The Marquess and the Runaway Lady by Samantha Hastings - 3 stars!

When the Marquess of Cheswick, or Wick, takes in a mysterious woman, he’s shocked to discover she is Lady Louisa, an heiress who’s escaped her cruel aunt! Grieving the loss of two siblings, Wick avoids opening his heart to anyone else and stays away from the marriage mart. But when Louisa needs a husband in order to claim her inheritance, Wick’s determined to help.
This historical romance was full of true love and suspense that kept my attention until the very end. I loved how Louisa went from a timid, frightened girl to the independent, intelligent woman with the help of true friends. I also loved Wick's little sisters, who were the comic relief. The only thing I did not like about this story is that it dragged a little too long. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

 

Death by Iced Coffee by Alex Erickson - 4 Stars!

 

Bookstore café owner Krissy Hancock is stepping out from behind the counter to take part in the first annual Pine Hills, Ohio, marathon. It’s a hot day, and Krissy is regretting running, especially when she finds a runner lying motionless. At first Krissy suspects heatstroke, but the red marks around the man’s throat tell a more sinister story.
This was a very good installment to a mystery series I love. Chrissy is a wonderful character who uses intelligence and hutzpah to get herself into situations that I would never do. The plot of the story kept me guessing to the end, and I was very surprised with the identity of the culprit. I want to thank NetGalley and Kensington books for the opportunity of reading this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

Designs on a Rancher by LaQuette - 4 Stars!

Keely Tucker knows designing a showstopping wedding dress for a movie starlet is the career-making opportunity of a lifetime. But Jacob Chatman has sent her focus into a tailspin! When a blackout leaves her stranded with a rancher she can’t resist, their passion practically sets the sheets on fire. Jacob admires her drive, but is their hookup worth Keely risking her hard-earned ambitions for a life in Texas?
I liked this contemporary romance. The two main characters were from totally different worlds but seemed to have chemistry with each other. I could feel their connection jump off the page. This was a simple and romantic tale. And I recommend it to anyone who loves a cowboy and romance! I would like to thank Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

 

A Wealth of Deception by Trish Esden - 3 stars!

When Vermont antique and art dealer Edie Brown discovers an unsettlingly dark collage by the famed reclusive “outsider” artist known only as Vespa, she opens a Pandora’s Box of deception and danger. Edie teams up with Uncle Tuck and Kala to investigate the background of the collage, but only uncover secrets that are more disturbing than the artwork itself. As Edie tracks down the validity of the piece, she stumbles into an art underground where some people are willing to kill to keep their schemes a secret.
Mrs. Esden writes a compelling plot with twisty happenings and dastardly characters. The plot was actually the best thing about the story. For some reason I didn't like Edie as much as I wanted to like her. She seemed very off putting at times. I also didn't like the pacing of the book. It seemed to drag on too long. Lastly, the romance between Edie and the detective seemed to be forced. I didn't feel any real connection between the two characters. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

 

Fateful Words by Paige Shelton - 4 stars!

When Edwin, Delaney Nichols’ boss at the Cracked Spine bookstore, leaves town on business, Delaney is called upon to guide his yearly literary tour around Edinburgh. But on the first night of the tour, at the inn where the tour group is staying, the manager falls, or is pushed, off the roof, and killed. Then, one of the tour members disappears. Delaney follows the clues around Edinburgh to get to the bottom of this mystery.
This was a very intriguing mystery that kept me guessing until the last page. Delaney is a great amateur suit who works with the police. The police are seen as intelligent, hardworking individuals and not silly or robotic. I loved reading about Scotland and learning some of its history. I will definitely read this series again. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

 

The Youth Elixir by Cindy Kirk - 5 Stars!

At ninety-two, Matilda knows she has reached a time when there are more days behind her than ahead. And that’s okay. Surrounded by beloved friends, she’s grateful for every day. Still, listening to others plan their futures, Til can’t help but imagine, what if? What if she had left Grace Town? What if she had married and had children? What if she had pursued her passions, rather than focusing on bettering the lives of those around her? An encounter with a mysterious stranger offers Til a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a chance to start over and begin anew as a young woman. Til has been many things in life, but never a risk-taker…until now.
There are certain people in this world who have a gift, a gift of showing people the true meaning of life and love through the words they speak or the words they write. Mrs. Cindy Kirk Is one of those people with this gift. Reading her work will make you think, make you feel, and make you experience what is truly wonderful about life. Whenever I feel low, stressed or overwhelmed, I pick up one of her books and I feel better by the end.
The characters in this book are fun to read about. The plot of this book is wondrous, as the town it's set in. Strange things happen in Grace Town, and I can't wait until the next installment to this wonderful series.

 

Never Seduce a Duke by Vivienne Lorret - 2 Stars!

This story is about a man who is looking for a prized possession that was stolen from his family, and a woman who, after being jilted, decides to become a spinster. He mistakes her for a thief and she plays along because of an attraction they have for each other.
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't get into it. The characters didn't seem endearing, and the plot made me just want to put this book down and not pick it up again. Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the honor of reading this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.