Author Archives: coffeebookslifeblog
Review: A Bean to Die For by Tara Lush
A Bean to Die For
Tara Lush
A Coffee Lover’s Mystery Series, Book 4
280 pages, Hardcover
First published January 9, 2024
Perfect for fans of Cleo Coyle and Lucy Burdette, reporter-turned-barista Lana Lewis is back on the case when a body is found in the community garden.
Lana Lewis is brewing up new concoctions at Perkatory, a popular café in Devil’s Beach, when she decides she wants to try her hand at growing her own coffee. She secures a gardening plot in the community garden, thanks to her father and the garden’s owner, Darla. Darla’s list of rules is long, but that doesn’t stop someone from leaving Jack Daggett’s body amongst the gardening plots.
4 Stars
Tara Lush delivers another caffeinated entertaining mystery.
Welcome back to the southwest Florida island town of Devil’s Beach. Lana finds herself right in the middle of a whole lot of stuff going on. Deciding to grow her own coffee, she has secured a spot in the community garden to be able to grow her plants. She has an offer to test out a cool new machine at the coffee shop, Perkatiey. Not to mention she’s about to meet Noah’s family for the very first time.
And last, but not least, there’s the Local funnel cake festival going on. Just as everything’s getting started, lana finds a body among the garden plots. With the long list of rules for the community garden, a body is one thing that should definitely not be there. Laura’s mind starts brewing to try to figure out the pieces to be able to crack this case.
I absolutely love this series. Not only because the only thing that I love more or equally as much as reading is coffee. Lana, her best friend Erica, and her hippie. Father, Peter are all on the case. I love the interaction between not only these three, but all of the characters that we have grown to know through the course of the series. What makes this story interesting and a little different from the others is that someone is coming to Lana to help get this mystery solved. We see growth within all of the characters within the story. Along with the twisted mystery that kept me guessing for most of the book.
Tara Lush includes humor with her mysteries, like a well-blended brew. The characters she has created are complex, but yet grow with each book, have their quirks that make us love them and provide something to each and every story. A Bean to Die For is a well-crafted and entertaining read.
Review: The Friendship Club by Robin Carr
The Friendship Club
Robin Carr
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 23, 2024
Four women come together at a tumultuous time in their lives, forging an unbreakable bond that will leave them all forever changed.
Celebrity cooking show host Marni McGuire has seen it all. She’s been married—twice—and widowed and divorced. Now in her midfifties, she’s single. Happily so. She just needs to convince her pregnant daughter, Bella, of this fact. And maybe convince herself, too. Especially after Marni’s efforts to humor her determined daughter result in a series of disastrous dates that somehow prompt Marni to wonder if maybe the right man for her is still out there after all.
Similarly single, Marni’s best friend and colleague is confident she’s content without a man, but both older women soon find themselves leading by example as the young intern on their show appears caught in a toxic relationship—and Bella reveals her own marriage maybe isn’t built to withstand the stresses of the baby on the way.
Suddenly, all four women find themselves at a crossroads, each navigating the challenges of dating, marriage, loneliness and love. Thankfully, they have each other to lean on. The realities of modern love are far from easy, but there’s no better group to have in your corner than friends who will lift you up, no matter what, and hold fast in the face of any storm.
4 Stars
Four women from four different walks of life come together in a unique friendship that has the bonds of a lifetime.
Marni is a Famous cooking show host who has been married twice, lost a husband to death and one to divorce. Now in her 50s, she is happily single and living her best life. And excited to become a grandma. Ellen, who is Marni’s friend, and production person on her show. She spent years taking care of her husband, who is now no longer with her. Ellen two is happy to be living the single life. Bella is about to embark on a new phase of womanhood by becoming a mother. And Sophia, an intern, at the cooking show who quickly becomes a friend. It’s just learning the ways of life and love.
Robyn Carr beautifully blended some romance, some suspense, and some women’s fiction into a fantastic story. It shows the bonds and strength of friendship. Coming together when needed. Finding strength through someone that you care about. Building each other up in the best possible way. And being there just being there. Robin touches on subjects that can be strenuous and triggering for some people. She does it with class and style. She is able to take these harsh subjects and show what friendship is really like amongst women who care about each other. This story was more than I expected it to be.
Review: Death by Irish Whiskey by Catie Murphy
Death by Irish Whiskey
Catie Murphy
The Dublin Driver Series, Book 5
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Expected publication January 23, 2024
Kensington Cozies
Dublin limo driver Megan Malone finds her relationship on the rocks when a double murder at the whiskey festival draws her in – despite promising her girlfriend she’d quit sleuthing for good…
Perfect for fans of Carlene O’Connor, Sheila Connolly, and Rob Osler alike, Catie Murphy’s acclaimed Dublin Driver Mystery series is a charming blend of Irish humor, compelling whodunnits, and the allure of the Emerald Isle.
“There is so much to like about the cozy perfection that is Catie Murphy’s [Dublin Driver series] from the lush Irish travelogue to the precise balance between comic relief and crime.” —Bookpage STARRED REVIEW for Death on the Green
The competition for best whiskey in Ireland will be a publicity bonanza for the winner, and that means there are celebrities involved—like boxer Angus McConal and Megan’s friend Niamh, an up-and-coming actress who’s teamed up with Megan’s uncle, the retired Sligo harbormaster. But rivalries and revelries turn out to be a bad blend when McConal dies at a whiskey tasting. Megan promised her girlfriend she’d quit her amateur sleuthing, but with Niamh and her uncle as suspects, she’s over a barrel . . .
With her relationship on the rocks, Megan gets in even deeper when a second entrant in the competition is killed—and her investigation starts zeroing in on a suspect. Now she just needs proof . . .
3 Stars
It’s a Dublin’s whiskey festival and they’re on the search for the best local/amateur brew. When contestants start turning out dead there’s gonna be more than sorrows, drowning in your whiskey glass.
Limo Driver Megan Malone, locally known Murder Driver. She has a habit of stumbling over dead bodies. When one of the contestants of the whiskey making contest is found dead in the punch bowl, Megan does everything she possibly can to avoid getting involved. But then, when her uncle’s recipe whines up in a dead man’s pocket, it’s all she can do to stay away.
This was my first forte into the series, and while I did find the story entertaining it was not the best book as an introduction. Death by Irish Whiskey is a twisty mystery, but yet I find it to be more of a character building novel as Megan is faced with some tough choices about her relationship in the story. I did like the cast of characters. Megan’s pals are quite funny and entertaining. Although Megan did not get fully involved in the solving of the murder, I can see how she would have loved to be more involved. I really love the diversity that we saw it within the story. Kudos to the author.
Review: Good Time Boyfriend by Carrie Ann Ryan
Good Time Boyfriend
Carrie Ann Ryan
First Time Series, Book 1
Expected publication January 22, 2024
A new town. A new bar. A new life.
At least, that’s what I’m hoping for.
I moved to Denver to try to piece my family back together, but I have no idea how to do that.
Then the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen walks into my bar, and I think things are looking up.
She needs a fake boyfriend for the night and I’m all too eager to play along.
But when the sun rises, reality settles in and I know I want more. Only I don’t think she’s ready for what I have to give.
I want to be more than a good time, but I know what I’m good for. I need control. And she’s far too innocent.
Only when something happens that changes the rules, we’ll have to make a choice quickly, or we could lose everything before it even starts.
3.5 Stars
Heath Cassity, along with his siblings, moved to Denver to try to put back his family after their not so great upbringing. He has begun to make routes in this new place. Hico owns a bar with a good friend and has wonderful support around him. One day a beautiful woman who takes his breath away, walks in and out of his life, as quick as it is to take a breath. Until another day she comes storming into his life while having us stare down with a table full of strangers.
Devney Womack is the absolute middle child of a large blended family. She has five older step siblings, and five younger, half siblings, but yet to her they are all equally her siblings. She knows they love and care for her; however their meddling has become a bit too much. With the older group of her siblings, finding happiness and a new chapter in their lives. They want nothing but the same for her. Tired of the constant nagging and meddling, she creates herself a fake boyfriend, but yet he’s based on a real person. It all becomes too much when her family conference, a man that she never even had a relationship with. But yet that man surprises her in ways she never imagined.
Heath and Devney start their relationship in a very unique way, and I love how it unfolds. For something that should have been fake, turned into something extremely real. It’s a sweet and endearing story of finding love in the most unexpected ways. Carrie Ann Ryan starts off this new series beautifully.
Review: Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan
Love, Naturally
Sophie Sullivan
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 16, 2024
Presley Ayers is not the woman you bring on a camping trip. An accomplished concierge at an exclusive hotel in Great Falls, MI, she knows more about the top ten places for champagne and caviar than she does about the best hiking boots to go stomping around near Lake Michigan. But when she surprises her boyfriend of eight months with a vacation to the Get Lost Lodge and he dumps her instead, Presley decides to rough it solo and take the trip herself.
When Beckett Keller helps the gorgeous woman off the rickety boat and onto Lodge territory, it’s clear she’s made a mistake. She doesn’t like hiking, fishing, or nature in general, so why did she go on this trip?―but he’s got other things on his mind. A crumbling lodge, and his own plans and dreams that are forever deferred―so he doesn’t have time for Ms. Fish-Out-of-Water. But neither Beckett or Presley can help that inexplicable draw they feel towards each other. He’s all rough stubble and plaid shirts, while she’s all high heels and brand-name athleisurewear.
But you know what they say about opposites.
A charming opposites-attract romance, Love, Naturally is for anyone who ever stepped outside their comfort zone and found that all the best things can happen when you take a chance.
3.5 Stars
The title of this book fits the story absolutely perfectly. Love, Naturally is genuinely a fun romance read.
Presley thought everything in her life was going almost the way she wanted it. Her job as a personal concierge made it so that she could get people the things that she wanted. By nature, she’s a pleaser, and her job made her even more so detailed about it. But somehow she missed the details. When a surprise she planned for her boyfriend goes in a completely different direction. As Presley reveals that she had planned a trip for him the situation takes a complete turn and they end up breaking up. Instead of wallowing in her misery, she steps out of her city girl, comfort zone, and decides to take on the wild outdoors of Michigan on her own.
Beckett is a man of the outdoors. He’s loyal to his family and dedicates a lot of his time to helping his brother get the lodge into complete working order. He also has a few dreams of his own and an opportunity that’s kind of hard to say no to. Things change for Beckett when I guest at the lodge, a woman who caught his eye on the fairy, has an issue with her room, and he gives up his cabin for her to have a warm place to sleep. That simple invitation opened up a whole New World that Beckett didn’t realize he needed.
Love, Naturally was truly a fun read. I love seeing the city girl take on the outdoors. When she said that she was stepping out of your comfort zone it’s something she truly did. Presley needed this experience to truly figure out what she wanted in her head. Sometimes one thing that we think that makes us happy is not our true happiness until we experience something that we didn’t even realize with syncing to our hearts. Beckett, my goodness what a swoony man. His heart was in the right place with everything And he definitely knew how to catch your heart as well. They are truly a pair that complement one another in the best ways. In a matter of a few days, they found a way to help one another, help themselves and find a way to make their worlds just a little bit better.
Release Day: The Wild Card by Dylan Allen
In a game of second chances, will their messy past be a winning wild card or their downfall?
The Wild Card, a Rivers Wilde novella from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Dylan Allen is now live!
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Dylan Allen continues the Rivers Wilde series with a neighbors-to-lovers second-chance romance.
A billionaire with family secrets looking for a fresh start. A reformed jewel thief. And a choice that changes everything.
Leo has two priorities: putting down new roots and making up for his mistakes.
He doesn’t have time for a blind date with his new neighbor.
Until he finds out she’s the woman he let slip away…but never forgot.
Cassie has finally paid her debts and is living the life she’s always wanted. Her new neighbor sounds like he could be Mr. Right. Only, he turns out to be the man who promised her the world then disappeared without a trace.
In another time and another place, he was a playboy who made her believe in miracles. Now, he’s a danger to everything she’s worked hard for.
He wants to pick up where they left off. She wants to keep her distance.
But when they’re together, their chemistry is undeniable. The heat between them burns hot and fast. Until a secret whips up a fire that threatens to engulf them all.
**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/3YkDHrv Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/thewildcardDA Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3rC09R8
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Keep reading for a look inside The Wild Card!
I drop my phone into my pocket and grab my suitcase’s handle to turn around.
“Hey, watch—” I hear him too late and crash into the man trying to warn me with a thud that knocks the wind out of me and pushes me back onto my heels. I windmill my arms to try and correct my balance but cry out as it proves in vain and my body teeters backward. I brace myself for a fall.
Instead, an arm wraps around my waist and I find myself staring into the mirrored lenses of a dark pair of Ray-Bans.
Even with his eyes hidden and his face covered in sweat he’s easily one of the most handsome men I’ve ever seen in person. He’s got a mouth most women would envy and a nose that belongs in a museum. His pores are amazing. I need to find out what he uses on his skin.
“Are you alright?” he asks, still hovering over me, still holding me up as if I weighed nothing.
“Yes.” I cough to clear the husk from my voice. “I’m sorry I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
“I was,” he murmurs.
“You were…watching where I was going?”
“No. Where I was going. So, I saw you. Caught you.” The heat from his hand seeps through the thin fabric of my sundress.
I can’t see his eyes but I swear I can feel them on my face and I don’t like that I can’t see him.
And that’s my cue to end this little…whatever it is.
“Can you let me up?” I press my hands to his chest.
“Oh.” He starts as if he didn’t realize he was holding me. “Yes, sorry.” He straightens and lets me go. But the heat from his touch doesn’t.
“Thanks for breaking my fall. I’m Cassie.” I give a lame wave.
He flashes an unfairly perfect grin. “Nice to meet you. How long are you here?”
“All week. I’m working at the resort. You?” I ask as he starts to jog in place and glances at his watch.
“Two weeks. At least. So…maybe I’ll see you around?”
“Sure. What’s your name?”
“They call me Wild Card.” He winks and runs off.
Oh shit. I’ve already fucked up. Well at least I know who to avoid.
“I glance over my shoulder and watch him run away, his back muscles a thing of art and perfection, and sigh. “What a waste.”
For More Information about Dylan Allen, visit her website: https://www.dylanallenbooks.com/
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ARC Review: Dragon Frost by Donna Grant
Dragon Frost
Donna Grant
76 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 5, 2023
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant returns for a Dragon King holiday novella.
The holiday season is Rhi’s favorite time of year, which means Con loves it, too. Except they’re on Zora, where there are no traditions—and beginning one could be hazardous. Finding the lost dragons should’ve given everyone peace. Instead, they’re facing powerful enemies at every turn. Despite the danger, the King of Dragon Kings knows his mate longs to have their space dripping with holiday decorations and gifts piled under the tree, and he’s going to do his best to give it to her and make sure they have time to celebrate the season and their love.And perhaps a surprise or two.
4 Stars
A sweet and warming short story.
Con and Rhi are on the Dragon Realm as the holidays approach. There is still tension between them and the dragons but yet they feel that’s where they need to be. Christmas is Rhi’s most favorite time of the year. Con knows what Rhi needs at that moment. To decorate, doing what she loves the most for the holidays. Con shows Rhi that he knows her well, knows what she needs and even though they’re not in their home, they can make new traditions for their holiday times.
This is such a warm and romantic tale that just shows how much love they have, and continue to grow more in love with one another.
.
Audio Review: A Merry Montgomery Christmas by Samatha Chase
A Merry Montgomery Christmas
Samatha Chase
Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins
The Montgomery Brothers Series, Book 10
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
When the entire Montgomery family comes together, it makes for a holiday to remember.
But it’s more than just the tree, decorations, and gifts that have everyone talking. With so many people crammed under one roof, there’s bound to be some drama. Between last-minute business crises, talks of retirement, a new relationship, a sprinkle of marital problems, lots of snow, and a surprise baby, this has all the makings of a blue Christmas. They’ll need more than one Christmas miracle to get everything back on track, and hopefully Santa–or William Montgomery–will come to the rescue.
One thing’s for sure, it’s a Christmas they’ll be talking about for years to come.
4.5 Stars
William Montgomery has waived his matchmaking ways through his entire family. And this holiday season he wants nothing more than his entire family all together. That being a big feet with a Montgomery’s now numbering over 50 but somehow they managed to get them all under one roof.
Oh, I absolutely loved this audiobook. I will admit I have not read all of the Montgomery brothers books. I was able to follow along pretty quickly after realizing who was who. I loved the snippets of each couples individual stories as they were on their way to meet the family for vacation. For those that have read the stories previously it’s a nice little snippet of life to catch up. There is no doubt that the Macgomery family is very close, loyal, and willing to do anything for their family. So many different families within one giant family. It’s actually a very unique read. William is very proud of how big his family is. He is definitely all about family and making sure everyone is on their way to happiness. He even gets to play that match making hand at this Christmas get together.
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
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.
Coffee Books Life 