Review: Live, Local and Dead by Nikki Knight
Live, Local and Dead
Nikki Knight
Vermont Radio Mystery Series, Book 1
To clear her name, Jaye must find the real killer, as if she doesn’t have her hands full running the radio station, DJing her all-request love song show, and shuttling tween daughter Ryan to and from school. It doesn’t make matters easier that the governor–Jaye’s old crush–arrived on the scene before the musket smoke cleared. Fortunately, Jaye has allies…if you count the flatulent moose that lives in the transmitter shack, and Neptune, the giant gray cat that lives at the station.
If Jaye can turn the tables on the devious killer, she and the governor may get to make some sweet, sweet music together. But if she can’t, she’ll be off the air…permanently.
What a story!! Live, Local and Dead is a different take from my normal and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Jaye Jordan is a very interesting woman. A radio DJ, a mom and recently divorced moving. She and her daughter have recently moved to a small Vermont town where she has taken over the local radio station. What should be a nice and safe home for her and her child, Jaye soon becomes the target of some nice crimes. The surprising thing about this is our lead lady is not the one figuring out the mystery. She is going on with her day today life but yet working closely with the local authorities to figure out what’s going on behind these crimes.
I enjoyed Live, Local and Dead. Jaye has gone through a challenging event and is trying to make the best of her new life. She is a woman with strong opinions and beliefs. She doesn’t let up on those things that she values just because someone else pushes her to try to do so. I wouldn’t necessarily categorize this as a cozy mystery just because it’s a little more outspoken in certain ways than the typical cozy Mystery. that did not deter my enjoyment from this book. I’m actually very much looking forward to see where the author takes the series.
Audio Review: Take A Chance With Me by Kristen Proby
Take A Chance With Me
Kristen Proby
The O’Callaghans Series, Book 5
Cameron Cox has mastered the art of keeping secrets. His talent for computer hacking means he’s been recruited for highly classified jobs since leaving the military. He travels the world, risking his life. But his biggest secret isn’t from a government job or a foreign spy.
It’s Maggie O’Callaghan.
He’s loved her from afar, always standing by as the friend. He’s been her rock through the hardest days of her life. But after his dangerous past comes crashing into his life and threatens the only woman he’s ever loved, he has a choice to make.
Give up the secrets and win her heart.
Or watch Maggie walk away with his.
Friend to lovers and a brother’s best friend, Two amazing tropes weaved into one story that is heartwarming and sexy. John Hartley and Kirsten Leigh perform this emotional and beautiful tale by Kristen Proby in a way that makes sure it hits the heart. Take a Chance With Me gives us the one we have been waiting for. Well I have been! Good things are worth waiting for.
Maggie took a chance years ago and put herself out there. Wanting Cameron is nothing new for her but she knows when the job calls he goes. After a bad marriage Maggie knows exactly what she doesn’t want or need. Her want for Cameron has never changed but her self happiness it’s something that does come first in her life.
Cameron lives a life of secrets. Because of his job everything is hush-hush. Cameron knows more than he is allowed to tell, information he knows that could help someone he cares about. Cameron has begun to put the at the drop of a call, I am gone for the job aside to start living the life he wants, with whom he wants. Caneron knows that there are obstacles ahead. But for her he will take on every one of them.
Take a Chance With Me is a wonderful romance filled with some mystery and deep roots in the family. It’s hard not to love the O’Callaghans. Cameron and Maggie are definitely two people that belong together. It just took them a very long time to find their way. They’re so sweet together. Their story is a long one with many hurtles and a bit of mystery but in the end, they get their happily ever after
Review: Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers
Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library
Holly Danvers
Lakeside Library Mystery Series, Book 2
A glowing wood stove, a cozy log cabin, and shelves full of books are all Rain Wilmot needs to ride out the Wisconsin winter, now that she’s made her family’s Lofty Pines library her year-round home. But the warm-hearted librarian’s blood runs cold when local man, Wallace Benson, is found dead during the annual Ice Fishing Jamboree.
After Benson’s body is found in his ice shanty, Rain recalls that she recently saw the victim in her library, borrowing a few cookbooks to prepare for the fishing tournament’s communal “chili dump.” She later finds these same books returned to the library’s drop box, with an enigmatic note from Benson to Rain.
As Rain seeks to understand the message, the prime suspect becomes Rain’s friend Nick, who was the last person to see Wallace alive and who returned to the Jamboree with a nasty cut on his hand. The knife found in his tackle box only makes Nick’s troubles worse. But Rain keeps fishing for other suspects. Was the killer Danny, who lost his arm to a logging accident involving Wallace? Or Danny’s bitter father, whose dreams of retirement were dashed by his son’s accident?
With the help of her friends Julia and Jace, Rain sets out to hook the real culprit and clear Nick’s name. But can her sleuthing skills protect her from a killer who’d like to take her out of circulation?
The Lakeside library is gearing up for a new tradition of being open during the winter months. Rain is already to get cozy down in her Lofty Pines cabin with a good book through the Wisconsin winter. The start of the annual Ice Fishing Jamboree brings excitement to the town as the ice shanty’s start going up, all trying for those coveted spots and chili cooking begins. What should be a festive and fun time turns into mystery and murder of the coldest proportions. Rain Is smart, able to put the clues togetherand will sometimes forget reasoning or logic to help out those she cares about.
Rain is a helper by nature. She generally cares about people. Whether it’s the desire to help them find that perfect book they’re looking for or to solving a murder. She does get herself into the thick of things. There were a few times I wanted to grab the girl by her shoulders and ask her what you are thinking. But then we wouldn’t have a story. What when one of your good friends it’s a suspect you will go above and beyond to prove his innocence. Rain allows her best friend, Julia, to talk her into some rather peculiar situations. Even if they are for the good of figuring out the truth, they may not always be the best decisions. But you get a good laugh.
Holly Danvers gave us a second installment that was just as enjoyable as the first. Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library was an entertaining read. This is a charming town and I love the inhabitants of it. As much as I say I just like winter weather I do love a book that has a good winter element to the story. You could feel the cold seeping through the pages and just made you want to cuddle up in a blanket as you were reading. That is high praise from me. The one thing I wish is that we see a little bit more personal character development within Rain. I enjoy her very much, but I feel she can be led astray very easily. However, that does give us some of our most laughable scenes of the book.
Review: Honey Roasted by Cleo Coyle
Honey Roasted
Cleo Coyle
Coffeehouse Mystery Series, Book 19
One night, a swarm of escaped bees blanket the Village Blend’s chimney, and Clare discovers Bea’s unconscious body after she seemingly fell from her high-rise rooftop-hive setup. The police want to rule it as a tragic accident or possible attempted suicide. But Clare doesn’t believe either theory. Like Madame, she knows this Queen would never abandon her hive. To sort out this mystery, Clare investigates a world of cutthroat chefs, culinary startups, and competitive urban beekeepers. But can she uncover the truth without getting stung?
What fun and cozy return to the Village Blend.
Claire Cosi is trying to plan her honeymoon which is not going as wonderful as she would have expected. Just as she is debuting a new honey roasted coffee blend and highly anticipated honey cinnamon latte to her staff a swarm of bees decides to make the Village Blend their new home. Come to find out these bees belong to none other than Claire’s honey supplier and close friend of Madame. Claire takes it upon herself to go and visit the Queen bee Bea Hastings to find that someone has tried to murder her. Upon finding Mrs. Hastings’ body on her balcony, Claire has no choice but to get to the bottom of the sticky situation.
The Coffeehouse Mystery series was one of the first cozy series I dived into. From book one I was hooked. How could I not be? Mysteries and coffee. Over the years I have read many books in this series, but not all. Coming back at book nineteen was like walking back into my favorite coffee shop and not missing a beat. Honey Roasted was a fun welcome back.
Honey Roasted gives a lesson in honey, more fantastic coffee knowledge and an intricate mystery that keeps you very involved. Clare is as sharp as always when it comes to putting the clues together, even though her mind is focused on other things. She’s tenacious in her sleuthing abilities and I love that she allows a little bit of danger to fall in the game but yet really lets her sense of danger go out the window if needed. I love how she sought out advice and then acted to smooth the riffs in her relationship. The Village Blend clew is always a delight and can count on them for a laugh. I love how not only has Claire been their boss she has been their friend through this crazy coffee and mystery adventure. Honey Roasted was an engrossing read that I absolutely enjoyed.
Blog Tour: Down and Dirty by Mari Carr
But Jess isn’t willing to get hurt again . . . no matter how persuasive, how determined, how deliciously possessive her new roommates are.
Down and Dirty, an all-new slow burn sexy heroes romance and the first book in the Italian Stallion Series from New York Times bestselling author Mari Carr is available now!
What happens when a down-on-her-luck single mom meets not one, but two sexy saviors? Roommates with twice the benefits.
Jess has one goal in life—protect her son. But when an overcrowded shelter puts her and Jasper out on the street in the dead of winter, she fears she’s going to fail that mission. Help comes in the form of confirmed bachelors, Tony Moretti and Dr. Rhys Beaumont.
Tony and Rhys share the same motto—work hard, play harder. But when fate drops a homeless waitress and her young son on their doorstep, their wild and free lifestyle takes a sharp turn. Their desire to help her is only surpassed by their desire to claim her, share her, make her theirs.
When Tony and Rhys offer Jess a place to stay and security, there’s no denying the chemistry between the three of them. All she has to do is let them in. But Jess isn’t willing to get hurt again . . . no matter how persuasive, how determined, how deliciously possessive her new roommates are.
Fall in love with Tony and Rhys!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3i8G1i2
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/DownandDirty
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3BPY0BL
Nook: https://bit.ly/3lbmwqL
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3j3xMD0
Google Play: https://bit.ly/34Utz10
Add Down and Dirty to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3AhDdX9
About Mari Carr
Virginia native Mari Carr is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance novels. With over one million copies of her books sold, Mari was the winner of the Romance Writers of America’s Passionate Plume award for her novella, Erotic Research. She has over a hundred published works, including her popular Wild Irish and Compass books, along with the Trinity Masters series she writes with Lila Dubois.
Connect with Mari
Facebook: https://bit.ly/37bo2jC
Amazon: https://amzn.to/33f2pwG
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2A2XAgl
BookBub: https://bit.ly/3h7lloa
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2MGhiRm
Stay up-to-date with Mari, sign up for her newsletter:
https://bit.ly/2Y7WMyI
Website: https://maricarr.com/
Review: Nothing but Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan
Nothing But Ink
Carrie Ann Ryan
Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins Series, Book 3.5
Clay Hollins knows he needs to stay away from Riggs Kennedy. He doesn’t have time to fall for the bearded bartender that haunts his dreams and waking fantasies. Not only is he working long hours at his dream job with Montgomery Builders, but he’s raising his three cousins and they need him more than he needs a private life.
After one night of giving in, however, neither Riggs nor Clay can walk away.
Only their lives are chaotic with baggage from Riggs’ past and Clay’s present and taking a chance on each other might be the scariest yet best decision they ever make.
Review: You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti
You Can Run
Rebecca Zanetti
Laurel Snow Series, Book 1
Fans of Lauran Griffin and Lisa Jackson won’t want to miss this brand new thriller series by New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti, as FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow, a rising star profiler, strives to stay one step ahead of the criminal mind—and discovers that her own demons may be the hardest to outrun…
Laurel Snow wouldn’t call hunting a serial killer a vacation, but with a pile of dead bodies unearthed near her Genesis Valley, WA, hometown, she’ll take what she can get. Yet something about this case stirs her in unexpected ways. Like the startling connection she feels to Dr. Abigail Caine, a fiercely intelligent witness with a disturbing knack for making Laurel feel like she has something on her. Then there’s Laurel’s attraction to Huck Rivers, the fish and wildlife officer guiding her to the crime scene—and into the wilderness…
A former soldier and a trained sniper, Huck’s thirst for blood is rivaled only by his fierce pursuit of Laurel. He’s been burned by love, wounded by the government, and betrayed before, and to say he has trust issues is the ultimate understatement. Plus, he might be closer to this killer than anybody knows…
Once in the heart of darkness with Huck, Laurel must negotiate her distracting desire for him, her complex rapport with Abigail—and her mission to find a serial killer among a growing list of suspects and a danger that’s far too close to home. So close in fact, Laurel fears she will never find her way back to the woman she once was…
Rebecca Zanetti has written many female lead characters that I have come to enjoy and love but I do feel that Laurel Snow is her best yet.
From her unique looks to the intricate way that her mind works Laura Snow is the stuff. A mind that thinks on a multitude of levels. A child prodigy going to college at the young age of 11 and becoming an amazing profiler for the FBI by her late 20s. A woman who knits booties and baby caps yet can think just like a serial killer. She doesn’t allow emotion to affect her the way that most people do which allows her to think and see things logically. She’s different and I loved everything about her.
Fish and Wildlife Officer Huck Rivers is a man of mystery, rules and routines. For someone who doesn’t particularly care for most people is the first step in. His job is saving people. From climbing snow covered mountains to diving deep waters he’s the first to put himself in danger to save someone else’s life. Huck definitely broods and at times is downright nasty, yet he is a hero.
You Can Run is an amazing start to this new series. Rebecca Zanetti pulls the reader in from the very first pages and doesn’t let up. The story is dark and intense yet so intriguing that you can’t stop reading. I would definitely call this more of a thriller than a suspense. Laurel and Huck’s romance is a slow burn that I can’t wait to see develop over the series.
Mrs. Zanetti writes with such rich detail it’s like you can feel the cold coming through the pages. Genesis Valley is a beautiful small town with all the wonderful things that we love from a small town. It holds many secrets that I feel will continue to unfold as we come to know more of Laurel Snow.
Review: Murder by the Seaside by Julie Ann Lindsey
Murder by the Seaside
Julie Ann Lindsey
Patience Price, Counselor at Large Series, Book 1
Cozy Queen Publishing LLC January 8, 2022
Armed with a new counseling degree, Patience Price is eager to move back home to Chincoteague Island to help folks with their problems. But she finds the streets awash in more than East Coast charm. There’s been a murder, and Adrian Davis, the town golden boy who once stomped her heart into a zillion pieces, is the main suspect. Now he’s on the run, claiming he’s innocent. Patience finds this…poetic. Not that she holds a grudge.
Adrian’s mom is sure that with her FBI background Patience can find the truth. Yes, she was at the FBI–in human resources. Still, she looks into it, but not everyone is happy with her snooping. Either that, or the welcome wagon has some bold new policies involving drive-by shootings.
Things really heat up when a hunky former coworker, an actual FBI agent, arrives to help. But he may be too late; the quaint island harbors deadly secrets–and Patience is running out of time.
4 Stars
Patience Prince has returned home to try and restart her life. After being downsized from the FBI’s human resource department she has decided to use her degree in counseling. Although starting a counseling business on her little island hometown has proven to be more difficult than she had thought. She is home five minutes when life starts to become crazy. An ex is accused of murder, someone keeps egging her property and she’s involved in a drive-by. And that’s in just the first couple of days. Patience Prince is now on a mission to find out who the true murderer is and who is after her!
Murder by the Seaside it’s not your average cozy Mystery and I say that in the best way possible. Patience Prince is one of those people that cares and likes to help. Which seems to be able to get her into trouble easily yet she’s willing to do anything it takes. She’s a strong woman, daring and maybe doesn’t quite understand the concept of sense of danger. But I will tell you it does make her very funny. With hippies for parents and an ex-boyfriend’s meddling mother it’s no wonder she is the way she is. Pony island is colorful and fun. The inhabitants are unique and will definitely have you laughing. Julie Ann Lindsay pens one heck of a story here. Murder by the Seaside action packed, fast paced with a pretty intricate mystery. We have a cast of wonderful characters that definitely catch your attention. I loved the romantic elements within the story. Being a romance reader first and foremost, I always love it when there’s a little bit of romance added into the mysteries. this book was definitely a ride but I would absolutely love to visit pony Island again.
Review: Spirits and Sourdough by Bailey Cates
Spirits and Sourdough
Bailey Cates
Magical Bakery Mystery Series, Book 10
Hedgewitch Katie Lightfoot works at the Honeybee Bakery in Savannah, and she’s always up for investigating her adopted home’s rich supernatural history. That’s why she’s taking a ghost tour for the very first time. But when the psychic tour guide tells Katie that she’s being followed by the ghost of a recently murdered woman, Katie realizes she met the victim earlier that day, just before she died. She knows she must bring the killer to justice.
And this murder isn’t the only mystery Katie needs to solve. Her new husband, Declan McCarthy, is missing the guardian spirit who always watched over him, and she’s concerned that Deck’s life could be at risk if they can’t find him. Under pressure from the living and the dead, Katie will have to use all of her magical skills to start an investigation from scratch and avoid half-baked alibis, because this baker kneads to find a killer.
Being an avid reader sometimes you come across the title that catches your attention not realizing it’s the latest title in a well-established, 10 book series. Also being an avid reader, I take this with a grain of salt and hope that the author is very good at leaving breadcrumbs from the previous stories to get a new reader caught up to date. That was exactly my case with Spirits and Sourdough.
Spirits and Sourdough is a fun and magical cozy! Yes I did enjoy the read. Yes, I was somewhat able to get the jist of what I needed to. Bailey Cates definitely has something magical going on here. The Honeybee Bakery is cute and very unique. It is the type of place that I would definitely want to sit and have my baked goods with a cup of coffee on a very bad day. Katie is an amazing character. She cares genuinely, is a bit nosy and totally likable. The secondary characters keep you turning the pages just as much as the main characters do. It is truly a magical story. Even a new reader can see that this has definitely gone through some complex world building and character development, and it shows. Even though I’m jumping in at book ten. I was able to figure out what was going on and enjoy the story.
Ghost tours, missing spirits and murder, all the makings a of good cozy!!!
Review: Dusk Unveiled by Carrie Ann Ryan
Dusk Unveiled
Carrie Ann Ryan
Ravenwood Coven Series, Book 2
NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues her magical paranormal series where a town keeps its secrets, but an aging curse might just be their downfall.
The Christopher curse is one of legend—so old that every new generation knows they will be touched by it. With every spell muttered, every magical pull needed to save her town, Laurel Christopher knows she’s one step closer to burning to ash and leaving those she loves behind. She’ll fight with all she has to protect her people—and the man she loves—but she might not have enough strength remaining to save herself.
Jaxton Dark lost his best friend to the necromancer attacking Ravenwood but refuses to lose his mate to a curse that could take them both. He’s well aware of the loss calling them, but before he can stand up for those he loves, a betrayal cuts him to the core.
Sacrifice was always an inevitability when it comes to the curse that threatens their fate. Yet it’s only when the darkness makes a subtle and surprising move that star-crossed lovers, Laurel and Jaxton, will truly find out the meaning of who they could be and what they must give up to survive.
Dusk Unveiled is the fast paced and thrilling second installment of the Ravenwood Coven Series.
Laurel, on top of fighting a battle to save her town, is fighting another battle within herself. A cursed fire witch whom with every bit of magic she does the flames kill her a little bit more from the inside out. Her magic has her trapped in a dangerous loop keeping herself at a distance from those she loves.
Jaxton is wing leader of the hawks. He’s a natural and powerful leader. He shoulders not only the responsibility and safety of his own people but also to the inhabitants of the town. He’s a fighter and a believer. Jaxton has a Determination that is so strong that he’s determined not only to help his friend but turn their relationship into what it could be.
Dusk Unveiled was fantastic. Carrie Ann Ryan delivers non stop action packed, fast paced, unfaltering to termination and a love that survives the flames. My goodness this was a very intense story. Intense in action and emotion. Laurel may just be the strongest female character that Ms. Ryan has written. I will not say she’s in denial, she’s just being realistic as to what her situation is. She gives every bit of herself to protecting the town before she will be able to do more. Jaxton stands his ground with his wing while trying to do all he can for Laurel. He knows they are meant for one another. Through the danger and self-sacrifice they not only manage to save their town but they both gave themselves to save themselves. They were perfect for one another; it just took them a bit to get there.
I have been reading Carrie Ann Ryan for about 10 years now. When I found out she was doing a story about witches I was so ecstatic. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this trilogy would be what it is so far. The world building is outstanding. The characters are amazing. Ms. Ryan has taken figures from legend and lore that we have come to love over our years of reading, giving them her twist and making them into something new and fresh. Dusk Unveil Is a fantastic paranormal read.
Coffee Books Life 