Once Upon a Bookstore: A Tale Told Through the Lens of Time by Leslie Gullo

July 9, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Once Upon a Bookstore: A Tale Told Through the Lens of Time by Leslie Gullo
Publisher: Allie Cat Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Melinda Jenkins seemed to have it all — a successful career as a lawyer, a fiercely independent spirit, and a carefully crafted life of solitude. But when a routine assignment leads her to a small bookstore on Main Street, Melinda’s world is turned upside down.

As she delves deeper into the mysteries of the bookstore, she meets Jake Samuels — a charming and irresistible bachelor who challenges her beliefs about love and independence. Melinda must make a heart-wrenching choice: cling to her solitary life or take a leap of faith and embrace the love she never thought possible.

Leslie Gullo’s Once Upon a Bookstore: A Tale Told Through the Lens of Time offers an intriguing premise: a successful lawyer, Melinda Jenkins, finds her carefully constructed life upended by a mysterious bookstore and a charming bachelor named Jake Samuels. The book boasts a high rating, and for good reason – the initial setup is engaging, and the characters are undoubtedly captivating.

Gullo paints a picture of a fiercely independent Melinda whose solitude is both a shield and a source of contentment. The allure of the bookstore, whispered secrets within its walls, and the immediate spark between Melinda and Jake create a compelling hook. The author successfully introduces a layer of mystery from the get-go, drawing the reader in with the promise of uncovering secrets and exploring Melinda’s transformation.

The romance with Jake also adds to the charm. He challenges Melinda’s preconceived notions about love and independence, forcing her to confront her vulnerabilities and consider a life beyond her solitary existence. The “irresistible bachelor” trope is handled relatively well, with Jake possessing enough genuine qualities to make him a believable love interest.

However, the story unfortunately hits a snag in the middle. The narrative slows at one point and becomes repetitive. Despite the mid-book slump, the inclusion of a little bit of science adds an interesting layer to the overall narrative. This scientific element plays a role in the mystery surrounding the bookstore.

Once Upon a Bookstore offers a promising blend of romance, mystery, and a touch of science-fiction. The engaging characters and intriguing premise are strong draws, but readers should be aware of the potential for a slower, repetitive section in the middle. If you enjoy stories about self-discovery, charming bookstore settings, and a little bit of mystery mixed with romance, this book is worth picking up. The engaging beginning and intriguing elements might just be enough to keep you turning the pages until the end.

Filed Under: Other, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Murder In The Village by Faith Martin

July 8, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Murder In The Village by Faith Martin
Publisher: Joffe Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

A would-be politician is found battered to death in the kitchen of his expensive home in a lovely Oxfordshire village. His wife’s alibi is full of holes and there’s another woman in the background. And what about his seemingly mild-mannered political rival?

DI Hillary Greene tries to get to the bottom of this perplexing murder. She certainly doesn’t think the prime suspect is as guilty as everyone thinks.

Just as she’s about to make a breakthrough, everything is turned upside down by a fatal development in another case she is working on . . .

Can Hillary find the murderer and will she survive a brush with one of Oxford’s most dangerous criminals?

DI Hillary Greene and her team is called in to investigate when a would-be politician is found battered to death in his own home. The complications arise almost immediately and Hillary is determined to get to the bottom of everything. But just as she gets traction in this case her world is upturned when events surrounding a different case take a deadly turn and soon Hillary has far more than one murder on her plate.

I have been really enjoying this series, and I felt this book was an excellent addition. Hillary is a character I really love – forty-something, logical and tenacious – I feel there’s plenty for many readers to enjoy. With a strong cast of interesting secondary characters lending Hillary support and a few intriguing across-the-series plotlines slowly gathering steam I am beginning to buy the subsequent books in this series more quickly as I eagerly read my way through.

I was particularly pleased that a few of the longer-running story arcs not only made headway, but a few even got some resolution which was very satisfying to read. I do admit there seemed to be two main plotlines to this story – Hillary’s murdered politician, but also a secondary investigation Hillary is drawn into. Between these two plots the book has a decent pace and a bit more action than I’m used to reading in a British police procedural style of book, but I found it exciting and well written so am eager to jump into the next book in the series.

Readers looking for an interesting and well plotted murder mystery series should enjoy this book, though I do recommend readers going back to book 1 and starting this series fresh.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Party by Mona Ingram

July 7, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Party by Mona Ingram
Dear Santa Christmas Romance series, Book One
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

He’s the town’s most eligible bachelor. But he’s more than that… much more Exhausted after catering a high-profile company Christmas party, Paige accepts an invitation to relax with the man in charge of the clean-up crew. He’s handsome and intelligent, but most of all he’s a good listener. When they say goodnight, she has no idea that the meeting will trigger consequences that will change her life.

I woke up craving a little winter-holiday romance to cheer me up—and to cool me off on this typically hot and humid Florida day. The Party is book one in the Dear Santa Christmas Romance series, and it was exactly the feel-good fix I needed.

This cute, short novel made me feel lighter and happier. At just 91 pages, it’s a fast and furiously fun read. This was my first Mona Ingram book, but it definitely won’t be my last. The Party charmed me enough to want to explore the rest of the series—especially if they’re as delightful as this one.

Jake Donovan is 100% a gentleman. Almost too good to be true, which made the story so sweet and easy to enjoy. He’s drama-free, kindhearted, and genuinely tender—the kind of man you’d hope your daughter falls in love with and marries.

Paige is an independent, successful career woman, also caring for her younger brother. She’s hardworking, honest, and grounded. Her chance encounter with Jake had me smiling from the start, and the consequences of that meeting made the story all the more endearing. The chemistry between Jake and Paige is swoon-worthy, respectful, and refreshingly free of baggage.

One of the things I appreciated most was Jake’s acceptance and support of Paige’s brother, Simon, and his two friends, Kimberley and Randy. For such a short book, the characters were surprisingly well-developed and relatable. Jake’s best friend Damian owns a motorcycle repair shop, and Paige’s best friend Dana specializes in home décor. Dana and Damian’s own spark added an extra touch of charm and possibility. I loved how the author brought everyone together like one big happy family.

If you’re looking for a heartwarming story to lift your spirits and make you smile, I highly recommend The Party. Paige and Jake are the embodiment of kindness and goodwill. My only wish? That there had been an epilogue—I wasn’t ready to close the book on their happily ever after.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Coquina Soup – Collected Stories by Frances Nevill

July 4, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Coquina Soup – Collected Stories by Frances Nevill
Publisher: Bordighera Press
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

In this debut collection of short stories, Florida writer Frances Nevill explores the struggles of women at crossroads, where discoveries of truth and lies unfold and the decision remains to stay or to go. Amongst a multitude of lost characters, this collection is a dose of hope set amongst the iconic backdrop of Florida.

First impressions aren’t always correct.

In “Cloud Cover,” Heather had cold feet on her wedding day and needed to quickly decide if she actually wanted to marry Timothy. I was intrigued by how long she had been wrestling with this question and wondered why she hadn’t made up her mind much earlier in their relationship. The answers to those questions were satisfactory, and I wished her well as she weighed her various options.

There were some tales in this collection that I thought would benefit from stronger character development. For example, Blair’s jealousy over her husband Brad’s friendship with another woman in “Bad Seeing” was overwhelming for reasons I never quite understood. It was difficult for me to determine if I thought she was overreacting or if their friend really did have an ulterior motive for the kind things she did for Brad. Having a deeper understanding of all three of their personalities would have made it easier for this reader to come to a conclusion about who to trust here.

Sevesti returned home to care for her dying mother in “Coquina Soup” only to discover a family secret that had been hidden for decades. I enjoyed the gentle pacing of this one as well as the main character’s reaction to learning more about her family’s mysterious past. It showed me parts of her personality that would have otherwise remained unnoticed, and it made me wish for a sequel so I could find out what happened next.

Coquina Soup: Collected Stories was thought provoking.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Billionaire’s Secret Marriage by Tamie Dearen

July 3, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Billionaire’s Secret Marriage by Tamie Dearen
The Limitless Sweet Billionaire Romance Series, Book One
Publisher: Baden House Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Mistflower

Stephanie Caldwell fell in love with her boss, but he’s too clueless to notice. And being blind is no excuse.

Steph doesn’t care that Bran is blind—at least he’ll never see the longing looks she gives him. If only she could warn him about the lack of love on his conniving fiancée’s face. But Steph has to keep her mouth shut, or she could lose her job, along with the health insurance that keeps her daughter alive.

Billionaire Branson Knight knows women regard him as a pitiful blind man, his wealth his only attraction. So his engagement is merely a means to an end. But the last thing he wants to end is his relationship with Stephanie—he depends way too much on his efficient personal assistant.

Can Stephanie stand by while Bran’s devious fiancée coerces him into a quickie marriage? Or will she lose her temper… and everything else along with it?

I literally just finished this story and had to rush here to write a review while I’m still feeling emotionally effusive. At the end, there was a link to sign up for the author’s newsletter in exchange for an extra epilogue—of course, I clicked immediately and devoured it. Now I’m sad it’s over!

The Billionaire’s Secret Marriage is book one in the Limitless Sweet Billionaire Romance series, and my first read from Tamie Dearen—but it definitely won’t be my last.

The reason I’m so gushy? I completely fell in love with the hero, Branson. He’s the total package. Attractive, intelligent, charismatic, and successful, yes—but also vulnerable, honest, and selfless. Branson is blind, but that’s not what makes him special. It’s his heart. His actions speak volumes, and they’re what made me swoon. Ironically, the people around him with perfect sight—like his parents—are the ones who seem truly blind, caught up in appearances and superficial concerns.

Steph, the heroine, has been Branson’s personal assistant for two years. She’s had a crush on him since day one. The flashback to her interview was actually hilarious and charming. I loved that Steph didn’t care that Branson was blind—and that Branson was so emotionally blind to his own feelings toward her. Their friends and family saw the sparks flying, but both Branson and Steph stayed professional, walking a fine line between employer and employee.

Their romance was equal parts sweet and torturous. The chemistry was palpable, and I was totally hooked, rooting for them through every missed opportunity and emotional twist.

Speaking of twists—there were plenty! The story kept me glued to the pages. I despised Branson’s cold, calculating father and his manipulative fiancée. (Yes, he had a fiancée… and while the reason made sense, I still hated it!) On the flip side, I absolutely adored Fordham, Branson’s loyal and witty caretaker. He was more of a father to Branson than his biological dad ever was.

Beyond the romance, this story touches on powerful themes: overcoming fear, forgiveness, standing up for what’s right, and using one’s resources to make a difference in the world. And here’s a fun tidbit: I searched the book and found that the word heart is used 72 times. Fitting—because this story had mine doing everything from clenching and racing to stopping and breaking. My favorite line? When the author described Steph’s heart as being “fastened to Bran’s like a wet tongue to a frozen metal pole.” That image made me laugh and stuck with me!

The biggest takeaway? Follow your heart—not your brain. Steph and Branson’s story was inspiring, emotional, and left me with a massive book glow. This one’s going on my keeper shelf, Branson’s on my book boyfriend list, and Tamie Dearen is officially on my new favorite authors list. I cannot wait to read book two in this series.

This is a must-read for anyone who loves sweet, emotional, and heartstring-pulling romance. Highly, highly recommend!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

Neon Prey by John Sandford

July 2, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Neon Prey by John Sandford
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Clayton Deese looks like a small-time criminal, muscle for hire when his loan shark boss needs to teach someone a lesson. Now, seven months after a job that went south and landed him in jail, Deese has skipped out on bail, and the U.S. Marshals come looking for him. They don’t much care about a low-level guy–it’s his boss they want–but Deese might be their best chance to bring down the whole operation.

Then, they step onto a dirt trail behind Deese’s rural Louisiana cabin and find a jungle full of graves.

Now Lucas Davenport is on the trail of a serial killer who has been operating for years without notice. His quarry is ruthless, and–as Davenport will come to find–full of surprises . . .

US Marshall Davenport is called in when what’s thought to be a small time criminal jumping his bail bond turns out to have a graveyard’s worth of buried – and some partially eaten – bodies in his back yard. Davenport and a few of his colleagues begin one of their stranger investigations into their very first cannibal and things only get stickier from there.

I’ve been a huge fan of this series for a number of years, and I found this to be an excellent addition to the series. While I feel it can be read by itself, I definitely think readers will get far more enjoyment out of it if they’ve read at least a few of the earlier books and have a decent understanding of the characters and how everyone links together. That said, I equally feel readers can catch up quite easily just with this book and this wouldn’t be a bad place to start.

I believe that readers looking for a fast paced, action orientated mystery should find this fits the bill. There are a few slightly icky parts to this book – though I felt nothing was overtly gory or too graphic – there would be a few warnings to this story (rape, murder and cannibalism). While each of these is mentioned nothing is given too much detail – though it’s not just glossed over either. I feel this won’t be every reader’s cup of tea but it’s quite simple to skip a few paragraphs if you’d like to, and still thoroughly enjoy the rest of the story.

I particularly enjoyed how the plot grew quite complicated as the manhunt continued. In some respects, I really felt this book was more complicated than many I’ve read recently and while towards the end I did begin to feel it was being drawn out a little too long – I have to admit this was not some simple, one-dimensional murder mystery but quite a multi-layered and complex plot. I really enjoyed that.

Readers who are fans of this series or have read other books by John Sandford should have a fairly solid understanding of what to expect and I admit I enjoyed the faster pace and more convoluted storyline. I found this an enjoyable story and am always up for another featuring Davenport again.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

What My Refrigerator Said to Me by Bruce Wetterau

July 1, 2025 By 1 Comment


What My Refrigerator Said to Me by Bruce Wetterau
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Fiction, Humor, Contemporary
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

To Coldly Go Where No Refrigerator Has Gone Before…

What can a talking refrigerator possibly have to say? Well, if you listen to all the AI hype, you’ll believe computers will be doing all the talking and thinking for us.

What My Refrigerator Said to Me’s twenty-one tales take you on a journey into the comic possibilities of life in the digital age, now and in the years to come. After all, why should the likes of Bill, Jeff, and Elon have all the fun imagining this futuristic stuff!

You’re sure to be amused by this book’s absurdly funny answers to such burning questions as: If computers can think, will they choose a life of crime? If your pet can talk, what will it tell you? Can science turn your brain into a desktop computer? Will there still be fortune cookies in 2052?

As is so often true of comedy, along with the laughs you’ll also find thoughtful insights into the people and devices populating our futuristic, digital world.

You get the idea. These richly imaginative tales will have you boldly going where no one has gone before–again and again! This collection of witty, laughable tales makes for a great read or great gift.

This book presents twenty-one humorous short stories that delve into the comical and occasionally bizarre aspects of our technology-saturated lives. Rather than focusing on dystopian fears, the author uses playful imagination to highlight quirky or disquieting possibilities that come from the technological progress. Readers will sometimes laugh at the absurdities of this digital age.

The premise prepares us for the lighthearted and speculative tone. The author tackles questions of the digital age with comedy. Though humor is central, the stories offer moments of thoughtful insight into humans. Scenes are outlandish but relatable.

Sometimes the tongue-in-cheek humor explores potentially sensitive topics concerning race and gender that may not resonate with all readers. There are cliches. Overall, the book is humorous and creative.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Seal by Juliette N. Banks

June 27, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Seal by Juliette N. Banks
Black Hawk Security series, Book One
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Action/Adventure
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

He’s sworn to protect, and never love again, but will she be the one to breach his walls?

My name is Josh Hawke, decorated SEAL and founder of Black Hawke Security. Some might call me arrogant. Women call me cold. Those who truly know me call me dangerous.

I’m all those things.

My priority is my elite team of former special ops who fulfill our contracts with governments and some of the most powerful people in the world.

When a famous rockstar hires us to protect his daughter, it’s just another job. Until I meet Cassy Cartwright and her intense green eyes send a bolt of chemistry through me.

She’s as infuriated as I am by it.

The last thing I want is private security intruding on my quiet, hard-fought-for life. Even if he is six foot four and the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.

Not interested.

Josh is going to distract all the clients in my hair salon and… protect me from the stalker who is out of prison and looking for me again thanks to my rock star father’s comeback hit.

But that’s all I want from him.

I can’t say I wasn’t warned—the book overview clearly stated this was a steamy romance with spice. But wow. My eyes were reading Tien Tsin chile pepper-level steamy!

The hero, Josh Hawke, is a decorated SEAL who openly admits to being arrogant, cold, and dangerous. He’s well aware of his eight-pack abs, which he maintains through regular workouts in the private gym at his Black Hawk Security (BHS) headquarters. Josh, along with his elite team of paramilitary experts, runs BHS, a company that provides high-stakes security services.

The chemistry between Josh and the heroine, Cassy, is immediate and intense. It’s easy to see why Cassy was taken in by his Alpha presence, good looks, and wealth—complete with his Maserati SUV and expensive clothes. Josh, in turn, was hooked from the moment he laid eyes on Cassy. Her photo captivated him, but in person, she was even more stunning. When their eyes locked, he was hypnotized by her green eyes.

Cassy is independent, successful, and strong-willed. But even she can’t resist Josh’s charm—especially when he becomes the one person who can truly protect her.

And she needs protection. Years ago, Cassy was stalked and kidnapped by a dangerous man named Isaac, who’s now escaped prison. Her father wisely hires BHS to keep her safe. The suspense element in this story kept me on edge—every twist had me rooting for everyone’s safety. I felt a sense of relief when Josh was near, just like Cassy did.

The supporting cast is well developed and adds richness to the story. I especially enjoyed getting to know Josh’s crew at BHS—they’re the kind of characters I hope to see again in future books. Cassy’s world also feels real and grounded, especially through her connections at her salon. Her co-workers and clients added humor and warmth that balanced out the intensity of the action scenes.

One thing to note: there’s a fair amount of profanity, which I’m no stranger to myself. Sometimes a well-placed F-bomb gets the point across. However, I personally found the use of strong language in the sex scenes off-putting—it just didn’t feel romantic to me. That said, the scenes were easy to skim past and didn’t detract from the gripping suspense and solid plot.

Overall, The Seal was a fast-paced, action-packed, and thoroughly entertaining read. If you enjoy romantic suspense with high heat and high stakes, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Outlaw by Harley Wylde

June 26, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Outlaw by Harley Wylde
Devils Fury MC, Book 2
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Sorrel

Elena — I lost my parents as a kid, but a reverend and his wife took me in. They were good to me, even if there had never been many hugs. Then they started pushing me to marry a man I didn’t want, so I ran. I should have known the moment I walked through the clubhouse doors of the Devil’s Fury my life would never be the same. I just didn’t count on a bad boy biker being the one to finally make me feel wanted.

Outlaw — The Devil’s Fury are my family, my brothers, but I’m not the same man I was years ago. I’m scarred and broken, or so I’d thought. The little Latina who came to the clubhouse, then pulled out a damn book to read had my attention right away. When someone tries to hurt her, I know that I’ll keep her safe. In fact, I’ll just keep her. She’s awakened a part of me I’d thought I’d lost. Didn’t count on her bringing trouble with her, or nearly losing her, but she’s mine and I will fight for her to the very end.

Outlaw and Elena’s story was full of chemistry.

This is not the first book in the series. Though I have not read the first book, it does not feel like I am not reading the first book.

It is not quite a novella, but it is below 200 pages therefore I would not count it as a full-fledged novel.

I love Elena’s resilience and strength but at the same time her innocence. She does not know or remember how her parents died. When she gets adopted, she does everything to make her adoptive parents happy. But for her there was a limit to that. The story starts there. She refused to marry who her adoptive parents wanted her to.

She is smart. She made a plan and went through with that. But she is innocent enough to this no one would try drugging her.

Outlaw had given up on having a significant other. So, when Elena literally falls in his lap, I think it was divine intervention.

The story develops and the characters with it. Elena learns more about herself, becomes what she wants instead of what her adoptive parents wanted. I loved seeing her develop her own sense of self.

It can be read as a stand-alone. It is a romance. I do think if you want to read or understand more of them, you might start from the first book. The books and characters from the author’s other series do tend to intertwine. But it is not annoying and did not confuse me. It shows how big a world the author has made. I enjoyed this story.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Here, Now, and Forever by J.S. Frankel

June 25, 2025 By 2 Comments


Here, Now, and Forever by J.S. Frankel
Publisher: Extasy Books
Genre: Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.), Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

A flight into danger. A portal to another world. Adventures, danger, a new beginning, and a romance that spans forever.

Carl Goodman, a Merchant Marine sailor during World War Two, is shipwrecked off the coast of China and a temporary visitor at an American airfield, finally scores a ride to India to ship out on another vessel. Accompanying him is Ruby Matthews, a black nurse with her own set of problems.

Bad weather forces their plane to crash on an escarpment high in the Himalayas. As the only survivors with minimal supplies, they take refuge inside a cave where they discover a portal that leads them into an almost Eden-like garden.

After starting at odds, Carl and Ruby come to an understanding, and romance builds over time. However, their peace is interrupted by the arrival of an alien called Norlok, who has an agenda of his own. Defeating him is only part of the problem.

When rescue finally arrives, they find that eighty-five years have passed, yet they’ve retained their youth—until they return to the US, where they begin to rapidly age. Getting back to their garden is of prime importance, but will they be in time?

Anything can happen during a war.

Mr. Frankel’s plot twists are one of the reasons why I have consistently requested his books over the years. He knows exactly how many hints to hide away in his stories to give his readers a taste of what is to come without making it too easy to figure out where he’s going next. This makes the reading and reviewing process effortless because I am always confident that he’s going to keep me on my toes and throw a few curve balls my way as the plot spins off in a new direction. As always, this was such a fun combination of genres, and I loved seeing how he used World War II to leap off into times and places I never would have otherwise associated with that era. Without giving away too many details, there is a peaceful garden in this book that I found especially surprising and relaxing.

I would have liked to see more time spent developing the military subplot. Their reaction to Carl and Ruby’s existence was intriguing at first but didn’t quite make sense to me later on. Having more information about why they responded the way that they did and how willing they were to go along with almost anything the protagonists wanted would have made this a stronger book in my opinion. It is a minor criticism of something I otherwise enjoyed reading quite a bit.

Some of the most memorable scenes for me were the ones that explored what it feels like to be part of a minority group, whether that’s related to race, gender, religion, or other factors. Not everyone who is part of one or more of these groups has the same experiences, of course, but there is overlap between them that I think is helpful for everyone to take note of. The more compassion we feel for each other as human beings, the better if you ask me! While I can’t go into details about exactly what these characters went through without sharing spoilers, it was well worth my time and is something I think readers from every background should explore.

Here, Now, and Forever was adventurous.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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