Monthly Archives: October 2023
Review: Muder Uncorked by Maddie Day
Murder Uncorked
Maddie Day
Cece Barton Mystery Series, Book 1
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 24, 2023
Raise a glass to Cece Barton, a widowed single mom and recent L.A. transplant to California wine country, who suddenly finds herself at the center of a murder investigation in this sparkling new mystery series from Agatha Award–winning and national bestselling author Maddie Day.
As the manager of Vino y Vida Wine Bar in Colinas, Cecelia “Cece” Barton’s first Alexander Valley harvest is a whirlwind of activity. Her twin sister, Allie Halstead, who owns a nearby Victorian bed & breakfast, is accustomed to the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. But Cece barely has a moment to enjoy her new home in between worrying about her estranged college-age daughter, juggling her responsibilities at the bar, and navigating the sticky politics of the local wine association. Just when it seems things can’t grow any more intense, Colinas is rocked by a murder within the wine community . . . and Cece is identified as a possible suspect!
With her reputation and her livelihood on the line—and the Sonoma County deputy sheriff breathing down her neck—Cece has no choice but to open up her own murder investigation. Tensions are already high in the valley, as a massive wildfire creeps toward Colinas, threatening homes, vineyards, and the vital tourist trade. And now, with a murderer on the loose, and Cece’s sleuthing exposing the valley’s bitterest old rivalries and secret new alliances, Colinas feels ready to pop! But with Allie’s help, Cece is determined to catch the killer and clear her name before everything she’s worked so hard for goes up in flames.
3.5 Stars
Maddie Day takes her readers to beautiful wine country California in Murder Uncorked. The debut novel in the Cece Barton mystery Series.
Cece is a widowed single mom who is trying to start a new chapter of her life. She is the manager of Vino y Vida. She’s trying to settle into a new town learning to deal with the hustle and bustle of tourist season and trying to understand the politics of the local wine Association. Just as she begins to navigate the waters of all this newness, she finds herself being a prime suspect of a murder within the wine community.
Murder Uncorked is a wonderful introduction to the series. I very much enjoyed this week. Not only did we get a good mystery that was well written and kept you guessing. We also get the story of a woman trying to restart her life. The wine bar she manages is in the same little town as her twin sister, who runs a bed-and-breakfast. Her sister is a suspect as well. I love how they stick together and take on the job of amateur sluice to clear their own names. Cece does not have the best relationship with her daughter, and we get to see how that truly affects her and how much she wants that change. As I said, this is a great introduction to what I think it’s going to be not just a good mystery series, but the story of a woman who had changes later in life and is trying to make a new life with them.
Review: Snow Place for Murder by Diane Kelly
Snow Place for Murder
Diane Kelly
Moutain Lodge Mystery Series, Book 3
International resort developer Nigel Goodwin has traveled all the way from London, England to Misty Murphy’s little corner of North Carolina and bought out the Mountaintop Lodge for the week prior to Christmas. Their intention? To pitch an exclusive new resort concept to wealthy American investors.
But locals are at odds over the idea, and when a group comes to the lodge to express their worries to Mr. Goodwin and the potential investors, a blizzard hits Beech Mountain. Like the weather outside, things quickly get frosty, and Misty has to call local police to intervene. Handyman Rocky Crowder plows the lodge’s drive and, in an attempt to regain a jovial holiday atmosphere, smooths the snow pile into a makeshift sledding hill for the guests to enjoy.
Misty’s boys have finished their exams and are “home” from college for the winter break, planning to spend most of their time snowboarding at the ski resort. While taking a few runs down Rocky’s sledding hill, they discover a funny-looking, nose-shaped rock. Only it’s not a rock. It’s the frozen nose of Nigel Goodwin, who’s found dead and buried under the mound of snow.
Who put the developer on ice and why?
Audio Review: Murder by the Seashore by Samara Yew
Murder by the Seashore
Samara Yew
California Bookshop Mystery Series, Book 1
October 17, 2023 by Crooked Lane
256 pages, Hardcover
Perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Ellery Adams, Scarlett Gardner’s dream was to open a bookshop in Southern California, but it soon becomes a nightmare when she finds the dead body of a customer—and becomes the prime suspect.
Southern California is where dreams come true—or so Scarlett Gardner thought. When she came out and opened the Palm Trees and Page Turners bookshop, she thought her boyfriend and business partner would be part of the story. When he leaves her for a better job, Scarlett finds herself struggling to keep her new business afloat. That’s not the only thing she has to worry about—she discovers something underneath the pier by her bookstore that she didn’t outline for her life’s story: the dead body of a book-buying customer.
After Scarlett gives a statement to the police, she thinks her life can go back to business as usual. But when a lawyer, representing someone named Lorelai Knight, tells her that Scarlett now stands to inherit a small fortune, Scarlett is left with more questions than answers. Before she can think about any of it, the police bring her in for questioning; the body she found was Lorelai Knight. And the evidence they have against Scarlett doesn’t look good—not only does she have a motive because of her inheritance, but a bottle of the same poison found in Lorelai’s system was discovered near the bookshop. Business is booming as Scarlett returns to the bookshop, but for all the wrong reasons – they want to question the last known suspect of the murder.
Who could really be behind all of this? And why frame Scarlett? To clear her name, she’s going to have get creative—and hope she can remain one page ahead of the killer.
4 Stars
Scarlett Gardner is trying to make her dreams come true. Opening her beach book shop Palm Trees and Page Turner is the beginning of a good thing. Until her boyfriend/business partner decides to leave for a better job. Then to top things off, Scarlet finds a dead body under the pier not far from her Bookshop, making her a suspect in the murder. Then to mix things up just a little bit, a lawyer shows up wanting to speak to Scarlet about an inheritance from a person she has never heard of. Scarlet is filled with lots of questions and not finding too many answers. Deciding to do a little investigating of her own, Scarlet has to clear her name, and that of the book shop.
Murder by the seashore, is a fantastic opening book for this new series. Scarlett Gardner is an interesting main character. She has some complexities to her, has dreams and desires. She wants to fulfill and has a very good heart. She has a solid character any Author has written her in a way that she will be able to grow through future installments. I thought we were going to see the beginning of a love interest in the first book but I guess we’re not quite there yet. As for the mystery, I found it very enjoyable. Author Samara Yew does a wonderful job at keeping the reader guessing as to whether they have actually figured it out or not. From the setting to the characters to the storyline, I found this a very enjoyable, cozy mystery.
Audio Review: Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay
Sugar Plum Poisoned
Jenn McKinlay
Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series, Book 15
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Expected publication October 10, 2023 by Berkley
Narrated by Susan Boyce
It’s Christmastime, and this holiday season, things are heating up for the bakers at Fairy Tale Cupcakes, in the newest Cupcake Bakery Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay.
When up-and-coming singing sensation Shelby Vaughn arrives in town for two weeks of concert dates, she hires her old friend Angie and the rest of the bakery crew to supply cupcakes for the VIP guest lounge every night.
After overhearing Shelby in a heated argument with her manager, Mel is concerned, but she and the crew decide to make the best of their time working with the star. Just as the bakers fall into the rhythm of the job, Shelby’s manager is found dead, clutching a bit of fabric from a Santa suit and a cupcake. With the bakery crew and Shelby’s backup dancers all dressed in similar Santa costumes, it’s impossible to say who is the killer. When all suspicions lead back to Shelby, Mel and Angie stand up for their friend, determined to prove her innocence before she’s frosted for a crime she didn’t commit.
4 Stars
It’s Christmas time! Fairy Tale cupcakes is on deck to provide the delectable treats for the VIP guests of up-and-coming, singer and friend of Angie, Shelby Vaughn’s two week Christmas showcase in Scottsdale. It’s the busiest time of the year and spirits are bright. Well, until Shelby‘s manager is found dead with a fairytale cupcake in his hand. Mel and Angie have their hands full with the ongoing catering of Shelby shows, Mel hosting Christmas dinner for a small army, and now they are tangled up in a murder once again. Mel and Angie, not only want to clear the bakeries name because they know there was nothing wrong with their cupcakes. They’re out to clear Shelby’s name from this murder as well.
Sugar Plum Poisoned was a fun and entertaining weed. I love the combination of Mel and Angie. Their friendship is solid, extremely strong, and it’s to the point that they are basically family. And have been for a very long time. Angie is that person that will go to bed for the people she cares about. Mel is a little more stand back and think it through. They are truly a perfect team. Sugar Plum Poisoned shows us that Angie has definitely rubbed off on Mel after all these years. Although I figured out who the culprit of this caper was fairly early on, I very much enjoyed the story. Marty and Oz are always a trip whenever they are on the page. Seeing the brothers up to their antics is always a good laugh. They also help solve a murder and give a good friend a Christmas that she truly needed.
Narrator Susan boys did an amazing job with this book. She beautifully distinguish each character and truly brought the story to life.
Review: Shadow Magic by Donna Grant
Shadow Magic
Donna Grant
Sisters of Magic Series, Book 1
Release: October 10, 2023
Serena is a witch, cursed and forever alone. She accepts her future. Until she meets Drogan. With Drogan a passion deep and unyielding awakens inside her. She is willing to sacrifice herself for his love, but can he put his past to rest and embrace the future?
Serena of Hawthorne is a witch, whose gift is to be able to see the future. Her people carry a curse that will inevitably wipe out everything of her people. Serena is well aware of the curse, but yet has lived her life in a way that has kept her lonely but yet safe. Serena has a vision of evil approaching their land. Being under the protection of the Lord of the land, Serena has his ear and his trust. Serena will do everything in her power to save the lives of her Lord, his lady and their daughter.
Drogan is the Lord of Wollfglynn. He is a loyal friend and a fierce warrior. Drogan fought for over 10 years and has quite many horrors and sins from his past that constantly plague his present day. Drogan arrives at Hawthorne, to celebrate the birth of his very dear friend’s child, and in the process learns that there is a great evil following them. A darkness that makes them all fear for their lives. And a woman that has enchanted him on every level.
Shadow Magic is medieval England with a paranormal twist. Drogan and Serena were magical. From their initial meeting, their attraction was evident. From working together to develop a plan, to becoming very fond of one another, to both of them willing to put their lives on the line to help people they cared about. Not only were they fighting the evil that followed them. They were fighting the things that plagued themselves. Donna Grant never fails to deliver a story that you can fall in love with. She gives you worlds oh, you want to get lost in. The sisters of Magic series gives us a unique view on witches, and I’m looking forward to discovering more of this magical series.
Release Blitz: Darkest Need by Rachel Van Dyken
To touch a Dark One is certain death…to fall in love with one of them might just be your salvation.
Darkest Need, an all-new page-turning Dark Ones novella from New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken, is available now!
I see everything. I feel everything. I watch people fall in love. I watch them burn with hate, anger, rage, and I see the cycle repeat over and over again. I take it on every night I work at Timber, aka Anubis’s bar in downtown Seattle, and then I help the rest of the immortals keep the very intense balance between Heaven and Earth.
I see everyone’s future but mine, and when I try to look, all I see is darkness, despair, need…
Until she walks into my bar with bruises on her face, getting pulled by one of the lesser demons. I do what any good bartender would do… I beat him within an inch of his life and turn my eyes to her. By then, it’s too late. She already has me in her grasp. A succubus that has no other plan than to suck me clean of every inch of power that’s been bestowed on me by the Heavens.
I never thought my future involved getting kidnapped and tied up or that I’d die by way of sex—then again, maybe that’s for the best. Dying at the hands of my enemy rather than being one more burden to my already mated friends.
After all, giving into one last need before death, while selfish, may be exactly what my darkness means.
My need is great. And she’s about to find out just how much.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
Grab your copy today, exclusively on Amazon! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BBFApo Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/darkestneed Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3q05PmA
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Keep reading for a look inside Darkest Need!
Listen, I know I have chains wrapped strategically around my wrists and that every second that goes by, said chains are burning a mark into my skin that may or may not mean I’m about to get completely demolished by a succubus demon. But this is not how the story starts. I mean, maybe it’s how it ends since I’ve been in this exact spot for the last two days without food or water, waiting for a rescue from my immortal friends, knowing full well they’re probably all just having sex and enjoying marital bliss without realizing I’m actually missing. Me. The manager of the Seattle demon bar, Sin. Werewolf prince. All around really upright kind of guy—or so I like to think. But do you know where that got me? Here. Chained. See also: Demon goddess who has not come back to check on me even once and says she wants to kill me via sex. Bartending is looking great right now. Immortal life in my werewolf clan did not prepare me for this or the fact that saving one succubus would actually turn me into her prey. She was bruised. Beaten beyond recognition. I was going to kill the vampire that attempted to slaughter her, but that’s a longer, more violent story since she ended up doing the deed once she got a bit of my blood. But I did give her water, thinking, wow, I’ve done this person a total solid. I mean, despite the fact that she was pretty. Even her tears were pretty. The bruising and swelling on her face didn’t even hide how beautiful she was—or is. Maybe my first wrong act was comforting her. Because the minute we touched, her eyes flashed a creepy red, and well…see also actual burning handcuffs around my wrists. It’s clearly been a fun forty-eight hours. Maybe she’ll make it quick, though a weird part of me kind of wants my last few moments being sucked dry via sex to last for a while, so long that it’s all I focus on, all I care about, all I see. I see visions of the future, but I never saw this. So, strap in because I’m sure it’s going to be a great story. I just may not make it all the way to the end with you.
For More Information about Rachel Van Dyken, visit her website: https://rachelvandykenauthor.com/
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Review: Salems Song by Kristen Proby
Salems Song
Kristen Proby
The Curse of the Blood Moon Series, Book 3
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 3, 2023
Torn apart by tragedy, Lorelei has kept Xander at arm’s length, focusing on her career and gifts, rather than rekindling their love. But now that she’s back in Salem, she can’t avoid him and finds herself slowly softening toward the man she’s loved all of her life. However, the witch hunter they’ve been fighting still hasn’t been vanquished. Between that and breaking the curse of the Blood Moon, now is not the best time for her to give the sexy Xander another try.
Despite Lora pushing him away, Xander has never stopped loving her. But now that the stakes are higher with evil threatening them more than ever, he is done giving her time and space. With the curse that Jonas put into place long ago creating havoc with the innocent residents of Salem, the core six, their coven, and the witches from Hallows End need to work together to overcome true wickedness.
Will Xander and Lora find themselves once again amidst these stormy seas and their recent separation? Or will evil reign, throwing the core six, Salem and Hallows End into unimaginable peril?
5 Stars
Lorelei and Xander have known forever that they are destined to be with one another. Their magic called to each other, was intensified by each other. Something hurt them both greatly, and has faltered the foundation of what they should be. The Curse of the Blood Moon is hanging over their heads, and something evil just keeps coming at them. Threatening everyone, they know, and love. Lorelei and Xander have to work together along with their friends and cousins to see this through and erase this curse. Danger is around every corner pushing Lorelei and Xander into close proximity. It’s like their souls are calling to one another, but they have to heal that hurt to able to move forward.
Salems Song is the perfect read to begin the spooky time of year. The conclusion of The Curse of the Blood Moon Series was magical. We get an amazing story that is filled with family, love and hope. A story that is dangerous, daring and magical. I love that was broken and found a way to heal. Kristin Proby truly created something magical not only with this story, but with this series. These relationships are soul deep, and you are able to feel that while reading. She creates strong characters that know how to build one another up but can count on one another in their times of need.
There is an epilogue at the end of Salem Song that was amazingly beautiful and had me crying rivers of happy tears. Kristin was able to beautifully show what life, love, friendship, family, and tradition should look like.
Review: Warrior’s Hope by Rebecca Zanetti
Warrior’s Hope
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 16
257 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 3, 2023
An explosive love triangle comes to its passionate conclusion and decides the fate of battling nations in award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti’s Dark Protectors . . .
As the only female vampire ever born, and the heir to two powerful immortal families, Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood has always felt the weight of fate and destiny. Now her heart is torn between two men and two different futures. It’s a choice between duty and love, peace and war, with the fate of everyone she loves hanging in the balance.
As the leader of the Kurjan nation, Drake has always known that mating Hope is the best path to avoiding war. He’s counting on her to know the same. . . . Paxton has been Hope’s best friend and protector since they were children. He would kill and die for her without a second thought. In fact, he’s always known that would be his path . . .
With deadly factions at her heels, Hope must decide whom to trust and where her loyalty lies—before the choice is taken away from her . . .
5 Stars
Hope has always known she’s been destined to bring peace. She knows it will be a choice that not everyone will agree with, but knows it will be right to bring about peace. Hope it’s unique in many ways. Not only is she the only female vampire. She is also a component known as the lock. A critical piece of the puzzle to destroying their greatest evil.
The time to make choices upon her, Hope is seeing things in a very different light as many secrets are starting to become known. Forever brave and always willing. Hope will do whatever it takes for peace.
It is no secret that I am a Rebecca Zanetti fan. You will find many reviews of her books on this blog. Her imagination, world building, and honestly just the way she rides have provided me many many hours of entertainment over the years. It could be paranormal or contemporary, and Rebecca Zanetti knows how to catch and keep your attention. The Dark Protectors series spans over 25 stories, including four novels and novelas. This could be read as a standalone novel. However, I would highly recommend reading at least a few of the other books in the series. This is one I have been highly anticipating.
Warrior’s Hope is one of those books that has been building up for many years and was everything the book needed to be and more. Spectacular in so many ways. Rebecca Zanetti concludes this particular.arc of the series with a vivid bang. We have page turning actio and suspense. A romance triangle that finally comes to ahead. Secrets revealed and tough choices are made. Warrior’s Hope had many layers and revealed many things that I’m sure I’m not the only one who was happy to discover. The book had me captivated from beginning to end. I read the book in one sitting, truly getting lost for an entire day.
Warrior’s Hope is in my top five read of the year.
Review: The Little Venice Bookshop by Rebecca Raisin
The Little Venice Bookshop
Rebecca Raisin
October 3, 2023 by HQ Digital
When Luna loses her beloved mother, she’s bereft: her mother was her only family, and without her Luna feels rootless. Then the chance discovery of a collection of letters in her mother’s belongings sends her on an unexpected journey.
Following a clue in the letters, Luna packs her bags and heads to Venice, to a gorgeous but faded bookshop overlooking the canals, hoping to uncover the truth about her mother’s mysterious past.
Will Luna find the answers she’s looking for – and finally find the place she belongs?
3.5 Stars
The Little Venice Bookshop is a sweet and fun Reid that gives lots of feels. Luna is a wanderer just as her mother was. They had a special pond and traveled all over the world with one another. Until one day, her mother was ready to set routes, but Luna was still sewing her wild oats. When I received a phone call from a dear friend that has become a family member, informing her that her mother has passed away. Luna returns to her mothers tiny home to find more secrets than she could have ever imagined.It sends her out on another adventure, to possibly solve a mystery of her own And one of her mothers.
Luna’s adventure takes her to the lovely city of Venice. The city of love. While she is on a mission to discover some of her mother’s secrets, Luna begins a journey of self discovery as well. This is a heartwarming tale with all the emotions. The loss of bonds, the beginning of bonds. Discovering who you really are and what family really means. This was an emotional read for me. As I was able to connect with the characters. I enjoy the atmosphere and setting. I just wish the ending wouldn’t have been so rushed.
Coffee Books Life 