love Lana as an amateur sleuth because she is smart, capable, goofy, and feels very human when she gets herself into binds. Asia Village is an interesting setting, and I can visualize the fountain and the stores surrounding it. Many characters, red herrings and suspects, can come and go, making it great for cozy mysteries. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Murder She Wrote: The Murder of Twelve by Jessica Fletcher and Jon Land - 4 Stars!

Still staying at the Hill House hotel while her beloved home is being rebuilt, Jessica Fletcher finds herself sharing the space for a weekend with a dozen members of a wedding party. The families of the bride and groom hate each other but have agreed to put aside years of tension to celebrate the nuptials. Unfortunately, a blizzard dumps five feet of snow on Cabot Cove, leaving everyone stranded. And there's a killer loose in the hotel who vows to take them down one by one.

I really liked this story, it's a very twisty murder mystery with diabolical characters, a confounding mystery, and a surprising ending. Reading a Murder, She Wrote book reminds me of watching the series. The main character is one of the best sleuths ever created. I recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers.

 

Graced to Go by Victoria Osteen - 5 Stars!

You were not meant to live stuck. Maybe you’ve had glimpses of something much bigger, better, and higher for your life. Maybe, when you’ve let yourself dream big, you’ve seen things that seemed completely impossible. They’re not impossible, not once you understand that Jesus has given you “grace to go” for every situation and to overcome every challenge. When God calls us, we are graced with the strength, courage, and gifting we need to face whatever challenge is before us.
This was a very encouraging read; the author uses the Bible to show the reader that nothing is impossible with God by your side. I believe that readers will be encouraged after reading this book. Thanks to NetGalley and FaithWords for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Murder in a Tourist Town by Lynn Cahoon - 4 Stars!

Lawyer Jill Gardner flees job burnout to take a vacation and finds a new life on the California coast. Her family law career is in a rut. Watching a client go back to her abusive husband, again and then learning she’s been passed up for a partnership, again prompts her to take a break. When she arrives in South Cove on the Pacific coast, she finds friendly residents, a peaceful beach, and nature’s beauty. But she also witnesses a shouting match between two business owners. When someone she knows turns up dead in the local coffee shop, she finds the town needs her skills, just as much as she needs the town.

This was a great prequel to one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I always wanted to know how Jill came to live in South Cove. It whets the appetite to read more of the series. The only bad thing about this story is that it wasn't enough, I wanted more mystery, more suspense, and the proverbial showdown between the main character and the villain. I definitely recommend this series to anyone who want to escape to the Pacific shores and a good cozy mystery.

 

A Botanist's Guide to Society and Secrets by Kate Khavari - 2 Stars!

London, 1923. Returning from Paris, botanical researcher Saffron Everleigh finds that her former love interest Alexander Ashton’s brother, Adrian, is being investigated for murder. Alexander asks Saffron to put in a good word for Adrian with Inspector Green. Despite her unresolved feelings for Alexander, Saffron begins investigating. When another murder occurs, Saffron agrees to go undercover at the government laboratory. Risking her career and her safety, she learns there are many secrets to uncover. But some secrets, Saffron will find, are better left undiscovered.

I hoped to like this historical mystery more than I did. I like the main characters, but the plot needs more action. It seemed to drag, and I became bored and put down the book. I want to thank Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.