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Review: At First Meet by Carrie Ann Ryan
At First Meet
Carrie Ann Ryan
Paperback
First published February 27, 2023
NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues the Montgomery Ink Legacy series with an emotional, friends-to-lovers romance where second chances begin with a promise.
I fell in love with the wrong man and learned the hard way to ask for help.
I don’t plan on falling again and have no intention of trying.
But when I get invited to a high-powered CEO retreat, I know I can’t say no.
And I can’t go alone.
When my frenemy, Nick, invites himself as my escort, I should walk away.
But there’s no stopping the connection we’ve both ignored for far too long.
Only Nick’s past is far darker than he lets the world know, and the shell he encased himself in is stronger than my own. And when the pain from my past comes back with a force, I’m afraid that walking away will be the only choice—even if it breaks us both.
4 Stars
Lake is the definition of a girl boss. She’s an amazing businesswoman who finds ways to be able to help other women succeed in their business. Lake has recently gone through some personal trauma. That way is heavy on her mind. She does her best to focus on work to help her get through. However, when a business event requires her to have a plus one her good friend Nick volunteers. What should be a simple networking business trip turns into something a little more complicated and a lot more adventurous.
Nick has always been close to the Montgomery’s. Whenever he needed a safe space or to get away when he was younger they always welcomed him with open arms. Nick carries some issues from his past but yet he tries his best to move on with his life. When a friend is in trouble, and he’s a helping hand, he’s the one willing to step in.
At First Meet is another great story in the adventures of the next generation of Montgomerys. Laken, Nick have a complicated relationship. Everyone around them sees there’s more to them than what there is but yet that stubborn side of themselves doesn’t want to admit anything. They love to argue, but underneath it all, they have chemistry that even those around them can see. Considering they’re both pretty against anything happening between them. When they do let the chemistry do what it does. It gives them both some thing they didn’t even know they were looking for.
Review: Dark Alphas Fury by Donna Grant
Dark Alphas Fury
Donna Grant
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 7, 2023
From New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant comes another gripping story in her Reaper series featuring a brotherhood of elite assassins who wage war on the Fae at Death’s behest—and the women who dare to love them.
There is no escaping the Reapers—or me. If you succumb to evil, you will be judged. And we will come for you . . .
I’ve known the torment of being trapped, of battling monsters—both outside and within. But I’ve also known the peace and completeness of holding the one I was meant for in my arms. Unfortunately, she’s not intended for me. I am destined for one thing and one thing only: eradicating the evil that plagues our world. Once I deal with my nemesis, maybe I can finally rest. Even if it means my soul being reaped by the strong, beautiful, and utterly captivating woman who makes my heart beat like no other. But I’m not sure even that is possible. Because I am no longer merely a Fae. I am something else altogether.
Contains mature themes
4 Stars
It is always bitter sweet when a book series comes to an end. Donna Grant delivers an excellent and epic, good versus evil, final chapter in the tale of the Reaper’s with Dark Alpha’s Fury.
Xaneth is on the verge of facing his biggest challenge and refusing to back down until the evil is gone. Xaneth’s powers are intense and he has an instinct on what it is that he needs to do. Yet he has this fear that seems to follow him and everything he does.
Aisling’s circumstances, for becoming a Reaper, are some of the most tragic of betrayals. She keeps her heart closed and trust is very hard for her. Aisling is focusing all of her energy on this group of Fae and get rid of this evil plaguing their world. Yet her mind keeps finding Xaneth. It also seems that her heart would like to have him in it as well.
Dark Alpha’s Fury is an action packed, epic and emotional conclusion for Reapers. Questions are answered, battles are fault, emotions are all over the place and two people that should have been together finally get to be together. Donna Grant has a unique way of tying her reader into the story and making them not want to leave. It’s more than just reading, it’s an adventure.
Review: Rum and Choke by Sherry Harris
Rum and Choke
Sherry Harris
Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery Series, Book 4
Meanwhile, Chloe’s friend Ann—a descendant of the famed pirate Jean Lafitte—asks her to come along for a boat ride as Ann dives into the Gulf of Mexico. She’s found some old papers that may identify the location of sunken treasure. Instead, she finds a sunken body—of one of the ringers hired for the Barback Games. Now that murder is in the mix, Chloe has to figure out whether one of the competitors went overboard . . .
Let the games begin.
In the newest installment of the Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery Series RUM AND CHOKE, our lead lady finds herself in the middle of some bartender games that she has been recruited for and is on the hunt with her friend for some
buried treasure.
Chloe Jackson bartender extraordinaire is about to take part in some pretty intense games. Bartender games that is. The competition is tough, and in some cases even deadly. When Chloe and her friend Ann stumble upon a dead body while looking for some of her families buried treasure.
Sherry Harris always brings an interesting story when Chloe Jackson is involved. I absolutely loved Rum and Choke. You get a beautiful setting, a fun and engaging story, and a mystery that keeps you thinking. Chloe Jackson is a fun protagonist. She brings humor and excitement to the stories and I can’t wait to see what her next adventure is going to be.
Review: A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones
A Hard Day for a Hangover
Darynda Jones
Sunshine Vicram Series, Book 3
Like we said, the new day can take a hike.
A Hard Day for a Hang brilliantly ties up all lingering questions while giving us mystery, romance and humor.
Waking up with a hangover is only the beginning to what Sunshine‘s day entails. Finding a young woman who’s been assaulted and barely conscious, a daughter, who is just as smart and intuitive as she is starts, digging into the case from a different angle. Not to mention the ongoings with the Ravinders, and her feelings for one in particular. The town of Del Sol is an interesting place, and Sunshine is the one that keeps it running.
Darynda Jones perfectly concludes this series in the best ways possible. With humor, emotions, and just a bit of weirdness to tie it all together. Del Sol is a unique town as are the people that live within it. Without giving too much away let me just say that we are given a story that also wraps up a series in a way that is perfectly fitting for the story. A Hard Day for a Hangover has mystery, action in a story that connects a family together. Darynda has the way that makes us fall in love with her characters and that doesn’t fall short here with Sunshine and her crew.
Review: You Can Hide by Rebecca Zanetti
You Can Hide
Rebecca Zanetti
Laurel Snow Series, Book 2
What do you do when a sociopath loves you? Rising star FBI profiler Laurel Snow is about to find out …
Calling Laurel Snow’s relationship with her newly discovered half-sister challenging is an understatement. Not only does Laurel suspect Abigail is behind the mysterious disappearance of their father, but her erratic behavior also makes life in Laurel’s small hometown interesting, to say the least. Still, when Abigail claims someone is now out to kill her, Laurel’s instinct to protect her sister goes into overdrive. Then things get even more dicey as dead bodies start turning up in the icy waters of the Sauk River and there’s only one connection among them: Abigail . . .
Having Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers bringing in those bodies with his dive team only complicates matters. Huck is as impulsive and fiery as Laurel is coolly analytical, which makes their alliance risky at best. But standing up to such a demonically brilliant killer is going to take all the help Laurel can get. Because Laurel’s attempt to save her troubled sister’s life might cost her own . . .
Edge of your seat suspense, a thrilling mystery with a touch of romance…. You Can Hide is a wild read.
Laurel Snow is not your average female lead character and I think that’s one of the things I like most about her. She is beyond smart and holds more degrees than several people combined. She doesn’t see the world as the average person does. She doesn’t experience emotion in the same way that you were I would. It’s almost as if she can separate herself from them. It’s not that she doesn’t feel them. They’re just not the same to her as they are to us. With that being said, she is one of the best profilers the FBI could ever have on their side.
You Can Hide is truly a suspenseful read. It’s thrilling with a touch of romance and a lot of things that are making you think. There’s a psychological aspect to this one that really draws the reader into the story and makes them really pay attention. Or was that just me? Rebecca Zanetti takes readers on a journey of mind boggling events that I thought I had figured out only to find out I was wrong. I liked the progression of Laurel and Huck’s relationship. With both their personalities, I felt that this was gonna be one that moved a little slow, but yet be intense at the same time. I enjoyed seeing them make the next step.
If you were looking for a read, that will have you on the edge of your seat and make you think look no further. You Can Hide will do all that for you and a bit more. I highly recommend going back and reading the first book in the series, You Can Run. I promise you you will not be disappointed.
Review: Baked Offed by Maya Carrigan
Baked Offed
Maya Carrigan
A Five Ingredient Mystery Series, Booke 8
When the Deadly Desserts bake-off lives up to its name, Val and Granddad turn up the heat on a killer . . .
The Maryland Mystery Fan Fest sounds like exactly the fun getaway cafe manager Val Deniston and her grandfather could use. Granddad will even compete in a dessert competition in which contestants assume the roles of cooks to famous fictional sleuths. Playing Nero Wolfe’s gourmet cook Fritz is an exciting challenge for Granddad. A restaurant manager is playing Lord Peter Wimsey’s valet and cook Bunter. But Granddad is steamed to learn who will be playing Sherlock Holmes’s landlady, Mrs. Hudson–his nemesis Cynthia Sweet, who he believes ripped off his five-ingredient theme from his column “Codger Cook” to use in her own recipe column.
Apparently, he isn’t the only one who has beef with his not-so-sweet competitor. When she’s found dead in her room with the teakettle whistling, it’s up to Val and her grandfather to sort through the festival goers to find out who was most definitely not a fan of Cynthia Sweet . . .
What a fun, creative and unique, cozy mystery.
The Five Ingredient Mystery series is offering up Baked Offed for our reading pleasure. Café manager, Val, Denison and her grandpa are attending the Maryland mystery fan fest. Both of them are lucky enough to be taking part in events that are happening within the conference. Val will be taking part in the mystery trivia contest, and grandpa will be taking part in a dessert cooking contest based on recipes from old books. Which should be a fun event turns into a big mystery that some people aren’t even sure is actually a real event. Sometimes that’s what you get at a mystery conference. Val and Grampa put their skills to the test to figure out why a woman ended up murdered.
This was a different type of cozy mystery at that I thoroughly enjoyed. Val and her grandpa are great characters. I love how thorough they were trying to get to the bottom of the mystery that turned into a couple mysteries. I love the homage to the classic mysteries that we have all come to love. I love that what could be an insignificant clue became something that actually made a major part of the puzzle come together. There was lots of personality and charisma in the pages of Baked Offed. Also, I should mention I love it when a book is based in my home state. This was my first read in the unique series and it definitely won’t be my last.
As someone who goes to book conventions, Baked Offed give the reader all the fun of going to the book conference, minus the murder. It is a very fun experience to be able to get to spend time with the authors that you enjoy reading and partake in different fun activities with them. I really love how this book showed that experience.
Review: Garrett’s Destiny by Rebecca Zanetti
Garrett’s Destiny
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 15
Love and danger . . .
For most of his life, Vampire-Demon Garrett Kayrs, nephew of the King of the Realm, has carried a heavy mantle of responsibility with ease and control. Fate declared him heir to the throne, Fortune marked him with the power of the mysterious circle of Seven, and Chance promised more surprises to come. Nothing deterred him from his path. Until the nightmares began–agonizing dreams of having a female, the female, his mate, on the back of his motorcycle—only to have her torn away from his protection. He feels the menace around her, the danger she’s in, and he can’t rest until he finds her . . .
Duty and desire . . .
Destiny Applegate bears the weight of her name with a respectful balance of fear and purpose. She has been given some direction, but not nearly enough to truly understand her duty, what she was born to do. Even as a child, she had a sense of him. The him, her mate. A dream moment or two with him that might have saved her—or possibly cursed her. So now, when he finds her, she has no choice but to jump on the back of his bike and do her best to hold on until she discovers her path—even if that means ending his.
Garrett’s Destiny is one of those books that is extremely hard for me to be able to give any kind of justice with a review. I feel like this is a very big moment within the series and going into too many details even slightly would give away something that I was very excited to read. With that being said, I absolutely loved this book.
Garrett is a character we have seen grow up throughout the series. His devotion and loyalty are some of the things that we absolutely love about him. Not to mention he is all alpha, he’s sexy as hell and what can I say? I wouldn’t mind riding on the back of his bike. He’s fierce, all alpha, but yet gentle, compassionate and cares so deeply.
Destiny was a mystery from the get-go. I found her extremely intriguing. Everything about her was mysterious, but yet the shining light came from within her and proved that something good lies within.
From the moment that Garrett and Destiny met it was intense. From needing to save her to wondering if she was out to get him. It’s an interesting roller coaster ride that all I’m gonna say is I enjoyed reading as they were experiencing it. Destiny and Garrett are well matched for each other. Their story has many ups and downs, but in the end they have each other.
As for the overall story arc of our beloved, Dark Proctors hang onto your hat readers, this is a big one. And with that I highly recommend if you like this series at all, you should definitely dive in quickly and hang on for the ride.
Review: A Trip with Trouble by Diane Kelly
A Trip with Trouble
Diane Kelly
The Mountain Lodge Mysteries, Book 2
When the ladies of the Dangerous Curves Motorcycle Club take over the Mountaintop Lodge for their annual autumn ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Misty Murphy couldn’t be more thrilled. Every room is full and the adventurous women even invite Misty and her assistant Brynn to join them on a ride to admire the colorful fall foliage. Hotel handyman Rocky Crowder is happy to keep an eye on the lodge for the day, and the ladies set out for a fun ride on the scenic road.
The skies are clear, the air is crisp, and the leaves are gorgeous. But what starts as a perfect ride turns worrisome when the tail gunner – the last rider in their group – fails to show up at the Craggy Gardens overlook. Cell phone service is spotty in the remote, mountainous area, and the group is unable to connect with their friend. Might the missing woman have simply run out of gas? Or is something far more sinister afoot?
The ladies are determined to locate their ride or die, and Misty is equally determined to help them. But will they be able to solve the mystery when the scenic route seems intent on hiding its secrets?
Diane Kelly combines the beauty of the outdoors, a cozy and comfortable lodge, and a good heaping of mystery to keep you entertained with A Trip with Trouble.
Returning to the Mountaintop Lodge is going to be a wild ride. Misty is sold out for the week. Dangerous Curves, a lady’s motorcycle group, has reserved every room in the lodge for a week. Misty can’t be more excited. Upon checking in the group of ladies seems to be nice, charismatic and genuinely a good bunch of people looking to have some fun. Misty and her assistant Brynn even get asked to accompany the group on a ride, which to my delight they did indulge in. However, things go south when one of the members does not show up at an overlook where everyone has stopped. Misty helps the ladies look for their friend and unfortunately find her dead. Was it an accident or was it foul play? Misty with the help of Brynn and her handyman Rocky, try to get to the bottom of what’s going on with this mystery
I love when I’m reading a book and a place that pops up in the story. The tail of the dragon is a fun and beautiful ride although I have never done it on a motorcycle I understand the thrill behind it. Now, with that being said, Diane Kelly knows how to bring the loveliness of the outdoors into the story. I love the fact that the majority of the story does take place outside. From fires and roasting marshmallows to fun motorcycle rides there is atmosphere all over this book. Now, there is kind of a twofold mystery within the story, and I enjoyed both of them. At one point I wondered if they were connected and was surprised when I realized the answer. The story told primarily from Misty’s point of view, but those few chapters that we get from Yeti make me laugh every single time. and I love every single one of them. Diane Kelly knows how to draw the reader into the story, keep them entertained all the while, making them laugh and enjoy the experience all in one.
Review: Live and Let Grind by Tara Lush
Live and Let Grind
Tara Lush
A Coffee Lover’s Mystery Series, Book 3
Laid-off journalist Lana Lewis is thriving as the proprietor of Perkatory, a coffee shop on quirky Devil’s Beach island, Florida. She’s juggling a relationship with police chief Noah Garcia, enjoying the company of her best friend, Erica, and relishing the companionship of her golden Shih Tzu, Stanley. Only problem is her neighbor, Gus, who incessantly uses his leaf blower, disturbing everyone in the neighborhood. Lana has learned to tune it out, but Erica’s rage boils over and she confronts Gus.
Then Gus is found dead, killed when his leaf blower explodes. Erica immediately becomes suspect number one. But there are plenty of other candidates as well: Gus’s soon-to-be ex-wife, Honey Bailey, who thinks she’ll be written out of his will; Mickey Dotson and Doug Beck, who were scalded financially after purchasing a pirate-themed tourist cruise business from Gus; and plenty of angry neighbors who’ve had run-ins with him.
As the clock ticks down will Lana get someone to spill the beans on the killer so she can clear her friend’s name, or will Erica go to jail for a crime she didn’t commit?
Live and Let Grind takes readers back to Devil’s Beach with our favorite barista Lana Lewis and her fun yet quirky friends for another fun filled mystery adventure.
It’s no secret that I love coffee and coffee related cozy mysteries are what got me started reading the genre. I have been fortunate enough to read every book in the Coffee Lover’s Mystery series. I am happy to say each one gets better as we go. Live and Let Grind has Lana and Erica rooming together, while repairs are happening on Erica‘s houseboat. Things that purgatory are fine and Stanley is as cute as ever. However things get shaken up when Lana’s neighbor, Gus is found dead. Gus has made a reputation for himself for being a nuisance amongst the neighborhood. Erica recently, having had a confrontation with Gus finds herself in the hot seat as a suspect. Lana does all she can to help clear Erica’s name and discover more suspects are popping up then she realizes.
Oh my latte. Live and Let Grind is a fun and entertaining, cozy history. With each book in the series is just getting better and better. Lana is a natural snoop, it comes with being a reporter. It’s kind of funny when she gets upset that she can’t do more than what she does. The cast of characters for the series is top notch. With a hippie father and a Goth for best friend it says it all right there. Tara Lash gives us another fast paced, caffeine infused entertaining read.
Steeped in Secrets by Lauren Elliott
Steeped in Secrets
Lauren Elliott
A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery Series, Book 1
Flat broke and divorced, intuitive gemologist Shay Myers has changed since leaving her artsy hometown of coastal Bray Harbor sixteen years ago. But when she moves back under strange circumstances, old instincts may be the only key to spilling the tea on a deadly mystery.
Even with her life in ruins in New Mexico, Shay feels uneasy about settling into the small seaside town where she grew up on California’s Monterey Peninsula and taking over an estate bequeathed to her by Bridget Early, a woman she had barely known. Her heightened senses—an empathic gift she’s had since childhood—go into overdrive upon touring Crystals & CuriosiTEAS, Bridget’s eclectic tea and psychic shop brimming with Irish lore and Celtic symbols. They reach a boiling point when Shay looks up to discover a stranger’s body sprawled across the shop’s greenhouse roof . . .
With her new business a crime scene and questions brewing over Bridget’s so-called accidental death, Shay fears she’s also inherited the attention of a killer. The terrifying realization sets her on an impractical investigation for answers aided by her sister, an elusive pure-white German Shepherd, a strikingly handsome pub owner who speaks in a gentle brogue, and a misunderstood young woman with perceptive talents of her own. As Shay struggles to figure out her true purpose in Bray Harbor and the powerful connection she has with the tea shop, she must trust her judgment above all else to identify a ruthless murderer and save herself from becoming victim number three.
4 Stars
Lauren Elliott’s new Steeped in Secrets is as warm and magical as it is mysterious.
I think I’m in love with just one book. Steeped in Secrets, the first book of the Crystals and CuriosiTEAS Mystery series by Lauren Elliott. Starting with the beautiful setting of Bray Harbour, California, a cozy little coastal town in the Monterey Peninsula. Then we have Shay. A woman, returning home after being robbed of everything by her now ex-husband, who not only ruined their marriage, but also her business as well. Her return to Bray Harbor comes with a little mystery herself. She has been bequeathed an estate from a woman that she barely knew. Then the secrets just start pouring out from there. I will admit it sounds like a hot mess but once you start reading it all comes together into a beautiful and magical story.
She quickly sees that the mysteries are piling up. From why she was left the estate, to a dead body found in the greenhouse on her roof to the secrets that keep on failing themselves, just as she thinks she’s got an answer to one of the previous secrets.
With the help and guidance of a beautiful, white German shepherd named, Spirit, a misunderstood teen, who may just understand things more than what most realize, and an Irish gentleman who believes in fairies, Shea begins to navigate her way through one mystery after the other.
Lauren Elliott has truly made a magical story with Steeped in Secrets. I eagerly wait to see what is going to happen with Shay.
Coffee Books Life 