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Review: Dark Alpha’s Silent Night by Donna Grant
Dark Alpha’s Silent Night
Donna Grant
The Reapers Series, Book 12.5
New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant gives us an intimate peek into the Reapers’ new life with an all-new, heartwarming holiday tale…
There is no escaping the Reapers. We are elite assassins, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. But when Death says it’s our time to live, we are more than happy to obey.
We have suffered betrayal, heartbreak, chaos, and even death. Despite another foe lurking around the corner, most of us have found happiness and love. While some still search, there is contentment—a sense of peace and purpose. And with the holidays upon us, it is time to celebrate the family we have made. The one we chose. The season is for revelry, and we intend to take advantage. Whatever may come next will still be there after the last present is unwrapped.
And we will face it. Together.
What a sweet, beautiful and heartwarming slice of life. Donna Grant brings on the holidays season with Dark Alpha’s Silent Night.
With Christmas around the corner River is missing this time of year on earth. With the encouragement from Kyran and a blessing from Death herself, with the help of the other mates, a wonderful plan for a memorable evening begins to form.
What a beautiful quick raid with the Reapers. Emotional and touching, with everything the seasons about. Sharing love and laughter with those you love and cherish. Remembering and thinking about those that are not present and taking a minute to remember what you’re fighting for and what you truly have. Dark Alpha’s Silent Night gives you are the feels and gears one up for a beautiful holiday season.
Review: Brazen by Jayne Rylon
Brazen
Jayne Rylon
Powertools: The Shields Series, Book 3
Sola doubted her instincts after her best friend and partner on the Shields security team, Aarav, acted for months like the attraction between them didn’t exist. One wild night on their boss’s private jet proves she was spot on even if she has no idea where their relationship will go from there.
When they’re sent to assassinate the head of a money laundering operation at a brand new casino, Sola looks into the eyes of their target and her gut screams he’s not the source of the evil they’re hunting. Risking everything, Sola steps in between the man she loves and the one they’ve been sent to kill.
Sola’s instant and undeniable attraction to their unintended captive forces them to investigate him further and decide—will they eliminate him, protect him, or entice him to join their intimate partnership?
Brazen is a bisexual multipartner romance in NYT and USA Today bestselling author Jayne Rylon’s fan-favorite Powertools Universe. Visit your favorite characters or meet new ones in this interconnected, why choose standalone in the Powertools: The Shields MMF ménage series.
Sola and Aarav are on a mission unlike any that they have been before. Their friendship is something they both treasure yet they both want more and taking that next step has been a difficult one for them both. The mission at hand has all the cards on the table and everyone is seeing clearly. Yet when the target gives you such strong feelings and doubt of what you’re doing sometimes you have to take A step back and look at things for what they are. Cash was the target, not someone that they should’ve cared about or get an instant reaction from. The game is dangerous, once all the facts are no the way it’s played just may be life-changing.
Jayne Rylon combined an emotional journey, a dangerous mission and a love story all in one. Sola and Aarav danced around their chemistry for far too long. They wholeheartedly embraced their passion. Just as they are discovering themselves together, they realized they need something more than they knew. Cash was in a messed situation and two people saw something more inside he didn’t even know he had or wanted or needed. Together Sola, Cash and Aarav worked hard to find that together their world is right as rain and apart it is no way near the same. Brazen is sexy and emotional. There is nothing like a visit in the Powertools world.
Review: Cold Brew Corpse by Tara Lush
Cold Brew Corpse
Tara Lush
A Coffee Lover’s Mystery Series, Book 2
Espresso bar owner Lana Lewis returns in Tara Lush’s second Coffee Lover’s mystery, a stimulating read that fans of Cleo Coyle and Laura Childs will savor to the last drop.
It’s a steamy September, and business is brisk at Perkatory, the hottest coffee shop in Devil’s Beach, FL. Much of the clientele pours in from Dante’s Inferno, the hot yoga studio next door. But the bright, sunny Gulf Coast days turn decidedly dark-roast when the body of the studio’s owner turns up in a nearby swamp.
Between running Perkatory and training Stanley, her golden Shih Tzu puppy, reporter-turned-barista Lana Lewis is too busy to go sleuthing. But when the editor of the local paper asks her to write about the murder, Lana’s dreams of getting back into journalism start to percolate.
Lana discovers that the yogi has a nefarious past and her share of mug shots, so grinding her way through the suspect list is a large task. She learns that the victim was fatally beaned by an SUV before she was dumped in the swamp. But was the killer one of her students? An envious yoga teacher? Or a local photographer who seems to know too much?
But no one tells Lana Lewis what to do. Hunting the caf-fiend who killed the yogi puts Lana and Chief Noah’s relationship–and Lana’s life–in very hot coffee.
It’s a steamy September, and business is brisk at Perkatory, the hottest coffee shop in Devil’s Beach, FL. Much of the clientele pours in from Dante’s Inferno, the hot yoga studio next door. But the bright, sunny Gulf Coast days turn decidedly dark-roast when the body of the studio’s owner turns up in a nearby swamp.
Between running Perkatory and training Stanley, her golden Shih Tzu puppy, reporter-turned-barista Lana Lewis is too busy to go sleuthing. But when the editor of the local paper asks her to write about the murder, Lana’s dreams of getting back into journalism start to percolate.
Lana discovers that the yogi has a nefarious past and her share of mug shots, so grinding her way through the suspect list is a large task. She learns that the victim was fatally beaned by an SUV before she was dumped in the swamp. But was the killer one of her students? An envious yoga teacher? Or a local photographer who seems to know too much?
But no one tells Lana Lewis what to do. Hunting the caf-fiend who killed the yogi puts Lana and Chief Noah’s relationship–and Lana’s life–in very hot coffee.
Review: Inked KIngdom by Carrie Ann Ryan
Inked Kingdom
Carrie Ann Ryan
Underworld Kings
When the Kingdom tore her from me, I promised revenge.
My claim was forfeit the moment she ran, but now I will follow.
I will find her.
I will earn her.
And I will burn the world if they dare touch her.
Again.
Wow! A quick read with a major rush!
Sabrina walked away from a life she could no longer stand to live. She lost her family to the life and walked away from the one she loved because of the life. Four years later, the life shows up on her door bringing fear and hope wrapped up in the one person that she thought she’d never see.
Stone is done. The Kingdom has shattered everything in his life. The brother he stayed for is gone and the one he loves ran away years ago. His determination to keep her safe is the foremost thing on Stone’s mind. Whether it be from a far or near Stone will do everything to protect and have her by his side.
It’s no secret that I very much enjoy Mafia romance. I love what Carrie Ann Ryan gives us with Inked Kingdom! Talk about second chances. Stone and Sabrina‘s chemistry combusts as soon as they are in a room together. They each have been through so much and yet are very different people than they were before. Even while looking over their shoulders they began to find who they truly are. I love how they started over and fell deeper than before. A quick read that gets you good.
Review: Mango, Mambo and Murder by Raquel V. Reyes
Mango, Mambo and Murder
Raquel V. Reyes
A Caribbean Kitchen Mystery, Book 1
Food anthropologist Miriam Quinones-Smith’s move from New York to Coral Shores, Miami, is traumatic enough without having to deal with her son’s toddler tantrums and her husband’s midlife crisis. Her best friend, Alma, adds some spice back into Miriam’s life when she offers her a job as an on-air cooking expert on a Spanish-language morning TV show. But when the newly minted star attends a Women’s Club luncheon, a socialite sitting at her table suddenly falls face-first into the chicken salad, never to nibble again.
When a second woman dies soon after, suspicions coalesce around a controversial Cuban herbalist, Dr. Fuentes–especially after the morning show’s host collapses while interviewing him. But then, Detective Pullman learns that the socialite’s death resulted from a drug overdose–and an anonymous tip fingers Alma as the pusher.
Pullman persuades Miriam to ply her culinary know-how and her understanding of Coral Shores’s Caribbean culture to help find the killer and clear Alma’s name. While her hubby dallies with his ex-girlfriend, Juliet, Miriam quizzes her neighbors for answers and researches all manner of herbs.
As the ingredients to the deadly scheme begin blending together, Miriam is on the verge of learning how and why the women died. But her snooping may turn out to be a recipe for her own murder
4 Stars
A fun and twisting cozy mystery.
There are so many good things about Mango, Mambo and Murder. First, I absolutely love Miriam. And seeing things through her perspective definitely allowed me to get wrapped up and lost in this book. She is definitely a strong character that is going on a crazy roller coaster ride. Second, the cast of characters for the story. Such a mix of personality and culture. Some will make you crazy and some you can’t help but to love. Third, the cooking and recipes. Being someone who loves to cook, this story helped open my eyes to something new. Miriam goes from the happiest of highs to the lowest of lows in a matter of chapters. Moving to a new place, reacquainting with long lost family members, a best friend he’s got herself on shaky ground and a husband that she’s not quite sure what is up to. Miriam handles all of this with the cutest little toddler in tow.
Mango, Mambo and Murder is a fun read. Even with the twists I did figure out the who done it. Yet I do feel like author Raquel V. Reyes does a fantastic job letting the reader get to know her characters and setting up the series. Ms. Reyes uses quite a bit of Spanish within the text of the story and does a very good job of giving clues around what is being said. However I did have to translate a few of the phrases because I was not sure yet that did not take away from the story for me. It just took me a little longer to read just so I knew what was going on. This is a fun and unique start so what I’m thinking is going to be a very fun series.
Review: Dark Alpha’s Need by Donna Grant
Dark Alpha’s Need
Donna Grant
Reapers Series, Book 12
From New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant comes another gripping story in her Reaper series featuring a brotherhood of elite assassins who wage war on the Fae at Death’s behest—and the women who dare to love them.
There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I’m coming for you…
The latest threat uncovered, it is my honor and duty to oust those responsible for the slaughter of so many and make the Fae Others pay for their crimes. However, nothing could have prepared me for the stunning and curious female that crosses my path. She’s an enigma: equal parts strength and vulnerability. She quiets the rage I’ve carried within me for so long and makes me question Death’s directives for the first time ever. Her tragic, emotional story touches something deep within me, and her bravery is awe-inspiring—which makes it doubly hard to let her return to the enemy and the dangers that await. I never expected her, but I need her. She is everything to me, and I will do whatever it takes to make sure she’s safe and by my side. Forever.
4 Stars
My first love in reading is paranormal. Donna Grant does it so right.
Dark Alpha’s Need is a fast paced, high intensity, quick read. Seeing Torin and Breda go from attraction to something much more in the middle of chaos. Breda is so much stronger than she gives herself credit for. What she’s endured from her own family and the others is something that no one should have to experience and yet she willingly holds her head high to make sure that no one else has to go through that pain. Torin knows the bitter taste of the betrayal and wishes that upon no one. Being a reaper allows him to be a protector in a way. But being a reaper had nothing to do with wanting to protect Breda. I loved their connection. They are truly something special together. We readers find out some indulging information concerning the others and find a personal mission has been granted.
Dark Alpha’s Need is a captivating read
Review: Harvest Web by Yasmine Galenorn
Harvest Web
Yasmine Galenorn
Moonshadow Bay Series, Book 4
:1. Starlight Web
3. Conjure Web
4. Harvest Web
5. Shadow Web
Yasmine Galenorn has an amazing talent for creating a world you never want to leave. Moonshadow Bay is magical.
January spoke too soon about her summer being a quiet one. Fall hits her in full force creating much havoc and mystery. Recent house renovations have awoken a few spirits in January‘s house. Upon investigation skeletal remains have been found in a forgotten room within the house. Not to mention a mysterious creature having his way on the town. January is knee-deep in more paranormal chaos then she can shake a stick at. With The help of her coworkers at Conjure Ink and Ari, a best friend’s work is never done, January is determined to get her house back and take out an urban legend before it does any more damage.
Harvest Web is a fast paced, thrilling paranormal suspense. First and foremost Ms. Galenorn’s world building is top notch and like no other. Moonshadow Bay is unique and magical. Just like the beings within. January has become a favorite character for me. She continues to develop and discover more about herself. She’s strong yet adaptive. In Harvest Moon, January finds a confidence within herself we have not seen before. She’s quick thinking and willing to learn. She knows her weaknesses and is able to admit the things in life she doesn’t want. I can relate to January in many ways allowing me to connect with her. Harvest Web brings things from the past, mysteries of forest and a whole lot of magic. Harvest Web was fantastic. Written with raunch rich details you truly feel like you are in Moonshadow Bay.
Review: The Cure for What Ales You by Ellie Alexander
The Cure for What Ales You
Ellie Alexander
Sloan Krause Mystery Series, Book 5
Amateur sleuth and brewer Sloan Krause contends with her past–and a murder related to it–in The Cure for What Ales You, another delightful mystery from cozy writer Ellie Alexander.
After a long cold winter, spring is beginning to bloom in the alpine village of Leavenworth, Washington, where craft brewer Sloan Krause and her partner in crime Garrett Strong are putting the finishing touches on their bright and refreshing Lemon Kiss ale. They’ll be debuting their new line at the Maifest celebration, which will bring visitors from near and far to dance around the Maipole and shop at the outdoor flower markets.
Despite the festive spirit in the air, Sloan is brewing over her past. She’s spent months following leads that have turned into dead ends. But when she spots a woman who strongly resembles Marianne—a long lost contact who may be her only connection to piecing together her story—she hopes that things might be taking a turn in her favor. That hope is quickly smashed when Marianne is involved in the murder of a local housekeeper. To make matters worse, Marianne issues a dire warning that Sloan and her entire family are in danger. If Sloan can’t figure out who the killer is and what happened in her past, she won’t find any hoppy endings.
4 Stars
It’s Mailfest in the charming and cozy town of Leavenworth! Sloane and the crew of Nitro are eager to start slinging pints of their newest craft beer, Lemon Kiss for the town festivities. Ready for a busy but fun weekend Sloane gets wrapped in more than beer and brats. The woman from past that Sloane has been looking for shows up at the festival, a local housekeeper is murdered and now she and Alex are in danger too. Sloane does why she does best….. brews and clues!!!
Wow! What a powerhouse of a story with The Cure for What Ales You. Ellie Alexander is a Fascinating writer and it definitely shows within the story. Sloane has done a lot of growing over the last few months and learning to live life a new way. Also trying to find out who she is. A lot of those questions are answered in this almost double mystery. Sloane never gives up or in and has become a stronger person for it. The Cure for What Ales You is fun and festive, a well plotted mystery and long time fans will have some long time questions answered. A very entertaining cozy.
Review: More Than Possess You by Shayla Black
More Than Possess You
Shayla Black
More Than Words Series, Book 6.75
1001 Dark Nights
I’m Hayes Elliott. Since second grade, I’ve had one best friend, Echo Hope. When she graduates from college, of course I have to give her something amazing. Since I’ll be on a business trip to Maui, I’m bringing her along for a week of fun and sun. But once she sheds her long skirts, serious buns, and combat boots for bikinis, I can’t deny how stunning she is…and I can’t stop wanting her. Worse, she’s determined to lose her V-card—and has asked one of our man-whoring buddies to pluck it.
I’ve got to step in.
It’s underhanded, but I offer to do the job properly. Since I’m no one’s Prince Charming, I have no intention of following through. Suddenly, the kisses start and the clothes come off…and I can’t remember why I’m not supposed to make her mine in every way. Or why I shouldn’t be in love with her. But if I want Echo for more than a vacation fling, I’ll have to fight. And she’s about to find out how determined I am to upgrade my best friend to wife.
**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.**
Shayla Black takes the reader to tropical Hawaii with the next chapter in the More Than Words series with More Than Possess You.
Hayes Elliott and Echo Hope have been best friends for as long as they can remember. They do have a tight knit group of friends yet the two are closer than close. When Hayes and good friend Xavian Costa are heading to maui for a work thing Hayes finds it fitting to invite Echo along. What should be a week in Paradise becomes a realization of many things.
More Than Possess You goes beyond friendship and what you see on the outside. It is about love and longing. Learning there’s more and the passion is so sweet. Hayes is so possessive but yet extremely tender at the same time. His heart is in the right place yet he doesn’t seem to notice what is right under his nose. Echo is one smart cookie. She took a giant leap, putting everything on the line. I enjoyed watch this friendship turn into something so much more.
Review: The Moonshine Shack Murder by Diane Kelly
The Moonshine Shack Murder
Diane Kelly
Southern Homebrew Mystery Series, Book 1
The Hayes family has made moonshine in Chattanooga since the days of Prohibition, and Hattie is happy to continue the tradition, serving up fun, fruity flavors in mason jars for locals and tourists alike. All signs indicate her new ‘shine shop will be a smashing success. What’s more, mounted police officer Marlon Landers has taken a shine to Hattie. For the first time ever, the stars seemed to have aligned in both her work and romantic life. But when a body ends up on her store’s doorstep alongside a broken jar of her Firefly Moonshine, it just might be lights out for her fledgling business.
The homicide detective can’t seem to identify the person who killed the owner of a nearby bar. The only witness is Hattie’s longhaired gray cat, and Smoky isn’t talking. When the detective learns that the victim and Hattie had a heated exchange shortly before his murder, she becomes her prime suspect.
Lest Hattie end up behind bars like her bootlegging great-grandfather a century before, she must distill the evidence herself and serve the killer a swift shot of justice.
A fantastic new cozy series.
Mystery and humor combined in one. You can’t ask for a better combination and a cozy mystery. The Moonshie Shack Murder is a great start to what I think is going to be an intriguing and humorous cozy mystery series.
Hattie Hayes is carrying on a long family tradition. She’s just doing it the legal way. Hence, The Moonshine Shack! Hattie is thrilled to be sharing her grandpa tradition shine along with her flavorful line of shine. During her grand opening party Hattie believes she has a local pub convinced to sell her shine but later backs out and just a bit later is found dead. On Hattie’s doorstep not less. And with a jar of her shine smashed on the ground next to him. To clear her name and save her reputation before it could even really start Hattie Puts her nose to the grindstone to distill the true culprit.
What a great start to a new series. Diane Kelly definitely has something special with this one. I love the family legacy being revived in a new way. The characters are amazing. Grandpa was a hoot. He was thoroughly entertaining every moment he was on the page. Whether he was strapping himself to his rocking chair or getting rowdy with the young folk he’s a true gem in the story. Hattie is still coming into her own and beginning to let her dreams flourish but she still has a lot to learn. Her determination and tenacity just makes you love her.
A little mystery, a little shine and a dash of romance, that a winner in my book.
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