Review: Fangs, Fate, & Mondays (The AzRIO Files Book 1) by Hayley Reese Chow

SYNOPSIS
In Azalea Springs, a family curse just means more paperwork.

After her best friend was murdered, Dessa Blue McKinney swore she’d never return to the paranormal town of Azalea Springs. But after she walks in on her fiancé cheating with her business partner, she has nowhere else to go but home. Desperate for a distraction, she agrees to fill in at her uncle’s Paranormal Intermediary Office until she decides what to do with her life. But when the new intern is the handsome golden boy of the most notorious family in town and her dead friend’s sister goes missing, old secrets bubble to the surface, and the past may not be so willing to let her go.


Meanwhile, perpetual screw-up, Jamison Kane, is reeling from his role as the primary suspect in a triple homicide and the brand-new bearer of a family curse. When Dessa’s uncle offers him an internship to search for a cure, he reluctantly agrees—and totally not because Dessa was his high school crush. The job description? Keep the werewolves and vampires from tearing each other’s throats out, solve the missing persons case, and don’t fall in love with Dessa McKinney.

It definitely sounds like a Monday, but at least in this office, the coffee really is magical.

Fangs, Fate, and Mondays is a fantastical paranormal mystery that feels like a magical version of The Office meets Supernatural meets Veronica Mars, with a romance that is authentically slow burn!

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was a really fun urban fantasy. It was my first time reading anything by this author, but it won’t be my last. I’m really looking forward to reading more of her books. While this was a little slow in the beginning, it wasn’t long before things picked up and I became completely invested in the story. I didn’t want it to end!

I loved the paranormal town of Azalea Springs. It was really cool seeing all the different supernatural creatures live and work together. And speaking of work, I loved the AzRIO office. What a cool concept!

I really liked Dessa and Jamison. They were former classmates and had a bit of a rough reintroduction, but I enjoyed seeing them work together, learn to trust one another, and become friends (with the possibility for more later on down the line, maybe).

I enjoyed learning about the paranormal world alongside Jamison. I was very curious about his curse. I’m hoping that will be explored more in future books.

I can’t say enough good things about Fangs, Fate, & Mondays. I highly, highly recommend it and can’t wait for the next installment!

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

FIVE STARS

Review: Achilles (Discarded Heroes: Scions Book 3) by Ronie Kendig

SYNOPSIS

She needs his skills to survive. He needs her secrets to uncover the truth.

For two years, Dillon Jacobs has refused to accept his father's death. He's chased every lead across multiple continents—burning bridges and risking everything to prove Max Jacobs is still alive.

Cove Galtieri is fighting her own impossible battle. Desperate to clear her father's name of corruption charges that threaten to destroy their family legacy, she's gathering evidence to prove the man who raised her isn’t the monster the world claims.

After Dillon's hunt intersects their paths in Paris, their worlds soon collide again in gunfire and chaos at the Galtieri estate in Italy. But that collision becomes a revelation: Dillon's missing father and Cove's accused father were photographed together in Yemen. The evidence Cove has been gathering contains clues Dillon desperately needs.

Two quests. One conspiracy. A partnership forged in fire.

Every ally could be an enemy. Every clue could be a trap. Racing across international borders—from Italian vineyards to Greek islands to the dangerous ports of Yemen—Dillon and Cove must navigate a deadly game where trust is a luxury they can't afford and love might be the most dangerous weapon of all.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Y’all! Achilles was fantastic! It was one of my mostly highly anticipated reads of the year. I’ve been very eager to find out what was going on with Dillon and if his dad really was still alive. This book exceeded all of my very high expectations. It was a constant thrill ride from start to finish.

I really liked Dillon and Cove. They had amazing chemistry and made a great team. I enjoyed seeing them learn to trust each other while working together.

There were so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. There were quite a few intense moments where I caught myself holding my breath. I didn’t know how they were going to get out of the predicaments they were in.

I loved this book so much and highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys heart-pounding romantic suspense. Even though it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. I look forward to whatever Ronie Kendig writes next!

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

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Achilles (Discarded Heroes: Scions Book 3) by Ronie Kendig

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 Achilles (Discarded Heroes: Scions Book 3) by Ronie Kendig. Our internet was out for a couple of days earlier this week, so it feels like I'm still catching up on things. But I should have my review up for Achilles tomorrow. 

SYNOPSIS

She needs his skills to survive. He needs her secrets to uncover the truth.

For two years, Dillon Jacobs has refused to accept his father's death. He's chased every lead across multiple continents—burning bridges and risking everything to prove Max Jacobs is still alive.

Cove Galtieri is fighting her own impossible battle. Desperate to clear her father's name of corruption charges that threaten to destroy their family legacy, she's gathering evidence to prove the man who raised her isn’t the monster the world claims.

After Dillon's hunt intersects their paths in Paris, their worlds soon collide again in gunfire and chaos at the Galtieri estate in Italy. But that collision becomes a revelation: Dillon's missing father and Cove's accused father were photographed together in Yemen. The evidence Cove has been gathering contains clues Dillon desperately needs.

Two quests. One conspiracy. A partnership forged in fire.

Every ally could be an enemy. Every clue could be a trap. Racing across international borders—from Italian vineyards to Greek islands to the dangerous ports of Yemen—Dillon and Cove must navigate a deadly game where trust is a luxury they can't afford and love might be the most dangerous weapon of all.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Paris, France

"Arrêtez, Police!"

Friday 56

Her heart felt like a battering ram as he sat next to her. 

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: To Dance with a Duke (Dollar Princess Series: Five Gilded Age Stories Inspired by Movie Musicals Book 2) by Gabrielle Meyer

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 To Dance with a Duke (Dollar Princess Series: Five Gilded Age Stories Inspired by Movie Musicals Book 2) by Gabrielle Meyer releasing June 9.

SYNOPSIS

For those who love The Gilded Age and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

In 1884, Ames Welby, the Duke of Severton, is desperate. His ancestral home is falling apart, his tenant farmers are starving, and his family name is tainted by a mysterious scandal that keeps people away. With no fortune and no time, he does the unthinkable—marries for money. But Lily Parker, the American heiress he weds in haste, is no pampered socialite. She’s practical, passionate, and has a plan to restore Pickering Castle—and the reputation of the five reclusive Welby brothers.

Inspired by her love of matchmaking and her longing for connection, Lily invites four eligible young women to a summer house party, hoping to spark romance and rebuild the family’s future. What follows is a whirlwind of mischief, mismatched couples, and unexpected love. But when Lily’s belief in true love clashes with Ames’s fear of family curses and social ruin, their fragile marriage is put to the ultimate test.

As storms rage and secrets unravel, Ames must decide: will he fight for legacy—or for the woman who’s taught him that love is the most daring risk of all?

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: A Refuge in Montana (Three Sisters Rescue Farm) by Allie Pleiter

SYNOPSIS

In Big Sky Country,
Sometimes forgiveness takes the most courage…

For her son’s sake, widowed veterinarian Vicky Siden works hard to pretend all is well. But the arrival of game warden Nick Youngston at her family’s animal rescue—with a horse and donkey in tow—changes everything. With three-year-old Taylor eager to help Nick rehab Buddy and Dunk, Vicky can’t avoid her late husband’s best friend, who she’s always blamed for his death. Nor can Nick avoid the real reason he’s in town. As old wounds resurface and feelings spark to life, facing the truth could keep them apart—or lead to an unexpected second opportunity at love.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

“Of all the unpleasant, unwanted surprises in Vicky Siden’s life, few topped the sight of the man standing in front of her.”

This was a really sweet and heartwarming story of grief, hope, and forgiveness.

There was a lot of history and hurt between Vicky and Nick. He was her husband’s best friend, and she blames him for his death. When he brings a neglected donkey and horse to the Three Sisters Rescue Farm for some rehabilitation, they have a chance to hash things out. I was really rooting for them to work things out.

Vicky’s son Taylor was adorable. And I loved Dunk the donkey and Buddy the horse. I liked seeing Taylor’s sweet relationship with the animals.

I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet and inspiring contemporary romance. Even though it’s part of a series, it stands alone perfectly fine.

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

FOUR STARS

Review: Scent of Peril (National Park Protectors Book 3) by Darlene L. Turner

SYNOPSIS

An innocent witness taken…
A K-9 in hot pursuit.

Dispatched with her K-9 partner, Shadow, to locate an abducted boy, Constable Taylor Grant finds herself ambushed in the wilderness along with Wyatt Hoyt, the child’s father. As Taylor and Wyatt relentlessly pursue the kidnappers and follow the little boy’s cryptic clues through treacherous terrain, they face persistent attacks and lethal traps. Each step closer to rescuing young Levi uncovers a deadly conspiracy tied to Wyatt’s past and a weapons-smuggling ring. With time running out, can they outwit a ruthless mastermind to save Levi before it’s too late?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I loved this action-packed romantic suspense! There was hardly a dull moment. The danger kept intensifying, which made this book impossible to put down. I flew through the pages.

I really liked Taylor and Wyatt. They were exes, but I liked how they were able to come together to find and protect his son. There were still obvious feelings between the two. They had amazing chemistry despite the tense circumstances. Shadow, Taylor’s K-9, was awesome, and Wyatt’s son Levi was adorable.

I had a pit in my stomach for parts of this book. There were many times I forgot this was a fictional book. It felt so real that I found myself praying for these characters.

I loved the strong message of faith to let go, surrender, and trust God. It was really powerful. If you’re a fan of inspirational romantic suspense, don’t hesitate to grab a copy of this book. I highly recommend it! It’s fantastic!

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

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Scent of Peril (National Park Protectors Book 3) by Darlene L. Turner

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 Scent of Peril (National Park Protectors Book 3) by Darlene L. Turner. 

SYNOPSIS

An innocent witness taken…
A K-9 in hot pursuit.

Dispatched with her K-9 partner, Shadow, to locate an abducted boy, Constable Taylor Grant finds herself ambushed in the wilderness along with Wyatt Hoyt, the child’s father. As Taylor and Wyatt relentlessly pursue the kidnappers and follow the little boy’s cryptic clues through treacherous terrain, they face persistent attacks and lethal traps. Each step closer to rescuing young Levi uncovers a deadly conspiracy tied to Wyatt’s past and a weapons-smuggling ring. With time running out, can they outwit a ruthless mastermind to save Levi before it’s too late?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Silence blanketed the normally bustling wilderness of Teragoose National Park, Newfoundland. Odd.

Friday 56

Taylor extracted a butter knife from the utensil drawer with her shaky fingers and took several cleansing breaths to calm her shattered nerves.

What have you been reading lately?