Whippoorwill Hill by Jules Parker

May 5, 2025 By 1 Comment


Whippoorwill Hill by Jules Parker
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

After a rocky divorce, Leslie Downing travels to the small town of Rosemont, Kansas, to lick her wounds and help renovate her uncle’s newly acquired home. But when a handsome policeman comes knocking on her door, she soon finds out that Rosemont harbors some dark secrets–and that her own problems pale in comparison to the trouble headed her way. Ex-sheriff turned ex-con, Dane Chappell, has lost everything at the hands of Rosemont’s crooked mayor. In his quest for revenge, he doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process, not even the beautiful, stubborn newcomer who now occupies his home. When the temperature rises, can Leslie handle the heat? Or will Dane be the one going down in flames?

I almost didn’t pick up this book because the synopsis revealed so little—but that turned out to be its genius. I was intrigued by how a small-town sheriff could become an ex-con and even more curious about what would drive him to risk his freedom for revenge. Who was the mysterious outsider standing in his way, and why was she there? I was ready for a romance wrapped in a suspenseful mystery, and my imagination couldn’t have prepared me for what unfolded. The storytelling was incredibly creative, and now I understand why the synopsis was so vague—there would have been too many spoilers!

What I can share is that the heroine is Leslie Downing. Her eccentric uncle, Claven, bought a house in a small town, and she arrived early to get everything set up before he moved in. Leslie is intelligent, grounded, and guided by a strong moral compass; her special bond with her uncle adds an extra layer of warmth to her character.

As with any small town, there’s a full cast of quirky, interesting characters—but I’ll let you discover them for yourself. I love when a story makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a community where everyone knows each other, secrets simmer beneath the surface, and loyalty runs deep… mostly.

Then there’s Dane Chappell. Ooh la la. This former sheriff turned ex-con turned brooding hero is the strong, justice-driven character I couldn’t help but swoon over. The chemistry between Dane and Leslie was instant and electric, and their emotional tension kept the pages turning.

This suspenseful romance had more plot twists than I could’ve ever predicted. Just when I thought I had things figured out—bam! Another twist. I wasn’t even close to guessing the real culprit behind it all.

If you’re in the mood for a gripping mystery wrapped in steamy romance and small-town charm, this book delivers on every level. Just be prepared—you’ll want them to bronze the last cookie (inside joke), and you won’t want to put the book down.

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The Marriage Bribe by Amber Cross

May 2, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Marriage Bribe by Amber Cross
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Prissy is drowning in debt. Her only hope lies in finding a man equally desperate to marry her for six months so she can cash in on a big payout.

Logan has a solid reputation as a respectable businessman, yet he’s worried that won’t be enough to guarantee custody of his late brother’s unborn child.

When Prissy offers him a bribe-half her money for six months of his life-he takes the deal to strengthen his case with the courts.

Prissy doesn’t care why he agrees, if it means she can sleep through the night without visions of debt collectors coming to take her away.

It’s a simple deal. Live together for six months, and they both walk away better for it. But will they be able to walk away from the attraction growing between them?

When I opened The Marriage Bribe to the title page, I noticed a tagline beneath the title: A grumpy/sunshine marriage of convenience love story. I couldn’t have summarized the plot better myself—it perfectly captures the essence of this book.

The hero, Logan, carries emotional baggage so heavy that it fully justifies his grumpy demeanor. Personally, I’d describe him as downright bad-tempered at times, considering how mean he could be. Meanwhile, the heroine, Prissy, is the ultimate ray of sunshine—relentlessly positive and full of energy. She presents Logan with an offer he can’t refuse: a marriage of convenience. If they stay married for just six months, they’ll both receive a significant sum of money.

At first, Prissy doesn’t know (or care) why Logan agrees to the arrangement—she’s too focused on her own financial struggles. She’s drowning in debt, and this deal is her only way out. However, the why behind her situation turns out to be a dramatic plot twist I didn’t see coming. Her reason for needing the money also explains her over-the-top optimism, which makes for an interesting contrast with Logan’s brooding personality. Between the two of them, there was almost enough drama to drown me—but luckily, the supporting characters helped balance the story and kept it flowing smoothly, leaving me eager to keep reading.

Set in a small town where everyone knows each other and lends a helping hand, the story has a charming community feel. From Prissy’s coworkers and family to Logan’s close-knit group of friends, I loved how the secondary characters enriched the narrative and made the town feel real.

The chemistry between Prissy and Logan was sweet. Their mutual attraction was complicated by the boundaries of their agreement but watching them navigate those feelings made the romance even more satisfying. I especially enjoyed the ending, when they renegotiated the terms of their marriage—I always love a happily-ever-after!

If you enjoy small-town romance with a grumpy/sunshine dynamic and a heartfelt love story, The Marriage Bribe is definitely worth a read.

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Strange Bedfellows by Steven Donahue

April 29, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Strange Bedfellows by Steven Donahue
Publisher: Conquest Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

“Politics makes strange bedfellows, and I like to keep my sheets clean.”
Hayfield’s current mayor, Jade Weatherby, thought she had the mayoral race in the bag. That was until cafe owner, and Independent candidate, Finn Haley joined the game.

Amidst their political rivalry and social pressures put on them by the small town’s populants, Jade and Finn immediately fall for one another.

When a third candidate for mayor emerges with plans that could endanger the town, Jade and Finn are forced to make tough decisions about their careers and their growing relationship.

Let me start by saying that Strange Bedfellows is a truly unique contemporary romance. It’s unlike any other romance novel I’ve read—it doesn’t resemble the stereotypical Harlequin love story, nor would I compare it to a Hallmark movie.

I’ll admit, I was initially unaware of all the meanings of the word bedfellows. I assumed it only referred to two people sharing a bed, but I’ve since learned that it also means an alliance. And that’s exactly what this story is—an alliance between Jade, the heroine, and Finn, the hero. At first, I expected some steamy chemistry between them, but that wasn’t the case. Instead, the romance in this book was mature, respectful, and deeply rooted in mutual admiration.

Jade and Finn are political rivals, both running for mayor. Jade is the current Democratic mayor, while Finn is running as an Independent. I’m not particularly interested in politics, but the synopsis mentioned a third candidate emerging with plans that could endanger the town, forcing Jade and Finn to make tough decisions. That element of unknown danger intrigued me, which is why I decided to give this book a chance.

The romance between Jade and Finn was sweet and understated. As an older couple, their dynamic was mature and responsible. Their chemistry was subtle—they shared a few kisses while dancing, but overall, they carried themselves with class. Their playful banter over who would win the election made for some entertaining moments.

The heart of the story revolves around Jade and Finn’s mayoral race. I enjoyed the feeling of being behind the scenes, watching the political drama unfold. Finn’s father, who also happened to be Jade’s campaign manager, was an interesting character, as was Jade’s assistant, Raydrick Lee. The third candidate, Preston Slade, brought a suspenseful element to the plot. There were also several side characters that enriched the story and made the small-town setting feel immersive. I was glad I didn’t have to cast a vote in the election—it would’ve been a tough decision!

If I had to vote on whether this book is worth reading, my answer would be yes. Strange Bedfellows provided an enjoyable escape and was a great way to pass a few hours.

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Mountain Interlude by S.V. Brosius

April 28, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Mountain Interlude by S.V. Brosius
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Can broken hearts mend if they are frozen in time?

Deep in the mountains of Colorado stands an old house shrouded in mist. A lonely, divorced woman will come face to face with the attractive man who owns the property. She will find herself in a world of paranormal mystery: a place where the lost are taken care of, the injured are healed, and time stands still.

Healing is for everyone.

Maizie’s character development was strong and made me want to spend even more time with her. She was an intelligent, resourceful person who could quickly solve problems if she felt threatened or confused. This is something I’m always happy to come across in stories, especially ones involving a woman driving alone in the middle of nowhere who has car trouble and needs to seek help. That’s a situation that just about any woman would feel rather vulnerable in, so it was a relief to meet a character who took her predicament so seriously.

It was never quite clear to me what the limitations of the paranormal elements of the storyline were. They seemed to wax and wane depending on what Maizie and Tony were currently doing, but it was never entirely clear to me if this was because their moods were influencing the spirit world or if this were a coincidence. If more attention had been paid to the logic of how this all worked, I would have happily given this tale a higher rating as it was well-written and memorable.

I must tip my cap at the author for their creative and thought-provoking ending. It was not at all what I expected it to be, but it fit the tone of this tale perfectly and made me wish for a sequel. There’s definitely something to be said for stories that play around with the audience’s expectations in order to keep their genre fresh and interesting.

Mountain Interlude was full of surprises.

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Lady Lost by Meredith Bond

April 24, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Lady Lost by Meredith Bond
A Zodiac Regency Romance, Book 4
Publisher: Anessa Books
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

A lady with a secret past. A spy searching for the truth. A season that could change everything…

When Teodora Cesari arrives in London for her first Season, she is determined to navigate the glittering world of Regency high society while uncovering a long-buried secret about her father. Under the watchful eye of the formidable Lady Chadwick, Teo must master the art of polite conversation, society balls, and the delicate dance of courtship. But London is full of whispers, and some secrets are too dangerous to be uncovered. Yet, until she can discover her roots, Teo is lost.

Sebastian Clemens, Earl of Everston, is no stranger to secrets. As the leader of a covert intelligence network, his sharp mind and cool demeanor have served the Crown for years. Pressured to find a wife, he enters London’s social scene, only to find himself captivated by an outspoken, unconventional young lady who stirs his sense of duty—and his guarded heart.

As Teo’s quest for answers draws her and Sebastian closer, past secrets and present enchantment collide in London’s most elite ballrooms. But Teo’s search for the past may uncover a truth that could threaten Sebastian’s future. And he must decide if he’s willing to risk his heart for a woman who could upend his carefully controlled world.


Lady Lost is the fourth book in A Zodiac Regency Romance series by Meredith Bond. While I haven’t read the previous books, I’m now tempted to remedy that! This novel works well as a standalone, but if the rest of the series is as captivating as this one, I definitely want to read them all.

This was my first Meredith Bond novel, and it certainly won’t be my last. I’ve undoubtedly discovered a new favorite author—her writing style drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end.

The synopsis immediately intrigued me with its promise of uncovering a long-buried secret about the heroine Theodora Cesari’s father. The hero, Sebastian, is no stranger to secrets himself. As they embark on a quest for answers, their journey draws them closer together, weaving romance into a world of whispers and danger. I was captivated by the mystery surrounding Theodora and Sebastian’s relationship and couldn’t wait to unravel the truth alongside them.

From the very first pages, I was swept into a journey I didn’t want to end. The characters were well-developed and relatable, making it easy to connect with them. The plot twists and secrets unfolded seamlessly, keeping me engaged throughout. The romance between Theodora and Sebastian was heartwarming—both were vulnerable in ways that tugged at my heartstrings, and their love story was tender and sweet.

If you enjoy historical romance with a touch of mystery, Lady Lost is a must-read. I can’t wait to explore more of Meredith Bond’s work!

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Dragon of Denmark by Jennifer Ivy Walker

April 21, 2025 By 2 Comments


Dragon of Denmark by Jennifer Ivy Walker
Publisher: Green Mermaid Publications
Genre: Historical romance
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

Skårde the Scourge, bastard son of the Danish king Harald Bluetooth, is a fierce Viking warlord who earned the prestigious title Dragon of Denmark through victorious battles and lucrative Viking raids. When his royal father announces that Skårde will forge a Viking alliance through an arranged marriage to the daughter of Richard the Fearless, the Dragon of Denmark considers the voyage to Normandy an infuriating banishment.

Illegitimate daughter of Richard the Fearless, the Viking Duke of Normandy, Ylva is a Druid priestess and Celtic healer with the otherworldly gift of sight. She learns that she must leave her Breton village behind and travel to Normandy, where she will marry the Viking brute that she has foreseen in a terrifying vision.

When the Frankish king, determined to drive the Vikings from Normandy, attacks and seizes Richard’s clifftop fortress, the Dragon of Denmark must ally with Ljósálfar Light Elves, a Viking völva with powerful seiðr magic, and a vitki– a shapeshifting sorcerer who can assume the form of a falcon–to reclaim the ducal palace.

Dragon of Denmark is a sizzling, scintillating blend of historical fiction, Norse mythology, paranormal fantasy, and steamy Viking romance!

I was very excited to have the chance to read Jennifer Ivy Walker’s first book in her newest Valiant Vikings series, Dragon of Denmark. It is very obvious from the books I’ve read that Ms. Walker has done her research into the setting and the time period. I always learn something new from them.

In this book I was excited to learn more about the mythology and spiritual practices of Ylva as she learns more about not only the Celtic beliefs she was brought up in, but also seiðr magic that play such an important part in this story. I would love to read more about Úlvhild and Haldor Falk. Outside the main characters, they were my favorites.

And, the romance is definitely not lacking either. Prepare yourself for very steamy encounters as Ylva and Skårde discover that an arranged marriage may not be the detriment they each thought it could be.

There is plenty of action outside the bedroom as well. The action scenes were very well done…and I would love to see these! Netflix, are you listening?

I’m looking forward to reading the second book in the series, which has just been released.

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Numbered Love – A Story from American Buddha by Maysam Yabandeh

April 18, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Numbered Love – A Story from American Buddha by Maysam Yabandeh
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.), Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Nam never stopped thinking about the girl who once held his heart. For thirty years, he kept her memory alive through ancient romantic tales from the Far East. But when he returns to America to find her, his hopeful search unravels into a journey full of unexpected turns as he confronts the realities of love in modern times.

There’s nuance to everything in life, even love.

The plot twists kept me on my toes, especially when it came to the relationship between Nam and Livia, his young friend who promised to fall in love with him once they both grew up. Just when I thought I’d discovered the most unusual places this childhood vow took these characters, they ended up in a slightly to dramatically stranger place than they’d been just a moment before. I’d like to tip my cap to the author for taking these sorts of risks as they make reading – and reviewing – so much more fun!

It would have been nice to have a deeper exploration of Nam’s personality as he didn’t feel well-rounded to this reader. He came across as someone who was unaware of how sexist he was but who would have been mortified and possibly changed his ways if he were better at noticing his own flaws. His intelligence and willingness to work hard were easy to spot, but I needed more details about him in order to sympathize with the double standards he set when it came to how men should behave versus how women should behave.

With that being said, I enjoyed the sections of this short story that discussed what Buddhism has to say about suffering, the consequences of one’s actions, and how people should live. There were several nuggets of wisdom there that I can’t go into detail here for spoiler reasons but that made a lot of sense to me. It’s always nice to walk away from characters with something to ponder over.

Numbered Love was a wild ride.

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Wrath of the Never Queen by Storm Lomax

April 3, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Wrath of the Never Queen by Storm Lomax
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Historical, LGBTQ, Paranormal, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Young Adult
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Lilikoi

A doomed prince with a monstrous curse. A sadistic king with a dark history. And the witch who will be his reckoning.

Gifted witch Shivani has so far avoided the annual Summoning. In her village, women are sent to the King each year and given six months to win the Prince’s heart and break his beastly curse. Anyone who can do so will be named Queen.

No one has succeeded.

Deep in debt and with the promise of a handsome reward, Shivani’s father volunteers her for the Summoning. With her magic stripped, Shivani is taken to the castle and thrust into the deadly challenge against her will.

As she navigates the prince’s terrifying curse and the king’s sadistic whims, she discovers decades-old secrets that could mean her freedom. But leaving wouldn’t save the prince and it wouldn’t free the imprisoned servants. Or Shivani could stay – if she’s shrewd enough to decipher the curse before the executioner’s axe drops.

As in the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast, the prince introduces Shivani—an avid reader like Belle– to his immense library. But in a unique twist of the familiar plot, the two main characters scour ancient manuscripts written in “witchtongue” and dragon language, searching for the elusive spell that will break the curse. With intriguing secondary characters and enthralling elements of fantasy, Wrath of the Never Queen is enjoyable and engaging.

I loved the paranormal aspect of this unique version of the beloved fairy tale: the telltale purple light and salty scent of witch magic, the discovery of ancient dragon lore and mystical enchantments, and the thrilling tension of ever-present danger as the story unfolds.

The main characters are compelling and likeable. With her noble, courageous heart, Shivani chooses to remain rather than flee when she finds a hidden passage leading out of the castle. Although she could escape and save her own life, she refuses to abandon the prince and the castle servants who have become her loyal friends. Prince Theo, despite his fearsome outward appearance as the beast, is tender, considerate, and caring. Aunt Meena, Vanya, and Inez enhance the complexity of the intriguing plot.

Despite the appealing elements of fantasy in this novel, there were many inconsistencies in the characters’ actions and language which were implausible and jarring, given the story’s antique medieval setting. Although the main characters engage in formal conversation, polite mannerisms, and eloquent forms of address reserved for royalty, Shivani uses modern obscenities which are culturally inappropriate and offensive within the context of such extremely proper etiquette. The budding romance between Shivani and the prince is depicted as innocent and chaste throughout the work, but one sexually explicit scene stands in stark contrast to the rest of the young adult novel.

With a bit more editing, this novel could really shine to its fullest. Also, rather than its abrupt conclusion with an appendix–the sapphic romance of the siren and the witch, a tale Shivani enjoyed hearing as a child—the ending would have been much more rewarding if that legend had been woven into the novel, explaining the ancient dragon culture associated with the castle and the iconic statue Shivani discovered in her quest to cure the curse.

In spite of its faults, Wrath of the Never Queen is an entertaining fantasy adaptation of the famed fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast.

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Orion’s Masquerade by M.E. Rose

March 28, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Orion’s Masquerade by M.E. Rose
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Years ago, Chancellor Talia Steele’s husband vanished on an exploratory mission, leaving her to lead their aging generation ship alone. Now, with New Horizon’s life support failing, Talia must attend Orion’s Masquerade—a rare gathering where leaders from across the galaxy forge alliances through marriage. This is her last hope to secure a future for her people and her unborn daughter, who lies in stasis, awaiting a chance at life.

But Ryker Steele survived. He crash-landed on an uncharted planet—one that could be the perfect new home for New Horizon’s colony. After years of survival and rebuilding his ship from scrap, he’s finally on his way back to Talia . . . only to find that she’s left.

With time running out, Ryker must race to reunite with Talia and save their family and people from being scattered across the galaxy. Will love be enough to bring them back together, or will he lose her to Orion’s Masquerade?

M.E. Rose’s Orion’s Masquerade offers a compelling blend of contemporary issues, science fiction elements, and a touch of romance. The story centers around Talia, appointed Chancellor of New Horizon, a strong and committed woman striving for the survival of her people while dealing with heartbreak. Rose creates an intriguing political landscape where people depend heavily on Talia, adding a layer of complexity to her character and motivations. The plot is concise and engaging, quickly capturing my interest in the characters and their world. While I occasionally struggled to discern which character was speaking, the overall narrative flow kept me invested.

Rose clearly possesses a talent for writing science fiction, crafting a world that, despite my limited experience in the genre, was easy to follow and enjoy. The dynamic between Ryker Steele and his wife, Talia was particularly admirable, highlighting the power of love amidst conflict. I enjoyed the clashes between Talia and Vice Chancellor, Jules Strickland, over what was best for New Horizon. I found Jules’s personal biases about why Talia should marry Chancellor Abernath added an interesting dimension to the story. I am curious about the characters’ lives beyond the masquerade and would eagerly read a sequel to see their stories further developed. Despite the minor confusion with dialogue, I would read more from this author.

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Sunset Bay by Karen Stewart

March 25, 2025 By 5 Comments


Sunset Bay by Karen Stewart
Publisher: TellWell Talent
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

A self-professed hot mess express, Joy Sinclair is a 54-year-old divorcee living back at home in Sunset Bay. Tired of blind dates and a lack of eligible men, she’s resigned to being single. That is until she is literally knocked off her feet by a good looking stranger. Jeremy is only staying long enough to help his father recover from a broken foot. Is there any point even getting to know him?

Joy’s mother Helen Sinclair is 80 years young and a real sassy molassy. She dresses outrageously, talks to her dead husband Sam and nudges Joy out of her comfort zone as often as she can. Meeting Jeremy’s father Hank at the local seniors centre, Helen suddenly finds herself with a busy social life

Love is in the air with a wedding, birthday party, prom night and a major weather event all conspiring to shake things up.

Celebrating the messiness of finding yourself and the courage to follow your heart, Sunset Bay is a journey of love, loss, hope and new beginnings.

I truly enjoyed this look at this mother/daughter pair. They are as different, outwardly, as night and day, but they are a hoot to read about. The book is written from both Joy and Helen’s POV, with Joy getting the lion’s share of the chapters. I am glad the author labeled the chapters, because it made it easier to know who was “talking.”

There’s not a lot of action or conflict going on, which makes this a nice relaxing read. A little bit of romance and descriptions of Sunset Bay – I would love to visit and spend some time at the B&B Joy and Helen run. As I am inbetween these ladies in age, I enjoyed so many of the references throughout the book. And, their interaction made me miss my own mother quite a bit.

I would love to read more about Sunset Bay, these ladies, and this community… thanks for a nice read, Ms. Stewart.

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