Category Archives: ARC
Review: A Cowboy Kind of Love by Donna Grant
A Cowboy Kind of Love
Donna Grant
Heart of Texas Series, Book 6
Jace Wilder has been rebuilding his life since the love of his life, Taryn, up and left town unexpectedly. But when she mysteriously returns, Jace’s dependable world comes crashing down. Taryn is hiding a dangerous secret, and no matter how hard he tries, Jace can’t stay away―especially when Taryn is at risk. And especially when the attraction he thought he’d buried long ago is back and hotter than ever. Will he be able to trust Taryn again?
Taryn Hillman’s world fell apart one horrifying night, and it’s never been the same since. When she sees a small chance at untangling herself, she takes it, though it means returning to Clearview – and seeing Jace again. But when he vows to protect her, will Taryn take a chance, and this time, never let him go?
4.5 Stars
Fast paced and full of suspense, A Cowboy Kind of Love will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Jace has had a rough time to say it lightly. The baggage he carries from the military is not what haunts his thoughts and dreams. That place is reserved for the love of his life who walked away without barely a word five years ago. Worry and anger have filled his mind and suffering a bit as to never finding out what happened to her yet his love for her has never faded.
Taryn is a woman who would and did do anything to keep her family safe. Taryn got pulled into a world of darkness and crime. The last five years I have taken a toll on her and all she wants is freedom for herself and her sister. When a plan in place and the determination of a headstrong, caring woman. Things are not all them seem in Trayn’s world, making her make quick decisions, on a dime, forcing her to bring the one person into the middle of this mess that’s completely wanted to keep out of it.
Donna Grant rocked A Cowboy Kind of Love hard! I was captivated and enthralled within the first few pages. Jace may be one of the greatest heroes ever written. His sense of pride, honor and loyalty are some of his greatest drinks. His ability to see past things beyond anyone’s control and that his heart continues to love like it never missed a beat. Taryn was not at all anything like I thought she’d be. She was dedicated and devoted and went above and beyond. Stronger than she gives herself credit for. Jace and Taryn together was something quite beautiful. They both were trying to protect each other with every bit of means they had. Taryn learned with the help of Jace that family is not always blood. Their story is not an easy one but it is a very good one. Emotional and heart wrenching with danger looking over their shoulder yet healing and romantic. Twist and turns are all over the place but yet the calvary of cowboys more than willingly takes it on for friendship and family.
Review: A Tale of Two Cookies by Eve Calder
A Tale of Two Cookies
Eve Calder
A Cookie House Mystery Series, Book 3
But the groom vanishes right as a television crew descends on the town to film a hot, new realty show. Is there a connection? Is her friend Desiree somehow involved? Or did groom Judson simply get cold feet? The bride and groom were paired better than warm cookies and cold milk, so Kate doesn’t buy it.
As the show’s cast runs amok on the island and the investigation into Judson’s disappearance heats up, Kate and her pal Maxi, along with town dog Oliver, will brave the rambunctious world of reality TV and a wedding weekend gone awry, in an all-out effort to find the missing groom.
A visit to the Cookie House is like going home.
A Tale of Two Cookies finds Kate McGuire nicely settled into her own new home of Coral Cay. The Cookie House is doing well and Oliver is as friendly as ever! The beautiful and slow pace of the resort town it’s just what a former New York pastry chef truly needed. With cookie baking classes with the locals and her mentor and friend visiting from New York for her wedding, Kates got plenty of good times I’ve had. Until the day of the wedding when the groom is a no-show and the pieces just don’t add up. Mix in a reality TV show filming within the small town really shakes things up for Kate and the Cookie House gang.
I absolutely adore this series. A Tale of Two Cookies is like a vacation with a mystery. Author Eve Calder truly transports the reader to the gorgeous island of Coral Cay. Kate and Maxi’s friendship has developed into a strong bond and I love their interactions with each other. The townsfolk are colorful and charismatic and truly help bring the series together. Kate has a way of picking up the crumbs and putting the pieces together with the help and wisdom of the Coral Cay Irregular‘s. Kate never doubted her friend Desiree even though pieces of the puzzle would have made her look like the crazy one. I love how it seems like most of the town comes together to get to the bottom of the craziness that happens in their town. A Tale of Two Cookies is a fun and twisting Mystery that had me reading from beginning to end in one sitting. You can gobble up the story just like you can Kate’s delectable cookies. This is a fine addition to the Cookie House Mystery series and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Review: My One Night by Carrie Ann Ryan
My One Night
Carrie Ann Ryan
On My Own Series, Book 1
Elise Hoover never expected this. She didn’t want to go to another party, but when her friend pulls her in, she somehow finds herself hiding in a corner with…him.
Dillon Connolly.
The smirking, so-called good guy with the shadows in his eyes. A single glance, a sweet smile, and she lets herself have one night of giving in.
Only she has to promise herself not to fall in love. No matter the cost.
Review: Fighting the Fire by Laura Kaye
Fighting the Fire
Laura Kaye
Warrior Fight Club Series, Book 3
One night is never enough…
For firefighter Sean Riddick, Warrior Fight Club keeps the demons of his past at bay, even though it means seeing Daniela England. Her ball-busting sarcasm drives him nuts, and he knows he’s damaged goods anyway, but he can’t help but remember how good they were together that one time. Now he wants to take her to the mats no matter how much they go toe to toe.
ER nurse Daniela England has lost so much that she’s vowed never to need anyone again. Fight club helps her beat back her survivor’s guilt, but it means dealing with Riddick. The hot-but-infuriating firefighter is everything she wants to avoid, which is why their one-night stand was a mistake. Now she needs to keep her distance so it doesn’t happen again.
But when Dani witnesses Sean’s motorcycle accident, she steps up to help him recover. One on one, they get beneath all the snark and find a connection neither expected. As Sean heals, the sparks between them burst into red-hot passion—and ignite old wounds. Now there are fires all around—and they have to decide which they’ll fight and which they’ll let consume them.
4 Stars
Laura Kaye is back and in fire.
One night. Was it a mistake or was it not enough? There are many kinds of battle wounds and not all of them you can see. Demons that continue to hunt long after the deed has been done. Warrior Fight Club helps give those that have served a safe way to battle those demons in a way they can only understand.
Sean and Dani gave into the passion and dance around it didn’t happen. Their banter and barbs were as good as their sparring matching. They both felt so deeply in everything they did. And that made watching these two dance around their attraction very entering. They both felt so much on a soul deep level. In many ways Sean and Dani are very alike. Both have previous military careers in both of them having jobs in service that put themselves on the line for the needs of others. Dani was loyal to the soul level. Her devotion is something to be proud of. Sean Was a wonderful hero. He had this unique mix of just enough alpha, a dash of cockiness with some vulnerability. I loved Dani and Sean together!
It still amazes me how much Laura Kaye can make you feel so much while reading.
Fighting the Fire took a long road to make into the reader’s hand. I am so grateful the Ms. Kaye was able to overcome the trials it took to get Sean and Dani’s story. Fight the Fire will hit you in the heart, make you feel and smile at the ending.
Review: Deadly Editions by Paige Shelton
Deadly Editions
Paige Shelton
A Scottish Bookshop Mystery, Book 6
A treasure hunt through Edinburgh gives way to a search for a villain terrorizing the city in Paige Shelton’s Deadly Editions, the sixth Scottish Bookshop Mystery.
Bookseller Delaney Nichols receives a mysterious cloaked visitor one evening at the Cracked Spine Bookshop. He presents to her an even more perplexing note: an invitation to an exclusive treasure hunt hosted by eccentric socialite Shelaigh O’Connor. Delaney is intrigued, but also cautious: Shelaigh, while charming in person, has a reputation for her hijinks as a wealthy young woman in the ’70s. She was even once suspected for the murder of a former boyfriend, though ultimately cleared of all charges.
But Delaney is enticed by the grand prize at the end of the treasure hunt: a highly valuable first edition copy of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson. The winner is also to receive the contents of Shelaigh’s vast library, and an unspecified sum of cash.
The night after the first meeting of the treasure hunters, however, several homes in Edinburgh are robbed in a manner reminiscent of Shelaigh’s old tricks. And when a man connected to Shelaigh is killed, suspicion builds. Except Sheilagh herself has disappeared from her home, seemingly kidnapped by the villain.
Terror mounts throughout the city as Delaney attempts to solve the mystery, while trying to stay out of the killer’s clutches. For she, it seems, is his next target.
3.5 Stars
Deadly Edition is a fantastic addition to the Scottish Bookshop Mysteries!
Treasure hunts and books what more could a person want. Delaney Nichols is all about the books but when a mysterious message about taking part in a treasure hunt is delivered by a mysterious source has our bookstore owner a little leery. One of four people to receive this unexpected invitation by eccentric socialite Shelagh O’Connor. After attending the meeting Delaney is intrigued by the treasure hunt and the prizes. The quest is to find a rare first edition of Robert Louis Stevenson‘s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Shelagh has a questionable past and as this treasure hunt begins it seems some of those questionable acts are resurfacing. Homes get broken into, a murder turns things up a notch and the eccentric socialite is kidnapped. Delaney puts her nose to the page and finds the clues to start figuring out what is actually going on.
Deadly Edition is a mystery within a mystery and I absolutely enjoyed it. Visiting Edinburgh with Delaney is always a treat. From the snowy setting that starts off the story to the big part the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde plays within the story is absolutely enjoyable. Paige Shelton hits this one home big time. The story is absolutely engaging. She has a way of making you think while getting lost within the story. The characters are what make me come back each and every time. Page is amazing but she is who she is because of those she hangs out with. Her husband Tom, friends- Agee, Rose, hamlet and Elias all play a big part in the story and add so much personality and dimension to it. Not only was this a treasure hunt but it was also like a pub crawl too. I love the descriptions of each of them. With a handful of suspects, a few really good twists and a jaw-dropping moment makes Deadly Editions an enjoyable read from beginning to end.
Review: Under the Cover of Murder by Lauren Elliott
Under the Cover of Murder
Lauren Elliott
Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery Series, Book 6
Bookshop owner and maid of honor Addie Greyborne vows to catch the killer who crashed her best friend’s wedding…
It promises to be Greyborne Harbor’s wedding of the year. The impending nuptials of Serena Chandler and Zach Ludlow will take place aboard his family’s luxurious super-yacht, currently moored in the harbor and the talk of the town. But on the day of the wedding, a man’s body washes up on the beach with no ID, only a torn page from a book in his pocket. As owner of Beyond the Page Books and Curios, bibliophile Addie is called in to identify the book, but she cannot.
The morning following the extravagant ceremony, a second body washes ashore and Addie has a sinking feeling that the two deaths are connected. While the guests are held on the yacht as the police investigate, at least Addie can peruse Zach’s father’s rare books library on board. A copy of Agatha Christie’s first Hercule Poirot novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, provides a clue that the killer may still be on the ship—but narrowing down the suspects without becoming the next victim may prove a truly Herculean task…
Under the Cover of Murder is an entertaining story within a good mystery and wonderful characters that keep reader coming back the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mysteries.
When a dead Body with only a book page, washes up on the beach next to where her best friend is getting married, Addie gets called in to help. When another soon follows she can’t help to get herself involved. Every guest on the yacht is a suspect and with everyone sequestered on board. When the possible motive is as long as the guest list Addie does the thing that she does best, put on her charm, listen really well and ask just the right questions.
Addie is a great character and I enjoy every visit with her. Under the Cover of Murder is a wonderful cozy mystery, set in a beautiful little town with a nice touch of romance. Addie’s friends are like family and she does what it takes for any of them. Family and friendship with a bit of murder.
Audio Review: Underboss by Kristen Proby
Underboss
Kristen Proby
With Me in Seattle Series, Book 1
Audiobook
March 9, 2021
Narrated by Tor Thom and Kelsey Navarro
From New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby comes an all new family in her With Me In Seattle world! Hold on to your seat as we introduce you to Kristen’s new MAFIA FAMILY!
As the eldest son of Seattle’s current mob boss, Carmine Martinelli’s life has never really been his own. But he doesn’t mind because his family means more to him than his life. Which is why he’s determined to make those responsible for the death of his aunt and uncle pay—in inventive and gruesome ways. And what better way to do that than to infiltrate the Russian mafia from the inside? It’s a good thing the bratva’s princess is stunning and seemingly willing to do whatever he asks. This vengeance could be the perfect mix of business and pleasure.
Nadia Tarenkov has several things stacked against her: she’s a woman, and she’s not the eldest child in her family. But it doesn’t matter. She has her sights set on ruling the syndicate, and she always gets what she wants. When the heir to one of the States’ most powerful crime families comes knocking, Nadia sees it for the gift it is. He thinks he has her fooled, but she’s smarter, more cunning, and always two steps ahead. She’ll beat the gorgeous mobster at his own game, and secure her place in the fold.
What neither of them takes into consideration, however, is that they aren’t the only ones with deadly plans in motion. To survive, they’ll have to come clean and work together—and acknowledge that the growing love they’ve been pretending isn’t there, is very real.
4.5 Stars
Dark, dangerous and wickedly sinful. I love a good Mafia story and Kristen Proby has my attention!
Carmine Martinelli is sexy and smooth. Eldest son to Seattle’s boss, he’s got power and knows how to use it. As loyal as they get, Carmine takes his family obligations and responsibilities with everything he’s got. Wanting justice for a family death Carmine’s plan to infiltrate the enemy just may put him into a battle he might not be sure he can win.
Nadia Tarenkov is known as the Ice Princess. Daughter to the head of the Bratva, this girl packs a punch. She has goals that her position in the family doesn’t automatically give her but she’s more than willing to prove herself able. She’s willing to plan in the lion’s den but she just might end up caught in an unexpected trap of her own making.
Underboss is a fantastic start to the With Me in Seattle Mafia Series. Carmine and Nadia are amazing together. From that first exploratory kiss many many years before you could see the chemistry in the making. Individually they are both powerful and together they are near unstoppable. Their attraction to each other is undeniable and their chemistry is beyond explosive. Watching them tease each other or try to avoid her feelings was almost comical in a way. Yet when you see them working together taking down people on their tail you see an amazing team. Underboss is dangerous and dark with some intensely romantic moments and combustible passion. Kristen Proby rocks this Mafia romance.
Underboss was narrated by the wonderfully talented Tor Thom and Kelsey Navarro. Together they brought another level of intensity to this story. Tor Thom’s Voice is dark and sultry. It’s like a siren, keeping you listening, enticing you to listen to the entire story in one sitting. Both of these narrators are new listens for me and I was completely impressed. They very much do justice to Underboss.
Review: A Deadly Chapter by Essie Lang
A Deadly Chapter
Essie Lang
Castle Bookshop Mystery Series, Book 3
Thousand Islands bookseller Shelby Cox is caught between a lethal rock and a hardheaded newcomer in Essie Lang’s third Castle Bookshop mystery, a must-read for fans of Lorna Barrett and Vicki Delany.
Wake up on a houseboat, moored in scenic Alexandria Bay, New York. Ride the gentle waves to work at quaint Bayside Books, where you spend your days supplying literature and conversation to the charming locals and seasonal tourists. Sounds pleasant, doesn’t it? Except bookseller Shelby Cox has already sleuthed two murders from Bayside Books’s home base on Blye Island, one of New York State’s famed Thousand Islands. And this time, mayhem knocks right on Shelby’s waterside door when she finds a body lodged between the side of her houseboat and the dock, his skull shattered.
The victim is no local, but Shelby can’t shake the feeling she’s seen him before. Twice, in fact–that’s how many times he’s dropped into Bayside Books asking about an enigmatic woman who lived on Blye Island many years before. The last time? The day before he was found. But the poor man obviously was killed elsewhere, so who brought him down to the bay, and why?
When the victim’s daughter hits town demanding answers, Shelby takes the case, despite Police Chief Tekla Stone’s usual reservations. But she uncovers more suspects than there are pages in War and Peace, and Shelby can expect no peace–except the peace of the grave–unless she can turn the page on this grisly mystery. (
3.5 Stars
Living on a houseboat is a calm and serene way of life. Starting your day on the beautiful Alexandria Bay can’t help but to give the beginning of your day the best start it can have. Shelby is living the life. Until a dead body is found floating next to where you live. That definitely changes the outcome of the day.
One can never say that Shelby is not passionate about the small town in which she lives, as she is constantly reminded not to get involved in police business. This one hits too close to home and Shelby can’t help but to get down to the bottom of what’s going on.
A Deadly Chapter is book three of the Castle Bookshop Mysteries. I have come to enjoy Shelby’s way of finding out things that not just anyone could seem to find out. Shelby’s got some personal things happening as this mystery is underfoot. More than just a dead body is going on and Shelby does what she does best and somehow juggles at all and ends up finding the answers in the end. This is such a charming setting with wonderfully written characters. So much personality shines through each and everyone of them. Miss Lang definitely has a way of transporting you to a cozy little town within the pages of the series. I love how every day issues are added in with the mystery to make it seem a bit more real. I very much enjoy the series and A Deadly Chapter definitely stands up to the rest of the series.
Review: To Catch a Dream by Audrey Carlan
To Catch a Dream
Audrey Carlan
Wish Series, Book 2
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the worldwide phenomenon Calendar Girl series brings readers a poignant and honest look at life’s most complicated relationships.
When their mother passed away, Evie Ross and her sister were each given a stack of letters, one to be opened every year on their birthday; letters their free-spirited mother hoped would inspire and guide them through adulthood. But although Evie has made a successful career, her desire for the stability and security she never had from her parents has meant she’s never experienced the best life has to offer. But the discovery of more letters hidden in a safe-deposit box points to secrets her mother held close, and possibly a new way for Evie to think about her family, her heart and her dreams.
3.75 Stars
Love is the one emotion that can make one feel all things. From the best of highs to the lowest of lows and all the things in between. Audrey Carlan guides readers on a journey of sisterhood and love that shows just what love can do and be.
Evie Ross, to the average person, looks like she got it all together. A rock of a woman with an amazing career yet once you get beyond the cover we soon realize that there is a scared woman who is holding on to past hurt for fear of getting hurt in the present or future. Diving head first in the unknown is something that is something that terrifies her to the core. Evie it’s not quite the woman I expected her to be from reading her in What the Heart Wants, but I will give her this when she does decide to die then she goes full force and headfirst. Although things happen quickly I think for Evie, she found that sometimes wishes come true and you truly do have to let go to be.
To Catch a Dream expresses love from the most simplistic form of the word to the most complex. Many people walk through their life thinking they are not good enough or deserving of love, fearing the loss of those they care deeply for. As Ms. Carlan guides readers on Evie’s soul searching emotional journey, she shows the good things that life does bring even when your world is set upside down, everyone can make a wish and have it come true. All deserve happiness and love. To Catch a Dream brings love and hope through and a very wicked twist that I wasn’t expecting at the end. What I love most about the book is the sense of sisterhood and love that people can truly share.
Review: From Shadow and Silence by Carrie Ann Ryan
From Shadow and Silence
Carrie Ann Ryan
Elements of Five Series, Book 4
The unforgettable conclusion to the epic fantasy Elements of Five series from NYT Bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan.
The end of the centuries-long war is almost here, and the fate of the realm rests on one girl’s shoulders. The Gray has gathered his forces—and has Lyric in his clutches. The enemy’s plan to control the kingdoms has been revealed, but traitors from both sides might alter the course of fate.
Lyric must return to Easton and the others before all is lost. Battle lines must be forged, and surprising alliances cast. The prophecy has never altered, and life comes at an ultimate price. Not all who fight will survive, but in the end, it will come down to the choice of a Priestess and her soul.
Book 1: From Breath and Ruin
Book 2: From Flame and Ash
Book 3: From Spirit and Binding
Book 4: From Shadow and Silence
From beginning to end Carrie Ann Ryan keeps readers on the edge of their seats for the climactic conclusion of the Elements of Five Series. Shadow and Silence is a fantastic ending to this fantasy series.
Lyric has grown tremendously over the course of this series and everything she has prepared for comes to this point. Fighting through prophecy, enemies, friendship and love there’s a lot riding on this girl’s shoulders. The pieces of the puzzle are all about to fall in place, as twist interns come out of places we didn’t expect and the enemy is in breathing distance.
I am not a huge fan of young adult series however I do have to give Ms. Ryan credit where credit is due. Lyric is an exceptionally strong character who overcame many obstacles, she thought her destiny. The world building is outstanding. While reading you can almost feel as if you’ve stepped into another world. The characters are definitely what made the story but the setting enhances the telling of the tail in every way. The story is unique and is told in a way that just grabs the readers attention. Ms. Ryan ends this series fantasticall
Coffee Books Life 