Southern Fried, by Tonya Kappes

Southern Fried by Tonya Kappes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 2 in the series.

A fast, fun read featuring Sheriff Kenni Lowry, her dead granddad, Duke the dog and of course the hot deputy, Finn. It's a little bit silly, but an enjoyable romp through Southern small town life full of family secrets and kooky characters.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.


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Lost Souls, by Kelley Armstrong

Lost Souls by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was a bit of a fish out of water in this story, at least for a bit, since I've not read any of the novels in this series (though that's about to change, I now have books one and two). Probably not the best place to start the series. This apparently occurs between books three and four, so you might want to read 1-3 before this novella.

The characters are interesting, though Gabriel is a little tough to like at times. I did like it enough that I want to know more, especially about Patrick.

Edited to add: I have now read books 1-3, although read is an understatement, I pretty much devoured them in the last few days. I like Gabriel a lot more now, and Patrick a lot less, haha. But I strongly suggest reading the whole series before reading this novella. You won't be sorry you did!

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this story received from the publisher, via NetGalley*

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Kale to the Queen, by Nell Hampton

Kale to the Queen by Nell Hampton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First in the series.

I liked it, mostly. It reminded me a bit of Julie Hyzy's White House Chef mysteries, in that it's obviously set in a real place where there really is a Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, though in the book they are fictionalized. I think, like Hyzy's series, this series will work best if the Cambridges stay mostly in the background.

It took me a while to warm up to Carrie Ann, but after a bit she kind of grew on me. There were a few little nit picky things that bugged me (tea gets MILK, not cream, in England. My husband is English, and every English person I've ever met, including strangers I waited on in restaurants when I was younger, sent the cream back and/or asked for milk! (A Cream Tea is known for clotted cream and scones, not cream in the tea.), and yes, the Queen herself is said to drink her Twining's English Breakfast tea with MILK (but no sugar, haha).

There were moments where the dialogue made me feel like I was watching a bad gangster film, "Are you going to the coppers with what you know?" Does anyone even really call them "coppers" anymore??

Aside from the little things, I did enjoy it and look forward to the next in the series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley*

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The Skeletons of Scarborough House, Kitty French

The Skeletons of Scarborough House by Kitty French

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars, I liked it, but...

I have to say that the description on the cover of the book calling it "An absolutely hilarious cozy mystery" made me a bit skeptical, it's a pretty lofty claim, haha. And truly, it was amusing, but I would never say absolutely hilarious... But I did enjoy it. It was a light, fluffy read that went quickly.

The biggest drawback to this book was the stupid love triangle. Both guys were jerks, and I am so over the whole, "Will she, won't she," crap of cozies lately. And as a result, Melody and Marina often come off like they're still in junior high, rather than 27!

I'd read another book in the series for sure, but I'd certainly be happy to see the love triangle disappear.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.*


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When the Grits Hit the Fan, by Maddie Day

When the Grits Hit the Fan by Maddie Day

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it!

Book 3 in the series.

My favorite so far. Can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the entire series, though, because they're all good!

Robbie has made her place in South Lick, and even with the winter slow down, she's doing well and staying busy, even if it's just remodeling the area above her store. The saying is, "If these walls could talk, they would tell you the story," and as she tears walls down, Robbie is uncovering long hidden secrets.

One thing I love about this series is that Robbie doesn't spend the whole book running off and leaving her business for someone else to run while she solves the mystery. It honestly makes the whole thing more believable. Many small businesses, especially restaurants, just can't afford to have too many employees.

This book did have a bit of a darker end to it than most cozies, but I think it was a fitting end. I look forward to more from Robbie and South Lick.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.


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Elementary, She Read, by Vicki Delaney

Elementary, She Read by Vicki Delany

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, I really didn't much care for it

First in the series.

This book just wasn't what I wanted it to be. I've enjoyed Ms. Delaney's other books and I loved the idea of a Sherlock bookstore, but I disliked the reality. Mostly, because I didn't really care for Gemma. There were a lot of little nit-picky things that all added up to make me dislike her. She was snooty and came off as condescending several times. I get that she's supposed be kind of a female version of Sherlock, but it's just too much. On and on she goes and then, "I only wanted to point out the obvious facts." Which of course I imagined being said in a really snarky voice. Plus she's one of those people that never orders their own food, just says, "I'll have some of yours." UGH.

Add in the extremely unpleasant police officer and I finally just ended up skimming through the story.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley*


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