The Art of Betrayal by Connie Berry

June 16, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Art of Betrayal by Connie Berry
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating; 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Spring is a magical time in England–bluebells massing along the woodland paths, primrose and wild thyme dotting the meadows. Antiques dealer Kate Hamilton is spending the month of May in the Suffolk village of Long Barston, enjoying precious time with Detective Inspector Tom Mallory. While attending the May Fair, the annual pageant based on a well-known Anglo-Saxon folktale, a body turns up in the middle of the festivities.

Kate is even more shocked when she learns the murder took place in antiquity shop owner Ivor Tweedy’s stockroom and a valuable Chinese pottery jar that she had been tasked with finding a buyer for has been stolen. Ivor may be ruined. Insurance won’t cover a fraction of the loss.

As Tom leads the investigation, Kate begins to see puzzling parallels between the murder and local legends. The more she learns, the more convinced she is that the solution to both crimes lies in the misty depths of Anglo-Saxon history and a generations-old pattern of betrayal. It’s up to Kate to unravel this Celtic knot of lies and deception to save Ivor’s business.

A good friend trying to do what’s right and solve a murder all at once!

This is the first Connie Berry book I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. This was a delightful read and easy, too. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. I sped right through in nearly one sitting. This is book three in the series, but doesn’t have to be read in order to be enjoyed. The world building is great and I liked Kate. She’s down to earth and fun, but almost too perfect. Honestly, she’s the kind of character I needed when I picked up this book – I wanted someone to root for. She fit the bill.

This is written in first person, which might not work for all readers, but was fine for me. I liked the budding romance between Kate and Tom, too. This is a cozy, but there’s enough romance that it would satisfy romance readers, too.

If you’re looking for a good book to get lost in, I recommend The Art of Betrayal. I’m off to find books one and two right now.

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

Jack by McKenna James

June 16, 2021 By Leave a Comment


*Jack by McKenna James
Publisher: Wisteria Lane Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

Jack Stapleton and his friends rule Las Vegas. They’ve got more money than they know what to do with, and Jack can have any woman he wants­­­­—except Ellie.

JACK

Rejection. That’s what I get for trying to save a girl who obviously doesn’t want saving.

Paying off her father’s debt so she can stop taking off her clothes for other people? That was a no brainer. Obviously, I hoped she’d fall victim to my irresistible charm. My selflessness.

But no.

I’ve offended her independent spirit, and instead of falling for me, she’s doing everything she can to avoid me. I should forget all about Ellie Masters, but I’m a sucker for her sassy smile and that fiery, luscious mouth.

I’m more than willing to take a gamble on this girl, but she’s made it clear I’m going to need more than luck to win her heart.
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ELLIE

My momma raised me to believe that I don’t need a man. Except, apparently, I do.

And now that I owe a debt to a billionaire, I feel sick to my stomach.

It’s not like I’ll ever be able to pay him back.

The man is richer than God, and hotter than the Devil. When he’s next to me, I just about melt.

The last thing I want is to fall for a man like that.

The problem is, I think I already have…

Jack is a short and heartwarming story about Jack Stapleton, owner of one of the biggest casinos in Las Vegas. Jack and his three best friends King, Ace and Asher have all been best friends since elementary school. They are all rich playboys living the good life and I enjoyed all of their encounters. They have a lot of fun together, give each other a hard time, but always have each other’s backs when needed.

I found it easy to connect with Jack and Ellie. I liked them from the very start and enjoyed reading their story. Their connection felt real and there was a lot of chemistry flowing between them, whenever they were together. Jack is a charming, sweet, down to earth, rich guy and I love the way he treats Ellie and how he never wavers in his feelings for her. Jack has to work hard to convince Ellie to go out with him, which is something he has never had to do before.

This story has an engaging plot and strong characters and even though the story was short, I didn’t feel it was rushed. This is the first book in the Vegas Kings series and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series. I enjoyed reading Jack and Ellie’s story and I think you will too.

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

The Patron by Tess Thompson

June 15, 2021 By Leave a Comment


*The Patron by Tess Thompson
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

She’s afraid to take risks. He’s an incurable daredevil. When tragedy throws them together, will it spark a lasting devotion?

Crystal Whalen isn’t sure why she should go on. Two years after her husband’s death on a ski trip, she’s devastated when a fire destroys her quiet Colorado mountain home. And when she can’t keep her hands off the gorgeous divorcé who’s become her new temporary housemate, it only feeds her grief and growing guilt.

Garth Welte won’t be burned again. After his ex-wife took most of his money, the downhill-skiing Olympic medalist is determined to keep things casual with the sexy woman he can’t resist. But the more time they spend with each other, the harder it is to deny his burgeoning feelings.
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As Crystal’s longing for the rugged man’s embrace grows, she worries that his dangerous lifestyle will steal him away. And although Garth believes she’s his perfect girl, the specter of betrayal keeps a tight grip on his heart.

Will the thrill-seeker and the wary woman succumb to the power of love?

“Your life never ends up like you think it will.” When one of the characters in this story uttered these words, I thought it brilliantly summed up this story. The Patron is an enchanting story about Garth and Crystal, two people trying to move on from their past relationships. They are both closed off and afraid to take a chance on love, until a fire destroys both of their homes.

Tess Thompson is one of my go to authors and I especially love reading her small town romances. She does such a great job of writing this feel good story about small town life. I easily connected to Garth and Crystal. They are easy to like, well developed and both of them have a voice in this story, so I always knew what they were both thinking and feeling.

The plot isn’t complicated but it flows nicely and I loved being in Emerson Pass, right along with the characters in this story. This story has a sweet and magical feel to it and love is in the air, for not only Garth and Crystal, but some of the other characters included in this story.

This is a heartwarming story about forgiveness, new beginnings, moving on from grieving and learning to trust again. I liked all the characters In this story, but I especially loved Garth and Crystal. They are easy to like and connect with and I thought they were great together. If you like small town stories, that will put a smile on your face, give this a try.

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

What Happens in the Spare Bedchamber Stays in the Spare Bedchamber by Rosie Ann Rammjoy

June 15, 2021 By Leave a Comment


What Happens in the Spare Bedchamber Stays in the Spare Bedchamber by Rosie Ann Rammjoy
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Historical, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Edinburgh, 1893

Highlander Donall is paying an overnight visit to some very bohemian friends at their Edinburgh residence, with his handsome-but-shy partner Benjamin. Open homosexuality may not yet be accepted in Scotland, but bohemian is as bohemian does—and Donall’s friends are famed for their open-mindedness.

But after dark (and after quite a few whiskies), Donall and Benjamin overhear something that gets them fiercely hot under their wing collars. Their reaction surprises everyone—especially themselves. Can Benjamin overcome his Victorian reserve and embrace what he truly desires?

Two men, one love and a lot of passion.

This is the first story by Rosie Ann Rammjoy for me, but it won’t be the last. I enjoyed Donall and Benjamin’s tale. It’s very hot, yet sweet. I know that sounds odd, but go with me on this. These two men want each other. They’re together, but they haven’t gone to that level yet. It’s 1883 and it’s not okay to be gay, but being bohemian is another thing altogether.

I liked that these guys are on a journey. Sure, it’s only over the course of a night, but it’s a sweet journey. The way they handle it is anything but sweet, and it’s exactly how it should go. Do I sound like I’m leaving out details? I am because I don’t want to spoil the story.

If you’re looking for a story that’s a little offbeat and cute, but hot, then this is the one for you. Recommended.

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

Grimm Up North by David J. Gatward

June 15, 2021 By 1 Comment


Grimm Up North by David J. Gatward
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Edinburgh has Rebus.
The Highlands have Logan.
Now Yorkshire has Grimm.

Welcome to Wensleydale, where the cheese is famous, the scenery beautiful, and the locals have murder on their minds …

Detective Chief Inspector Harry Grimm is forced to take leave from Bristol’s Major Investigations Team when his boss, tired of Harry chasing the ghost of his murderous father, sends him north on secondment.

Used to city life and high stress, Harry fears his life will now be spent handing out speeding tickets, finding lost sheep, and directing tourists. But when a local teenager runs away, Harry finds himself pulled into an investigation much worse than anyone could have ever expected.

The nicer the place, the darker the secrets. Wensleydale is beautiful, everyone is friendly and welcoming, and people just don’t get murdered … do they? A classic fish-out-of-water crime mystery set in the stunning and evocative scenery of Wensleydale in North Yorkshire.

DCI Harry Grimm is frustrated but not overly surprised when his boss sends him up north to the countryside for secondment – far away from the Bristol Major Investigations team and life as he knows it – after he refuses to let go of the past and chasing elusive justice against his murderous father. Only life in the countryside isn’t as quiet or idyllic as Harry expects when a local teenager goes missing, and all too soon a body is found, murdered.

I absolutely adored this book. I was expecting just another “city cop goes unwillingly to the country” and instead found an amazingly well balanced and gripping story. While Harry is an excellent character, I found it particularly pleasing that he’s surrounded by a bunch of well written and equally interesting secondary characters. Harry’s brother Ben (and the obviously complicated, unresolved history there) and the various members of the small police station in Wensleydale – Jim in particular – weren’t just cookie cutter or slapped into the story to show Harry in a good light or be cardboard cutouts to further the plot. It’s clear to me the author put an immense amount of thought, plan and detail into these characters and I found them as interesting and gripping as I did Harry. This was refreshing to me and really helped me become fully immersed into Harry’s world.

I was also impressed that while on the surface the plot is incredibly simple – city cop goes to the country and realizes murder and mayhem happens everywhere – this book is so much more complicated and rich than that. The various interactions with the different police characters with the locals and the different pace and setting of small-town life. And while the problems might superficially appear easier they’re no less dangerous or significant to those who are effected. Add in a murder mystery and what I personally found was a fantastic tone and style of writing and I’d purchased the second book in the series before I’d made it half way through this story. I found it gripping, engrossing and wonderfully written.

I found it impressive the author also managed to clearly show that Harry has his own demons, along with a complicated relationship with his brother and I feel there is the over-arching plot-line of their father. While that part of the storyline wasn’t neatly wrapped up I felt the author did an exceptional job of making it clear this was a background and long-term personal goal/story-line and didn’t make it feel as if this particular book had dangling threads left or wasn’t finished to a satisfactory degree. I’m eager to start the next book and see not just how Harry continues to adjust to his new situation and how he relates to the many friends and characters – but also what progress is made on his more personal story-line.

With an interesting mystery – but far more importantly a wonderful set of characters and a new perspective – this was a magnificent story and one I greatly enjoyed. I will absolutely be reading the next installment soon.

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

The Strong Within Us by J. A. Boulet

June 14, 2021 By 3 Comments


The Strong Within Us by J. A. Boulet
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

A struggle. A war. The past. Would you recover?

Nathan Olason picks up the pieces of his life in 1893 and becomes a devoted father and grandfather. Except something from his past is holding him back.

When his grandson, Mike, announces that he is joining the Great War, Nath fears the worst. Armed and deadly, his grandson hones his marksmanship skills to a perfection not seen in any other soldier. But once Mike arrives at Vimy Ridge, France, with the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade, the biggest fight of his life has only begun.

Feeling helpless to stop this dangerous chain of events, Nath flees to a place that he thought was his salvation but turns into something else; an old weathered cottage that holds the key to his future.

Follow in the footsteps of heroes.

Be vulnerable.
Would you recover?

This is the second book in the The Olason Chronicles series, but it can definitely be read on its own (because I did so–however, I’ve bought the first book and preordered the third book in the series so I can find out what happened before and what happens next with this family!).

The author does a wonderful job at explaining a time of history I am not familiar with.  It’s really a time in history many folks don’t write or talk about, and I’m pleased the author chose to write such a well-researched and clearly described story. There were times when I forgot I was reading and lost myself in the action.  I ended up reading way too late in the night!

I also really enjoyed the characters as well. They are not perfect, but they are real. And I love family sagas…following the different generations of family history and what they go through, and how their family ties help keep them strong.  I can’t wait to read more about them. The author did a fantastic job making me care about them and what happens to them.  That’s the mark of a strong author and well-written book.

Congratulations, Ms. Boulet!  I’m looking forward to book three.

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

Mara by the Sea by Faith Talbot

June 14, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Mara by the Sea by Faith Talbot
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, LGBTQ, Ménage, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Since her divorce, Mara has been moldering. Or at least that’s what her best friend tells her when she drags Mara to Cancun for a pick-me-up.

Mara finds more than a pick-me-up. On the beach, she meets two beautiful men who, though they’re obviously into each other, are very much into Mara, too. And when they invite her into their unique world, it’s an experience unlike anything she could ever imagine.

Two men, hot times and the ocean…what more could a woman want?

This is a hot short story. It’s truly a fish out of water story in that Mara wants to be something besides herself. When she goes on vacation, she gets what she wants. It’s hot, like I said, and moves fast, but I liked it. This story is nicely written and fun. I liked that there weren’t many complications in the tale.

I see this is part of a series and I can’t wait to read the others. This one certainly packed the heat. I liked how Mara allowed herself to be the best side of herself with her men. This does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it’s good. I liked it.

If you’re interested in a hot ménage that features love in the ocean, then check this book out. Recommended.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Baby For Two by Sam Crescent

June 11, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Baby For Two by Sam Crescent
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

When two strangers meet outside a fertility clinic, sparks fly. Jared has always wanted to be a father, but the right woman has never come around.

Meredith has always been used to disappointment. A baby is something she can’t make alone, so going to the clinic is her only choice. The moment Jared sees her, he wants her, giving her an alternative option.

He wants this baby the natural way, so she’s going to have to sleep with him. And he wants to be part of his baby’s life. Meredith is willing to do whatever it takes, but she doesn’t expect to fall in love. But Jared isn’t the cold, heartless man she expected, and he makes her glow.

When his family tries to tear them apart, Jared vows to keep Meredith in his life. She’s the family he wants, and no one is getting in the way.

Meredith wanted to be a mother very badly. With no daddy prospects in sight though she finds herself in the sperm bank hoping to go it alone. While there she meets Jared, who had been visiting to try and find out how to go about hiring a surrogate mother. Jared felt an instant attraction to Meredith and considering they both want the exact same thing Meredith is finding it hard to say no to Jared’s outlandish idea.

Grab a large drink, turn off your ringer, sit back and disconnect your brain. I found this to be a fabulously fun, albeit highly unlikely short story. Thankfully I didn’t need or expect realism, logic or real life when I picked up this quick read and so I adored every minute of it. Meredith and Jared are strangers – that’s why she doesn’t initially know he’s a multi-millionaire and in charge of his own company from an exceptionally large and even more wealthy family. Jared wants a baby and a family of his own and isn’t going to let pesky details – like the many compromises, problems, difficulties and small facets of conceiving a baby then raising it to adulthood – get in his way. They both want a baby and Meredith is attracted enough to Jared to let herself be talked into doing it the old fashioned way, in bed. Let the bedroom shenanigans and heart-wrenching emotion begin.

Readers looking for a light hearted, fast paced and intimately graphic short story should find this an excellent read. I felt an immediate empathy with Meredith who I found to be relatable and somewhat sensible and practical. Jared was one handsome and smooth-talking hero and while I didn’t warm to him immediately in the same way I did Meredith I did enjoy him and found myself really growing to like him as much as I initially hoped for. After the first few pages I realized I needed to leave realism and logic at the door but the lack of logic didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story once I embraced it.

Meredith and Jared were interesting and vibrant characters, the situation they found themselves in (crazy as it was) was something I feel most people could understand and relate to. Add in a bunch of chemistry and a real and honest desire to be parents and this was a fun and enjoyable read.

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

The Poison of Bitterness by Serenity Snow

June 10, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Poison of Bitterness by Serenity Snow
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Alstroemeria

Remi can feel the presence of a ghost lurking, lying in wait to destroy the life she’s building with Sarina. She knows her own fears are part of the danger that could prevent her from being happy.

Then, the ghost makes his first move, and Remi is certain it’s only the first wave and prepares to deal with the trouble before it turns into a nightmare. But what Remi doesn’t know is there’s shadow with a twisted plan of its own. So, as Remi lays her plan, the shadow makes moves that plunge Remi into the middle of a murder investigation that tears the scab off old wounds and reveals dark secrets bound to destroy two families.

As she navigates the murky waters, Sarina is kidnapped, and Remi is prepared to do whatever it takes to get Sarina back and close the doors of the past for good.

The Poison of Bitterness is fifth in the Cozy Bend mystery series, but as a novel it can surely stand on its own. Main characters Remi and Sarina have already been through their fair share of struggles within the town’s limits, but little do they know that trying to plan a wedding with their two best friends will be the least of their problems!

While the heat between Remi and Sarina is scorching, will they be able to take it when their enemies begin to rain fire over them? Each moment of the novel feels like standing on the edge of the unknown, wondering if they will make it out unscathed. Remi and Sarina as characters are written with very strong opposing characteristics, but somehow it is those differences that pull them together in their relationship. Sarina’s extreme patience and independence is the perfect match for Remi’s hot temper and suspicious mind. While things often come to a head between them, Sarina is always able to communicate with Remi and help her away from her dark past and her trust issues.

They also have zero issues communicating in the bedroom. The few steamy scenes we were gifted throughout the book show the established trust between the two that might be questioned elsewhere within the novel. As two powerful women, the ‘strong heroine lead’ role is not just fulfilled by one of them, but rather they split the lead with their own unique characteristics. This power dynamic is also fully alive and visible in their relationship as well. The partnership is completely 50-50, even if control is oftentimes given to Remi in the bedroom.

The story was very fast-paced, and at moments I think the action could have been fleshed out a bit more and extended, just to really seal in that suspense. But all in all, this story had just the right amount of tension. Serenity Snow was able to pack a lifetime in 30 chapters, leaving no stone unturned, and no women unsatisfied.

I have only read this book of the series, but I would like to go back and read the four previous. I would love to see this rubber band of tension stretched from page one! I recommend this to anyone who likes a lot of twists and turns, and powerful women.

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

Deadly Reunion by Linda Hope Lee

June 9, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Deadly Reunion by Linda Hope Lee
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Snowdrop

When Richmond, Washington librarian, Nina Foster, and newspaper owner Stephen Kraslow attend his high school reunion in Parker’s Landing, Idaho, the event turns tragic when Stephen’s good friend, Mark MacTeague, suddenly drops dead at a picnic. Nina has reason to believe he was murdered and vows to uncover the culprit. Meanwhile, Stephen’s high school girlfriend, Angie Delaney, reveals a long kept secret that brings a big change to his life. Can Stephen and Nina’s relationship survive this new turn of events? Will Nina uncover the murderer before he or she commits another crime?

When you write a story and make the main character a librarian and you add a good suspenseful mystery to it, you have me reading immediately. Deadly Reunion is Book 3 in a series titled “The Nina Foster Mystery series”. This is the first book I have read by Linda Hope Lee, and I really enjoyed it. It had some elements of a cozy. You know, the small hometown they visit, she’s an amateur detective, etc. and yet this had some depth to it. The story was somewhat more involved and there were plenty of suspects to make you wonder who really killed Nina’s beau’s best friend.

Linda Lee Hope does a good job of character definition. I don’t mean description here as much as I mean definition. Throughout the story her writing and especially her dialog composition helps you begin to know the characters. Their personalities seem to develop, and you never lose track of who is who, so to speak. As you can imagine, a reunion could involve a lot of characters and yet the author keeps them all very clear. No confusion at all. I enjoyed this mystery and look forward to another addition to the series.

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