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The Muffin Shop Murder: A Delilah Crumbworthy Mystery by Holly Tierney – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Muffin Shop Murder: A Delilah Crumbworthy MysteryThe Muffin Shop Murder: A Delilah Crumbworthy Mystery by Holly Tierney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable and engaging cozy mystery drama which had me hooked from page one. The small town feel of Snowflake Valley, the setting of this novel, was brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, along with the quirky and intriguing characters who live there. The McArdles own the best bakery in town, but then rumours start that to save money they have been cutting corners. A tragic accident at the bakery seals their fate and the bakery has to close. The quaint old bakeshop doors are not closed for long as Delilah Crumbworthy takes over the bakery. As soon as she starts work she’s swamped by customers, new friends and some menacing happenings. It’s not long until along with running her new business on Main Street, and trying to make friends, that she’s having to solve a mystery or two. This is an entertaining read, and I fell in love with the main character, Delilah and am pleased that this is the first book in a new series. The storyline kept me happily turning the pages and the mystery element definitely kept me guessing.

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Grace Under Fire (The Anderson Sisters Book 2) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Grace Under FireGrace Under Fire by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance which had me hooked from start to finish. Grace Anderson is an artisan cheese maker and the fifth generation to work on the family farm. Unfortunately Grace has had a difficult time as her father was conned out of land, and her closest friend committed suicide. When her mother’s health deteriorates she’s determined to buy her parents out, before they loose the farm and run it alone. The bank make it difficult for Grace and she has to consider selling part of the land to neighbour Ryan Wilson. Ryan is back on his family farm after eight years away, to sell it. Ryan is still grieving for his younger brother Danny who committed suicide. Blaming himself he just wants to do what he’s good at, flipping farm properties, and then leave. Ryan does not like forming attachments with people or land, so he’s a bit mystified when he offers to help neighbour Grace.

When someone sabotages Grace’s purchase she reluctantly turns to Ryan for assistance, but finds more than financial help. Neither Grace or Ryan can ignore the chemistry between them, which sizzles off the page, but she needs to realise that accepting his help isn’t a failure and he needs to learn to open his heart again. Although this is the second book, it can be read as a standalone story, however having read and enjoyed the previous one I liked how the characters popped up in this novel. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this heartwarming romance. I loved the main characters, and how Ryan and Grace’s relationship developed. The setting was brought to life by the descriptive narrative and I felt immersed in the storyline, which kept me happily turning the pages.

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StoryTeller’s Tale (Wretched Soulz MC) by Manda Mellett – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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StoryTeller's Tale: Wretched Soulz MCStoryTeller’s Tale: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting standalone MC romance by one of my favourite authors, she never disappoints. The story introduces us to the Wretched Soulz MC, and nomad StoryTeller, who spends his time on the road travelling from place to place. However, when his Prez demands that he returns, StoryTeller makes his way back to the clubhouse. At a rest stop he finds a discarded brand new book with a dedication and author signature inside. As a book lover himself, he knows this is likely a prized possession and probably left behind by accident. StoryTeller decides to try and find the owner of the book, but all he has to go on is her name, Sheri written inside.
This is the start of a rollercoaster of a ride and a storyline which had me hooked throughout, and kept me gripped till the last page. Although StoryTeller’s never met Sheri he ends up putting his life in danger, and maybe even his MC at risk. As usual the plot twists and turns kept me happily turning the pages, and I soon felt completely immersed in the Wretched Soulz MC’s world. I loved the relationship between StoryTeller and Sheri and how it developed throughout the story, their chemistry sizzled off the page and led to some steamy scenes. The drama, suspense and romance kept me reading late into the night, this was a real page turner of a novel which I definitely recommend!

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The White Knight Cowboy (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The White Knight Cowboy Stacy-DeanneThe White Knight Cowboy Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging short romance story, which kept me happily turning the pages. Grumpy widowed cowboy Dusty, returns to his ranch in the small town of Clear Creek County. He is shocked to find the much younger, and beautiful black servant Lovely Jo in his stables hiding. Lovely Jo ran away having found the master of her household dead, but she’s adamant that she is innocent. She believes she’s a good judge of character and so when she needed help ran to Dusty. However, Dusty needs money in order to save his ranch, and there would be a bounty to collect if he returned her to the Sheriff. In fear for her life Lovely Jo promises him her virtue if he helps her escape town, however she never intended to fall in love with him. This is a interracial and age gap romance between wonderful characters, Dusty and Lovely Jo. The setting has a real small town feeling which was brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, as was the time period the story is set in. An entertaining and heartwarming read.

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Lucky Stars by Fantasia Yu – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Lucky StarsLucky Stars by Fantasia Yu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging new adult space romance, which kept me hooked from start to finish. The reader is literally taken to other worlds in this Sci-Fi, fantasy story, and the descriptive narrative brings the settings vividly to life. Princess Mora just wants to break free from the constraints of her royal duties, and so escapes onto a tour craft, which is led by rebel pilot, Darin O’Joy. Mora and Darin travel together journeying across the galaxy, whilst evading a very persistent bounty hunter. The couple can’t deny their mutual attraction or their chemistry, which comes across in the narrative. However, as their relationship develops, Mora is still keeping her true identity, of being a royal princess, from Darin. As their journey continues, Mora discovers her own strength and the joy of being independent, but she will have to choose between true love or her royal obligations. This is a fairly quick read, and I was gripped throughout. The exciting storyline and wonderful characters, along with the fantastical world setting of moon planets, princesses on the run, rebel pilots, and space pirates, kept me happily turning the pages.

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Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Chatroom With A ViewChatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fast paced, rather dark and intense thriller, which had me hooked from page one. A real page turner of a novel, the storyline focuses on the idea that a ‘killer gene’ can be passed down through the generations of a family. The main character, Troy Cullen comes from a very dysfunctional family which has kept him from, “the normal integration with society”. However, it’s the knowledge that his ex girlfriend Veronica is pregnant that causes Troy’s life, and mental state to spiral out of control. Whilst Troy plots to “do unto others as they have done unto him”, Veronica looks into his family’s past. Veronica is shocked when she finds the ‘killer gene’, in Troy’s family, and must decide what action to take, knowing that her unborn child could also carry this gene. Meanwhile, Troy’s plans result in an epic showdown! This is an emotional rollercoaster of a read, with an intriguing storyline which kept me gripped throughout. It can be difficult to read in places due to the sensitive issues raised, but I felt engaged with the main characters and immersed in the story.

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Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery, #3)Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping and suspenseful crime thriller which kept me hooked from start to finish. Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series, I am familiar with the main characters, Elizabeth Benoit and Lila Dayne. I was looking forward to reading about their next case, and I was not disappointed. When a young woman is killed in the same circumstances as a death from twenty five years earlier, it’s more than a case of Déjà vu for Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit. The previous victim was Elizabeth’s best friend and Deputy Kyle Lundquist’s older sister, and Elizabeth has never stopped trying to catch her killer. Elizabeth is convinced that the crooked ex-Sheriff was involved in the crime, but although she has a thick file on him she knows she needs irrefutable proof.
Due to the legal consequences of Elizabeth being too close to the case, Deputy Detective Lila Dayne takes charge. However, she can’t seem to pin down their main suspect despite using all her investigative skills. When prominent members of the community begin to disappear, Elizabeth is back on the case, but things turn personal when her sister then goes missing. Benoit and Dayne must catch the killer, and end up in a showdown that’s been brewing for decades in Eckardt County. The storyline had me turning the pages well into the night, and the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. The descriptive narrative brought both the setting and characters vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. This was a real page turner of a novel, and one which I recommend.

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Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3) by Debra Parmley – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3)Saving the Bellydancer by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging romantic suspense story which had me hooked from start to finish. Navy SEAL Tony “Cutter” Cuttino seems to have a thing for strippers, much to his Grandma’s annoyance, but Cutter says that it’s all about their grace and athleticism for him. However, until American belly dancer and ex competitive gymnast Zarifah comes along no woman has held his attention. Zarifah, or Edith, is running away from an abusive ex who is in prison for turning violent when she wouldn’t give up her dancing. Neither Cutter or Zarifah can ignore the sizzling chemistry between them, and Zarifah loves how supportive Cutter is of her belly dancing. Even Cutter’s Grandma is keen to meet Zarifah. Things turn deadly when her ex storms one of her performances with a loaded weapon, but luckily not only is there a Navy SEAL in the building, but one who will do whatever it takes to protect the woman he loves. This is a heartwarming romance with plenty of drama and suspense to keep you gripped throughout. The chemistry between the main characters came across in the narrative, and I also loved Cutter’s Grandma’s character. An entertaining read.

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Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1)Handle With Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A gripping medical romance suspense story which had me hooked from page one. Following the death of his partner Dr. Hunter Montgomery is promoted to Chief Medical Officer of Chase Care, in New Orleans. A face from his past, Dr. Selma Bryant, catches up with his present when she walks into his operating room. Selma has devoted most of her professional life to the US Army, even leaving the man she’s always loved, Hunter behind. However, Selma can’t stay with Hunter as she’s volunteered with Doctor’s Abroad at an African refugee camp.
Selma leaves with a secret, but having run from Hunter, she must deal with a deadly outbreak that is claiming the lives of refugees and volunteers. As the number of fatalities grow Hunter and the Chase Medical team are tasked with saving Selma and those in the camp. If Hunter and Selma survive the virus they might find their happily ever after together. This is a gripping story full of drama, tragedy, suspense and of course romance. The setting is brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative and the characters are likeable and relatable. The chemistry between Selma and Hunter sizzle off the page, and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the storyline. An emotional rollercoaster of a read, but one which I definitely recommend.

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Whispers in the Waters (Blood of the Fae) by Sarah Chilson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Whispers in the Waters (Blood of the Fae, #0.5)Whispers in the Waters by Sarah Chislon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and engaging novella, in which Jessa Caldwell is a gently-bred herbalist, who is trying to be a lady whilst concealing her true nature. Jessa spends her days with her plants doing sketches, but only she knows that she hears whispers. When her beloved aunt is threatened, Jessa travels to a town which is dangerously close to an Otherworldly Crossing, where there is an ever-present risk of fae incursions. In order for her aunt to be protected, Jessa must find the individual who is responsible for a series of dangerous attacks.
However, it means embracing the part of herself that she keeps hidden out of fear of her true nature being exposed. Jessa lives in a world where Vigilists lock up fae-touched mortals, but if she’s to discover the truth and protect her love ones she will have to take that risk. This short read is a prequel to a new series, and it sets up the storyline and characters well. I enjoyed the mystery element which kept me hooked, and the setting was brought to life by the descriptive narrative. Jessa is a great heroine and I look forward to reading about more of her adventures.

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Throwing the Curve (Playing for Keeps Book 2) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Throwing the CurveThrowing the Curve by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and entertaining sports romance, which kept me happily turning the pages. For star pitcher of The Hawkes, Ryan Graves’ his teammates are the most important thing to him, until he meets Peyton. When Peyton Sharp finds herself at a party with a married man she’s horrified, even though she had no idea that he was married. In being a good teammate Ryan helps out his cheating teammate, only to find himself with a fake girlfriend. Peyton somehow finds herself in a fake relationship with Ryan and she’s not happy. However, Ryan soon finds himself falling in love with Peyton, but she appears to hate him. This was a heartwarming and fun romance with likeable characters and a storyline which held my attention. The chemistry between Peyton and Ryan sizzles off the page, and I was hoping they would both get their HEA.

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The Taste of Light (The Winemakers Book 2) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Taste of Light (The Winemakers, #2)The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series I was looking forward to this novel, and I was not disappointed. It can be read as a standalone story, however, I do recommend reading the previous book as it’s so good! Set in Portugal, during 1872, and Pedro Daun is an aristocrat haunted by his sins and his murky past in Mozambique. Pedro shuts himself in his winemaking property, drowning himself in port, having lost his bride to an Englishman. Anne Maxwell moves to the Douro to help her new sister-in-law, but she dreams of finding the perfect man who will love her unconditionally. When Anne and Pedro meet Anne can see that Pedro yearns for love, and Pedro craves her touch, but he does not want her soiled by his past sins and so dose not act like the perfect prince from her dreams.
Things take a dangerous turn when a conspiracy is revealed and a false accusation is made against Pedro, turning the couple into fugitives. As Anne and Pedro try to hide from a treacherous enemy, they also try to prove that Pedro is innocent. The more time the couple spend together, the closer they get and their passion grows. However, for them to have a future, Pedro must forgive himself for his past and let Anne in, and Anne needs to understand that love isn’t like it is in fairy tales. This is a wonderful historical romance with likeable and relatable characters, an amazing setting and an intriguing storyline, all of which kept me hooked throughout. The descriptive narrative brings the stunning scenery vividly to life and the added historical details made me feel immersed in the era. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster as I followed Anne and Pedro’s epic love story, and I was left thinking about them long after I had finished the last page. An enjoyable and engaging read, which I highly recommend.

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Chasing Redemption (The Quimby Grove Series Book 2) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Chasing Redemption (Quimby Grove #2)Chasing Redemption by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed being back in the small town world of Quimby Grove, and having loved the first book in this series I was looking forward to reading this story, and I was not disappointed. Marley and Max are strangers when they meet at the beach and have a one night stand, and having not even told each other their names they have no way of finding one another again. Marley works as an event planner in New York City and is a single mother to twins, a reminder of her night with Max. When Marley has to go to Quimby Grove to plan a wedding she did not expect to come face to face with Max. Max is just as shocked to find the woman, his one that got away, at his best friend’s wedding.
Marley has to explain to Max that he’s a father, and he’s determined to get Marley to stay in town. Just as they are navigating parenthood together, an unusual string of crimes are committed in Quimby Grove and Marley appears to be in the middle of them all. This is an enjoyable and engaging second chance at romance story, with enough drama and suspense to keep me hooked. The author does a great job of bringing the setting to life and the small town feeling really comes across in the narrative. Marley and Max are likeable and relatable characters and their chemistry came across in the writing. I look forward to returning to Quimby Grove again!

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Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl Book 2) by Tori Chase – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl, #2)Sharing His Nanny by Tori Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An entertaining and enjoyable romance, which kept me happily turning the pages. Set at a Malibu beach house, up and coming plus-sized designer Stella has to act as a nanny for a month to a four-month-old baby. The baby belongs to Stella’s older stepbrother Charles, who never even noticed her, but who she had a crush on. Just as Stella thinks she can handle the situation and earn enough money to launch her own fashion line, she learns that as well as Charles, two of her stepbrother’s friends will also be staying at the beach house. After some innocent flirting with both Jordan and Alex it turns into nights of steamy pleasure with them both, whilst Charles watches but keeps his distance.
For Charles, Stella is his forbidden little sister, his employee, the hired help, and his nanny. However, the longer Charles resists, the more explosive it will be when the couple give into their taboo fantasies. Stella’s plan is to survive the month and then go back to her life as though nothing happened with the three men, but she doesn’t know what their plan is. The setting in Malibu is brought to life by the descriptive narrative and made me feel immersed in the story. I liked that the heroine of the story, Stella is a plus-sized women, as that is unusual in romance novels. The characters are well defined and their chemistry really sizzled off the page resulting in some steamy scenes, so it’s definitely a book for adult readers.

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The Hawke Family Complete Collection by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Hawke Family Complete CollectionThe Hawke Family Complete Collection by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series, and ‘binge read’ this collection having been hooked from page one. Each story is about a different member of the Hawke family, and should be read in order, so as to fully understand and enjoy the storylines. I liked how the main characters were recurring throughout the series, and enjoyed ‘catching up’ with those who’s story had already been told. The wonderfully detailed descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel fully immersed in the Hawke family’s world.
The storyline and plot twists and turns have kept me happily turning the pages, completely gripped. I was desperate to read the next book in the series as soon as I had finished the previous one! I remained captivated by the Hawke family and their world throughout all six books. Each book had amazing world building, atmospheric settings, wonderful main characters and supporting ones, plenty of drama and suspense, and of course romance. The romance did lead to some steamy scenes, and the chemistry between each couple sizzled off the page. Each main character was very well defined and their relationships developed in each book. This collection is an entertaining and engaging read, and I am sad to be leaving the Hawke family behind. However, I am glad that I have read it and definitely recommend reading all six books.

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The Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The HusbandsThe Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable and engaging MM romance which had me hooked from start to finish. The intriguing storyline and wonderful characters, in this fairly short read, made this a book that I had trouble putting down. Dorian and Augustine are brought together one night by an assassin who made a terrible mistake. As the men struggle in the aftermath, they begin to develop feelings for each other, however, they are both happily married and so decide to stay away from one another. Although they are both broken hearted they are determined to move on with their lives, after all they will never see each other again.
Wrong, three years later and Dorian and Augustine are shocked when their wives become friends and the men are introduced. Of course they can’t acknowledge what they mean to each other, but they also can’t deny their feelings and now that they are in each other’s lives again, thanks to their wives, it’s even more difficult to ignore their connection. The descriptive narrative brought both the setting and characters vividly to life, and made me feel immersed in the story. I was kept happily turning the pages wondering how it was going to end, no spoilers, but I definitely recommend reading this page turner of a book.

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Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and entertaining contemporary romance novel, which kept me captivated from page one. Although part of a series it can be read as a standalone story. The marriage-of-convenience Hollywood romance theme intrigued me from the start and the storyline had me hooked. Both Abi and Finn enter the reality TV show, ‘Married Blind’, for very different reasons, but they both agree that the first time they meet they will get married, and stay married for three months. For Abi it means taking a break from her regularly scheduled life in which she’s working three jobs, and in which she has no time or the opportunity to meet ‘Mr Right’.
Meanwhile Finn’s reason is simple as his agent signs him up in order to rehab his image and salvage his career after his latest sexcapade. For Finn the role of a 24-hour loving husband on a reality TV show will be the hardest part he has to play. Abi definitely did not expect a reality TV husband to be ‘The One’, and Finn never thought that he would have the perfect woman chosen for him. But the problem with reality TV is that it’s difficult to know, what is for the show and what is for real. I loved Abi and Finn as they are both likeable and relatable in their own ways. Their chemistry really comes across in the narrative, and I was cheering them on hoping they would both get their HEA.

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A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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A Dowry of Snails and MudA Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and entertaining YA historical romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Set in Wales, and sixteen year old Rhia Caddell lives in a small village, with her father who is the Mayor, and she works the land as a farmer. With the village in debt to the king, Rhia’s father agrees to an arranged marriage between her and the Prince of Wales. However, Rhia is not impressed by the “oh-so-dainty Prince of Wales”, after all, “what good is a man who can’t out-lift her or bring a belligerent steer to the ground.” Rhia sets out to either whoo or intimidate, whichever works best, her new husband in order to get him to erase the village’s debt. Unfortunately, the Prince has been told to sway his wife into giving over the gold in order to earn his father’s approval. For Rhia, the outcome is either to lose the only life and home she’s ever known to the king, or give up the fragile prince who she’s tried hard not to fall in love with, but she has. I loved the likeable and relatable characters in this romantic comedy, and especially liked the dynamic between the Prince and Rhia. The storyline flowed well and the plot had plenty going on in it to keep me hooked. The descriptive narrative and added historical details made the characters and the setting come to life, making me feel immersed in the story.

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My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and engaging stand alone romance, which kept me happily turning the pages. Jasmine Hayes runs her company, ‘Divine Events’ and organises events for the social elite. Meanwhile, James is a drunk who has a string of bad business decisions behind him, however, he also comes from the rich Conners family, who are the closest thing to royalty in New England. Two years ago he was told to sort his life out, and now James is about to marry Cadence, and then will be able to get the money he needs to start a new venture. The only problem is that when James meets Jasmine, his fiancé’s best friend and their wedding planner, he recognises her as the woman who he has not stopped thinking about since meeting her.

Jasmine, can’t believe the man that her best friend is marrying is the one who kissed her silly and swept her off her feet. What Jasmine does not know is that James and Cadence have a secret contract, which states they will have a mutually agreeable and quick divorce. I loved the main characters, as they are all likeable and relatable in their own ways. Their relationships come across as very realistic, and they all brought something different to the story. The chemistry between James and Jasmine really came through in the narrative, but I also loved the dynamics between all three main characters. This was a lighthearted and heartwarming romance which had a HEA.

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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Prequel) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation #0.5)Night Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short and steamy read, which is a prequel to a new series featuring the Hawke family. Billionaire heir attorney, Isaac Hawke has a two-night stand with a mystery redhead, the rules, “Two nights. No names. No expectations”. Having graduated law school, Isaac is now ready to join his family’s multi-billion-dollar business, but before he joins the Hawke empire he goes out to have one night to celebrate. Having met a beautiful woman at the bar, he takes ‘Jack’ back to his hotel room for the night, however, this turns into a weekend in bed with her. Having realised that a weekend is not enough with ‘Jack’, he says they should exchange real names in the morning, but when he wakes up ‘Jack’ is gone, and with no real name Isaac has no way of finding her.
Meanwhile, the women turns out to be running away from her parents and her life, she just needed one night of freedom but knew it was too dangerous to stay. The chemistry between Isaac and ‘Jack’ literally sizzles off the page and leads to some extremely steamy scenes. This was an enjoyable and engaging read, which had me hooked. As a prequel the story sets up the new series really well, as it left me definitely wanting more, and left so many questions unanswered, especially the identity of ‘Jack’.

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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #2)Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having been introduced to the medium Elinor Chalamet in the previous book in this series, I was looking forward to this second instalment and was not disappointed. Yet again I was transported back in time and immersed in another of Elinor’s mysteries, which kept me hooked. I felt like I was alongside Elinor as her holiday in Vouvant is ruined by a poisoner targeting a royal guest, leading to Elinor investigating. When an attempt on the kings life implicates Elinor’s favourite chef, she is keen to solve the case and prove him innocent. However, before she can return to the fun of the Winter Revels, she also saves a young society lady, and solves the problem of a widower who grieves too much, alongside using her skills, honed at the Morpheus Society, to help the police, whilst still hunting her father’s killer. Elinor is also annoyed by her love interest, the duke as he thinks he can solve the case of the poisoner before she can. This is an enjoyable and entertaining novella in this gaslamp fantasy, ghost mystery series, and I love that it has a strong female character in Elinor. She’s a likeable and relatable young women and her slow burn romance with the duke, offers an intriguing aside to her case solving. I look forward to book three, and continuing Elinor’s adventures.

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Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this heartwarming contemporary romance with a second chance at romance theme. Set in the small town of Buckeye Falls, Ohio, during the festive holidays, Ginny Meyer returns to her small hometown from New York, to help her father recover from surgery. She does not plan on involving herself in any of the usual festive events, such as, Christmas caroling and cookie decorating, and she is definitely going to stay away from Max, her ex-husband. However, Ginny soon finds herself helping out with the Christmas Jubilee, along with Max. Meanwhile, diner owner Max Sanchez has spent the past two years missing Ginny, after she broke his heart and left town. He’s willing to do anything to spend time with her now that she’s back, and luckily he loves Christmas.
Max hopes that his charm, some holiday cheer and his famous cheese enchiladas will make Ginny reconsider leaving again. Whilst embracing the holiday season Max can sense that Ginny is warning to the idea of staying in Buckeye Falls, but he might need a Christmas miracle to convince her to take another chance on love. I loved the main characters and felt the chemistry between Max and Ginny really came across in this sweet story. The descriptive narrative brought the small town setting to life, and I loved the feel of Buckeye Falls and meeting all the townspeople. An enjoyable and engaging read, and it left me with a real festive feeling!

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The Labyrinthine Journey (Servant of the Gods Book 2) by Luciana Cavallaro – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Labyrinthine Journey (Servant of the Gods, #2)The Labyrinthine Journey by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable and entertaining mix of history, fantasy and Greek mythology, which kept me hooked throughout. Having been ripped from his twenty first century life, Evan now finds himself in ancient Greece, fearing that he will never see his home again. For Evan to have a chance of returning home, he needs to collect god-saving sacred relics for his father Zeus. However, locating these relics will not be easy, he will have to brave perilous seas and face death in search of a legendary oracle. During their voyage Evan, along with his companions come across mythical creatures, fabled warriors, and treacherous sorcery. Evan must complete his difficult quest or both he and the gods will be lost to history, but the most deadliest threat may be bound to Evan by blood. Full of drama and suspense this fast paced and action packed epic kept me gripped, I loved the characters and thought Evan was a great hero of the story. I enjoyed the mythic battles, and the unique mythical creatures that Evan encountered. The plot twists kept me happily turning the pages, and the descriptive narrative brought the settings vividly to life.

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Minotaur’s Lair (Servant of the Gods Book 3) by Luciana Cavallaro – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Minotaur's Lair (Servant of the Gods, #3)Minotaur’s Lair by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The epic historical fantasy adventure continues in this third and final instalment of this enjoyable and engaging series. It really is an action packed story, with a great mix of history, fantasy and mythology, all of which had me hooked throughout. Evan and his companions are now entrapped by Antioche, the Amazon Queen and her warriors, as the Dark Master’s victorious revenge over the gods is almost complete. Meanwhile, the High Priestess has failing health making her unable to rescue her brother and her fellow Atlanteans. The only chance they have of stopping the Dark Master’s succession plans is to recover the last sacred relic, which is secreted in the lair of the Minotaur. Evan must continue his journey to the mystical lands of Krete in order for his father, Zeus, to fulfil his promise.
He also has precious gifts given to him by Queen Antioche, both allegiances and memories are tested in this story, but will Evan make it home, and if so what will his future be. The unique settings are brought vividly to life by the detailed and descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the storyline. The characters and the mythical creatures also come alive and jump off the page. The added historical details make it obvious this is a well researched novel, and the twists and turns kept the plot unpredictable. This was an entertaining read and one which I recommend, along with the two previous books in the series.

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Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance with a feel good festive feeling. Sienna Markum, a Paralympic skiers favourite time of year is Christmas, as she loves all the traditions, but most of all the time she can spend with her family. Sienna is training for the Paralympics in the hopes of winning Alpine gold, so is looking forward to a much needed break from training over the holiday period. Meanwhile, Connor Shoemaker, the bad boy of skiing, plans on continuing with his training for the Paralympics, and so has no plans for Christmas. Ever since a motocross accident took one of his legs, Connor had also lost his confidence. When the pair meet at training, Sienna is not happy as she was told that her training would be private, however, she soon starts to enjoy being with her new training partner.
When Sienna’s Christmas plans fall through it’s Connor who comes to her rescue, however, she has to decide if she’s willing to balance her training with a relationship. Connor, meanwhile, is hoping to regain his confidence on and off the slopes, and to also have a chance at love with Sienna. This was a lovely, heartwarming romance with great characters and a magical snowy setting, which kept me happily turning the pages. I loved the fact that the two main characters were Paralympic’s, and dealing with disability issues, as this is unusual in romances. The couple had amazing chemistry and I was hoping they would get their HEA, especially for Christmas!

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What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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What Actually Happened to Isaac MooreWhat Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an original and intriguing story, which had me hooked from the start and kept me captivated throughout. The unique storyline revolves around a sailor, Isaac Moore, who at the moment that he thinks his life is over, finds himself thrown into an unbelievable adventure, but is he dead or not? Isaac is used to the open sea and the canvas sails, but he didn’t expect to find himself standing at the edge of the River from the storybook he had as a child. Issac finds himself in a fairytale, the River, from the book his mother used to read to him, flows from one world to another, as far as he can see. Issac is amazed that he’s even made it that far though, as to get there he’s had to fight a vicious little old man and his air dragon, and that was after a beautiful but angry green fairy with vines for hair dragged him there.
All he wants to do is return home, to eat his dinner of mashed potatoes and turkey, but he has many more obstacles to face, least of all the terrifying Snowman. This is an epic fantasy adventure, which had me gripped, and at times a little confused. However, the world building is amazing, as the detailed descriptive narrative really brings the setting vividly to life, along with the wired and wonderful creatures, such as shapeshifters and large flowers with eyes. The quirky characters all have a part to play, but the focus of the story is on Isaac, who seems just as confused as to what is actually happening to him. This is an enjoyable and engaging read, and I recommend picking it up to find out the answer to what actually did happen to Isaac Moore!

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging lighthearted contemporary romance, which had me happily turning the pages. Teagan, the Love Guru publishes an article about spending a week at the Hawaiian couple’s retreat, ‘Kamana Wanalaya Resort’, and Tenley Shay, the voice behind TJ ON PAR, a podcast for Practical Adult Relationships, is quick to comment. Tenley, is known for her disapproval of love and the practicality of remaining single for life, so, Teagan decides to call her bluff, and invites her on an all-expense paid trip to the couple’s retreat, for a little R&R before the holidays. He wants to prove her cynicism wrong and if he can’t get her to fall in love, then he will donate to her podcast.
Having met and are coupled up for the week, their chemistry sizzles off the page, leading to some steamy scenes. Teagan finds himself attracted to her feisty attitude and her sense of humour. However, can Tenley, the world’s biggest relationship cynic change her thoughts on love. Asking her to risk everything, forget about her opinions on love, and take a real chance at love, might be too much to ask. This is a fun read, which kept me hooked throughout, the characters and the setting are brought to life, making me feel immersed in the story. I loved the main characters, and was cheering the couple on, hoping they would get their own HEA, for the holidays!

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Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Love Tools (Bluestone Series, #1)Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An entertaining and enjoyable contemporary romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Lily is running away from a difficult past when she decides to move halfway across the world to Bluestone County to reopen her estranged father’s hardware store. Lily enjoys the wide open space, and clean air along with the perks of small town living, and the sexy cowboys. One in particular, Jake is the bane of her existence, but very good to look at. Jake has a reputation and is known as the king of casual, his life has always been his ranch and so he never really saw the point in a long-term relationship. Then he meets Lily, and she’s all he can think about, and he’s determined to convince her that he is finally the right man for her. The author has a unique writing style which kept me hooked from start to finish. This is a heartwarming sweet romance, and the chemistry between Lily and Jake really came across in the narrative. The descriptive narrative brought the small town setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story.

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Spellbound Seduction (The Brightley Sisters Book 2) by Halley Larkin – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Spellbound Seduction (The Brightley Sisters Book 2)Spellbound Seduction by Halley Larkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging historical romance with a second chance at romance theme. The shyest of the Brightley sisters, Arabella is now the lady of a grand house, following the marriage of her eldest sister. However, a male cousin is set to inherit Cortwood Manor, so Bella is focused on her youngest sister, Rosalind’s first season, in the hope of a marriage. Unfortunately, Bella is more used to reading, sewing and dabbling in her late mother’s mysterious book of herbal remedies and family folklore.

Following the disappearance and presumed death of the man Bella loved, Thomas Beecham, Bella plans to stay unmarried. Then Thomas returns, having spent a year in service, paying off his father’s debt, and he’s still in love with Bella. He had to make her think he was dead for her safety, however, even though he’s back he is still keeping secrets from her. Thomas is not who Bella thinks, and the truth could destroy any chance he has of winning her back. The descriptive narrative brought the characters and the setting vividly to life, and along with the historical period details, made me feel immersed in the story. The characters are wonderfully detailed and I loved the connection between Bella and Thomas. I look forward to book three in this series.

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Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Knight In The Museum ( Jorja Knight Mystery -Book 5)Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a gripping mystery crime novel, which had me hooked from start to finish. PI Jorja Knight is asked by the daughter of a former police officer to look into her father’s supposedly accidental death. Jorja is determined to find out the truth, and as she starts to investigate she discovers another suspicious death and also links to a cursed, missing pre-Columbian artifact. Jorja reconstructs the dead men’s last movements as she has doubts over the way police handled the men’s deaths, but this causes tension in her relationship with the head of Special Crimes.
The more Jorja discovers the more dangerous the investigation becomes as she’s drawn deep into the heart of the Alberta’s badlands, and into the path of a brazen killer. Jorja Knight is a complex, likeable and relatable main character and she makes a great heroine of this series. The fast paced storyline and the plot twists kept me happily turning the pages, and guessing as to the outcome of the story. The story was full of drama and mystery, along with the added humour and romance which made this a great read. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series, now that I’ve discovered PI Jorja Knight.

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