Thursday, March 30, 2023

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Fraser (Minnesota Marshalls #1) by Susan May Warren

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 Fraser (Minnesota Marshalls #1) by Susan May Warren. I finally read this book and just in time because the sequel, Jonas, releases next week!

About the Book
Fraser Marshall is pretty sure his career as a Spec Ops fighter is over. Yes, he’s gone into private security, working for Jones, Inc, but his last gig ended with him wounded and taken captive. And those wounds just won’t heal. The last thing he wants to do is stick around his family’s winery pressing grapes. But what choices does he have?

The answer comes via a panicked phone call from his kid brother, Creed.

Help, Fraser. I’m in over my head…

Yeah he is, because he’s run away with a princess, with her bodyguard hot on the trail. And said bodyguard, Pippa Butler is going to hunt them down, no matter the cost.

Even if she has to join forces with a bossy, arrogant former American SEAL. But Pippa has her own set of lethal skills, and if Fraser gets in the way, she’ll leave him on the side of the road. Still, maybe he’s not a terrible side-kick. He is handsome, and he makes her laugh…

No, no, bad Pippa! She has no room for a man—an American—in her life. And Fraser hasn’t ever considered slowing down. Even if Pippa has him wondering if there is a different future ahead.

But there’s more to the story than a Romeo-and-Juliet runaway romance. Princess Imani has seen a murder, and the perpetrator isn’t going to let her get away. Will Fraser and Pippa find the couple first?

And if they do, can they work together to keep them safe?

It’ll be tough if their hearts get in the way…

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday
Fraser couldn't escape the carnage.

Friday 56
"I don't know about this, Imani." Creed sat in the back of their water taxi, the wind in his face, his hand clasped in hers - this time his move, because something just didn't feel right in his gut.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Deadly Shallows (Coastal Guardians Book #3) by Dani Pettrey

About the Book
A DEADLY ATTACK.
A STOLEN WEAPON CAPABLE OF IMMENSE DESTRUCTION.
A PAINFUL SECRET THAT THREATENS TO TEAR TWO HEARTS APART.

CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when several of his valued team members come under fire on his Coast Guard base. He and his remaining team race to the scene and end the attack, but not before innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he vows to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Stunned by the ambush, Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. The gravely wounded man whispers mysterious information to Brooke that immediately paints a target on her back.

As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect Brooke at all costs and to conceal the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be--the right man for her.

Everything is at stake as a horrifying truth emerges. . . .

The attack wasn't the end game. It was only the beginning.


MY THOUGHTS

This is my favorite book in the series. Like the previous two books, there was a lot going on, a lot of people to keep up with, and multiple mysteries to solve, but it felt easier for me to keep up with this time.

There's a mass shooting that takes place early on in the book, so that was harrowing to read about. To say things got intense is an understatement. I was racing through the pages, hoping they'd find the mastermind and motive behind the tragedy as fast as possible.

Brooke and Noah made the perfect couple. And while they were the main focus of this book, I also enjoyed the side story featuring Caleb and Austin, and the mystery they were trying to solve.

All in all, this was a fantastic romantic suspense that I highly recommend. I do suggest starting with book one though, just so you're familiar with all the characters.

4.5 STARS

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Study of Poisons by Maria V. Snyder

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 Study of Poisons by Maria V. Snyder releasing April 15. Poison Study is my all-time favorite book, so when I heard that Maria V. Snyder was writing the book from Valek's point of view, I was beyond excited! I preordered as soon as I could and am clearing my schedule to dive into it as soon as it releases. 

About the Book
Fierce, determined, dangerous. No wonder her soul called to his.

As Chief of Security of Ixia, Valek has spent the last fifteen years keeping Commander Ambrose and his citizens safe. With his complex network of spies, informers, and soldiers, it’s his job to hunt down and capture criminals, including the intriguing Yelena.

Sensing there is more to the story of why she killed a general’s son, Valek arranges for Yelena to become the Commander’s new food taster, training her in the delicate art of detecting poisons. As mysteries and a devious plot to harm the Commander unravel, Yelena’s presence becomes crucial. Will her intelligence, stubbornness, and survivor instincts be a help to Valek’s investigation, or a hinderance?

A companion novel to Poison Study, The Study of Poisons reveals Valek’s side of the story. Return to the world of Ixia and discover just how the lovely Yelena got Valek’s cold heart pumping!


What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: His Runaway Crush: A Contemporary Christian Romance (Easter in Gilead Book 3) by Heather Gray

About the Book
Can once upon a time turn into a happily ever after?

Letty Stanton might live in Gilead, but Heavenly Brew is her home. After all, home is where the heart is. Letty has spent a decade running from a past she never wanted to face and keeping at arms' length all the people who hold her close to their hearts. When a handsome stranger blows into town, though, he upsets the calm and comfortable life she's worked so hard to cultivate.

Dawson Bauer is new to small-town life. From the four-year-old who couldn't whisper if her life depended on it to the middle-aged man who only speaks in grunts and glares, Gilead is filled with quirky people who think privacy is a mythical creature. Not to mention that everybody is obsessed with Easter, and he'd be happy to never hear that word again. Then there's the enigmatic woman who runs the town's coffee shop. There's something about her...

What happens when a guy who mostly means well and a girl with mile-high walls collide? Sparks fly, secrets come to light, and everybody in Gilead has an opinion.


MY THOUGHTS

This was a really sweet read. I loved that it was set around Easter. You don't find that too often, but I was glad to see it!

Dawson, the new AV director at Gilead Bible College, doesn't like Easter, but, per the terms of his contract, he has to be part of the annual passion play. He isn't happy about it, but I appreciated the way he took it all in stride. Letty (love her name) was quiet and unassuming. She was always in the background and liked it that way. She had some secrets, and I was so curious to find out what they were!

I loved the town of Gilead. They were a tight-knit community, and I enjoyed seeing how they rallied around each other. I also loved that there was a strong message of faith throughout the entire story.

I highly recommend this book to fans of sweet and inspiring contemporary romances. And while this is book three in the series, it stands alone just fine. Each book is written by a different author and although I haven't read the other books yet, I fell so in love with the town of Gilead and all its residents that I'm eager to check them all out.

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

FOUR STARS

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Enhanced by Candace Kade

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 Enhanced by Candace Kade. I've been in the mood for a sci-fi book lately and this is exactly what I've been looking for. Lots of interesting and futuristic tech and great world building. I'm loving it.

About the Book
Lee Urban is living a lie.

In a society where everyone's DNA determines their destiny, being a Natural means automatic relegation to the gritty and dangerous Outskirts. With the harnessed power of gene-editing, the ability to create a super-human race has transformed the world and offered the opportunity of a genetically enhanced life. But only to those who can afford it.

Born a Natural, Lee Urban was adopted into the Enhanced high society of the Asian Federation and forced to conceal her genetic roots. When her dream of attending Peking University becomes a reality, she is determined to go despite a warning from a mysterious source.

Targeted by a hacker bent on exposing her true DNA, Urban faces off with an Artificial Intelligence Game that puts her—and her lies—to the test. What was supposed to be a dream come true turns into a lethal gamble of hide-and-seek with her genetics. Can Urban continue the act, or will the cracks in her story expose her and endanger her family?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday
Urban marched into Gene-IQ, cursing New Beijing's summer heat. She wiped away the sweat beading on her chin. Her all-black attire, from her heeled boots to her leather jacket, even the motorcycle helmet in her hands, clashed with the garish walls of the crowded facility.

Friday 56
All was silent and dark except the air whistling through her helmet as she plummeted to the ground below.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Finding You by Tanya Eavenson

About the Book
Can a Texas man wrangle the cowgirl who made him believe in second chances? Or will the wilds of Wyoming keep them apart?

Dallas Campbell expects her seasonal position as a dinner theater entertainer in Wyoming to end within weeks, but when she's given a full-time offer, she accepts. Still struggling with the loss of her husband and child, she's determined to forge a new future, sell her Texas home, and leave the past behind.

Gabe Langston has been a widower for two years and needs a new start with his daughter. He finds the perfect home with a history as big and wide as Texas and located near a ranch that will board his horses. Boxes hidden in his attic point to the ranch and the home’s mysterious prior owner, so he reaches out to her in Wyoming.

Dallas returns to Texas to investigate the contents in the hidden boxes. She plans to stay with her aunt for a few days and then head back to Wyoming. What she doesn't count on is a handsome cowboy and his sweet daughter interfering with those plans.

Determined to help Dallas work though her past, Gabe buckles in for what is sure to be a tough job. He’s up for the challenge, but can he convince the woman he’s falling for to extend her stay, permanently? Or will her new life in Wyoming keep them apart?

Available in Kindle Unlimited

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved this sweet inspirational romance. I finished this book in one afternoon. It was so good that I couldn't put it down. I flew through the pages and reached the end before I knew it.

Right from the start, I knew I was going to like Dallas and Gabe. There was something so genuine about them. They were both dealing with grief and heartache, and I really felt for them. They had a lot in common aside from their pain, though, which made them seem even more perfect for each other. I can't fail to mention Cindi, Gabe's sweet and adorable daughter, and Dallas' wise Aunt Ruth. They were such great characters.

I loved the inspirational message. No matter what life throws your way (good, bad, and everything in between), God is with you. What a great reminder to trust in the Lord! If you're a fan of inspirational contemporary romance, this story is a must read! I can't recommend it enough!

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

FIVE STARS



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tanya Eavenson is an award-winning Christian romance novelist. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/

Author Links

Website: http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tanya-Eavenson/e/B00B2UO5TE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tanya-Eavenson-129609683872033/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6913760.Tanya_Eavenson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanyaeavenson/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tanya-eavenson

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Can't Wait Wednesday: Blind Trust (The SNAP Agency Book #3) by Natalie Walters

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 Blind Trust (The SNAP Agency Book #3) by Natalie Walters releasing April 11.

About the Book
Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can't stop herself from going all in to find out why he's coming after her. Unfortunately, she's going to need the help of the one person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolás Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous--to both the mission and his heart.

Natalie Walters closes out her SNAP Agency series with a bang with this nail-biting story of a deadly government conspiracy, an unlikely couple, and an ending that will leave you breathless.


What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Book Spotlight + Excerpt: Finding You by Tanya Eavenson

About the Book
Can a Texas man wrangle the cowgirl who made him believe in second chances? Or will the wilds of Wyoming keep them apart?

Dallas Campbell expects her seasonal position as a dinner theater entertainer in Wyoming to end within weeks, but when she's given a full-time offer, she accepts. Still struggling with the loss of her husband and child, she's determined to forge a new future, sell her Texas home, and leave the past behind.

Gabe Langston has been a widower for two years and needs a new start with his daughter. He finds the perfect home with a history as big and wide as Texas and located near a ranch that will board his horses. Boxes hidden in his attic point to the ranch and the home’s mysterious prior owner, so he reaches out to her in Wyoming.

Dallas returns to Texas to investigate the contents in the hidden boxes. She plans to stay with her aunt for a few days and then head back to Wyoming. What she doesn't count on is a handsome cowboy and his sweet daughter interfering with those plans.

Determined to help Dallas work though her past, Gabe buckles in for what is sure to be a tough job. He’s up for the challenge, but can he convince the woman he’s falling for to extend her stay, permanently? Or will her new life in Wyoming keep them apart?

Available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYWGH2HW


NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
Have you ever played BINGO? Have you ever called BINGO?

The writing community says that you should write what you know, and this is one of those instances where fact meets fiction.

For the last eleven years, I’ve been working for a non-profit that focuses on adults 50 and older staying active, healthy, and independent. I’m one of the directors of the organization and my department centers around placing adults within the community to volunteer for different organizations, helping with disasters like tornadoes, working community gardens, and the list goes on. However, once a month, I get to call bingo at a senior activity center. I have to tell you, it’s one of the highlights of my month, and we have such a great time together! And because of this, when I started thinking about writing Finding You, I needed a character who was spunky, says mostly what’s on her mind, is independent, gentle, caring, and tends to be a matchmaker at heart. That’s why Auntie Ruth was the second character thought of for Finding You. She plays such an important role within the story and it wouldn’t have been the same without her. She an accumulation of the many people that I serve who have become more than friends, but family.

I hope you enjoy this small excerpt from Finding You.

EXCERPT:
“It’s a man calling about your aunt.” Frank handed her the phone.

“Hello. This is Dallas. What’s happened with my aunt?” There was a moment of pause, and fear almost tumbled her over.

“Ma’am, your aunt is fine. I’m sorry for the confusion. I never mentioned there was anything wrong with her.”
 
Dallas bit back tears, and her legs almost gave way. The man rattled on about something as she leaned against the wall and talked herself down from the irrational panic. Aunt Ruth had helped her father raise her after her mother died when she was only five. The fear of losing her was nothing new.
 
When Dallas’s brain finally shed the panic, she caught the man saying his name was Gabe Langston. “Ms. Ruth is at the senior center now, playing bingo,” he assured her.
 
She swiped at a tear along her cheek. “Then why are you calling? How did you get my number? How do you know my aunt?”

“I’m the man who purchased your house. She’s my new neighbor.”

She inhaled a long, deep breath and tried to calm the beating of her heart. When she remained silent, he continued, “I found a couple of boxes in the attic, and I thought you should know about them.”

Was that all? He’d scared her to death for some trinkets he found in the attic. “Whatever is there is yours. Have it with my blessing.”

“Are you aware of what’s in the boxes?”

“No, but it’s your house now. I have no claim to what might be left behind.”

“Dallas.” He said her name with such ease, as if he’d said it hundreds of times. “Ma’am, I’ve spoken to your aunt, and I honestly can’t accept. What I’ve found is valuable.”

This was news to her. She’d climbed the attic one final time before she left and didn’t remember seeing any boxes. Was this man scamming her and her aunt? She pressed the phone closer to her ear to make sure she heard him clearly. “What did you find?”

“I’m not certain what all is in the boxes since I’ve not gone through them completely. I felt it was yours to do, but what I did find is very valuable. If you can return to Texas—”

“Texas?” She startled. “I’m afraid not. No amount of money will tempt me.”

“Are you sure about that?”

She felt a touch to her arm and turned to see Penelope holding up five fingers and mouthing minutes.

Dallas nodded. “I need to go, Mr. Langston.”

“Is there nothing that can persuade you?”

She chuckled, picking an outlandish amount of money, the same amount needed to transport her horses to Wyoming. “Seven thousand dollars.”

“What you find in the boxes could be worth more. The only thing I can tell you is I found two gold coins and old books. Make your arrangements. Let your aunt know when you’ll be flying in. I look forward to meeting you.” And with that, he hung up.

Dallas stood there, stunned, with the phone clinched in her hand. She immediately dialed her aunt.
 
“Hello,” Aunt Ruth answered a moment later. A voice in the background called, “O, sixty-nine.” She was at the senior center as Mr. Langston said.
 
“Auntie, this is Dallas.”

“Hey, honey. Did Gabe call you?”
 
“B, twelve.”

“Yes, ma’am. He mentioned he found something of value in the attic.”

“He did.”

“I, twenty-four.”

“Have you seen the coins?”

“I have. The boxes were hidden away. He sent me a picture on my phone. There’s more, but he won’t go through the boxes.”
 
“B, eight.”
 
“Bingo!” her aunt shouted. “I gotta go, dear. They brought books as prizes this time, and I’m the second to win. I’ll have almost the first pick.”

“Wait! Can I trust him, Auntie? Mr. Langston.”

“Gabe? Of course, dear, or I wouldn’t have given him your number. Come home and see for yourself. Love you.”


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tanya Eavenson is an award-winning Christian romance novelist. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/

Author Links:
Website: http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tanya-Eavenson/e/B00B2UO5TE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tanya-Eavenson-129609683872033/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6913760.Tanya_Eavenson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanyaeavenson/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tanya-eavenson


Monday, March 20, 2023

Review: Half Witted (Squeaky Clean In Between Mysteries Book 1) by Christy Barritt

About the Book
She’s never lost a dead body before. But there’s a first time for everything . . .

Crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire is used to dealing with the aftermath of crimes—not the dead people left behind. But she has bills to pay, so when an opportunity arises to make some extra cash, Gabby agrees to help an acquaintance transport a deceased man from his home to the mortician.

However, before they can move the body, the corpse vanishes into thin air, and Gabby is left holding the bag.

Fearful that negligence on her part could harm her future career choices, Gabby races to find the corpse before anyone discovers he’s missing. But as she searches for clues, she begins to suspect the stiff isn’t the only thing that stinks around here.

Something sinister is underway, and the foul play began even before the man expired. Can Gabby uncover the truth and salvage her future in law enforcement? Or will the half-witted thief disappear for good and take her reputation with him?

***Each novella in the Squeaky Clean In Between Mystery series takes place between the books in the original Squeaky Clean Mystery Series. Half Witted officially takes place between Hazardous Duty and Suspicious Minds.***

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

This novella was a ton of fun! It's connected with Barritt's Squeaky Clean series, but can be read as a standalone. It was engaging, fast-paced, and funny. In fact, there were a couple of moments that had me literally laughing out loud.

Gabby is always an entertaining narrator. She's quirky, thinks outside the box, and often finds herself in weird and interesting situations. That was no different here. How does a dead body just up and disappear? Especially with Gabby on the scene? I was hooked and couldn't read fast enough.

If you're looking for a quick read filled with fun characters and a puzzling mystery, you'll love this book.

FOUR STARS

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Deadly Shallows (Coastal Guardians Book #3) by Dani Pettrey

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 The Deadly Shallows (Coastal Guardians Book #3) by Dani Pettrey. This is my favorite of the series. It's intense but so good!

About the Book
A DEADLY ATTACK.
A STOLEN WEAPON CAPABLE OF IMMENSE DESTRUCTION.
A PAINFUL SECRET THAT THREATENS TO TEAR TWO HEARTS APART.

CGIS Agent Noah Rowley is rocked to the core when several of his valued team members come under fire on his Coast Guard base. He and his remaining team race to the scene and end the attack, but not before innocent lives are lost. Furious and grief-stricken, he vows to do whatever is needed to bring the mastermind behind the attack to justice.

Stunned by the ambush, Coast Guard flight medic Brooke Kesler evacuates in a helicopter carrying the only surviving gunman. The gravely wounded man whispers mysterious information to Brooke that immediately paints a target on her back.

As Brooke and Noah race to uncover answers, emotions between them ignite. Noah struggles to protect Brooke at all costs and to conceal the secret that prevents him from becoming what he longs to be--the right man for her.

Everything is at stake as a horrifying truth emerges. . . .

The attack wasn't the end game. It was only the beginning.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday
Crisp night air slapped his cheeks, but he'd long since learned to endure the elements. Tonight's op was nothing compared to some of the filth he'd crawled through. Their objective was simple, his targets unaware.

Friday 56
He surveyed their surroundings as she pulled out of the lot and onto the road - looking for a follow, for a white Sprinter van, for any hint of danger. He saw nothing, but that didn't ease the tautness in his gut.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: A Whisker Behind (The Worlds Behind Book 1) by W.R. Gingell

About the Book (From Amazon)
Searching for redemption in the shifting realm between the human and fae worlds, not-so-reformed fae steward Athelas seems likely instead to find death, dismemberment, and deadly magic…

Exiled, excommunicated, and with a bounty on his head, Athelas is lying low in Seoul for exactly one reason: he has a wedding to attend. Whether or not he’s welcome is another matter.

Luckily for Athelas, several bodies have turned up with their soft insides gnawed out, whether by magic or Behindkind—and the latest of those bodies is at the very wedding hall he has been staking out. The Behindkind investigators suspect one of Athelas' housemates: YeoWoo, a gumiho with a thirst for revenge and an even greater appetite for soft underbelly than Athelas. To buy herself time, YeoWoo barters alibis with the suspiciously quiet fae sharing her house, but to remain free, she must find the real murderer.

By joining the investigation, Athelas has exactly the chance he needs to prove that he is now a repentant, changed, and selfless fae, bent on atoning for former deeds…no matter how many Behindkind and humans he has to cut through to confirm that impression.

NOTE: A Whisker Behind is the first book in the Worlds Behind series, a 5-book spin-off from the main "City Between" series which occurs several years after those events. Please read the "City Between" books first for a more thorough appreciation of this spin-off (or do what you want—I'm not your boss. Just be aware that there will be reasonably major spoilers).

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

Wow, just wow! This was a wild and weirdly wonderful ride. I loved being back in this world, but I loved, even more, the fact that this is the start of Athelas' journey to redemption. To say he's a complicated character is putting it mildly. Even after all the things he did in the City Between Series, there was still a part of me that couldn't help but love him. I enjoyed seeing a different side to him in this book. It was interesting, to say the least, getting a glimpse inside his head. He's still the twisty guy we all know, but it seems as if he's really trying to be better. And I LOVE it!

I will admit that I missed the original cast of characters from the City Between Series, but by the end of this book, I really came to love these new ones. YeoWoo was fascinating. She's gumiho, which I knew nothing about beforehand, so it was really interesting learning about her. She's fierce and fiery and not one to be trifled with.

If you're a fan of the City Between Series, this is a must read! I don't want to say too much more, but wow! I'm so anxious for book two. That ending was a doozy!

FIVE STARS

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright

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 Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright releasing April 4. I'm actually reading an ARC of this one right now and I'm loving it! It's so creepy and so mysterious.

About the Book (From Amazon)
A haunting legend. An ominous curse. A search for a secret buried deep within the castle walls.

In 1870, orphaned Daisy François takes a position as housemaid at a Wisconsin castle to escape the horrors of her past life. There she finds a reclusive and eccentric Gothic authoress who hides tales more harrowing than the ones in her novels. As women disappear from the area and the eerie circumstances seem to parallel a local legend, Daisy is thrust into a web that could ultimately steal her sanity, if not her life.

In the present day, Cleo Clemmons is hired by the grandson of an American aristocratic family to help his grandmother face her hoarding in the dilapidated Castle Moreau. But when Cleo uncovers more than just the woman's stash of collectibles, a century-old mystery and the dust of the old castle's curse threaten to rise again . . . this time to leave no one alive to tell the sordid tale.

Award-winning author Jaime Jo Wright seamlessly weaves a dual-time tale of two women who must do all they can to seek the light amid the darkness shrouding Castle Moreau.


What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

The Bookworm Tag

I was recently tagged by Hamlette (Rachel) over at The Edge of Precipice. I'm a little late (story of my life lately, lol) but I'm excited to participate! Here's the link to her original post, if you want to check it out


The (very simple) Rules:
-answer the questions
-make up new ones
-tag people


Hamlette (Rachel)'s Questions and My Answers:

1. If you had to go into the witness protection program, and they gave you the option of moving inside a book, where would you like to go?

Ooh! Good question! Tough one too! My first thought was my favorite book, Poison Study, but I'm not sure that would be a world I'd want to live in, lol. Then I started thinking that if I was in the witness protection program, I'd probably want to live in a cozy, low-stress environment. The book that immediately popped into my head was Shady Hollow. It's full of delightfully charming (talking) animals who live in a cozy small town. And while there might be a mystery or two to solve along the way, I think it'd be a fun and (mostly) calm experience. 

2. Have you ever claimed to have read a book you actually hadn't read?

Not that I can recall.

3. What author have you read the most books by?

Probably Christy Barritt. I don't know how she does it, but she releases at least one new book a month. I can't keep up, but I do try, lol. She's one of my favorite romantic suspense/cozy mystery authors, so at least I know it'll be a long time before I run out of reading material from her.

4. Do you ever buy fun bookish merch like mugs, shirts, artwork, etc?

Not often. I do have a couple of book themed throw pillows that I love though. One of them is a quote from Frankenstein - "Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful". The other one is a quote from Alice in Wonderland - "We're all mad here" Both of the designs were made by Create Explore Read and are available on Society 6.


5. Do you usually read only one book at a time, or do you have several going at once?

I used to only read one at a time. But for the past year or two, I've had multiple going at a time. Of course, I have a daily devotional and my Bible that I (try) to read everyday. But I also have a "main" book which I read during the day, and then another one (usually a novella but not always) that I read a chapter or two from before bed.

6. Are you a mood reader, or do you plan out your reads?

A bit of both. I have to plan out when I'm gonna read the books I get for review but otherwise, I just go with my mood. I try to switch up genres with each book which really seems to help prevent a reading slump.

7. If you could meet the author of your favorite book and ask them one question, what would you ask them?

Hmmm. This is another tough one! My favorite book is Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. I don't know what I'd ask if I had the chance to meet her. I'd probably be so nervous that I wouldn't be able to say anything, lol. 

8. Have you ever tried a new food or drink because you read about it in a book or story?

No. There's been a lot of books that have tasty sounding food that I'd love to try, but because of all of my food allergies, I have to be extra careful.

9. Have you ever named a pet after a book character?

Yep! I have a Nigerian Dwarf goat named Toby after October Daye. And I also had a chicken named after Elphaba from Wicked and a mini donkey named after Charlie Lionheart from The Lady and the Lionheart.
  
Toby is the one in the middle.

10. What book are you reading right now?

The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright. Release date is April 4 and it's SO GOOD! No surprise there though, I've loved all of her books.


My Questions:

1. Is there a specific book that you remember sparking your love of reading?

2. Do you have a specific time set aside each day for reading?

3. What book have you reread the most? And how many times?

4. What book has been on your TBR list the longest?

5. What’s your favorite trope? Least favorite?

6. What book would you love to see turned into a movie or TV show? What actors would you cast?

7. What upcoming new release are you most excited for this year?

8. Do you listen to music when you read?

9. What book surprised you? (Whether by a shocking plot twist, or how much you loved it or didn't love it, etc.)

10. What’s your last 5-star read?


I'm gonna be really original here 😉 and tag anyone and everyone that wants to participate! Leave your answers, or the link to your blog post below. I'm excited to read your responses!

Monday, March 13, 2023

Review: The Bark of Zorro (Gone to the Dogs Book 4) by Kathleen Y'Barbo

About the Book
Who Is Spray Painting the Dogs in Brenham, Texas?

Cozy up with your favorite pooch and unwind with a small-town mystery in book 4 of the Gone to the Dogs series.

Strange happenings are afoot in Brenham, Texas, as dogs start showing up at the Lone Star Veterinary Clinic with a Z spray painted on them. The cops blame pranksters, while pet owners are blaming each other. Receptionist Cassidy Carter uses her social media expertise to try to get the culprit caught on camera, but Texas game warden, Justin Cameron, thinks online media attention is the last thing this case needs. It’s bad enough he’s currently being followed around by reality TV cameras. When Cassidy’s post goes viral, more dogs are found painted and her new home gets marked with a big Z too. How could her good intentions have backfired so badly?


MY THOUGHTS

This was another fun addition to the series. I was excited for Cassidy to get her own story. She's relatable, kind, and has a strong faith that I admired. The mystery she stumbles upon is a head-scratcher. Why are dogs showing up all over town with the letter "Z" painted on them? I was eager to figure out what was really going on.

There's a new game warden in town who added an interesting new element to things. I didn't know what to think of Jason at first. He was very serious, gruff, and a strict rule follower. He's pretty much Cassidy's opposite, so I was unsure about the prospect of a romance between the two. But by the end of the story, I came to understand him and ended up liking him.

Even though this is book four, it works just fine as a standalone. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys light cozy mysteries.

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

FOUR STARS

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: A Whisker Behind (The Worlds Behind Book 1) by W.R. Gingell

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 A Whisker Behind (The Worlds Behind Book 1) by W.R. Gingell. This is the first book in a spinoff of The City Between series. It was so good! Exceeded all of my expectations!

About the Book
Searching for redemption in the shifting realm between the human and fae worlds, not-so-reformed fae steward Athelas seems likely instead to find death, dismemberment, and deadly magic…

Exiled, excommunicated, and with a bounty on his head, Athelas is lying low in Seoul for exactly one reason: he has a wedding to attend. Whether or not he’s welcome is another matter.

Luckily for Athelas, several bodies have turned up with their soft insides gnawed out, whether by magic or Behindkind—and the latest of those bodies is at the very wedding hall he has been staking out. The Behindkind investigators suspect one of Athelas' housemates: YeoWoo, a gumiho with a thirst for revenge and an even greater appetite for soft underbelly than Athelas. To buy herself time, YeoWoo barters alibis with the suspiciously quiet fae sharing her house, but to remain free, she must find the real murderer.

By joining the investigation, Athelas has exactly the chance he needs to prove that he is now a repentant, changed, and selfless fae, bent on atoning for former deeds…no matter how many Behindkind and humans he has to cut through to confirm that impression.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday
There was something about the Gyeongui Line Park Walk at twilight.

Friday 56
"I'm creditably informed by more than one person that a cup of tea solves many of life's problems," he said, sitting down beside YeoWoo on the edge of the platform. "In any case, it will at least take the early frost off the day, don't you think?"

What have you been reading lately?


Review: My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh

About the Book
A chance meeting. A hunky hockey player. A fake romance.
Hardly an ordinary day in the life of Poppy Hart.


My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.

Everything changes when I bump into a man in the coffee shop and claim him as my new boyfriend. To my absolute horror, he turns out to be hockey’s most renowned bad boy, Dallas Burke. To my absolute delight, he goes along with my story.

When his no-nonsense manager and meddling grandmother jump in the picture, they see a win-win solution for my failing restaurant and Dallas’s less-than-stellar reputation.

A full-fledged fake romance complete with contract negotiations, pretend dates and phony PDA.

But as I get to know the real Dallas Burke, who is not the man the press says he is, it becomes clear that if this isn’t real. . . someone better tell it to my heart.

Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved this book! The fake dating scenario was so well done and has to be the most entertaining one I've ever read. The first chapter pulled me right in. It was so great and funny!

Poppy was refreshingly realistic. She was slightly awkward but so likable. She had such a kind spirit, and I found myself rooting for her from page one. Dallas was the very definition of swoonworthy. My goodness, I had a massive crush on him! And that crush just kept growing the more I read. I kept thinking he couldn't possibly get any better, but then he would. He's found a place near the top of my favorite book boyfriends. I loved his relationship with his Gram. She had a ton of sass and attitude, which I loved. Some of the things she said had me laughing out loud. She was a hoot!

I pretty much had a smile on my face the whole way through this book. It was such a sweet and fun read. Author Courtney Walsh has just found a permanent spot on my 'must-buy' list. I can't recommend it highly enough!

FIVE STARS

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Can't Wait Wednesday: Lost in Wonderland (Beyond Wonderland Book 2) by Tabitha Bouldin

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 Lost in Wonderland (Beyond Wonderland Book 2) by Tabitha Bouldin releasing March 14. A steampunk Alice in Wonderland retelling? Yes, please! I enjoyed the first book and have been eagerly awaiting this sequel!

About the Book
If you make a deal with evil, be prepared for the consequences.

When a metal dragon kidnaps Alice, Hatter gathers the troops and charges off to rescue her. If only things were so uncomplicated. In the Ivory Kingdom, they find upheaval of the worst kind and all heading to civil war spearheaded by a man known as the Bandersnatch.

Turmoil and the terror of fighting against a giant wolf, the Bandersnatch is bad enough, but when the Ivory Queen’s secrets are exposed, Hatter and Alice face off in a battle of wills and points of view. How can Alice trust a woman who deceived them? Why can’t Hatter see the bigger picture? If they don’t reconcile their differences, more could be at risk than the Ivory Kingdom.

More questions than answers bombard them in their quest for truth and freedom for all. Who is stealing children? What dark secret overshadows the Ivory Kingdom? Can they avoid the Bandersnatch’s clutches? And most important of all, who can they trust?

Join forces with Alice, Hatter, old friends and new, and be prepared to discover that trust and risk are often two sides of the same coin in this next Beyond Wonderland novel.


What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Monday, March 6, 2023

Review: A Medium Fate (The Haunted Life Cozy Mystery Series #1) by Lynn Cahoon

About the Book
I see ghosts, but I do my best to ignore them.

When Eddie Cayce turned home to New Orleans from her carefully built Seattle life, it’s not just for her grandmother’s funeral. She’s home to stay. More to the point, now that she’s broken it off with the almost fiancé and quit her corporate junior designer position over one too many trainings on how to run a copier, she has no reason to return.

With the money she’ll receive in her inheritance, she can finally open the antique store she’s always dreamed of – that as long as her ability to see ghosts stays dormant. In Seattle, her gift had dwindled down to seeing the occasional ghost during her morning runs in her Queen Anne neighborhood. But here? New Orleans is filled with the visitors, as her grandmother always called them. And now, they are finding Eddie and want to chat. Especially about the most recent murder.

Can Eddie carve out a real life here among the spirit world?


MY THOUGHTS

This was a short but entertaining cozy mystery. It felt like just an introduction to the series, like it was setting everything up for future installments. The mystery didn't get started until about the halfway point, and since this was such a short read, it felt a little rushed. I did enjoy getting to know Eddie and her brother, and the unique family gift. And I always love a New Orleans setting. I definitely plan on checking out the next book. If you're in the mood for a quick and light paranormal cozy, I think you'll enjoy this one!

3.5 STARS

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh

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 My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh. This was so much fun! I absolutely loved it!

About the Book
A chance meeting. A hunky hockey player. A fake romance.
Hardly an ordinary day in the life of Poppy Hart.


My days usually consist of agonizing over my failing restaurant, worrying about my mountain of debt and nursing my broken heart.

Everything changes when I bump into a man in the coffee shop and claim him as my new boyfriend. To my absolute horror, he turns out to be hockey’s most renowned bad boy, Dallas Burke. To my absolute delight, he goes along with my story.

When his no-nonsense manager and meddling grandmother jump in the picture, they see a win-win solution for my failing restaurant and Dallas’s less-than-stellar reputation.

A full-fledged fake romance complete with contract negotiations, pretend dates and phony PDA.

But as I get to know the real Dallas Burke, who is not the man the press says he is, it becomes clear that if this isn’t real. . . someone better tell it to my heart.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday (Poppy's POV)
I don't know why I did what I did.

Friday 56 (Dallas' POV)
I'm not superstitious, and I don't really believe in luck, but knowing Poppy and her dad are in the stands, that there are people there cheering for me, not just nameless fans, but people who know me and really want me to succeed, it's settled something inside of me.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch

About the Book
When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted—her.

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly's blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister's body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he's back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona.

Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that's fueled Fiona's career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.


MY THOUGHTS

Wow! I'm struggling to find the words to describe just how fantastic this book was. It's one of the best I've read this year so far. It's downright chilling and features one of the creepiest villains I've ever read about. I was invested from the first page and couldn't read fast enough. There were twists and turns galore. Many I never saw coming. I had lots of suspicions about who Rhyme really was. I thought I had it figured out a couple of times, but, in the end, was utterly shocked by the reveal. It was so good!

I liked Fiona and Asa right off the bat. While Fiona could be a bit abrasive at times, it was never off-putting. And Asa was really working on himself. Trying to be a better person. I loved watching him grow in his faith. Speaking of faith, there was a very strong, powerful, and inspiring message here, which I loved!

I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's perfect for anyone who enjoys romantic suspense, especially fans of Nancy Mehl and Irene Hannon.

FIVE STARS


FAVORITE QUOTES:
It was Fiona’s job to expose the darkness. Bring light back to families—that’s what they hoped for. Some kind of good to come from the surrounding evil.

I’m certainly not implying God orchestrated this evil—He didn’t. But maybe He’s taking what was meant for evil and doing something good.