Magic & Mayhem, by Sharon Pape

Magick & Mayhem by Sharon Pape
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

A fun series debut.

Kailyn Wilde inherits her magical potion shop from her mother and grandmother, though they're not entirely gone, since they visit regularly in ghost form.

What I liked: Kailyn, her aunt and the cats. The misfiring spells were also intriguing, though I felt at though we were kind of left hanging about them. Obviously, something is causing problems with magic, and I want to know what's going on, haha.

What I wasn't so "Wilde" about: Kailyn's ghosts. The constant bickering between them got old fast. Merlin. He comes off as kind of bumbling, rather than a great magician. And his refusal to understand that he couldn't use magic in front of others bugged me. Then again, did they ever explain to him how it could be dangerous to all of them to be exposed?

All in all, it was an amusing book that I enjoyed. The characters could use some fleshing out, maybe tone down the bickering mother/daughter ghosts and bring the issues with magic a bit more to the forefront, since I am not entirely convinced Merlin fixed the issue (and frankly, it would be too easy if he had!).

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

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No Charm Intended, by Mollie Cox Bryan

No Charm Intended by Mollie Cox Bryan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book 2 in the series.

I liked No Charm Intended better than book 1. I love the premise and the changing "cast" of characters each retreat is fun. The mystery was unusual and interesting, the activities fun and engaging.

But I found myself pulled out of the story by a few things:

I found the two main characters, Cora and Jane, at times totally interchangeable and got them confused, because sometimes one spoke so out of character that I'd have go back and re-read the passage to make sure I had the right person. Jane seemed to be more cynical and less trusting, and openly distrusted Paul, then suddenly she was crying because she was worried about him. Wait, what? Things like that happened several times through out the book, leaving me a little confused each time.

Jane and Cora have just started a business, money is obviously a concern, and yet they have meals catered? That doesn't seem practical. And what exactly does Cora bring to the retreats? She doesn't seem to teach anything, just spends her time blogging...

I'm also having a problem with the fact that Cora seems to have so many of the men in town attracted to her, including a married police officer. Because the love triangle isn't bad enough, Cora gets to be in a love square!

It was an enjoyable enough read that I will read book three, but I'd really like to see the main characters a bit more fleshed out and individualized in the next one.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author*

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A Killer Keepsake, by Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs

A Killer Keepsake by Ellery Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 6 in the series.

I only recently discovered this series, and I haven't read all of the books yet, but it is safe to start here. I always think you should start with book 1 in a good series, but you wouldn't be lost if you read this first.

This is my favorite book, so far, in the series. The characters are well developed and likeable. Molly just can't keep away from solving murders, especially when she finds the body. I liked that this book had two story-lines running simultaneously, one present, one past. Both story-lines were well meshed, so neither felt forced, instead each added to the other.

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

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Every Body on Deck, by G.A. McKevett

Every Body on Deck by G.A. McKevett

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

Book 22 in the series. Do yourself a favor and start at book 1. You can start here, and you won't be lost, but you'll miss out on a lot of fun!

I love Savannah. She's a plus-sized gal, and she doesn't care one bit what anyone else thinks. There's no body shaming here!

The whole crazy cast of character just adds to the fun. This time around they combine business with pleasure as Savannah's favorite author hires her to protect her, on a cruise. It was a nice, light read, if a little predictable.

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

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Cozy Case Files: A Cozy Mystery Sampler, Volume 1, Various Authors

Cozy Case Files: A Cozy Mystery Sampler, Volume 1 by Ellie Alexander (and various other authors)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars, it was exactly what it claimed to be, a sampler of cozy mysteries that I highly enjoyed.

This is nice sampler of 14 cozy mysteries published by St. Martin's Press in the spring/summer of 2017. I had only read books by a few of the authors with excerpts in this book, so it was a nice introduction to the other authors' work.

This sampler did as it was intended, and whetted my appetite for these new releases. Of course, now I am quite impatient to read the complete stories, haha.

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


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Give the Devil His Due, by Steve Hockensmith

Give the Devil His Due by Steve Hockensmith

My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 3 in the series.

I've given the series a chance, but this one just didn't work for me. I can't find it in me to care about Alanis or her sister and the plot was just ridiculously convoluted. Way too much going on, too many characters to keep up with. When it starts to feel like you need a spreadsheet to keep track, it's just too much.

I don't think I will be looking for book 4.

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


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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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Cruel Winter, by Sheila Connolly

Cruel Winter by Sheila Connolly

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

Book 5 in the series.

I really enjoyed this book in the series, the Cold Case aspect really appealed to me, since it didn't have the "oh we're a tiny village and here's another dead body since you've arrived" aspect that sometimes makes a reader cringe at the unlikelihood of it. I think it is so far my favorite book in the series and I read it quickly and in one sitting.

I loved the character movement with Jimmy and Rose and I would love to see more of Rose's interests be featured. I would also be ok with less Jimmy, he's really a jerk and taking advantage of the pub.

The one turn off about this series is that Maura still needs some character development. I am tired of hearing about how she never meant to stay, never meant to run a pub, etc as an excuse for why she doesn't know how to do things.

She's been in Ireland long enough now that really, she should be taking the time to learn some basic things about the pub. Ordering, heating, taxes, etc, she needs to know it instead of depending on other people to do it for her, and she needs to keep on top of stuff like that. For her own sake as well as her employees. I also don't understand how she could be so unprepared for a serious snow storm, she's from Boston, which typically gets a ton of snow every winter!

All in all, this is another good cozy mystery by Sheila Connolly and I am actually a bit sad that she doesn't have anything new coming out again for a while now, haha.

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


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Death by Chocolate Lab, by Bethany Blake

Death by Chocolate Lab by Bethany Blake
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was just barely okay.

Book 1 in a series.

I loved the premise, but frankly, I didn't find the characters very likable. The main character, Daphne, came across as flighty and immature, and well, ditsy. Her sister, Piper, felt uptight and condescending and their mother was a snooty woman who obviously played favorites. Piper, of course, is the Golden Child, which gave me all the more reason to not like her.

Meanwhile, the reader is supposed to believe that Daphne has a PhD (even if it's in a "throw away" subject like philosophy) that took brains and commitment to get.

Add all that to the slooooow pace of the book and I really struggled to get through it. Towards the end things picked up, and that's the only reason it gets a second star.

Not sure I would bother reading the second book in the series.

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

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Kneaded to Death, by Winnie Archer

Kneaded to Death by Winnie Archer
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Winnie Archer is a pseudonym for Melissa Bourbon. I love her Magical Dressmaking series, so I wanted to love this new series. Unfortunately, I had a hard time liking Ivy. She came off as whiny and immature. There were moments where I felt like she was in high school, and she's supposed to be 31.

As a result, this book just didn't keep my attention for long, I kept putting it down and picking up something else to read. I did finally slog through it, and the ending was satisfying, even if the road there was a little too long and curvy.

I am hoping that now that the mystery of Ivy's mom's death is solved, Ivy and company can move on and develop in to more likeable characters in book 2.

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Fatality by Firelight, Lynn Cahoon

Fatality by Firelight by Lynn Cahoon

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

Book 2 in the series.

I am enjoying this series. The Colorado setting, the writer's retreats, the main mystery, I loved it. The writing is tight, the characters are well developed and mostly likeable.

What I am not loving is the secondary plot-line that is dragging on and dragging more people in. I am not a fan of "To Be Continued" in anything. In the first book, it was a bit more subtle. With book 2, it's as much a part of the book as the current murder and I am not liking that so much. I would really like to see it given its own book and wrapped up so Cat can move on.

As a result, I just can't give this book more than a 3 star rating. I liked it, but I didn't love it. I am still looking forward to reading book 3 in the series.

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



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Death of a Ghost, by M.C. Beaton

Death of a Ghost by M.C. Beaton
My rating: 1 of 5 stars, did NOT finish! I would give this ZERO stars if it would let me.

I read many of the early Hamish Macbeth books and I loved them. This one, though? I hated it. Hamish has turned into a condescending pig that I do not like. I finally just skipped to the end and it made say, "WTF??"

The entire epilogue (which was way too long) storyline with Fox and Blair was just so far out there. Is Beaton even writing these books herself anymore or has she just gone barmy?

Absolutely abysmal book and I highly doubt I will ever read an MC Beaton book again.

In case I was not clear enough, I DO NOT RECOMMEND this book. Thank goodness I got it free from NetGalley.

By the way, this is the first time I have not finished a NetGalley book. Sad day.

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A Darkness Absolute, by Kelley Armstrong

A Darkness Absolute by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I REALLY liked it.

Book 2. I hadn't read the first book, and I knew I was missing some backstory, but it was still a completely satisfying read.

This book was a lot more thriller/mystery than I usually read, but I love Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series, so I thought I would give it a try.

It sucked me in! From the moment Casey got stranded in a freak snowstorm, I was hooked. Every little bit that unfurled after that just made me NEED to know more, RIGHT NOW! So I kept reading and stayed up far too late to finish it.

A Darkness Absolute is creepy, enthralling and fast paced. Unlike Ms. Armstrong's Otherworld series, there's no supernatural element to this book, but everyone in Rockton is still somewhat "other" in that they all have secrets, some of which are downright dangerous. And yet the main characters at least are very likeable, flawed, humans trying to make a life off the grid.

As a result of reading this book, I immediately read The Lost City as well, just to fill in the background (It was excellent as well!). Now I will wait, rather impatiently, for the next book in the series!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book received from the publisher, via NetGalley.

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Terror In Taffeta, by Marla Cooper

Terror in Taffeta by Marla Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fast, fun read. I grabbed this book out of its mailer and sat down to read a bit before starting dinner. Suddenly I was on the last chapter and dinner ended up delivery, haha.

During a destination wedding in Mexico, one of the bridesmaids drops dead during the ceremony and the bride's sister is arrested for murder. The Momzilla Mother of the Bride insists wedding planner Kelsey find the real killer, and Kelsey can't afford to say no.

I liked Kelsey, the suspects were plenty and varied and the plot twisty. And photographer Brody made a great sidekick for Kelsey. The location made me want to run off to Mexico.

A good start to a new series, I am looking forward to book 2.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book that I received from the author

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Death in Advertising, by Laura Bradford

Death in Advertising by Laura Bradford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Tobi's newest slogan proves to be truth in advertising. A great start to a new series!

I will admit to starting this book with a bit of skepticism. I haven't been a fan of this author. I am glad I decided to give her another chance.

I liked Tobi quite a bit, she was a bit more realistic than previous protagonists from Ms. Bradford. The supporting "cast" were a lot of fun, and it's always nice to have a love interest who is NOT a law enforcement official.

The plot was fast and fun. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.

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