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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: Pound by Jayne Rylon
Pound
Jayne Rylon
Powertools: The Original Crew Returns, Book 4
With the crew reunited to work on a massive career-expanding project and spend their off-time relaxing together, what could go wrong?
They’ve learned not to tempt fate, but are also committed to doing whatever is in their power to make their crew happy, sated, and whole for the rest of their lives.
So when someone threatens one of their own, they will do anything—including bringing in some of their more qualified friends—to figure out who wishes their time in Middletown was over before it has really begun.
This is a standalone book set in the Powertools universe. All your favorite Hot Rods and Hot Rides characters will be making appearances as well. So come make new book boyfriends or hang out with old ones!
3.5 Stars
The Crew has faced many challenging changes as they have moved themselves to Middletown. Everyone is starting to adjust and settle into their new home except for James who has seemed to have lost a bit of himself as the crew has transitioned into new and different roles.
Pound finds James questioning his role in the crew. Being a part of the crew, his crew, was it for him. Being a foreman is a great job but it’s not what he feels. James hangs up his tool belt and does some soul searching. He tries a few different hats to see what fits, confides in his crew and takes the nudging from a few good friends. The crew is as solid as they have always been and sexy as even. They have embraced the challenge set before them, worked through it and tightened the bonds that they share. With the support and love of his husband, wife and the crew he holds so dear, James works through his funk and finds a way to not only help himself but helping others too.
Pound shows a very unexpected side of a character I thought was extremely solid. James is a loving, pleasing man. Rough when needed yet tender and kind. All of the crew have challenged themselves with the major move and all the crazy things falling upon them. They continue to show that family is more than blood and beyond soul deep. Jayne Rylon delivers sexiness and emotions with the latest from the crew of the Powertools, Pound.
Review: A Curious Incident by Vicki Delany
A Curious Incident
Vicki Delany
Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery, Book 6
It’s up to Gemma and Jayne to root out the killer in national bestselling author Vicki Delany’s sixth Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery when the winner of a garden tour trophy is left pushing up daisies.
“I am not a Consulting Detective,” Gemma Doyle reluctantly tells 10-year-old Lauren Tierney, when the little girl comes to the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium to beg Gemma to find her missing cat, Snowball. Gemma might not be able to follow the clues to find the cat, but her dog Violet follows her nose to locate the missing kitten in a neighbor’s garden shed. Gemma and Violet proudly return Snowball to her grateful owner, and Gemma basks in praise for a job well done. But a few days later Lauren is back with ten dollars in hand, wanting to once again hire a consulting detective, and this time for a far bigger job: Her mother has been accused of murdering her garden club rival.
Sheila Tierney’s garden, which everyone said was the one to beat for the West London Garden Club trophy, had been vandalized the night before the club’s early summer tour. Sheila confronted her former friend and gardening partner Anna Wentworth in a towering rage, and the women nearly came to blows. Later that night, after having won the trophy for best garden, Anna is found murdered and Sheila Tierney is the police’s prime suspect.
Despite herself, and despite the disapproval of her police detective boyfriend Ryan Ashburton, the game is once again afoot, and Gemma finds herself and Jayne Wilson using their powers of deduction to ponder yet another curious incident.
3.5 Stars
From missing kittens to trashed gardens. having the garden club up in roits to rivalry and murder, Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, finds herself knee deep in yet another curious mystery that she tries really hard not to be involved in. She really does try to stay out of it.
I really enjoyed Gemma. She is a fun take on Sherlock Holmes. I loved her use of logic, her straightforward manor and her ability to put it all together. Gathering all the informal and extracting the facts then coming to the correct conclusion. Gemma’s got a gift for sure even if she is blunt and abrupt at times. Lauren is a fun addition to the cast of characters. She adds a lot of humor and fun to the story. Her curiosity is something to smile at while dealing with a very serious situation. She is all over the place, but that is a pre-teen for you.
A Curious Incident is a curious mystery indeed. A fun Sherlock Holmes themed cozy mystery with an enjoyable cast of characters. Well plotted and well developed, being my first read of the series I didn’t feel as if I was missing a thing. Vicki Delany gets the reader engaged with fun characters and well timed Holmes antidotes. I love how the book and tea shops go hand in hand together. The mystery and plot are solid, however this is a fully character driven book. There’s a lot going on but it all curiously fits together making an entertaining story.
Review: Grind by Jayne Rylon
Grind
Jayne Rylon
Powertools: The Original Crew Returns, Book 3
E-Book, 130 pages
Happy Endings Publishing October 20, 2020
The original Powertools crew are back in a brand new series!
The crew has overcome enormous odds to live and love together, but can it survive being divided?
Devon, Neil, and James know where they’re needed most is in Middletown, working on Mike and Joe’s new construction team. Because in addition to their careers, the Powertools’ intimate bond is in jeopardy.
It will be up to them to find a way to strengthen it again even if it means grinding away at the past, leaving two of their members in the dust, in order to prepare for a bright future.
This is a standalone book set in the Powertools universe. All your favorite Hot Rods and Hot Rides characters will be making appearances as well. So come make new book boyfriends or hang out with old ones!
3.5 Stars
Life has taken on some major changes for the Crew and in this newest installment has Kayla and Dave in the hot seat with Grind.
Change is happening all around the crew and as they are trying to adapt they seem to be getting hit harder. A horrible fire has claimed Kayla’s beloved Bare Natural Resort as its own, learning herself and Dave without a home. Kayla is not herself while dealing with the loss of her home and dream, the sting of Crew members away in Middletown has hit her hard. Kayla is the definition of calm and this series of events is on the verge of breaking this peaceful woman. Is their bond stretched too thin? Can the crew help heal some of these wounds? Is it time for a change? Is the Grind of it all too much.
Kayla and Dave are my favorites of the crew. Kayla is so centered and usually so at peace with herself. It was very hard to see her struggling the way she did. It just goes to prove that even the strongest, what seem like most centered people can even lose it. Dave is always so supportive and caring. His willingness is always swoon worthy. Kayla rides a frantic emotional ride within the pages of Grind. With the help of her devoted husband and an unwavering bond of her people, the entire crew takes another step into the next chapter of their lives.
Review: Murder Ink by Lorraine Bartlett
Murder Ink
Lorraine Bartlett with Gayle Leeson
Victoria Square Mystery Series, Book 6
Published December 31, 2019
Berkley Books, 304 pages
The charm of Victoria Square may prove to be only skin deep when murder follows the arrival of a tattoo parlor in town in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.
A tattoo parlor on Victoria Square? Some of the merchants get hot under the collar at the proposal, but could they be driven to kill to stop it? That’s what the sheriff’s office and Katie Bonner want to know when the building’s owner is electrocuted with his own saw.
Meanwhile, tensions rise when a hot chef takes over the square’s tea shop. Will Katie have three men vying for her affections, or will her rival take the tea cake?
3.5 Stars
When a tattoo shop plans to open on Victoria Square it shakes up more than the merchants view of what business should be on the square. When the owner of said tattoo shop dies one of their own is the prime suspect.
Katie is the owner of Artisans Alley and Tealicious as well as president of the Victoria Square Merchants Association. She is a strong woman, not intimidated and an amazing entrepreneur. Katie finds herself in the middle of murder, trying to help a friend, playing detective and trying not to second guess everything she sees. There were moments when I thought Katie was overreacting and other when I thought, girl you got this together.
Murder Ink is my first read in the Victoria Square and an enjoyable one. It did take me to be to catch up with who was who and how they all worked together but I got it. I enjoyed the mystery that kept me guessing. I’m a romance reader first and foremost so Katie and Andy’s romance and squabbles were a bonus to this read. The writing style of Lorraine Bartlett is fun and keeps the pages turning. I was able to feel like I was right at home with these characters even though this was my first read of the series.
ARC Review: Wicked Hot by Gennita Low
Wicked Hot
Gennita Low
Liliana Hart’s MacKenzie family Series
New York Times bestselling author Gennita Low adds international intrigue and suspense to Liliana Hart’s MacKenzie family with WICKED HOT…
A US operative/businessman had been kidnapped in Indonesia. He has a vital piece of information that would get the US government in trouble. But Indonesia is a country with with over 17000 islands, with plenty of jungles in which to hide.
Off-the book NSA fixer, Kirk Ryan, approaches his cousin, Archer, who works at MacKenzie Securities for help with tracing a phone call. He also needs a translator familiar with Indonesian. Not a problem. MacKenzie Securities’ troubleshooter, Jade, has plenty of connections. In fact, there is a translator she knows who is in Indonesia right now.
Suria, GEM contract agent, really doesn’t want to do anything but lie on the heated beaches of Indonesia and just enjoy her first holiday in years. But she owes Jade Jax a favor and her friend’s calling it in. And the favor comes in a six-foot-two package of irresistible and wicked male. It’s just a translation job. She would help and maybe get to know the man for a day or two. What could go wrong?
4 Stars
Suspenseful and fast-paced. Gennita Low gets readers hearts pumping and keeps them on their toes.
Wicked Hot packed a huge punch for a short book. Ms. Low has a keen eye for detail and takes the reader on hell of an adventure. Giving readers a close, personal and intimate look at the covert operations and the effects on the characters and those they surround themselves with.
Ms. Low’s attention to detail and amazingly strong characters have made wonderful additions to the MacKenzie world family. Kirk and Surya are both strong, hard headed and incredibly brave. Although I found Wicked Hot heavy on the suspense and action, the rising sexual tension along with the playful banter between Kirk and Surya gives reader the touch of romance that we love some much.
Ms. Low’s writing style is unique and very enjoyable. You can very much tell she has done more than her fair share of research. I look forward to reading more of her work.
A copy of this title was provided for an honest review.
Giveaway and Review: Gypsy Heat by Jillian Neal
Gypsy Heat
Jillian Neal
Gypsy Beach Series, Book 3
Blurb:
Nadya Montgomery was Gypsy Beach’s own personal wild child. There was nothing she wouldn’t do, especially when it came to Grady Havens. Until disaster struck and tore them apart. Desperate to protect Grady, she ran away from everything and everyone she’d ever known.
Fourteen years later, Nadya returns to the beach to try to rebuild some semblance of her life out of her ex-husband’s shadow, but that means returning to her past and seeing Grady Havens again.
Now a charter boat captain constantly trying to put his past behind him, Grady doesn’t know what to make of Nadya’s return. All he knows is she was always meant to be his, and he intends to make his claim. He wants her back in his life and most certainly back in his bed.
When his entire family is threatened, he’s caught between rekindling his relationship with Nadya and protecting what belongs to him.
Together they try to rebuild what always should have been, but their pasts are determined to keep them ensnared. As passions ignite between them, they realize that even Grady may not be able to keep her safe this time.
Buy Links:
Amazon – http://amzn.to/1P71f8P
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/569344
All Romance – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-gypsyheat-1872740-149.html
iTunes –https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/gypsy-heat/id1027887574?ls=1&mt=11
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/gypsy-heat
Excerpt:
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Grady huffed as he studied his youngest brother. Beau had been twitchy since he’d entered the new boathouse. He looked like a wary bass circling a hook debating its fate.
“Nothing.” He bristled and fidgeted with the boat keys in his hand. Grady and Nate had been trying to sort through the old fishing boxes of contracts, receipts, licenses, and paystubs at night now that they had an actual office to hold it all.
Nate rolled his eyes. “You know he’s not gonna let it go. Whatever it is just spill it.” He thumbed through a stack of old contracts before tossing them into the trash.
Very conveniently, Beau checked his watch. “I gotta get out of here.”
Moving nothing more than his overly-muscled arm, Grady caught the back of Beau’s shirt and prevented him from escaping.
“What the hell is going on with you?”
“She asked me not to say anything … but I kind of think you should know. Maybe?” Beau made a partial confession.
Grady’s brow furrowed, and he released his little brother. “Who asked you not to say anything?”
His head dropped, and Grady barely made out the word, “Nadya.”
Nate dropped the paperwork in his hand. The entire world seemed to stop spinning at that moment. Grady was unable to make any audible sound. He was stunned.
“You saw Nadya? Like Grady’s Nadya?” Nate beat him to the punch.
“Yeah,” Beau sighed. “She was at the coffee shop. Said she was gonna be here for a few weeks, and …”
“And what?” Grady managed to grunt. His heart felt like some kind of deranged pinball ricocheting from his throat, to his ribcage, to his gut in a nauseating cadence. It rang in his ears.
3.5 Stars
Nadya has long for a man that she was pushed away from. Even after many years and a bad marriage that took a huge toll, her heart still longs her man on Gypsy beach. Her home, her place to heal.
Grady knew the best part of him got away. Focusing on caring for his family and running his fishing business as the years pass. His heart is with his angel that flew away. Now she’s back and in emotional agony and all Grandy wants it to make it all right. To get her back where she belongs.
A dramatic and hopeful story. Second chances, hope, passion and forgiveness. Overcoming the past and looking forward with some help of the Gypsy magic in the air. Grady and Nadya take a leap of faith in the magic of the air and wave to settle their hearts home once again.
Gypsy Beach has been one of my favorite places this summer. Grady and Nady continue to show just what the Magic of Gypsies can do.
A review copy was provided by Netgalley.
About Jillian Neal:
Jillian Neal is a Romance author that manages to blend her imagination, Southern sass, and loving heart in every novel she pens. She showed her talent for weaving intricate plot lines and showcasing dynamic characters in her seven-book, urban fantasy, series, The Gifted Realm. Her skillset continues to shine in her contemporary series, Gypsy Beach, which will leave you with a longing to pack your bags and move to a tiny beach town full of bohemian charm.
She lives outside of Atlanta with her husband and their children.
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JillianNealAuth
Facebook: http://facebook.com/jilliannealauthor
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7142355.Jillian_Neal
About the Gypsy Beach Series:
Book #1
Gypsy Beach
Single father Ryan McNamara returns to the only place he’d ever been happy, Gypsy Beach. This time he’s divorced, broken, but determined to make something of his life. Sienna Cooper is determined to forget Ryan, the last decade, and all of the hurt he’d left her with. She’s got enough spunk and gypsy fire in her soul to make this work. She’s going to run her grandmother’s inn and make it a success. But when a chance encounter throws them back together, the passions ignite and the past doesn’t feel so far out of reach. Can they rekindle the love they’d once had? Can he convince her that he never intends to walk away again? Will a potent dose of unending lust, a lifetime of love, and enough hot-blooded Gypsy spirit be enough to save them both?
Buy:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NaGFTF
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gypsy-beach-jillian-neal/1122182110?ean=2940151509251
iTunes: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/gypsy-beach/id1003545593?mt=11
Book #2:
Gypsy Love
Arley Copeland vows never to trust anyone, much less a man, ever again. After her fledgling career as a romance writer grinds to a halt and her ex blabs to the press about her preferences in bed, she heads to Gypsy Beach, desperate to regain some anonymity and maybe figure out what to do next.
Divorce attorney John Rowan has been in on the explosive end of more marriages than he can count. Love never lasts. Of that he’s certain. Sick of barely existing inside the concrete jungle of Atlanta with the endless traffic and endless noise he heads towards a two-week reprieve in Gypsy Beach, North Carolina.
From the moment he lays eyes on Arley Copeland, John is determined to prove that not every guy on the planet is out to hurt her, and maybe teach her a thing or two about herself in his bed and out. With every sinfully sweet caress, they’re falling more and more in love. Their pasts may be fading away, but will John ever be prepared to risk it all on a lifetime love when he doesn’t believe such a thing could ever exist?
Buy:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1P72xAB
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gypsy-love-jillian-neal/1122284190?ean=2940151199902#productInfoTabs
iTunes: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/gypsy-love/id1013590660?mt=11
Giveaway
Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bc4d7a90121/
Review: Never Let You Go By Katy Regnery
Never Let You Go
Katy Regnery
A Modern Fairytale Series
Published June 12th 2015 by Katharine Gilliam Regnery
In this modern retelling of “Hansel and Gretel,” 13-year-old foster children, Holden and Griselda, escape from their abductor after three years of brutal captivity and try to cross the Shenandoah River on foot. Tragically, one of them makes it to safety but the other is left behind.
Ten years later, Griselda’s boyfriend drags her to a fight club grudge match where her world is turned upside down when she watches Holden step into the ring.
Though the connection between them is fierce, bitter regret, simmering rage and a cache of physical and emotional scars lie between them, just as dangerous as the whitewater of the Shenandoah.
Never Let You Go is a story of fear and hope, defeat and survival, and two people – once profoundly broken – who discover that love is the only thing that can make them whole again.
This is a standalone novel inspired by Hansel & Gretel. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to profanity, scenes of physical abuse and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. (Note: children are not sexually abused in this book.)
For June and July 2015, 25% of all gross royalties will be donated to the Elizabeth Smart Foundation.
3.5 Stars
As I begin to read Never Let You Go, I was pushing myself a bit. I ask myself why am I still reading this. I hate not finishing a book. I get to about the halfway mark and realize I have been sitting in my chair reading non stop for a few hours. As I finished the last page I knew why I had to finish reading Never Let You Go.
A story of survival, turmoil, longing, hope and romance. Talk about an emotional roller coaster. Katy Regnery take the fairytale to a whole new level. Holden and Griselda are both complex and immensely strong. Both victims of circumstance into many ways. A bond that somehow stand the test of time and a trip through hell and back.
It’s generally known that I’m not a fan of New Adult romance. I feel a lack of substance and true emotions in most of them. Katy Regnery blew me out of my seat with the powerful and emotional story of Holden and Griselda. A dark and edgy tale that will make one cringe in fear and cry with joy.
A review copy was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
ARC Review: Alluring Ink by Ranae Rose
Alluring Ink
Ranae Rose
Inked In The Steel City series, book 7
Love is risk. Love is heartbreak. Love is an addiction a single mom like Crystal can’t afford. And accomplished tattoo artist Dylan is a temptation she can’t resist. He’s only in town for a few weeks as a guest artist, but the attraction is instant. With her past shadowing everything she does, it feels good to have someone who doesn’t judge … and doesn’t know.
Love is just the spark before the crash and burn, especially when your demons are something more than standard-issue. Dylan craves Crystal with everything he has, but their days together are supposed to be numbered.
3.5 Stars
Sweet romance with insatiable passion.
Nothing is better than finding that person that you can connect with, when you are least expect it.
Ranae Rose has this wonderful way of writing characters that are just made for each other. Dylan and Crystal are another perfect example.
I loved their natural meeting. The instant connection and chemistry, the fun and playful personalities, the fight in both Crystal and Dylan give Alluring Ink a real life feel. While the list and passion that scorches the pages get the fantasy wheels rolling.
The issues of recovering addiction and mental health add a bit of darkness and depth to Alluring Ink that the other books in the Inked in the Steel City series don’t have. With that said, Alluring Ink is one of my favorites in the series.
A review copy was provided by the author for an honest review.
Review: Standing By by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Standing By
Claudia Y. Burgoa
A Knight’s Tale, Book 2
Published September 23rd 2014
Mitch Knight
1. Loves a good challenge
2. Never turns his back on a dare
3. Loves to create nicknames
4. Nobody cooks better than him
5. Doesn’t believe in love
When Parker Welsh sells Mitch Knight his organic restaurant, Willows, he not only gives Mitch ownership; but everything entangled with it. Including the annoying pastry chef who supplies the muffins and cupcakes.
Hayley Roth-Welsh
1. Loves To-Do Lists and Five-Year Plans
2. Has her dream job of baking sweets
3. Always tries to make others happy
4. Never seems to succeed with her family
5. Is still a virgin, waiting for love
Hayley played by her mother’s rules for the first eighteen years of her life, instead of heading to college as her family expected, she rebelled and opened a bakery, Pieces of Heaven. Her family expects her to fail and head back to school and their wish may come true once Parker sells his restaurant to the handsome, arrogant Mitchel Knight. It’s either join forces with him or lose her dream
3.5 Stars
Take a fly by the seat of his pants kind a guy and a girl who lives by taking notes and keeping lists. Throw in a lot of snark, sarcasm, some push and pull, you get two people are so perfect for each other.
Mitch and Hayley have a bit of a bumpy past together. Causing a bit of animosity between stubborn people. They are alike but in opposite ways. Kinda hard to explain but very funny to watch. For people who did not want to be around each other, they found a way to love one another.
A fast paced story with some comical characters and some plot twists. My one issues with Standing By, there were instances where I was confused as to who was talking. An overall good quick contemporary read.
A complimentary copy of this title was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review review.
Coffee Books Life 