Blog Archives
Review: Strawberried Alive by Jenn McKinlay
Strawberried Alive
Jenn McKInlay
Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series, Book 14
Life is smooth as buttercream at the Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery, and newlyweds Mel and Joe are stopping to smell the flours. But things start to crumble one night when an unknown gunman takes a shot at Mel. Though the bullets miss their mark, the cupcake crew goes on high alert to figure out who would want to kill a small-town baker, and why.
When more business owners are attacked, things turn fatal, and locals begin to wonder if the killer could be one of their own. Every shop owner in town starts to fear it’s only a matter of time before they too become victims of the mystery murderer. Despite the cupcake crew’s superb baking skills, it will be anything but a piece of cake to catch the killer, as they try to prevent anyone else from being berried.
Review: A Cowboy Kind of Love by Donna Grant
A Cowboy Kind of Love
Donna Grant
Heart of Texas Series, Book 6
Jace Wilder has been rebuilding his life since the love of his life, Taryn, up and left town unexpectedly. But when she mysteriously returns, Jace’s dependable world comes crashing down. Taryn is hiding a dangerous secret, and no matter how hard he tries, Jace can’t stay away―especially when Taryn is at risk. And especially when the attraction he thought he’d buried long ago is back and hotter than ever. Will he be able to trust Taryn again?
Taryn Hillman’s world fell apart one horrifying night, and it’s never been the same since. When she sees a small chance at untangling herself, she takes it, though it means returning to Clearview – and seeing Jace again. But when he vows to protect her, will Taryn take a chance, and this time, never let him go?
4.5 Stars
Fast paced and full of suspense, A Cowboy Kind of Love will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Jace has had a rough time to say it lightly. The baggage he carries from the military is not what haunts his thoughts and dreams. That place is reserved for the love of his life who walked away without barely a word five years ago. Worry and anger have filled his mind and suffering a bit as to never finding out what happened to her yet his love for her has never faded.
Taryn is a woman who would and did do anything to keep her family safe. Taryn got pulled into a world of darkness and crime. The last five years I have taken a toll on her and all she wants is freedom for herself and her sister. When a plan in place and the determination of a headstrong, caring woman. Things are not all them seem in Trayn’s world, making her make quick decisions, on a dime, forcing her to bring the one person into the middle of this mess that’s completely wanted to keep out of it.
Donna Grant rocked A Cowboy Kind of Love hard! I was captivated and enthralled within the first few pages. Jace may be one of the greatest heroes ever written. His sense of pride, honor and loyalty are some of his greatest drinks. His ability to see past things beyond anyone’s control and that his heart continues to love like it never missed a beat. Taryn was not at all anything like I thought she’d be. She was dedicated and devoted and went above and beyond. Stronger than she gives herself credit for. Jace and Taryn together was something quite beautiful. They both were trying to protect each other with every bit of means they had. Taryn learned with the help of Jace that family is not always blood. Their story is not an easy one but it is a very good one. Emotional and heart wrenching with danger looking over their shoulder yet healing and romantic. Twist and turns are all over the place but yet the calvary of cowboys more than willingly takes it on for friendship and family.
Audio Review: Headhunter by Kristen Proby
Headhunter
Kristen Proby
With Me in Seattle: Mafia Series, Book 2
As the son of one of the States’ most prominent mob bosses, Shane Martinelli’s always been immersed in society’s shady underbelly. Learning to navigate it and keep to the edges was working just fine until an acquaintance turns up missing, and he fears the worst. From the moment he laid eyes on her, he hasn’t stopped thinking about her. Luckily, as an ex-special operative, he’s uniquely qualified to track her down and keep her safe. Unfortunately, nobody’s making that easy—not the people who took her nor the woman herself.
Ivie Jordan has led a pretty uneventful life, and that’s just how she likes it. Especially since she’ll be the first to admit that she doesn’t do so well in social situations. She’s a proud business owner, and while she doesn’t have family, she does have a network of people who look out for her. Little did she know that being accepted into that fold came with a laundry list of issues. When the worst happens, and she’s forced to rely on the ruggedly handsome alpha hero who comes to her rescue, she discovers her inner badass—and the sultry vixen on her other shoulder.
Too bad the two of them are literally running for their lives and trying to ensure the safety of those they love. There is way more at stake than meets the eye.
It’s time for the hunted to become the hunters.
Kristen Proby has a thing with Mafia Romance!
Hang on tight, because Headhunter will keep you on the edge from beginning to end! Also if you read Underboss you know this one is set up for intensity.
I am not sure who was carrying more secrets. The wickedly sexy Shane Martinelli or beautifully sweet Ivie Johnson. One ran away from a past that is now catching up with her and the other holds so many secrets that the average man would break. Shane and Ivie have mastered the dance of flirting with one another. Now at that life or death situation Shane steps in to protect Ivie. As the danger brews so does the attraction. The passion becomes as intense as the danger.
Headhunter is a fast paced, intense yet intimate story of danger and romance. There’s something Maria stories that intrigue me. To find out there is a sub genre in romance, excitement is an understatement. Kristen Proby hits it out of the park on so many levels. The danger is on point. The family ties and rivalries are intense and intriguing. The romance is as dangerous as the danger. The narration of this story gave me chills in all the right way. Ms. Probly’s story very much walked off the pages with narrators Lee Samuels and Kristen Leigh.
Audio Review: Underboss by Kristen Proby
Underboss
Kristen Proby
With Me in Seattle Series, Book 1
Audiobook
March 9, 2021
Narrated by Tor Thom and Kelsey Navarro
From New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby comes an all new family in her With Me In Seattle world! Hold on to your seat as we introduce you to Kristen’s new MAFIA FAMILY!
As the eldest son of Seattle’s current mob boss, Carmine Martinelli’s life has never really been his own. But he doesn’t mind because his family means more to him than his life. Which is why he’s determined to make those responsible for the death of his aunt and uncle pay—in inventive and gruesome ways. And what better way to do that than to infiltrate the Russian mafia from the inside? It’s a good thing the bratva’s princess is stunning and seemingly willing to do whatever he asks. This vengeance could be the perfect mix of business and pleasure.
Nadia Tarenkov has several things stacked against her: she’s a woman, and she’s not the eldest child in her family. But it doesn’t matter. She has her sights set on ruling the syndicate, and she always gets what she wants. When the heir to one of the States’ most powerful crime families comes knocking, Nadia sees it for the gift it is. He thinks he has her fooled, but she’s smarter, more cunning, and always two steps ahead. She’ll beat the gorgeous mobster at his own game, and secure her place in the fold.
What neither of them takes into consideration, however, is that they aren’t the only ones with deadly plans in motion. To survive, they’ll have to come clean and work together—and acknowledge that the growing love they’ve been pretending isn’t there, is very real.
4.5 Stars
Dark, dangerous and wickedly sinful. I love a good Mafia story and Kristen Proby has my attention!
Carmine Martinelli is sexy and smooth. Eldest son to Seattle’s boss, he’s got power and knows how to use it. As loyal as they get, Carmine takes his family obligations and responsibilities with everything he’s got. Wanting justice for a family death Carmine’s plan to infiltrate the enemy just may put him into a battle he might not be sure he can win.
Nadia Tarenkov is known as the Ice Princess. Daughter to the head of the Bratva, this girl packs a punch. She has goals that her position in the family doesn’t automatically give her but she’s more than willing to prove herself able. She’s willing to plan in the lion’s den but she just might end up caught in an unexpected trap of her own making.
Underboss is a fantastic start to the With Me in Seattle Mafia Series. Carmine and Nadia are amazing together. From that first exploratory kiss many many years before you could see the chemistry in the making. Individually they are both powerful and together they are near unstoppable. Their attraction to each other is undeniable and their chemistry is beyond explosive. Watching them tease each other or try to avoid her feelings was almost comical in a way. Yet when you see them working together taking down people on their tail you see an amazing team. Underboss is dangerous and dark with some intensely romantic moments and combustible passion. Kristen Proby rocks this Mafia romance.
Underboss was narrated by the wonderfully talented Tor Thom and Kelsey Navarro. Together they brought another level of intensity to this story. Tor Thom’s Voice is dark and sultry. It’s like a siren, keeping you listening, enticing you to listen to the entire story in one sitting. Both of these narrators are new listens for me and I was completely impressed. They very much do justice to Underboss.
Review: Driven by Rebecca Zanetti
Driven
Rebecca Zanetti
Deep Ops Series, Book 4
Unswerving: Angus Force is determined to hunt down the serial killer he’d once shot dead–or so he thought. But an anonymous source reports that Lassiter is alive. Force hasn’t slept since, knowing it’s only a matter of time before “the Surgeon” strikes again. And soon, a body is found, bearing Lassiter’s same maniacal MO. It’s just the beginning of a murderous trail blazing through DC and Virginia, right to Force’s backyard…
Unstoppable: Nari Zhang is the shrink for the ragtag Deep Ops Unit, though she isn’t Force’s shrink–which is a very good thing. Because once they’re thrown together on the case, their attraction is explosive and irresistible. They’ll just have to fight that much harder to keep the heat between them from flaming out of control. But things are about to become far more challenging, and deadly, than they could have imagined…
Unhinged: Once the killer catches a glimpse of Nari, she becomes his new obsession. She is now the focus point–for both Force and Lassiter–in a dangerous dance for survival…
4.5 Stars
Grab something and hold on tight. Driven is a crazy, bumpy ride that will keep you on the edge.
It’s a very fine line between determination and obsession for one of the best profilers the FBI has ever had. Angus Force is intense. He’s got a darkness in his past that he’s carried to his present and uses it as a driving force. Losing his sister to a serial killer has him messed up. As it would anyone. The guilt kills him more and more each day, turning him to the bottle and trying to keep those around him at an arm’s length. Yet one gets under his skin in just the right way. When what should be a dead man starts hitting too close to home again, Angus holds no bars and revs up to get him once and for all. Even if that means walking away from everyone.
Nari is a primo shrink who could have just about any job she wanted, yet she is getting down and dirty with the bad boys. She’s observant ,smart and remarkable at what she does. Even being at odds with Augus she is completely committed to being a part of the team. When the going got tough she was one of the first to just in the fire.
Angus makes her head spin, yet she can’t help what she feels. Even putting herself on the line to make everything right in the end.
Angus and Nari are as explosive as the situation is dangerous. Driven is one of those books that has you sitting on the edge of your seat, clenching your jaw, scrambling to turn the page to see what’s going to happen next kind of book. Rebecca Zanetti grabs readers hard with Driven. Filled with action, suspense, delicious sex tension, some emotional fueled romance and even a bit to make us laugh. The characters are strong yet broken(in different ways) determined to do what right and finding a way to heal some too.Driven is a tangled mess with emotions driving in the lead and I loved a minute of it.
Review: Dragon Revealed by Donna Grant
Dragon Revealed
Donna Grant
Dragon Kings series, Book 1
Published January 12th 2021 by 1001 Dark Nights Press
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant comes a new story in her Dragon Kings series…
The capture of a Dragon King is cause for celebration. Jeyra never dreamed she would actually face one of the creatures who destroyed her home. But the longer she’s around him, the more she finds herself gravitating to him. All it takes is one reckless kiss that unleashes desires and the truth that has been hidden from her to set them both on a course that could be the end of them.
Varek, King of Lichens, has known nothing but a life with magic. Until he finds himself on a different realm unable to call up his powers. Worse, he’s in shackles with no memory of how it happened. When he sees an enthralling woman who leaves him speechless, he believes he can charm her to free him. The more she rebuffs him, the more he craves her, igniting a dangerous passion between them. Can he protect the woman he’s fallen for while uncovering the truth – or will peril that neither see coming tear them apart?
4.5 Stars
A life changing journey packed into an exciting novella. Dragon Revealed is a great introduction to the next chapter for the Dragon Kings.
Jeyra should be feeling her greatest accomplishment. She captured a dragon king. However the lengths she went to carry this amazing feat could have her in jeopardy. Revenge for her family is finally on the horizon. She’s an amazing Warrior but an interrogator she is not. The more time she spends with the Dragon King the more she begins to question many things. Caught up in confusion and no one to trust Jeyra feels most at ease with the one who should be the enemy. For someone who has hated dragons her entire life, next to Varek is where she wants to be.
One minute Varek is swimming around the ocean and the next he wakes up shackled to a wall in a realm he’s never seen before. Unable to contact the other dragons and his magic nonexistent at the moment for the King of the Lichens, he quickly learns that he has to be smarter than his captors. Needing information Varek answers Jeyra questions asking his own along the way. Quickly finding himself drawn to this woman, anticipating her visits and imagining her red hair hanging down. As Verak’s questions begin to make Jeyra think and question her own people, he wants to protect her, keep her safe, fight for her. Verak found his one but is she the enemy or his mate?
Dragon Revealed grabs the reader from the get go and doesn’t let up until the end. Jeyra is an amazingly strong character. She stood her ground, sought the truth and did what was right. She followed her gut and it never led her wrong. Verak is strong in so many ways. When he couldn’t use his magic or his strength he compensated with his patients. Even with his own safety on the line Verak shows his compassion and passion for Jeyra without the blink of an eye. They were perfect for one another. Donna Grant bridges the Dark Kings to the Dragon Kings flawlessly. A short story that packed a big punch. Filled with questions and mystery, Dragon Revealed will have you flying through the pages just to see what happens. There are even a few surprises and a nice little treat in store for a long time readers of the series.
Review: Our Italian Summer by Jennifer Probst
Our Italian Summer
Jennifer Probst
From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst comes a new women’s fiction novel featuring three generations of Ferrari women who need to heal the broken pieces of their lives…and one trip of a lifetime through Italy.
Workaholic, career-obsessed Francesca is fiercely independent and successful in all areas of life except one: family. She struggles to make time for her relationship with her teenage daughter, Allegra, and the two have become practically strangers to each other. When Allegra hangs out with a new crowd and is arrested for drug possession, Francesca gives in to her mother’s wish that they take one epic summer vacation to trace their family roots in Italy. What she never expected was to be faced with the choice of a lifetime. . . .
Allegra wants to make her grandmother happy, but she hates the idea of forced time with her mother and vows to fight every step of the ridiculous tour, until a young man on the verge of priesthood begins to show her the power of acceptance, healing, and the heartbreaking complications of love.
Sophia knows her girls are in trouble. A summer filled with the possibility for change is what they all desperately need. Among the ruins of ancient Rome, the small churches of Assisi, and the rolling hills of Tuscany, Sophia hopes to show her girls that the bonds of family are everything, and to remind them that they can always lean on one another, before it’s too late.
4.5 Stars
A spectacular story…
Three generations of women who love each other dearly yet don’t always see eye to eye. Francesca- a workaholic who hardly has time for herself yet alone her family. Allegra who is in those pivotal years between teenager and adult trying to figure out who she is and what she wants in life. She knows she doesn’t wanna be like her mother. Sophia hates seeing her girls suffer and yet holds a secret of her own. She knows she must take action before it’s too late and her family falls apart. The trip of a lifetime. A tour of Italy. Each of the women agree to go but each with a different reason why. Little did they know their lives would change so much in one short month.
Through beautiful cities, amazing food, breathtaking churches, small villages and a handful of extraordinary people three women, three generations found a way to come together. To solidify a bond that was deeper than they realize they had. Yes, there were some rocky moments and ugly words were uttered yet they each found a part of themselves through their Italian Summer journey. Something life changing that allowed each of them to get outside of their own heads and figure out something deep within themselves. In the process it allowed a grandmother, a mother and a daughter to bond in a way that would not have seemed feasible just weeks prior.
I loved Our Italian Summer. A fantastic story of family, love and adventure. Learning to let go and being willing to take a chance. Knowing it ok to have some fun and it’s ok to shed tears when needed. Jennifer Probst hits you in all the right spots with Our Italian Summer. It was not just a story, but a journey that me completely rooting for these women to find their happiness.
Review: Christmas Embrace by Kym Grosso
Christmas Embrace
Kym Grosso
The Immortals Of New Orleans Series, Book 11
A supernatural wedding brings everyone together during the holidays. But it doesn’t feel like Christmas for Detective Sydney Willows. She finds solace in the arms of her sexy vampire but with a fragile heart, not quite mended, she’s afraid to commit to an eternity. After she rescues an abandoned child and is then forced to give him away, she’s determined to fight for the family she never knew she wanted.
Vampire Kade Issacson never expected to have a baby but soon realizes what’s been missing in his life. After he’s forced to return the abandoned wolf pup to the pack, the child’s mother is found murdered in an alley. Vowing to protect the boy, Kade fights for him, swearing he’ll never give him back again.
Determined to win Sydney’s heart and her hand, Kade plans a surprise for his reluctant detective. Convinced their souls are destined for an eternal future, will he convince her to say yes once and for all?
Falling in love. Second chances. A new nemesis arises. Find out who’s naughty and nice as the Immortals of New Orleans conjure up Christmas magic.
4.5 Stars
Powerful, sexy and emotional.
Christmas Embrace is a wonderful little gift for long time readers of the Immortals of New Orleans Series. Ms. Grosso has wowed this reader once again.
While Christmas Embrace is focused on Sydney and Kade, it’s more like a reunion of characters we have come to love throughout the series. Sydney has hit a rough spot and Kade has figured out what he wants in life. The two are not seeing quite eye to eye at the moment. Kade makes a plan to show Sydney just what they have and what they could be.
Christmas Embrace was fantastic. What a story!! So much packed into this novella. Danger, magic and passion. An emotional and healing journey for Sydney and Kade but also a renewal of their love. A reminder of how tight the bonds of friendship are and family is more than blood. No matter what comes for the Immortals, they will always stand their ground. Christmas Embrace is filled with holiday cheer, a few life changing events, dangerous enemies and a truly blessing of a gift. Ms. Grosso’s Immortals of New Orleans Series is paranormal romance at its best. Unique and original, with characters you can’t help but to fall in love with. Christmas Embrace satisfies your pallet but leaves you wanting more.
Review: Looking for a Cowboy by Donna Grant
Looking for a Cowboy
Donna Grant
Heart of Texas Series, Book 5
A cowboy finds love in the most unlikely place in New York Times bestseller Donna Grant’s newest Heart of Texas novel, Looking for a Cowboy
A beautiful stranger has come to Clearview, asking questions that are nobody’s business. Cooper Owens also wasn’t born yesterday. He knows that this out-of-towner is hiding a dark secret of her own. Much as he knows he should head in the other direction, he can’t make himself turn away. . .
P.I. Marlee Frampton always wanted to lead a nice quiet life, working as a cop in her local police department. But that dream came to an end when her sister was murdered―and her baby kidnapped. Now Marlee’s come to Texas to investigate the Harpers, who may be linked to shady adoption agencies. Cooper can’t believe that his friends could be involved in anything so sinister…and soon he makes it his mission to help Marlee discover the truth―and keep her safe in his arms.
4.5 Stars
Have you ever had a book hit you out of left field and hit you like a ton of bricks, in the best reading way of course? I went into reading Looking for a Cowboy with no expectations other than to get lost in a book for a few hours. Did I get lost, you ask? It was so much more. Looking for a Cowboy consumed me in every way that a reader loves to be consumed in a book.
Marlee Frampton is smart, cunning and determined. This woman took the worst event of her life and made it a mission to help right these wrongs. She’s like a wall of glass and steel all in one. The amount of compassion within her is amazing yet what she does is a constant reminder of her own loss. She’s too brave for her own good. Yet that is one of her best qualities. There is not time or room for love in her life yet sometimes a girls got to be good to herself. That goodness just may have become a thing she needs most.
Cooper Owens is a genuine good man. As loyal as they come. He may not be settled into a career but what he does for others more than makes up for it. A man who believes friends are family and would do anything for them. When a PI starts snooping in on his beloved friends, Cooper gets to the down, Only to find out the situation is much bigger than him. But that lovely PI, has got him twisted in a way or two. Cooper calls on the troops to do what they do best and tries to get the girl to believe in love at first sight.
Looking for a Cowboy is an emotionally charged story with subject matter that some will find extremely delicate and dark. Within also lies a story of determination, hope and love. Ms. Grant has given readers a story that I was compelled to read and not stop until I was finished. The suspense and the twist of the story will get you one way and the emotions and romance will get you in another. The loyalty of friendship and family is something unbreakable and a force to be reckoned with. This story will take you from the most brutal of loss to a profound happiness. I haven’t had a book take me like this in quite some time and I have to say it was quite unexpected, and I couldn’t be more happy. Looking for a Cowboy is definitely a recommended read from me.
Review: Love Song by Kylie Scott
Love Song
Kylie Scott
Stage Drive Series, Book 4.7
1001 Dark Nights #134, 79 pages
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kylie Scott comes a new story in her Stage Dive series…
There’s always the one that got away. Or kicked you out…
The new darling of rock n’ roll, Adam Dillon, is ready to show his ex-girlfriend, Jill Schwartz, what a mistake she made kicking him to the curb. So maybe he wasn’t the best of boyfriends. Writing great songs and climbing to the top of the charts isn’t easy. Only problem is, he’s fast finding out that success isn’t everything.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
4.5 Stars
A second chance at love set inside my favorite fictional band world. Love Story is a fun edition to the Stage Dive world.
From being tossed to the streets to achieving Rockstar status, Adam Dillon made his way to the top by creating songs throwing all his anger and heartbreak on ex. Is he living the dream and trying to rub it in? Or is there something more behind his act of goodwill. Jill is a force of nature. Determined and sassy, she is going to get her answers. When those answers are not what she expected, the brave and ready to speak her mind woman is just a bit speechless. Sometimes the artist has to create the art before the emotions can be spoken.
I very much enjoyed Adam and Jill’s story. When Love Story being as short as it is, so much of their story could have been unseen, yet a simple background set the whole story in motion. Their chemistry and attraction was never the issue, emotions and lack of communication was their weakness. The time apart and the distance between them allow them to grow in the ways they needed to to be better for themselves.
Adam learned quickly that money wasn’t everything, the girl that made him write those crazy, angry songs was. Kylie Scott’s Stage Five world is always a fun place to visit. Adam and Jill fit in just fine.
Coffee Books Life 