What We Give Away: A Delicious Standalone Novel is the fourth book in the Bold Journeys series. This is my first time reading something by this authorWhat We Give Away: A Delicious Standalone Novel is the fourth book in the Bold Journeys series. This is my first time reading something by this author and I was not disappointed. The story focuses on Leslie, an award-winning journalist and Chef Risto, owner of his own restaurant and chef extraordinaire. The two find themselves working together after having been apart after a failed relationship. Will the two of them find each other this time around? The characters and plot are relatable and realistic. I enjoyed the different personalities and could understand where they met with difficulties both in the past and the present. The second chance aspect was sweet and showed how people can change and grow over time. Our understanding and insight into a failed relationship or even friendship can change as we gain life experience and the march of time. I also enjoyed the setting of a busy restaurant. There was depth to the story which is sometimes lacking in a romance instead opting to focus on the fun. I plan on grabbing another book from this series to find out more about this author and her storytelling....more
Sleepless Nights and Hockey Fights is the fourth book in the Hot Flash Hookups series. The story can be read as a standalone, but there are recurring Sleepless Nights and Hockey Fights is the fourth book in the Hot Flash Hookups series. The story can be read as a standalone, but there are recurring characters between the books. Molly is a single mom and realtor. Bobby plays on the local professional hockey team. What happens when the two meet through the youth hockey league? The story focuses on an older female/younger male romance bringing lots of humor, real life, and emotion. Molly has rejoined the dating world after her divorce and starts a romance with Bobby. The two bring the best out in each other, but are they meant for a long haul relationship? I enjoyed the story and like the humor brought by the characters. It is the humor that helps keep the story more realistic, but also amps up the romance. It is a light read with relatable characters that kept me up reading. I like that the characters are not perfect and everything doesn't always go perfectly. I look forward to reading more from these authors in the future....more
The Melody of Evil is the fourth book in the Hani's Daughter Mysteries Book series. Neferet is back and trying to plan her stepdaughter's party. When The Melody of Evil is the fourth book in the Hani's Daughter Mysteries Book series. Neferet is back and trying to plan her stepdaughter's party. When she is trying to hire musicians for the party she finds out that one has been murdered. Now that she is on the case with her colleagues things get complex and twisted. This series is always a fun read and takes you into ancient Egypt. The details and descriptions are always engaging and paint a vivid picture for the reader. I enjoy the storytelling as well. Neferet is smart and interesting. The story takes the characters into a seedy underworld to solve the murder. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future....more
Love Habit: A Historical Tudor Romance About Christian Monks is a part of the Love Through The Ages series. Each book in the series is a standalone hiLove Habit: A Historical Tudor Romance About Christian Monks is a part of the Love Through The Ages series. Each book in the series is a standalone historical romance. I enjoy books by this author due to their story telling and historical details. I wasn't sure if this book would be my type of thing, but I found the storytelling drew me in. Set during the 15th century in England we are put into a Benediction Monastery to learn of Brothers Paul and Luke. The story focuses on the difficulties encountered by those who have sworn to celibacy, but later finding their person. It is an interesting look at what might have happened during those times and how two men found romance. I appreciate the author sets the reader's expectations with a few pages of explanation at the beginning of the book. There were some areas I skimmed, but overall I enjoyed the story....more
Love You Better: A Second Chance Stand Alone in the Oakville World was a fun introduction to this series. I hadn't read other books, but easily could Love You Better: A Second Chance Stand Alone in the Oakville World was a fun introduction to this series. I hadn't read other books, but easily could follow the characters and story. The story focuses on a second-chance romance after Blake runs into a bad situation with his business. Blake and Cynthia revisit their old work dynamic, but what starts out as no strings attached changes for them. I enjoyed that this was a couple with a few years of experience and found it to be relatable and entertaining. I'm now curious how this story fits into the rest of the series. I enjoyed the characters and dialogue between everyone. This was a nice getaway from the day to day struggles of real life. I look forward to reading more from this author....more
The Assassin's Guide to Falling in Love is the first book in The Ladies League series. Set in mid-19th century, Victorian England where electricity anThe Assassin's Guide to Falling in Love is the first book in The Ladies League series. Set in mid-19th century, Victorian England where electricity and steam are fighting for dominance. Louisa Stanton, works as an assassin while also running a brothel. She is part of The Ladies League taking out people endangering the country. Her newest mark, Lord John Griffin has her questioning a lot. Will she succeed in her mission or go rogue? The characters are great and provide some steamy moments. I like the concept of Lady Assassins in Victorian England. There are lots of great historical details that add to the story. I look forward to reading more in this series and seeing where the author takes us next....more
The Bootlegger's Wife: A Sweet Historical Roaring Twenties Novel is the first book in the Moonshine Madness series. Taking place in 1925, we meet CharThe Bootlegger's Wife: A Sweet Historical Roaring Twenties Novel is the first book in the Moonshine Madness series. Taking place in 1925, we meet Charlotte LeDoux has fled from her failing marriage and crumbling business. She takes the opportunity to change her identity and start her life over. Will she be able to stay out of notice of her ex and others from her previous life? The story is intriguing and full of historical details. I enjoyed the characters especially Charlotte. She is multi-dimensional and interesting. I hope to learn more about her and Will in the next books in the series. Her new employer, Will seems to have a lot more in his past than we are let in on in this first book. I enjoy historical fiction and mysteries. This book hit on a lot of themes and story lines that I enjoy. I look forward to reading more in this series soon....more
Baked is the third book in the Love Burns Series. I hadn't read the previous books in the series, but I still completely enjoyed the story. Rachel runBaked is the third book in the Love Burns Series. I hadn't read the previous books in the series, but I still completely enjoyed the story. Rachel runs the local bakery, but when danger heads her way Hunter steps in to help. There is an instantaneous spark between the two which the two don't want to take on because of their past experiences. Will Rachel and Hunter find their spark and still keep Rachel safe from harm? The story is well-told and interesting. I enjoyed the back-and-forth banter between Rachel and Hunter. It brought their personalities out and helped the reader get to know both of them better. The story delves into their pasts and how past relationships impact future relationships. The characters are relatable and enjoyable to read. I look forward to going back and reading the other books in the series....more
The Whistle of Revenge is the fourth book in the Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries series. I didn't know when I grabbed the book that others hThe Whistle of Revenge is the fourth book in the Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler Mysteries series. I didn't know when I grabbed the book that others had been written in this series, but I chose to go ahead and jump in. The story can be read and enjoyed as a standalone book, and I want to go back and read the previous books in the series. We are brought into a complex mystery told from several points of view as Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler try to find their son Nicco. Nicco was kidnapped by a long-sworn enemy thought to be dead. I enjoyed the story and was pleased with how this author used Holmes in the storytelling. There are clever twists and turns that keep Holmes and Adler guessing while trying to find their son before it is too late. I will now go back and grab the other books in this series and look forward to reading more from this author in the future....more
Darby's Cafe is a book good for young teen readers and adults. Darby lost her restaurant and blames the scathing review by food critic, Jackson WilcoxDarby's Cafe is a book good for young teen readers and adults. Darby lost her restaurant and blames the scathing review by food critic, Jackson Wilcox. The story follows Darby as she comes to terms with her restaurant failure, moving on, and building self-confidence. As she moves forward with her life, Jackson reappears. Is he the horrible person she has made him to be? I enjoyed the story and how relatable Darby is in the story. Many of us have been through similar types of ups and downs and have to learn to have self-confidence. There was a nice mix of different characters that represent the different parts of growing Darby is going through. I've enjoyed other books by this author and this was also enjoyed. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future....more
A Buckeye Falls Christmas is the sixth book in the series. It is a quick read at only 165 pages long but worth the read. The story is about a holiday A Buckeye Falls Christmas is the sixth book in the series. It is a quick read at only 165 pages long but worth the read. The story is about a holiday party at the diner before it closes to be remodeled. I enjoyed the story because it brings together all of the couples the other books focused on. You get updates on how their relationships have progressed as a couple and within their community. It is a clever way to tie up a cozy series. Also, the summary mentions that the book will make you hungry. It is no lie because they give plenty of recipes at the end for you to try on your own. I'm a picky eater, and some recipes caught my attention. I've enjoyed the series, and this was a fun way to get more of the couples after the happily ever afters from the previous books. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future....more
Notebook Mysteries ~ The Twelve Days of Murder is a holiday novella from the Notebook Mysteries series. I always enjoy a holiday story, and this did nNotebook Mysteries ~ The Twelve Days of Murder is a holiday novella from the Notebook Mysteries series. I always enjoy a holiday story, and this did not disappoint. Though most focus on holiday romance, this novella is a murder mystery. Emma and Jeremy have been recruited to determine a mysterious string of crimes. I enjoyed the different take on the popular holiday song "The Twelve Days of Christmas." The story is a fast read but a good one. Though I have read the rest of the books in this series, this could be enjoyed by someone who hasn't read the series but wants a quick holiday mystery story. I recommend this novella and the rest of the series for someone who enjoys mysteries and set in historical settings....more
Freaky Finales is a short story collection written by CA King. I always enjoy grabbing a book by this author because she always brings unique perspectFreaky Finales is a short story collection written by CA King. I always enjoy grabbing a book by this author because she always brings unique perspectives to her stories. The collection includes the following stories: - Scare Queen: A Woman’s Plight for Youth - Essentially Broken: A Nurse’s Curse - No Pest Pesticide: Chemical Damage to Nature - Mother Knows Best: A Halloween Outing Gone Wrong. - Respect- An Angel’s Fall From Heaven. - When Leaves Fall (Bonus Story): An Emotional Journey of Cruelty The topics of the stories range from tales of vanity to tales of the supernatural and more. I enjoyed the story Scare Queen, which deals with the challenges of aging versus youth. This author brings many relatable topics to life in different ways, continually challenging norms. I enjoyed this collection of short stories and look forward to reading more from this author. She doesn't stick to just one genre, often mixing genres with her creative storytelling....more
The Wallflower's Wassail Punch is the eighth book in the A Once Upon a Widow series. The book focuses on Lady Annette Page, who remains unmarried. SheThe Wallflower's Wassail Punch is the eighth book in the A Once Upon a Widow series. The book focuses on Lady Annette Page, who remains unmarried. She had a horrible failure during her first season, and no one has let her forget the moment. Her father sets up a Christmastide party with plenty of potential suitors invited. I like that despite her horrible experience, she is still strong and willing to put herself out there to meet other suitors. Her father is ready for her to marry so he can get married himself. She eventually makes a love match, but will their differences be too much for their families? During the Regency period, we have an enjoyable romance built on friendship and common goals. I like Lady Annette as a character, but she also stands up for herself. She is delightful to read about, and I enjoyed getting to know her in this story. The story has relatable characters and a fun story. I always enjoy a good holiday romance, and this fit wonderfully. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future....more
Evergreen Academy is the first book in the Society of Magical Botanist series. I grabbed this book because I have enjoyed other books by this author. Evergreen Academy is the first book in the Society of Magical Botanist series. I grabbed this book because I have enjoyed other books by this author. The story is a great YA fantasy, blending a magical academy, plant magic, and more into a cozy fantasy. From Briar's point of view, we learn about a magical academy on the outskirts of her town that she has been invited to join. She quickly learns that she has magical abilities, and this discovery changes her world. The story is well-paced, and the characters are fun. I was deep into the story when I realized I was nearing the end of the book. I look forward to the next book in the series to discover what happens. The author is good at worldbuilding and character development. I look forward to what she brings to the next book....more
Wicked Tongue is a new book by an author I always enjoy. The fast-paced story is a mix of sci-fi and horror. Daniel has a wild night of partying and wWicked Tongue is a new book by an author I always enjoy. The fast-paced story is a mix of sci-fi and horror. Daniel has a wild night of partying and wakes up to nothing he ever would have imagined. He starts at the emergency room but leaves, still not knowing what is happening. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat while you figure out what is happening to Daniel as he goes through the story. I won't say more because I don't want to give anything away. I enjoyed the creativity behind the story and the pace of the plot. If you enjoy a story with a bit of blood and gore, you will enjoy this one. I have always enjoyed this author because she writes various types of stories. I never know exactly what I will get. I look forward to reading more from her in the future....more
Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn is the first book in the new Ariadne Winter Mystery Series. I was intrigued because I have enjoyed books written by tInk and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn is the first book in the new Ariadne Winter Mystery Series. I was intrigued because I have enjoyed books written by this author. Set in the late 1950s, we meet Ariadne Winter, a young journalist who wants to break into the competitive world of investigative journalism. There is mystery and intrigue set in the world of a cozy mystery. I like the story because it brings in different points of view from the various characters throughout the story. Everything isn't as it seems, and Ariadne finds out quickly that she is the one who needs to solve the mystery. The characters and story are fun and a great getaway from the daily grind. I enjoyed this first book in this series and look forward to reading future books....more
War Bunny is the first book of the War Bunny Chronicles. Humans have been extinct for 300 hundred years, and animals control the world. When a young bWar Bunny is the first book of the War Bunny Chronicles. Humans have been extinct for 300 hundred years, and animals control the world. When a young bunny starts to question the role of rabbits in the natural order of things, she is shunned by her warren. What happens when you are the prey and lose the little protection you have in life? War Bunny is a post-apocalyptic story examining the roles of " animals " in society. The story is a clever look at society and how those who buck against what is expected from them. This can be enjoyed by a teen audience, but with the warning that there are some deaths. I liked that the author used animals to discuss societal questions that plague the world. The themes are common and will be understood by a broad audience. I enjoyed the book and am curious about the next book in the series....more
Strega: Magic: The Spirit Never Dies is a magical story of the legacy of family and love. I was excited to pick up a new book by this author. I was noStrega: Magic: The Spirit Never Dies is a magical story of the legacy of family and love. I was excited to pick up a new book by this author. I was not disappointed. I have really enjoyed her other books but this was a different type of style for her. The links between the different time periods and how this forms the legacy of the main character kept me intrigued and wanting more. There was a variety of emotions entwined with magical elements. The story is beautiful and reminded me of books by Alice Hoffman. I can't wait to read more from this author.
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Strega: Magic: The Spirit Never Dies is a magical story of the legacy of family and love. I was excited to pick up a new book by this author. I was not disappointed. I have really enjoyed her other books but this was a different type of style for her. The links between the different time periods and how this forms the legacy of the main character kept me intrigued and wanting more. There was a variety of emotions entwined with magical elements. The story is beautiful and reminded me of books by Alice Hoffman. I can't wait to read more from this author....more
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