Jessica Samuelsen's Blog, page 9

ARC Review – The Dead Man’s Chest by Kerry Greenwood

Dead Man's Chest by Kerry Greenwood
Series: ,
Published by Poisoned Pen Press on November 9th 2010
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 259
Source: Netgalley

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Dot unfolded the note. "He says that his married couple will look after the divine Miss Fisher...I'll leave out a bit...their name is Johnson and they seem very reliable." Phryne got the door open at last. She stepped into the hall. "I think he was mistaken about that," she commented.

Traveling at high speed in her beloved Hispano-Suiza accompanied by her maid and trusted companion Dot, her two adoptive daughters Jane and Ruth, and their dog Molly, The Hon. Miss Phryne Fisher is off to Queenscliff. She'd promised everyone a nice holiday by the sea with absolutely no murders, but when they arrive at their rented accommodation that doesn't seem likely at all.

An empty house, a gang of teenage louts, a fisherboy saved, and the mystery of a missing butler and his wife seem to lead inexorably toward a hunt for buried treasure by the sea. But what information might the curious Surrealists be able to contribute? Phryne knows to what depths people will sink for greed, but with a glass of champagne in one hand and a pearl-handled Beretta in the other, no one is getting past her.

Phryne Fisher is on her way to vacation by the sea. Borrowing a house from an acquaintance she is surprised to find the housekeepers are missing along with all the kitchen supplies.  Hoping she can keep her promise to her crew that she won’t investigate any murders she hopes to find the housekeepers alive. She works with her household to run things smoothly. She acquires a young boy to help her as well. The more she investigates the more she finds out about the quaint seaside town that will explain the disappearance.

In an Oyster Shell –  A fun mystery that was a little bit different than the other Phryne Fishers.

The Pearls – I loved the setting of a small seaside town in Australia. The town held mysteries and eccentric characters. Different events happened that added dynamics to the story.

The characters were fun and well-developed as you will always find in a Fisher’s mystery. Dot is my favorite character. Phryne is fun and set apart for a woman in that time. Her brood is growing and adds depth to the series that I hope to continue on with.

The mystery was interesting and there was no murder this time much of Phryne’s promise to her household. It made a nice change of pace.

The Sand – It was a good book.

4 Pearls!

About Kerry Greenwood

Kerry Greenwood was born in the Melbourne suburb of Footscray and after wandering far and wide, she returned to live there. She has a degree in English and Law from Melbourne University and was admitted to the legal profession on the 1st April 1982, a day which she finds both soothing and significant.

Kerry has written twenty novels, a number of plays, including The Troubadours with Stephen D’Arcy, is an award-winning children’s writer and has edited and contributed to several anthologies. In 1996 she published a book of essays on female murderers called Things She Loves: Why women Kill.

The Phryne Fisher series (pronounced Fry-knee, to rhyme with briny) began in 1989 with Cocaine Blues which was a great success. Kerry has written thirteen books in this series with no sign yet of Miss Fisher hanging up her pearl-handled pistol. Kerry says that as long as people want to read them, she can keep writing them.

Kerry Greenwood has worked as a folk singer, factory hand, director, producer, translator, costume-maker, cook and is currently a solicitor. When she is not writing, she works as a locum solicitor for the Victorian Legal Aid. She is also the unpaid curator of seven thousand books, three cats (Attila, Belladonna and Ashe) and a computer called Apple (which squeaks). She embroiders very well but cannot knit. She has flown planes and leapt out of them (with a parachute) in an attempt to cure her fear of heights (she is now terrified of jumping out of planes but can climb ladders without fear). She can detect second-hand bookshops from blocks away and is often found within them.

For fun Kerry reads science fiction/fantasy and detective stories. She is not married, has no children and lives with a registered wizard. When she is not doing any of the above she stares blankly out of the window.

Website | Goodreads

Blog Tour with Review – The Heartbreak Cure by Amanda Ashby

The Heartbreak Cure by Amanda Ashby
Published by Entangled: Crush on December 4th 2017
Genres: YA, Romance
Pages: 144
Source: Entangled Teen

I received this book for free from Entangled Teen in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Amazon

How to get over a heartbreak:

Step one: Eat your body weight in brownies.

Step two: Throw yourself into your dreams of becoming a famous writer.

Step three: Beg your (hottie) ex-neighbor to act as your fake boyfriend.

Step four: Skip step three unless you’re ready for some serious fallout.

After being dumped and humiliated over the summer, Cat Turner does what any sane girl would do. She asks bad boy Alex Locke to be her fake boyfriend and show the world (and her editor at the school newspaper) that she's fine. Problem is, the more time she spends with Alex, the more she risks getting her heart broken. For real this time.

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains a swoony bad boy who will melt your heart, brownies, and witty banter. One, two, or all three might prove addictive…

In an Oyster Shell – It was a cute book with a sweet heroine and a bad boy love interest.

The Pearls –  I love how the book starts out with heartbreak brownies. It was a great way to start the book and set the tone for what was to come. I love that Cat is a writer. I think books that have writer’s as characters are bold and funny.

The characters were distinctive and made the story. I love a book with great supporting characters this one had it in spades. Cat was a sweet character with a little bit of spunk. Alex was a haunted character that needed the encouragement Cat could bring him. My favorite character was Alex’s grandmother.

The romance was my favorite kind friends that fake it until they are something more. It was nicely paced not too fast.

4 Pearls!

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About Amanda Ashby

Amanda Ashby was born in Australia but now lives in New Zealand where she writes romance, young adult and middle grade books. She also works in a library, owns far too many vintage tablecloths and likes to delight her family by constantly rearranging the furniture.

She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award, and her first young adult book was listed by the New York Public Libraryʼs Stuff for the Teen Age. Because she’s mysterious she also writes middle grade books under the name, Catherine Holt and hopes that all this writing won’t interfere with her Netflix schedule.

She also runs writing workshops and loves to speak to people about Buffy (er, she means writing)

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

ARC Review – The Billionare’s Forever Family by Cate Cameron

The Billionaire's Forever Family by Cate Cameron
Published by Entangled: Indulgence on December 4th 2017
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 260

I received this book for free from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Goodreads
Amazon

When Cassie Frost reaches out to the biological father of the niece she’s raising, she doesn’t expect him to send in the lawyers. Emily is all the family Cassie has left, and she’ll do whatever it takes to keep her niece. But as the owner of a struggling dinner going up against a billionaire, the odds aren’t in Cassie’s favor.

When billionaire Will Connelly learns he has a daughter, he’s determined to have a place in her life—even if that means going head-to-head with her proud, stubborn, and irresistible aunt. It’s clear they both want what’s best for Emily, but Will’s not used to being told he’s wrong, and Cassie doesn’t seem to have a problem letting him know whenever she thinks he’s messing up.

Will’s sure they can have it all, even if Cassie is determined to stand on her own two feet instead of being swept off them.

Cassidy Frost reaches out to Will Connelly who she suspects is the father of her niece. Will responds with a team of lawyers. They decide to work together for whats best for her niece. Cassidy is very stubborn and is not afraid to stand up to Will. Will is not used to being told no he finds it irresistible coming from her. He starts falling for her and Cassidy is resistant. Will try to convince her that they can have it all. She is not so sure.

In an Oyster Shell – It’s a really intriguing romance that kept me engaged.

The Pearls – I loved the concept of this story. I like well-done billionaire stories they are just fun. This one was unique because it involved a teenage daughter. I suspect there was a bit of an age difference between the two main characters and I like that.

The characters were distinctive. I liked Will as a character for being so rich he was really down to earth. He was a great father figure to his daughter. He really won me over.

The romance was sweet and I was glad that there was an irresistible proposition. There was a lot of tug an pull with a satisfying ending.

The Sand –  It was not a clean romance. I didn’t like Cassidy she was a little over the top in her reactions. Overly unreasonable.

3.5 Pearls

About Cate Cameron

Cate Cameron grew up in the city but moved to the country in her mid-twenties and isn’t looking back. Most of her writing deals with people living and loving in small towns or right out in the sticks – when there aren’t entertainment options on every corner, other people get a lot more interesting!

She likes to write stories about real people struggling with real issues. YA, NA, or contemporary romance, her books are connected by their emphasis on subtle humor and characters who are trying to do the right thing, even when it would be a lot easier to do something wrong.

Goodreads | Amazon

Blog Tour and Spotlight – Between You and Me by Jennifer Gracen

Between You and Me by Jennifer Gracen
Series: ,
Published by Zebra on November 28th 2017
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 368
Goodreads

As the only daughter of the wealthy Harrison clan, Tess Harrison has everything—except the baby she longs for. With no husband in sight, she escapes to her family’s retreat in Aspen, Colorado, visions of sperm donors dancing in her head. Instead, she finds Logan Carter. When the ruggedly handsome manager of the Harrison ski house offers to be her baby daddy in exchange for her playing his girlfriend, Tess is breathless to begin the charade. After all, the brokenhearted heiress knows better than to fall in love . . .

She would be Logan’s dream girl, if his dark past had left him with any dreams. Now the brooding bachelor’s only hope is to satisfy his mother’s dying wish to see him happily paired off—and give lovely Tess the baby she longs for. But when he and Tess opt to make a baby the old-fashioned way, he’s fighting hard against the longing to hold on to the elusive Harrison beauty forever . . .

 

Excerpt – 

By the time Logan pulled up in front of Tess’s house, she was warm, full, tired, and happy. “I had a great time today.”

“I did too,” he said with a smile. “Thanks again for inviting me.”

“Any chance you’d like to do it again sometime soon?”she asked. “You’re a worthy ski partner, and I had fun with you.”

“Yeah, I’d like that,” he said. “But next time, I pay for my lift ticket.”

“Deal. Sometime next week?”

“Sure. Give me a call, we’ll work out a time.”

“Well, you have a job with a real schedule. Right now, I don’t. I’m free as a bird. So you give me a call.”

His eyes held hers as he said, “Okay. I’ll do that. You’re on. Got yourself a ski buddy.”

God, she wanted to kiss him. Sitting so close in the warmth of his truck, he smelled good and his eyes were intense and his mouth was inviting and she wanted to kiss him so bad. But this new friendship—all the things they’d revealed to each other that day—she didn’t want to cross any lines or mess it up. For now, she’d hold back.

But still couldn’t resist flirting a little bit. “So,” she said boldly. “Are you coming in to soak in my tub or what? The offer stands.”

His gaze turned hot, a full-out smolder that made her belly do a wobbly flip. “The offer is more tempting than you know.” His voice had dropped low and dead sexy, making her shiver. “But I think I’d better head home for tonight.”

They stared at each other for a moment, pure electricity crackling between them. She could feel her blood in her veins, racing now, hot and needing, as his eyes lowered to her mouth for a few seconds before lifting to meet her gaze again. “You sure?” she asked. Her heart thumped in heavy beats.

“Only so much temptation a man can take,” he murmured. “And you’re testing my limits as it is, Tess. You have to know that.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“Well . . .”

She leaned in, her face so close to his that she could feel his hot breath feather against her lips.

“Tess.” He whispered it as a protest, but his eyes gave him away. He wanted her too, she could see it all over his face.

She closed the distance between them, pressing her mouth to his. It was a brush of her lips against his, just the slightest touch. But his hand lifted to cup the back of her neck and hold her there. He took control of the kiss, gently but surely, slanting his mouth over hers to take more of what he wanted. Her mouth opened with a little sigh as their tongues met and swirled slowly. As they leaned into each other, his fingers threaded through her hair and his other hand came up, cradling her head in his hands as his mouth consumed hers.

Her senses reeled. His full beard tickled her face, surprisingly soft against her skin. The feel of his mouth on hers, his hands in her hair, his big, warm body so close . . .her head swam with it all. He deepened the kiss and groaned softly into her mouth, and she was lost. She surrendered willingly, kissing him back with the same slow, sensual pace he’d set, her fingers clutched in his ski jacket. She could have kissed him for days.

He broke away slowly, leaning his forehead against hers, eyes still closed. “Jesus,” he whispered. When his eyes opened to focus on her, they were heavy lidded with lust. “You . . . you better go inside now.”

Still catching her breath, she touched his cheek. “You sure you don’t want to come in?”

“I do want to,” he said, his voice thick. “Too much. So I’m not going to.”

She pulled back, trying to hide her disappointment. “Okay.”

“Tess . . .” He stared at her, his mouth opening and closing as he fought with what he wanted to say. “You’re an amazing woman. I like that we’re . . . kind of friends now. Let’s try to stick with that for now, okay?”

The disappointment sharpened in her gut, but she pasted on a smile. “Fine.”

“Ah crap. No, no, don’t say fine,” Logan demanded gently. “When a woman says fine, it’s never fine. Even a loner lumberjack like me knows that.”

She couldn’t help but giggle.

“Tess, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” he said earnestly. “Don’t think for a second that I wouldn’t love to go inside with you right now, because I would. But you have an agenda, you’re gearing up to go through some medical . . . stuff . . . and I don’t want to get in the way of that.”

She gaped at him in shock. “I . . . I don’t know what one thing has to do with the other.”

“You have big plans,” he murmured, trailing the backs of his fingers along her cheek, eyes locked with hers. “I’d be a distraction. You said it yourself, you don’t want any distractions right now.” His gaze turned wicked and hot as he added, “I promise you, it’d be a fantastic distraction. A sexy, fun, passionate distraction . . . but this friendship we’ve started? Means more.”

“We’re attracted to each other,” she said flatly.

“Can’t deny that.” He touched his mouth to hers again, a light brush of his lips, and her whole body shuddered. “But I shouldn’t go inside with you. Not tonight.”

Her nerves jangled, every nerve ending alight and aware of him. Her heart beat hard and fast as she nuzzled into his palm, stared right into his eyes, and whispered, “If you insist.”

“I do,” he said, not breaking their gaze. “C’mon, you know I’m right. Last thing you need right now is us starting something up like this. Didn’t you tell me your first doctor

appointment is tomorrow?”

She didn’t like it, and wasn’t sure she fully agreed with it, but had to admit she’d thought along those lines herself before his kisses had turned her brain to mush and her insides to jelly. With a heavy sigh, she nodded and pulled back from him. “Pretty early, in fact. I should go inside and get into bed.”

Logan growled, his head falling back against the leather seat. “Had to put an image like that in my head right before you leave. You, climbing into bed . . . not nice, Tess. Not nice.”

She laughed lightly, and he grinned back at her. Their eyes held for a long beat and she took a slow, deep breath, exhaling it before she said, “Good night, Logan. Thanks again for a great day.”

“Back at you,” he said. “Good night, Tess. Sleep well. Good luck tomorrow.”

With a sweet smile, she climbed out of his truck and into the cold night.

 

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About Jennifer Gracen

Jennifer Gracen hails from Long Island, New York, where she lives with her two sons. After spending her youth writing in private and singing in public, she now only sings in her car and is immersed in her passion for writing. She loves to write contemporary romance for readers who look for authentic characters and satisfying endings. When she isn’t with her kids, doing freelance proofreading, or chatting on Twitter and Facebook, Jennifer writes. She’s already hard at work on her next book.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Review -Maybe this Christmas by Jennifer Snow

Maybe This Christmas by Jennifer Snow
Series: ,
Published by Forever on September 26th 2017
Pages: 352
Source: Netgalley

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Goodreads
Amazon

All wrapped up . . .

One more game. That's all that stands between NHL star Asher Westmore and a major career milestone. But then his brother bashes him against the hockey boards, sidelining him for months. Over Christmas holidays, no less. If staying off the ice doesn't drive him crazy, staying with his family will. The only bright spot amidst the mistletoe and twinkle lights: His best friend, Emma, is a physical therapist. And working out with her improves his body and his spirit.

One last time. Emma Callaway was in trouble the minute she and Asher added benefits to their friendship. How is she supposed to resist a funny, caring guy who makes her toes curl? Her heart was safe while he lived in a different state. Now that he's back home recuperating, though, it's only a matter of time before she blurts out her feelings. Emma's only hope is that with a little holiday magic, she'll get the best Christmas gift of all.

"With the perfect blend of hockey, heart, and heat, Maybe This Time is a winner!" --- USA Today bestselling author Debbie Mason

Emma Callaway is in love with her best friend and she’s afraid to tell him. They have been a friends with benefits relationship for years. Asher Westmore is focused on his hockey career about to hit his milestone game until his brother bashes him in the wall rendering him injured. Asher wants to get back on the ice as fast as possible and he knows Emma the physical therapist will be the one to help him. He enjoys their free of complications relationship looking forward to when he’s done with hockey to having a future with Emma. Emma has to decide if she’s going to wait or move on without Asher.

In an Oyster Shell –  A steamy romance with a good storyline.

The Pearls –  I don’t like sports but I do like a good sports novel every once in a while. Hockey is the only sport I’ve ever gotten into and I love a good hockey story. This book fits that bill!

The characters were well done. I loved Emma in some ways she was subdued but she was fierce in her stances. Subtle at times but profound in the end. She gave Ahser a run for his money and it made for a good read.

The romance was fun starting out as friends and ending up as something more. The romance endured great tensions that made for a great narrative.

The Sand – It was not a clean romance.

3.5 Pearls!

Review Random Acts of Marriage by Boone Brux

Random Acts of Marriage (Wedding Favors) by Boone Brux
Published by Entangled on August 8, 2016
Pages: 155
Source: Entangled Publishing

I received this book for free from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Goodreads
Amazon

Kinni Corbet is the perfect bridesmaid. She’s efficient and has a to-do list for every occasion. When the bride-to-be adds “relax and have some fun” to Kinni’s schedule, Price Lyons seems to tick all the right boxes. He’s guaranteed fun, and it’s only for one week—what can it hurt?

Playboy hotel owner Price Lyons has wanted to break down Kinni’s walls for years. Her plan to relax for a whole week is the perfect opportunity to get to the one person he’s never been able to charm. And this time, she seems…receptive to his advances. Unexpected, but he’ll take it.

There’s just one problem. Kinni’s allergic to spontaneity, and the only thing predictable about Price is his unpredictably. There’s no way they’ll last beyond the week, and Kinni’s going to make sure of it…

Each book in the Wedding Favors series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.Series Order:Book #1 Bridesmaid BluesBook #2 Random Acts of Marriage

Kinni Corbet is a determined bridesmaid to get everything perfect for her best friend she’ll do anything to make this happen. When the bride asks her to a week and just have fun that might be the one thing she cannot do. Price Lyons wants to get to know Kinni and overhears the wedding favor and plans to make it work to his advantage. He takes the week and shows Kinni how to have fun. Kinni is absolutely resolved that the fun won’t last more than a week.

In an Oyster Shell –  A fun romance that had great characters that stay with you long after you put the book down.

The Pearls – I have to talk about the characters first they were dynamic and well developed. The contrast of the two main characters was compelling me and left me wanting to turn the pages. There was a well-rounded cast of characters that made the book complete.

The romance was sweet and well paced. The juxtaposition of Kinni and Price was perfect. The ending was satisfying. Kinni and Price have to be my most favorite couple that I’ve encountered in a long time.

The backstory of the characters was distinguished and well presented in the narrative. The parents encompassed the two backgrounds well. It made a lot of sense to see the parents and their relationship to Kinni and Price.

The Sand –  It wasn’t a clean romance.

3.5 Pearls!

About Boone Brux

Boone’s stories range from high fantasy to humorous paranormal.

Having lived all over the world, and finally settling in the icy region of Alaska, she’s always looking for the next adventure. It’s not unusual to find Boone traversing the remotest parts of the Alaskan bush, gathering information for her stories. No person or escapade is off limits when it comes to weaving real life experiences into her books or blogs.

Join Boone’s V.I.P. Club and be first to hear about new releases, events, free read, contests and giveaways, and so much more.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Blog Tour with Review – Saving It by Monica Murphy

Saving It by Monica Murphy
Published by Entangled Teen on November 6, 2017
Pages: 241
Goodreads
Amazon

Eden: Josh Evans and I have been best friends forever. He knows all my secrets, and I know all of his. So when he randomly asks me to help him lose his virginity, I sort of flip out. That’s a question that sends your mind to places you’ve seriously never considered before. Like, you know. Having sex. With your best friend. Except Josh doesn’t want to have sex with me—he wants me to help him find a girl. A nice girl who’s funny and smart and cute. Except he already knows a girl just like that…

Josh: Eden Sumner is my best friend. So of course she’d be the person to help me find my perfect match, so I can drop my V card before I head off to college. Except the more we search, the more I realize that maybe the right girl has been by my side all along. I don’t need Eden’s help in finding me a girl to love. I’m pretty sure I’m already in love with Eden. But now she thinks I’m only after one thing…with anyone but her.

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book is what happens when American Pie meets Friends with Benefits. It contains two best friends, plenty of angst, and lots and lots of sex talk. Reading this might have you looking at your best friend in a different light!

 

In an Oyster Shell – A sweet friends to maybe something more romance with a satisfying HEA.

The Pearls –  I love friends who might become something more story. It’s what drew me to this story and I was not disappointed. The two main characters are incredibly close when the story opens its endearing.  They seem to cross some lines at too much sharing but it makes for a great story.

The supporting characters are a nice highlight of the already solid main characters. This story was very character driven and well done. Eden was sweet and feisty a good complement to Josh. Their friends help them see whats right in front of them. It made for an easy and fast read.

The romance was really good. It takes them a bit to figure it out but its a fun journey along the way. The ending is really sweet. I am all team, Josh, and Eden!

The Sand – It was a good book.

4 Pearls!

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About Monica Murphy

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend

series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and

has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is a traditionally published author with Bantam/Random House and

Harper Collins/Avon, as well as an independently published author. She writes new adult, young adult and

contemporary romance. She is also USA Today bestselling romance author Karen Erickson. She is a wife and a mother of

three who lives with her family in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere, along with their one

dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she’s not writing, she’s reading or hanging out with her

husband and kids. She’s a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through many

angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Blog Tour with Review Exposure by Sylvie Parizeau

Exposure

Sylvie Parizeau

(Incandescent, #3)

Publication date: November 22nd 2017

Genres: New Adult, Romance

PHILIPPE-OLIVIER TISSEROT’s caffeine addiction is about to land him in uncharted territory and one hell of a ride. One that’s about to go viral.

Current status: Computer whiz to hacker to penpal.

Upgrade status: Lover.

Well, I’m still working on the lover part.

I’m just a computer geek studying at MIT. And now I’m in two places at once – the geek and the lover battling it out to get the girl.

The only problem is, my dream girl doesn’t know she knows me in either one of them.

Now I have to win her in both.

Please wait. Upgrade in progress.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Review – 

In an Oyster Shell-  The story was good with some elements that were out of place and some lack of character development in supporting characters.

The Pearls – I am married to a Software Engineer so reading a love story featuring one was exciting for me. The author represented this character with accuracy. The concept was fun and the challenges that the couple faces made for a compelling story.

The settings where romantic a french part of Canada and Boston. It was romantic. Especially that the love interest lives in a small cabin that is portrayed as picturesque. They meet at a coffee shop and it’s super sweet. The descriptions make you feel like you are right there.

The romance was sweet and well developed. It grew over the story through letter writing mostly it was unique. The other romances that were developed in previous stories were reflected in this one. It was a romance fan’s dream story.

The Sand – Some of the supporting characters were a little flat. There was a paranormal element that was a little out of place. The end of the story the chapter titles infer that the story should have stopped sooner than it did.

It is not a clean romance.

3.5 Pearls

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Author Bio:

A paralegal by day and incurable romantic by night, Sylvie is a cross-genre, and she takes Happily Ever After very seriously. The End just isn’t in her vocabulary.

An incorrigible daydreamer, she now feeds her obsession with epilogues by concocting stories in which heroes deal with the happy from the get-go. Ready, or not. And she confesses under oath to loving every minute of it.

Sylvie lives her own Happily Ever After in the beautiful mountains of Les Laurentides in Northern Quebec, alongside her whole set of characters.

In between treks in their backyard wilderness, you can find them hanging out at www.sylvieparizeau.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

 

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Blog Tour with Review – Dead Storage by Mary Feliz

Dead Storage by Mary Feliz
Published by Lyrical Underground on July 18, 2017
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 218

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Amazon

As a professional organizer, Maggie McDonald brings order to messy situations. But when a good friend becomes a murder suspect, surviving the chaos is one tall task . . .

Despite a looming deadline, Maggie thinks she has what it takes to help friends Jason and Stephen unclutter their large Victorian in time for its scheduled renovation. But before she can fill a single bin with unused junk, Jason leaves for Texas on an emergency business trip, Stephen’s injured mastiff limps home—and Stephen himself lands in jail for murder. Someone killed the owner of a local Chinese restaurant and stuffed him in the freezer. Stephen, caught at the crime scene covered in blood, is the number one suspect. Now Maggie must devise a strategy to sort through secrets and set him free—before she’s tossed into permanent storage next . . .

In an Oyster Shell – A little slow so it was hard to get into. It had a great mystery.

The Pearls – The storyline was solid for the most part. There were good conflict and a good mystery. The stakes were really high so it made for a more interesting narrative.

The characters were good. It was really good to see the noble side of Steven. He’s already been a pretty noble character in the series but the author steps it up for this installment. He sacrifices a lot in the story for a good cause. Maggie and the dogs where the stars and where fun to follow.

This book highlights the homeless in this story. I thought it was a good portrayal of a social issue. I liked how the book gives ideas on how to help the homeless. The principles can be applied to the reader’s life.

The Sand – The story was slow at times. I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending.

3.5 Pearls!

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About Mary Feliz

Mary Feliz has lived in five states and two countries but calls Silicon Valley home. Traveling to other areas of the United States, she’s frequently reminded that what seems normal in the high-tech heartland can seem decidedly odd to the rest of the country.

A big fan of irony, serendipity, diversity, and quirky intelligence tempered with gentle humor, she strives to bring these elements into her writing, although her characters tend to take these elements to a whole new level.

She’s a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and the Authors Guild where she feels at home among those plot to kill. She’s also a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers who seem less blood-thirsty and more interested in the skeletons in the closet.

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Blog Tour with Review – Of Spice and Men by Sarah Fox

Of Spice and Men: by Sarah Fox
Series: A Pancake House Mystery
Published by Alibi on November 7, 2017
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 236

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Lights. Camera. Murder? Wildwood Cove’s star turn is soured by a sneaky killer in this delicious cozy mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of The Crêpes of Wrath.

Bonus content: includes original recipes inspired by the Flip Side Pancake House menu!

With a Hollywood film crew in town to shoot a remake of the horror classic The Perishing, the residents of Wildwood Cove are all abuzz. Even Marley McKinney, owner of The Flip Side Pancake House, can overlook the fact that the lead actress, Alyssa Jayde, happens to be an old flame of her boyfriend. After all, the crew loves Marley’s crêpes—so much so that Christine, the head makeup artist, invites her onset for a behind-the-scenes tour. But when Marley arrives, the special-effects trailer is on fire . . . with Christine inside.

The cops quickly rule Christine’s death a murder, and Alyssa a suspect. Marley’s boyfriend insists that the actress is innocent, but when Marley sticks her nose into the complicated lives of The Perishing’s cast and crew, she discovers more questions than answers. It seems that everyone has a hidden agenda—and a plausible motive. And as the horror spills over from the silver screen, Marley gets a funny feeling that she may be the killer’s next victim.

Sarah Fox’s addictive Pancake House Mysteries can be enjoyed together or à la carte: THE CRÊPES OF WRATH | FOR WHOM THE BREAD ROLLS | OF SPICE AND MEN

 

Marley McKinney is settling into fall at the Flipside Pancake house. The town is all excited because a movie is being filmed there. The crew from the movie enjoys eating at the pancake house so much they invite Marley onset. When she gets there the special effects trailer is on fire with Christine inside. Christine’s death has quickly ruled a murder. Alyssa Jayde is the number one suspect who happens to be an old flame of Marley’s boyfriend. She turns to him to help and he asks Marley to help. She wants to get to the bottom of what happened so everyone can move on. Marley needs to find out what happened before an innocent person goes to jail.

In an Oyster Shell- It’s a good mystery. I really like this series.

The Pearls – It was a fun twist to bring a movie set to the small town. It added a nice flare to the story. I liked that you get the small town feel with the added bonus of new characters from the movie set. You get to see the cook Ivan a little bit more involved being passionate about the original movie versus the remake. It was nice to see a different side of him.

The characters were spot on. Marley struggles a bit with her relationship and it makes her relatable. The supporting characters were distinctive, well-developed, and added to the story nicely.

The romance added a nice twist. It’s nice that the couple had obstacles to overcome. It added more depth to their relationship. I look forward to what happens between Marley and Bret in the next book.

The Sand – It was a good book.

4 Pearls!

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About Sarah Fox

Sarah Fox, writer of cozy mysteries, was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she developed a love for mysteries at a young age. When not writing novels or working as a legal writer she is often reading her way through a stack of books or spending time outdoors with her English Springer Spaniel.

Sarah is the author of the Music Lover’s Mysteries and The Pancake House Mysteries.

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