Category Archives: Review
Review: Whisky and Wishes by Donna Grant
Whisky and Wishes
Donna Grant
Dark KIngs Series, Book 18.5
Return to New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant’s Dark King world for a special holiday novella.
Finally free of the dangers surrounding him and the burden of pining after his mate, the King of Dragon Kings is ready for some peace—time to enjoy the woman he loves without interruption. Sure, the matter of accessing the clans across the Dragon Bridge still looms, as does the ultimate Fate of Con and his brethren. But for now, Con plans to enjoy the people he loves and celebrate the holidays with those closest to him. Why borrow from tomorrow’s problems? When the time comes to confront what’s next, they will do it. Together.
When the enemy is defeated we take a breath….
The King of the Dragon Kings finally finds a moment of peace that has been out of reach for so long. With no enemies knocking on the door Con and his long awaited mate Rhi. A time of talking, of love and of reflection. A meaning look at their past and plans for the future. With the holidays approaching and famil returning home, Con and Rhi give readers a deep looking into who they are with their passion, words and actions.
Whisky and Wishes is a feel good holiday tale. A homecoming, a gathering of friends and loved ones and a glimpse of what’s to come. Donna Grant just made me love that Dragon King even more. A feel good story with a bit of emotions and heavy on the love.
Review: Bayou Dreaming by Lexi Blake
Bayou Dreaming
Lexi Blake
Butterfly Bayou Series, Book 3
New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake’s heartfelt contemporary romance set in Louisiana’s Butterfly Bayou.
Roxanne King left the big city looking for a simpler life, but after years of proving herself on a SWAT team in New York City, being deputy in a sleepy Louisiana parish is something of an adjustment. She’s settling in, but she knows she made some mistakes in the beginning–Zep Guidry being the worst of them. Zep drifts through life on his looks and Cajun charm. Roxie learned the hard way he’s not for her.
Zep is a man who knows what he wants, and what he wants is Roxie. He’s just not sure how to get her. They spent one hot night together a year before and now all the lovely deputy seems interested in doing to him is arresting him. He’s not used to a woman he can’t charm, but Roxie seems immune. He’s determined to win her back by any means necessary. Including becoming the kind of man she desires.
And when Roxie’s past comes calling, it might be the opportunity Zep needs to show Roxie that the town bad boy might just be the man of her dreams.
4.5 Stars
Lexi Blake knows how to make you fall in love.
Bayou Dreaming is a fun small town romance with all the bells and whistles. Towns folks in everyone’s business, gossip is almost like news, a few folks have lost more than a few marbles, yet everything is not as it seems.
Zep has given the town the perception that he has one way when he is really so much more than what he lets people see. One of those people you truly don’t judge a book by the cover. With a heart as big as a Bayou itself and caring kindness that will hit you from left field. The man has more passion and compassion that you could ever imagine. I was intrigued with him from the first book of the series and now I think I might actually be in love with Zep.
Roxie is new to small town life but she is making it her new home. The newest deputy to the Butterfly Bayou has a story that comes with her. It’s smart and courageous. A woman willing to stand up for herself but has a hard time giving into what she wants.
I loved Bayou Dreaming. Zep’s bad boy reputation has left a lasting impression on Deputy Roxie. I loved their playful banter. One night together changes them both. Roxie soon learns there is way more Zep than she realizes. Roxie’s use of her authority with Zep is as cute as it is funny. The two are a great match, their chemistry is incredible and their passion is pure. Bayou Dreaming is a captivating read with amazing romance, some colorful characters. Lexi Blake captures readers once again with an entertaining and intriguing story with a crazy little town that just about anything could happen, and sometimes does.
Review: Wine Tastings Are Murder by Libby Klein
Wine Tastings Are Murder
Libby Klein
A Poppy McAllister Mystery, Book 5
It’s vintage Poppy McAllister when the gluten-free baker and B&B owner tries to solve a murder at a Cape May winery . . .
When Poppy and Aunt Ginny agreed to host a Wine and Cheese Happy Hour for a tour group at their Butterfly House Bed and Breakfast on the Jersey Shore, they never anticipated such a sour bunch. Grumpy guest Vince Baker should be in a better mood–he’s filthy rich and on his honeymoon with his much younger wife Sunny, who seems to dote on him almost as much as her high-spirited teacup Pomeranian, Tammy Faye Baker.
But the honeymoon is over when Vince drops dead the next day touring the Laughing Gull Winery. Turns out he’s been poisoned, and it seems like everybody on the tour is hiding something. Now Poppy has to put her gluten-free baking on the back burner and bottle up her feelings for the two men in her life while she charges after a bitter killer with a lethal case of sour grapes . . .
Includes Seven Recipes from Poppy’s Kitchen!
4 Stars
Spectacularly hilarious, mystery, laugh out loud moments and romance, just my cup of tea.
Poppy McAllister is a riot and I’m kind of disappointed in myself that I have not found the series earlier. The south New Jersey wine tour has partnered with Butterfly Wings Bed and Breakfast to deliver a relaxing and fun filled time.
Poppy and Aunt Ginny are Hosting an eccentric group of characters with personality for days, a few hangups and even a teacup Pomeranian. All set to be a fantastic time until one of the guests mysteriously passes away during a wine tasting.
I have never met a more entertaining cast of characters within a cozy mystery. Poppy is caught up between choosing between two men in her life, one of her guests being murdered, A Pomeranian that thinks he can do no wrong, a crazy Aunt that may be more mysterious than the mystery itself, a cat that is in retaliation for a dog being in its home. That combined together with some amazing characters and a list of suspects that keeps you guessing on every end. Aunt Ginny is a hysterical riot. She really does steal the page whenever she’s there. Poppy’s world is on the verge of chaotic but it’s the good kind of chaotic that was thoroughly entertaining and made me want to revisit these characters as many times as possible. Author Libby Klein is brilliant!!
Review: Premeditated Murder by
Premeditated Murder
Kate Carlisle
A Fixer-Upper Mystery Series, Book 8
Shannon Hammer is about to embark on one of the biggest projects of her career. Her best friend Jane Hennessey has purchased one wing of the Gables, formerly the old state insane asylum, located on a bucolic hillside two miles northeast of Lighthouse Cove. Jane plans to turn her section into a small luxury hotel complete with twenty ocean-view rooms, a spa, and a restaurant.
Shannon is raring to get started on the enormous project and is shocked when a group of unruly protesters shows up at the groundbreaking ceremony and wreaks havoc. She’s even more freaked-out when someone pushes her into a pit of bricks in a closed-off room of the asylum. Despite her close call, Shannon wants nothing more than to get back to work . . . until she finds a body not far from where she was pushed. Now Shannon is determined to get to the bottom of the goings-on at the Gables even if it kills her. . . .
4 Stars
Premeditated Mortar was an unexpected pleasure of a read. Shannan Hammer is a determined sleuth and makes a fun story.
Shannon Hammer is all set to help her best friend Jane turn one of the seven Gables buildings, that made up an insane asylum, into a beautiful and welcoming hotel. Taking something with bad and horrible memories and giving it a new light. It’s an ambitious project with an ambitious timeline and Shannon is more than willing to give it her all. Shannon very quickly learns that all still many secrets are still left within the Gables. From the beginning of the ribbon cutting ceremony the trouble begins. Protesters arrive, projectile fluids are flung, accidents, injuries, trespassers and dead bodies.
Premeditated Mortar was a fantastic and compelling cozy read. It’s an intricate story with a lot of details, but yet was easy to read and kept you guessing with every page. There is the edge of creepiness that comes with asylum stories yet is not too deep you will be having nightmares. Shannon was an awesome character. She’s smart, good at what she does and her eye for detail is spot on. I so enjoyed the romantic element of Shannon and Mac! Their chemistry is fun and you can tell they will complement one another very nicely. They encourage one another and all that they do even if something might be a bit more dangerous.
Premeditated Mortar is my first adventure with Shannon Hammer and the Fixer-Upper Mystery series. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I’m looking forward to going back through previous books in the series and getting to know these characters a little bit better. If you enjoy a mystery that will make you think, with a little bit of romance and just enough of a creep factor to keep you intrigued this is definitely a book for you.
Review: Christmas Embrace by Kym Grosso
Christmas Embrace
Kym Grosso
The Immortals Of New Orleans Series, Book 11
A supernatural wedding brings everyone together during the holidays. But it doesn’t feel like Christmas for Detective Sydney Willows. She finds solace in the arms of her sexy vampire but with a fragile heart, not quite mended, she’s afraid to commit to an eternity. After she rescues an abandoned child and is then forced to give him away, she’s determined to fight for the family she never knew she wanted.
Vampire Kade Issacson never expected to have a baby but soon realizes what’s been missing in his life. After he’s forced to return the abandoned wolf pup to the pack, the child’s mother is found murdered in an alley. Vowing to protect the boy, Kade fights for him, swearing he’ll never give him back again.
Determined to win Sydney’s heart and her hand, Kade plans a surprise for his reluctant detective. Convinced their souls are destined for an eternal future, will he convince her to say yes once and for all?
Falling in love. Second chances. A new nemesis arises. Find out who’s naughty and nice as the Immortals of New Orleans conjure up Christmas magic.
4.5 Stars
Powerful, sexy and emotional.
Christmas Embrace is a wonderful little gift for long time readers of the Immortals of New Orleans Series. Ms. Grosso has wowed this reader once again.
While Christmas Embrace is focused on Sydney and Kade, it’s more like a reunion of characters we have come to love throughout the series. Sydney has hit a rough spot and Kade has figured out what he wants in life. The two are not seeing quite eye to eye at the moment. Kade makes a plan to show Sydney just what they have and what they could be.
Christmas Embrace was fantastic. What a story!! So much packed into this novella. Danger, magic and passion. An emotional and healing journey for Sydney and Kade but also a renewal of their love. A reminder of how tight the bonds of friendship are and family is more than blood. No matter what comes for the Immortals, they will always stand their ground. Christmas Embrace is filled with holiday cheer, a few life changing events, dangerous enemies and a truly blessing of a gift. Ms. Grosso’s Immortals of New Orleans Series is paranormal romance at its best. Unique and original, with characters you can’t help but to fall in love with. Christmas Embrace satisfies your pallet but leaves you wanting more.
Review: FAR FROM DESTINED by Carrie Ann Ryan
FAR FROM DESTINED
Carrie Ann Ryan
Promise Me Series, Book 3
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan continues her sexy new contemporary stand-alone series with a broken heart and the shattered soul that can heal them both.
Macon Brady remembers every moment he lay on the ground, a bullet in his chest, his life bleeding out with each pulse. Yet his nightmares aren’t the only thing keeping him up at night.
Dakota Bristol left her ex with nothing but the clothes on her back and her child in her arms. She’s been hurt before and wants nothing to do with the shadows in Macon’s eyes. The problem? Her son loves him, and the more time she spends with the man, the more she’s afraid she’ll come to love him just as much.
Danger always comes back to haunt those who run. It was a lesson Dakota learned before. Now, it might be the man she refuses to fall for who makes the greatest sacrifice of all.
A pact and a promise……
Macon almost lost his life helping a friend and would do it again in a heartbeat. Yet the aftermath of being shot has very much messed with his head. He finds an unconventional way of dealing with his stress. It may not be the best choice but he is trying to work out his head. Dakota left her past with the clothes on her body and her baby on her hip, never to look back. Hard work and perseverance have allowed her to become a small business owner and provide for herself and her son. Unfortunately the past doesn’t always stay in the past and came knocking right on Dakota’s front door.
Dakota and Macon have had this like to hate, can’t figure out what their feelings are for one another dance going on for awhile. Macon has even won over the heart of her precious baby boy. Yet Dakota’s past keeps her so guarded towards men, she doesn’t want to hurt herself or her son. Were they really looking for a relationship, no not at all but some way they were able to find something meaningful and deep and let the dance they have been avoiding begin.
Far From Destined is an emotional and heart hitting story in the Promise Me series. Macon and Dakota work so well together. I enjoyed their slow burn romance. Turning something deemed as fake into something very real. They were a team before they even realized it. The brooding veterinarian and the coffee shop momma make one emotionally entertaining read.
Review: Looking for a Cowboy by Donna Grant
Looking for a Cowboy
Donna Grant
Heart of Texas Series, Book 5
A cowboy finds love in the most unlikely place in New York Times bestseller Donna Grant’s newest Heart of Texas novel, Looking for a Cowboy
A beautiful stranger has come to Clearview, asking questions that are nobody’s business. Cooper Owens also wasn’t born yesterday. He knows that this out-of-towner is hiding a dark secret of her own. Much as he knows he should head in the other direction, he can’t make himself turn away. . .
P.I. Marlee Frampton always wanted to lead a nice quiet life, working as a cop in her local police department. But that dream came to an end when her sister was murdered―and her baby kidnapped. Now Marlee’s come to Texas to investigate the Harpers, who may be linked to shady adoption agencies. Cooper can’t believe that his friends could be involved in anything so sinister…and soon he makes it his mission to help Marlee discover the truth―and keep her safe in his arms.
4.5 Stars
Have you ever had a book hit you out of left field and hit you like a ton of bricks, in the best reading way of course? I went into reading Looking for a Cowboy with no expectations other than to get lost in a book for a few hours. Did I get lost, you ask? It was so much more. Looking for a Cowboy consumed me in every way that a reader loves to be consumed in a book.
Marlee Frampton is smart, cunning and determined. This woman took the worst event of her life and made it a mission to help right these wrongs. She’s like a wall of glass and steel all in one. The amount of compassion within her is amazing yet what she does is a constant reminder of her own loss. She’s too brave for her own good. Yet that is one of her best qualities. There is not time or room for love in her life yet sometimes a girls got to be good to herself. That goodness just may have become a thing she needs most.
Cooper Owens is a genuine good man. As loyal as they come. He may not be settled into a career but what he does for others more than makes up for it. A man who believes friends are family and would do anything for them. When a PI starts snooping in on his beloved friends, Cooper gets to the down, Only to find out the situation is much bigger than him. But that lovely PI, has got him twisted in a way or two. Cooper calls on the troops to do what they do best and tries to get the girl to believe in love at first sight.
Looking for a Cowboy is an emotionally charged story with subject matter that some will find extremely delicate and dark. Within also lies a story of determination, hope and love. Ms. Grant has given readers a story that I was compelled to read and not stop until I was finished. The suspense and the twist of the story will get you one way and the emotions and romance will get you in another. The loyalty of friendship and family is something unbreakable and a force to be reckoned with. This story will take you from the most brutal of loss to a profound happiness. I haven’t had a book take me like this in quite some time and I have to say it was quite unexpected, and I couldn’t be more happy. Looking for a Cowboy is definitely a recommended read from me.
Review: Love Song by Kylie Scott
Love Song
Kylie Scott
Stage Drive Series, Book 4.7
1001 Dark Nights #134, 79 pages
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kylie Scott comes a new story in her Stage Dive series…
There’s always the one that got away. Or kicked you out…
The new darling of rock n’ roll, Adam Dillon, is ready to show his ex-girlfriend, Jill Schwartz, what a mistake she made kicking him to the curb. So maybe he wasn’t the best of boyfriends. Writing great songs and climbing to the top of the charts isn’t easy. Only problem is, he’s fast finding out that success isn’t everything.
**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.**
4.5 Stars
A second chance at love set inside my favorite fictional band world. Love Story is a fun edition to the Stage Dive world.
From being tossed to the streets to achieving Rockstar status, Adam Dillon made his way to the top by creating songs throwing all his anger and heartbreak on ex. Is he living the dream and trying to rub it in? Or is there something more behind his act of goodwill. Jill is a force of nature. Determined and sassy, she is going to get her answers. When those answers are not what she expected, the brave and ready to speak her mind woman is just a bit speechless. Sometimes the artist has to create the art before the emotions can be spoken.
I very much enjoyed Adam and Jill’s story. When Love Story being as short as it is, so much of their story could have been unseen, yet a simple background set the whole story in motion. Their chemistry and attraction was never the issue, emotions and lack of communication was their weakness. The time apart and the distance between them allow them to grow in the ways they needed to to be better for themselves.
Adam learned quickly that money wasn’t everything, the girl that made him write those crazy, angry songs was. Kylie Scott’s Stage Five world is always a fun place to visit. Adam and Jill fit in just fine.
Review: Witching Time by Yasmine Galenorn
Witching Time
Yasmine Galenorn
The Wild Hunt Series, Book 14
4 Stars
The Wild Hunt is back.
Raven is all set to read cards at the annual Autumn Festival. Fun times should be had yet not all is as it seems. There’s a unsettling darkness surrounding a friends farm that puts Raven on high alert. All things are not as they seem.
Witching Time is an action packed, thrilling and dark urban fantasy. A beautifully diverse cast of characters that has someone for every type of reader. Ms. Galenorn creates a world that invigorates, captivates and almost entrance is the reader. Her take on myth, legend and lore is unique yet holds pieces of the original. Raven is one of my favorite of the Wild Hunt. She makes a few leaps and bounds within the pages of Witching Time. I loved getting to know her more intimately. One of the things I love most about The Wild Hunt books you always finish satisfied but yet you always want more of Ms. Galenorn’s creation.
Review: Guardian’s Grace by Rebecca Zanetti
Guardian’s Grace
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protector Series, Book 12
Duty—or desire?
Vampire soldier Adare O’Cearbhaill’s default setting is cranky. Or irritated. Or down-right hostile. Still, as a Highlander of honor and duty he stepped up to save an enhanced and special human female by mating her—with merely a bite and a brand. The last person he wants in his life is a fragile human, yet he can’t get her out of his mind as she regains her strength before taking off for parts unknown. And when he discovers she is in danger, nothing can stop him from hunting her down—whether she likes it or not.
There’s only one way to find out . . .
Photographer Grace Cooper has had it with vampires, demons, and the rest of an immortal world she was happier not knowing about. She also doesn’t believe she’s destined for some great battle because of an old birthmark. Forget the fact that her mate is the sexiest thing on two stubborn feet, or that her brand is fading along with her health. She’ll handle things on her own—until an old enemy reappears and she learns the only way to stay alive is to actually mate, wild sex and all, with that ripped and dangerous Adare—a powerful, captivating Highlander who demands nothing less than everything . .
4 Stars
Grace got thrown into the supernatural world to safe her life. Determined to have nothing to do with that world and way of life, Grace has kept her distance. As iron willed and stubborn as she is, there are things she can’t control and with her life on the line again, steps back through a door that never really closed on her.
Adare is warrior alpha, one of the seven and a protector to the core. Adare saves Grace’s life yet lost a mate. As typical of most men it takes them a long time to be able to express their feelings and he allowed her to walk away years ago. He may have expressed what he did as a sense of duty, but deep down, in my mind, he knew she was for him.
We have a fiercely strong and protective alpha warrior and a highly independent woman who can stand her ground. A duty may have brought them together, yet they have kept themselves apart. Five years pass and Grace finds herself in a predicament and Adare is more than willing to do what it takes to protect her and to convince her give into the bond of matting this time.
Guardians Grace is an action packed, sizzling hot read. Ms. Zanetti gave readers a different kind of story with Adare and Grace. These two Razzle each other up like no other. Their banter was on point. The chemistry was beyond the boiling point yet as stubborn kept them away. Which made me want to slap them both upside the head at different point through out their story. What I can say is this- the battles are intense, the lovin’ is hot and two very strong and hardheaded people were able to find their way back to each other.
Coffee Books Life 