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Review: Justified Secrets by Melissa Schroeder
Justified Secrets
Melissa Schroeder
Book 1 in the TFH Team Bravo
Part of the Harmless World
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2024
The newest team in Task Force Hawaii is ready for duty.
Everyone has secrets, but hers could get them both killed.
Autumn Bradford has always been a little…different. The daughter of a cult leader, she has spent her life fighting the bad guys and searching for the father everyone thinks is dead. One thing stands in her way, the new leader of Team Bravo.
Former SEAL Seth Harrington accepted the job at TFH for a new start. Years of dangerous missions has left his body and soul scarred. He doesn’t have time for a woman with too many secrets and the eating habits of a hobbit-no matter how attractive he finds her.
Autumn doesn’t need a keeper or a protector, but every time she turns around, Seth seems to be there. Time together makes it difficult to avoid their attraction, and one stolen kiss makes it impossible to resist the temptation. Falling in love wasn’t in the plans for either of them, but Seth realizes he will do anything to protect her, even if it means facing down the most dangerous man either of them know: her father.
Author Note: This is a Harmless World Novel with our favorite crime fighting heroes and heroines! There are secrets (duh!), inappropriate jokes, Hawaiian food, a betting pool as usual, and a new team to get to know.
4 Stars
Melissa Schroeder starts off the new TFH Bravo Team Series, Justified Secrets with a one sit read.
Justified Secrets is a thrilling beginning to a new series that comes from a series that I absolutely adored. Autumn has experienced things that no young woman should have to go through. She was saved from a world that could have made her a very different person and now she has made it her mission to make sure justice is served. Seth is part of the Bravo team of the Task Force Hawaii and has worked with Autumn. He knows she harbors secrets of her past however he cannot help the attraction that he has for her. The two try to go on with the job, but yet when the chemistry explodes the chemistry explodes. And just when it does, Autumn’s fear stands right in front of her. Seth is determined to save her in anyway he can.
Justified secrets was a one sit read for me. I haven’t had one of those in quite a while and truly it was something I needed. Having read the task force Hawaii books I am familiar with both of the characters and I have to say I am happy to have had this story. Autumn and Seth have chemistry for days and I love when it comes to ahead. The story has so many classic Melissa Schroeder parts that I smiled so much. I always love the family aspect of the stories. They are also quite steamy and highly entertaining. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the bravo team.
On the Wild Side by Kristen Proby
On the Wild Side
Kristen Proby
The Wilds of Montana Series, Book 4
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 3, 2024
From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes On the Wild Side, a sizzling single mom, cowboy, small town romance in the beloved Wilds of Montana Series!
Brady Wild has focused on one thing this entire adult life: riding bulls. A three-time world champion, Brady’s body has taken a beating over the years and he knows he’s nearing the end of his impressive career. He’s had no time for relationships with his dangerous career but the minute he sees sexy single mom, Abbi Kastella, he knows it’s game over for his resolve to be single.
Abbi is a mom, first and foremost, and she’ll do whatever needs to be done to keep her daughter safe from the danger that’s chased them for half a dozen years. She’s finally been able to set down roots in Bitterroot Valley for herself and Daisy. She adores this community that has welcomed them with open arms, her new business is thriving, and she has a circle of friends that she loves and trusts. And don’t even get her started on the hazel-eyed, muscled up cowboy that makes her whole-body tremble with need. Life is good in this little Montana town and Brady is showing her and her little girl what real love is supposed to be.
Despite Brady’s best intentions he can’t resist his blue-eyed siren, or the sweet little girl that has him wrapped around her little finger. But when Abbi’s past catches up with them, Brady quickly realizes that the secrets that Abbi’s been keeping from him are far worse than any damage his career could do to them. Will they lose everything before it even really begins? Or will love prevail so they can get started on their forever On the Wild Side?
4.5 Stars
Talk about saving the best for last. She’s a Wild One delivers an explosive conclusion to the Wilds of Montana series with Millie and Holden‘s story.
Almost a decade ago, Millie and Holden shared a secret romance. As each of them was on the opposite side of feuding families, their relationship is forbidden. Their bond is deeper than they could’ve imagined, and after sharing the most intimate of intimacies with one another, both worlds crack apart. Fast forward to present Millie is the proud owner of the Bitterroot Valley coffee and Holden is running his ranch. To stay when the two are in close proximity to one another you can still see their attraction, chemistry, and tension that is just waiting to explode. When Holden‘s father passes away, he finds one more way to mess with Holden by stipulating in his wheel. He can’t inherit anything unless he’s married for a year. Holden comes up with a way to adhere to his dad stipulations while throwing one of the things he hated most right back in his face. Millie Wilde works very hard to be mad at Holden. When he approaches her to ask her to marry him, to help him be able to make it right for his sisters. Mill agrees with a list of conditions. Hoping that she could possibly get herself over this man.
It’s no secret that I have fallen in love with the Wilds of Montana series. Kristin Proby outdid herself with She’s a Wild One. I have been waiting for Millie and Holden story ever since we first met them. You could feel the attention between them and other books that were not even theirs. Holden has got to be the most swoon worthy male lead character that I have read in a long time. He takes off every box that you could possibly want. He is beyond loyal and protective to those he cares about. Millie is strong, independent and an all-around amazing person. She agrees to help hoping that she is going to be able to shake off the feelings that she’s carried for years but very quickly got the more she’s around Holden the more they intensify. The chemistry between these two is absolutely amazing. Millie and Holden have a bond that was deeper than either one of them realized. Their marriage begins on an emotional roller coaster ride. Millie‘s family is not happy with her, Holden reveals several secrets from his past, and their bond just gets deeper and deeper. Holden and Millie are so honest with each other. It takes their intimacy to a whole new level. I loved watching them come together.
She’s a Wild is such a wonderful read. You get a small town throw in a dream come true and a story that gives you all the emotions and a nice bit of heat. Millie and Holden story is definitely my favorite of the series and one that I will definitely go revisit from time to time
Review: Lonely for You Only by Monica Murphy
Lonely for You Only
Monica Murphy
A Lancaster Prep Novel
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 6, 2024
From New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation Monica Murphy comes a swoon-worthy new adult romance full of love songs. Young heiress Scarlett Lancaster is delighted when her father tells her he hired a famous pop star and former boy band member to play at her eighteenth birthday. But delight becomes utter disappointment when it turns out he wasn’t talking about Harry Styles. No, Scarlett’s dad hired Tate Ramsey, former lead singer of the band Five Car Pileup, who hasn’t been popular for years. Tate, after years of alcohol- and drug-fueled partying, is sober and ready for a comeback. He is in top form at Scarlett’s party and blows the audience away with his performance—though Scarlett herself still isn’t impressed. But when they talk after he leaves the stage, their encounter ends in a kiss that surprises them both—and immediately goes viral. The viral kiss and the video of Tate singing at the party do wonders for both of their burgeoning careers. So after some careful negotiation, the two of them agree to start a fake relationship. But before long they discover their feelings might not be fake after all …
3 Stars
Scarlet Lancaster is beyond excited for her 18th birthday. Her father is surprising her by hiring a famous popstar to perform at her birthday. Having just finished high school and about to take a fantastic European vacation for her gap year things couldn’t be much better. Until the surprise musical entertainment is not quite who Scarlet thought it would be. Scarlet is thrown for a bit of a loop. When the guys she wants the attention of doesn’t seem to want her attention and someone that she thought was a husband gets her attention in more ways than one.
Tate Ramsey has lived a life. He’s performed for thousands and thousands of people, and gave himself a bit of a reputation as a Bad Boy. Falling into the Rockstar life of partying, his days in Five Car Pileup came to an end. Tate has spent some time getting his life back together, getting healthy and he’s trying to make a comeback. He is approached with an opportunity of a lifetime to play the birthday party of an 18-year-old girl. Hesitant at first, he’s decided that the payday is definitely worth it. However, what he didn’t expect was to have an heiress hit him hard in the heart.
Lonely For You Only is a coming of age, find yourself, light hearted, fake romance romance. I have to be honest I found myself putting this book down quite a bit through the first 2/3 of the story. I have to say it’s not that it was a bad story. It just didn’t have anything that kept me turning most pages. I am a big believer in giving every page a chance. Once I hit the last third of the book, I found that I was able to get into it a little bit more. I absolutely love the ending and I loved that Scarlet and Tate found a way to make them work.
Cover Reveal: RISING SUN by Donna Grant
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant introduces a wickedly seductive new series with a ruthless, jaded elf and a bewitching human hiding a powerful secret—unlikely soulmates whose passion will test the boundaries of life and death.
Nothing could make Yasmin return to Shaldorn, the place of nightmares. But when she’s caught stealing, she’s given an ultimatum: take Ravi over the Dangerous Peaks to the stronghold or face imprisonment.
She has no choice but to agree, though she intends to escape the elf as soon as she reaches the mountains. Yet, as they battle nature itself, the two enemies find common ground—and an all-consuming passion.
Can they prevail in their dangerous heist, or be torn apart by a betrayl?
BUY LINKS:
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✦Kindle→ https://amzn.to/3EZH2Uj
✦Nook→ https://dgrant.co/3EVaUB6
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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.
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.
Review: Muder Uncorked by Maddie Day
Murder Uncorked
Maddie Day
Cece Barton Mystery Series, Book 1
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 24, 2023
Raise a glass to Cece Barton, a widowed single mom and recent L.A. transplant to California wine country, who suddenly finds herself at the center of a murder investigation in this sparkling new mystery series from Agatha Award–winning and national bestselling author Maddie Day.
As the manager of Vino y Vida Wine Bar in Colinas, Cecelia “Cece” Barton’s first Alexander Valley harvest is a whirlwind of activity. Her twin sister, Allie Halstead, who owns a nearby Victorian bed & breakfast, is accustomed to the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. But Cece barely has a moment to enjoy her new home in between worrying about her estranged college-age daughter, juggling her responsibilities at the bar, and navigating the sticky politics of the local wine association. Just when it seems things can’t grow any more intense, Colinas is rocked by a murder within the wine community . . . and Cece is identified as a possible suspect!
With her reputation and her livelihood on the line—and the Sonoma County deputy sheriff breathing down her neck—Cece has no choice but to open up her own murder investigation. Tensions are already high in the valley, as a massive wildfire creeps toward Colinas, threatening homes, vineyards, and the vital tourist trade. And now, with a murderer on the loose, and Cece’s sleuthing exposing the valley’s bitterest old rivalries and secret new alliances, Colinas feels ready to pop! But with Allie’s help, Cece is determined to catch the killer and clear her name before everything she’s worked so hard for goes up in flames.
3.5 Stars
Maddie Day takes her readers to beautiful wine country California in Murder Uncorked. The debut novel in the Cece Barton mystery Series.
Cece is a widowed single mom who is trying to start a new chapter of her life. She is the manager of Vino y Vida. She’s trying to settle into a new town learning to deal with the hustle and bustle of tourist season and trying to understand the politics of the local wine Association. Just as she begins to navigate the waters of all this newness, she finds herself being a prime suspect of a murder within the wine community.
Murder Uncorked is a wonderful introduction to the series. I very much enjoyed this week. Not only did we get a good mystery that was well written and kept you guessing. We also get the story of a woman trying to restart her life. The wine bar she manages is in the same little town as her twin sister, who runs a bed-and-breakfast. Her sister is a suspect as well. I love how they stick together and take on the job of amateur sluice to clear their own names. Cece does not have the best relationship with her daughter, and we get to see how that truly affects her and how much she wants that change. As I said, this is a great introduction to what I think it’s going to be not just a good mystery series, but the story of a woman who had changes later in life and is trying to make a new life with them.
Review: Marked in Flames by Carrie Ann Ryan
Marked in Flames
Carrie Ann Ryan
Aspen Pack Series, Book 5
ebook
First published September 25, 2023
My mate rejected me, leaving me broken. I refuse to let that happen again—even if Steele is the one for me.
I hold the power of flame and future in my hands, but I know the world is watching. Waiting for us to fall.
The truth and lies that bind the Aspen Pack together are crumbling and I am to bear witness to its fate.
I know the Enforcer of the Aspens is my mate.
Yet neither of us want what fate decrees.
So, we’ll fight side by side and ignore the burning attraction between us.
Only when a traitor rocks the foundation of all we know, we might not have a choice to who we cling to in despair.
The vampires were only the pawns in this war.
The demons are on their way.
And if we’re not careful, the Aspen Pack could lose someone that breaks them.
And I could lose my mate.
Again.
4 Stars
The final battle is approaching. The enemy is always one step ahead and the pack has had enough. Everything is intense and emotions are running high as everything in the Pack world is about to come to a head.
Jade and Steel have been dancing around each other for sometime. They are both trying to each other, but yet both have things that keep them from truly discovering what they could be together. The Pack knows it’s time for all this fighting to come to an end. As they gear up for what they hope to be their final battle Jade and Steel take a few steps closer in the slow burn of a dance they have been doing with each other. They are an interesting match and complement each other completely. Each of them thinking that their secrets makes it impossible for them to be with another, but yet they realized they needed each other more than they could imagine.
It is always bittersweet when a series comes to an end, but yet all good things must come to an end.
The lines are forged and the battle has begun. Even in the worst of things, sometimes very good things can come from a mess. Carrie Ann Ryan ended the Aspen pack on a very thrilling note.
Coffee Books Life 