Can't Wait Wednesday: The Fabrication of Eden Pruitt (The Eden Pruitt #1) by K.E. Ganshert

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 The Fabrication of Eden Pruitt (The Eden Pruitt #1) by K.E. Ganshert releasing June 14.

About the Book

Studious and principled Eden Pruitt stepped out of line just once. Unfortunately, that reckless decision ended with an arrest, a mug shot, and two very concerned parents. Now they’re starting over. In Iowa, of all places. On the cusp of her senior year, of all times. The situation is less than ideal but she’ll just have to manage, and without complaint. The change of address was her fault after all, and she isn’t going to make anything harder on her parents, who have already been through enough.

But life in Iowa turns strange fast. Odd things are happening, and Eden has no idea what any of it means. Then she comes home from her first day of school to a ransacked house and the nightmare officially begins. Her parents are missing. She’s convinced something terrible has happened to them. But nobody believes her. Except for a hardened, mysterious stranger who is as dangerous as he is enticing.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Spilled Milk (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery #4) by Heather Day Gilbert

About the Book

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

The fall flea market has arrived in Macy's small mountain town, and she's taking a day off work to check out the local wares. As she and her Great Dane, Coal, wander through the booths, Macy's more than a little taken aback to discover that her enigmatic tattooed barista, Kylie, is selling antique weapons at the event.

She's even more shocked when Coal sniffs out a dead body...and the man appears to have been struck down by one of Kylie's swords.

As rumors begin to circulate, the Barks & Beans Cafe also takes a hit. Customers are reluctant to order their mochas from a murderess. Macy stands by her employee, but even she believes there's a whole lot more to Kylie's history than the woman lets on. To make matters worse, Macy's brother Bo is out of the country, leaving the cafe's future in her hands.

And then her ex-husband Jake shows up, begging to make amends.

With the past rearing its ugly head, Macy has to ignore Jake's distractions, appease the angst of her nervous customers, and convince Kylie to trust her, all before an elusive killer strikes again.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I started reading this immediately after finishing the previous book. I rarely do that. I usually need to switch up genres after every book, but I can't get enough of this series. I kinda wish I could live in these books, lol. The characters, the dogs, the whole atmosphere is just so great! Plus, it's so much fun trying to solve the mysteries right alongside Macy.

This story's intriguing mystery found Kylie, one of the Barks & Beans employees, as the prime suspect. And I've gotta say, I was so surprised by the reveal. I really enjoyed getting to know Kylie better too. She's been pretty closed off, so it was nice to see her open up some more.

I did miss Bo in this book. For the majority of the time, he's off tending to something else. Something very important, but I did miss him, all the same. Other than that, this was another fantastic addition to the series and I'm looking forward to checking out the next book.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Love in the Squared Circle by Heather Greer

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Love in the Squared Circle by Heather Greer. This was a really sweet romance. I hadn't read a fiction book that featured pro wrestling before, so I loved that. I've been a wrestling fan since high school, so that was a lot of fun.

About the Book

Trinity Knight is not a fan of professional wrestling. But with her husband gone, it falls to her to give their son the father-son trip they daydreamed about when he was alive. After Trinity causes them to miss a meet and greet with Jay’s favorite wrestler, a random act of kindness saves the trip and starts Trinity on an unexpected path.

Universal Wrestling Organization Champion Blane Sterling hears whiny children at photo ops all the time. However, overhearing a young boy comfort his mother piques his interest. Touched by their story, Blane works with the UWO Public Relations team to give Jay the experience of a lifetime.

As they learn each other’s stories, Trinity and Blane are drawn to each other. But they don’t just come from different states. They live in different worlds. Trinity might learn to fit into his life, but can those in her world look beyond Blane’s profession to see his heart? Or will a lack of acceptance cause Trinity and Blane to lose their shot at love?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

"Please be there. Please be there," Trinity Knight begged under her breath as she fought through the throng of people exiting the conference room. As Jay's small hand slipped from hers, she tightened her grasp and kept moving. She wouldn't take the chance of getting separated from her eight-year-old son.

Friday 56

Trinity wanted to relieve the tension emanating from the other end of the phone call, but she knew she had to stand her ground.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Fatal Code (The SNAP Agency #2) by Natalie Walters

About the Book

In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those five scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession--and a target on her back.

SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she's his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.

As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. When Elinor learns he has been spying on her, she's crushed. But with danger closing in on all sides, she'll have to trust him to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands.

Natalie Walters sucks you into the global race for space domination in this perfectly paced second installment of her SNAP Agency romantic suspense series.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was so good! I loved it even more than the first one and that one was excellent. Kekoa was my favorite character, so I loved getting to know him better in this story. I really enjoyed all the Hawaiian culture. So cool!

This was such a well-balanced story. It felt like it had everything I love jam packed into it. There was lots of suspense and tension, a swoony romance, quite a few hilarious laugh-out-loud moments, and some emotional instances, too. There are ciphers, codes, and a mystery surrounding work done at Los Alamos National Laboratory. To say I was hooked is a vast understatement. I loved it so much!

The whole SNAP team is great and I've really enjoyed my time spent with them. I can't wait for Lyla and Garcia's story next! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.

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

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Among the Innocent by Mary Alford

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 Among the Innocent by Mary Alford releasing June 7.

About the Book

When Leah Miller's entire Amish family was murdered ten years ago, the person believed responsible took his own life. Since then, Leah left the Amish and joined the police force. Now, after another Amish woman is found murdered with the same MO, it becomes clear that the wrong man may have been blamed for her family's deaths.

As Leah and the new police chief, Dalton Cooper, work long hours struggling to fit the pieces together in order to catch the killer, they can't help but grow closer. When secrets from both of their pasts begin to surface, an unexpected connection between them is revealed. But this is only the beginning. Could it be that the former police chief framed an innocent man to keep the biggest secret of all buried? And what will it mean for Leah--and Dalton--when the full truth comes to light?

USA Today bestselling author Mary Alford keeps you guessing as two determined souls plumb the dark depths of the past in order to forge a brighter future--together.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Fair Trade (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery #3) by Heather Day Gilbert

About the Book

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

With the one-year anniversary of the now-successful Barks & Beans Cafe approaching, siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield set up an iced coffee booth at the state fair. Taking a break from brewing, Macy bumps into Carolina, a long-lost childhood friend who's now sitting pretty as a country superstar. Macy tries not to fangirl too hard when her old friend extends an invitation to meet the rest of the Carolina Crush band before their opening show.

But when Carolina falls victim to not one, but two near-death experiences, Macy takes it upon herself to find out who has it in for her old friend. Fortified with plenty of roasted corn, cinnamon rolls, and her brother's signature iced maple latte, Macy takes to the Ferris wheel to get the lay of the land from the air. She discovers too late that this year's fair isn't all fun and games...but she's already locked in for the ride.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

Amazon / Goodreads

(Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting.)

MY THOUGHTS

I'm loving this series so much! Each book just gets better, and this is my favorite one yet. I loved the state fair atmosphere. It was so much fun! And I really enjoyed getting a little peek behind the scenes of a country music star. I was also really excited to see Waffles again. I was wondering what she was up to, so it was great watching her wreak more havoc.

This was very fast paced. If I hadn't been having A/C issues, I know I would've finished it in one afternoon. The mystery was a good one. While I had a slight suspicion about what was going on, I was never a hundred percent sure. I can't recommend this series highly enough. I'm starting the next book straightaway. I can't get enough!

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Fatal Code (The SNAP Agency #2) by Natalie Walters

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Fatal Code (The SNAP Agency #2) by Natalie Walters. I've already finished this and absolutely loved it. Kekoa is awesome!

About the Book

In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those five scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession--and a target on her back.

SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she's his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.

As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. When Elinor learns he has been spying on her, she's crushed. But with danger closing in on all sides, she'll have to trust him to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands.

Natalie Walters sucks you into the global race for space domination in this perfectly paced second installment of her SNAP Agency romantic suspense series.

Book Beginnings / Friday 56

Maple Valley, IA

"Death has no sting."

Friday 56

The old man eyed him, suspicion edging every line on his face. "Katie would've told me if someone new was coming."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Give Your Heart to the Barrow (Bluebeard's Secret #3) by Sarah K.L. Wilson

About the Book

A LOSS UNBEARABLE. A DESPERATE PLAN. A WOMAN DETERMINED NOT TO LOSE.

GIVE YOUR HEART TO THE BARROW is the third book in the Bluebeard's Secret series following the eerie and romantic story of DANCE WITH THE SWORD.

Alone and with her hopes dragged to the bottom of the sea, along with the husband she just realized she loves, Izolda finds herself in the mortal world as princess and counselor to her brother Svetgin, now king of Pensmoore.

But Izolda is not the practical girl she once was who would have been happy for a home and a place. Instead, she's willing to make any bargain and offer any sacrifice if it will just get her back into the Wittenhame with a chance to win back the life of the man she loves, the man she once feared, the man destined to change everything - Bluebeard.

Can Izolda out-bargain the bargainers, out-trick the tricksters, and out-dare everyone else in her desperate bid to get back everything she's lost?

Warning: There are four books in this dark romantic fantasy series. Read at your own risk.

Amazon / Goodreads

(Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting.)

MY THOUGHTS

I was fully prepared to love this third installment of the Bluebeard's Legacy series as much as the first two, but for some reason, I just didn't. It felt like it was taking forever to get to the point. There were a lot of flowery descriptions which really slowed the pace in the first half. And, I hate to say it, but it felt longer than necessary. There were a lot of words and not much happening. Things started to pick up in the last 25% of the book, but by that time, I was already kinda over it. Which is a shame because I absolutely loved the first two books. I kinda became a little obsessed with the world and characters. But I felt like most of the characters had changed so much that they were almost unrecognizable to the ones I initially fell in love with. All except Grosbeak. He's always been a royal pain, but hilarious all the same.

Did the first two books have these problems? I can't remember, and if they did, I guess it didn't bother me, so it just might be my mood this go-around. I don't know. I'm a little unsure if I'll finish this series when the final book comes out later this year. And I'm sad about that, but it is what it is. I guess I'll see how I feel when it gets closer to release. Also, fair warning, each one of these books ends in a gigantic cliffhanger.

(Sorry for rambling so much. I always struggle writing negative reviews.)

2.5 STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Elysium Tide by James R. Hannibal

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 Elysium Tide by James R. Hannibal releasing June 7.

About the Book (From Amazon)

Dr. Peter Chesterfield is one of the Royal London Hospital's top neurosurgeons. He is also a workaholic, ordered by his boss to take a week off to attend a medical symposium at the luxurious Elysium Grand on the island of Maui. While there, Peter pulls a woman with a skull fracture from the water. Though he is able to revive her in the ambulance, she eventually dies in his arms, leaving him with only one clue to what happened to her: the word "honu."

Increasingly obsessed with discovering the cause of his patient's death, Peter becomes entangled in an ongoing investigation of a brazen luxury auto theft. He also becomes a source of deep irritation to detective Lisa Kealoha, who has jurisdiction over the case.
But when the two join forces, they begin to uncover a destructive plot that runs far deeper than either of them could have imagined. And if they're not careful, they're both going to end up dead.

Award-winning author James R. Hannibal whisks you away to the deadly beauty of Hawaii for a story of greed, violence, and justice that will leave you breathless.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: What Darkness Fears: An Anthology

About the Book

LIGHT DAWNS IN DARKNESS

Even in the darkest night, there is hope. This collection of stories and poems portrays light in the darkness. Multiple authors in various genres take you on a journey from shadow to sunrise, from despair to hope.

Within these pages, you’ll discover a ghost wandering the woodlands, a young man on an adventure choosing the worst sort of companion, a writer facing her own phantasmic characters, a bickering couple beset by a dubious hitchhiker in the middle of the desert, a woman fighting an ominous monster on the high seas, a Headless Henwoman carrying souls to their afterlife, the god of mischief visiting the underworld, and other tales to stir your spirit. So, keep the light on if you wish, but these stories are sure to shine bright enough on their own.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was such a great anthology. It features short stories and poems from many different authors, some I was familiar with, but most were new to me. These tales ranged from terrifying to hilarious, but they all followed the same theme. Each story or poem showed that no matter what, the Light can break through even the deepest darknesses.

I'm happy to say that there wasn't a bad story in this bunch. With anthologies like this, there's usually an equal amount of hit or miss for me. Not here. I genuinely enjoyed them all. Some of my favorites were The Headless Henwoman and the Kissing Curse by Kristiana Sfirlea, Trickster Rising by Savannah Jezowski, The Guardian of Maelstrom by Maseeha Seedat, Nightfall by D.A. Randall, and The Night Walkers by Emily Barnett. But really, like I said, every story and poem here was great.

If you're looking for a collection of spooky stories filled with hope, this is a must read. Perfect for Halloween!

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Give Your Heart to the Barrow (Bluebeard's Secret #3) by Sarah K.L. Wilson

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Give Your Heart to the Barrow (Bluebeard's Secret #3) by Sarah K.L. Wilson. 

About the Book (From Amazon)

A LOSS UNBEARABLE. A DESPERATE PLAN. A WOMAN DETERMINED NOT TO LOSE.

GIVE YOUR HEART TO THE BARROW is the third book in the Bluebeard's Secret series following the eerie and romantic story of DANCE WITH THE SWORD.

Alone and with her hopes dragged to the bottom of the sea, along with the husband she just realized she loves, Izolda finds herself in the mortal world as princess and counselor to her brother Svetgin, now king of Pensmoore.

But Izolda is not the practical girl she once was who would have been happy for a home and a place. Instead, she's willing to make any bargain and offer any sacrifice if it will just get her back into the Wittenhame with a chance to win back the life of the man she loves, the man she once feared, the man destined to change everything - Bluebeard.

Can Izolda out-bargain the bargainers, out-trick the tricksters, and out-dare everyone else in her desperate bid to get back everything she's lost?

Warning: There are four books in this dark romantic fantasy series. Read at your own risk.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

The Law of Greeting stole me away. The machinations of man brought me back, torn from the Wittenhame and dragged - ragged and bloody - back to the washed-out world of mortals. 

Friday 56

"Speak to my riddle, wife. What keeps the foe at bay and the fool from trying his luck? What precaution ends a fight before it begins?"

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Iced Over (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery #2) by Heather Day Gilbert

About the Book

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

Black Friday turns fatal when an armored security truck hits an icy patch and runs over an embankment near the cafe. With one driver dead and the other in a coma, police are baffled by the discovery that $500,000 is missing from the truck's cache.

When strangers show up at Barks & Beans asking nosy questions about a young cafe employee, Macy's mama bear instincts kick in. She can't ignore what her gut is telling her—that things aren't all they seem on the surface—and with a little help from her brother, Bo, and her Great Dane, Coal, Macy follows up on a few leads of her own. But if the ruthless thief beats her to the stash, the thin ice she's been skating on might just crack.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

Amazon / Goodreads

(Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting)

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed visiting Macy, Bo, and Coal again, and solving another mystery alongside them. I loved the first book, so I was eager to read this sequel. It was just as good as its predecessor.

I loved seeing Macy's caring nature towards her employees. It was nice to read about a boss who actually cares and goes the extra mile for their staff. I was also happy to get to know Titan a little better. I really like him. Plus, I find it so funny that Macy is a Hatfield and Titan is a McCoy.

Coal's such a lovable doggie. So protective and sweet. And I've gotta say, I LOVED Waffles. What a hilarious, crazy, and endearing dog! She reminded me of a combination of a couple of my dogs. Such a troublemaker, but so adorable.

The mystery kept me guessing until the reveal. I was shocked with how things turned out. I didn't see that coming at all. I love being surprised like that.

If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this series. It's so much fun! I'm very much looking forward to checking out book three.

4.5 STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Sunburst (Sky King Ranch #2) by Susan May Warren

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 Sunburst (Sky King Ranch #2) by Susan May Warren releasing June 7.

About the Book

When former Navy Seal and lifelong bachelor Ranger Kingston is called upon to take part in a rescue mission to save his brother Colt, who has been kidnapped by terrorists in Nigeria, he is shocked to find among the hostages a woman he knows and could never forget.

Noemi Sutton was attempting to return a young girl to her family in Boko Haram territory when she and the girl found themselves taken hostage, along with several others.

And while Ranger Kingston may be able to get the hostages away from their captors, he'll need Noemi's help if he ever hopes to get out of Nigeria alive.

Her solution? Pose as husband and wife. But when her uncle discovers the union, he insists on a traditional Nigerian wedding--binding Noemi to a man destined to break her heart. Worse, she's discovered the real reason she was kidnapped, and anyone around her is bound to be caught in the cross fire. Including her so-called new husband.

She'll need to figure out a way to leave the man she loves if she wants to save his life.

USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren throws you into the thick of the action in this high-stakes, globe-trotting romance.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Cold Clay (Shady Hollow #2) by Juneau Black

About the Book (From Goodreads)

The past won’t stay buried…

Deep in the forest is a place where woodland creatures live together in harmony. Moose and mice, owls and bears, and many more call Shady Hollow home.

When autumn comes to the village, thoughts turn to harvest time and the glorious feasts ahead. But in a far corner of Cold Clay Orchards, a rabbit reaps a more grisly crop: the bones of a moose.

Soon enough, the owner of Joe’s Mug is dragged out of his coffeeshop to the police station to answer questions about the long-ago night his wife disappeared. Joe always said she walked out, but now it looks more like murder.

Foxy reporter Vera Vixen can’t believe gentle Joe is a killer. She sets out to find the truth before Shady Hollow loses its favorite coffee-slinger. To get to the bottom of the matter, she has to dig into the past, and into the many secrets her neighbors would rather leave buried forever…

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This is such a fun series. Shady Hollow is a charming place filled with wonderful, vibrant characters. I didn't enjoy this story quite as much as the first one. For some reason, that tends to happen to me with sequels. I guess my expectations are always just a little off. That's not to say this was a bad book, though. I had a lot of fun with it. I just felt like it was missing some of that special and enchanting spark from the first one.

In the first book, I wondered what the deal was with Joe's wife. Where was she? What made her leave? Well, come to find out, she was murdered! Joe's looking like the prime suspect, but this gentle giant couldn't possibly be capable of such violence, could he? I did figure out the killer pretty early on, but the motive remained elusive for quite some time.

I'll definitely be checking out the next book. I'm invested in these characters' lives and am curious about what crime will pop up next. I recommend this series to people looking for a slower paced, whimsical mystery.

3.5 STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Iced Over (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery #2) by Heather Day Gilbert

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Iced Over (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery #2) by Heather Day Gilbert. I can't get enough of this series. I'm loving it!

About the Book

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

Black Friday turns fatal when an armored security truck hits an icy patch and runs over an embankment near the cafe. With one driver dead and the other in a coma, police are baffled by the discovery that $500,000 is missing from the truck's cache.

When strangers show up at Barks & Beans asking nosy questions about a young cafe employee, Macy's mama bear instincts kick in. She can't ignore what her gut is telling her—that things aren't all they seem on the surface—and with a little help from her brother, Bo, and her Great Dane, Coal, Macy follows up on a few leads of her own. But if the ruthless thief beats her to the stash, the thin ice she's been skating on might just crack.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

If ever there were a perfect anchor for our Thanksgiving table, it was Great Aunt Athaleen's blue Carnival glass bowl. Cradling its weighty base, I carefully set it on the runner I'd smoothed out earlier. Thanksgiving this year would be so different with Auntie A gone, but I took a moment to be grateful my brother Boaz and I would be celebrating it here in the family home.

Friday 56

It didn't take long for Waffles to live down to Summer's low expectations. After spending one blissful hour playing contentedly with the ball, she became aware that people were coming into the cafe - lots of people. She began yipping and jumping higher than the divider wall, trying to get the cafe customers' attention. If there were an award for doggie high jump, she would've earned it.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Willow (The Metcalfes #2) by Ronie Kendig

About the Book

To save her, he must become the evil he fights.

Aftercare specialist Willow Metcalfe joined Mission: Liberate Everyone to help trafficking survivors navigate the healing process. When MiLE’s Obiora Compound is attacked by the Nigerian mafia, she’s taken hostage. Against nightmarish odds, she and the victims attempt an escape—and are thwarted.

A decade after leaving his beloved homeland, Chijioke “Chiji” Okorie returns to find his sister and fight for his own country. Believing a global trafficking ring behind her abduction and a string of kidnappings across Nigeria, he goes undercover to find the head of the serpent and his sister. Chiji is stunned to discover among the hostages a familiar face—a friend’s sister, Willow. The woman he vowed years ago to marry.

The man who has interfered with her escape attempts seems … familiar, kind—but Willow knows better. He reeks of the warrior ethos that has devoured many a good man. Engaged in an impossible battle and losing at every turn, Chiji is determined to complete his missions—all of them. Even if it kills him.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Wow! This wasn't the easiest read. It deals with some hard topics and really broke my heart. Tears were flowing quite heavily at times. Though, I really appreciate the fact that author Ronie Kendig is shining a much needed light on the horrors of human trafficking.

I will admit this was, at times, incredibly painful to read. While there was never any graphic details, things weren't sugarcoated. There was one moment where I didn't know if I could finish this story. The absolute evil that occurred was just unspeakable. And to think, to know, that this is actually happening all around the world? Heartbreaking isn't a strong enough word. But despite the heaviness and tragedy, this story is one that needs to be told. Needs to be read.

This story will leave a lasting impact. I know I'll be thinking about it for a long time to come.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

GIVEAWAY: ENTER ON INSTAGRAM (1) winner will receive a copy of Stone and Willow, O.U.R. Freedom Flag tee, and O.U.R. drawstring backpack. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on May 11, 2022.) 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Vivid (The Color Theory Book 1) by Ashley Bustamante

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 Vivid (The Color Theory Book 1) by Ashley Bustamante releasing May 17.

About the Book

DANGER LURKS BEHIND EVERY COLOR

Ava Locke dives into the mysteries of forbidden Yellow magic and discovers a dark path filled with secrets and injustice.

When Ava Locke was five years old, she began a journey to join the Benefactors—the leaders of the magical continent of Magus. Twelve years later, she unwittingly started down the road to betray them.

On Magus where colors fuel magical abilities, yellow is banned in an effort to protect people from its mind-controlling capabilities. When a rogue Yellow magic-user named Elm escapes imprisonment Ava becomes innocently fascinated with his story. Once this mysterious Elm shows up at her school, Ava pushes her interest to the next level by helping him evade the Benefactors. Ava grows increasingly conflicted as her intrigue leads her down a dark road of secrets about her world. As she learns more about Yellow magic’s potential to control its victims, Ava now must question whether her rash decisions are all her own or if someone else is pulling the strings.

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Review: The Bone Bride: A Raven King Short Story by Merrie Destefano

About the Book
A high-born girl learns she’s been sold as a bride to a dead goblin prince.

Being betrothed to a goblin prince is bad enough—they’re all ugly and horrid and live in dark tunnels underground. But being betrothed to a dead goblin prince? That’s an immediate death sentence!

Nineteen-year-old Rowan attempts to flee when she learns about her arranged marriage. But there’s no escaping a contract signed by the dreaded Goblin King.

Now, all the dark magic in the Realm is against her. The gruesome King of Death himself will be looking for her soon.

Rowan’s only hope is to convince the fair Nicholas—the boy she planned to run away with—to destroy her marriage contract. But it must be done before the sun rises.

And already, the sky is brightening with light.

This enemies-to-lovers 30-minute short read is set in the same world as the upcoming RAVEN HEART series.

Amazon

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved this story! I was just going to read for a few minutes before bed, but I couldn't put it down. I had to finish it. This quick read had me fully engaged. I loved the eerie vibe and beautiful, vivid writing style that made everything come to life. I slipped into this world and, despite the haunting atmosphere, didn't want to leave. Seriously, the world building was spectacular. I never knew what to expect next. I loved the surprise of it all, the unpredictability of what was gonna happen next. If you enjoy dark fantasy, you're sure to love this story. I highly recommend it!

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

FIVE STARS

Review: Written on the Wind (The Blackstone Legacy #2) by Elizabeth Camden

About the Book

He carries a dangerous secret, but can he survive long enough to expose it?

Count Dimitri Sokolov has been charged with overseeing construction of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, but during this work, he witnesses an appalling crime, the truth of which threatens the Russian monarchy. In an effort to silence him, the czar has stripped Dimitri of his title, his lands, and his freedom . . . but Dimitri has one asset the czar knows nothing about: his deep and abiding friendship with Natalia Blackstone.

Natalia is the lead analyst for her father's New York banking empire and manages their investment in the Trans-Siberian Railway. Her bond with Dimitri has flourished despite the miles between them, but when Dimitri goes unexpectedly missing, she sets the wheels in motion to find him. Once they join forces, they embark on a dangerous quest in which one wrong move could destroy them both.

From the steppes of Russia to the corridors of power in Washington, Dimitri and Natalia will fight against all odds to save the railroad while exposing the truth. Can their newfound love survive the ordeal?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Written on the Wind was another epic historical romance from Elizabeth Camden. It's the sequel to Carved in Stone, but could easily be read as a standalone. It follows Natalia Blackstone, who's helping fund the Trans-Siberian Railway while working at her father's bank, and Count Dimitri Sokolov, who's been stripped of everything for just trying to do the right thing.

I loved Dimitri from the very beginning, just from Natalia's correspondence with him. But when we actually met him? Oh man, swoon alert! I fell hard for him. You could tell right off the bat that he was a man of stand up character with tons of grit, determination, and courage. He was also hilarious, and a bit of a snob, but an absolutely charming one, nonetheless. His and Natalia's banter was one of my favorite parts of the book. They were so good together!

Like I always say with an Elizabeth Camden novel, the history was fascinating. I didn't know a whole lot about the Boxer Rebellion or the Trans-Siberian Railway beforehand, so I really enjoyed learning more about that.

All in all, this was a wonderful read that I enjoyed a great deal. If you're a fan of historical romance, pick up a copy of this book. You won't be disappointed.

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS