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Review: Death at High Tide by Hannah Dennison
Death at High Tide
Hannah Dennison
Island Sisters Mystery, Book 1
In the first installment in the delightful Island Sisters series, two sisters inherit an old hotel in the remote Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall and find it full of intrigue, danger, and romance.
When Evie Mead’s husband, Robert, suddenly drops dead of a heart attack, a mysterious note is found among his possessions. It indicates that Evie may own the rights to an old hotel on Tregarrick Rock, one of the Isles of Scilly.
Still grieving, Evie is inclined to leave the matter to the accountant to sort out. Her sister Margot, however, flown in from her glamorous career in LA, has other plans. Envisioning a luxurious weekend getaway, she goes right ahead and buys two tickets–one way–to Tregarrick.
Once at the hotel–used in its heyday to house detective novelists, and more fixer-upper than spa resort, after all–Evie and Margot attempt to get to the bottom of things. But the foul-tempered hotel owner claims he’s never met the late Robert, even after Evie finds framed photos of them–alongside Robert’s first wife–in his office. The rest of the island inhabitants, ranging from an ex-con receptionist to a vicar who communicates with cats, aren’t any easier to read.
But when a murder occurs at the hotel, and then another soon follows, frustration turns to desperation. There’s no getting off the island at high tide. And Evie and Margot, the only current visitors to Tregarrick, are suspects one and two. It falls to them to unravel secrets spanning generations–and several of their own–if they want to make it back alive.
4 Stars
The Island Sisters Series is off to an entertaining and enjoyable start with Death at High Tide.
Evie Mead is in quite a spot. Her husband suddenly dies, she finds out they’re broke, a mysterious letter from her late husband finds its way into her hands and her sister, Margot, has a crazy idea to figure things out. These two sisters are very different yet extremely hilarious together. You can tell they have a bond even though they’ve been away from each other for years.
The seaside town of Tregarrick is a unique setting. I loved the hotel, once used as a mystery writer’s getaway. Even with its outdated decor it had a whimsical charm. Like most small towns, everyone knows everyone and the inhabitants of this town make up a colorful cast of unique, strange yet entertaining individuals. There are many secrets floating around and when several murders occur within a short time, checking out a simple hotel becomes something much more complicated.
This is my first read by Author Hannah Dennison and I will admit I am pleasantly surprised. The characters had a lot of personality, layers and a bit of mystery to the. The setting is amazing with just a touch of a gothic feel. Winter seas can do that. Lol. The story was well paced and entertaining. The mystery was well plotted and I honestly hadn’t figured out who had actually done it. This is one of those stories that will suck you in and before you know it you have finished the book in one sitting. Evie and Margot are an interesting pair and I look forward to seeing what interesting situations these two will find themselves in.
Review: More Than Dare You by Shayla Black
More Than Dare You
Shayla Black
More Than Words Series, Book 6
4 Stars
I honestly don’t know how Ms. Black does it. The intimacy level of each book of the More Than Words series is more so than the last. More Than Dare You may be the most Intimate of them all. Two people hurt by love, find themselves being swept up in the simplistic intimacy that lies within a kiss. A kiss that is the kindling needed to the beginning of something deeper, bigger and far more than either one could have expected.
I Love a single dad story. I may be biased because my own other half was a single father when we met. Trace may have been a player but he was never malicious. The man was just a lover of women. Changing his ways on a moment’s notice to make the best life for his son. Trace is fun loving and has a personality that can’t be beat yet he’s genuine and caring. He’s a man that knows that family is more than blood and family means almost everything to him.
Masey is a sweet woman who has this sassy side that I loved. She is beautiful and most of it shines from the inside out. Every bit of who she is shine through the wonderful person that she is. Coming out of a ten year relationship that was not as it seemed does things to a girl. Trying to rid herself of the lingering cloud of ex, Masey throws caution to the wind, steps out of her box and learns what she thought was nowhere near the real thing.
What should have been a one night stand quickly became an intimate journey of something more than anticipated. Masey and Trace are simply beautiful together. The beautifulness that is her nature along with that touch of sass paired with his charm, giving nature and dedication make them A fun and interesting couple. I love the patients Trace shows while allowing Masey to become comfortable with herself. Together they have fun, shared some of the most intimate moments and along the way realized that being apart from each other was no way to be. More Than Dare You will consume you in emotional intimacy from beginning to end. I dare you to give it a try.
Review: Seducing the Enemy by Shayla Black
Seducing the Enemy
Shayla Black
Forbidden Confessions Series, Book 4
Kindle Edition, 87 pages
Expected publication: June 25th 2020 by Shelley Bradley, LLC
Once he takes his pound of flesh from her, will she steal his heart?
I’m Jett, self-made billionaire.
I have everything I could ever want—except revenge.
Eight years ago, my best friend and I planned to start a business together…
Until I fell for his little sister.
After he found out, he stole my idea and made a fortune.
She took his side and stabbed me in the back.
Now he’s in financial straits, while I’m richer than I ever dreamed.
So I made Whitney a bargain: forty million dollars in exchange for a week of her body.
But now that she’s in my bed, what if it’s not animosity I feel?
What if I fall for her again?
Enjoy this Forbidden Confession. HEA guaranteed!
4 Stars
Is it a confession, a fantasy or a longing. Shayla Black’s latest in the Forbidden Confession Series, Seducing the Enemy is a quickie read that will more than bring the heat.
Jett is set on revenge. He’s willing to do anything and everything it takes to get his pound of flesh for the injustice done to him. That is what his mind is telling him but his heart is another story. Whitney Is willing to do anything to help save her brother’s company. A week of belonging to a man who is not her fiancé to save her brothers $40 million company, is it a sacrifice or is it a secret longing that Whitney has been craving?
Holy hotness! I absolutely enjoyed this quickly. Whitney has sass and confidence even if you don’t see it at the surface level. Jett is a powerhouse of a man with a romantic bone that I didn’t see him having. The two combust with chemistry from the moment you meet them. Even when they’re fighting it’s sexy. I loved how the story went from being a downright revenge tactic to something so much more. Seducing the Enemy will make a hot summer afternoon that much hotter.
Review: Love to Hate You by Melissa Schroeder
Love to Hate You
Melissa Schroeder
The Fillmore Series, Book 2
Published June 2020 Harmless Publishing
Grab the next exciting installment from USA Today Bestselling author Melissa Schroeder set in the Camos and Cupcakes world!
For years, I’ve loved him. Not that I ever told him, or that he would ever be able to tell. I hid it from him…from everyone including my best friend.
Travis Fillmore is my best friend’s brother and the object of my infatuation. He’s also my cohost for our home improvement show and we are zooming to the top right now. Unfortunately, I can’t work with him any more. He’s pushed me too far with his antics and I’m walking away. Only, he just realized how much he needs me on the show and he wants me back. He just pops into town and thinks I will forgive and forget.
At first, I don’t believe him, but he won’t go away. He tells me that he’s changed, that he can be professional. And I believe him. Until he kisses me…and then does a whole lot more. A night with him is a fantasy come true–until someone threatens our happiness. An overzealous fan…I can deal with that. What scares me is the man who could shatter my heart and leave me broken.
Warning: This book include breaking and entering, donuts, sarcastic friends, a woman with many trust issues, a man who doesn’t realize what he wants until he almost loses it, a weirdo who doesn’t understand boundaries, nosey neighbors, a trip to the Juniper Jail again, and a happily ever after for two people who finally admit they are in love.
4 Stars
Travis Fillmore and Nancy Howard star together on a well to do home improvement show. Their relationship is much longer than a span that the show has been going. Nancy is Travis‘s sister’s best friend and have known each other for many many years. Working together is natural for them. However curveballs are thrown when neither one of them can no longer deny what they feel for one another.
Travis’ head gets big and his attitude goes right along with it. Nancy has had it with the crap and quits the show. Only too late does Travis realize what the bigger picture of it all is, and set with a new determination not only to get his co host back but prove that she was so much more than that all along. The old saying goes “You don’t know what you got until it’s gone”, until you have a sister who is not afraid to kick you in the behind to make you realize it’s not gone but groveling will be necessary.
Nancy and Travis have a solid friendship and along the way it turns into so much more. Denial can only get you so far until you realize you might have just missed out on it all. Their bickering and dancing around one another is just a slow burn that is bound to explode. And they surely do. As they begin to acknowledge their feelings for one another Nancy discovers a stalker on her tail. And with that one thing, everything for Nancy and Travis changes. They may be watching over their shoulders but they know their feelings for one another are genuine, true and completely mutual. I loved visiting Juniper Springs and it’s corky town folks. The LOL are a riot. In its own weird way it felt like a home away from home. Ms. Schroeder gives readers an entertaining and slow burn romance with Love to Hate You. Well developed characters with charismatic personalities along with a fun setting, an entertaining plot line and some steamy romance more than make Love to Hate You a more than enjoyable read.
Review: Screwed by Jayne Rylon
Screwed
Jayne Rylon
Powertools: The Original Crew Returns Book 1
The original Powertools crew is back in a brand new series!
Joe has it all–a gorgeous wife, two amazing children, four best friends who are also sometimes lovers, and a booming construction business. He never expected to face some sort of midlife crisis. But somehow, he finds himself longing for even more.
How can he tell his family and the rest of the crew that he wishes they could be closer to his Uncle Tom and the rest of the Hot Rods and Hot Rides gangs?
An emergency crew meeting turns into a steamy attempt to show Joe exactly what he’d be missing out on if he left the crew and their polyamourous lifestyle behind. Will it work? Will he listen to his heart or parts of him below the belt? Either way, he’s screwed.
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. Some come make new book boyfriends or hang out with old ones.
4 Stars
The Crew is back and as sexy as ever.
Jayne Rylon gives us readers a new and emotional Powertools story. Joe is torn between wanting to be closer to his blood relatives while not wanting to leave behind the family he has made. My heart hurt for Joe in so many ways. Finding it hard to talk about and doesn’t wanting to hurt anyone in the process. His love Morgan reminds him what family is and sharing what’s on his mind with her and the crew will help. Joe does just that, confides in his best friends, his crew, his family.
Joe learns quickly that the family he builds through friendship and love is a bond stronger than he realizes. With his trusted foreman in lead, the crew reminds Joe just what it is to be part of the family they built together. Screwed is a sexy and emotional visit with the Powertools crew. I loved all emotions throughout the story. Wanting something, changing your life and going for it are all big steps but with the support of the crew at their back, there is nothing at can’t be accomplished.
I so enjoyed the emotional and super hot visit with Joe, Morgan and the crew. Screwed is a fantastic quickie afternoon read.
Review: Witching Moon by Yasmine Galenorn
Witching Moon
Yasmine Galenorn
The Wild Hunt Serie, Book 12
An Ante-Fae Adventure
When you dance with Death, you have to be willing to roll the bones…
Still shaken from her run-in with the serial killer, Raven turns to a new and unlikely friend. But the Ante-Fae Trinity has dark secrets in his background, and he threatens to destabilize Raven and Kipa’s relationship when he leads Raven down a wild, dangerous path. When Trinity encourages Raven to behavior so extreme that even Kipa questions her sanity, will the Wolf Lord and Raven’s dearest friends be able to drag her back from the precipice? Or will Raven tumble into an abyss so dark that she may never be able to find her way out again?
4 Another epic installment to The Wild Hunt series.
Raven is dealing with some self issues, while an innocent exploratory adventure turns for the worse when something far more dangerous than they were expecting awakens.
Ravens friend Trinity invites her to visit a beautiful secret Garden. More than flowers lay in awaiting when Raven hears the shrieking of spirits all around. For fear the two have woken something very nasty and dangerous, Raven will need the help of The Wild Hunt for this mission.
Witching Moon is an action packed and emotional read. Raven’s growth throughout this book shows just what a strong character she is. Admitting your faults is never easy and asking for help even more so. Being the independent woman she is, she tries helping herself and realizes her problems go deeper then she is able to heal herself. With the encouragement and help of her friends, Raven begins the journey to heal her mind and soul. Raven and Kipa take a big step in their relationship. Their chemistry is amazing. Kipa is a good man and truly has Raven’s Best interest at heart. Even when she’s trying to push them away. I love how he stood beside her and encouraged her to talk. That one’s definitely a keeper.
Witching Moon was amazing. Action packed and fast moving with a lot of healing and growing. Ms. Galenorn’s world are something magical and I alway enjoy a visit with The Wild Hunt.
I received a complementary copy of this title for an honest review. Receiving a review copy does not reflect my opinion of this title.
Review: The Stolen Letter by Paige Shelton
The Stolen Letter
Paige Shelton
Scottish Bookshop Mystery, Book 5
New York Times bestselling author Paige Shelton returns with the next installment of The Scottish Bookshop Mystery series, The Stolen Letter
Delaney Nichols is confident she’s doing what she loves—case in point, just one day after returning from her fabulous European honeymoon, she’s eager to get back to the Cracked Spine, the bookstore where she works. But as she disembarks her bus and hurries toward the shop she and another woman collide, sending a stack of books the woman is carrying to the ground.
Delaney’s hapless victim’s name is Mary, and the two women can’t help but notice that they bear an uncanny resemblance to one another. According to Mary, they both also look like the long-beheaded Mary Queen of Scots. Even stranger, Mary believes she is the reincarnation of the Scottish queen. But peculiar as Delaney’s doppelganger is, she doesn’t have time to dwell on it: on her arrival to the bookshop, she learns the Edinburgh city council wants to close the Cracked Spine, citing code violations, and she’s determined to stop them.
But when Mary’s husband dies in a car explosion—and Delaney learns he was the very member of city council who proposed that the city take a closer look at the bookshop’s construction—she starts to wonder if her meeting with Mary wasn’t an accident. Edinburgh has become as filled with intrigue and deception as any European court, and Delaney is determined to get to the bottom of this royal mystery.
4 Stars
It’s not too often that you can find a book that encompasses many interests wrapped into one. Ms. Shelton gives us past and present queens, a rich dose of history, a bookstore filled with the unexpected and a mystery that will keep you on your toes. The Stolen Letter is an intricate story with a mystery within a mystery that was very much enjoyable.
Delaney Nichols it’s a very interesting character. I love the passion that she shows for her job. You can tell that it’s more than just a job for her, it’s a part of who she is. She’s smart, witty, a little bit nosy and doesn’t seem to know how to back down. She stands up for what she believes and then she cares about. I love the bookish Voices that pop into her head just when she needs to lead in the right direction. She’s still adjusting to being newly married yet her husband, Tom, is very supportive in all manners of what she does.
Delaney, along with the cast of characters that the series, and this book contain sure to give you laughs while trying to figure out the mystery of it all.
The Stolen Letter was so much more than I thought it was going to be. Ms. Shelton weaves a good plot but you can tell this is truly a character driven story. I love how she mixed history into this modern day story. I personally am a huge fan of paranormal and I loved that little touch added into the story. As I am just coming into the series at this book I found it easy to fall into place within The Cracked Spine(Love that name for a book shop by the way) and the colorful and charismatic people who work and frequent the shop. There are essentially two stories that intertwined within the pages of The Stolen Letter And a lot going on all at the same time yet every bit of it was thoroughly enjoyable. I look forward to going back and reading some of the earlier books in the series just because I enjoyed this one so much.
Review: Shameless With HIm by Carrie Ann Ryan
Shameless With Him
Carrie Ann Ryan
Less Than Series, Book 3
Paperback, 250 pages
Published March 24th 2020 by Carrie Ann Ryan
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan completes a sexy contemporary series with an unrequited crush on the bad boy next door.
Caleb Carr might have once been ready for commitment, but when the unexpected slams into him with the force of a two-ton truck, he knows he has to run away from anything that might be important. Zoey might well be his final temptation, but to keep her whole, he’ll walk away.
Zoey Wager has loved Caleb since they were eight. And has had her heart broken from afar repeatedly ever since. It doesn’t help that every time she sees him—even when she’s running away halfway across the world—he’s with another woman. She’s watched him fall in lust her entire life. Now, she’s ready to watch him fall in love. With her.
4 Stars
This is one of those books that you were rooting for the couple from the get go even though it takes the many years to even find a way to start something that could be more. Zoey and Caleb have known each other practically their entire lives, Ms. Ryan starts the story with moments from the past that bring us forward to the feelings of the future. I loved that through different times and places in their lives they found each other just when they seem to need to.
Zoey and Caleb are both genuinely good hearted and wonderful people yet each of them has their own issues that hold themselves back more than anything else. I love that they seemed to pick up where they left off each time they met. Their friendship was genuine and that made their attraction even more so. These two took a bit to find their way and every bit of rooting for them page after page was well worth it when we came to the end.
Shameless With Him is the story of a lifetime crush that finally finds love in the end. I love how Carrie Ann Ryan intertwines the Carr’s and the Montgomery’s. It’s always good to visit with characters we read about in the past as they impact the current tale we are wrapped up in. . Just like the Montgomery’s and Carr’s would say, Family.
Review: Hero’s Haven by Rebecca Zanetti
Hero’s Haven After years of struggling, Haven Daly has finally accepted that she’s nuttier than a fruitcake. Why else would she see visions of a beautiful but tormented male every night . . . and actually believe she can talk to him, even feel his touch? But thanks to those dream journeys, she can paint images nobody else on earth can duplicate. In each brush stroke, she captures the blatant masculinity and raw desire in his eyes that promise he’s coming for her…and soon.
She’s the light that keeps him going. . .
Quade Kayrs has already suffered a lifetime of pain and torture. Completely isolated, he kept his sanity thanks to one beautiful female, a vision with kind emerald eyes. In the end, her soft voice led him out of hell. Now, naked and alone, he’s in a strange world that bears little resemblance to the one he left behind. All he knows is Haven. All he wants is Haven. His final mission? To protect her from the evil hunting them both—whether she likes it or not . . .
4 Stars
Quade Kayrs has spent more than a few lifetimes living and dying in pure hell. The only thing that seems to keep him going are those few moments, those glimpses of a beautiful woman invading his realm. Haven Daly thinks she’s crazy but unique is a more appropriate way to describe her. A fiercely independent woman, an amazing artist and a girl on the run.
Driven by visions and a pull Haven and Quade start the wheels of motion on something that makes epic look small. Through an action packed, fast paced, dangerous story Haven and Quade build a sexual tension that practically just off the pages. The banter between these two is top notch. Their chemistry is intense as is everything else going on in the book. The depths they easily went to for one another made every bit of craziness so worth.
Hero’s Haven is a true on the edge of your seat read. Once I started, I couldn’t stop reading until I was done. Strong characters and fabulous world building are just the start of why I enjoyed. The action scenes are spot on and engaging. And let’s just say those hot moments are definitely on fire. Ms. Zanetti kept Haven and Quade’s story moving yet nothing felt rushed or unnatural for the story. A true heart pounding, blood pumping read.
ARC Review: Luscious by Melissa Schroeder
Luscious
Melissa Schroeder
Camos and Cupcakes Series, Book 2
Published August 2019 by Harmless Publishing
When by the book Harry Bradley gets thrown together with his sister’s best friend EJ, opposites don’t just attract, they explode.
She’s my sister’s best friend. A woman who calls to me on every level, but she can’t stand me. Our one date ended when she deemed it over and left–before we even ordered food. So I shouldn’t want her.
But I do.
Still, I’ve mastered controlling my emotions and my lusting…well, mostly. Of course, when she suggests we work together to promote both of our businesses, I jump at the chance. That chance leads to a kiss…and so much more.
Now, if I can just restrain my control freak ways, all will be well.
Warning: This book includes more cupcakes (of course), meddling friends, romance book references, a gun-toting Grandma, a trip out of state, wine, more cupcakes, and a dirty talking hero who not only surprised the heroine, but also this author. I’m not embarrassed…not really. Okay, maybe a little…a lot. Never mind. Just know that you have been warned and I will not be held responsible for any blushing in public. Also…CUPCAKES.
4 Stars
From the concept, to the characters, to the storyline, what’s not to love. Melissa Schroeder gots something special going on with her Camos and Cupcakes Series. The second book of the series, Luscious gives readers the icing on the cake on with an emotional, fun and sexy read. Harry and EJ are decadent together.
Harry is one fine Texas man. What can I say, Harry is giving all my favorite Santini men a run for their money. Charming, a smile to stop you in your tracks, and a mouth you never see coming. Smart, caring and as Harry says his momma raised him right. He’s charismatic and full of personality. Harry is fun character.
EJ is a spit fire of a southern belle if there ever was one. She’s strong, independent and in control of her life. Seeing love fail first hand has steered her clear. Being the owner of a romance only bookstore is kind of a contradiction to EJ’s way of thinking. In EJ’s mind happily ever after‘s are for books not for life.
Harry and EJ shared an evening together months back that they both referred to as the date from hell. It may have been a date from hell, but their chemistry and their bodies didn’t agree with that. Fast forward to the present and you’re both trying to fight the crush is a decade in the making and what chemistry is doing to them. I love the dynamic between Harry and EJ. The back-and-forth banter between these two is downright hysterical at times. As they give into the chemistry that’s when the emotional side of the story comes into play. They are explosive. Hot doesn’t even begin to discribe what these two do to each other. When one doesn’t want to believe in love and then realizes they’re in love that’s some emotional turmoil in the making. The way Harry stands by EJ, shows her support and is there for her, even after a heated argument shows what kind of man Harry is. Even if he does do the man thing. Men! EJ learns for herself what love can be and is. Slow Harry help pull away some of those layers of hurt and replaced them with happiness.
Luscious is what I love in my romance reads. Fun and sexy. Emotional and heated. Good characters with great personalities. Harry and EJ will knock your socks off. Bold and brazen and a healthy dose of dirty talk. You will love Harry by the time you read the end. Luscious is just that, a truly luscious read!
Warning: This book will trigger your need for something very sweet.
Coffee Books Life 