Honolulu Cold Homicide by R. Barri Flowers - 3 Stars!

When a new case carries echoes of his sister’s cold case murder, Detective Sergeant Lance Warner is visited by another ghost from the past. Caroline Yashima isn’t only the CJD specialist assigned to work alongside him, she’s also the ex he regrets walking away from. He’s not sure if he can expect a second chance—or just a chance for closure. But when Caroline becomes a target, he knows that he doesn’t want to live without her.
This was an enjoyable romantic suspense story with two great main characters who had depth, strengths, and flaws that made them feel real. I felt the romance between them and was glad for the happy ending. The only thing I didn't like was that they showed too much violence in the beginning. I like cozy mysteries and showing the murder on the page will turn me off. This review is my unbiased opinion. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for this ARC.

 

A Flicker of a Doubt by Daryl Wood Gerber - 3 Stars!

With a theater foundation tea and an art show planned at Violet Vickers's estate, Courtney Kelly, Carmel-by-the-Sea shop owner, is hired to create charming fairy gardens for the event. It's not so charming, however, when her best friend Meaghan's ex-boyfriend turns out to be Violet's latest artistic protege. Even worse, not long after Meaghan locks horns with him, his body is found in her yard, bludgeoned with a round piece of artwork. Courtney decides to investigate with some help from Fiona the sleuthing fairy. Can she find the truth before someone else is murdered?
I liked this cozy mystery. Ms. Gerber describes Carmel-by-the-Sea so well that it's on my bucket list of places to visit. The plot kept me guessing as to the identity of the culprit. I was surprised in the end. Even though this story wasn't a quick read, I recommend it to everyone who loves a fanciful cozy. This review is my unbiased opinion. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the honor of reading this ARC.

 

Cinderella and the Duke by Lydia Drake - 4 Stars!

The Weatherford Ball is the last chance Julia Beaumont has to escape the clutches of her stepmother. Any potential husband will do. But all of Julia’s matrimonial chances are obliterated by the actions of an infuriating and rakish duke. Gregory Carter, Duke of Ashworth, would never risk his bachelorhood by flirting with marriage-minded debutantes. But one look at the beautiful and clever Julia, and he simply can’t resist a kiss. Then just as things start getting interesting, the lady flees, leaving only a slipper behind.
This was a fun, and romantic story. Both main characters were deliciously created, and they seemed real enough that I was invested in the plot until the end. I loved reading about historic England. It's fun to read about the balls and the ton. I will read more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the honor of reading this advanced reader's copy.

 

Vinyl Resting Place by Olivia Blacke - 4 Stars!

When Juni Jessup and her sisters Tansy and Maggie open Sip & Spin Records, a record/coffee shop in Cedar River, Texas, they weren't prepared to find a dead body in a closet. After their uncle is arrested on suspicion of murder, the sisters put Sip & Spin up for bail collateral. When Uncle Calvin disappears, it’s up to Juni and her sisters to figure out whodunit before the killer’s trail goes cold.

This was a great beginning to a new cozy mystery series. I loved the main characters and how they related to one another. The plot was very intriguing and kept me interested in the story until the end. The only drawback was the repetitive comments about the sisters and their different personalities. I felt that without those comments the story would've been more concise, and less wordy. I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the honor of reading this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

A Wicked Game by Kate Bateman - 5 Stars!

  

Shipwrecked and imprisoned thanks to an incorrect map, Captain Morgan Davies has returned to London to exact revenge on the cartographer responsible for his suffering. He’s also vowed to claim the winner’s prize, three kisses, in a bet he made with his longtime nemesis, Harriet Montgomery. His incarceration has clarified his feelings for her, but convincing the infuriating woman he wants to marry her is going to be his greatest challenge yet. When Harriet’s revealed to be the very mapmaker he seeks, Morgan decides to combine revenge and seduction into one delightful package. Harriet’s always wanted Morgan, and now he’s back; as handsome and as taunting as ever. She has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s failing eyesight and a rival mapmaker copying her work to play wicked games with a dastardly Davies, however tempting he might be. But when a threat from Morgan’s past puts them both in danger, Harry discovers that she and Morgan might not be enemies at all.
This is the third story in the Ruthless Rivals series by Kate Bateman. But this story can be read as a standalone. I love both of the main characters. They were well developed with flaws and idiosyncrasies that made them likable characters that I want to know more about. Their chemistry jumped off the page and seemed real. This made all of the sensual scenes a comfortable read. The plot was full of intrigue and suspense, and maybe wonder when the bad guy was going to show up. There was never any point where this story dragged. This story ends happily, and hopeful for another Ruthless Rivals story. I am looking forward to reading it. This review is my unbiased opinion. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced reader's copy.