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Review: A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones
A Hard Day for a Hangover
Darynda Jones
Sunshine Vicram Series, Book 3
Like we said, the new day can take a hike.
A Hard Day for a Hang brilliantly ties up all lingering questions while giving us mystery, romance and humor.
Waking up with a hangover is only the beginning to what Sunshine‘s day entails. Finding a young woman who’s been assaulted and barely conscious, a daughter, who is just as smart and intuitive as she is starts, digging into the case from a different angle. Not to mention the ongoings with the Ravinders, and her feelings for one in particular. The town of Del Sol is an interesting place, and Sunshine is the one that keeps it running.
Darynda Jones perfectly concludes this series in the best ways possible. With humor, emotions, and just a bit of weirdness to tie it all together. Del Sol is a unique town as are the people that live within it. Without giving too much away let me just say that we are given a story that also wraps up a series in a way that is perfectly fitting for the story. A Hard Day for a Hangover has mystery, action in a story that connects a family together. Darynda has the way that makes us fall in love with her characters and that doesn’t fall short here with Sunshine and her crew.
Review: One Way Back to Me by Carrie Ann Ryan
One Way Back to Me
Carrie Ann Ryan
The Wilder Brothers Series, Book 1
One dance at a stranger’s wedding. That’s all it took for me to fall for Alexis.
And then? Disaster. Another man—her boyfriend—gets down on one knee and proposes to her.
I never thought I’d see her again.
Years later, I’m in desperate need of a wedding planner—not for myself, but for my company.
My five brothers and I need to get our new Wilder Resort off the ground, and Alexis is the only one savvy enough to help us.
But there’s the little matter that I still have it bad for her. Alexis has changed since the night we met. She’s gun shy. But there’s a spark between us that will not die. We both fight it, until we don’t.
Until history repeats itself. The same guy who took her away from me is back to do more damage. But this time he’ll have to go through me to get her.
Talk about chemistry and attraction making not one but two people stop in their tracks. A simple dance was all Eli needed to know that this beautiful stranger was the one for him. Life cut him hard with that his stranger was proposed to only minutes later.
Fast forward two years and things have changed a bit. Eli and his brothers are holding down their Resort. A band of military brothers running a resort may seem comical to some but The way I read it it was like therapy with alpha therapy to them. All recently leaving their respective services for one reason or another each one is on a very different path and finding his own way. Eli is constantly worrying as to whether he talked to his brothers into making the right choice for their futures. Finding themselves in need of a wedding planner for their resort, a blast from the past walks into Eli’s life, rekindling that spark all over again.
Alexis has been burned. Newly divorced and having her life taken from under her she is starting over. Trying to re-establish her name and reputation as a wedding planner, A friend sent her to a new resort looking for someone with her talent.
Walking into her interview at Wilder resort she lays her eyes on someone she didn’t think she’d say again. That spark of passion and chemistry once again ignites feelings all within her. Alexis sees this as a new beginning as long as the pass stays in the past.
I really enjoyed the introduction to the Wilder Brothers in One Way Back to Me. Eli and Alexis complement each other so well. They both had some baggage but I loved how they were able to work through their issues and come together as one. Eli is a workaholic but yet loyal and dedicated. Alexis is extremely sweet and amazingly talented. The two of them together are a force to be reckoned with. We meet each of the five brothers and learn that they have issues as well. With each of them just getting out of the service they are in a very different place mentally. Their actions prove that they are devoted and loyal to their family however each is holding something to themselves that we will have to wait and see unfold in future books. Carrie Ann Ryan gives us another group of brothers to get all swoony over.
Shadow Fallen by Sherrilyn (Kenyon) McQueen
Shadow Fallen
Sherrilyn (Kenyon) McQueen
Dream Hunters #6
Dark Hunters
New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon returns with Shadow Fallen, a brand-new entry in her Dream-Hunter series.
For centuries, Ariel has fought the forces of evil. Her task was to protect the souls of innocent mortals when they die. Captured by a powerful sorceress, she is transformed into a human who has no memory of her real life or calling.
And is plunked into the middle of the Norman invasion of England.
Cursed the moment he was born with a “demonic deformity,” Valteri wants nothing of this earth except to depart it and will do his duty to his king until then. When a strange noblewoman is brought before him, Valteri realizes he has met her before…in his dreams. When others come for her, bringing with them preternatural predators, he is faced with a destiny he had no idea was waiting. One he wants no part of.
The truth is that Valteri isn’t just a knight of William the Conqueror. He is the son of one of the deadliest powers in existence, and if he doesn’t restore Ariel to her place, she is not the only one who will be in peril. The world itself hangs in the balance, and he is the necessary key to hold back the powers of evil. But only if he can find a way to work with the woman who stands for everything in the universe he hates.
4 Stars
Sherrilyn is back
Fallen Shadow marks a comeback with everything that I have come to love from Sherrilyn’s writing.
In a medieval setting, the Battle of good and evil continues. Valteri has known nothing from life other than sorrow, pain and battle. Born with different color eyes made him an outcast from the beginning. Some say he was evil, others say he was a demon and some call him as a son of the devil himself. He is brother to the king and undefeated in war. A hardened man who is whispered about behind his back does nothing to change what people think of him. Knowing nothing of the good side of life, the Temptations of a beautiful woman make Valteri think quite differently than he normally does.
Ariel has been a part of the battle of good and evil for as long as she knows. Her job is to collect the souls of the dying on the battlefield for the unknown war of good and evil that’s going on. Ariel finds herself bound to the earth knowing nothing of who she is and with a curse because of the grief of a mother’s loss. Not knowing who or what she is Ariel stumbles onto the lands of a feared man but yet she embraces him. Sewing is not something Ariel knows but skill with a sword can’t be denied. Ariel is about to embark on something she’s never known but yet can’t seem to say no to.
As a long time fan I am very excited to see this wonderful author back in action. From beginning to end this book is classic Sherrilyn everything! Ariel and Valteri are perfect for each other. From the moment they met to the interactions they had there was no lack of chemistry whatsoever. I love the way they talked and interacted with each other. Whether it be funny, protective or sensual they seem so in tune to each other and just wanted the best for one another. A broken hero and a kick butt angelic woman find their happily ever after.
I know some will complain that this is not one of the big name characters that long time fans have been very patiently waiting for. However when a series is this long and has this many characters sometimes we have to be patient longer than we would like. Some wonderful bits of information are discovered within the pages Shadow Fallen And have some nice foreshadowing for one of those big names that we have been waiting for. And we even get treated with an appearance from one of the all-time favorite dark hunters. I very much enjoy the book and look forward to the things to come within the Dream Hunter/ Dark Hunter world.
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: The Mystery of Albert E. Finch by Callie Hutton
The Mystery of Albert E. Finch
Callie Hutton
Victorian Book Club Mystery Series, Book 3
In USA Today bestselling author Callie Hutton’s third Victorian Book Club mystery, will wedding bells or death knells ring for Lady Amy and Lord William?
Bath, England, 1892. Celebrated mystery author Lady Amy Lovell is set to tie the knot with Lord William Wethington, a fellow member of the Mystery Book Club of Bath. Amy’s great-aunt, Lady Priscilla Granville, has offered to host their wedding at her stately Derby Manor House. But on the eve of the ceremony, the festive air in the drawing room is marred by Mrs. Alice Finch’s argument with her husband, Albert, in another room. The next morning at the wedding breakfast, Alice falls face-first into her breakfast—dead.
When Amy and William’s favorite detectives are summoned to the house, they see two champagne glasses in front of Mrs. Finch and none in front of her husband. Did Albert give his wife a poisoned drink? Always looking for the easiest solution, the detectives charge Albert with the murder.
But Lady Amy is not convinced that Albert is guilty. There are too many things that don’t add up. In the hopes of being able to leave Bath and begin their honeymoon, Amy and William once again take things into their own hands. Suspects begin to pop up, but nothing takes them more by surprise than the discovery of a second body.
Stuck in Bath until the whole poisonous predicament is solved, Amy and William are anxious to collar the perfidious poisoner and be on their way to their honeymoon. If they can’t catch the killer, not only is their newlywed bliss under threat, but they may not live to see happily-ever-after at all.
3.5 Stars
Lady Amy and Lord William should be celebrating the happiest day of their lives. On the day of their wedding, at their breakfast feast Mrs. Alice Finch ends up with her face in her plate and no longer breathing. Not the happiest of things to happen at your wedding. Although they are not suspects, Lord William and Lady Amy can’t even leave for their honeymoon. As the local police miss so many clues and only think one way, Amy and William take it upon selves to get to the bottom of this crazy mystery.
I so love the Victorian Book Club mystery series and the latest The Mystery of Albert E. Finch is the icing on the cake. Amy and William are so perfect for each other. The start of their life together is not the storybook tale they want but it does show what a team Amy and William are together. The Mystery of Albert E. Finch is one of those mysteries that just as soon as you think you have it figured out another person or piece of information comes into play it makes you re-change the way of thinking. Amy is an out of the box thinker and with all the research she does for writing her books she makes a naturally good sleuth. I very much enjoyed The Mystery of Albert E. Finch.
Review: Dragon Unbound by Donna Grant
Dragon Unbound
Donna Grant
Dragon Kings Series, Book 3
He’s never been tempted…until her.
Sexy. Mysterious. Dangerous. He’s an immortal Dragon King bound by ancient rules and eternal magic. Cullen has one objective: find and destroy the evil that threatens the new home of the dragons. Just when he’s closing in, he’s ambushed and finds a stunning warrior woman fighting alongside him. No amount of magic could prepare him for the beguiling lass who spurns his advances and defies him.
From the moment Tamlyn takes a stand against her kind, she’s had to fight one perilous battle after another. Staying alive in an endless struggle, and the lines between good and evil are blurred with every encounter. She’s always stood alone—until she comes to the aid of an irresistibly handsome stranger. Cullen will force her to face truths she’s been running from…even as enemies plot to destroy them both.
**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.**
The new Dragon world has an enemy threat and Cullen is tasked with finding and destroying whomever it may be. Just as he’s about to pounce his target Cullen finds himself ambushed. To his surprise he finds a warrior lass fighting along his side. The fates just shook this dragon king to the core.
I am loving the tales of the new dragon world. Tamlyn and Cullen may not Share each other’s mission but they do understand the cars behind each. They each carried out such noble actions while the enemy lay in the shadows. Tamlin as a strong heroine. She stood her ground and didn’t fall in the face of danger. Cullen met his match and his equal when he met Tamlyn. When the dragon kings know they know it’s amazing to watch them fall. Donna Grant once again bestows the magic of her dragon world upon her readers. Fast paced, lots of action and a couple that you definitely want to root for. The great line of “You my dragon “ , totally hits you in just the right way. Dragon Unbound started my reading year off right.
Review: Dad Bod Rockstar by Melissa Schroeder
Dad Bod Rockstar
Melissa Schroeder
The Melissa Schroeder Instalove Collection
Niall
A lot of people look at my life and think I have it all. Multiple platinum records, more money than I know what to do with, and a seemingly never ending string of women. Everyone thinks they know me, but very few do. I’m ready to settle down, but most women see the rockstar and not the man.
Until Blossom.
She’s way too young for me, and so innocent I’m embarrassed by my infatuation. But the moment I meet her, I’m in love. I only have a couple days with her before I have to be back on the road, so I fill them with as much romance as I can and I promise to get back to her.
Blossom
I’ve led a sheltered life. All I have ever wanted was to be a baker. I spent my early twenties building my reputation, and the past two years running my own small town bakery. I’m over the moon at my success, still there has been something missing.
Then in walks Niall Holden, my celebrity crush.
He loves my baking, and insists on taking me to dinner. We spend two glorious nights together because he has to be back on the road. He promises he will return as soon as his tour is done. I want to believe in happily ever after, but stories in the tabloids make me realize I’m not cut out for this kind of relationship.
Only Niall doesn’t agree, and when he shows up in my small town again, he insists that I am the woman for him. That may be true, but does he just want me…or will he want us?
This story is an age gap, small town, surprise baby romance set in Melissa Schroeder’s Instalove World. It includes a grumpy but totally sweet rockstar, an adorkable baker with a quirky way of looking at the world, cupcakes and cookies, and the antics of the Patton brothers and their wives from The Dominon Rockstar Romance series. There is no cheating, an HEA, and can be read as a stand-alone.
Dad Bods made a big impression in 2021 – and they’re not going anywhere! This January, some of your favorite contemporary romance authors are bringing you a sexy selection of brawny, hot Dad Bods and the women who love their men with a little something extra to hold on to.
These men may be built for comfort but don’t be fooled – they will stop at nothing to protect the women who’ve claimed their heart.
Melissa Schroeder delivers another fantastic insta-love story!
For a short read, Melissa Schroeder packed a lot into the sweet and sexy story. We get it a small town romance, sweets for all of us foodies, who doesn’t love a rockstar romance and A surprise baby. It’s got a little something for just about all of your reading tastes.
Niall has lived The rockstar life and got a reputation to go with it. After many years of being in the business, what most people don’t know is all he wants is to settle down. Blossom is the best at what she does. She worked her tail off to prove herself in the baking world. She’s Proud of herself and she truly deserves it. What can make her world better? Having a rockstar crush walk into your bakery and ask you to dinner. You know things can happen!
I loved this story. Dad Bod Rockstar is a daydream of a story. Niall and Blossom are perfect together. I love that she see him for who he is and not his stardom. Niall shows his true self from the first moment, he’s genuine and caring. Their attraction is completely believable and they come together naturally. They enjoy one another and know how to have fun. Even when the gospel gets in the way they know how to do the right thing and work it out. A great short story to start the beginning of the year
Review: My Bad Decisions by Carrie Ann Ryan
My Bad Decisions
Carrie Ann Ryan
On My Own Series, Book 4
Tanner and I have been at each other’s throats ever since.
The second time he kissed me, I told myself not to fall.
I should have known something burned beneath the surface and I couldn’t resist him.
The third time led to something more and now one positive test later, neither one of us can walk away.
Only when his past sheds light on every difference we’ve chosen to ignore, we’ll have to fight for each other, or lose everything before we’ve even had a chance.
Tanner and Natalie could not be more different. Six of the eight friends have paired off and these two are the last standing.
Natalie is very different from the way her mother wishes her to be. Coming from privilege her parents expect her to do one thing but yet Natalie is determined that she’s going to live her life the way she wants. Tanner grew up with his mom and little brother, he lost his life overseas. Life was not always easy for them yet Tanner does everything he can to better his life and to make things easier for his mom even if the man in her life is not one that Tanner cares for. Tanner hides what he does for a living because he feels like it makes him less of a person yet when a certain friend discovers what he does it seems to open up more possibilities than he could’ve dreamed of.
My Bad Decisions is an emotional conclusion to the On My Own series. Tanner and Natalie like each other more than either one is willing to admit. Through all the arguing and banter, you could feel the underlying desire and chemistry. They both have their issues and confide in one another to help themselves. Big life changes hit them both hard and quick and I love the way they came together. Tanner and Natalie had to work hard but love is hard work. Carrie Ann Ryan completes the series wonderfully.
Review: Immortal’s Honor by Rebecca Zanetti
Immortal’s Honor
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 14
First comes danger . . .
When Vampire-Demon Sam Kyllwood discovers he’s the keeper of some mysterious circle, he laughs it off. When he finds out that his younger brother is supposed to fight to the death in said circle, he snaps right to furious. And that’s before he starts uncontrollably making things explode —it turns out it’s never too late to develop deadly new immortal abilities. But even those explosions are nothing compared to what happens when he tries to handle a very suspicious, brilliant and beyond sexy human female whose piercing eyes ignite a heat that rages deliciously outside even his unbreakable control…
Then comes desire . . .
Honor McDovall is one of the best interrogators Homeland Security has ever had. But no matter how well she appears to fit in, her mystical gifts are slowly driving her mad. She doesn’t understand them, she doesn’t want them, but for now, she’ll use them to detect and defeat danger until she completely loses her mind. Unfortunately, her job brings her face to face with the deadliest man she’s ever met—and she senses Sam is even more gifted than she is. Yet once they kiss, she realizes he’s also more dangerous than the enemies suddenly coming from every direction. Good thing they both like to play with fire . . .
Rebecca Zanetti keeps readers on the edge of her seats while making them laugh with Immortal’s Honor.
Sam is a vampire-demon hybrid and middle brother to a king and one of the seven. He’s the keeper, part of something much bigger than himself and yet he’s the calm one of the lot. He’s the keeper of the piece, kind of zen, if there is such a thing in his world. Sam was so much more than what I would have ever guessed him to be. What a hero!!!! And when he fell I loved him that much more!
Honor is the best at what she does yet can’t quite seem to him her place. She had gifts and doesn’t understand them. It’s getting to the point of making her crazy. Yet with the even more crazy things going on in her life, She keeps an open mind and allows herself to become familiar with her gifts. Her job puts her in the line of danger but she may have just run into the most dangerous man she’s ever met. With gifts to rival her own or even maybe exceed some thing about this man stirred all kinds of feelings inside of her, and those feelings are not bad at all.
Rebecca Zanetti amazes me with every book. Immortal’s Honor. Sam and Honor are totally perfect for each other but yet neither one of them can make it easy on the other. They fight themselves just as much as they fight their attraction until neither one of them can hold back. The banter, the back-and-forth with each other and the intense chemistry. Danger, intensity and passion are the name of the game for these two. I really loved the amount of humor that was within the story. With so much going on and things coming from all directions it’s nice to be able to laugh right along with the characters. Ms. Zanetti cleared up some questions for us within the pages of this chapter of the Dark Protectors series and gave us more, firing up this reader to know what’s gonna happen next.
Coffee Books Life 