Monthly Archives: November 2023

Review: Murder in a Cup by Lauren Elliott

Murder in a Cup 

Lauren Elliott 

A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery Series, Book 2

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 28, 2023

As an eclectic tea shop owner descended from an Irish witch, intuitive Shay Myers has been living her most authentic life since moving home to California’s scenic Monterey Peninsula. Yet not even her heightened senses can predict how to run a business—or catch a killer . . .

Self-taught “seer” Shay has much to learn as autumn hits the quaint coastal town of Bray Harbor. Since attempting the art of blending herbs at her popular shop, Crystals & CuriosiTeas, she’s set on growing ingredients in the mysterious greenhouse on the second floor—if only she can separate the medicinal plants from the deadly ones. Her new skills are put to the test when she meets pub owner and ex-detective Liam Madigan’s Gran. A psychic from Ireland known for interpreting tea leaves and people, Gran encourages Shay to build upon her natural talents and hold her own group reading . . .

Despite Shay’s reservations about putting herself in the spotlight, the evening goes off without a hitch. At least, until she does a reading and a customer goes from chatty to dead in a flash, poisoned after sipping a toxic substance recently grown in the greenhouse. Worse, Shay’s assistant is suspected of intentionally serving the lethal brew and committing cold-blooded murder. Now, aided only by Liam and her dog Spirit, Shay must exonerate her employee and save the future of Crystals & CuriosiTeas. But when clues start lining up like leaves in a teacup, she’ll need to understand the signs right in front of her to catch the manipulative murderer before it’s too late . . .

4 Stars

Murder in a Cup has just what you need to keep you guessing all the while thoroughly enjoying the story.

Shay is the owner of a quaint little tea shop by the name of Crystals & CuriositiTEAS. In Bray Harbor, CA. She inherited the shop along with a little cottage from a mother she did not know. Come to find out she has quite the family history that she was unaware of. Shay is a searer and is still learning who and what she is.

Murder in a Cup  is almost two stories in one. Shay’s teenage assistant comes under the thumb of the  law when her father returns to town, trying to take her back with him. And we get another dealing with Shay’s background, and who she is. The story is made up of fantastic characters.

Although this is a cozy mystery, there are some complex parts to the story that I thoroughly enjoyed. The book was at a good pace, and Devon kept me guessing.. This series 2 books in is starting off with a bang and our wonderful Author, I feel as set up quite the series just within these first two books. The more we learn of Shay the more interested and invested I get.

Review: Bulletproof Barista by Cleo Coyle

Bulletproof Barista 

Cleo Coyle 

Coffeehouse Mystery Series, Book 20

352 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication November 14, 2023 by Berkley

Savor an all new Coffeehouse Mystery in the beloved long-running series from  New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.

Only Murders in Gotham, the smash hit streaming show, is famous for filming in authentic New York City locations and using real New Yorkers as extras. For their latest episode, they’ve chosen to spotlight the century-old Village Blend and its quirky crew of baristas.

But when the film crew’s week of shooting delivers an actual shooting, coffeehouse manager and master roaster Clare Cosi and her staff find themselves at the scene of a true crime.

“A wonderful series with plenty of local color, great characters, and a setting so real that readers will be scouring the streets of Greenwich Village looking for the real Village Blend.”—The Mystery Reader

“Clare and company are some of the most vibrant characters I’ve ever read.”— Mystery Scene

4.5 Stars

The Village Blend Coffeehouse has become the filming location for a smash hit streaming program. Not only does the historic location get to become a star of the show the Village Blend crew get to spend some time on screen showing off not only their coffee, but personal skills as well.  Just as filming begins all kinds of weird accidents  and incidents start to begin. The people of show business have their way of keeping things quiet, however are amazing coffee master Claire Cosi uses more than her Java skills to get to the bottom of this caffeinated mystery.

Coffee and I go hand-in-hand. Just like books and I go hand-in-hand. I have been reading the coffeehouse mystery series for well over a decade. I am happy to say that Bulletproof Barista is as exciting as the first book I discovered in this series. Claire Cosi is confident and amazing. She has truly honed in her craft. She cares deeply about the coffee she serves, and the people that work for her. She is such a People person. She can’t help but to be involved with those around her. She also is not gonna let someone dictate how things will go once something happens to those she cares about. ShowBusiness is not gonna keep her quiet, and I loved her unique way of finding a way around to keep being able to nose around to find out what happened. Bulletproof Barista is a fun and thoroughly entertaining read. We get to see all of our favorite characters from Madame, all of the coffeehouse crew, and the men in Claire’s life that keep it interesting. Reading a coffeehouse mystery book is like visiting with old friends. Bullet proof barista is spot on as to what I have come to love of the series.

Review: The Stand-In by Kristen Proby

The Stand-In 

Kristen Proby 

Single in Seattle Series, Book 5

364 pages, Kindle Edition
November 14, 2023 by Ampersand Publishing, Inc

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes The Stand-In, the newest novel in her beloved Single in Seattle series, featuring Drew Montgomery!

I don’t like my new boss. Not at all.

London Ambrose is a spoiled billionaire’s daughter. And now she’s the new co-owner of the Seattle football team, but that doesn’t mean that she knows diddly squat about football.

There’s nothing I hate more than having someone micromanaging me, shadowing my every move, and giving me their two cents on Every. Little. Thing. as I coach MY defensive line.

I don’t care about new team jerseys and branding or answering her million and one questions about how I do my job. But, I can’t help but come to her defense when an old flame shows up and starts harassing her. I’m a Montgomery. We don’t let anyone mess with women.

Now, I’m suddenly in a fake relationship, pretending to date the gorgeous billionaire and learning so many surprising things about this captivating woman that I just can’t seem to stay away from her.

When the lines between our fake relationship and real relationship blur, and my initial distaste for her turns into desire, I find myself coaching the most important game of my life – do I let my guard down or do I let London Ambrose walk away forever?

4.5 Stars

The Stand-In gives all the feels. Kristin Proby pens a wonderful story that can’t help, but to make your heart feel all kinds of things. 

London Ambrose is many things. Successful entrepreneur, a fantastic mother, an amazing businesswoman and now part owner of an NFL football team. London is definitely one of those women that you cannot judge by your cover. She’s an amazingly smart woman who is kind and caring beyond what the average person would know. Drew is the coach for Seattle’s football team. Drew had to change his dream of being in the NFL to coaching for the NFL. Too many concussions within his playing years in high school made him go from a playing role to a teaching and coaching role. Drew is genuinely a good man and is deeply loyal to those he cares about.

The Stand-In is a truly romantic read. London and Drew don’t understand each other on the surface. Being in the same place at the same time, when something goes against what tDrew  feels and believes he steps up and does what any Montgomery man would do. Drew and London share a slow burn that builds up so beautifully. Being a single mom, London and Caleb are a package deal. That is something that true does not take lightly. We don’t just see one relationship develop within the pages of this heartwarming story, we see several develop in such a beautiful and natural way. It is very well-known that I am not a fan of sports in any way. While the story may have elements of sports, it’s truly focused on the romance, relationship and family that star within its pages.The Stand-In is one of those stories that will make you feel good in all the ways of romance should make you feel good.

Review: Christmas in Cape May by Jennifer Probst

Christmas in Cape May

Jennifer Probst

Sunshine Sisters Series Book 3.5

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 7, 2023

1001 Dark Nights

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Probst comes a new story in her Sunshine Sisters series…

Devon Pratt loves many things in life. The beauty of flowers. The yin and yang of energy. The power of positivity in people. And everything to do with the Christmas season.

As a floral shop owner in the beach town of Cape May, she looks forward to decorating both the town and running the annual holiday party to benefit the local animal shelter. Too bad the new owner of her favorite venue is more like the Grinch than Santa. Working with him will be a challenge, but she’s too full of seasonal cheer to let him annoy her, right?

Jameson Franklin hates many things in life. Crowds. Fake cheer. Ostentatious décor. And especially Christmas. The season is full of things he’d rather avoid, but since taking over the popular restaurant Vintage temporarily for his cousin as a favor, he’s trying to play nice with the locals. Too bad the florist is insisting on overrunning his sacred space with blooms, dogs, and an endless positive persistence that pushes all of his buttons. But when too many heated confrontations lead to heated encounters, he begins to wonder what it would be like to love not only Christmas, but Devon Pratt.

Let the festivities begin.

4 Stars

Devon Pratt loves life. She sees the good in many things and gets joy from simple things like flowers and animals. Christmas time is truly her favorite time of year and it brings her a tremendous amount of joy. She enjoys decorating the town and loves running the annual holiday party to benefit the local animal shelter. Just weeks before the event someone steps in at the restaurant where the event is to be held and tries to change all of her plans last minute. She shows just what holiday cheer can bring out in a person.

Jameson Franklin is easily annoyed by many things in life. Less than tasteful, decor, and crowds get to him, but what really raises the fur on his haggles is Christmas time. Taking over his cousin’s restaurant during the Christmas season is not his ideal thing, but he will try to play nice with the locals. Jamison make some changes to the restaurant that he thinks will help his cousins bottom line however, he has definitely gotten under one particular florist’s skin.

Christmas in Cape May was a fun and sweet holiday short Reid. Devon and Jamieson seem to be the opposite of each other. However, through some heated conversations in close proximity, they realize they have a bit more in common than they knew. Someone over filled with holiday cheer, and another one who wants nothing to do with it. Their banter is absolutely fantastic. I love that they are constantly fighting their chemistry until they can no longer fight their feeling and it just explodes. Jennifer Probst gives her readers a fun and heartwarming Christmas story to get our holiday season started.

Release Day: Christmas in Cape May by Jennifer Probst

She’s a beach town flower shop owner who loves Christmas. He’s the hot new restaurant owner with a grumpy Grinch heart.

Christmas in Cape May, an all-new steamy Sunshine Sisters novella from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst, is available now!

Devon Pratt loves many things in life. The beauty of flowers. The yin and yang of energy. The power of positivity in people. And everything to do with the Christmas season.

As a floral shop owner in the beach town of Cape May, she looks forward to decorating both the town and running the annual holiday party to benefit the local animal shelter. Too bad the new owner of her favorite venue is more like the Grinch than Santa. Working with him will be a challenge, but she’s too full of seasonal cheer to let him annoy her, right?

Jameson Franklin hates many things in life. Crowds. Fake cheer. Ostentatious décor. And especially Christmas. The season is full of things he’d rather avoid, but since taking over the popular restaurant Vintage temporarily for his cousin as a favor, he’s trying to play nice with the locals. Too bad the florist is insisting on overrunning his sacred space with blooms, dogs, and an endless positive persistence that pushes all of his buttons. But when too many heated confrontations lead to heated encounters, he begins to wonder what it would be like to love not only Christmas, but Devon Pratt.

Let the festivities begin.

**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/3BNPPXC Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/christmasincapemay Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/45puVvo Audible: https://adbl.co/3QtrZsm

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Keep reading for a look inside Christmas in Cape May!

She took a few steps in and jabbed her finger in the air. “You wouldn’t know how to handle a day at my shop, restaurant boy. And cancelling on a charity two weeks before the event is bad business in whatever way you want to look at it. I refuse to let you ruin this town’s tradition because you want to line your pocket with a few extra bucks. I don’t care what I have to do. You will honor the agreement and hold the gala here or I will make you sorely regret it.” The words shot and floated through the room like post-gunfire. A slight trembling shook her body from the depth of her emotions, and she dully noted it had been a long time since any individual—male or female—brought out her full ire. Devon braced herself for the fight of the century. “Restaurant boy?” The droll amusement only notched her temper higher. “I mean it. I will help you do this but you have a responsibility to keep your damn word.” The man had the audacity to lean back in his chair with ease and regard her under lashes that were too thick for a male. “And if I don’t?” Devon realized she’d make a bigger impression if she was like him. Cold-hearted, methodical, and ruthless. “I know people.” Interest piqued in those storm cloud eyes. “Mob?” “No. Legal people. Wouldn’t it be a shame to try and make productive changes and have to deal with customer complaints regarding the food? Or sanitary conditions?” She clucked her tongue. “Mac just got his liquor license. I bet you’d make a pretty penny selling your fancy Manhattan cocktails here. Wouldn’t it be a shame if something happened to that liquor license?” “You really like dogs, don’t you?” She narrowed her gaze and tried to figure him out. He was so damn…perplexing. Devon expected anger, or some other type of boorish behavior. Instead, he acted like he was royalty who refused to show weakness or emotion. Unfortunately, it only made her want to stir him up a bit to see where his limits were. “Dogs are the bomb. They deserve a little happiness before being returned to their cages without a family for Christmas.” And then something amazing happened. He laughed. Sure, it was a chuckle, and not a full-blown chest laugh, but the sound ruffled her nerve endings and made her want to remember it so she could replay the scene later in her head. “Okay, flower girl. I’ll give you what you want because I have limited time to deal with your threats but I have no time to structure this event. I’ll serve local beer and wine. I’ll offer up a limited menu based on my choices. That’s it. You do everything else and there will be no interference with the lunch crowd. The event begins at six pm, and I serve till 4pm. That means, no early drop-offs or distractions for my staff.” She opened her mouth to say something but he kept going. “And if I need anything, I plan to call you and only you. The moment you don’t respond, I’m calling the whole thing off, and you can blame the dogs’ broken hearts on your inability to follow through. Understood?” “Flower girl?” He grinned and her stomach did another weird flip. Something about those lips distracted her. “Tit for tat. Now, I need to get back to work.” This time, he turned around and began tapping at his keyboard. She’d already been dismissed. Head spinning, unable to come up with a proper retaliation, Devon left, wondering if she’d won the battle only to have lost the war. Because dealing with that man for the next two weeks was going to be hell on Earth.

For More Information about Jennifer Probst, visit her website: https://jenniferprobst.com/

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