Category Archives: Review
Review: Warrior’s Hope by Rebecca Zanetti
Warrior’s Hope
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 16
257 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 3, 2023
An explosive love triangle comes to its passionate conclusion and decides the fate of battling nations in award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti’s Dark Protectors . . .
As the only female vampire ever born, and the heir to two powerful immortal families, Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood has always felt the weight of fate and destiny. Now her heart is torn between two men and two different futures. It’s a choice between duty and love, peace and war, with the fate of everyone she loves hanging in the balance.
As the leader of the Kurjan nation, Drake has always known that mating Hope is the best path to avoiding war. He’s counting on her to know the same. . . . Paxton has been Hope’s best friend and protector since they were children. He would kill and die for her without a second thought. In fact, he’s always known that would be his path . . .
With deadly factions at her heels, Hope must decide whom to trust and where her loyalty lies—before the choice is taken away from her . . .
5 Stars
Hope has always known she’s been destined to bring peace. She knows it will be a choice that not everyone will agree with, but knows it will be right to bring about peace. Hope it’s unique in many ways. Not only is she the only female vampire. She is also a component known as the lock. A critical piece of the puzzle to destroying their greatest evil.
The time to make choices upon her, Hope is seeing things in a very different light as many secrets are starting to become known. Forever brave and always willing. Hope will do whatever it takes for peace.
It is no secret that I am a Rebecca Zanetti fan. You will find many reviews of her books on this blog. Her imagination, world building, and honestly just the way she rides have provided me many many hours of entertainment over the years. It could be paranormal or contemporary, and Rebecca Zanetti knows how to catch and keep your attention. The Dark Protectors series spans over 25 stories, including four novels and novelas. This could be read as a standalone novel. However, I would highly recommend reading at least a few of the other books in the series. This is one I have been highly anticipating.
Warrior’s Hope is one of those books that has been building up for many years and was everything the book needed to be and more. Spectacular in so many ways. Rebecca Zanetti concludes this particular.arc of the series with a vivid bang. We have page turning actio and suspense. A romance triangle that finally comes to ahead. Secrets revealed and tough choices are made. Warrior’s Hope had many layers and revealed many things that I’m sure I’m not the only one who was happy to discover. The book had me captivated from beginning to end. I read the book in one sitting, truly getting lost for an entire day.
Warrior’s Hope is in my top five read of the year.
Review: Bad Luck Vampire by Lynsay Sands
Bad Luck Vampire
Lynsay Sands
Argeneau Series, Book 36
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Expected publication September 26, 2023
New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands returns in this latest chapter of the Argeneau series with an immortal who is having a bit of bad luck while trying to woo his life mate… Alasdair MacKenzie has never once considered himself unlucky in all the centuries he’s been an immortal rogue enforcer. Not until he meets Sophie. Finding the beautiful, smart, and funny woman who is his life mate is great luck, actually. But meeting her at a wedding full of Argeneaus, not to mention his own busybody uncles determined to “help him claim his woman,” is bad luck. And the fact that Sophie is someone else’s date? Well that’s just the next level of unlucky. From the way her gaze travels over his body like a caress to the electric zing whenever they innocently touch…he wants her for all eternity! He’ll keep his hands off Sophie until her date is over. After that all bets are off and he’ll pull out all the stops to win her. Great plan—until he gets hit by a car. And then he’s poisoned. Is his luck that bad, or is someone out to stop this immortal from claiming Sophie as his life mate?
3.5 Stars
There’s nothing like being on a bad date, except when that bad date goes really bad. Just when Sophie thinks her luck couldn’t get any worse. It takes a change for the good, with two handsome strangers coming to her rescue. If the night couldn’t get any more odd, one of those beautiful strangers, invites her to a wedding, to which she agrees to go. Little did Sophie know that going to a simple wedding would truly change her life.
For someone who’s been alive for centuries, he’s never considered himself unlucky until the night of the wedding. Alistair was just dealt a great deal of luck in finding his life made. Then at a moment’s notice, it becomes the most unlucky night he’s ever had. Alastair has waited for centuries to find his life mate and she’s at this wedding with someone else and a family member no less. Then add in his crazy and fun Scottish uncles, determined to help him get the girl. He’s feeling pretty unlucky at the moment.
From the moment Sophie and Alastair looked at each other they were drawn to one another. Alastair knew she was the one for him, but yet she didn’t understand how she could be so drawn to another man when she was literally there with someone else. I really enjoyed the way they met the way they felt the attraction and the way they came together. Bad Lucky Vampire was a fun and entertaining read. Sophie and Alastair have a slow burn that happens kind of fast. I love the way they talk to each other. Their romance is sweet and sensual.
When I first started reading romance books, approximately 14 years ago or so Lynsay Sands’
Vampire, Interrupted was one of the first paranormal romances. I picked up, and I’m happy to say, after a decade or more of reading I am still reading the lovely Lynsay Sands but this series has gone on to over 35 books. I was just as entertained with Bad Luck Vampire as I was many years ago when I picked up Vampire Interrupted.
Review: Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas by Vicki Delany
Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas
Vicki Delany
A Year-Round Christmas Mystery Series, Book 6
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 19, 2023
It’s beginning to look a lot like murder in the sixth installment of this charming cozy mystery series, perfect for fans of Donna Andrews and Jacqueline Frost.
It’s the beginning of December in Rudolph, New York, America’s Christmas Town, and business is brisk at Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, a gift and décor shop owned by Merry Wilkinson. The local amateur dramatic society is intensely preparing a special musical production of A Christmas Carol. But it’s not a happy set, as rivalries between cast and crew threaten the production.
Tensions come to a head when a member of the group is found dead shortly after a shopping excursion to Mrs. Claus’s Treasures. Was someone looking to cut out the competition? Everyone in the cast and crew is a potential suspect, including Aline, Merry’s mother, and Merry’s shop assistant Jackie O’Reilly, who was desperate for a starring role.
It could be curtains for Christmas—and for Merry—unless the killer can be ferreted out of the wings.
3.5 Stars
Rudolph, New York is the most Christmasy town there ever was. A town that is truly centered around everything Christmas. Merry Wilkinson is the owner of Mrs. Claus’s treasures, a cute little gift and decor shop in America’s Christmas town. It’s the beginning of December, and the town is gearing up for their annual amateur trauma society play. This year it’s a Christmas Carol, but what should be a cheerful time becomes tense as rivalries begin amongst the cast and crew of the production. Tensions come to the forefront when one of the cast members is found dead While shopping. Just so happens she dies in Merry’s shop. Everyone in the cast and crew is a suspect, and even Merry. She is determined to get to the bottom of this before all the Christmas cheer is sucked out of this town.
This is my first forte into the year round Christmas mystery series. The concept of this is really cute and the mystery is engaging and intriguing. . We have some quite colorful characters in this cozy Little Christmas town. They add flair and charisma to the story, which I truly enjoyed. Vicki Delany is an imaginative and creative author. She continuously comes up with new ways to keep us thinking, and turning the pages.
Audio Review: Start Us Up by Lexi Blake
Start Us Up
Lexi Blake
Park Avenue Promise Book 1
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published: August 8, 2023 by Blue Box Press
Three young women make a pact in high school—
to always be friends and to one day make it big in Manhattan.
She’s a high-tech boss who lost it all…
Ivy Jensen was the darling of the tech world, right up until her company fell apart completely after she trusted the wrong person. Her reputation in tatters, she finds herself back in the tiny apartment she grew up in, living with her mom. When a group of angel investors offer her a meeting, she knows she has to come up with the new big idea or her career is over.
He’s an up and coming coder…
Heath Marino has always been fascinated with writing code. He’s worked on a dozen games and apps and is considered one of the industry’s more eccentric talents. But now he’s back in New York to spend time with his grandmother. She was known as one of the city’s greatest matchmakers, and he wants to know why. Surely there’s some kind of code in his grandmother’s methods, and he’s going to find them.
When Ivy meets Heath it’s instant attraction, but she’s got a career to get back to and he just might be her on-ramp. It could be a perfect partnership or absolute heartbreak.
4.5 Stars
This is one of those books that I picked up because I love who wrote it. I’m not big on the New York Life nor do I know anything about the tech world. But I know that Lexi Blake knows how to write a story that I don’t want to put down. With that being said Start Us Up was truly a one stop couldn’t put it down, all in one read for me.
Ivy Jensen climbed to the top of the tech world very quickly. She was motivated and wanted more than what she grew up with. Just when she thought she had it made, her company fell apart after trusting the wrong people. She’s got a second chance and now she knows she needs a big idea to make a new step to save her career.
Heath Marino has always been fascinated with code. He’s used his talents to make games and applications that have caused him to be a big talent. He’s back in New York to spend time with his grandmother. A well-known matchmaker, and he’s trying to figure out the science of his grandmothers’ methods.
What was supposed to be a secret set up became a business partnership into something much greater. Ivy and Heath worked so well together. He is calm and mellow with a very nurturing nature. Where Ivy is the go get them, she’s going to find a way to make it happen type of person. The two of them together was just amazing. They have a traction in chemistry, but there’s always something that makes it hard to say yes to love. As they build this company, they realize there is more feelings than just business between the two of them. As the layers start to peel away, we learn just why these two are perfect for each other. But yet this would not be a LexiBlake book, if we did not have a little bit of suspense, and a good dash of humor thrown in.
This was a fantastic start to the series, and I can’t wait to see what Miss Blake has in store for her Park Avenue Promise series.
Review: Cherry Lane by Kristen Proby
Cherry Lane
Kristen Proby
Huckleberry Bay Series, Book 3.5
1001 Dark Nights
111 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 22, 2023
Sometimes, love is waiting in the most unexpected of places.
Zeke Cross is a big city guy who finds himself living in the smallest town on the face of the earth, running an auto repair shop with his best friend. Not just running, but owning. He’s not used to sleepy little towns. He craves noise, excitement, and people. And yet, he’s grown to love the town of Huckleberry Bay, and the people who have welcomed him into the fold. Almost everyone has been kind and accepting of the outsider.
Everyone except Cherry Dubois.
Cherry is a small town girl, and she misses the sleepy community from her childhood. Now, her home is overrun by move-ins, who seem hell-bent on bringing big city ideals to her little town, and ruining what she’s always had. Her neighbor, Zeke, is the most annoying of all, with his loud music and arrogant attitude. How is she supposed to think when he’s around? Sure, he’s handsome, but that almost makes it worse.
Then Cherry needs Zeke’s help, and she finds out that the big city guy isn’t all that bad, especially when he has his hands on her and makes her forget all the reasons why she doesn’t like him. But at the end of the day, will she be able to trust this man to stay for good, or will her worst fears come true?
** 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 Stars
What an amazing short story. I love the town of Huckleberry Bay, and all the wonderful people who called at home. Cherry Lane is a quick read with all the feels.
Zeke has been a big city guy for all of his life. Now living in the small quiet town of Huckleberry, Bay, life is really slow down for him. He misses the noise and action of the city but yet he’s beginning to realize that this is his new home.
Cherry is a small town girl. She loves the cozy community in which she has grown up in. Until a city guy moved in next-door bringing his city ideas. Disrupting her peace with loud music and his fast paced way.
These two have so much chemistry. It is flowing out of them. Jerry and Zeke are amazing together. Their back-and-forth banter is humorous and entertaining. They obviously have an attraction for one another, but both being the stubborn people that they are, don’t see it until they do. Sherry kept herself extremely guarded. Zeke found away through her walls, and with a little bit of work, they found their way to one another. These two will have you laughing and make your heart very warm. A very sweet happily ever after.
Review: You Can Die by Rebecca Zanetti
You Can Die
Rebecca Zanetti
Laurel Snow Series, Book 3
Men are dying in the Pacific Northwest, their bodies found near churches, charities, and counseling centers–each with valentine candy hearts shoved down their throats. They’re good men with families and community ties–or so they seem until Laurel Snow and her team begin to investigate. Then the case takes a shockingly personal turn when the father she’s never met, a former pastor, turns up among the dead.
Now, besides solving her father’s murder, Laurel is on the hunt to discover the truth of his past. Complicating things is Laurel’s troubled half-sister, Abigail, a brilliant sociopath determined to prove that they’ve both inherited their father’s malignant narcissism.
Assisting Laurel is Washington Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers, a dangerous loner whose reliance on gut instinct puts him at odds with Laurel’s coolly analytic approach. But the choice may be moot when the killer hones in on Huck’s own dark secrets–putting him and Laurel squarely in the crosshairs.
4.5 Stars
Rebecca Zanetti can do it all, from romance to paranormal to psychological thrillers. She knows how to grab your attention and keep you going through the last page. You Can Die is one of those books that you don’t want to put down until you’re finished.
Laurel Snow is truly a unique heroine. She is definitely not one of those people that you judge by hair cover. From her beautiful looks to her brilliant mind, what you perceive about her will truly be different from the way she really is. I love seeing how she’s grown through the course of the three books. If you’ve been following the series, you will see subtle changes in Laurel that were not at the beginning of the series and complement her so well. She is a unique personality with a unique way of thinking and seeing things so it’s so nice to see her grow into something even more than what she is.
No for the story. This one keeps taking us on a ride. A new killer is on the loose, the case is hitting too close to home for Laurel’s actual liking and her psychopath half sister is always a half a step beside her. This is a twisty story that is well-pasted with a pretty intricate plot. The suspense builds through the story and just when you think you have something figured out, you realize something else crazy happens all over again. We have a truly suspenseful story that keeps giving us twists and turns. We have a beautiful romance blooming and some family drama that sooner or later is going to come to ahead.
You Can Die is a swirling edge of your seat read that I truly could not put down from beginning to end. I look forward to see what the next chapter for Laurel is.
Review: Witch Upon a Star by
Witch Upon a Star
Angela M. Sanders
Witch Way Librarian Mysteries Series, Book 4
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 23, 2023
Big things are happening in small-town Wilfred, Oregon! The retreat center is open for its first workshop, the local caf� is done remodeling, and librarian and witch-in-training Josie Way is hosting her sister–and a few suspicions about the new killer on the loose . . .
Josie is eager to show off Wilfred’s delights to her visiting sister, Jean–even though Josie must conceal her magic from her. In any case, Jean is excited to attend Cookie Masterson’s trademark “Ready-Set-Go!” workshop on becoming a life coach. Then there’s the grand reopening of Darla’s Caf�, where the doors are thrown open to reveal . . . a dead man, stabbed in the back. That was definitely not on the revamped menu…
Even more worrisome, the sheriff receives a report of a fresh corpse at the retreat center. Maybe murder isn’t so uncommon in Wilfred anymore, but two unfamiliar bodies within an hour certainly is! Josie’s willing to let law enforcement take the lead–after all, she’s gotten into some trouble from the hints the library’s spellbound books keep feeding her about the patrons. But when her sister receives the killer’s chilling calling card, she’ll use everything within her otherworldly powers to divine just who in town has homicide as his new slogan . . .
3.5 Stars
Witch Upon a Star is a fun and entertaining read. It was much more than I expected it to be.
Josie is a librarian and a witch in training. I love how much her powers are intertwined with books. To be able to touch a book and know if they can give you the knowledge you need within seconds. That’s a pretty nifty ability to have. The books give her a lot of advise, whether she wants it or not. In Witch Upon a Star Josie has tasked with showing her sister Jean around her, cozy little town while she’s there for a retreat, so to speak. And then to keep her safe from a killer on the loose all while keeping her witchy secrets, a secret.
A self-help promoter is doing one of their seminars and Josie‘s little town and Jean, her little sister is all about this opportunity. Although it does not look to be the best opportunity, and when murder comes hand-in-hand with what’s going on around this seminar, has Josie on full alert. Josie is trying to keep her sister safe while twist interns thrown at her within this mystery, keep her on her toes. During the course of this novel, Josie is able to build bonds with her sister and help solve a murder. I enjoyed Witch Upon a Star. It is a unique subject collaboration for a cozy mystery. I love the fact that her powers are connected through books, and that makes it even more exciting.
I look forward to going back and seeing how the series started. And to see wants to become for this witchy librarian.
Review: Harbored in Silence by Carrie Ann Ryan
Harbored in Silence
Carrie Ann Ryan
Aspen Pack Series, Book 4
Dara is a harvester death witch. She holds the power of both life and death within her hands.She has taken on the task of keeping the ward strong for the pack. Cruz is the heir of the pack. Should something happen, Cruz will step in and become Alpha of the Aspen pack. Dara and Cruz have a complicated but yet an intertwined connection. Dara saved him in a way that is technically forbidden by the Moon Goddess. Yet the Goddess put them together as each other’s potential mate.
Harbored in Silence has the Aspen pact still fighting the vampires. Dara knows her time is Wendling. Along with the help of Wynter and Wren, Dara seeks out, elastic effort to go and talk with a Coven. Only to find the coven has been destroyed. Dara knows the only way to fight vampires is with the help of the coven. The shippers and the riches have to work together to put an end to the evil that they are facing. Dora embarks on a journey to form a new coven with those who were outcasted by the previous leaders. Cruz is tasked to keep Dara safe as she gathers her friends of witches in hopes of them joining her to help take down the evil they are facing. Through this journey, Dara and Cruz both learn many things that make a big impact on who they are. With all the danger and chaos going on around them, they found a way to break down their own barriers and find that they are each other’s mate.
Harbored in Silence I believe is the beginning of a pivotal point within the storyline. We are introduced to an array of new characters, we have discovered who the enemy is and more secrets are still to be revealed.
Review: Wicked as Secrets by Shayla Black
Wicked as Secrets
Shayla Black
Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire Series, Book 7
Matt and Madison part 1
May 16, 2023 by Shelley Bradley, LLC
He’ll do anything to protect her from danger…but it will cost her everything.
Security specialist Matt Montgomery has never forgotten—or forgiven—Madison Archer for walking away and ripping out his heart. Three years later, she crashes back into his life, terrified that her wealthy husband is trying to kill her. Matt vows to protect Madison…but there’s a price. He’ll have revenge by making her submit to his every sexual demand.
Part of a powerful, ruthless political dynasty, Madison’s soon-to-be ex has deep, dark secrets. When uncovering them nearly proves fatal, she turns to the one man she knows can protect her—the lover she’s never been able to forget. Matt’s ultimatum is both shocking and intoxicating. But if she wants to keep herself and her ailing father alive, he’s her only option.
As the danger escalates, so do Madison and Matt’s feelings. But navigating their rocky past while trying to stay one step ahead of her deadly husband proves perilous. Will their forbidden love survive the danger and give them a second chance at happiness?
**Wicked as Secrets is part of the Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire romantic suspense series. Stories in this series are told in a duet of two full-length novels. Each duet can be read as a standalone. Includes strong language, sexy times, alpha male attitude, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Enjoy!**
4 Stars
Matt and Madison had that kind of connection that you know it’s something special. Chemistry was only the beginning. They had a connection on a level that was deeper than either one of them now. And then it just ended. Did he break her heart or did she break his period?
Fast forward a few years, and Madison finds herself in the deepest of deep trouble. On the run, and no one to trust there’s only one person that she knows can even begin to help her. Matt finds medicine outside his window and knows in an instant that she is in trouble, and he must help her.
Full disclosure for this review. This book ends in a cliffhanger.
Secrets and lies, on the run and danger just behind. Wicked as Secrets starts was so packed action and doesn’t let up. Madison and Matt begin to deal with her unresolved issues while still feeling the connection that has never burned out. With serious danger just over their shoulders, they work together with some of our favorite Shayla black characters to find a way to get Madison safe. Just when they think they have some things figured out, everything hits the fan and puts everyone in a position they would rather not be in. Madison knows everything is hanging on a person she can’t trust. Matt is about to lose his mind over something. He should be able to help control.
As a general rule, I am not a fan of cliffhanger books, but yet I love this series. Fortunately, Miss Black is kind to her readers and doesn’t make us wait too too long.
Review: The Ghost Goes to the Dogs by Cleo Coyle
The Ghost Dogs Goes to the
Cleo Coyle
Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series, Book 9
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 2, 2023
A stray dog leads bookseller Penelope McClure and her gumshoe ghost on a chase for a clever killer in this brand-new entry in the “utterly charming” (Mystery Scene) Haunted Bookshop Mysteries from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.
Pet Mystery Week brings brisk business to Penelope’s Rhode Island bookshop, but a real mystery comes barking at her door when a lost dog turns up in a panic. Pen and her son Spencer follow the furry fugitive to a wooded area where the dog’s owner lies unconscious. Mrs. Cunningham is a warm-hearted widow who volunteers at the animal shelter and runs Buy the Book’s pet lovers book club. Why would anyone shoot such a sweet soul?
The police believe it’s an accident, a shot by a careless deer hunter, but Pen remains skeptical. To straighten out this doggone mess, she whistles for the ghost of PI Jack Shepard, an expert in hounding as well as haunting. Jack has a dog story of his own, a case from the 1940s that may help Pen sniff out clues to her present predicament. Yet even with Jack’s hard-boiled help, Pen may not be able to stop the killer from striking again or letting this whole case go to the dogs…
Penny and Jack are not your average team but they get it done.
It’s pet mystery week and business has picked up for pennies Rhode Island book shop. However, the real mystery comes in the form of barking when a lost dog turns up at her door. Penny and her son hop on the case and follow the dog to where its owner is laying on the ground and unconscious. The dog’s owner, Mrs. Cunningham is a wonderful volunteer and animal lover. Now they have a mystery on their hands of who would want to hurt the sweet, wonderful woman. Penny calls on the help of her ghostly PI friend Jack Shepard, who has a story of his own involving some dogs from the 1940s. Together in the past, and in the present, they put together the clues to figure out who the culprit in his doggy caper is.
Cleo Coyle has put together another fine masterpiece in the haunted bookshop mystery series. Penny and Jack are something very unique, and the way the story unfolds through the past, and the present is something truly special. Penny is too smart to think that this was just an accident for Mrs. Cunningham. She is determined to find who tried to hurt this wonderful and sweet woman. While hunting down clues and trying to figure out who is behind this mass, Jack shares with Penny, his own doggy caper from back in the 40s that Jess may have left its mark on her present. This is a fun and entertaining, cozy mystery. When that truly keeps you turning the pages. Whether you’re in the past tense or the present you’re entertained on all fronts.
Coffee Books Life 