SIster Dear

 In this blog post, I reviewed Hannah Mary McKinnon's Sister Dear. This domestic suspense novel would make you skin crawl with goosebumps and the hairs stand at the back of your neck. All Eleanor Hardwicke every wanted was a loving family who appreciated her. But they treated her like garbage since she wasn't pretty enough to deserve their love.  But before her father died from cancer, she learned a shocking truth she shouldn't have heard from her parents: she was born from an affair and was kept a secret. This set her on edge to seek her real father out. But he wanted nothing to do with her and had sent her mother hush money to kept it a secret. So she sent out in a mission to know her half-sister Victoria and to get into her world by befriending her and learning her family's darkest secrets. The only person she told was her neighbor Lewis who had a thing for her. It all started for her from disclosing her identity and "accidentally" stealing Victoria's wedding ring when she'd gotten chummier with her and closer to Lewis. In fears of being found out, she kept up with the charade until she'd been discovered and caught into her lies when she'd lost everything she loved and worked hard for in a twisted blink of an eye with a shocking ending.

 This domestic suspense had me at the edge of the seat and piqued my interest right from the beginning. It was dark and twisted as it would come in this domestic thriller. I cared for Eleanor and how everyone mistreated her, making her feeling unwanted and unloved, even by the way she looked, like a ghost. I did care for how she would handle this situation  when she should've quit while she a head and took a chance.  But her own house of cards had toppled in an epic collapse when everything was yanked from her in a puff of smoke. I liked the intricate locations in the Portland area from Eleanor's home to Victoria's posh apartment and everywhere in between. The theme of the story is that secrets and lies have a way of coming out into the open before you're found out.

If you love spine-tingling domestic suspense novels with twisted non-stop action, plenty of heart-racing drama, and tons of goose-bumping suspense, Sister Dear is right up your alley.

Who She Was

 In this blog post, I reviewed Braylee Parkinson's Who She Was, the first installment in the Sylvia Wilcox mysteries series. This captivating mystery debut will keep you guessing right to the end. For Sylvia Wilcox, she's a young widow and a former cop, who received her first mystery case to solve a two-year-old unsolved murder of Liza Stark as a private investigator when her husband Carson Stark asked her to investigate into the mystery behind it. With her brother-in-law Martin working by her side, they delved into her background as a wife and mother and unraveled the threads of her past. Who could've killed her in the poorest neighborhood in Detroit and why? Was it her best friend? Her family and in-laws? Or someone unbeknown to them since the DPD believed it was an affair gone wrong? The deepest they dug closer to the truth, the most suspects they had to believe it could be as they separate the truth between the secrets and the lies. In the end, they pieced the together the puzzle with the biggest surprising twist of them all to receive closure to the case.

 This mystery debut had me on tenterhooks from start to finish, starting with page one. I instantly cared for Sylvia, who mourned her late husband Derek, so young into their marriage. I also liked how she worked well with Martin to help solve the case. The more I've gotten to know about Liza and her sordid past, the more I've felt sorry for her and what she'd gone through in the end before her untimely death in the most cruelest way. This pulled at my heart strings. I loved the scenic settings in Brightmoor and Northville Township, and in Detroit. It also showed how well it depicted how poor and rich both neighborhoods were in Michigan from the slums to a lavish lifestyle for the locations. The theme of the story is how well perceived we think and treat others.

If you love nail-biting mysteries that leave you hooked with non-stop suspense, plenty of gripping drama, and goosebumps to keep you up at night, check out Who She Was for a feel-good read.

Murder Most Fair

 In this blog, I reviewed Anna Lee Huber's Murder Most Fair, the 5th installment in the Verity Kent historical mystery series, this newest edition would raise eyebrows and keep you in suspense. It all started for Verity Kent, a former Secret Service Agent for Winston Churchill, when she relaxed by their London home to enjoy their time together in November 1919. For five long years, the war was tiring to fight their enemies, even when she thought her husband was presumed dead. But when her German great-aunt Ilse arrived at their doorstep, claiming she'd thought she'd seen a second deserter from the war. To calm her great-aunt down, she talked to her about how she was afraid for her life back home in Germany and how someone threatened her life. From London, Verity returned to her hometown of Hawes, when her homecoming was nothing more than bittersweet with her family. The tension was high in the air, even when her great-aunt was ill, and she still mourned her late brother Rob who died in the war a few years ago. In the midst of this all, one of her great-aunt's maids was acting suspicious among the family and was later found dead in the barn by a pitchfork. Now it was up to Verity and Sidney to find out who killed her and why, even if it brought her answers close to home and closer to danger to find out the answer in the end.

 This was a scintillating and intriguing  historical mystery that transported us to the World War I and how it changed history and shaped the world. I cared for Verity, who was a young auburn-haired wife, who loved her family, husband, and entranced life of working for the government. I could see how her estrangement had affected her and her family after Rob's death, even  in her own marriage to Sidney. She had a lot of spunk and tons of courage to put on a brave face. I loved the countryside of Hawes and how the small-knit community came together and supported her family, even when they treated her aunt like a stranger. The theme of the story, which is so related to the past wars of yesterday, is that how it changed people's views and shaped people's lives today: it affects everybody, no matter what side you were on.

If you love daring historical mysteries that deal with factual drama from the past, intriguing suspense, and plenty of non-stop action to keep you hooked on reading, this delightful book is a must-read for you.

Never Mix Sin With Pleasure

 In this blog post, I reviewed Renee Ann Miller's Never Mix Sin With Pleasure, the 5th installment in the Infamous Lords historical romance series. This daring newest tale would captivate you and enthrall you in an intriguing love story. Olivia Michaels never had a family and lived in an orphanage. During the day, she worked as a companion to a lady until she came across Lord Anthony Trent's carriage and gotten mixed up with him. During the night, she roamed the streets as the Phantom, exacting revenge to those people who discarded pregnant woman and orphans like her late friend Helen. When she went to apologize to Lord Trent, jobless and alone, he made her an offer she couldn't refuse: work as her grandmother's companion instead of being a maid. For Tony Trent, he mooned over his sister-in-law Caroline and became jealous of his brother's marriage with her. While they were away for the month, he was left in charge of the finances. But he had trouble dealing with numbers, until Olivia helped him with the ledgers to stay on top of things. While she'd gotten the glimpse of the good life with the dowager, Tony treated her with some fun and excitement while trying not to fall in love with her. But he can't get her out of his mind. On the moment she needed to finish the revenge, her life depended on it if she could avoid being caught as the thief. It was hard to separate the two when she had to tell the truth to Tony before it was too late. Can they withstand the odds and find true happiness together to give her the family she ever wanted?

This was a compelling and very intriguing historical romance novel. This had an almost rags-to-rich theme to it. I cared for Olivia and how she kept her secret life a secret to keep all of London guessing who was the Phantom. I also loved how she helped Tony with the ledgers and had a good old time with him on a night out in the town. I also loved Tony, who had difficulty with math--something we've never seen before, a character with a learning disability as in numbers, and requested Olivia's services. I loved the London scenery in a vast array of locations for the settings from the pubs to the shipyards and beyond. The themes of the story are be true to yourself and never be afraid to show your true self, flaws and all.

If you love fascinating historical romances with non-stop action, plenty of romantic drama, lots of intrigue, and sparks of humor, this novel is right up your alley to read.

Not the Kind of Earl You Marry

 In this blog post, I reviewed Kate Pembroke's Not the Kind of Earl You Marry, the first installment in the Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair historical romance series. This scintillating love story is like no other and would sweep you off your feet. It all started when someone posted a fake engagement announcement in the local paper that pitted William Atherton, Lord of Norwood, and Charlotte Hurst, a wallflower and country girl, together. At first, the idea was absurd since he was the most eligible bachelor in London and left many  tongues wagging across the ton. But they've gotten to know each other better when Charlotte received  curricle lessons from William as she learned how to live in London in style and made new friends along the way. Until they discovered who planted that scheme into the paper, they put on the charade that they were a couple before an evil threat lurked to reveal its ugly head to throw a moneywrench into the romance. Before they could say I do, they have to conquer this latest obstacle and get their happily ever after.

 This historical romance was so enticing and interesting with the fake proposal trope. I love how it brought them together in the beginning and straight to the end. I cared for Charlotte, who wasn't the type of woman to fall for any type of love match. She loved the quiet life until she found William and sought after an adventurous side to her. I loved how William transformed her and molded her into the type of woman he ought to marry, while he kept his political role with the chairman's board in check. I loved the dual locations of Chartwell and London painted a vivid picture in my mind with mesmerizing scenic settings. The theme of the story is that love can move mountains and transform you into something beautiful.

If you love historical romances that pull at your heart-strings with non-stop action, plenty of romantic drama, tons of suspense, and a hint of humor, Not the Kind of Earl You Marry is perfect for you.

Hooked

 In this post, I reviewed Brenda Rothert's Hooked, this sexy and daring standalone hockey sports romance novel will have you hooked from the first page. Miranda Carr worked at a hotel maid and a bartender to make her ends to support her when she studied for college. But when she cleaned Jake Birch's hotel room, this meeting was one of a kind between them when she accidentally tossed out his lucky shirt before the big game. Jake Birch was having a bad day when he discovered his shirt was missing. He also had to deal with terms from the team owner when he was caught kissing her at the bar. To save face, he had to date her, or deal with the consequences. But when Jake met Miranda, all bets were off. Their chemistry were off the charts and scorched the ice. Though they hit it off, he had to contend with Hailey while keeping their romance a secret from her boss--or she could loss her job. But deep down inside, Jake has a secret. He secretly mourned the loss of his younger brother Dustin who died a few years ago that killed him inside and stayed away from his folks due to guilt. With all these complications, Jake and Miranda had to work together and smooth out the wrinkles before they could have their happily ever after in the end. 

This was a delightful and entertaining sports romance for a stand alone novel. I instantly cared for Miranda who worked hard for her money to make ends meet--two jobs to be exact. I loved how she cared for her sister Paige and wanted to do everything her way and loving Jake as is.  I also adored Jake who loved the sport of hockey and did it to honor his late brother's memory, though he kept the guilt close to his heart. I also loved how he supported Miranda and wanted to be by herself in anyway he could, on and off the ice and truly cared for her.  I loved the location of Downtown Chicago and the gripping settings for the scenes on and off the rink. The dual themes of the story are be true to yourself and to forgive yourself from what hurts you.

If you love heart-stopping hockey sports romance that make you heart swoon and sway with non-stop drama, plenty of hot romantic action and tons of heat, Hooked is the perfect one for you.

Murder, She Edited

 In this blog post, I reviewed  Kaitlyn Dunnett's Murder, She Edited, the 4th installment in the Deadly Edits cozy mystery series. This newest caper leaves you hooked and enthralled with one juicy tale. Michelle Lincoln is a 70-year-old freelance editor and beta reader to a famous historical romance writer. It all started for her when she received a phone call from a lawyer saying she inherited a farm from one of her mother's closest friends Tessa Swarthout in her will upon her death. And that it had a very special request: to find them and edit the journals before publication. This send her on a wild goose chase while she looked for the diaries and read the disturbing details on how Tessa's stepmother Rosanna had died 50 years ago. While she worked on her library's newsletter, she dealt with a stalking number one fan of Illyana Dubonnet who requested to speak to herself and filed an editorial complaint, and the runaround from Leland Fairweather's law firm to get answers. As she tried to dodged this fan, she unearthed new clues when she found one diary and dug deeper. The closer she'd gotten closer to the truth, her life became endangered when she had a deadline to fulfill before time ran out of her on who really committed the crime way back when.

 This cozy mystery was so captivating and interesting to read. I cared about Micki and her adorable cat Calpurnia, who ended up in a half-a-century-year old unsolved murder. For a widow who had plenty of time on her hands, this kept her busy from start to finish. I liked the Lenape Hollow, New York location and all of the vast background for that small NYC city. The theme of the story is that your past will catch up to you and leave you with a heavy guilty conscience to tell the truth.

 If you like compelling cozies that keeps you guessing with non-stop action, lots of drama, plenty of suspense, and sparks of heart-stopping intrigue, Murder, She Edited is the book for you.

Bombshell

 In this blog post, I reviewed Sarah MacLean's Bombshell, the first installment in the Hell's Belles historical romance series This daring new tale is dangerously sexy and breath-taking in every page. For Lady Sesily Talbot, she's the youngest and unmarried among her sisters. She lives a free life and is out on a mission to right the wrongs with her gang of lady friends who have a bone to pick with the crooked elite in society. But at the night at the ball, she ran into Caleb Calhoun, a former flame from two years, and an American with a secret to hide. They kept run into each other and chasing each other.  But though they had so much animosity between each other from the past, they both have a sole mission they conspired to work on together: to bring down Viscount Coleford. For Sesily, it's for he's robbing the helpless by making them poor; for Caleb, he wanted to keep his secret identity to himself and avoid his capture at all cost and with good reason. Caleb couldn't stay away from Sesily and didn't want to put her in danger. He loved her too much to do it. But if he knew Sesily, she had a trick up her to sleeve to bail him out of a jam and to make things remotely possible for them with a fitting ending.

 This was a terrific introduction to this new historical romance series. It was riveting, compelling, and scintillating to read in one fantastic novel. I cared about Sesily and how she had a careless demeanor and to live precariously to however it suited and fitted her. I loved her brood of friends and this selfless mission to bring their form of justice to dirty aristocrats in society. I've found Caleb dashing and handsome, who had a good reason to keep her safe, while he knew the odds were  up against them from getting together in the first place. I loved the location from the pubs to the castles in 1800s England for the scenic  settings. The theme of the story is love can set you free when revenge is best-served... cold.

If you love heart-stopping historical romance with non-stop action, plenty of romantic drama, tons of intrigue and spine-tingling goosebumps along the way, Hell's Belles is the book for you.

Faceless

 In this blog post, I reviewed Alexandra Ivy's Faceless, the second installment in the Pike, Wisconsin romantic suspense series. This story would leave you chilled and send goosebumps on your skin. Twenty-five years ago, Wynter Moore's mother Laurel was killed in an armed robbery with a faceless killer. Now on the anniversary of her death, she travels to Pike, Wisconsin, and searches for answers on that unsolved mystery that haunted her to this day. Though she wasn't close enough to her father as she wanted to be, she lived a good life and started her own restaurant Wynter Garden in Larkin, Iowa.  She  reunited with her childhood best friend, Noah Heller, a conservation officer, who later teamed up with her. But with one clue from the past, it set the path for her to discover the truth about her mother's death and her secret life. Though Noah had always had feelings for Wynter, they both share an unshakeable bond--they both went to the same therapy group since they both lost their parents to a senseless tragedy. And that had brought them closer together than ever before. But, the real killer called the Stranger followed her every move, killing people who might know the truth and reveal their identity, who  might stand in their way. The closer she gets to the truth to finding out why someone wanted her mother dead, the more it puts Noah and her in precarious danger until the ultimate climax in the end  to take their relationship to another level. 

This was a compelling and bone-chilling fascinating friends-to-lovers romantic suspense novel. I cared for Wynter for her search for the truth and the deep-rooted feelings she carried for Noah. I loved how she grew her own vegetables for her restaurant and became her own individual to blaze her own path. Though danger and trouble shadowed her, I became concerned and feared for her and her safety. I loved how Noah's protective of her and is a park ranger in Iowa. I didn't like Linda one bit. Both dual locations--Larkin, Iowa and Pike, Wisconsin--were beautifully depicted with mesmerizing scenic settings from her garden, to her grandfather's house, the cabin in Pike, and so on. It sucked me right in from the first page. The theme of the story is that greed and jealousy don't mix like vinegar and water.

If you love heart-stopping romantic suspense novels with non-stop action, plenty of romantic drama, lots of twists and turns, and mind-numbing chills along the way, Faceless is the perfect book for you.

Between Heaven and Hell

 In this blog post, I reviewed Jacqui Nelson's Between Heaven and Hell, the first installment in the Lonesome Hearts historical romance series. This beautiful loveswept story takes place along the Oregon Trail in 1850s. For Hannah, she lost her family when she was young, and the Osage adopted her as one of their own, calling her Blue Sky, and raising her in the tribe. After she lost her mother and sister due to a tragedy, she became estranged from her foster brother, Eagle Brother, who sworn to kill her one day. Right before the wagon trail to Oregon, she volunteered herself as a scout. But her journey to the West Coast wouldn't be an easy one. Paden Callahan led the wagons to Oregon and needed a scout to take them there. He also mourned the death of his late wife Jeannie, killed by a savage crew of Indians, who had no room to love. He doubted Hannah and had her proof her worthiness to the wagons. People stared at her and gave her a rough time, including himself. But during the trail, they dealt with hardships and disease on the trail, when they begin to trust each other and learn more about each other's pasts. They both have a distinctive connection to the Native Americans and learn that they have in more in common than they realized like having a rough spot. With Hannah's brother's hot on their trail, they were at the crossroads on the trail. While they cared for each other, Paden talked to Eagle Feather to keep Hannah safe from others while he sought out his wife's true killer. But those two weeks were agonizing for her until she sought him out on the trail to get her own piece of Heaven with him in return. 

 This was an endearing and emotional historical romance story that takes place in 1850s in Kansas and set during the Oregon Trail. This story is rich with accurate details about what's life for pioneers along the trail by wagon trail and by horse. I cared for Hannah who looked for a place to call home and for Paden who wants to avenge his wife's death and to keep everyone safe from harm. From Kansas to Oregon during the 1850s was the perfect location and storyline setting with compelling scene that transported me there. The dual themes of the story is home is where the heart is and to let go of the past.

If you love historical romance novels that's touches your heart with non-stop action, plenty of romantic drama, lots of suspense, and bits of mystery, Between Heaven and Hell will take you there.

Still Crazy

In this blog post, I reviewed Judy Prescott Marshall's Still Crazy. This novel tells the tale of Julie Holiday's journey from self-love, forgiveness, betrayal, and healing hearts. It all started when Julie discovered a mysterious note that's been addressed to her husband of 30 years, Dan.  That's when she suspected and believes he might be cheating on her again. It wasn't the first time, but it might not be the last time. Though everyone who knew him said she was crazy and wrong about Dan, but she had heard it all before. So she ought out to discover if she was right with help from her business partner and friend Lynnae, a single mother of two young boys. Until she had proof, she confronted him and denied him about it. She had enough and decided to give Dan his freedom when she sold her bakery and departed New York to go to Port Judith, Rhode Island. In the second half, she had gotten a fresh start by developing an inn and making her own from an old farmhouse. During the past year, she watched it unfold until it was up and ready for business with staff who she considered family and a new set of friends. Over the past year, she ran the operations and became a success until a suave man named Chad Claremont was besotted with her as a residential guest. But it became a bit too complicated to her since she couldn't let herself fall in love with him since she still had hard feelings for Dan and never stopped loving him.  The moment of truth came for her when Dan sought her out in Rhode Island and confessed his sins and how he wanted her back in her life even if it was at the inn in New York. It was up to Julie to forgive him and let him back in her heart or move on without him. 

This was an exceptional and heartfelt written woman's fiction novel that deals with infidelity and betrayal, forgiveness and second chances. I really cared for Julie and didn't blame her for seeking a fresh start to heal and to become stronger than before. Dan should've learned his lesson the first couple times when he strayed from her. I really liked the New York and Port Judith dual locations for the novel--both visually fantastic and picturesque scenic settings to take you there, especially of the inn in general. The themes of the story is forgiveness and being strong to seek God's guidance when you need it the most.

If you love heart-moving woman's fiction novels that deals with affairs of the heart with non-stop action, plenty of suspense and heartfelt drama, Still Crazy is the book for you.

Between Two Thieves

 In Sloane Steele's Between Two Thieves, the 2nd installment in the Counterfeit Capers romantic suspense series, this latest novel will keep you on your toes and leave you in suspense. For Nikki Russo, she's a well-known art thief that works for a company that's reminiscent of the Leverage TV series, that steals for a common purpose. She knows a trick or two about stealing since her father Dodger taught her how to do it at a young age. It's all how she met and fell in love with Wade Palmer, her father's protégé, a decade ago. They were both after one particular painting, the Devereaux, at the Carlisle Museum. Little did they know they met each other at the same party pulling a con and crossed each other's paths. But they worked together for one common interest that brought them together in the first place: her father who was in deep trouble. Wade had gone straight and worked for a security consultancy firm who wanted to break free from Dodger like Nikki did. She was the one who got away so many years ago and never stopped loving her. Though they worked both sides of the fence, his dog Flynn became his best friend--it's something that Nikki never liked and feared.  They team up to pull the switch and the ultimate con to exact revenge and to get something they both want and desired--another chance to be together in the end. 

Fans of "Ocean's Eight and Eleven" (both versions) and "Leverage "would love this heist-centric themed second-chance romantic suspense novel. I cared for Nikki on how she's her own individual person and worked for a team that became like a second family. I loved how she's creative and thoughtful of stealing artwork by pulling off those masterful cons. I also cared for Wade who changed his lifestyle and did it for a greater good. He wanted to protect Nikki because he cared so much for her.  I loved the location and the scenic settings from the apartment to Wade's firm and beyond. The theme of the story is trust your gut and people can change if given a chance.

 If you love high-stakes romantic suspense with tons of heart-stopping high-octane suspense, plenty of romantic drama, lots of intrigue and thrilling chills, Between Two Thieves is perfect for you.

Into the Sound

In this blog post, I reviewed Cara Reinard's Into the Sound.  this thrilling new thriller will leave you breathless and speechless by the time you finished reading. It all started for Holly Boswell, a housewife and doting mother of two sons, and a former journalist, when she received a call from her older sister Vivian in the midst of the storm. She dropped everything and rushed to find her missing at the marina when she was too late and called the cops to help search for her. But what can she do other than to confront her brother-in-law Clayton, a sleazy lawyer who helps the bad guys in court, as a prime suspect. But his house of cards is about to come crashing down at him like a domino effect when his hidden secrets came pouring out into the public. While the press focused their attention out on him, Holly looked for clues to discover more about her sister's disappearance and reflected to their emotional abusive childhood with their mother who played manipulative mind games with them for her studies, it might her take a look at her marriage with Mark and how he controlled her all the time. The closer the truth she would be to finding out if  Vivian was dead or alive, the more she learned about more secrets from her youth to shed a dark light into their relationship with a startling ending you would never believe.

This was a fantastic mind-blown psychological thriller that would knock your socks off.  I did feel sorry for Holly and Vivian who were dealt with a rough childhood and turbulent marriages with their husbands. They both needed a fresh start and a clean break from them. Their mother and Clay both gave me the creeps. My heart went out to both Vivian and Holly since I cared for them both. I loved the picturesque location of Long Island and the scenic location in Sayville, New York. The theme of the story is dark in nature and not to keep secrets that would keep back to haunt you later.

If you love heart-pounding, spine-tingling dark thrillers that would give you goosebumps with non-stop action, plenty of twisted action and suspense, and chills all over, pre-order Into the Sound now!

Pint of No Return

(Due to unforeseen circumstances last month, I didn't get a chance to post this, though I finished it on 9/16/21. Sorry so late in the posting.)

In this blog post, I reviewed Dana Mentick's Pint of No Return, the first installment in the Ice Cream Shop Culinary cozy mystery series. This would hook you from the first compelling page to the last page in a sitting or two. It all started for Trinidad Jones, when she moved into Upper Sprocket, Oregon, a cozy little town to get away from her slimeball of a husband in more ways than one. She had plans on turning a former pet shop into her own ice cream parlor in the town to start her own small business. But things aren't what they cracked up to be when she ran into one of her ex's ex-wives Juliette in town and friended her. Then she met her business neighbor Kevin and later discovered his dead body when Juliette is the prime suspect. Along the way, she met some new people like Quinn and Doug who became her new friends and helped her clear Juliette's name to discover who the real culprit. Lo and behold, she ran into some obstacles on figuring out whodunit, until things came to a head when her shop and her life was endangered when the least unexpected suspect who killed Kevin was revealed in the end.

This was a charming introduction to this new culinary cozy series.  I loved the idea of having an ice cream shop open up in a small town--Upper Sprocket is an unusual and interesting name.  I cared for Trinidad and her Hispanic culture about being her independent self in Oregon when her family wants her back home in Miami. I do think Quinn is sweet on Trinidad and people would love her ice cream and shakes in her parlor. I liked the small town community of Upper Sprocket and what it had to offer for the location and the scenic settings. The theme of the story is don't be too jealous and getting greedy over one thing.

If you like small town culinary cozies with delicious recipes and heart-stopping action, non-stop drama, plenty of delicious intrigue, and topped with elevated suspense, Pint of No Return is for you.

The Silent Suspect

 In this blog post, I reviewed Nell Pattison's the Silent Suspect, the third installment in the Paige Northwood thriller series. This will hook you from the first page to the last to keep you in suspense. It all started when Paige, a BSL  interpreter, received an urgent call  from one of her clients, Lukas Nowak. When she rushed to the scene, he was trapped inside his burning house with his wife Nadia. Shell-shocked, the fire department rescued him when it was too late to save Nadia who was already dead before the fire started.  As he grieved the loss of his wife, it was up to Paige to contact his social worker, Sasha Thomas, to help him through this difficult time.  At this same time, Paige's boyfriend Max asked her to move in with him, though she wasn't too sure if it would be a good move in their relationship. During the investigation into the fire and Nadia's murder, Lukas is on the hot seat as the culprit when both Paige and Sasha try to approve his innocence and did a bit of sleuthing on their own.  She also becomes face to face with DS Rav Singh, someone she has  had strong feelings for, and while they dig into Nadia's and Lukas's silent life, they learn some shocking truths about their past and discover the true culprit was right under their nose all along in the end in a life-and-death battle for Paige.

 This was a real compelling and diverse read to feature hearing impaired characters into the storyline. We really need to see more stories with them nowadays. I really cared about Paige on how she used sign language and regular English to speak and communicate with others. I also felt bad for Lukas who had been dealt a tough blow when it came to trusting people. I really liked the flashbacks on what events led before and after the fire to set the scene in this chain reaction. I also would like to see Paige and Rav get together at some point in the series. I liked the various of English locations set around Lincolnshire for the scenic settings. If you love a compelling mystery thriller that keep you on your tenterhooks with non-stop drama, plenty of action, suspense, and lots of twists and turns, the Silent Suspect is right up your alley! Check it out today!

 

 

 

 

The Marriage Lie

 In this blog post, I reviewed Ali Mercer's the Marriage Lie. This riveting domestic suspense novel would leave you at the edge of your seat and hold your breath. What do you do when someone holds something over you? It all started for Stella Castle's 40th birthday when her husband treated her to a special dinner and gifted her to a home for where she lived alone. It caught her off guard when her husband wanted a divorce from her. If she didn't do what he wanted, he would reveal a terrible secret about their daughter's birth. With no where to turn, she went to her mother for advice. But she later learned that Rob was having an affair with someone else and carried his child. Was this some part of his midlife crisis to ditch her in the ditch? To protect this terrible secret, she would have to reach out to her younger sister Molly, who have been estranged from her family for years. When her mother passed away, she reached out to her sister before she left the funeral service. It only made her more determined to reconnect to her and to break free from Rob's dominating hold on her. Then, when her stepfather passed away shortly after her mother's death, she connected to Molly again and didn't show up for the service. In the end, Stella learned the shocking truth about her daughter and promised to protect her to the end, when they've both told Georgie a partial truth to satisfy her daughter's curiosity, and made their bond stronger than ever and better than before.

 This was a jaw-dropping domestic suspense thriller. I instantly cared for Stella, who was put into a difficult situation and tougher than a rock and a hard place. What was she to do to do his evil bidding and to do what he wants? She did what she wanted to do to break free and escape from his dominating ways to protect her daughter. It made me dislike Rob more and more until he'd gotten what he discovered. I loved the Fox Hill and other select locations in England that depicted the scenic settings so well with the ambiance for the story. The theme of the story is that blood is thicker than water and the ties that bind between family and dark secrets.

If you love gripping domestic suspense thrillers that would knock the pants off of you with non-stop action, dramatic suspense, shocking twist and turns, and chills all over, The Marriage Lie is the book for you.

The Serial Killer's Wife

 In this blog post, I'm reviewing Alice Hunter's The Serial Killer's Wife. This twisted psychological thriller will keep you in suspense and asks you how well do you know somebody? It all started for Beth Hardcastle when the Lower Tew police knock on their door. They wanted to bring her husband Tom in for questioning, regarding his former girlfriend's disappearance from eight years ago. That started the investigation into Tom's past and how her once-perfect marriage had crumbled by unraveling secrets and dirty lies. It made her doubt and second-guess her husband and how she could protect her daughter Poppy from him. While Beth works at her own pottery cafe, she wondered about her friends and fellow co-workers and if she could trust them and they should trust her, since the former runner of the book club Camilla Knight had an accidental allergic death the year before. During this time, while the police hones in to Tom's dark past to Katie, Beth befriends Adam Knight, the young widower in her cafe, and develops a friendship with him which turned into something more. While Tom was arrested not for one murder,  Beth became a target in her neighborhood from journalists and informed the police about those incidents and a possible connection to another murder by handing over crucial evidence--another nail in his coffin. Meanwhile, she unearthed another disturbing truth about Tom--he's been having an affair with someone else who could also be another victim in his crime spree. To save herself and her daughter, she  would do all she could to separate herself from him and telling him goodbye right after the trial. But the ending is so shocking that I didn't see it coming.... I can't give it away.

 This psychological thriller is so twisted and dark that it would take you breath away. It was also so riveting that it kept me wondering what would happen next to Tom and Beth Hardcastle. I cared for Beth who wanted to do the right thing, right up until the end. As for Tom, he had what coming to him and was cold nonetheless. Actions have dire consequences, accidentally or not. I loved the Lower Tew location for the novel and for the gripping scenic settings surrounding this dark thriller. The theme of the story is that buried secrets and little white lies have a way of coming out into the open.

If you love dark crime thrillers that would keep you at the edge of your seat and awake at night with non-stop action, heart-pounding suspense, lots of twisted and turns, and plenty of compelling drama, The Serial Killer's Wife is right up your alley. Check it out today!

 

Anchored Hearts

 In this blog post, I reviewed Priscilla Oliveras's Anchored Hearts. This second-chance contemporary romance is so heart-warming and tear-jerking to read and sweep you off your feet. For Anamaria Navarro and Alejandro Miranda, they were once high school sweethearts who grew up in Key West Florida and later split to go their separate ways. Twelve years later, Anamaria is a fire fighter/paramedic who's starting up her own fitness company, AM Fitness. She wants nothing more than to spread her wings and fly, while she had been tied down to Key West for a decade ever since her father had a heart attack. Now might be the chance she might do.. But when she received a call from her neighbor that Alejandro, now a professional photographer for National Geographic who traveled the world, had broken his leg during a photo shoot in the Amazon Rain forest. Her meddling interference required Anamaria's medical services to tend to his needs. And that brought them back together with a bittersweet reunion. 

While their mamis continued to meddle and  to bring these former love birds together, Ale didn't expect to see Anamaria again after all these years. It brought back painstaking memories including the ones from his own father's harsh words. All he wanted was to receive his father's acceptance to his roots since he turned him down on not following the footsteps to work in the family restaurant with his brothers. During this time, they mended their own hearts and made new memories as they worked together to build their dreams their own reality. After one passionate kiss, one thing led to another to their no-strings-attached relationship when they both want something more.... permanence. During Ale's photo gallery exhibit, Anamaria overheard that Ale might be leaving for good... again. The same feeling she had a decade ago. Can Ale win back her heart for them to have a happily ever after and stay with her?

 This was a beautiful and touching second-chance contemporary romance. I instantly cared for Anamaria and Alejandro, as a couple and individually, who wanted to do their own feeling and wanting acceptance from their families. I loved their free spirited nature and tenacity to do the right thing and to be their own person. I loved the Key West location for this novel and learning about their Cuban heritage. It was loveswept and picturesque to be transported there. The theme of the story is absence makes the heart grows fonder in order to have a second chance.

 If you love sweet contemporary romances that would move you to tears with non-stop action, lots of romantic drama, hints of humor, and sparks of intrigue, check out Anchored Hearts and pick up this copy today! 

Blunt Force

  In this blog post, I'm going to talk about my review for  Lynda La Plante's Blunt Force, the 6th installment in the Tennison crime thriller series. This crime thriller would have you at the edge of your seat. It all started for Jane Tennison when she received a call about someone finding a gruesome corpse in West End. She arrived at the scene with her partner DS Gibbs when they interviewed people in the neighborhood. Then she discovered the dead body belonged to Charles Foxley, a prominent agent in the film and modeling industry. As they dug into his background, they learned about his shady childhood, how he worked in the agency, and his relationship with his ex-wife Justine. Literally, everyone hated him and had a potential motive to want to see him dead. While Jane and her squad dug deeper into his past, she also signed up for lessons in a secret Rifle Club and later learned why they needed her for a special operation to take down a corrupt cop before he strikes again. In the end, the shocking truth on who did it and why it had come to a head with a startling revelation that would leave you speechless.

 This crime thriller had me in suspense and kept me intrigued, though it took me a bit longer to read from my TBR pile.  I instantly cared for Jane who only wanted to do things right by tracking down the killer and discovering loose ends and taking care of unfinished business too. She's tough as nails and would stop to nothing to throw no punches to see that complex investigation through. Gibbs was a great partner and friend to her who always had her back.  I loved the West End neighborhood in London for the location and the scenic settings from the crime scene and beyond. The theme is that if you don't do all right by others, they would do the same to you in the end.

If you love nail-biting crime noir thrillers that leave you hooked on every page with non-stop drama, plenty of action and suspense, and lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing, Blunt Force is the one for you. Check it out today!

 

Paint and Nectar

 In this blog post, I reviewed Ashley Clark's Paint and Nectar, the second installment in the inspirational romance series. This beautifully written novel spans two decades with two families, past and present.  In the 1920s, a young watercolorist named Eliza Ravenel fell in love with William Pinckney, a naturally-talented pianist, when they first met. But like the Hatfields and the McCoys, their love was forbidden due to claims that his family stolen silver during the Civil War. Fast forward to the present day when Lucy Legare works at the art museum to preserve artwork like Eliza's watercolors and later inherits Eliza's home that someone mysteriously gifted it to her. From there, she learns about Eliza and William's love story through old journal entries and a cherished ring. A year ago, she went on a date with Declan Pinckney, while her mother played matchmaker to set her up with eligible men and never heard from him with him again, until he crossed paths with her.

 Through a secret courtship, they exchanged letters and journal entries via the fence between the two properties and shared their hopes, thoughts, dreams, and fears together. William wasn't expected to fall in love with Eliza since she was sent to forge her artwork for his boss. It wasn't part of the plan. When he refused to do another job, he was roughed up his boss's henchmen. To protect Eliza from his deepest secret and bodily harm, he had to leave her brokenhearted. After he left, she married someone else and started a family. The same happened to William too. For Lucy and Declan, they started seeing each other and discovering more about their great-grandparents lives inside the house, but the same feud for the silver would keep them apart, even Lucy's inherited home from Eliza.

Years later, Eliza and William meet again, both widowed with a child of their own, and picked up where they left off to discover their happily ever after in their home and how it was handed down from generations. For Lucy and Declan, would they share the same chemistry and get together against all odds to continue the same passion their ancestors had? They had to take a leap of faith and an act of God to make it happen and be all right for their happy ending.

This was a beautiful love story that my recap had to be longer than normal. I loved this story so much and how it could stand within the hands of time. I cared for Eliza and William, who had a classic romance when their families feuded for years, and were made for each other before they were split apart. I also adored Lucy and Declan, who cared for preserving art and architecture, and learning about the history between Eliza and William. Charleston, then and now, acted as a picture-perfect scenic location for the settings for both time periods that came to life. The theme for this story is love can move mountains and bring people together after they've been apart.

 If you love remarkable lovely inspirational romances that tugged your heart with non-stop action, plenty of  historical and present-day drama and tons of heart-stopping romance, Paint and Nectar is the timeless love story for you.

 

Faking It

 In this blog post, I'm going to talk about Jennifer Crusie's Faking It, the 2nd installment in the Dempseys contemporary romance series. This contemporary romance has plenty of chills, thrills, and everything in between including a dose of humor. Matilda "Tilda" Goodnight comes from a strong line of art forgers in her family and replicated six paintings under the name of Scarlet Hodge before she quit the business to become a muralist. When they've gone missing and already sold to other people, she needed to steal it back from Clea Lewis's home. It would help restore her family's gallery reputation and to pay with the finances. While hiding in a closet, she locked lips with a former thief named Davy Dempsey who had a lot going for him too. He wants his money back from Clea. Together, they joined forces to get what they want back while they helped each other out. But can someone keep a secret when a hit man, the FBI, and a killer was out to play? Besides that smoldering kiss, things did heat up between Tilda and Davy in the most intimate way to con others and to keep up the good faith while he'd gotten to know more about the Goodnights better. In the end, secrets and lies were on the line. And if they played their cards right, they might have everything they want in the end after all. 

This was a pretty hilarious and entertaining contemporary romance. I did like the pairing of Tilda, the art thief, and Davy, the con artist. They do make a hellluva of the team together. I cared for Tilda who's trying to do the right thing to keep the family secret from being exposed to the public and making a name of her own. She's down-to-earth, caring, and an overall well-rounded person who had her own scruples. Davy was her exact  equal and wanted a fresh start to make as well. I liked the location in Southern Ohio near the Columbus area including Temptation. It had an idyllic setting for the scenery in and around the towns. The themes of the story is that everyone had a secret to hide and one to keep while greed and revenge can ruin everything your heart desired. 

If you love captivating contemporary romances that keep you at the edge of your seat with non-stop action, plenty of drama, lots of suspense with a dollop of humor thrown into the mix, you'll enjoy Faking It for sure. 

 

Where Ravens Roost

 In Karin Nordin's Where Ravens Roost, the first installment in the Det. Kjeld Nygaard mystery series, this Swedish mystery debut will give you goosebumps and leave you at the edge of your seat. It all started for Kjeld, a suspended police detective from Gothenberg from a previous case, when his father called him about a discovery of a body in his rookery in Varsund. So he drove all the way and dealt with his father's Dementia and his sister's standoffish behavior when he haven't been home in visit his family in years. As he learned more about the dead body that was found in the hole, he begun to question his father's lucidity and learned more about the NorrMalm Mining Industries connection to their land and the Lindqvists, one of the richest families in Sweden, when he discovered family photos in a closed tackle box in the attic. Without trying to agitate his father's mental state, he dug closer and closer to the truth with a missing contract and a shocking twist in the end on what it could mean for him in the end.

 This was a gripping mystery debut that would boggle your mind. I cared for Kjeld, who have a lot on his plate, and haven't been a good husband to Bengt, and his daughter Tove. I loved how we had a bit of diversity to have the male lead being gay in this thriller series. I cared for Sara who could do so much and wish her husband would get a job and lend a helping hand. The location of Varsund Sweden had mesmerizing scenic settings from the rookery in the barn and to Norrmalm Industries. The theme of the story is that blood is thicker than water while old family secrets do tend to rear its ugly head.

If you like gripping mysteries with spine-tingling suspense with non-stop action, plenty of drama, plenty of intrigue, and lots of twists and turns, you'll be hooked when you read Where Ravens Roost today.

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Prepped

 In Bethany Mangle's Prepped, this stellar YA contemporary romance debut is so riveting and scintillating to hook you on the first page. All Rebecca Aldaine ever wanted was to graduate high school and then attend Carnegie Mellon University. But life wasn't easy when she lived in Tinker Peaks (aka Tin Peas), and part of a Doomsday prepper community that she grew up in. For eighteen-year-old,  she learned drills on how to survive in various situations with her family and other neighbors. Besides that, she's planning to move and leave Tin Peas for good. But when her father had ended up in a car accident that  placed him in a coma, her mother took control and wanted her to marry Roy Kang, her next door neighbor in the bunker next door, and later learn technical trade professions. So Becca had to plan to escape from Tinker Peaks by saving money and teaming up with Roy to how to deal with it all. When things get out of control with her mother, they needed to think of a way to escape and save her younger sister Katie after graduation in the process. Together, they broke free to start a new life together in college. 

This was a compelling YA contemporary romance debut. You learn so much about survival and how Doomsday preppers plan for the inevitable. I did care for Becca who wanted nothing more than to go to college and get out of the proverbial Dodge. But life got in the way when her father ended up in a nasty coma from that car accident.  I loved how she teamed up with Roy and how she'd put her needs second after her family to watch over her sister Katie. Tinker Peaks sounded like you're not typical Northeastern city in my home state of Ohio. Nothing out of the ordinary. And I loved how Roy made some other sacrifices while he cared for Becca and had grown to love her. The theme of the story, when life throws you lemons, be prepared for what might head your way.

If you love a great YA contemporary romance to give you all the suspenseful feels with non-stop drama, plenty of action, sparks of romance, and hints of intrigue, you'll be rooting for Becca as the underdog in Prepped today.

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Purrfectly Dead

 In Dixie Lyle's Purrfectly Dead, the 5th installment in the Whiskey, Tango and Foxtrot Paranormal Animal cozy mystery series, you'll be in for a treat in this new caper. Deirdre "Foxtrot" Lancaster is the Great Guardian of the Crossroads Pet Cemetery and helps out with Maxine Danger's escape artist tricks in New York City. It all started for her when she received a warning from Lockley Hades that a war might be brewing between the Thunderbird Shapeshifting species and the Unkhelia, a rival species that also shapeshift into different form. But when Maxine's magic vault act turns up wrong and Hades wounded up dead inside, it's up to Foxtrot, her shapeshifting dog Tango and psychic cat Whiskey to solve the mystery. While this is going on, Maxine disappeared, leaving Foxtrot to pick up the pieces on how she escaped and where she was hidden. She also has to deal with her boyfriend Ben learning how to shapeshift with Teresa Firstcharger in Thunderspace into the heavenly skies. Then they discovered Maxine's assistant's dead body at her home and pondered on how the great deceptive ruse was pulled off before a war could erupt and shake the planet. One by one, the pieces had came to her on whodunit and why before hell could break loose when her time was up in the most shocking mystery of them all in the end. 

 This was an interesting twist to have this cozy mystery focus on talking animals who passed over to the other side. I did care for Foxtrot and how she managed to solve this caper with her two paranormal friends who could read her mind and deal with issues concerning Ben.   Quite unique to have them steal part of the show and be her sidekicks. It did take me awhile to get used to it since this is my first time reading this series. I did like the scenic settings in New York to put us front and center from the graveyard to her home and everything else in between. The dual themes for the story is that love thee neighbor and show your true colors on who you really are.

If you love a new twist of the paranormal cozy series and loved Dr. Doolittle, this has non-stop action, a dollop of action, plenty of spellbinding suspense, and heaps of twists and turns. Purrfectly Dead is the one for you to check out this summer.

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Knitty Gritty Murder

 In Peggy Ehrhart's Knitty Gritty Murder, the 7th installment in the Knit & Nibble Crafty cozy mystery book series, this intriguing new tale will captivate you and get you in the mood to knit and purl your own clothes. For Pamela Paterson and the Knit & Nibble Knitters, it all started for them when a local community gardener named Jenny Miller was found murdered near her plot with a circular knitting needle in Arborville, New Jersey. That began the talk of the town when Pamela and her neighbor/good friend Bettina Fraser started their sleuthing to know more about Jenny and the town gossip about the grow produce and  within their inner circles.  One person or another, they questioned and interviewed people who were close to her and wanted to do her harm. When they thought they had their suspect, they were wrong when Jenny's mother was found dead in the same way. Who would do such a thing? As they closed in to solving this puzzle, the answer began to take form into Pamela's mind and planted a trap to lure the culprit to confess with the cold-hard truth. 

This was a delightful new cozy series to sink my teeth into and get invested into this mystery. I adored Pamela and her Knit & Nibble group of friends who love to knit, chat, and dig into a delicious treat. I do think Bettina is a hoot and the cats steal part of the show in the story. Who can resist cats? I loved the charming town of Arborville, New Jersey, and what special treats he had for us and its neighboring towns for the locations. It was picturesque for the scenic settings from Pamela's house to the community garden and the college in town. The theme of the story is that revenge may be bittersweet and best served cold, but it's best to let jealousy and hatred get in the way.

If you love to knitting-themed cozies that make you want to whip out your needles, this has non-stop action, plenty of drama, sparks of intrigue, and an alluring charm, Knitty Gritty Murder is the one for you. It comes with a recipe to make a delicious treat and a knitting design to make for your own pleasure in the end.

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One Tequila

 In Tricia O'Malley's One Tequila, the first installment in the Althea Rose cozy mystery series, this delightful debut will introduce into interesting and captivating characters. Althea Rose lives on Tequila Key, an island off the Florida Keys, and lives in the small town. She's a psychic and co-owns a tarot shop with her best friend, Luna Lavelle, a white witch. But she couldn't predict what she stumbled into when a new man enters her town and steals her heart. Talk about a crystal rock and a tricky place. Her friend and diving instructor Trace has feelings for her. And that's put her into a bind and a orb-spinning love triangle. Besides reading fortunes and learning a new spell or two, her best friend Luna is arrested for her new lover's watery murder, the same corpse she came across onto in a dive. And the police chief is nothing more than an annoying and suspicious pain in the butt.  To help her friend get out of a jam, she would delve into the truth to find out more about Luna's lover and a thread to lead into police corruption to set her free and make things right.

 This was an enjoyable and entertaining new cozy series that deals with tarot cards and psychic readings and everything in between. I cared for Althea and how she would do anything to save her best friend, though she'd gotten herself into a hot pickle with a tricky love triangle. I loved her willingness to learn white magic to cast a spell to become like Luna, while she had tricks up her sleeve. The other  characters like Beau, Trace, and Miss Elva were all a hoot. I loved the Tequila Key Island location off the island, which was picturesque and eye-catching for the scenic settings on the island. The theme of the story is greed can get you into trouble along with your dirty secrets from your past.

 If you love a great cozy mystery with bits of humor, non-stop action, plenty of drama, and shocking twists and turns on every page, you'll love sinking your teeth into this new cozy mystery series debut. Check out One Tequila and raise your glass today!

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Leave the Grave Green

 In Deborah Crombie's, Leave the Grave Green, the third installment in the Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James mystery series, this captivating tale is so twisted and leave you speechless in the end. It all started when Duncan and Gemma arrive at the crime scene to discover a body have floated in the Thames River. They learned Connor Swann, the son-of-law of a prominent family in London to Sir Gerald and Dame Caroline Atherton, and their daughter Julia. While they informed the family, they get a closer look at Connor's life and his ill-fated marriage to Julia, the black sheep. And this tragic death hits close to home since twenty years old, young Matthew Atherton lost his life in a devastating drowning, that shaken the Atherton's household to the core. For Gemma, she focused on the operatic career of Dame Caroline while Duncan concentrated on the family and his career angle. When they thought they had their suspect, they guessed wrong and learned the shocking truth in the final climax in the end.

 This was a classic and timeline mystery that would leave you speechless when you finish the book. I liked the way Kincaid and James worked together as a team, though there's a hint of an undeniable chemistry between them that might cause problems for them later on. Individually, they have their own failed marriages and trying to make it to the top of the ladder in the police force. I did think Julia was a bit cold, but no one was even colder to top my list. I liked the London locations from the opera house to the Red Lion pubs and their own flats. It was picturesque and put me there for every scenic setting on the page.  The theme of the story is that everyone has a dirty secret and a shady past that people will do anything to keep silent. 

If you love great nail-biting mysteries with plenty of non-stop action, lots of drama, heart-pounding suspense, and loads of chilling twisted turns, Leave the Grave Green is right up your alley. 

 

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The Dog Sitter

 In Zara Stoneley's The Dog Sitter, this delightful contemporary romance/romantic comedy novel will leave you stitches. If you love dogs featured in love stories, you'll adore this one. Becky Havers needed to escape from a toxic relationship with her boyfriend who was also her boss. She's an artist and loves to paint pictures. But when she planned her escape, she found a dog-sitting/house-sitting job in Cumbria with an Instagram post. When she made the arrangement with Georgina, her life had ever been transformed by a lovable black cockapoo named Bella. Little did she know that Bella was in the middle of a custody fight between Georgia and her ex Ashley (Ash) James. Under strict rules, Becky mustn't let Ash take Bella or her home. But when Bella escapes from Becky, she runs into Ash, a handsome piece of eye-candy and a former Marine, who adores Bella. While she tried to sort out the mess between them, she becomes closer to Ash and learn more about each other every time they meet. During this time she house-sat, Bella helps inspire her to be her best and to stand up for what she wants in life as an artist. And all she ever wanted was to please her parents and siblings and to make  them happy. Before her house-sitting period ran out, she falls in love with Ash and figures out a plan to stay with him and Bella in Cumbria where she's the happiest when Bella had brought them together. 

This contemporary romance/rom-com had made me laughing in stitches in this novel. I loved how Becky interacted with Bella and how she fell in love with everything in Cumbria. I'm so proud of Becky for standing up and taking the initiative on what she wanted in her artistic career. I do think that Bella's the scene stealing star of this novel and Ash is a hot piece of eye-candy if I say so myself. I loved the visual scenic settings of Cumbria on what it had to offer for the picturesque location from the house and into the woods. The theme of the story is to be find your happy place to be inspired and go places in life and love.

If you love heart-warming romances that have plenty of non-stop action, lots of romantic drama, loads of humorous bits, and tons of intriguing suspense, you'll fall in love with The Dog Sitter right away!

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