An Iced Tea Maker Almost Met Her Maker!

 

Live and Let Chai by Bree Baker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everly Swan has moved back to her seaside hometown and now owns a little iced tea shop and café right on the beach. Her life is looking bright until she finds one of her customers dead with one of her hallmark glass tea jars lying right next to him. When his autopsy report finds poison in his system, it doesn't look good for Everly or her new business. When the whole town turns against her, Everly is determined to find the truth before she loses her business and maybe her life.
I liked this cozy mystery; the plot was so enthralling, and I kept on guessing the identity of the culprit. The romantic subplot was sweet and was a nice addition in the story. Everly was spontaneous, reckless and likeable- a great combination for an amateur sleuth. I also liked the side characters, including Everly’s aunts. They were fun to read about. I will read the next installment in this series.


View all my reviews

Is He The One?

 

The One I Love by Cindy Kirk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eve Driskill is an online sensation with millions of followers. She’s getting ready to launch her cosmetic line. And, she’s in love with Anson Hawkins. Life is good! But when an angry ex-boyfriend unleashes an online assault on Eve by posting intimate images she didn’t know existed, Eve’s world explodes. Anson’s city council run is put in jeopardy, too. Anson says love can conquer all, but Eve isn’t so sure. And she’ll do anything to protect the man she loves.
This contemporary romance was my favorite in the trilogy. It wrapped up all of the unanswered questions in the previous books. The characters were lovely to read about, and I hope we see them in subsequent stories. The plot was both mysterious and romantic. I will read another romance from Cindy Kirk. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.


View all my reviews

What Anson and Eve Want!

 

The One I Want by Cindy Kirk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anson Hawkins, oldest son of one of Denver’s most prominent families, is running for a seat on the City Council in the upcoming election. And when that happens, there’s only one woman he wants by his side. Eve Driskill is the little sister of his best friend, Cameron. Now she’s all grown up, and Anson knows the social media star is more than the pretty party girl she pretends to be online. No matter how cutthroat the political world gets, he can always be real with Eve. When Anson learns he could be connected to a ten-year-old cold case, he struggles to remember that night. With Eve’s help, he’ll uncover the past, and hope it doesn’t derail both their futures.
This is a sweet romantic novella. The characters are very likeable, and the plot is intriguing. I loved how both couples stuck together, even though things were getting rough in their personal lives. I couldn’t stop reading this story until I got to the end. This is a continuation and the second part of a trilogy. I think it would be better to read these stories in order, so there’s no confusion. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.


View all my reviews

Can She Find What She Needs?

 

The One I Need by Cindy Kirk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

June Parker’s sister, Aubrey, was killed and June needs to know what happened for her and her mother’s sanity. She’s hired investigators and worked with the police. She believes that Cameron Driskill may have some of the answers she needs. While they were both in Paris, they started to see each other. But what happens when they reconnect in Denver and she comes clean about her investigation? Will their new love survive?
Ms. Kirk is one of my favorite romance authors because she weaves a tapestry of wonderful characters with a romantic plot that makes you believe there’s good in the world and hope. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and read it in one sitting. The only problem I had with it is the end. I don’t like cliffhangers, and this novella ends in one. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.


View all my reviews

A Duke and an Independent Woman meet and...

 

Up All Night with a Good Duke by Amy Rose Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Artemis Jones is a "respectable" finishing-school teacher by day and a Gothic romance writer by night. Her dream is to open her own academic ladies' college. When Artemis is called upon by a friend to navigate her first London Season, she hopes to find a wealthy patron for her school. Dominic Winters, the widowed Duke of Dartmoor, needs a wife to provide him an heir and help him manage his adolescent daughter. But rumors are rampant that he murdered his wife, so his choices for a suitable bride are limited. Then he meets Artemis Jones. Could they find love with each other?
This is a great historical romance between an independent thinker and a dashing duke. Dominic is a gentleman who screams sensuality, honor and kindness. Artemis is a woman who fears losing control of her life. She doesn’t want to be bound by her society’s rules. I liked them both and routed for them throughout the story. The historical setting was very well described, from the darkened back alleys to the high society ballrooms. The plot was romance meets women’s independence with a dash of sensuality and suspense. I can’t wait to read another installment from this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.


View all my reviews

A Fair-ly Complicated Murder!

 

A Hint of Mischief by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Courtney Kelly, the proprietor of a fairy garden and tea shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea, is having an old sorority sister's fortieth birthday bash, and a famous actress, Farrah Lawson, is flying in for the occasion. Courtney has less than two weeks to paint a mural, hang up tinkling windchimes, plan party games, and conjure up all the details. While she works her magic, the hostess and her girlfriends head off for an indulgent spa day, which leads to a fateful facial for Farrah, followed by her mysterious death. Could the kindhearted eyebrow waxer who Farrah berated in public really be the killer? Courtney thinks otherwise, and with the help of her imaginative sleuth fairy, sets out to dig up the truth behind this puzzling murder.
This fantasy cozy mystery was interesting to me. The setting was beautifully described and makes me want to visit there and see if I can spot a fairy. The plot is full of twists and red herrings that made me indecisive about the culprit’s identity. I love reading about the sleuth and her life working at the shop. What threw me off about this mystery was the abundance of suspects, I was confused and couldn’t tell them apart, at times. I will read another mystery from this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.


View all my reviews

Wedding Preparation + Stalker = Murder!

 

Word to the Wise by Jenn McKinlay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lindsey Norris is finally getting married to the man of her dreams. But a town newcomer and gardening enthusiast is obsessed with her, and it’s creeping everyone out. When his dead body is found outside the library and all the clues point to Sully, Lindsey knows it's up to her to dig through the hidden chapters of Grady's previous life to find the real culprit and clear Sully's name.
This was another great story to a fabulous cozy mystery series. Lindsey is one of my all-time favorite sleuths because she’s intelligent, resourceful, and very sweet. Briar Creek feels like it could be any town in the Northeast, but with a cozier atmosphere. The plot was very suspenseful, and the romantic subplot made the less exciting moments fun. I can’t wait for the wedding, and the next installment.


View all my reviews

Food Competitions can be Murder!

 

Restaurant Weeks Are Murder by Libby Klein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Poppy McAllister is teaming up with her former fiancé, Tim, and his condescending partner, Gigi to compete in the Restaurant Week challenge. Poppy's specialty is pastries, despite her devotion to a Paleo diet. Things get heated quickly when some ingredients get switched and Tim's accused of sabotage. When harmless pranks escalate into real hazards, one of the judges dies from food poisoning. Can Poppy find the killer before she becomes the prime suspect?
Reading this author’s cozy mysteries always puts a smile on my face, and this installment is no different. Poppy is, as always, fun to read about as she deals with her zany aunt and hilarious cat. The plot is very suspenseful, and I loved to hear about all of the wonderful foods presented at the competition. There are even some recipes found at the end of the book. I will definitely read more from this author.


View all my reviews

Birds, and Swindlers, and Murder, Oh My!

 

Killers of a Feather by T.C. LoTempio
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

With the grand re-opening of her Urban Tails Pet Shop just days away, Shell McMillan has her hands full planning entertainment for the event, including a fortune-telling parrot. But her mood is threatened by rumors of the return of Johnny Draco, a former investment guru who swindled money from most of the residents of Fox Hollow and then vanished without a trace. And when the parrot predicts a grim future for Draco and his dead body is found hours later, Shell realizes that people she has come to know are suspects. She investigates to find the truth behind the murder.
I liked the premise of this cozy mystery, and the characters were fun to read about. But I felt that there was something missing in the plot. There seemed to be inconsistencies with certain aspects of the main character’s investigation. I actually went back to read certain parts of the story, figuring that I might’ve missed something. Even though the story confused me at times, the ending was satisfactory. Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the advanced reader’s copy of this book.


View all my reviews

A Mafioso's Love Story!

 

His Prisoner by Misty Winters
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Mia gets kidnapped by Antonio because her father owes Antonio’s family money. Mia’s father used to work for them, and then he stole from them. So, Mia is Antonio’s prisoner. Only if the prisoner didn’t desire the captor…
This mafia romance is full of unique characters, steamy scenes and a plot that is action-packed. But I didn’t like the ending of the story. Technically, it’s a happy ever after. I just feel that something else should’ve happened. I didn’t like the way the character of Mia turned out. She wasn’t heroic in the least. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


View all my reviews

Hannah Swenson Mysteries #20 Review!

 

Christmas Caramel Murder by Joanne Fluke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published in 2016. The holidays have arrived, and Hannah and her friend Lisa have agreed to provide the goodies for the town’s annual production of A Christmas Carol. But before anyone can say “Bah, humbug!” a sackful of trouble ensues. Like the fact that Lisa’s husband will be playing Mr. Claus to his ex-girlfriend Phyllis Bates’ Mrs. Claus. Or that before the curtains go up, Phyllis is found dead in the snow. As the suspects begin to pile up, Hannah is determined to find the murderer before Christmas.
This was a good holiday cozy mystery filled with delicious recipes, diabolical red herrings, and a mystery that will confound you until the culprit is revealed. Hannah was at her sleuthing best, as she questioned her suspects and looked for clues. The dreams about her father gave an interesting touch, and a little Christmas “spirit.” I will continue to read this series.

View all my reviews

Murder, She Wrote #28

 

Panning For Murder by Jessica Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published in 2007. Jessica's cruise becomes a working vacation when her friend Kathy tags along, hoping to find her sister Wilimena, who vanished from the same vessel. Distantly related to Alaska's most famous madam, a woman who may have struck it rich during the Gold Rush, Wilimena apparently took the cruise to find the treasure. As Jessica and Kathy investigate Wilimena's disappearance, they learn that she was quite outspoken about her gold claim, and may have attracted the wrong kind of attention. Can Jessica and Kathy find Wilimena in time?
I love these cozy mysteries. Jessica Fletcher is the likeable wise older lady who writes murder mysteries and travels. All of the side characters are interesting to read about. The setting of this story is beautifully described, and made me feel like I was right there with Jessica. The plot was action-packed and suspenseful. I will read more from this wonderful series.


View all my reviews

A Survivors' Book Club Mystery!

 

The Tuesday Night Survivors' Club by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Two things got Rarity Jones through her breast cancer treatments: friends and books. Now cancer-free, Rarity is devoting her life to helping others find their way through the maze to recovery. She’s opened a bookstore focusing on the power of healing. To that end, she’s also started the Tuesday Night Survivors’ book club. But their unity is disrupted when one of their members, Martha, suddenly goes missing. When her car is found abandoned on a trail and her dog left with a friend, Rarity is sure something terrible has happened. Will she be able to find Martha before it’s too late?
This was a very interesting mystery because it dealt with cancer and recovering from the disease. I loved the characters and the information brought forth in the story, but what I wanted was more of a mystery. It seemed that the mystery took a back seat to the cancer discussion. I would love to read the next book in this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.


View all my reviews

A Steamy, Romantic Suspense Novella!

 

Dead of Spring by Samantha Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Quin Levington shows up at her door, Josie Ryan is mad. It’s been one year since Liam’s death: her boyfriend and Quin’s best friend. And it’s been eight months since Quin fell off the face of the earth. Despite the anger simmering inside her, part of her is relieved to see his warm hazel eyes. But he comes bearing news. Quin knows he was blamed for a crime he didn’t commit. He also believes Liam’s death wasn’t an accident, and when Josie is attacked, it becomes clear that a killer is among them. Can he find out the truth while protecting his best friend's girl? Can he stop himself from acting on the feelings he has for Josie?
This was a good romantic suspense story. I haven’t read the first part of this series, but it didn’t stop my enjoyment. The characters were unique but likeable. Josie is an independent and smart woman who has learned to move on after her boyfriend’s death. I loved Quin’s attitude, and the need he had to make things right and protect Josie. The sensual scenes were steamy yet tasteful. Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reader’s copy.


View all my reviews

A Wonderful Not-So-Cozy Mystery!

 

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The ornate reading room at the Boston Public Library is a quiet, tranquil place until a woman's terrified scream is heard. Security guards instruct everyone inside to stay put until the threat is identified and contained. While they wait, four strangers, who'd happened to sit at the same table, pass the time in conversation and friendships are struck. Each has his or her own reasons for being in the reading room that morning, it just happens that one is a murderer.
This is the best mystery I’ve read this year, so far. I love the way the novel was written. The story within the story was very intriguing, and kept me wondering what would happen next. I loved how the subjects of race and the Coronavirus pandemic was addressed. The characters were shown through their actions and behaviors, not just by their looks. The suspense kept me at the edge of my seat. There was a little on the page violence and sex in the book. I recommend it to everyone who loves a great mystery. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my honest opinion.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

Guidebook to Murder by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the coastal town of South Cove, California, Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More, is caught up in the business of murder. Her elderly friend, Miss Emily, calls her for help when the city council tries to force Emily to sell her dilapidated old house. But when Emily dies unexpectedly and leaves the house to Jill, she believes that Emily may have been murdered. Jill’s list of suspects is longer than the list of repairs needed on the house. But Jill is determined to uncover the culprit and save her new home.
This is a great example of a cozy mystery. When you meet the main character, Jill, you see life through her eyes, and get the “cozy” atmospheric feels. After the dead body is found, you are wrapped up in a puzzling mystery that is not gory or full of profanities. You also may see a little romantic subplot, which gives you a breath between suspenseful moments. If you are interested in a story like this, look no further. This is the first book in A Tourist Trap mystery series, and I can’t wait to read them all.


View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

Inked Out by Karen MacInerney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Max Sayers, owner of Seaside Cottage Books, agrees to host a new mystery writers' group, she envisions literary conversations, fresh-baked cookies, and a community to support her assistant Bethany's mystery writing dream. But during the group’s inaugural meeting local author Reginald Blakely accuses young Bethany of plagiarizing his novel. The next morning, Reginald turns up dead in the bookstore. When the police start investigating Bethany, Max investigates to find the truth.
This was a fantastic cozy mystery filled with books, murder and cookies, and there are recipes in the back of the book. The plot was very intriguing and full of suspense. I was trying to figure out the identity of the culprit, but I couldn’t. The solution at the end of the book was a surprise. I can’t wait until the next installment.

View all my reviews

Book Review!

 

A Fatal Booking by Victoria Gilbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charlotte Reed, owner of Chapters Bed and Breakfast, is delighted to welcome an eclectic group of guests for a book club retreat focused on fairy tales and classic children’s literature. But when one of the guests is poisoned at a Mad Hatter tea party, Charlotte realizes she’s fallen down a rather unpleasant rabbit hole. Can Charlotte, with the help of her friends Ellen and Gavin, find the culprit before someone else dies at Chapters?
This was a very puzzling mystery full of twists and red herrings. The bed and breakfast was beautifully described and made me want to visit and stay for the night. Charlotte is a very likeable character, and the side characters are so intriguing that I want to know more about them, especially Ellen. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.


View all my reviews

Mystery and Romance New Releases For June 2022!

 Here are my recommendations from June's New Releases in Romance and Mystery:

Peril at Pennington Manor by Tracy Gardner, published on June 7th

Death by Beach Read by Eva Gates, published on June 7th

Dead of Spring by Samantha Wilde, published on June 7th

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill, published on June 7th

A Fatal Booking by Victoria Gilbert, published on June 7th

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari, published on June 7th

The Tuesday Night Survivors' Club by Lynn Cahoon, published on June 14th

Killers of a Feather by T. C. LoTempio, published on June 21st

His Prisoner by Misty Winters, published on June 25th

A Hint of Mischief by Daryl Wood Gerber, published on June 28th

Up All Night with a Good Duke by Amy Rose Bennett, published on June 28th

Cowboy Wolf Outlaw by Kait Ballenger, published on June 28th

Donut Disturb by Ellie Alexander, published on June 28th

All of these wonderful books will give you a Happy June!