Monthly Archives: March 2021
Review: Under the Cover of Murder by Lauren Elliott
Under the Cover of Murder
Lauren Elliott
Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery Series, Book 6
Bookshop owner and maid of honor Addie Greyborne vows to catch the killer who crashed her best friend’s wedding…
It promises to be Greyborne Harbor’s wedding of the year. The impending nuptials of Serena Chandler and Zach Ludlow will take place aboard his family’s luxurious super-yacht, currently moored in the harbor and the talk of the town. But on the day of the wedding, a man’s body washes up on the beach with no ID, only a torn page from a book in his pocket. As owner of Beyond the Page Books and Curios, bibliophile Addie is called in to identify the book, but she cannot.
The morning following the extravagant ceremony, a second body washes ashore and Addie has a sinking feeling that the two deaths are connected. While the guests are held on the yacht as the police investigate, at least Addie can peruse Zach’s father’s rare books library on board. A copy of Agatha Christie’s first Hercule Poirot novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, provides a clue that the killer may still be on the ship—but narrowing down the suspects without becoming the next victim may prove a truly Herculean task…
Under the Cover of Murder is an entertaining story within a good mystery and wonderful characters that keep reader coming back the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mysteries.
When a dead Body with only a book page, washes up on the beach next to where her best friend is getting married, Addie gets called in to help. When another soon follows she can’t help to get herself involved. Every guest on the yacht is a suspect and with everyone sequestered on board. When the possible motive is as long as the guest list Addie does the thing that she does best, put on her charm, listen really well and ask just the right questions.
Addie is a great character and I enjoy every visit with her. Under the Cover of Murder is a wonderful cozy mystery, set in a beautiful little town with a nice touch of romance. Addie’s friends are like family and she does what it takes for any of them. Family and friendship with a bit of murder.
Review: Wicked and True by Shayla Black
Wicked and True: Zyron and Tessa, Book 2
Shayla Black
Wicked and Devoted Series, Book 4
Kindle EditionPublished March 23rd 2021
He’d protect her from the world. But who will protect her from him?
For agonizing months, Chase “Zyron” Garrett has been forbidden from touching Tessa, the pretty office assistant who makes him burn. But when danger strikes EM Security Management and top-secret information is leaked, it’s obvious the team has a mole…and the evidence points to the woman he’s fallen for. The bosses demand he investigate her, so he resolves to stop at nothing, even stripping her bare—body and soul—for the truth.
Tessa Lawrence has known heartbreak in the past, but Zy has always been her staunchest protector. Since he was contractually off-limits, the Southern, sassy single mom clung to her friendship with the daring demolitions expert who’d stolen her heart and focused on making the best life for her daughter. But when the barriers between her and Zy are suddenly gone, she welcomes him into her bed, not realizing she’s giving him the power to destroy her. Or that the enemy is watching.
4 Stars
Just when you think that things can’t get more crazy or complicated it does just that. Wicked and True is intense in suspense, danger and passion. Tessa and Zy story is a roller coaster ride for sure.
The danger hits home at EM Security and the cards are down. The rules change to fit the game that must be played. Zy was handed the gift of this greatest desire yet the other edge of the sword is he must prove her innocence and a game bigger than them. Tessa thinks she knows the dangers of the people whom she works for, but her thoughts will never match the reality that is now knocking at her door. Tessa and Zy embrace the chemistry they have been fighting for so long while the world around them takes a turn that they never saw come.
Shayla Black hits hard with Wicked and True. I knew that when Wicked as Lies ended we were in for something big with the continuation of Tessa and Zy story. EM Security is hit hard at its core. Hit so hard that the only answer is betrayal. Zy and Tessa both find themselves in compromising positions to protect. They both put themselves on the line, hurt one another and found something very beautiful in a heap of darkness. Ms. Black brings the action and the passion. Zy and Tessa have built themselves up so much, they’re explosive together. Non stop passion along with unexpected plot twists and a high dose of danger will keep your attention from beginning to end.
Audio Review: Underboss by Kristen Proby
Underboss
Kristen Proby
With Me in Seattle Series, Book 1
Audiobook
March 9, 2021
Narrated by Tor Thom and Kelsey Navarro
From New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby comes an all new family in her With Me In Seattle world! Hold on to your seat as we introduce you to Kristen’s new MAFIA FAMILY!
As the eldest son of Seattle’s current mob boss, Carmine Martinelli’s life has never really been his own. But he doesn’t mind because his family means more to him than his life. Which is why he’s determined to make those responsible for the death of his aunt and uncle pay—in inventive and gruesome ways. And what better way to do that than to infiltrate the Russian mafia from the inside? It’s a good thing the bratva’s princess is stunning and seemingly willing to do whatever he asks. This vengeance could be the perfect mix of business and pleasure.
Nadia Tarenkov has several things stacked against her: she’s a woman, and she’s not the eldest child in her family. But it doesn’t matter. She has her sights set on ruling the syndicate, and she always gets what she wants. When the heir to one of the States’ most powerful crime families comes knocking, Nadia sees it for the gift it is. He thinks he has her fooled, but she’s smarter, more cunning, and always two steps ahead. She’ll beat the gorgeous mobster at his own game, and secure her place in the fold.
What neither of them takes into consideration, however, is that they aren’t the only ones with deadly plans in motion. To survive, they’ll have to come clean and work together—and acknowledge that the growing love they’ve been pretending isn’t there, is very real.
4.5 Stars
Dark, dangerous and wickedly sinful. I love a good Mafia story and Kristen Proby has my attention!
Carmine Martinelli is sexy and smooth. Eldest son to Seattle’s boss, he’s got power and knows how to use it. As loyal as they get, Carmine takes his family obligations and responsibilities with everything he’s got. Wanting justice for a family death Carmine’s plan to infiltrate the enemy just may put him into a battle he might not be sure he can win.
Nadia Tarenkov is known as the Ice Princess. Daughter to the head of the Bratva, this girl packs a punch. She has goals that her position in the family doesn’t automatically give her but she’s more than willing to prove herself able. She’s willing to plan in the lion’s den but she just might end up caught in an unexpected trap of her own making.
Underboss is a fantastic start to the With Me in Seattle Mafia Series. Carmine and Nadia are amazing together. From that first exploratory kiss many many years before you could see the chemistry in the making. Individually they are both powerful and together they are near unstoppable. Their attraction to each other is undeniable and their chemistry is beyond explosive. Watching them tease each other or try to avoid her feelings was almost comical in a way. Yet when you see them working together taking down people on their tail you see an amazing team. Underboss is dangerous and dark with some intensely romantic moments and combustible passion. Kristen Proby rocks this Mafia romance.
Underboss was narrated by the wonderfully talented Tor Thom and Kelsey Navarro. Together they brought another level of intensity to this story. Tor Thom’s Voice is dark and sultry. It’s like a siren, keeping you listening, enticing you to listen to the entire story in one sitting. Both of these narrators are new listens for me and I was completely impressed. They very much do justice to Underboss.
Review: A Deadly Chapter by Essie Lang
A Deadly Chapter
Essie Lang
Castle Bookshop Mystery Series, Book 3
Thousand Islands bookseller Shelby Cox is caught between a lethal rock and a hardheaded newcomer in Essie Lang’s third Castle Bookshop mystery, a must-read for fans of Lorna Barrett and Vicki Delany.
Wake up on a houseboat, moored in scenic Alexandria Bay, New York. Ride the gentle waves to work at quaint Bayside Books, where you spend your days supplying literature and conversation to the charming locals and seasonal tourists. Sounds pleasant, doesn’t it? Except bookseller Shelby Cox has already sleuthed two murders from Bayside Books’s home base on Blye Island, one of New York State’s famed Thousand Islands. And this time, mayhem knocks right on Shelby’s waterside door when she finds a body lodged between the side of her houseboat and the dock, his skull shattered.
The victim is no local, but Shelby can’t shake the feeling she’s seen him before. Twice, in fact–that’s how many times he’s dropped into Bayside Books asking about an enigmatic woman who lived on Blye Island many years before. The last time? The day before he was found. But the poor man obviously was killed elsewhere, so who brought him down to the bay, and why?
When the victim’s daughter hits town demanding answers, Shelby takes the case, despite Police Chief Tekla Stone’s usual reservations. But she uncovers more suspects than there are pages in War and Peace, and Shelby can expect no peace–except the peace of the grave–unless she can turn the page on this grisly mystery. (
3.5 Stars
Living on a houseboat is a calm and serene way of life. Starting your day on the beautiful Alexandria Bay can’t help but to give the beginning of your day the best start it can have. Shelby is living the life. Until a dead body is found floating next to where you live. That definitely changes the outcome of the day.
One can never say that Shelby is not passionate about the small town in which she lives, as she is constantly reminded not to get involved in police business. This one hits too close to home and Shelby can’t help but to get down to the bottom of what’s going on.
A Deadly Chapter is book three of the Castle Bookshop Mysteries. I have come to enjoy Shelby’s way of finding out things that not just anyone could seem to find out. Shelby’s got some personal things happening as this mystery is underfoot. More than just a dead body is going on and Shelby does what she does best and somehow juggles at all and ends up finding the answers in the end. This is such a charming setting with wonderfully written characters. So much personality shines through each and everyone of them. Miss Lang definitely has a way of transporting you to a cozy little town within the pages of the series. I love how every day issues are added in with the mystery to make it seem a bit more real. I very much enjoy the series and A Deadly Chapter definitely stands up to the rest of the series.
Review: To Catch a Dream by Audrey Carlan
To Catch a Dream
Audrey Carlan
Wish Series, Book 2
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the worldwide phenomenon Calendar Girl series brings readers a poignant and honest look at life’s most complicated relationships.
When their mother passed away, Evie Ross and her sister were each given a stack of letters, one to be opened every year on their birthday; letters their free-spirited mother hoped would inspire and guide them through adulthood. But although Evie has made a successful career, her desire for the stability and security she never had from her parents has meant she’s never experienced the best life has to offer. But the discovery of more letters hidden in a safe-deposit box points to secrets her mother held close, and possibly a new way for Evie to think about her family, her heart and her dreams.
3.75 Stars
Love is the one emotion that can make one feel all things. From the best of highs to the lowest of lows and all the things in between. Audrey Carlan guides readers on a journey of sisterhood and love that shows just what love can do and be.
Evie Ross, to the average person, looks like she got it all together. A rock of a woman with an amazing career yet once you get beyond the cover we soon realize that there is a scared woman who is holding on to past hurt for fear of getting hurt in the present or future. Diving head first in the unknown is something that is something that terrifies her to the core. Evie it’s not quite the woman I expected her to be from reading her in What the Heart Wants, but I will give her this when she does decide to die then she goes full force and headfirst. Although things happen quickly I think for Evie, she found that sometimes wishes come true and you truly do have to let go to be.
To Catch a Dream expresses love from the most simplistic form of the word to the most complex. Many people walk through their life thinking they are not good enough or deserving of love, fearing the loss of those they care deeply for. As Ms. Carlan guides readers on Evie’s soul searching emotional journey, she shows the good things that life does bring even when your world is set upside down, everyone can make a wish and have it come true. All deserve happiness and love. To Catch a Dream brings love and hope through and a very wicked twist that I wasn’t expecting at the end. What I love most about the book is the sense of sisterhood and love that people can truly share.
Review: From Shadow and Silence by Carrie Ann Ryan
From Shadow and Silence
Carrie Ann Ryan
Elements of Five Series, Book 4
The unforgettable conclusion to the epic fantasy Elements of Five series from NYT Bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan.
The end of the centuries-long war is almost here, and the fate of the realm rests on one girl’s shoulders. The Gray has gathered his forces—and has Lyric in his clutches. The enemy’s plan to control the kingdoms has been revealed, but traitors from both sides might alter the course of fate.
Lyric must return to Easton and the others before all is lost. Battle lines must be forged, and surprising alliances cast. The prophecy has never altered, and life comes at an ultimate price. Not all who fight will survive, but in the end, it will come down to the choice of a Priestess and her soul.
Book 1: From Breath and Ruin
Book 2: From Flame and Ash
Book 3: From Spirit and Binding
Book 4: From Shadow and Silence
From beginning to end Carrie Ann Ryan keeps readers on the edge of their seats for the climactic conclusion of the Elements of Five Series. Shadow and Silence is a fantastic ending to this fantasy series.
Lyric has grown tremendously over the course of this series and everything she has prepared for comes to this point. Fighting through prophecy, enemies, friendship and love there’s a lot riding on this girl’s shoulders. The pieces of the puzzle are all about to fall in place, as twist interns come out of places we didn’t expect and the enemy is in breathing distance.
I am not a huge fan of young adult series however I do have to give Ms. Ryan credit where credit is due. Lyric is an exceptionally strong character who overcame many obstacles, she thought her destiny. The world building is outstanding. While reading you can almost feel as if you’ve stepped into another world. The characters are definitely what made the story but the setting enhances the telling of the tail in every way. The story is unique and is told in a way that just grabs the readers attention. Ms. Ryan ends this series fantasticall
Review: Sandcastle Beach by Jenny Holiday
Sandcastle Beach
Jenny Holiday
Matchmaker Bay Series, Book 3
From the USA Today bestselling “master of witty banter” (Entertainment Weekly) comes a hilarious and heartwarming romance about two enemies whose feud turns red-hot.
Maya Mehta will do anything to save her tiny, beloved community theater. Put on musicals she hates? Check. Hire an arrogant former-pop-star-turned-actor? Done. But what Maya really needs to save her theater is Matchmaker Bay’s new business grant. She’s got some serious competition, though: Benjamin “Law” Lawson, local bar owner, Jerk Extraordinaire, and Maya’s annoyingly hot arch nemesis. Let the games begin.
Law loves nothing more than getting under Maya’s skin, and making those gorgeous eyes dance with irritation. But when he discovers the ex-pop star has a thing for Maya, too, Law decides he’s done waiting in the wings-starting with a scorching-hot kiss. Turns out there’s a thin line between hate and irresistible desire, and Maya and Law are really good at crossing it. But when things heat up, will they allow their long-standing feud to get in the way of their growing feelings?
3.5 Stars
There is nothing better than an enemies to lovers story. Sandcastle Beach is a fun and witty slow burn romance.
If you have read any of the previous books in the series or even if you are a newcomer, you will soon find that the witty banter and the enemies to no end are just the steppingstones to the beginnings of this romance.
Maya and Law have been going back-and-forth with each other for years. Their witty banter and constant rivalry makes you truly wonder what emotions they have for each other underneath. When a competition for a large amount of money happens within their small town to help out a small business it’s game on for both of them. It’s a fine line between love and hate and these two may have just stepped over the line.
Jenny Holiday will make you laugh and fall in love all of the same time. Maya and Law are riot together. Their constant going at each other built so much tension in so many ways. Crossing that line just maybe the best thing for them. Maya and Law find their way together in a way that only they could do. Jenny Holiday gives readers another entertaining visit to Matchmaker Bay
Coffee Books Life 