Monthly Archives: May 2022

Review: Etched in Honor by Carrie Ann Ryan

 

Etched in Honor 

Carrie Ann Ryan 

Aspen Pack Series, Book 1

Paperback, 306 pages
Published May 23rd 2022
NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan returns to the world of paranormal in the thrilling and dynamic new Aspen Pack series.

The betrayal that had nearly taken out the Aspen Pack has passed, but the ramifications of starting with a new hierarchy are taking their toll on Audrey Porter. Once traitor to the former leaders for trying to save their people, she’s now the Beta of the Pack and must try to hold their shattered remains together. Only she never expected the man from her past to awaken memories long since buried.

Gavin Powers is the new Tracker for the Aspen, yet it feels as though he’s always been part of the Pack, rather than a newcomer trying to heal a people long since thought forgotten. There are secrets within the den that could alter how the world sees shifters, and if Gavin isn’t careful, his attraction to Audrey could ruin everything.

There is a mysterious new enemy on the horizon, one long since vanquished into myth. As the darkness surrounding the Packs is unveiled, it will take a wolf and a lioness to unbury the past and fight for their future—or risk losing everything before it begins.

4 Stars

An exciting, emotional and mysterious introduction to the Aspen Pack. 

Audrey is the Beta of the Aspen Pack. Not a wolf but a lioness who has been with a pack for a great deal of time. She is strength, combined with beauty and a natural born leader. Her whole purpose is for the betterment of the pack. When a new member joins their pack a bit of Aubrey‘s past is staring her back in the eye. It can’t be possible or can it 

Gavin is the new Tracker for the Aspen Pack. A lone wolf from England he feels like he has always been a part of the Aspens.  Except he doesn’t understand upon meeting Beta why she doesn’t like him like the other Pack members seem too.  While trying to figure out what the issue may be a surprise attack comes from an unknown enemy. Not only does this put the Pack in danger Gavin soon realizes the years of memories that he’s missing are all of a sudden back in his head.

What an amazing introduction to the Aspen pack. Etched in Honor Is a fantastic beginning and introduction to what is going to be an exciting new series. Aubrey and Gavin I have a story that will break your heart and make you fall in love all over again.  I love how the two of them work together to find themselves, a friendship, to be pack mates and even more to find love.  The story is emotional. There’s danger learning on the page and there is love to be found. My favorite kind of read. 

Carrie Ann Ryan knows how to get her readers emotionally invested in her characters. 

Review: Strawberried Alive by Jenn McKinlay

Strawberried Alive 

Jenn McKInlay 

Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series, Book 14

Mass Market Paperback, 288 pages
Expected publication: May 3rd 2022 by Berkley Books
The crew from the Fairy Tale Cupcakes shop risks getting burned when they set out to find a murderer who is terrorizing their town

Life is smooth as buttercream at the Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery, and newlyweds Mel and Joe are stopping to smell the flours. But things start to crumble one night when an unknown gunman takes a shot at Mel. Though the bullets miss their mark, the cupcake crew goes on high alert to figure out who would want to kill a small-town baker, and why.

When more business owners are attacked, things turn fatal, and locals begin to wonder if the killer could be one of their own. Every shop owner in town starts to fear it’s only a matter of time before they too become victims of the mystery murderer. Despite the cupcake crew’s superb baking skills, it will be anything but a piece of cake to catch the killer, as they try to prevent anyone else from being berried.

4.5 Stars
Mel is having one of those weeks so the cupcake levels are high. A bridezilla with last minute changes to cupcakes all but ready to go and after the long hours Fixing the last-minute changes to the cupcakes as Mel is heading home, shots are fired in the alley behind the bakery. Now Mel is looking over her shoulder, another shop owner thinks Mel is at the center of the crime. With neighboring shops turning against her and shooter on the loose, Mel goes into hiding but keeps her eye on all that’s going on to get to the bottom of this cupcake caper.
Strawberried Alive Is a fantastic dive back into the world of the Fairytale Cupcakes crew. There is so much emotion going through this book. Everyone is worried and before they can figure anything else more events keep happening. Angie can’t stand that she can’t help her best friend, Mel doesn’t understand why the town is against her and her bakery and why someone would be shooting at her. Jenn McKinlay did a fantastic job with keeping me glued to the page. Strawberried Alive was a one sit read for me. I could not put it down. It’s always fun to visit with Mel, Angie Tate, Oz and the gang. I love how they come together no matter what is going on. Although I have come to realize it’s very hard to keep a secret that involves anything to do with the Fairytale Cupcake Bakery.