Review: It Happened One Plight (Bobbi Sue Baxter Mysteries Book 4) by Marissa Shrock

About the Book

A first date. A shocking murder. And a conspiracy that could get her killed.

In the summer of 1988 in Wildcat Springs, Indiana, aspiring journalist Bobbi Sue Baxter is ready for a totally normal first date with the handsome Hemi Miller. But in her life, normal never seems to stick. Before they can finish their picnic, Bobbi Sue’s world is turned upside down. Her last summer at home has already been a whirlwind of secrets, but she never expected it to include a dead body in her dad's office.

The victim is Morris Fulton, a recently exonerated man her father helped free from prison. Now, the police are swarming, and their number one suspect is none other than Juanita St. James—Bobbi Sue’s mentor and the investigative reporter who inspired her. With Juanita framed and her own parents still missing, Bobbi Sue knows she can’t stand by and wait for the truth to surface. She has to find it herself.

Can she expose the real killer and clear her mentor's name before she becomes the next headline? Fans of nostalgic mysteries, plucky amateur sleuths, and small-town secrets will love this gripping fourth installment of the Bobbi Sue Baxter Mysteries.

Amazon / Kobo / Google Play / Smashwords / iBooks / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series, so I was ecstatic when I saw this new installment. It did not disappoint. In fact, I think it’s my favorite of the series.

The mystery was really good and kept me guessing. The suspense kept building until the thrilling conclusion.

It was great seeing Bobbi Sue and Hemi finally go on their first date. And even though it didn’t exactly go as planned, it was great seeing their relationship progress.

I know I say this every book, but I love that this series is set in the 80s. It’s such a fun time! And I loved seeing Grandma again. She’s such a hoot!

I didn’t want this book to end. I loved it so much! If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, don’t hesitate to pick up a copy of this series. It’s fantastic!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: A Deal with a Debutante (London's Most Eligible Book #1) by Chelsea Bobulski

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring A Deal with a Debutante (London's Most Eligible Book #1) by Chelsea Bobulski releasing April 7.

About the Book

She's running from London's marriage mart. He's running out of time to save his estate. Neither planned on falling in love--but their hearts have other plans.

American heiress Calliope Hart is thrust into London's high society against her will, all because her mother is determined to marry her off to an aristocrat. Despite being named "the debutante of the season" back in New York, Calliope wants nothing more than to avoid becoming another pawn in the social game.

Edward Chase, the Earl of Hayward, is on the brink of financial ruin. To save his estate, he must marry, and Calliope Hart is his last hope. When he boldly declares his intentions, she swiftly rejects him, making it clear she has no interest in marrying for convenience. Undeterred, Edward offers a deal: He will escort Calliope to all the best sights of London that she's been dying to see if she agrees to visit his estate and consider what they could accomplish together.

What begins as a business arrangement soon sparks something much more complicated--an undeniable chemistry neither can ignore. But as their hearts begin to soften, both must confront their fears: Can Calliope trust Edward with her heart, and can Edward truly win her love when she's convinced he only wants her fortune?

"A delightful love story brimming with wit, humor, and heart!"--Megan Walker, author of Lakeshire Park

"This book captures the very essence of romance--where love, once found, becomes life's greatest reward."--Laura Beer, award-winning author of An Improbable Scheme

A no-spice, clean and wholesome historical romance with a delightful mix of witty banter and charming romance set in Edwardian England. Read if you like the marriage of convenience, enemies-to-lovers, and he-falls-first tropes, Alexandra Vasti, Evie Dunmore, Sophie Irwin, and Martha Waters.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Raging Waters (Elements of Danger Book #2) by Dana Mentink

SYNOPSIS

As the dam crumbles and water sweeps across the terrain, their battle for justice and survival is just beginning.

When Mackenzie Bardine's brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing "Bullseye," the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron's best friend, Gideon Landry. On the run to the wilds of Washington to chase a recent lead, she meets none other than Gideon himself.

While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he's certainly not interested in helping her after he's already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron's fatal choices, but not for the reasons Mackenzie suspects.

As killers begin to circle Mackenzie like sharks, it's clear to Gideon she's in over her head, and in light of his troubled past with her brother, he can't bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both.

A gripping, clean romantic suspense featuring enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and high-stakes investigations set in small-town Washington, sweeping readers away on a turbulent wave of thrills and chills. Perfect for fans of forced proximity, wilderness survival, protective heroes, and justice-driven heroines.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Baker Book House / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this action-packed adventure. The excitement started right off the bat and continued to climb until the climactic ending. Facing danger from the elements and ruthless drug traffickers, and with trouble coming at the characters from all sides, this book was near impossible to put down.

I instantly liked Gideon, but it took a little while to warm up to Mackenzie. She was kinda abrasive and stubborn. But they had amazing chemistry, even when they weren’t getting along. And, I will say that I enjoyed seeing the growth Mackenzie went through. She had an amazing transformation. I really liked her by the end of the story.

This riveting suspense had lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. The characters found themselves in some seriously dire situations, many of which I had no idea how they’d get out of. If you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense, don’t hesitate to pick up a copy of this book. You’ll love it! I highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: Beastly Dreams by Gabrielle Landi

SYNOPSIS

A grumpy tavern owner, his sunshine barmaid, and the curse that traps them together.

Running his grandfather's tavern is all Roan ever wanted--though the failing budget wasn't part of the dream. But when a rogue sorcerer curses him, sending everyone into a magical sleep except Roan, his too-cheerful barmaid, and his loyal dog, his priorities shift fast: break the curse before he loses everything.

Abigail has never felt safer than she does at the Lucky Goat, despite how miserable Roan is at times, and she'll do anything to keep her found home intact. At first, an opportunity to tackle the never ending to-do list without distractions seems almost like a blessing, but the pressure of hiding her own magic--and pretending she isn't falling for her grumpy boss--is a whole different kind of trouble,.

Trapped together in the tavern, Roan and Abigail begin to discover that opposites attract...but when the magic unravels, will breaking the curse also break the spark between them?

Torn from one fairytale and trapped in another: the Displaced Fairytales series is a multi-author fairy tale retelling series of standalones from your favorite clean and closed-door young adult romance authors. BEASTLY DREAMS is Beauty and the Beast meets Sleeping Beauty with clean and wholesome forced proximity, a grumpy sunshine boss romance, and an adorable dog companion.

Amazon / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

This was a really sweet, quick read. It’s a mashup of Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast. I love those fairytales, so I was very intrigued to see them intertwined. I thought it was really well done! I really enjoyed it.

Abigail was cheerful and likable, the perfect foil to grumpy Roan. Roan wasn’t the most likable of characters, but his growth from the beginning of the story to the end was great to see. And I absolutely adored his dog Beastie.

While this book is set in Galamere, the world where the author’s other books are set, it can stand alone perfectly fine. I did enjoy seeing the cameos from characters from her previous books, but don’t worry if you haven’t read those stories yet. I highly recommend this book to fans of closed-door fairytale retellings. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Raging Waters (Elements of Danger Book #2) by Dana Mentink

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Raging Waters (Elements of Danger Book #2) by Dana Mentink. This book releases this coming Tuesday, March 3rd. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy and really enjoyed it! There was never a dull moment!

SYNOPSIS

As the dam crumbles and water sweeps across the terrain, their battle for justice and survival is just beginning.

When Mackenzie Bardine's brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing "Bullseye," the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron's best friend, Gideon Landry. On the run to the wilds of Washington to chase a recent lead, she meets none other than Gideon himself.

While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he's certainly not interested in helping her after he's already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron's fatal choices, but not for the reasons Mackenzie suspects.

As killers begin to circle Mackenzie like sharks, it's clear to Gideon she's in over her head, and in light of his troubled past with her brother, he can't bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both.

A gripping, clean romantic suspense featuring enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and high-stakes investigations set in small-town Washington, sweeping readers away on a turbulent wave of thrills and chills. Perfect for fans of forced proximity, wilderness survival, protective heroes, and justice-driven heroines.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

As he dodged a skull-splitting kick to the temple, Gideon Landry wondered if this side hustle was going to pan out.

Friday 56

Mackenzie darted a look at the sky, but Gideon was already pulling her toward the shrubs as a helicopter rumbled through the clouds.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Long Trail Home (Wagon Train Matches Book 9) by Lacy Williams

About the Book

All roads lead home in the dramatic conclusion to one family’s journey of love, sacrifice, and survival.

Since the moment he saw her, Coop Spencer has been single-minded in his quest to protect Belle. She’s running from something—someone—and he’s never met anyone so scared. When the wagon master forces an ultimatum: a marriage or Belle is expelled from the wagon train, Coop makes the only choice he can. He’ll do everything in his power to prove he's the kind of man she can trust. But overcoming the mistakes of his past may prove too much...

Belle knows that the danger she escaped is still out there, still hunting her. Experience has taught her that she can't rely on anyone, not even the man who promised their marriage was in name only.

As they traverse the Oregon Trail together, Belle is taken in by Coop’s big family, and the more time she spends with her temporary husband and his siblings, the more she starts to long for something she'd forgotten ages ago: home.

When danger closes in, one of them must sacrifice everything for love...

• Forced marriage of convenience
• Redemption
• Family saga
• Heroine with a dark past/sworn off men

Amazon / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

This was a really sweet story and a great conclusion to this series. I don’t read many marriage of convenience stories, nor many westerns, but that needs to change! I really enjoyed this!

I really felt for Belle. She’d been through a lot. There was a lot of trauma in her past, to say the least. But I loved seeing her growth, and I loved seeing her learn to trust. I liked Coop a lot. I loved how protective and kind he was to Belle.

This was an exciting read. There were high stakes and danger and a swoony romance, to boot. Even though this is the conclusion to the series, it can still stand alone. Although it would be helpful to start at the beginning to understand the characters and their circumstances a little better. If you’re a fan of faith-filled historical romances, check it out. I think you’ll really enjoy it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Over the Edge (Summer Rangers Book 1) by Susan May Warren & Tari Faris

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Over the Edge (Summer Rangers Book 1) by Susan May Warren & Tari Faris releasing April 28. 

About the Book

When a woman running from the mob meets a ranger haunted by his past, the Grand Canyon's dangers might be the least of their troubles.

Tech-savvy hacker Nimue Hart has mastered the art of staying invisible, living off-grid in her Airstream and hiding from the Russian mob who want her silenced. But when a rescue mission forces her into the spotlight, her carefully constructed world begins to crumble.

Grand Canyon Backcountry Ranger Liam Kingsley buried his heart in the Swiss Alps a year ago after a tragic climbing accident. Now he keeps tourists safe and his emotions locked away—until a mysterious woman with secrets of her own makes him question everything he thought he knew about safety.

As their worlds collide, Nimue and Liam must navigate more than just the treacherous canyon trails. With mobsters closing in, a dangerous treasure unearthed, and lives hanging in the balance during a catastrophic flash flood, their growing trust in each other might be their only lifeline. But when Nimue's past catches up with them at the canyon's edge, Liam faces his worst nightmare all over again—this time with a woman he can't bear to lose.

Perfect for readers who love their romance with a shot of adrenaline, OVER THE EDGE delivers heart-pounding action, breathtaking rescues, and the sizzling chemistry between a protective ranger and a brilliant woman on the run.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?