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Review: My Bad Decisions by Carrie Ann Ryan
My Bad Decisions
Carrie Ann Ryan
On My Own Series, Book 4
ebook
Expected publication: December 7th 2021
The first time he kissed me, we kept it a secret.
Tanner and I have been at each other’s throats ever since.
The second time he kissed me, I told myself not to fall.
I should have known something burned beneath the surface and I couldn’t resist him.
The third time led to something more and now one positive test later, neither one of us can walk away.
Only when his past sheds light on every difference we’ve chosen to ignore, we’ll have to fight for each other, or lose everything before we’ve even had a chance.
Tanner and I have been at each other’s throats ever since.
The second time he kissed me, I told myself not to fall.
I should have known something burned beneath the surface and I couldn’t resist him.
The third time led to something more and now one positive test later, neither one of us can walk away.
Only when his past sheds light on every difference we’ve chosen to ignore, we’ll have to fight for each other, or lose everything before we’ve even had a chance.
4 Stars
Tanner and Natalie could not be more different. Six of the eight friends have paired off and these two are the last standing.
Natalie is very different from the way her mother wishes her to be. Coming from privilege her parents expect her to do one thing but yet Natalie is determined that she’s going to live her life the way she wants. Tanner grew up with his mom and little brother, he lost his life overseas. Life was not always easy for them yet Tanner does everything he can to better his life and to make things easier for his mom even if the man in her life is not one that Tanner cares for. Tanner hides what he does for a living because he feels like it makes him less of a person yet when a certain friend discovers what he does it seems to open up more possibilities than he could’ve dreamed of.
My Bad Decisions is an emotional conclusion to the On My Own series. Tanner and Natalie like each other more than either one is willing to admit. Through all the arguing and banter, you could feel the underlying desire and chemistry. They both have their issues and confide in one another to help themselves. Big life changes hit them both hard and quick and I love the way they came together. Tanner and Natalie had to work hard but love is hard work. Carrie Ann Ryan completes the series wonderfully.
Review: Immortal’s Honor by Rebecca Zanetti
Immortal’s Honor
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 14
Kindle Edition, 1st edition, 328 pages
Expected publication: December 7th 2021 by Lyrical Press
From award-winning author Rebecca Zanetti comes the newest wildly thrilling Dark Protectors novel with an immortal hero to die for.
First comes danger . . .
When Vampire-Demon Sam Kyllwood discovers he’s the keeper of some mysterious circle, he laughs it off. When he finds out that his younger brother is supposed to fight to the death in said circle, he snaps right to furious. And that’s before he starts uncontrollably making things explode —it turns out it’s never too late to develop deadly new immortal abilities. But even those explosions are nothing compared to what happens when he tries to handle a very suspicious, brilliant and beyond sexy human female whose piercing eyes ignite a heat that rages deliciously outside even his unbreakable control…
Then comes desire . . .
Honor McDovall is one of the best interrogators Homeland Security has ever had. But no matter how well she appears to fit in, her mystical gifts are slowly driving her mad. She doesn’t understand them, she doesn’t want them, but for now, she’ll use them to detect and defeat danger until she completely loses her mind. Unfortunately, her job brings her face to face with the deadliest man she’s ever met—and she senses Sam is even more gifted than she is. Yet once they kiss, she realizes he’s also more dangerous than the enemies suddenly coming from every direction. Good thing they both like to play with fire . . .
4 Stars
Rebecca Zanetti keeps readers on the edge of her seats while making them laugh with Immortal’s Honor.
Sam is a vampire-demon hybrid and middle brother to a king and one of the seven. He’s the keeper, part of something much bigger than himself and yet he’s the calm one of the lot. He’s the keeper of the piece, kind of zen, if there is such a thing in his world. Sam was so much more than what I would have ever guessed him to be. What a hero!!!! And when he fell I loved him that much more!
Honor is the best at what she does yet can’t quite seem to him her place. She had gifts and doesn’t understand them. It’s getting to the point of making her crazy. Yet with the even more crazy things going on in her life, She keeps an open mind and allows herself to become familiar with her gifts. Her job puts her in the line of danger but she may have just run into the most dangerous man she’s ever met. With gifts to rival her own or even maybe exceed some thing about this man stirred all kinds of feelings inside of her, and those feelings are not bad at all.
Rebecca Zanetti amazes me with every book. Immortal’s Honor. Sam and Honor are totally perfect for each other but yet neither one of them can make it easy on the other. They fight themselves just as much as they fight their attraction until neither one of them can hold back. The banter, the back-and-forth with each other and the intense chemistry. Danger, intensity and passion are the name of the game for these two. I really loved the amount of humor that was within the story. With so much going on and things coming from all directions it’s nice to be able to laugh right along with the characters. Ms. Zanetti cleared up some questions for us within the pages of this chapter of the Dark Protectors series and gave us more, firing up this reader to know what’s gonna happen next.
Review: Dark Alpha’s Silent Night by Donna Grant
Dark Alpha’s Silent Night
Donna Grant
The Reapers Series, Book 12.5
ebook
Expected publication: December 7th 2021
New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant gives us an intimate peek into the Reapers’ new life with an all-new, heartwarming holiday tale…
There is no escaping the Reapers. We are elite assassins, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. But when Death says it’s our time to live, we are more than happy to obey.
We have suffered betrayal, heartbreak, chaos, and even death. Despite another foe lurking around the corner, most of us have found happiness and love. While some still search, there is contentment—a sense of peace and purpose. And with the holidays upon us, it is time to celebrate the family we have made. The one we chose. The season is for revelry, and we intend to take advantage. Whatever may come next will still be there after the last present is unwrapped.
And we will face it. Together.
4.5 Stars
What a sweet, beautiful and heartwarming slice of life. Donna Grant brings on the holidays season with Dark Alpha’s Silent Night.
With Christmas around the corner River is missing this time of year on earth. With the encouragement from Kyran and a blessing from Death herself, with the help of the other mates, a wonderful plan for a memorable evening begins to form.
What a beautiful quick raid with the Reapers. Emotional and touching, with everything the seasons about. Sharing love and laughter with those you love and cherish. Remembering and thinking about those that are not present and taking a minute to remember what you’re fighting for and what you truly have. Dark Alpha’s Silent Night gives you are the feels and gears one up for a beautiful holiday season.
Review: Shadow Web by Yasmine Galenorn
Shadow Web
Yasmine Galenorn
Moonshadow Bay Series, Book 5
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: November 30th 2021 by Nightqueen Enterprises LLC
The holidays are here, and this year, they’re deadly…
It’s my first Thanksgiving back in Moonshadow Bay, and everything is hunky-dory until the Witches Guild assigns me a research project for the upcoming Winter Solstice Festival. Not only do I melt down my computer, but I download a demon who ends up stuck in my house.
But Tarvish the Funtime demon is the least of my worries when my grandmother asks my BFF and me to go undercover. A magical pyramid scheme has moved into town and it’s siphoning more than money off its recruits. Will we be able to take it down, or will the leader of the cult manage to silence us for good?
4.5 Stars
It’s Thanksgiving time in Moonshadow Bay and January Jackson, in what should be a wonderful vacation while hosting her first Thanksgiving upon returning home, she soon realizes what the hustle and bustle of the season is all about. When a research project comes from left field and leaves her without a computer, a strange demon manifests in her house and an undercover mission from her grandmother that has her on edge. With chaos rising and soon a house full of people, January has a lot to cross off that to-do list in Shadow Web.
I thoroughly enjoyed Shadow Web. January is really becoming one with herself. She is learning who she is and it’s very much starting to show. I felt a big sense of hearth and home throughout the story. She has finally I believe put her past life behind her and is really looking forward to things to come. She’s happy and it shows. January knows that family is not always blood and she sees that in the people around her. She’s willing to help get to the bottom of things and even puts her own self in danger to make things right. From Funtime Demons to putting her own self in danger January makes leaps and bounds with who she is and what she’s capable of doing. Yasmine Galenorn gives a true holiday feel with her unique style of paranormal with Shadow Web.
Review: Brazen by Jayne Rylon
Brazen
Jayne Rylon
Powertools: The Shields Series, Book 3
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: November 30th 2021
They were sent to kill him, but fell in love with him instead.
Sola doubted her instincts after her best friend and partner on the Shields security team, Aarav, acted for months like the attraction between them didn’t exist. One wild night on their boss’s private jet proves she was spot on even if she has no idea where their relationship will go from there.
When they’re sent to assassinate the head of a money laundering operation at a brand new casino, Sola looks into the eyes of their target and her gut screams he’s not the source of the evil they’re hunting. Risking everything, Sola steps in between the man she loves and the one they’ve been sent to kill.
Sola’s instant and undeniable attraction to their unintended captive forces them to investigate him further and decide—will they eliminate him, protect him, or entice him to join their intimate partnership?
Brazen is a bisexual multipartner romance in NYT and USA Today bestselling author Jayne Rylon’s fan-favorite Powertools Universe. Visit your favorite characters or meet new ones in this interconnected, why choose standalone in the Powertools: The Shields MMF ménage series.
3.5 Stars
Sola and Aarav are on a mission unlike any that they have been before. Their friendship is something they both treasure yet they both want more and taking that next step has been a difficult one for them both. The mission at hand has all the cards on the table and everyone is seeing clearly. Yet when the target gives you such strong feelings and doubt of what you’re doing sometimes you have to take A step back and look at things for what they are. Cash was the target, not someone that they should’ve cared about or get an instant reaction from. The game is dangerous, once all the facts are no the way it’s played just may be life-changing.
Jayne Rylon combined an emotional journey, a dangerous mission and a love story all in one. Sola and Aarav danced around their chemistry for far too long. They wholeheartedly embraced their passion. Just as they are discovering themselves together, they realized they need something more than they knew. Cash was in a messed situation and two people saw something more inside he didn’t even know he had or wanted or needed. Together Sola, Cash and Aarav worked hard to find that together their world is right as rain and apart it is no way near the same. Brazen is sexy and emotional. There is nothing like a visit in the Powertools world.
Review: Cold Brew Corpse by Tara Lush
Cold Brew Corpse
Tara Lush
A Coffee Lover’s Mystery Series, Book 2
Kindle Edition, 320 pages
Expected publication: December 7th 2021 by Crooked Lane Books
Espresso bar owner Lana Lewis returns in Tara Lush’s second Coffee Lover’s mystery, a stimulating read that fans of Cleo Coyle and Laura Childs will savor to the last drop.
It’s a steamy September, and business is brisk at Perkatory, the hottest coffee shop in Devil’s Beach, FL. Much of the clientele pours in from Dante’s Inferno, the hot yoga studio next door. But the bright, sunny Gulf Coast days turn decidedly dark-roast when the body of the studio’s owner turns up in a nearby swamp.
Between running Perkatory and training Stanley, her golden Shih Tzu puppy, reporter-turned-barista Lana Lewis is too busy to go sleuthing. But when the editor of the local paper asks her to write about the murder, Lana’s dreams of getting back into journalism start to percolate.
Lana discovers that the yogi has a nefarious past and her share of mug shots, so grinding her way through the suspect list is a large task. She learns that the victim was fatally beaned by an SUV before she was dumped in the swamp. But was the killer one of her students? An envious yoga teacher? Or a local photographer who seems to know too much?
But no one tells Lana Lewis what to do. Hunting the caf-fiend who killed the yogi puts Lana and Chief Noah’s relationship–and Lana’s life–in very hot coffee.
It’s a steamy September, and business is brisk at Perkatory, the hottest coffee shop in Devil’s Beach, FL. Much of the clientele pours in from Dante’s Inferno, the hot yoga studio next door. But the bright, sunny Gulf Coast days turn decidedly dark-roast when the body of the studio’s owner turns up in a nearby swamp.
Between running Perkatory and training Stanley, her golden Shih Tzu puppy, reporter-turned-barista Lana Lewis is too busy to go sleuthing. But when the editor of the local paper asks her to write about the murder, Lana’s dreams of getting back into journalism start to percolate.
Lana discovers that the yogi has a nefarious past and her share of mug shots, so grinding her way through the suspect list is a large task. She learns that the victim was fatally beaned by an SUV before she was dumped in the swamp. But was the killer one of her students? An envious yoga teacher? Or a local photographer who seems to know too much?
But no one tells Lana Lewis what to do. Hunting the caf-fiend who killed the yogi puts Lana and Chief Noah’s relationship–and Lana’s life–in very hot coffee.
Tara Lush combines humor and mystery for a highly enjoyable cozy tale .
Lana Lewis has all kinds of things going on in Cold Brew Corpse . Between getting settled in at the coffee shop Purkatory, puppy classes for Stanley, writing an article for the local paper, sleuthing the murder of the yogi next door and her cold brew is somehow tainted. Maybe a little romance percolating. When said yogi has a darker side than most know, Lana sees returning to journalism brewing in her future.
Cold Brew Corpse is a fantastic follow up and continuation of A Coffee Lover’s Mystery series. Tara Lush Stepped it up and followed through with this cozy Mystery. Lana is finding her place in Devil’s Beach. I feel she’s beginning to gain some of the confidence she lost after her divorce and loss of career. Although she does get so wrapped up in journalism again, she does truly understand why it can’t happen exactly the way she’s wishing. Lana is surrounded by colorful and humorous characters that truly help keep the story going. Lana‘s dad is hysterical. That man is a riot of happiness and every time he is on the page will make you laugh. There are some true laugh out loud moments through the pages of the story. Candlelight yoga anyone? Erica is a girl you want on your side.
Cold Brew Corpse has a twisting mystery, well several mysteries and a lot of humor. I feel we learned a lot about Lana in this book and I love the cool weird facts about Florida. The mystery was twisty and kept me guessing. And of course all the coffee. How can you not love the coffee.
Enemy Heir by Carrie Ann Ryan and Nana Malone
Enemy Heir
Carrie Ann Ryan
Nana Malone
Tattered Royals Series, Book 2
ebook, 286 pages
Published November 16th 2021
A bad boy prince meets his match in this epic Tattered Royals stand-alone romance.
I know men like him.
Powerful. Arrogant. Trouble. The world is his playground.
The playboy prince, the tabloid favorite, and the bane of my existence.
And unfortunately, he’s the only one who might be able to help me uncover the truth.
We’re all but shackled together as he works to help me find my stalker before another attack
I don’t want to trust him. I don’t want to want him.
But letting Breck Waterford in might be the only thing to save us both.
I know men like him.
Powerful. Arrogant. Trouble. The world is his playground.
The playboy prince, the tabloid favorite, and the bane of my existence.
And unfortunately, he’s the only one who might be able to help me uncover the truth.
We’re all but shackled together as he works to help me find my stalker before another attack
I don’t want to trust him. I don’t want to want him.
But letting Breck Waterford in might be the only thing to save us both.
I’ve never met a woman like her.
My secrets are mine to keep, but she has a habit of finding the truth.
Sparrow Bridges can’t discover who I am under the crown.
She’s everything I told myself I couldn’t have.
I push her away every chance I can…only every time I look at her, I fall harder.
When danger comes, I can’t stand the idea of losing her before I have a chance to claim her.
She doesn’t need a savior. But anyone who threatens Sparrow will soon find they don’t want me as an enemy.
4 Stars
Feisty, intense and emotional, Enemy Heir puts enemies to lovers to the test.
Playboy Prince and Heir to throne Breck is arrogant, very much full of himself and the man is like a drink of cold water on a super hot day. He has a reputation and in a few ways is quite proud of it. Breck only shows half of who he is to the world. Yet when a feisty, independent and beautiful security guard starts to get under his skin, Breck soon learns even a prince can’t stop a strong willed woman.
Security guard Sparrow is the textbook definition of a butt kicking woman. She will not allow an arrogant Royale to keep her from doing her job. She has a vulnerability but yet knows her own fault. She wears her skin as armor to protect herself from getting too attached to anyone. Somehow a cocky and full of himself prince that she can’t stand has made himself very prominent in her thoughts.
Carrie Ann Ryan and Nana Malone make you want to get tangled up with a Royal. Enemy Heir is full of the unexpected. Breck and Sparrow are great together. Their back and forth, push and pull these two out each other through only enforces the attraction and chemistry that they feel with one another. Sparrow lives a dangerous life with her job and the closer that she becomes to Breck, more he wants her yet the more he tries to pull away. Alphas and their alpha tendencies. They have a crazy road that leads to their happily ever after and I loved watching them find their path.
Review: An Eggnog to Die For by Amy Pershing
An Eggnog to Die For
Amy Pershing
Cape Cod Foodie Mystery Series, Book 2
Paperback, 320 pages
Published November 9th 2021 by Berkley Books
Christmas has come to Fair Harbor, but when the town’s Santa is murdered, it will be up to Sam Barnes to find a killer in this newest installment of the Cape Cod Foodie Mysteries.
It’s Santa Claus, she says tonelessly. Santa Claus is dead.
Food writer Sam Barnes wants a lot of things: a quiet Christmas at home with her dog and the town’s handsome harbormaster, to never be in a viral video again, and to stop finding dead bodies. Unfortunately for Sam, her parents are coming to visit, she’s often around cameras for work, and she just found the town Santa dead in the storage room of the cocktail bar she was profiling.
Although she was only interviewing the owners of the Ginger Jar in hopes of getting the recipe for their Coquito Eggnog cocktail for the friends and family Christmas Eve dinner she’s hosting, Sam quickly finds herself taking on the role of investigator once again. She needs to find out who slayed this Santa–but with holiday stress already building, will Sam be able to pull off a perfect feast and nab a killer?
4 Stars
Foodie Sam Barnes has quite the to do list this holiday season. However finding a dead Santa was not one of the things to be scratched off. An Eggnog to Die For is a laugh out loud and twisty cozy mystery.
With videos to make and articles to write, her parents visiting, wondering what going with that man of hers and a big dinner to prepare Sam Barnes doesn’t have time to investigate a murder but somehow she manages to fit it in her schedule. Between writing articles, taking part in holiday festivities, making decorations for her Christmas tree, entering the three things, and being a chauffeur for her parents she found a way to get herself tangled up in helping to solve this mystery. With more suspects than clues Sam manages to ask the right questions to get her thought process rolling. With a few crazy ideas and some good deductive reasoning Sam narrows down the suspect list even though sometimes she allows her feelings to get in the way. She’s a smart woman, sometimes unconventional but yet extremely funny.
I very much enjoyed this foodie mystery. An Eggnog to Die for is a good mystery with a touch of romance and a lot of humor. Amy Pershing caught my attention with this entertaining holiday read.
Review: Beating the Wrap by Julie Ann Lindsey
Beating the Wrap
Julie Ann Lindsey
Bonnie & Clyde Mystery Series, Book 3
ebook, 250 pages
Expected publication: November 15th 2021 by Cozy Queen Publishing
Bonnie Balfour adores the changing seasons, fabulous fall activities and holiday hoopla, but will a corpse on the porch squash her holiday plans?
Thanksgiving is right around the corner in historic Bliss, Georgia, and Bonnie is trimming display tables at Bless Her Heart, especially for the occasion. A Gift of Gratitude display, beside the front door of her second chance dress shop, encourages shoppers to leave messages of good tidings for neighbors and friends. Unfortunately, someone has left a cornucopia of complaints instead.
And they’re all about Bonnie!
When the scrooge turns out to be a neighbor, fed up with Clyde’s habitual petty theft and trespassing, Bonnie’s claws come out in defense of her kitty. The heated exchange leaves a bad taste in Bonnie’s mouth, but the man turns up dead before she can dish out a proper apology.
Determined to see justice served, Bonnie and Clyde dig into the case with gusto, only to land in hot water with the handsome Sheriff Wright. A series of anonymous attacks soon have the town wondering if Bonnie can find the killer before it’s time to cut the turkey. Or if she’ll be the next one on his carving board.
3.5 Stars
What a wonderful and cute story!
It’s fall in Bliss, GA and Bonnie is all ready to deck out her storefront window in an autumn gratitude theme. What should’ve been a fun and festive activity at her second-hand dress shop has someone filling her dish with complaints instead of compliments. Bonnie soon finds out that the one complaining it’s none other than another store owner who is fed up with Clyde basically being Clyde. It’s petty served by a cat truly saved? Bonnie and the complaining man share a very heated discussion. With no less than half the town watching of course. Later when said man is found dead Bonnie becomes a top suspect on the list. Now it’s up to her and her furry companion to figure out what really happened.
Bless her heart, Bonnie is a hoot and a half. She is full of personality and determination. She is an extremely well written character who did a lot of growing in just one book. I love the antics and how she even has her grandma alongside. It’s almost like she’s a natural sleuth. I love how she defended her cat Clyde. Yes he is guilty of the charges yet he is a cat and everyone knows you don’t own a cat a cat and you and they do exactly what they want. The mystery was well plotted with some very good twist interns along the way. The story is definitely character based and I have to say I love how they all play their part. Bliss Georgia is a quaint cozy little town with some very funny characters.
Beating the Wrap was a funny, twisting and entertaining cozy mystery.
Coffee Books Life 