Jack

For the Love of a Good Woman, Book #1

By Giulia Lagomarsino

ISBN# 9798223873242

Author’s Website: giulialagomarsinoauthor.com

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Review

*Beware of Spoilers*

Harper was having the worst luck.  She ran out in her skimpy pjs to go feed her friend’s cat, while Anna was out-of-town.  Her car broke down on the side of the road and it was pouring down rain.  She decided to walk, but she tripped in a hole disguised as a mud puddle and sprained her ankle.  While sitting in the mud puddle, in pain, the most gorgeous man she ever met came over to see if she needed help.  Jack wasted no time in putting her his truck, stopping off at the pharmacy for supplies, then to Anna’s and eventually taking Harper home.

Jack and Harper hit it off right away and they run fast and furious into a new relationship.  But will the relationship fizzle out as quickly as it began?

I disliked these characters from the very beginning.  They were too immature and everything moved way too fast to be believable.  Harper has zero self-preservation skills.  She’s a serial killer victim waiting to happen.  Jack is a complete stranger and she allows him to put her in his vehicle and then shows him where both her friend and she live.  And, if that wasn’t bad enough, she does the same thing with another guy later in the book.  And, don’t even get me started on the fact that they were grinding on each other in his truck moments after they met.

Jack was selfish beyond belief.  He wanted what he wanted and nothing else really mattered.  They had barely been dating when he started throwing a fit about having her move in with him.  She was worried about if things didn’t work out.  He makes a big scene and when they’re out with his friends and they started giving her a hard time.  And, Jack’s thoughts are I’m not going to help her because she deserves this!?! What the actual fuck?  She wants to decorate for Christmas.  And, instead of telling her why the holiday is so hard for him, he storms off like a big baby and is gone for hours.  Even their breakup is due to his selfishness.

Everything went way too fast.  Their relationship, the moving in together, the breakup.  They both just needed to be by themselves.  Nobody deserves to be saddled with either one of them.  Then, this book just ended suddenly… there was no peak into the future to see their happily ever after.  Just a big moment happened, and Harper was being immature again during that and then the book was over.

This novel had no redeeming qualities for me.  The writing was as immature as the characters just too fast, superficial, and unbelievable.  And, I actually paid for this book, so that was disappointing.  This is a beginning of several connected books, with a spin-off series or two so I really hope that the writing improved over time.  However, I’m unlikely to continue with it.

Two Purloined Pillows

Nimble Needle #2

By Allie Pleiter

ISBN 9781496752031

Author’s website: alliepleiter.com

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

Synopsis:

When 30-something graphic artist Shelby Phillips reluctantly returned to her small hometown outside Asheville, North Carolina to manage her mother’s needlepoint shop, she thought it was temporary. But getting entangled in murder investigations has a timeline of its own…

It’s been a little over a year since Shelby started managing Nina’s Nimble Needle following her office-romance and career implosion, and Shelby’s mom has finally handed her the reins—technically, at least. Next, Shelby is excited to oversee two well-known needlepoint designers who will be participating in the town’s first two-week-long arts festival . . .

Laura Bitters and Paul Bardo have each stitched up one-of-a-kind pillows that should be big wins for the Nimble Needle at the festival’s auction . . . until the pillows vanish amid a sudden string of shoplifting incidents.

To add to the knot in Shelby’s stomach, Laura proves highly anxious, while Paul is an egomaniac who believes Laura has been stealing his customers for years. But things go from bad to tragic when Laura behaves oddly at the auction dinner, then collapses—dead.

Soon after, Shelby makes a shocking discovery in Laura’s room at the local inn. Then tests reveal that Laura was poisoned. Resolved to piece together the truth, despite the police chief’s determination to keep her on the fringes, Shelby rallies her personal team, including her sister, Jessica, her friend Deb, and Jake, her potentially more than a friend. As an extra twist, a magazine reporter arrives with unsettling—yet useful—dirt that includes Laura and Paul.

What unravels is a skein of suspects, long-held resentment, bitter jealousy, and betrayal, from which Shelby will have to pull the one crucial thread tied to the killer: a murder-worthy motive . . . (from Goodreads)

Review:

Shelby’s parents returned to Gwen Lake, North Carolina for the annual Gwen Lakes Arts Festival. It has been almost a year since her mom, Nina, has turned over management of Nina’s Nimble Needle, to Shelby to manage. It is also the first year Shelby will be in charge of their part of the festival. Nina gave Shelby last minute warnings about their key – and fiercely rival –  guests.

The NYAGS – Not Your Average Grannies – were at the shop most days with their current works in progress, enjoying the local news and gossip. The older ladies were there, looking forward to meeting the special guests.

The shop’s key guests are two famous, rival needlepoint canvas artists. Paul and Laura have many long-time fans who would pay almost any price for their canvases, especially original, hand-painted ones. Laura and Paul are each donating a spectacularly designed pillow for this year’s auction. Each artist designed and painted a canvas especially for their town, then personally stitched them. Their fans are eager to see and bid on the pillows. Proceeds of the auctions would support local arts programs.

Paul came into the shop and delivered many new canvases. He was angry that Shelby, not Nina, would be handling him this year. The mayor brought Laura in. Neither designer was happy to see the other. Gwen Lakes’ “power couple”, Mayor Rose and her husband, Police Chief Tallen were disturbed to discover that Laura’s and Paul’s amazing pillows had been stolen from the Town Hall, where they had been displayed. They had to be located before the auction on opening night!

The pillows were not found, so Shelby put together a special kit from each artist. Shelby met Laura at the ball. Laura was more anxious than usual and appeared to be ill. Shelby noticed Laura slurring her words just before she collapsed. A nearby doctor tried to help, but could not. Laura had passed away amidst the crowd.

Afterwards, Shelby and her best friend Deb went to Laura’s room, where they found a hidden treasure trove of goodies, including an assortment of trinkets and items that might have come from local stores. Chief Tallen, unhappy the friends had gone into her room, took charge of it. Preliminary tests showed that Laura had ingested poison from belladonna berries, tiny fruit of a highly toxic plant that grew wild in the area. It had been added to a smoothie that an unknown person brought her.

Shelby began to learn more about Laura to help find who killed her. Joanne, a writer for her local paper and a freelance reporter for arts events, knew both Laura and Paul. She shared what she knew about them with Shelby. Paul was one of the suspects due to their combative history. There were only a couple other suspects.

I was very pleased with the variety of characters! All were defined best through their conversations and behaviors. Most are engaging, except for Paul and, at times, Cole, a personable young artist who harbored bitterness against Laura. I especially liked Shelby, who loves what she does and keeps an open mind, eager to learn from and help others. Deb, her best friend, is also a delight, far happier with her coffee shop than in her former career as a chemist! I enjoyed meeting Jake, and hope that Shelby sees more of him!

Several wannabe sleuths wanted to “help” Shelby, and she graciously found harmless ways they could. The NYAGs wanted to know the progress, which she couldn’t share. It seemed that the festival would end and the tourists and artists would leave without the killer being caught. While it was preferable to think the killer might leave, yet they wanted justice for Laura. And then…I was very satisfied and happy with the ending! I highly recommend this cozy mystery to those who enjoy various needlecrafts, town festivals, and challenging investigations.

A Murder at the Mansion

Novel Detectives Mystery

By Ellie Alexander     

ISBN: 9781837003143 

Website: www.elliealexander.co

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra                   

Summary:

 In the charming town of Redwood Grove, even the grandest estates have something to hide…

When reclusive heiress Bernadette Garst vanishes from her sprawling mansion, bookshop owner and investigator Annie Murray is summoned to the scene.

Arriving at the legendary Garst property, Annie and her partner Fletcher discover a household riddled with secrets, bitter family rivalries, and suspicious staff members. When Bernadette’s lawyer also goes missing, it’s clear the case is escalating into something far more dangerous.

With her keen eye for detail and a little help from her friends, Annie must piece together the clues hidden within the opulent estate grounds. Can she solve the puzzle before it’s too late? (Goodreads)

Review:

The third book in the, A Murder at the Mansion, by Ellie Alexander is another cozy mystery that has my highest praise. Novel Detectives Mystery series Now the reason for this is that the storytelling was very good and the mystery in and of itself was very good. Pause here on the praise… I did figure out ‘whodunit’ quite early on but since the writing was so good – I did have to wait until the end of the story to have my theory 100% affirmed. Luckily for me the storytelling, many characters in the story and the animals provided more than ample impetus for me to finish the book in record time. The read is like coming home as you know what expect – a cozy mystery with a number of suspects along with the cast of recurring characters involved in solving the mystery – with Annie and Fletcher taking the lead in that department.

What starts out as a missing persons case for the matriarch of the Garst family, Bernadette Garst quickly turned into a murder case as the body of Ms. Garst’s lawyer, Gabe Bowers is discovered in the boat house. So who murdered Gabe? And where is Bernadette? Annie has a number of potential suspects (mostly family members of the Garst clan) to sift through with respect to the murder. But with such an expansive acreage – it seems like a daunting task to locate Bernadette – and time is of the essence given her age!

I noted that this installment of the series is very skimpy on progressing the storyline of Hal’s origins and his possible connection to Agatha Christie. I do hope this picks up a wee bit in the next book of the series. In fact, not really much character development nor relationship development in this book either. Here is hoping that the next book will add more depth to the various characters of Redwood Grove.

Never fear – the mystery of ‘whodunit’ is all is wrapped up in a neat little package in the end (which is one reason I did not give this read 5 stars – too neat!). Though there a couple of twists and turns that did keep me guessing and there is a surprise or two at the end .

I shall patiently await the next installment (book #4) of Novel Detectives Mystery series, A Murder at Midnight, to see where Hal’s storyline goes. I shall even wait with baited breath for book #5 –
A Fatal Frost!

If you enjoy feel good cozy mysteries with interesting characters, then I suggest reading this installment of the Novel Detective Mystery series! In fact – read the whole series.

Deadly Does It

Mann & Mason #2

By Abbi Waxman

ISBN 9780593816691 

Author’s website: abbiwaxman.com

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

Synopsis:

When Natasha Mason’s AA sponsor is in deadly danger, she turns to the cranky yet brilliant Julia Mann for help, in this exciting new mystery novel from the USA Today bestselling author of One Death at a Time.

Mason, a Gen Z adrenaline junkie, and Mann, an ex-con, ex-actress, and lawyer turned sleuth, have already solved one murder together. United by their commitment to sarcasm and general disappointment with the human race, they now face a second crime that’s way too close to home. Alexa Rousso keeps having accidents, and no one but her thinks it’s a coincidence. Could her checkered past be coming back to get her? Mason and Mann’s investigation takes them to the Bay Area, to the Central Coast, and – of course – to the hippest spots in Los Angeles. Will the Berkeley boho vibe convert Mann from vintage couture? Will the wine snobs of Ojai drive Mason to drink (or to vinicide, which isn’t even a thing)? More importantly, will they solve the mystery before the murderer’s sights settle on the detectives themselves, or will this new challenge also be their last? (from Goodreads)

Review:

Five years sober and in her twenties, Mason met former actress Julia Mann at an AA meeting. The former actress was in prison for a murder she didn’t commit when she earned her degree and became an attorney. She got sober there, had a couple slips over the years, and immediately returned to meetings. Julia asked Mason to be her temporary sponsor.

Even with the substantial gap between their ages and their polar opposite lifestyles, they got along quite well. Neither are delicate little flowers. Julia has many skills, from being professionally adept to acting to understated elegance. Mason became her sidekick after helping Julia solve a major case, and lives in one of Julia’s guest houses.

Julia met her housekeeper and excellent chef, Claudia, when they became close friends in prison. Claudia’s boyfriend, Teddy, is a former con and a private investigator. Mason is deciding on a career and whether to return to college, and went on stakeouts with Teddy for on-the-job training to be a PI.

Mason’s mother called her from Berkeley; her father had a mild heart attack. He should recover quickly with some lifestyle changes. If Mason went to visit, it would only be for her father. Her mother and sister never understood her, and have always, only, questioned and critiqued her.

Mason’s sponsor, Alexa, had been sober for over twenty-five years and sponsored two other women. Alexa is an event planner with a huge fashion show scheduled. Mason attended to support Alexa. Several attendees were injured as a result of a mechanical “attack”, and some of her clients cancelled their events.

Jennifer is another of Alexa’s sponsees. Mason attended the grand opening of Jennifer’s third restaurant, made memorable for several people going to the hospital with food poisoning. The police could only ascertain that each person who got sick had wine from Jennifer’s new wine vendor, but none of the bottles tested positive.

Alexa and her husband Scott went to see Julia with a troubling situation. She received threatening letters with unique similarities but refused to tell the police. The threats implied that “I know what you did; you know what I did” and “I’ll keep your secret if you keep mine”. Alexa said she had no idea what she did, but she had survived a fire in a rundown warehouse, lived in and used by artists who drank, used, and/or sold drugs. Many people died that night, and it was still discussed almost thirty years later.

Mason planned a brief visit to visit her father and family. Julia joined her so they could interview people Alexa knew from the time of the fire. Julia saw how her family interacted with Mason, and Mason’s parents were thrilled to meet the star that her father once had a crush on! Mason learned what was stressing her father’s working life and discussed ways to resolve the situation. Julia and Mason tracked down and questioned Alexa’s ex-husbands, friends, a policeman, and a fire inspector before returning to LA.

A loyal friend, Mason believed what Alexa told them. Alexa sent Mason to check on her third sponsee, Iris, and found her dead of an overdose. Detectives saw an inconsistency with the needle, still in her arm, and declared it a homicide.

Alexa received another letter, “one down, two to go, then it’s your turn”. They believed “one” was Iris, and “two to go” were Alexa’s other sponsees, then Alexa herself. Julia convinced her to tell the police. They would continue to investigate for her, but the detectives needed to consider the letters when investigating Iris’s death.  Then, someone attempted to kill Mason.

The characters are three-dimensional in their actions and conversations. Most are engaging and transparent, but at least one is keeping a secret or two. I genuinely like Mason and Julia. They help others, and are a “family” that includes staff and friends. Some of Mason’s family have not gotten past her troubled teen years or addictions, but people can surprise us!

I appreciate that Abbi Waxman’s protagonists are people in recovery and fell in love with the series when reading the first in the series. For readers unfamiliar with the groups, the author explains certain aspects of twelve-step programs. She presents each person with value and dignity.

There are several twists and hair-raising U-turns, even changing the course of their investigation. It will take everything this crew has to solve the crimes before another person is murdered. I love the ending! I highly recommend this challenging mystery and the first in series!

Cold-Hearted Rake

The Ravenels, Book #1

By Lisa Kleypas

ISBN# 9780062371812

Author’s Website:  https://lisakleypas.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer

Devon Ravenel’s life is turned upside-down when his cousin is killed in a riding accident.  Theo was an earl and now Devon has inherited his earldom, and all the debt and responsibility that goes with it.  

Devon and his brother, West, live a carefree life indulging in all their vices.  And, they had no intention of changing that.  Devon’s plan was to sell off all of Theo’s property and be a landless earl.  However, that all changes when he meets Theo’s widow, Kathleen.  Kathleen is in her period of mourning, but Devon is willing to play the long game.  He’s even willing to keep his new estate that is crumbling into disrepair.  It’s all worth it, for a chance to be with her.

But all is not as it seems with Kathleen and the relationship she had with Theo.  The two had barely said their vows when Theo went off in a fit of rage to his death.

Can the dashing Devon convince the proper lady to take a ride on the wild side with him?

This is not my typical genre to read, but every once in awhile I delve into one.  It was a decent read, but it didn’t blow me away.

I enjoyed Devon and West.  Both of them took to their new responsibilities rather well.  Well, at least after Kathleen put West in his place!  The brothers seemed very fatherly with the girls as well too.  Although I’m feeling something brewing between West and Pandora.

I do wish this book hadn’t focused so much on Helen and Mr. Winterborne, even the epilogue was about them!  I found it boring and it just took away from Devon and Kathleen.  I found that Kathleen interfered way too much in that relationship too.  And, I suppose the next book will be about Helen and Rhys fixing what Kathleen broke.

I don’t know if I’ll continue this series or not, but it’s always there if I get a hankering for a historical romance.

Title: The Secret Book Society

By:  Madeline Martin

ISBN: 9781335016287 (ISBN10: 1335016287)

ASIN: 1335016287

Website: http://www.MadelineMartin.com

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra                   

Summary:

You are cordially invited to the Secret Book Society…
 
London, 1895: Trapped by oppressive marriages and societal expectations, three women receive a mysterious invitation to an afternoon tea at the home of the reclusive Lady Duxbury. Beneath the genteel facade of the gathering lies a secret book club—a sanctuary where they can discover freedom, sisterhood, and the courage to rewrite their stories.
 
Eleanor Clarke, a devoted mother suffocating under the tyranny of her husband. Rose Wharton, a transplanted American dollar princess struggling to fit the mold of an aristocratic wife. Lavinia Cavendish, an artistic young woman haunted by a dangerous family secret. All are drawn to the enigmatic Lady Duxbury, a thrice-widowed countess whose husbands’ untimely deaths have sparked whispers of murder.
 
As the women form deep, heartwarming friendships, they uncover secrets about their marriages, their pasts, and the risks they face. Their courage is their only weapon in the oppressive world that has kept them silent, but when secrets are deadly, one misstep could cost them everything. (Goodreads)

Review:

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin is a well crafted historical fiction, a genre I have recently come to appreciate. Be warned, this book is not really about books (though it is a bit) but more about the oppressed lives of the members of the secret book society.

The story follows three women who receive and accept an unusual invitation to an afternoon tea from Lady Duxbury (a widow three times over). From henceforth, their lives are entwined with periodic afternoon tea. We soon learn that each woman has a unique set of challenges with their lives. This is the late 1800’s so women are still oppressed and not seen as “persons” and are controlled by their husbands and/or fathers.   

I found that the lives and struggles of each of the women was engaging, intriguing and at times I was annoyed with the men in their lives! One woman, Eleanor Clarke, was abused by her husband and his brother. Rose Wharton is a rich young American struggling to fit into her new role as an English aristocrat’s wife. The youngest, at age 19, is Lavinia Cavendish. She is trying to find her voice. These three women join the thrice widowed Lady Duxbury in her home for afternoon tea from there, these four women turn to each other to have their individual voices heard. While life did not go always as planned, it was good to see these women do what they could for each other.

I was surprised and appalled that women were frequently being confined to an insane asylum, apparently something husbands (and fathers) did at their whim in this particular time period!

I was also enthralled with the way each woman grew and took charge of their own situations through personal growth. The following quote regarding Lady Lavinia Cavendish made me smile (because I saw how far she had come into her own life of wanting to write and expressing that to her father):

“Empowered by the hatpin fighting, awed by the séance, intrigued by the poison garden and filled with joy from the loving embrace of friendship, every one of those experiences played in Lavinia’s imagination like sunlight dancing over the water.”

What was refreshing is that the story and all the characters drew me in and would not let me go. That, for me, is a truly good sign when I have difficulty putting the book down for simple things like eating and sleeping .

I am not able to go into further details regarding the story, nor what I liked specifically about the book as I do not want to inadvertently provide any spoilers – I want the next reader of this delightful tale to discover them all on their own. The tale also included a noteworthy epilogue and author’s notes.

All I can say is that I am very glad that this book was added to our monthly bookclub list for May 2026.

Something from the Nightside

Nightside, Book #1

By Simon R. Green

ISBN# 9780441010653

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Review

John Taylor is a struggling private Investigator that lives in his office and can’t even pay the bills.  Then, money walks into his door in the form of Joanna Barrett.  The rich businesswoman has misplaced her teenage daughter, well the teen ran away, and she wants John to find her.  John has a gift to find lost things.  However, this lost thing has gone to where he swore, he’d never go again … the Nightside.

The Nightside is the dark underbelly of London.  It’s where all of the things that go bump in the night call home.  It’s magical, deadly and totally addicting.  John left enemies behind there, and they may just collect on old debts as he looks for the runaway teen.  The key is to get in and out as quickly as possible.  However, it quickly becomes apparent that something evil is residing in the Nightside, something unnatural even for the Nightside and it’s hiding Cathy.  And, it’s up to John to find her.  After all, it’s the only way he will get paid.  Can John find what’s missing before it’s too late?

This is one of those older books that I really didn’t know what to expect.  It’s a small and quick read though.  I found the world building of the Nightside to be quite interesting.  Having something other in the middle of a bustling city is nothing new in books though.  However, I did enjoy the way the author painted the Nightside for me.

I found the relationship between John and Joanna, if you want to call it that, to be completely unnecessary.  I really didn’t think there was much there, but in the end, he was devastated over it.

I found the ending of this book to be a bit strange, but I guess that is to be expected with a book like this. 

This was a decent read with great world-building, I just wish the story was as vivid as the world itself.

Fudge and Jury         

A Bakeshop Mystery, #5

By Ellie Alexander      

ISBN: 9781250088055 

Website: www.elliealexander.co

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra                   

Summary:

It’s almost spring in Ashland, Oregon, and the town is preparing for the Shakespeare and the annual Chocolate Festival. Business is cookin’ at Torte, and the store is expanding as Jules’ team whips up crêpes filled with mascarpone cheese and dark chocolate. Torte stands a chance of being this year’s confectionery belle of the ball! Life couldn’t be sweeter—unless murder taints the batter.

Evan Rowe, of Confections Couture, makes a chocolate fountain that would put Willy Wonka to shame, and his truffles are to die for—literally? Yes, the world-renowned chocolatier has just turned up dead…right after sampling a slice of Jules’ decadent four-layer chocolate cake. Now all eyes are on Jules as she tries to find the mysterious ingredient in her own recipe. Can she sift out the truth before another contestant bites the buttercream? (Goodreads)

Review:

The fifth book in the Bakeshop Mystery series, Fudge and Jury by Ellie Alexander is yet another fine addition to this series. In this story we find Torte undergoing renovations as the store gets new ovens and a bit of a facelift in the kitchen area.

Additionally, Torte has the honour of having a featured role at the annual Chocolate Festival!  As Jules (aka Juliet) and her mom, Helen set their booth up for the festival a chocolatier, Evan Rowe, of Confections Couture, is perusing near by booths to his booth, which includes Torte’s booth. After Evan samples a slice of cake at the Torte booth the man has a severe allergic reaction and dies. At first, it is thought the man died due to his nut allergy but Jules adamantly states there are no nuts in the cake and there was no cross-contamination. We shall have to see what the coroner says! Seems to me that a man with such a severe peanut allergy attending a conference with perhaps many confections and baked goods that contain nuts – why was he not carrying his EpiPen on his person? And Evan’s assistant Carter took an inordinate amount of time finding and bringing the EpiPen to Evan and by the time he had – Evan died.

And as is to be expected – Jules must find out what really happened so that Torte’s reputation is not ruined nor any of the other participants are accused of facilitating Evan’s death. Along the road to the truth, there are many red herrings to keep the story interesting and Jules sleuthing. We also got to experience the local police (The Professor – aka Doug and Thomas) working the case. So who will figure out what really happened to Evan first?

The reader also gets to read about the growing relationship between Jules and Thomas (a local policeman). Additionally – the relationship between Helen and the professor. I quite enjoy more than one love story being pursued in this series – can’t wait to see how each turns out.

My favourite quote:

“I remember my mentor in culinary school had a poster in his office with a quote from George Bernard Shaw that read: “There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” It was a philosophy that I had learned watching Mom serve customers for years – a pastry with a side of love.”

As to be expected, the amateur sleuths figure out “whodunit” in a timely fashion. I am not inclined to put more of that in my review as it is for each reader to wander through the quagmire and discover for themselves who did the dead and why. But what I can say is that this is a well crafted cozy mystery that kept me guessing ‘til the end – just the way I like my cozy mysteries. With good character development (and knowing there are many, many more books in the series to read) of many of the supporting characters as well as the main characters – I feel like I will have many sleepless nights reading this series.

I must say that the cover art in all of the books in this series to date are definitely eye catching.

If cozy mysteries are your “genre” then the “A Bakeshop Mystery” series by Ellie Alexander may be right up your alley. I know it is up mine …Onwards to book #6!

The First Lady Next Door: A Canadian’s Memoir of Iceland, Identity, and Unexpected Adventure

By: Eliza Reid 

ISBN: 9781668096482 

Website: elizareid.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra                   

Summary:

An inspiring memoir by the Canadian-born former First Lady of Iceland that asks the question: What if the life you didn’t plan is the one where you find your voice?

In early 2016, Canadian-born Eliza Reid’s biggest daily goals were modest but meaningful: showering without one of her four kids bursting into the bathroom, juggling clients without dropping a deadline, and growing the writers’ retreat she was building from scratch. What wasn’t on her bingo card? That her husband—a bookish, cardigan-wearing history professor—would run for president of Iceland. . . and seven weeks later, actually win.

Suddenly, Eliza was catapulted into a new life as First Lady of her adopted country, with the eyes of a nation watching her every move—as someone’s wife. Absent an instruction manual (she googled how to curtsy before meeting the Queen of Denmark), she decided to do what she’d always done: figure it out on her own terms.

Part fish out of water and part fairy tale, The First Lady Next Door takes you from rural Ontario to Timbuktu, to the White House and Buckingham Palace. Eliza shows how embracing authenticity in all its messiness can become your greatest strength, even when the world expects polished perfection. After all, our everyday moments are what create the roadmap for making the unexpected count. (Goodreads)

Review:

The First Lady Next Door by Eliza Reid is a truly captivating memoir. Now I might be biased, since I am Canadian… but I don’t think so J. Eliza Reid takes us from her humble beginnings in rural Ontario through her college years and meeting the love of her life (a young man from Iceland – Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson). From there we are lead through the years when her husband (yes – she married the love of her life ) became a professor, then the sixth president of Iceland. Her role as first lady is told with great detail and honesty as to the trials and tribulations (as well as high points) of being the first lady, especially without any guidance as to the role.

I felt that Eliza wrote with humour and honesty. This combination made for a very heartfelt read. She writes about finding herself and her purpose, not only about balancing motherhood, but about uncovering and carving out her role as a wife to the President. Additionally – pursuing her own work opportunities which included writing (both fiction and nonfiction).

This was a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the role of a First Lady (particularly for a small country like Iceland). In this memoir, she doesn’t shy away from the struggles she encountered or the various uncertainties she wrestled with. As a reader with little knowledge of Iceland – I found learning from Eliza all the intricacies of the Icelandic government, etc. very intriguing and definitely interesting.

Another reviewer wrote the following and I whole heartedly agree:

“What an amazing legacy for Iceland and for Eliza Reid who continued the conversation on gender equality during her tenure as Iceland’s First Lady and since. I love her tenacity and spirit.”

If you read only one memoir this year I urge you to read The First Lady Next Door by Eliza Reid. You will not regret it J. And now – I want to go and book a trip to Iceland

Enter the Nightmare

Harmony #18

By Jayne Castle

ISBN: 9798217187386

Author’s website: jayneannkrentz.com

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Omar

Summary

Nightmares become real when a woman trying to rebuild her life enters the Hotel of Dreams in this exhilarating Harmony novel by New York Times bestselling author Jayne Castle.

Alice Radstone should have known not to return. Her life before the Hotel of Dreams had been the perfectly cloistered world of a teacher at the Ballantine Academy. When the death of her mentor forced her out, she was left to reinvent herself in the big city. Since then, things have not gone well. Ten months ago, after her first trip to the hotel, she woke up in the locked ward of a hospital for the criminally insane, told that she had murdered her husband on their wedding night. She has no memory of the husband or the wedding but after escaping the asylum, one thing is certain—she is never going back.

Unfortunately, Alice’s second reinvented life is also deteriorating rapidly, which is why she finds herself once again at the Hotel of Dreams—this time hiding in the shadows of her room, a dead body in the shower, and two men wearing masks creeping toward the bed to kidnap her. Again.

When the enigmatic and decidedly dangerous Owen March shows up, claiming he’s there to rescue her, she has no choice but to accept his offer—and hope that he doesn’t intend to kidnap her, too.

With Alice and now Owen in the killer’s sights, time is running out. Alice and Owen must trust each other and the electric passion between them if they are to make it out of this hotel alive.

Review

Enter the Nightmare starts with Alice Radstone crouching next to the body of an unknown dead man in the bathroom while listening as an assailant is looking for her in her hotel room. The same hotel where ten months ago she allegedly went mad and killed her new husband. The worst part is she doesn’t remember her husband, her wedding or why they were in that hotel room. But she knows that the man in the bathroom was already dead when she arrived and the man outside is looking for her.

Many things happen at once. The man reaches the bed and stabs the body of pillows she left as a decoy. She fires her flamer-gun, and another assailant enters the room. Her aim is bad, but she learns that the men are there to take and they will do it by force. She tries to shoot again but still misses. At this time, her pet Sebastian, a dust bunny, attacks one of the men and a shot from the outside takes down the other one.

In comes Owen March, a Forensic Psi-Genetics consultant that works as a private detective on the side. Owen, without knowing the full story, at first provides the location of Alice’s whereabouts to her capturers and is now trying to help Alice stay alive and free from those who wish her to be committed into a hospital ward. Even though Owen saved Alice’s life this time, she might not fully trust him, but they don’t have much choice as the strange Hotel of Dreams tries to kill them and they need to escape before it happens.

Alice Radstone has unusual psychic powers that make normal people afraid of her. Her powers let her control the dream energy of others and let her either help them get a peaceful sleep or induce their worst nightmares. It was fun at some times to have Alice’s POV and have her try to calm herself with the Ballantine Core Principals, and as the story moves on we see how she must let them go or think outside the box of the Core principals to get her and Owen out of danger.

Owen March, while being the hero that rescues Alice from her most recent kidnapping attempt, comes off as a bit intense from time to time. We know that he is trying to help Alice solve the murder she was framed for but I hoped we had gotten more of his background. 

Enter the Nightmare, is set in a world that seems to be an interesting one. It is set in an alien world where humans thrive but have psychic powers because of the ambient energies of the planet. This is the fourteen book in the series, while it seems to be set as a standalone, it didn’t provide more information about the worldbuilding and other characters. 

“Late in the twenty-first century, a vast energy curtain opened in the vicinity of Earth, making interstellar travel not only possible but practical. In the typical human fashion, thousands of eager colonists packed up their stuff and headed out to create new homes on the unexplored planets that were suddenly within reach. Harmony was one of those worlds.”

The story starts with many unknown questions: why was Alice committed and locked in the hospital? Who killed her first husband? Who is after her?. As the story progresses, we get answers to these questions, but I also feel that some questions are overlooked or characters only show up for a scene to provide information and don’t show up later again. In the end, most of the reasons for the villains are money or revenge.

If this is your first entry into this series as is mine, I do suggest to start reading the first books to learn more about this series. I think that the dust bunnies might have a deeper story, and I assume Owen’s family money might have come from somewhere. Their hotel bill did go up after the dust bunnies came to the party. 

I recommend Enter the Nightmare, in this new instalment of author Jayne Castle Harmony series, we meet the Derange Bride as she looks for who murdered her first husband and gets married again. 

Theoden

New Haven, Book #0

By Nicholas Bella

ISBN# 9781986740067

Author’s Website:  https://www.nicholasbella.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

This is the story of vampire Lord Theoden, and how he got to where he is today.

Theoden was born to a mother that wasn’t willing or prepared to care for him.  She went to the church for help when she was having complications during labor.  And, the church took her burden off her hands.

The church raised Theoden, not allowing him to have toys, or to even play more than one hour a day.  They were raising him to be a warrior and his training was paramount.  They told him that he was a gift from God and that he had a purpose from God.  To fight the scourge of the blood drinker.  And, Theoden served them well.  Killing vampires and even an occasional werewolf in his teen and young adult years.  It was all going great until he was tricked by the evil blood drinkers and was turned into one.  

Theoden is now everything that he knew to be evil.  Feeding off of humans and giving in to carnal desires that he knows are sins.  His vampire father feels that he has freed him, by exposing the church’s lies.  He also revealed to Theoden why the church found him so special; that he wasn’t completely human, but part dragon as well.  Dragons usually kill their hybrids as they are considered abominations.   However, they’re allowing Theoden to live since the king owes Ara a favor that he is cashing in.  It’s up on Theoden to either accept the gift that Ara forced on him, or to continue to be punished for his rebellion.  Can he accept his new life or will he forever be stuck in the past?

This is a new author and series to me.  And this is a prequel that was written after the series had already been well-established.  I wasn’t sure if I should read it first or last, but I ended up starting with it.

First and foremost, there is a lot of detailed gay sex in this book.  The vampires believe in keeping it in the family.  The vampire sires enjoy sharing their bodies with their children … often.  And, it’s usually a group affair with all the siblings taking part.  So, I can see how this can be off-putting to some readers with the incest aspect.  And, you have to be okay with the gay orgy aspect as well.  It also has some anti-religion themes.

This was touted as a dark erotica, but it didn’t feel all that dark to me.  Gay erotica? Absolutely!  Maybe the actual series is darker, but this book did not have that feel for me.

The last third or so of the book started to drag, as they started glossing over everything.  One Hundred years later this happened, three hundred years passed and that occurred and so on and so forth.  I think this is most likely due to this being a prequel made after the fact.  I’m assuming these events are covered in more detail in the actual series and the author was trying not to repeat too much.  It did make for some boring reading for this new to the series reader.

Of all the characters not named Theoden, I found Tylendel to be the most interesting.  He’s a Dragon Knight, and a Prince.  He helped Theoden get a handle on his dragon powers.  And, was obviously the person that Theoden was most attracted to.  

The dragons in this world seem to have a bit of Incubus blended in as they feed off of lust and have an abundant sexual appetite.

Overall, I didn’t mind this book.  It’s definitely smutty, but it did have a decent storyline, which I appreciate.  It didn’t blow my socks off, but it was an okay read, for what it was.  I don’t see myself rushing out to get the next book, but I wouldn’t shy away from reading more of the series either.

Some Like it Fudgy

Candy-Coated Mystery #14

By Nancy Coco

ISBN 9781496756978

nancyjcoco.com

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

Synopsis:

Allie McMurphy lives the sweet life running her world-famous fudge shop on Mackinac Island—but when a killer strikes, she has to turn from creating confections to extracting confessions . . .

TAKING A BITE OUT OF CRIME

As a gesture of goodwill, Allie is bringing a tray of assorted fudge to her new husband’s ex-wife, Melonie. But she finds Melonie’s body on the floor of her photography studio—where a remote-controlled camera keeps snapping picture after picture. In one, she’s alive, and in the next, she’s dead.

While Rowan Giles, another visitor to the shop, chatters nervously—and incessantly—Allie dials the police, though she encourages her husband to leave the case to another officer. Several unidentified people were leaving when she arrived on the scene. Nevertheless, Rowan is the top suspect, thanks to one thing she didn’t talk about: her bitter relationship with Melonie. Was Rowan just stirring the pot with all her gossipy gabbing?

Allie’s not so sure. She’s learning about some dark secrets in Melonie’s past. And identifying an obvious suspect is one thing, but finding the truth is a whole other kettle of fudge . . . (From Goodreads)

Review:

Allie and her husband have enjoyed almost a year of wedded bliss. They lived on Mackinac Island, a favorite tourist destination in every season except winter. The only motorized vehicles allowed on the island were emergency and service vehicles. Even tourists walk, ride bicycles, or ride in horse-drawn carriages. Rex is the lead local police officer, and Allie is the owner of the historic McMurphy Hotel & Fudge Shop that has been her family for several generations. She inherited the hotel and fudge shop from her Papa Liam, who taught her to make fudge in the family tradition.

Melonie, Rex’s ex-wife, managed an old-style photo shop, complete with Victorian costumes and a variety of realistic backgrounds. It was next door to the McMurphy.

Melonie had made many threats to Allie, including that Melonie would steal Rex back. Optimistic and friendly, Allie decided to take a sampler box of several fudge flavors to Melonie, including what she heard was the woman’s favorite flavor.

Allie went into the photo shop. Several people in the costume area left out the back door. When Allie found Melonie, she was lying on the floor, wearing one of the shop’s costumes. She was not breathing and had no pulse. A woman she hadn’t seen before came in behind her, also shocked to see the photographer on the floor. Rowan had heard, from the outside, the sound of her camera remote clicking over and over, and came to see if she could help. A plumber came down from the upstairs apartment, claiming he did some work for Melonie, wore his headset, and heard nothing.

Allie’s husband, Rex, and two of his officers arrived quickly. George, an EMT, arrived with the ambulance. Melonie had been murdered by a quite unusual means. Rex struggled between shock and what his brain reminded him was necessary to do. He turned the investigation over to Charles, and the crime scene to Shane, who handled all the crime scene testing, and was the husband of Allie’s best friend, Jenn. And Rex kept referring to Melonie as his wife.

Rowan had gone to school with many people on the island, including Melonie. Rowan’s huge family now lived in Charlevoix, and she was taking a few days on Mackinac Island before returning to the family compound. She and Shane had been close friends in school, but lost contact after going to separate colleges. Her very protective Great Dane, Finn, stayed at Rowan’s side.

Rex could not work on Melonie’s case, so a snarky officer from another area came to take lead on the investigation. Officer Laird had hated Rex for years, back from when they were in law enforcement classes. Laird heard about Allie’s talent of helping to find killers in local murders, and threatened to put her in jail if she got in his way.

It was difficult for Allie to rein in her curiosity. She had found the remains of most people murdered there since she moved there. She also helped solve most of them, with the book club ladies or with Jenn. Officer Laird had wanted to pay back Rex for several years. She and Rex, with the help of their attorney, had already pulled a hilarious joke at Laird’s expense and couldn’t risk upsetting him further. She finally chose to trust Rowan and get her help.

The characters continue to be defined well through their behaviors and conversations. Over the course of this series, Allie, Rex, and best friend Jenn have continued to grow and change as demonstrated in each mystery. Relatively new or less visible characters add to the stories without overpowering them. Allie, when learning more about Melonie’s background as well as Rowan’s, was the most likely person to give them grace and be kinder to them. Most of the friendships there were solid and true, the kind that keeps this reader returning.

It was clear that Melonie was disliked by most island residents. She had no real friends except the very kindly Mr. Beecher. Still, it was impossible to determine who killed her, until one person, to me, began to look a bit more suspicious than others. When the guilty is/ are revealed, along with the motives, most are shocked! Even Allie and Rex did not expect what occurred! I was very satisfied with the ending, and can’t wait until the next visit! I highly recommend this mystery and series; Nancy Coco has a winner with each novel!

Sword of Darkness

Lords of Avalon, Book #1

Hunter Legends, Book #6

By Kinley MacGregor

ISBN# 9780060565442

Author’s Website: sherrilynkenyon.com

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Review

Seren is an apprentice weaver with aspirations of becoming a guild member.  However, they refused her once again, despite her fabric being perfect.

Then she is approached by a pair of knights.  They tell her that she will be the mother of the next penmerlin and that they are there to protect her.  She runs away in fear to be whisked away by the Kerrigan.

Kerrigan is dark and evil; he is a demon king of the fae.  When he was a boy, he found a magical sword.  Caliburn is the opposite of Excalibur.  Caliburn is an evil sword, and one must possess evil to wield it.  With the sword, Kerrigan is immortal and cannot be defeated.  He went from a poor thief to a king, and he vows never to go back to the starving boy he once was.

After bringing Seren back to Camelot with him, he must guard her well.  Morgan will do anything to control Seren’s future child.  And, once Kerrigan gives in to his desires with the young peasant, they put into motion things that cannot be undone.  Now they are on the run to save the woman he has come to care about and the child she now carries.  How much is Kerrigan willing to risk for a woman he barely knows?

I’m slaving away trying to read through all the books in the Dark-Hunter world.  This is my first Lords of Avalon book, and I really wasn’t expecting to really care about this one.  It was okay, but nothing all that exciting either.  It’s definitely not the worst I’ve read though.

I did enjoy Kerrigan… I always do like the dark evil ones.  I found Seren to be a bit boring, but it was nice to see the side of Kerrigan that she brought out.  It was also good to see Blaise again and see a glimpse of his past.

This book wasn’t as bad as I feared, but it wasn’t that good either.  Just fully middle of the road territory for me.

With this being written under one of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s pseudonyms, I enjoyed her humor with the quote on the cover of the book.

‘Kinley MacGregor writes fantasy the way I would.” – Sherrilyn Kenyon

Unexpected Queen

Unexpected, Book #2

By Mink

Author’s Website:  minkromance.com

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Review

Antonio Palermo never thought much about marriage and kids.  Love was definitely never part of the equation.  He is the head of the Palermo mafia family.  Anything Antonio does, is just to strengthen their hold in their world.

Now he is marrying Angelica Larone, a woman he’s never met.  He’s doing it to form an alliance with the Larone family.  He didn’t care which of Constantine’s daughters he married, it was all about expanding his empire and his own family’s status.  So, Constantine gave him Angelica, his problem child.

Antonio never expected her though.  The attitude.  The mouth.  It turned him on in ways he never anticipated. 

And, when someone comes after them, Antonio will rage an all-out war to protect his angel.  When the smoke clears, will there be anything left standing?

I think this book started out decently.  Better than I expected, if I’m being honest.  It’s an arranged marriage set to benefit a couple of mob families.  You know that going in, so you aren’t expecting much more than that.  Of course, Antonio falls for his wife instantly and it becomes all about protecting what is his, especially her.

I thought this novella was going at a decent pace, until the very end when it seems like the author decided to get into a rush to finish the story.  Like oops we’re approaching our word count better wrap it up.  Then, all hell breaks loose and then the book is just over.  Like that’s it?  I would have preferred Mink to have taken the time and gotten to a more natural conclusion.  It just seemed too rushed at the end, and it didn’t seem like much was solved.  And, honestly, I’m not sure who was left standing, at the end.  It left the book feeling unfinished.

Dark Bites

By Sherrilyn Kenyon

ISBN# 9780312376864 

Author’s Website:  https://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

This is a compilation of short stories by Sherrilyn Kenyon.  Most of them revolve around the Dark-Hunter world.  I’m not usually a fan of short stories because it’s hard to get immersed in a story, when they are so short.  I was impressed with these as they felt like full-length stories.  A few even felt too long.  Please see my below break down of each individual story.

3 Stars

House of the Rising Son

Hunter Legends, Book # 25.5

Aricles was content to live his simple life as a lowly farmer.  The same as his father lived, and his grandfather before that.  However, his twin, Galen, had bigger dreams.  He wanted to be a glorious warrior taking fame, spoils, and women, where he could get them.

When the goddess, Bathymaas, came to recruit Aricles for her group of warriors, he turned her down.  He told her that he didn’t want to go to war.  However, she convinced him to join her cause to keep the scales of justice balanced.  And, Galen was more than eager to join the fight.

Bathymaas’s Ēperon was a formidable force and was able to fight the Chthonians back.

Bathymaas was a goddess that had no emotions, it’s what made her impartial and able to be a fair goddess of justice.  However, after spending time with Aricles, she started to feel emotions and even fell in love with her champion.

And, the gods could not allow that.  They had to strike the couple down where it would hurt the most; at their precious and vulnerable hearts.

This took a bit for me to get into, as I have forgotten a lot about the stories surrounding these characters.  Plus, the dreaded date titles instead of numbered chapters is always an annoyance for me.  However, once I started to remember, I was able to truly enjoy this couple.

I found Bathymaas and Aricles had a sweet innocent romance.  You couldn’t help, but route for them.  I do wish I had read this right before Styxx though.  I think I would have appreciated them even more.  

And, Apollo was up to his usual villainous ways.  It truly makes me wonder how he is portrayed in other series.  Does he always come off so evil, or only in Kenyon’s world?

I did appreciate getting a glimpse of Set.  I’ve always enjoyed him, for whatever reason.  He needs his own book.

I thought this was a pretty good story for a novella.  It makes me want to re-read Styxx, but that book is just too long for that kind of undertaking right now.  Plus, a lot of it was hard to read the first time.

4 Stars

Phantom Lover

Dream-Hunter, Book #0.5

Erin McDaniels is being plagued by horrific nightmares where monsters are fighting over her.  She’s afraid to sleep, and is running herself ragged.

Then during one of her nightmares, she imagines a champion coming to save her, and one appears.  V’Aidan fights off the monsters and whisks her away to a safe place where they make love.  It is a forbidden act for his kind, but rules are made to be broken.  However, he quickly realizes that Erin has changed him in some way.  He’s addicted to her and will endure any punishment to keep invading her dreams.  But what will he do when his actions put Erin in danger?

I thought I had read this one before, but I had not.  I’m not a big fan of the Dream-hunters, but I actually enjoyed this story.  

V’Aidan was a nice mix of bad boy breaking all the rules and sweet lover that would do anything to protect his female.  I truly enjoyed him and loved their very brief epilogue, where we got a glimpse of their future.  

“And it was then she realized that even out of the darkest nightmare, something good could come. It had taken strength and courage, but in the end, it had been worth the battle.”

4 Stars

Winter Born

Were-Hunter, Book #1.5

Were-Panther, Pandora, has come to Atlanta’s Dragon*Con looking for help.  All the winter born women in her pack are kidnapped when they become of age by a horrible Katagaria pack.  They are then used for the pack’s pleasure and kept as sex slaves.  She has come to Atlanta, in hopes of finding Acheron to see if he can return her to her pack and time.

However, she has gone into heat, and there are four panther males at the convention.  Ones that her panther would be more than happy to satisfy herself with even though it would no doubt cost her her freedom.

Dante Pontis and his three brothers are at Dragon*Con to scout out bands to perform at Dante’s club.  However, they all smell that there is a female panther in heat.  Dante has no desire to take a mate and wants nothing to do with the female.  Unfortunately, fate has different plans for him.

I always love were and changeling stories, so it’s not a surprise that I enjoyed this one.  Kenyon always adds an extra layer to her were stories with the two sects of weres, Katagaria (animals that can change to human form) and Arcadian (humans that can change to animal form).

Pandora is terrified of Katagaria panthers because of the horrible pack she’s running from.  So, of course fate would mate her to one.  However, Dante is nothing like the Katagaria panthers she’s ever known.  And, he will stop at nothing to protect her and make her feel safe.  

I enjoyed Dante.  He has some scars of his past as well.  And, he may not have wanted a mate, but once she’s his he will do anything for her.  He would rather hurt himself than cause her pain or clip her wings.

I honestly would have been happy to read a full-length novel on this couple and now desperately want to see books of other panthers in Dante’s pack!

2 Stars

A Dark-Hunter Christmas

Hunter Legends, Book #3.6

Jamie Gallagher was born into poverty.  He found his way out living the life of a gangster.  His mother didn’t approve and turned her back on him.  That was okay Gallagher didn’t need anyone and he still found ways to support his family.

He later met and married his beautiful wife, Rosalie.  He was on his way to meet her to welcome their son into the world when the cops surrounded him.  He surrendered only to be shot in the head.  He took his vengeance and became a dark-hunter.  However, he could no longer be around his wife and child.

Now seventy years later he runs into his geat-granddaughter, shortly after his wife passed away, and he is filled with the sadness that comes from missing the ones he loves.

This story was so incredibly sad.  I thought Gallagher would get some kind of happiness at the end, but he really didn’t.  He found that he is part of a bigger family now.  It doesn’t really feel like it compares to the family he lost though.

3 Stars

Until Death We Do Part

Hunter Legends, Book #12.5

Esperetta is the beloved daughter of Dracula.  Until she married his bitterest enemy, Velkan.  The two families have fought forever and this union was not going to change that.

Velkan had a plan; he gave Retta a potion that made her appear dead.  He thought if her father thought she was dead he’d leave her alone, while he surrendered to him.  He never expected Dracula to stab her in the heart.  Velkan later killed him, which caused his newly resurrected wife to flee.

500 years later, she’s back in Romania.  Velkan’s enemies want to kill her to get to him.  He hates her now after so many years alone, but he may be the only one that can save her.

I found this story interesting, a Romeo and Juliet type of tale.   I really wanted to like Velkan.  However, even though this was a short story, I felt like it kind of dragged.  I found myself a bit bored with it.

2 Stars

A Hard Day’s Night Searcher

Hunter’s Legends, Book #10.2

Dark-Hunter Rafael Santiago’s squire, Jeff, has just had his first story published.  The problem is that it has divulged several Dark-Hunter secrets.  Jeff doesn’t see any problem with what he wrote, despite any arguments that Rafael has.

Another squire, Celena, is angry with the story and comes over to take Jeff to the council.  Rafael knows that Jeff messed up, but he’s just a kid so he helps him go hide.  In the meantime, he makes a deal with Celena.  She will come stay with him for the week and if she breaks a rule, then she can’t take Jeff.  However, if she doesn’t break a rule he will surrender Jeff to her.  

Rafael has always been attracted to Celena, but she quickly starts driving him nuts, changing up his entire life.  However, when Rafael’s life is in danger, she is willing to sacrifice everything to come to his aide.

I felt this is one of those stories that being short, really did it an injustice.  It’s impossible to believe how quickly Rafael goes from being annoyed with Celena to wanting to put his life in her hands and spend the rest of eternity together.

3 Stars

Shadow of the Moon

Hunter Legends, Book #15.5

Were-Hunter, Book #3.5

Some of the Arcadian Were-Hunters have created a weapon to be used on their Katagaria counterparts.  When hit with it, it forces the were to stay in their base form … permanently.  It causes them to lose all their magick and psychic abilities.  For the Katagaria, they can no longer communicate with their pack or even their mate and children.  

When Fury encounters a were this had been used on, he recognizes one of the scents immediately.  His childhood best friend, Angelia.  She tried to kill him once she found out he was a filthy Katagaria.

Dare and Angelia come to Sanctuary and Dare tries to use the weapon on Fury, his brother.  Fury is able to dodge it, but all three are immediately banned from Sanctuary.  As, he’s leaving, Fury is attacked and kidnapped by Dare and taken to his Jackal ally and tortured for information.  Information, he’s not willing to give them.  Angelia, unable to see them hurt him any longer, helps Fury escape.  However, he turns the tables on her and takes her home with him, to Vane’s house.

While there Angelia goes into heat and discovers that the Katagaria are not the monsters she thought they were.  And, she falls in love with Fury all over again.

However, Fury isn’t the only one that found her scent on the were that the weapon had been used on.  Now, she has his angry pack mates vying for her death.  And, the man she betrayed, in the past, may be the only one that can save her now.

I always love the wolf Were-Hunters.  Vane and Fang have always topped my list of favorites.  And, Fury is their brother, who I’ve grown to love too.  So, of course, I wanted to love this story.  However, I found it a little too similar (at least as far as the romance went) to the story Winter Born, which was earlier in this book.  If I hadn’t read these two stories so close together, I’m sure this one would have been rated a bit higher.  It was still decent, but felt a bit like wash, rinse, and repeat in the romance department.  I also felt like Fury deserved a full-length book and he was cheated once again.

3 Stars

Fear the Darkness

Hunter Legends, Book #13.5

Dark-Hunters, Book #10.5

It’s been two years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans.  And, Nick has finally made it back to survey the damage that is still present in his beloved city.  However, going back to New Orleans also means going back to his home, he shared with his mother.  The house is full of all the memories, including those of finding her dead.

Nick is still angry that Ash did nothing to help.  He had the power to bring her back, but he didn’t.  And, now Nick is some weird Dark-Hunter Daimon hybrid.  He’s forced to feed off Stryker and Satara to stay alive.  And, it gives them a way to keep him leashed.  However, they have their own agenda and Satara doesn’t care what lies she must tell or who she has to hurt to get to her goals.

This wasn’t a full story.  It was nice seeing Nick again.  I’ve liked him much better in his anger then I ever did when he was happy.  I’m just that messed up, I suppose.  This just gives us a glimpse of the game that Satara is playing, but there is no resolution to anything.

3 Stars

Where Angels Fear to Tread

Hunter Legends, Book #0.6

Hellchasers, Book #0.5

Zeke hates his life, working in customer service and getting yelled at all the time.  And, having no real life outside of work.  He wishes for something different.  And, then he gets a call that a relative he didn’t even know he had has passed and left everything to him.

While going through the guys stuff, he picks up a strange coin that seems to call to him.  And it changes his life.  He has been chosen to keep the natural order of good vs evil and to fight demons.  And, there is no way to turn down this new job offer.

This was another story that wasn’t a full story, it was just a few scenes.  It did seem interesting, but there really wasn’t much story there.

2 Stars

Love Bytes

Sam has a crush on her boss, Adrian.  He’s a computer whiz and everyone is always needing him to fix something.  He is completely color blind and his sister plays mean tricks on him by messing up his clothes so people laugh at him.  After the latest instance, he asks Sam to help him go shopping for new clothes.  She ends up giving him a makeover that lets everyone see how hot he is.

Adrian has had a huge crush on Sam as well, and both are tip-toeing around making the first move.  And, when they finally do, sparks fly.

Sam sees how much Adrian’s family takes him for granted, and she wants to be the one person to do something for him.  But could a misunderstanding destroy their new romance?

There were parts of this I liked.  However, somehow this short story really dragged out.  I think it could have been shortened a bit.  Although I realize it’s a hard line to walk between too short and dragging.

3 Stars

Santa Wears Spurs

Catherine’s husband abandoned her five years ago.  She has never forgotten him.  She moved towns and started a boardinghouse and orphanage.  She never expected Michael to walk back in on Christmas Eve.  They had a Firey night of passion, but what happens now?

Michael never wanted to leave Catherine, but if he didn’t his brother would have hurt her.  He never expected to run into her again.  His brother told him he robbed the orphanage though and Michael had to return the money.

Michael and Pete are outlaws, always living from one alias to the next, always on the move.  His wife deserves so much better.  However, Pete will never let him go.

This was definitely different from all the other short stories in the book.  It had a country western flair to it.  And, it had the feel of a Christmas miracle.  Although I do, find it a bit unlikely Catherine would take him back in so easily.

2 Stars

Redemption

Dark-Hunter, Book #20.5

Dream-Hunter, Book #5.5

Were-Hunter, Book #6.5

Hunter Legacy, Book #23.5

A quick scene of Seth and Lydia getting married.  It’s been a long time since I read The Guardian, so I’m sure it would have been more enjoyable right after reading the book.

Dire Bound

The Wolves of Ruin #1

By Sable Sorensen

ISBN# 9780316601405

Author’s Website: https://sablesorensen.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

*Beware of possible spoilers*

Meryn Cooper is a poor commoner, making what money she can in the fighting ring and working at the laundry.  Her mom suffers from mental illness so it’s up to Meryn to take care of her little sister, Saela.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my twenty-three years alive, it’s this: women in pain give men confidence. It stirs up something instinctive, deep inside of them, that makes them believe they have the upper hand, even if every logical piece of evidence screams at them they do not. 

Confidence makes men sloppy. 

And sloppy men are easy targets.”

Meryn has always hated the bonded, elite warriors that form mental links with large direwolves.  The bonded and their wolves fight in the war that has been raging for the last 500 years.  They protect the kingdom from the blood-sucking Siphons.

But when Saela gets kidnapped by the nabbers, Meryn will do anything to find her.  She must get to the front line of the war, as surely the Siphons have taken Saela across the border.  Unfortunately, Meryn does not have the money to get there so she does the only thing she can … she enlists in the army.  However, she was unaware that they’d be having bonding trials.  And, now she is forced to participate.  She just needs to survive.

And, then the unthinkable happens, the large most ancient of the direwolves forces a bond on her.  Now she’s stuck at the castle for the four-month training period.  

Will she survive?  And, if she does, will she be too late to save the sister she loves?

This book started out okay.  The world-building was interesting and the concept of the bonded was different.  It had a Hunger Games feel the way the other bonded were out for each other’s blood, especially with Meryn being a commoner.

However, I think the process of their training drug on way too long and it got boring.  I understand the need to detail the fight for survival that is the bonding trials, but I think it really could have been condensed.  

I figured out a lot of what happened at the end before it happened.  Who the big bad was, who Meryn is probably going to end up with, who her wolf’s mate was, etc., etc.

This may be a decent story to some; it honestly just wasn’t my kind of book.  I’m not a fight-for-survival and detailed battle kind of reader.  So, I would definitely take my opinions with a grain of salt.  This is probably not a series I would continue, it just didn’t hold my interest as much as I had hoped. 

On to the next, I suppose.

Murder by Moonrise

Dr. Julia Lewis #3

By Patrice McDonough

ISBN 9781496746429

Author’s website: patricemcdonough1789.com

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

Synopsis:

London’s first woman doctor and a skeptical Scotland Yard detective find their holidays sidelined by a murderer threatening the royal family in this historically rich, gritty mystery set in Victorian London.

1867: For commoners and nobility alike, the Isle of Wight is an ideal holiday destination. Queen Victoria and her family frequently spend time at Osborne House, their stunning coastal residence. For the next few days, the island will also be home to Dr. Julia Lewis, who is traveling with her grandfather and her great-aunt. But despite the pleasant surroundings, Julia is beset by worries.

Julia and Inspector Richard Tennant grew close during their last investigation, but he abruptly left England on a dangerous chase. She has heard nothing from him in weeks; meanwhile her maid, Kate, is nervous about rising anti-Irish sentiment. Editorials call for harsh retaliation against those determined to rid Ireland of British rule.

When Julia is called to perform an autopsy on drowning victim Lizzie Dowling, a young, Irish-born servant at Osborne House and a favorite of Princess Louise, she discovers that the girl was pregnant. Was her death a suicide? The distraught princess is eager for answers, and as Julia digs deeper, a second tragedy points to murder and perhaps a political scandal. There are rumors of smugglers funneling weapons to Ireland—and assassins who would target the Queen herself.

Motives abound but time is in short supply—and every day brings deeper urgency and threats that neither riches nor royalty may withstand . . . (from Goodreads)

Review:

Indeed, it is as the Goodreads synopsis states, “historically rich, gritty”.  Intense. And so much more. Julia was one of the first woman doctor practicing in London, but many were unwilling to acknowledge her as a doctor. She attended medical school in America to earn the degree required to practice in England. Many fascinating historical events and cultural standards are included that enrich the reader’s experience without overwhelming the story.

Julia’s priorities were her clinic and her private practice, and had not sought romantic relationships. Few men in 1867 would want their wife to work, much less as a doctor. She and the detective inspector she helped with cases, Richard, had grown close over time, and he wanted her to consider a future with him. Then, he left without a word. He took a six month leave from Scotland Yard to pursue a criminal from a past case. She was concerned for his well-being and whether he had given up on a future with her.

Julia met her beloved grandfather and great aunt for a much-needed break on the Isle of Wight. She was delighted to spend time with Dr. Andrew Lewis and his sister, Caroline. It was October, the end of the yachting season. The Prince of Wales and some of the royal family and staff were there.

The first full day of her vacation, Julia was asked to perform the autopsy of a young woman by Sir Charles, a med school classmate of her grandfather. The doctor who usually did them was unavailable, and Sir Charles no longer could see well enough to do so.

Lizzie, a young Irish housemaid for the royal household and a favorite of Princess Louise, had been found at the ruins of an abbey where she often went on her half-day off. Lizzie was pregnant. She had drowned in a well, leaving evidence of trying to save herself. Accident? Murder? It was impossible to tell if she fell or was pushed.

Lizzie’s death was the first. Others soon followed, several that could be associated with Lizzie’s that were proven murders. A friend of the princesses was shot, and it appeared as if Princess Louise was the target.

The Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood (IRB) was active, fighting to separate Ireland from British rule. Those with Irish and Catholic ancestry were in danger from the English, due to the many targeted British victims. A huge shipment of rifles from France was missing, suspected to have been somehow re-routed to the IRB. Threats, and actual attempts had been made to assassinate Queen Victoria, then other royal family members.

There was a core group of women that included Julia, two princesses, and their friends. I learned a bit about titles and that even ladies-in-waiting had ranks. The first person who died, Lizzie, was a sweet young woman that one of the princesses loved as a close friend. Most of the women were likable and engaging. I was not fond of the men who clustered with Bertie, the Prince of Wales. Several, even those married, were reckless womanizers, caring not for the feelings of their wives. Women’s lives in those days were already challenging, but that of an unmarried princess was far too complicated! For example, being daughter of the queen meant that the queen chose one’s husband, often a royal in another country. Some characters provided comic relief, while others were serious or duplicitous. Julia, Lady Susan, and Princess Louise were among my favorites.

At every step, the mastermind behind the murders played games with the inspectors and coppers. Some involved in the crimes deceived co-workers and family as they hid their traitorous or murderous plots. There was a bit of romance and more than one surprise. This is not a mystery one can hurry through – it almost demands time to savor. I wouldn’t have missed a page of it! Especially as the bad guys began to be revealed. I highly recommend this mystery, and series, especially to those who like mysteries set in Victorian England, with a mixture of societal layers, a little bit of romance, and a lot of suspense.

Truffle Trouble

An Amish Candy Shop Mystery #10

By Amanda Flower

ISBN 9781496743770

Author’s website: amandaflower.com

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

Synopsis:

Horror d’oeuvres

Summer is finally upon the village of Harvest, Ohio, nestled in picturesque Amish Country, and folks are abuzz over their very own Bailey King’s upcoming June wedding. The Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets is marrying Holmes County Sheriff Aiden Brody. To sweeten the occasion will be a scrumptious giant chocolate truffle wedding cake, made especially for the happy couple by Bailey’s New York City mentor, Jean Pierre. Other than the risk of the ring bearer, Jethro the pig, taking a bite out of the confection, what could go wrong?

As it turns out, a food-related disaster does befall the day. But with Bailey in the mix, it’s nothing so pedestrian as a peckish pig. At the reception, a wedding guest dies after sampling the hors d’oeuvres. Café owner and new caterer Darcy Woodin, who made all the food except the desserts, is pegged by police as the number one suspect. Even more incriminating, the victim is one of Darcy’s ex-boyfriends . . .

Still, Bailey is friends with Darcy, and she’s certain the young woman is innocent. Even before the first dance with her new husband, Bailey’s on the case. Can she help solve it in time for her honeymoon—or will a killer try to end her happily ever after before it’s even begun . . .?

Recipe included! (From Goodreads)

Review:

The beautiful, early summer days in Amish country make the perfect setting for a wedding, especially for this couple. Bailey is best known in Harvest, Ohio for chocolate, fudge, and other goodies at Swissmen Sweets, opened by her grandparents many years ago. She is also known for her cable television show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Bailey resolutely helps solve murders in Harvest. Bailey and Aiden, the sheriff in Holmes County, will be married in a simple, yet large, wedding.

Bailey’s former boss and mentor, Jean Pierre, prepared the most gorgeous, detailed, wedding cake ever, and flew it in his private plane from his famous chocolate shop in New York City to deliver it and attend her wedding. Jean Pierre saw Bailey as the daughter he never had, and put his whole heart into that cake.

The wedding was a sweet, memorable event. Bailey even had a very special, adoring, ring bearer: Jethro, the polka-dotted emotional support pig owned by Juliet, her new mother-in-law. Jethro steals almost every scene he is in, and that day was no exception.

The outdoor reception was nearby, outside of the new Swissmen Candyworks factory. Bailey’s friend and owner of the Sunshine Café, Darcy, prepared the picnic style fare for the reception. It would give her new catering business high visibility. And it did – until Jason, her ex-boyfriend, died. Darcy had just returned to the Candyworks kitchen after chatting with guests, to find Jason lying on the floor. Several thought Jason had seemed ill at the reception. He wanted to win Darcy back that evening, but never had the chance.

With a killer on the loose, they had to postpone their honeymoon. Part of a poisonous mushroom was found in Darcy’s specialty chef’s knife case. Had Jason ingested even part of that, it would have killed him. Bailey knew Darcy wouldn’t kill anybody, but Aiden had to follow the evidence.

The following morning, Bailey went to Swissmen Sweets instead of the factory. It would give her time to think about the situation, and visit with Clara, her beloved grandmother. When she arrived, Clara was lying behind the counter, unconscious. She had had a heart attack, and the doctor would surgically insert a stent the next day.

One of Darcy’s staff came to Bailey early the next morning. The café door was open but the lights were off. Bailey returned with her, and they found Darcy lying on the floor in back. She had a concussion, and remembered little of being attacked.

Early test results showed that Jason was poisoned by eating a tart made with the death cap mushroom inside. No other tarts were poisoned, nobody else sick. With the evidence pointing to Darcy, she was arrested, even with a concussion. Bailey was upset about her friend’s arrest, and saddened that her grandmother chose to recover at the Amish home of friends instead of with her and Aiden.

Margot, Harvest’s community planner, drafted Bailey into special service for the Summer Soiree, which featured four local vintners providing wine tastings with perfect pairings of Swissmen Sweets truffles. At least one of the vintners had a strong motive to murder Jason. Dakota, his only loyal employee, would serve his wine at the Soiree in his honor.

I love most of the regular characters in this series! They grow and change over time, and remain engaging and fun. Bailey and Aiden were made for each other. They had dated several years, and went through good and challenging times together. I have a new appreciation for Darcy from getting to know her better in this mystery. Bailey is a delight. She didn’t complain about postponing their honeymoon; her priorities were Aiden, Clara, and finding who really murdered Jason. When Jethro, the emotional support pig, went missing in the Harvest woods, she dropped everything to find him. It was such a treat to see Jean Pierre’s reaction to Harvest in general, and Darcy’s grandmother, Lois.

This mystery had many interesting twists. I only came close to the real solution half of a breath ahead of Bailey, after considering secrets that turned around the entire focus of the investigation. The end was very satisfying, and there is so much to look forward to! I highly recommend this mystery and series!

Clockwork Angel

The Infernal Devices, Book #1

By Cassandra Clare

ISBN# 9781534465961

Author’s Website: cassandraclare.com

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Review

*Beware of possible spoilers*

Tessa Gray was young when her parents died.  She and her brother, Nate, were mostly raised by their aunt.  However, when her aunt passed, it left Tessa alone with nothing to her name.  Fortunately, Nate sent for her to come stay with him in London soon after.  However, things were not as they seemed.

Once she had arrived in London, Tessa was kidnapped by the horrible Dark Sisters.  They unlocked something within Tessa that she never knew existed, the ability to change into other people.  Not only can she change into them, but to connect with the person.  To see their memories and hear their thoughts.  The Dark Sisters tell her how they are training her for the ominous sounding, Magister, her future husband.

Right before the Magister is set to come and claim her, Tessa is rescued by a young Shadowhunter, Will Herondale, with the help of his best friend, Jem.  They take her to the only place they know, The Institute.  There Tessa is safe and they set out to help her find her brother. 

The Shadowhunters have been investigating the Pandemonium Club, to which Nate was a member.  And, the Magister runs the show.

They must discover who the Magister is so they can stop his plan to destroy the Shadowhunters.  And, even more important to Tessa, they must save Nate from their evil clutches. 

I’m reading these books in the order recommended by the author, so I’m reading this one after the first three Mortal Instruments books.  It took me a little to get used to being well in the past from the Mortal Instruments books.  There is no Jace, but we have Will, his very distant ancestor.  Will does have the same draw and charisma as Jace, but seems to be a bit harder for those around him to read.  I kept trying to figure out how all the different characters connect, but eventually had to put that to the side since this was so far in the past.  However, Magnus Bane is in this book.  He must be ancient in the Mortal instruments’ books then.

This book had a much darker feel to it.  And the automatons seemed like something way ahead of the Victorian time period.  I guess that’s what happens when magic is involved.

I found a lot of this book was a bit predictable.  Although I am curious to find out the extent of what Tessa is and her full powers.  I have no doubt they will be revealed piece by piece over the next few books.

The synopsis of this book made it seem like there was a big love triangle with Tessa, Will, and Jem.  However, it seemed rather non-existent.  The whole thing seemed somewhat forced.  And, I don’t feel there was any competition between Will and Jem, as Jem seemed a bit too sickly to be any kind of real threat.  Jem was very sweet and the polar opposite to Will. Of course, I was more drawn to Will.  I like the snarky ones, what can I say? I guess the nice guys really do finish last. I’m assuming the love aspect will be a bigger component in the next book, and Jem will make his play for Tessa’s affections.  Maybe they will even find a cure for him.

I found the book left off in a weird spot with Will going to visit Magnus and then it just ended.  It didn’t say what he wanted from Magnus or anything, it just ended.

This book wasn’t anything special for me personally, but I really hope I enjoy the next one more.

Savage King

By Kai Lesy

ISBN# 9798251554410

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Review

*Beware of Spoilers*

A humiliating moment courtesy of her best friend’s dog, leaves Leah sprawled out on the pavement with her panties showing for all to see.  That’s when he shows up.  A commanding presence that makes all the gawkers look away.  He even offers to buy her a new pair of jeans. 

The two later go on a date, and the fireworks continue to explode.  He stays the night, but leaves a note behind when he goes.  A goodbye. 

Then they run into each other a few months later.  Turns out he’s her ex’s father and he is pakhan of the Antonov Bratva.  And, he just overheard her confessing to her best friend that she’s pregnant.

Viktor’s men are getting antsy as there is no clear line of succession for the bratva, no clear future.  Viktor’s son is spoiled and unable to sire any heirs after his horrible car accident.  But Viktor’s new heir could breathe some much-needed life into his world and put his men at ease about their future. Not to mention, he has feelings for Leah that he isn’t yet ready to put a name on.

However, Leah carrying his child, puts a target on her and her daughter’s heads.  His home is the only place they can be truly safe.  But even under Viktor’s protection, there have been threats on Leah’s life.  And, she must now decide to face those threats head-on at Viktor’s side or to flee once and for all.

Okay, I have to start this by being completely unapologetically honest.  The synopsis of this book sounded dumb.  And, honestly it really was just as bad in the beginning.  Leah and Viktor’s first meeting and the start of their romance seemed rushed and a bit forced.  It did not come off as genuine or believable.  I also had a really hard time with her talking about her past bad relationships and then doing the exact same things with Viktor.  Like, you obviously haven’t learned anything.

The book did improve as it went, but it was always predicable.  You knew what was coming from miles away.  I knew from the moment one of the characters were introduced that he would be one of the people helping to betray Viktor.  And, I was not wrong.

So, if you can get past the bad storytelling in the beginning and don’t mind the predictability, this book may be tolerable for you.  Don’t expect anything earth-shattering, but it’s an okay read, despite its flaws.