The Secret, Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams

From New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams comes the first in an intriguing new series set within a quirky small-town club where the key to happiness, friendship—or solving a murder—can all be found within the pages of the right book . . .

Miracle Springs, North Carolina, is a place of healing. Strangers flock here hoping the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. If none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked “comfort” scone from the Gingerbread House bakery, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That’s Nora’s special talent—prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person’s deepest pain and lighten their heaviest burden.

When a visiting businessman reaches out to Nora for guidance, she knows exactly which novels will help. But before he can keep their appointment at Miracle Books, he’s found dead on the train tracks.

Stunned, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to gain trust and earn redemption by helping others. To join the society, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place.

Determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cramped and cozy bookstore to share stories and trade support. And as they untangle a web of corruption, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge—proving it’s never too late to turn the page and start over . . .

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

Warning: Spoilers

This one was a  major let down compared to the other books I've read in the cosy-mystery genre avalanche. 

I found the character descriptions to be lacking to the point where I couldn't get a mental image of any of the women, which meant I had no connection to any of them. Live, die? Meh, don't care, lol. The actual 'mystery' was very dry and confusing. If the characters don't understand it, how is the reader suppose to? The explanation at the end was too little, too late, I had already given up caring.

Finally, my biggest problem was how there was so many unanswered questions in the end. Examples: 
- She said she bought her house with cash, how did she get it?
- How did she avoid jail time? Being injured seems like a very poor (and illogical) excuse.
- If she just ran away and disappeared, wouldn't she a) still be married b) possibly be a wanted criminal?
- Why the glossary of names at the start? There weren't enough for it to be hard to keep track of. Was it just a red herring?
- How old are all the women? There were lots of vague references but no actual numbers mentioned.
- Why call it the scone and book club? What about representing the other two 'members' of the group?
- How did Jeb know to go the model house to save her?!!

Boring story, with many inconsistencies = not an author I would read again.

Bad Boy Bard (Fae out of Water 3) by E.J. Russell

As far as rock star Gareth Kendrick, the last true bard in Faerie, is concerned, the only good Unseelie is . . . well . . . there’s no such thing. Two centuries ago, an Unseelie lord abducted Gareth’s human lover, Niall, and Gareth has neither forgotten nor forgiven.

Niall O’Tierney, half-human son of the Unseelie King, had never lost a wager until the day he swore to rid the Seelie court of its bard. That bet cost him everything: his freedom, his family—and his heart. When he’s suddenly face-to-face with Gareth at the ceremony to join the Seelie and Unseelie realms, Niall does the only thing inhumanly possible: he fakes amnesia. Not his finest hour, perhaps, but he never revealed his Unseelie heritage, and to tell the truth now would be to risk Gareth’s revulsion—far harder to bear than two hundred years of imprisonment.

Then a new threat to Gareth’s life arises, and he and Niall stage a mad escape into the Outer World, only to discover the fate of all fae resting on their shoulders. But before they can save the realm, they have to tackle something really tough: mending their own broken relationship.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

I felt like this was better than book 2 but nowhere near as good as book 1. 

The main plot was supported by my main pet peeve, miscommunication, which I think is a cheap and lazy tactic to rely on for a long term plot.

The bad guy for me seemed to come out of nowhere and I can't remember fae mages being mentioned before? I don't know if I missed previous mentions, but if not, it seems a bit strange/silly to add them in book three out of nowhere. 

Finally, what's with giving us all the different names for the different fae and not a damn glossary?! I don't speak Irish/Welsh/whatever, so I have no hope in keeping them or their meanings straight, the two names per character are hard enough. Also mentioning previous non-book-featured-events without background or explanation is annoying, i.e. Govannon and his brother, his nephew who he killed(???!) and the 'Disappeared'. If they are part of the story, make them part of the story, not a please-google-for-explanation tibit. 

The Heart of the Lost Star (Tales of the High Court 3) by Megan Derr

Kamir is on the verge of losing everything. Knowing full well he can't meet the ultimatum his parents have issued, he instead finally puts in motion his plans to live completely independent of them. His plans are interrupted, however, by the unexpected return of his despised ex-husband—and thrown even further into upheaval when he ends up comforting the man he's secretly loved for years.

Jader may not know where he comes from, but he knows where he belongs and what he wants—until he helps rescue some stranded Bentan travelers, one of whom look almost exactly like Jader, throwing his life and everything he thought he knew into tumult. Scared and overwhelmed, Jader flees—and lands unexpectedly in the arms of a man he's always seen, but never really noticed. 

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

This was not one of Megan's better books. 

The main characters were not likable and I just found myself wanting more 'screen time' for the previous two books' characters. Kamir in particular came across as very whiny and pathetic even while he was trying the be 'strong' and 'resourceful' and change things. 

There are suppose to be more books in this series but I feel like they seem to be getting further and further away from the initial book instead of Megan's normal way of writing series (which I like) where each book's characters are connected in some way, sometimes obvious, sometimes only apparent to observant and loyal readers. This is very off putting and turning me off reading this series. 

I think my biggest problem with this book was the genders. I know Megan writes gender fluid characters. That's her thing. However if a seemingly biological female is presented as a male, then he is a male, which means we haven't had an 'on-screen' pregnant male yet and that really threw me off. Kamir was written as a 'male' with so many female characteristics, traits, behaviors, that I almost felt like I was reading a f/m book not a m/m. I don't mind a bit of gender fluidity, but please, establish some rules and stick to them!

Fallen Flame (Fallen Flame 1) by J.M. Miller

Nineteen years ago, on the island kingdom of Garlin, a girl was born. With charred skin as rough as rock, Vala was instantly feared. For how could one be scorched by magic when it had perished ages before?
Recognizing an asset, the royal family welcomed her on their Guard. Her detail: the prince.
To watch. To protect. She has grown with him, lives her life for him. 
When the high kingdom’s princess comes to assess the prince, assassins of rival courtiers come to claim his life. One nearly succeeds in his mission. But with shadowy movements and charred skin like her own, Vala knows he is not like the rest.
As threats to the prince continue and questions about Vala’s life begin to rise, she faces a fear worse than fire or water, worse even than losing him. 

She fears finding out who she truly is.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

A very slow, very basic story, almost came across as childish. The first half of the book was a constant repeat of the same things and the same details without actually telling us anything. I didn't really know anything about the world, it's rules, etc even by the end. I'm really surprised this didn't end up on the DNF pile, it was so boring and repetitive I found myself constantly losing interest. In hindsight I wish I had of quit. 

The characters were not fleshed out, the Prince was a prick, and the rest of the characters weren't much better. The end was rushed, and even though Vala's true nature was revealed, because we had no in-depth background info on the world or it's magic, it was meaningless. I hate authors who create worlds that are that 2-dimensional.

Probably my biggest gripe was personal. I'm a big fan of mythology so to have this book present a 3 goddess rule made up of two different cultures drive me nuts! Herja the guardian of the fae, is a Valkyrie from Norse mythology, Verdandi the guardian of witches, is the Norn of present, one of the fates who guards the world tree, also from Norse mythology; however Alesrah, the guardian of humans is a phoenix?! Why couldn't the author find another Norse inspiration? Also I think they are majorly stretching themselves going for a fae/witch/human balance. I just feel like they haven't got the skill to incorporate that many elements successfully.

Bring the Heat (Dragon Kin 9) by G.A. Aiken

HE SAYS . . .
I, Aidan the Divine, am . . . well, divine. My name was given to me by the Dragon Queen herself! I’m a delight! Cheerful. Charming. And a mighty warrior who is extremely handsome, with a very large and well-hidden hoard of gold. I am also royal-born, despite the fact that most in my family are horrendous beings who don’t deserve to live. And yet, Branwen the Awful—a low-born, no less—either tells me to shut up or, worse, ignores me completely.

SHE SAYS . . .

I’ll admit, I ignore Aidan the Divine because it annoys him. A lot. But we have so much to do right now, I can’t worry about why he keeps staring at me, or why he always sits so close, or why he keeps looking at me like he’s thinking about kissing me. We have our nations to save and no time for such bloody foolishness . . . no matter how good Aidan looks or how long his spiked tail is. Because if we’re going to win this war before it destroys everything we love, we’ll have to face our enemies together, side by side and without distractions. But if we make it out alive, who knows what the future will hold . . .

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

I started this book wondering how I could read this without remembering all the other relationships, but found that this wasn't a problem because relevant relationships were reminded/explained and the rest weren't relevant to the story (only wanted to know thanks to my nitpicking). 

This was a great book, one that finished up the arc of the Zealots and their eyeless god Chramnesind. While on one hand this was good (and welcome), it meant that the main characters Aidan and Branwen quite often took a backseat to the action happening with previous main characters. As such the romance element was really lacking, smothered by cameo's and a side event featuring Annwyl (who BTW I LOVE).

We end the book with an introduction to the new 'bad guy' which really didn't impress me. Why? Because it was so damn obvious! They've been a background threat for books now and I can't believe no one has killed them when they had the chance. 

So while I can't say I'm looking forward to the new villain, I would love the chance for another book or two featuring the old characters such as Annwyl and Dagmar. These guys don't deserve to fade away as secondary characters to minor primary characters, i.e the queen's, daughter's, sister's, brother-in-law's, dog (you know what I mean, lol, stop stretching!). 

The Druid Next Door (Fae out of Water 2) by E.J. Russell

Professor Bryce MacLeod has devoted his entire life to environmentalism. But how effective can he be in saving the planet when he can’t even get his surly neighbor to separate his recycling?

Former Queen’s Enforcer Mal Kendrick doesn’t think his life could get any worse: he’s been exiled from Faerie with a cursed and useless right hand. When he’s not dodging random fae assassins in the Outer World, he’s going toe-to-toe with his tree-hugging neighbor. And when he discovers that the tree-hugger is really a druid, he’s certain the gods have it in for him—after all, there’s always a catch with druids. Then he’s magically shackled to the man and expected to instruct him in Supernatural 101.

All right, now things couldn’t possibly get worse.

Until a mysterious stranger offers a drunken Mal the chance to gain back all he’s lost—for a price. After Mal accepts, he discovers the real catch: an ancient secret that will change his and Bryce’s life forever.

Ah, what the hells. Odds are they won’t survive the week anyway.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, however I felt like this one was a bit of a miss in the romance department. Not much trust between MC's and if there was better communication, i.e. if Mal had of told Bryce the wording of the curse, then he may have done what I did, and figured it out almost straight away. 

As for the general plot, it was so obvious it was cringe-worthy. None of the secondary characters were likable and I felt like they should just be left to suffer due to their stupidity, I'm looking at you Fae Queen. >_<

I haven't really like any of E.J. Russell's other books except for book one (Cutie and The Beast) and I'm afraid that the next book in the series, Bad Boy's Bard will go further downhill to the point where I don't even bother requesting her books anymore. Fingers crossed.

Brave & Beautiful (Sassy Boyz 3) by Elizabeth Varlet

There’s only one relationship that matters to Tameron "Tam" Kis—his love affair with dance. Life’s been pretty shitty, but dance got him through it and now he’s ready to focus on what he loves. He doesn’t have the bandwidth for any distractions—especially not his sexy, not-quite-straight new neighbor.

Driver Ellis doesn’t need anything but his bike and the open road. He wouldn’t trade his drifter lifestyle for anything…until his friend calls in a favor and Driver suddenly finds himself pet-sitting. Driver isn’t thrilled being stuck in one place, though things start to look up when he sets eyes on the gorgeous girl next door. 

There’s just one problem… She isn’t a girl at all.

All it takes is one spontaneous dance to turn both Driver's and Tam’s worlds upside down. They might not have been looking for love, but as things heat up between them, it’s clear life has very different plans.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

Lots of self-hating in this book. Probably too much. Yes the relationship between Tam and Driver was sweet, but it took way too long for the story to reach that point. I don't want a book where 99% of it is miscommunication and self-loathing and then 1% of it demonstrates a solid relationship.

As to the overall story line, the Sassy Boyz, this book didn't really add much. All-in-all I felt like this was really a miss with both the personal plot line and the overall series plot. I didn't find myself emotional attached to either main character, in fact as the book went on I found myself becoming frustrated with them.

I'll continue to read the series if I can get future books from netgalley but I can't say I'm invested enough to purchase them. 

The Lonely Merman (Landlocked Heart 1) by Kay Berrisford

It's Friday afternoon, and the last thing Ben wants to be doing is trudging through a wet forest in search of a public hazard. But duty calls, and turns out more exciting than Ben imagined when he encounters a magical ruin, an enchanted pool, and Lyle—a merman who's cursed to be landlocked many miles from the sea.

Lyle is flamboyant and exciting—he's got tentacles, for goodness sake!—and Ben falls hard. But Lyle's been hurt before and finds trust difficult, refusing even to reveal how to break the curse that imprisons him. Ben's just an ordinary guy, and can't help wondering if he can ever be the hero Lyle needs.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

Story was very thin and non-eventful, however the biggest problem was the characters. They just weren't likable, Lyle especially was whiny, arrogant and irritating. I probably would have just left him there to die, lol. 

This would have been a DNF except it was so short, I ended up just skimming it to read the ending.

Death's Queen by Janeal Falor

Nameless. Unknown. Alone.

An assassin without a name, born to kill. Owned by a vicious man who refuses to call her anything but girl, she is forced to commit atrocious acts of violence. Vowing to take her future into her own hands, the seventeen-year-old decides to risk everything on one act of defiance—drinking from The Death Drink. The beverage kills most whose lips touch it—only allowing those who are destined to be royalty survive the first sip. 

Powerful. Revered. Hunted. 

To the astonishment of the nation of Valcora, she imbibes it and lives, which crowns her queen. Thrown into a life of royal intrigue, she now has a purpose—to rule with the fairness she was never shown. Despite her altruistic plans, it becomes apparent that someone wants her dead. The new queen must use her training from the former life she only wants to forget in order to stay alive long enough to turn her kingdom into something she can be proud of. She’ll hold onto the crown… or die trying.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

This was a book full of unlikable characters. 

You have a main character who was an assassin who wanted to change her life and those of her class yet she was queen for a couple of weeks and did nothing but change the furniture. She acted like a brat when it came to taking advice, changing things and practicing her supposedly essential magic. She claimed to have impeccable instincts which is the only thing she trusts, yet it was wrong in a major way.

The ending came very much out of left field, made a huge impact, and them wham, the book ended. I would have classified it as a cliffhanger, but you have to have a story to start with to have an ending. This book was a bunch of mysterious innuendo and no plot. There is currently no indication on whether or not this is the first in a series, but if it is, I won't be wasting my time.

Cutie and the Beast (Fae-Out-of-Water 1) by E.J. Russell

Temp worker David Evans has been dreaming of Dr. Alun Kendrick ever since that one transcription job for him, because holy cats, that voice. Swoon. So when his agency offers him a position as Dr. Kendrick’s temporary office manager, David neglects to mention that he’s been permanently banished from offices. Because, forgiveness? Way easier than permission.

Alun Kendrick, former Queen’s Champion of Faerie’s Seelie Court, takes his job as a psychologist for Portland’s supernatural population extremely seriously. Secrecy is paramount: no non-supe can know of their existence. So when a gods-bedamned human shows up to replace his office manager, he intends to send the man packing. It shouldn’t be difficult—in the two hundred years since he was cursed, no human has ever failed to run screaming from his hideous face.

But cheeky David isn’t intimidated, and despite himself, Alun is drawn to David in a way that can only spell disaster: when fae consort with humans, it never ends well. And if the human has secrets of his own? The disaster might be greater than either of them could ever imagine.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

I've read a couple of other books from E.J. Russell which I didn't really enjoy, but when I started this book I didn't make the connection because the subject matter was so different. In the end I'm glad I didn't make the connection and get turned off because this book was a lot better than the others I had read. The pacing was a lot better, the characters were more interesting and there was a good level of romance. 

You could tell what was going to happen in a general sense, all these books follow the same pattern, where the 'human' half of the couple discovers that they aren't as human as they thought they were, but in this case I enjoyed how the author did it.

I liked the roster of supernatural characters, but honestly I would have enjoyed it more if they were featured more. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for the other two books in this series. 

Strays (Urban Soul 2) by Garrett Leigh

Work, sleep, work, repeat. Nero’s lonely life suits him just fine until his best friend, Cass, asks him to take on a new apprentice—a beautiful young man who’s never set foot in a professional kitchen. Despite his irritation and his lifelong ability to shut the world out, Nero is mesmerised by the vibrant stray, especially when he learns what drove him to seek sanctuary on Nero’s battered old couch.

Lenny Mitchell is living under a cloud of fear. Pursued by a stalker, he has nowhere left to run until Nero offers him a port in a storm—a job at the hottest restaurant in Shepherd's Bush. Kitchen life proves heady and addictive, and it’s not long before he finds himself falling hard and fast for the man who has taken him in.

Fast-forward a month and a neither man can imagine life without the other, but one thing stands in their way: a lifetime of horrors Nero can’t bring himself to share with Lenny. Or can he? For the first time ever, happiness is there for the taking, and Nero must learn to embrace it before fate steps in and rips it away.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

This was an example of size without substance. Lots of words, not much actual story/content and what there was, wasn't very interesting. It featured more information about setting up/running a restaurant then the relationship between the MC's. 

There was a lot of mentions of the three guys from the first book in the Urban Soul series, but honestly by the end of the book, I didn't like them enough to want to read it, even if I got it for free.

I hated the name Lenny, something about it just makes me think of a scummy pervert. His story itself was very anti-climatic. The bad guy seemed like he was created just to give the MC's a reason to become attached at the hip, and once that was done he was forgotten about until the end. We never even meet him on screen, and apart from giving Lenny *shudder* a beating, we don't know what he did to his 'other' victims (or how serious the damage was) and we don't get any information on what happened to him. 

Nero on the other had alluded all the way through the book that he had a big bad secret, which in the end wasn't that bad at all. He did something he shouldn't, but for a understandable reason, that lead to a tragic result, and by tragic I mean he went to jail for something the reader wouldn't hate him for.

So to wrap up, lots of words, not much plot, one dimensional characters and hardly any romance. I'm so glad I didn't pay for this.

Black Magic (Black Records 1) by Alexis Blakely

Using her magic to help others is the only way Alex Black knows how to stay out of trouble herself. After years of living on the street and trying to come to terms with the growing ability she had to teach herself to control, she’s happy to have settled into the relatively quiet life of finding lost pets, crafting the odd charm, and helping people deal with annoying fae creatures and spirits.

But when Alex is asked to investigate the gruesome murder of an artifact dealer who’d lost his life trying to protect his latest acquisition, she’s thrown headlong into a world of danger that threatens to cut her career short at every turn. The closer she gets to tracking down the killer, the more dangerous the trail becomes, and the more Alex realizes that terrible things will happen if the true potential of the artifact is ever unleashed.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

First off, the book cover says author is Mark Feenstra, but if you go to Goodreads only the first book is attributed to him, all three currently released are otherwise attributed to Alexis Blakely. I'm going to assume that after book one he decided to go with a nom de plume, but that doesn't explain the name on the covers. 

As for the book itself, I felt like the pacing was off. From the start to the end, it was go, go, go without giving us (the reader) or Alex a chance to catch our/her breath and that is a pet peeve of mine. I feel like its a bit of a cheap-out, as if the author can't write the downtime part of a story so they simply fill it with action.

While the identity of the killer did surprise me, I think that was more attributed to the lack of information all around. Sooo many ideas and plot points were introduced and nearly none of them were followed through. I would explain but I don't want to give spoilers and honestly I haven't got the time to write them all out, lol. 

I think better pacing was needed and some of the ideas could have been left out to give other more relevant ones a chance to be expanded on and draw the reader in more. 

Dating Ryan Alback by J.E. Birk

Ryan Alback has almost everything he’s ever wanted: a successful acting career, a dog who adores him, great family and friends, and a life outside the closet. The only thing missing is a boyfriend — but Ryan’s been burned by Hollywood relationships before, and he’s not eager to try one again. 

Jason Santos has almost everything he's ever wanted: a fulfilling career teaching middle school, a house in a city he loves, and parents who support him in every way. Too bad he can't seem to forget the ex-boyfriend who rejected his marriage proposal.

When a talk show host launches a dating contest to find Ryan a boyfriend and Jason accidentally wins, neither of them expect anything to come from it. Yet somewhere between a disastrous massage and a mud sinkhole, they both start to wonder if this date could be more than just a public relations stunt. But before they can move into the future, they'll both have to learn to let go of the past.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

I think i'm stuck in a rut, all the m/m books I've read lately have been meh and this one wasn't any better. Neither the characters or story were engaging. It was your typical guy/guy fall in love / miscommunication leads to break up / they get back together/ happily ever after. 

Lets put it this way, I just finished the book and I can't remember the characters name's nor what they looked like. I don't remember because it was boring.

Agent of Enchantment (Dark Fae FBI 1) by C.N. Crawford

The fae live among us. And one of them is a serial killer.

I thought this would be a simple profiling case. Just another Jack-the-Ripper wannabe, prowling London’s streets, searching for easy kills. I was wrong. This killer is fae, and he’s as elusive as smoke on the wind. But I’m an FBI profiler, and it’s my job to track him down.

It doesn’t matter that one of the main suspects--a lethally alluring fae--is trying to seduce me… or kill me, I’m not sure which. I won’t be stopped, not even when panic roils through the streets of London, or when the police start to suspect me.

As I close in on the killer, I follow him to a magical shadow realm that’s like nothing I ever expected, where I’m hunted like prey. Fine. Bring it on. I’m an FBI Agent. And it turns out I have magical powers of my own. 

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

I can't really point to what was wrong with this book, but it didn't make me go wow that was amazing! when I finished. 

I liked the references to the horrors in London's history, but I felt like there was not enough information to inform/entertain, but too much that it was a distraction from the plot. The writing of the killer annoyed me. If serial killers have patterns, then the killer in this book didn't get the memo, he was all over the place and it made for a bit of a disjointed read. 

In the end, I guess I just didn't really feel a connection with anything. All the references to the streets, landmarks, etc without a map made me confused and annoyed. The characters weren't really likable (a guy sets you up to make you a wanted fugitive, yet you never bring it up when he wants help?!) I did like the introduction to magic, but apart from some small explanations on what the MC could do, we were pretty much left in the dark on what else was out there and what they could do. 

Duke With Benefits (Studies in Scandal 2) by Manda Collins

LADY + DUKE = TRUE LOVE?

Lady Daphne Forsyth is a brilliant mathematician with a burning passion for puzzles. When she learns that the library belonging to her benefactress houses the legendary Cameron Cipher―an encrypted message that, once solved, holds the key to great riches―Daphne is on the case. Unfortunately, her race to unlock the cipher’s code is continually thwarted by a deliciously handsome distraction she hadn’t counted on. . .and cannot resist.

Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, is curious as to why Daphne is spending so much time snooping around his aunt’s bookshelves. He’s even more intrigued by her bold yet calculating manner: She is unapologetic about her secret quest. . .and the fiery attraction that develops between them both. But how can they concentrate on solving a perplexing enigma once the prospect of true love enters the equation?

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

This was the second book in the series and we were immediately thrown into what seemed like the end of the first book (which I haven't read) which caused me some confusion (i.e. was the gypsy the killer? was this a cheap gimmick to get us to buy book one?)

The whole idea of the series was based on the four girls having areas of special knowledge but I struggled to figure out how the other three were gifted (I think one was an art prodigy and another something to do with books/poetry?, fourth one haven't a clue). I know that this book is about Daphne (the math whiz), but the cast is featured as an ensemble and I would have like a little bit more detail about the secondary characters.

The ending was the biggest let down for me. This was advertised as a book about a smart young woman trying to solve a mystery with a secondary romantic story line. But by the end it was all about the romance. I mean they found the treasure and then it was literally never mentioned again! Considering where it was from/who had hidden it, I would have liked to know what was in the chest/how much/who was entitled to it/what they were going to do with it, etc, etc. Nothing else was said about the fates of the bad guys either, former government agent Ian Foster and former tutor Richard Sommersby, they just vanished off the face of the earth/page (lol). 

This book started out weird, got a lot better, then went downhill fast. It was almost like the author got sick of writing about the mystery angle and decided to just finish writing as if it had been a traditional Victorian(?) England romance book all along. 

Sovereign (Nemesis 2) by April Daniels

Only nine months after her debut as the fourth superhero to fight under the name Dreadnought, Danny Tozer is already a scarred veteran. Protecting a city the size of New Port is a team-sized job and she's doing it alone. Between her newfound celebrity and her demanding cape duties, Dreadnought is stretched thin, and it's only going to get worse. 

When she crosses a newly discovered supervillain, Dreadnought comes under attack from all quarters. From her troubled family life to her disintegrating friendship with Calamity, there's no trick too dirty and no lever too cruel for this villain to use against her. 

She might be hard to kill, but there's more than one way to destroy a hero. Before the war is over, Dreadnought will be forced to confront parts of herself she never wanted to acknowledge. 

And behind it all, an old enemy waits in the wings to unleash a plot that will scar the world forever.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

While I had some issues with the first book, i.e. minor plot points ruining the overall story, in this case it was the reverse. Only some minor plot points were enjoyable and the rest...... well the rest was just unnecessary.

Something about the whole thing just annoyed me and I can't tell if it was the writing style, the characters and their attitudes, the way that the trans story line was treated like a gimmick or how 85% of the book was unnecessary and could have easily been included in the first book much better. (Nemesis reveal, Graywytch being dealt with, romantic story line)

I guess I really feel like this book was an unnecessary way to  drag out book one to earn more money, rather than trying to write another good story.

Triad Soul (Triad Blood 2) by Nathan Burgoine

The law of three is everything: three vampires for a coterie, three demons for a pack, and three wizards for a coven. Those alone or in pairs are vulnerable to the rest. Luc, Anders, and Curtis—vampire, demon, and wizard—sidestepped tradition by binding themselves together. 

When something starts brutally killing demons in Ottawa, the three find themselves once again moving among the powers who rule the city from the shadows—this time working with them to try to stop the killings before chaos and blood rule the streets.

Hunting a killer who seems to leave no trace behind, the triad are forced to work with allies they don’t dare trust, powers they barely understand, and for the good of those they already know to be corrupt.

They have the power of blood, soul, and magic. But they have to survive to keep it.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

This book left me feeling confused and overwhelmed, though I think it was more due to the constant influx of information and changing scenes, characters, magic rules, etc than anything because everything seemed generally well explained.

I really wanted more romance between the MC's or at least an idea of what the relationship was, and it seems like I wasn't the only one, with Curtis (wizard) bringing it up himself at the end of the book. I hope that book 3 spends a lot more time addressing this, and the house! It was such a big thing at the end of book 1, that they were going to build the perfect house for the three of them, with it being spelled for protection every step of the way, and then in this book I think there was one throw away line about nothing being done because they were all too busy. That's life, especially in a book, shit's gonna happen, build the damn house!

As for the actual mystery/killer, I will say that they got away with that one. I really didn't have any idea until the reveal at the end even though there was clues when you looked back. The death of the bad guy was slightly anti-climatic but also really clever and fitting in a way. 

I'll keep my eye out for the third book, but I think the author needs to decide whether or not this is a m/m/m paranormal romance, or urban fantasy. Stop insinuating and teasing us with romance and sex if your not going to give us any/tiny scraps. 

As I Am (All Saints 3) by A.M. Arthur

Will Madden is healing.

Thanks to therapy and a growing support system, he's taking baby steps into a promising future. One of those steps leads him to an online chat room, where he quickly bonds with fellow PTSD sufferer Taz Zachary.

Despite their virtual connection, Taz is initially freaked out at the idea of meeting Will face-to-face. A sexual relationship may be the last thing on his mind, but his craving for human interaction—and more of the way Will makes him laugh—gives him the courage he needs to take the next step.

In person, the chemistry between them is undeniable. But Will is hurt when Taz doesn't seem to be in any rush to get him into bed. Still, acceptance, love and happiness all seem within reach for the first time in forever—until demons from the past threaten the future they both finally believe they deserve.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

This is book 3 of the All Saints trilogy but is book 9 of the over-arching story line (including the Belonging trilogy and the Restoration trilogy). There are lots of references to characters and plots from the previous eight books, and while you don't need to read them to enjoy this book, it does give you a sense of an extra layer of involvement when you know the secondary characters backstories. 

The book itself was good but not great. I have been looking forward to Will's story for a while and I have to admit I felt a little bit let down. It just didn't feel like the main characters had the deeper connection that A.M. Arthur has shown in previous books. 

No Ordinary Fairy (Shifter Wars 1) Claire Davon

Mysterious. Magnetic. Deadly. And his only hope.

When the new guy in town blows into Pani’s pet shop, bristling with impatience as icy as the Wyoming winter, she knows instantly he’s not there to buy dog food. She also knows exactly what he is. A cougar shifter. An apex predator not unlike herself.

Rafe Anderson needs help, which isn’t easy for a cat to admit. Not only has his dog mysteriously vanished, so has his ability to shift. The only creature who can find both is Pani, a woman the local coyote pack warned him to avoid. But he’s desperate—and running out of time. The longer his cat is caged, the closer he edges to insanity.

As a Vila, a fairy with the power to enchant men, even to their death, Pani has never dared reveal her true self, much less fallen in love. But something about Rafe’s fiery green eyes and uncommon vulnerability calls to her. And his touch tells her the feeling is mutual.

Desire rolls over them like thunder, but their search uncovers a dangerous secret that could turn everything to ashes…and bring destruction howling down upon all shifter kind.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

This was the first book in a series. The actual book cover says 'novella' but Goodreads call it the first book. Based on this book, I won't be reading anymore in the series. Story was all over the place, so much information on what a Vila wasn't (repeatedly), there wasn't much real information given.

The main characters spend so much time saying how they are dangerous and should be left alone, I wanted to do just that, leave them alone. The other characters were not fleshed out at all, especially the bad guy. In the end I was just left confused, annoyed and bored. 

Magick & Mayhem (An Abracadabra Mystery 1) by Sharon Pape

What’s in a murderer’s bag of tricks?

Twenty-something Kailyn Wilde has learned to embrace her unpredictable life as a descendant of small-town New Camel’s most magickal family. She just didn’t expect to inherit her mother and grandmother’s centuries-old shop, Abracadabra, so suddenly. The surprises keep coming when Kailyn goes to finalize the estate at the local attorney’s office—and stumbles over the body of her best friend Elise’s husband . . .

As a brash detective casts the blame on Elise, Kailyn summons her deepest powers to find answers and start an investigation of her own. What with running a business, perfecting ancient spells, and keeping up with an uninvited guest of fabled origins, Kailyn has her hands full. But with the help of her uncanny black cat Sashkatu and her muumuu-clad Aunt Tilly, she’s closing in on a killer—who will do anything to make sure she never tests her supernatural skills again!

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

I like cosy mystery books, but this one seemed like the author added the 'magick' aspect just to try and be 'different'. There wasn't really that much used and the bits that were, weren't very consistent in usage rules. 

Apart from the random insertions of 'magick' this book followed the tried and tested cosy mystery plot with a heroine investigating things she shouldn't and sticking her nose into places she shouldn't, but somehow she managed to be more annoying than normal. 
When they were not being annoying, the characters were boring and the featured romance was meh. There was so many potential bad guys, the non-suspect list would have been shorter! It made me lose interest, just red herrings everywhere. Some useful clues were given but they were so vague you wouldn't even realise they were clues, even if you were re-reading.

Then, SPOILER, one of the actual bad guys was someone who wasn't even featured in the damn story! What was the point of that?

Murder in Mayfair (An Atlas Catesby Mystery 1) by D.M. Quincy

In 1810, Atlas Catesby, a brilliant adventurer and youngest son of a baron, is anxious to resume his world travels after a carriage accident left him injured in London. But his plans are derailed when, passing through a country village, he discovers a helpless woman being auctioned off to the highest bidder--by her husband.

In order to save her from being violated by another potential buyer, Atlas purchases the lady, Lilliana, on the spot to set her free. But Lilliana, desperate to be with her young sons and knowing the laws of England give a father all parental rights, refuses to be rescued--until weeks later when her husband is murdered and Atlas is the only one who can help clear her name of the crime.

Fortunately, Atlas is a master at solving complicated puzzles, both with games and the intricacies of human motivation, and finds himself uniquely suited to the task, despite the personal peril it may put him in. But soon Altas learns the dead man had many secrets--and more than a few enemies willing to kill to keep them quiet--

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

The first 2/3rds of this book was, in a word, boring. I really struggled to stay interested. There was no character connection between Atlas and Lilliana, no connection between any character and the reader and the murder victim was so unpleasant I really didn't care who killed him or why.

The last third was a lot more meaty in terms of story. There was another attempted murder, and we discover a secret about the Duke (which made him 100% more interesting than the rest of the characters, there should be a book about him, lol). A lot of red herrings, and the 'clues' we were given didn't really make sense in the grand scheme of things. 

I prefer mystery books where I'm given enough insight/clues to feel involved and to develop theories of my own, this book just didn't offer that kind of interaction. 

Fighter (The Brick Yard 1) Carol Lynne

For Lucky Gunn, the hardest fight of his life happens outside the cage. On the south side of Chicago sits an old gym called The Brick Yard. Ten years ago, on a bitterly cold day, Lucky Gunn wandered into The Brick Yard dressed in a threadbare jacket, looking for refuge. He hadn't expected the owner, Tony Brick, to welcome him with a job and a place to sleep when Lucky's abusive and drug addicted mother made it too dangerous to return home. 

Dray was a gay man living in a world of straight fighters. When his secret was exposed to the media, he dropped out, giving Lucky a piece of advice: if you want to make it as a MMA fighter, bury the part of yourself that won't be accepted. Lucky discovered the cage was the perfect place to keep his demons at bay, but when he learns his trainer and mentor, Brick, is suffering from end-stage cancer, he begins to spiral out of control. 

After eight years, Dray returns to help Lucky and Brick deal with the devastating news. With Dray so close, Lucky's old desires return, and Dray teaches him more than how to fight. Torn between his career and the passion he feels for Dray, Lucky's past demons resurface in full force, threatening his sanity and his budding relationship with Dray. Despite leaving the cage years earlier, Dray finds himself in the battle of his life with the only man he's ever loved. Will he stand and fight, or walk away like he did years earlier?

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

There was something familiar about this book, but it wasn't until I read other netgalley reviews that I realised it was because this book had already been released and this version was an extended re-release. I checked my files and I don't have the original so I mustn't of liked it enough to keep it.

This version was very drawn out and in my mind very depressing. In seemed like instead of being a story of love and inspiration in the face of death it was a story of two guys hooking up in the background of their mentors death. It got to one point where I was over it and just wanted the guy to die already!

The premise was good but i felt like 70% of the book was devoted to the death, 5% was dedicated to fighting, 15% was dedicated to past and present abuse, and the final 10% was the last couple of chapters and featured the 'future' and the 'positive changes'. Everything happened in these last chapters, it jumped forward a couple of months, then a year and then again 3 years into the future. 

Really, the first 90%  of the book should have been dramatically shortened and the final couple of chapters should have been expanded. I like Carol Lynne but I wont be continuing with this series. 

Windsong by Caitlin Ricci

At seventeen, Jamie was cursed to always have his inner thoughts exposed as a tattoo across his neck for all the world to see. He lost his home, his family, and his relationship with his best friend when the tattoo outed him. 

More than a decade later, he's a successful porn star who loves his life and never once thought about returning to the horse farm he grew up on. But his boss wants to do a shoot with him where he grew up, and Jamie can't say no.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

>SPOILERS< 

Editing errors. First four pages, Randy is the guy he's fucking, then he is Randy, then the other guy gets renamed as Tim - could be real name but Jamie say's he can't remember the other guys 'real' name. 

This was a mess of a story - cursed tattoo doesn't really come into the story at all. All it was, was the catalyst for a normal 'throw the kid out of home because he's gay' story. 

I don't know how I finished this book instead of just giving up, I blame it on the fact that it was so short.

THE WHOLE PLOT: Basically a gay porn star goes to his home town to do photo shoot. His family still hates him, he ignores it, offers then money for them to allow him to take (tame) photos. His dad breaks his hip acting stupid on a horse because he's too busy being angry at him, so he offers to help at farm even though they verbally abuse him. Then he offers to buy his dad out and let parents live in house nearby at his own cost EVEN THOUGH THEY HATE AND ABUSE HIM. All this because the stupid fucker is thinking with his cock i.e. he wants to sleep with/have a 'relationship' with his childhood sweetheart who 'waited' for him.

Frostbite by Alexandria Bellefleur

After his sister touches a lethal Frost Flower and succumbs to Frozen Sickness, Rainor seeks out the mysterious Dragon, who purportedly holds the only cure for the fatal disease. In gratitude for saving his sister's life, Rainor agrees to bring him fresh bread twice a week—despite the man's insistence he wants for nothing.

As Rainor makes his deliveries, the two slowly become friends, and Rainor finds in the Dragon all the things he never found in his little village. But on his way to make his latest delivery, the unthinkable happens, and Rainor fears that if he asks for the cure he needs to live, he'll lose the man he's coming to love…

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

Blurb is misleading, this is not a book about a dragon. Disappointed because this was the only reason I requested the book.

In the end I read it because it was a very short novella. As such there was not much happening. The ending is very abrupt and the story needed fleshing out a lot. 

Twilight (Dance with the Devil 7) by Megan Derr

More than seventy years have passed since Neirin du Lac was banished from the dragon clans he called home. Though he misses them, he and his dragon Troyes have built a happy life with his lover Barra, and their friends Devlin and Midnight. It is a not a life he would ever trade, not even for a chance to return to the clans.

Then the very last person he ever expected to see again comes begging for help: Prince Avalon Pendragon, ruler of the clans, a man Neirin once called friend, once wished to call lover. When Avalon tells him why he needs Neirin's help, it's not a request he can refuse, nor can his friends refuse to help him. 

But the people bold enough to steal from the clans are not to be trifled with, and in the midst of fighting for their lives Neirin also finds himself caught between the man he loves now and the man he never truly left behind…

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

>>>>>SPOILERS!!!<<<<<<

This was a book set in the past, made up of three parts from three different views.

I love how Megan is slowly bringing all the different elements, stories, and people from her DWTD series in together. A couple of examples: The house fire that 'killed' the 'Mad Duke' that was previously mentioned happened in this book and the gloves that Devlin uses in Shield of the King were introduced.

The actually story was good, though I did find myself a bit annoyed with all the running around and how Avalon's story was hinted on but not explained for the first two thirds of the book. I can understand keeping it a surprise but I enjoyed re-reading the book more when I knew what all the vague references were about. 

Now the big spoiler: OMG Prince Avalon is Sable's 'son'?! Or more accurately, he holds part of Sable in him, giving him some of the powers of a demon ('Princeling of Storms', so cute!) but also most of the restrictions when it comes to remaining in territories. I now desperately want to know if Chris, Sable's consort will find out about the relationship and also if he and Devlin are related. It really is coming around full circle/ being more entwined than I thought.

The only negative that really annoyed me, was the confusion around Sable's summoning's. (date's here are approximate, because I'm going from memory and there have been conflicting mentions) There must have been a couple but it's not really explained. In one book it's mentioned he was in a mirror and had been summoned by a cruel man who tried to summon many more demons but failed (except for one other)? Then it was mentioned that he was summoned in the fifteenth/sixteenth century to hep 'create' Avalon. Then in this one he says in the current timeline (19th century) that if he was around as long as Avalon had been (300 years-ish), he would need a consort, yet he doesn't meet Chris for at least another hundred years? So was he summoned to create Avalon, and then again in between that event and the books current day? 

Apart from this little hiccup, this was a great book and I'm glad Megan was talked into writing it (by her partner and her sister I think I read somewhere). I'll be devastated when the next and final book in the series 'Dance in the Storm' comes out. 

The Northern Heart (Kingdom Curses 2) by Sasha L. Miller

Several weeks ago Emmerich saved the royal family—but at great cost to himself. He keeps going into trances and wandering off, and the problem is getting worse. If they don't figure out a solution soon, whatever's wrong will kill him. As if that's not enough, the person stuck babysitting him is a man he desperately wishes had wanted him for more than one night.

Pearce is at his wits end trying to save the man he cares about. Nothing he tries helps for more than a moment, and each time Emmerich falls asleep and slips into a trance, bringing him back out requires greater and greater magic—if the trance doesn't kill him first, waking him most certainly will. 

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

When I started this book I had no idea that it was the second book in a series. It was only after a lot of confusion in the first third (lots of references to previous events) that I stopped and looked up on Goodreads to see if it was a sequel. 

I don't know if things were better explained in the first book, but in this one not much was explained (which is stupid considering how much time is between two books in a series being published, give readers a refresher!). What are nodes? What are hearts? Are the hearts physical, magical or both? What was the world situation (realms etc) and how was the royal family structured? Etc, etc.
Confusion = annoyance and boredom. 

As for the actual story, the book was a very long way of resolving one problem. That was it. It really felt more like a novella, or perhaps it should have been compressed down into a couple of chapters of a longer book with more plot elements and story/character developments.

Wytch and Prinze by Kassandra Lea

Medium Jacob Wytch lives in the forest with his fluffy dog Gruff and his ghostly fairy godmother Amelie. When he gets a call from his friend Renwick Prinze, he panics. Jacob has been pining for Renwick longer than he cares to admit. Instead of admitting, however, he listens to Amelie and begins to sabotage Renwick's beds in hopes of inviting his dashing friend to sleep with him. 

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

This book was weird. It was like the author wrote a full size book retelling the fairytale of 'The Princess and the Pea', then decided to make bullet points of what happened, and presented the bullet points as the story instead. This mean't that it really felt like nothing happened. 

Everything was compressed or glossed over. Mentions of tours for his ghostly abilities, but in the book he doesn't leave his house. There is only one ghost in the story and it can't seem to remember what it's limitations are (at one point, it moved a book when apparently ghost cant touch things?)

The editor really needed to say, "this is a great idea, now go and expand it into an actual book". 

Danced Close (Portland Heat 4) by Annabeth Albert

Newly clean and sober, Todd's taken a shine to his job at Portland's most talked about bakery. It's not just the delicious desserts they sell, but the tasty treats who keep walking through the door. That certainly includes Kendall Rose, a wedding planner with eyes the color of brown sugar and skin to match. Todd doesn't try to hide his attraction to Kendall's elegant confidence and unique style, even as he worries about exposing the secrets of his past. 

For Kendall, the attention is just part of the anything-goes Portland he's grown to love. But he's still looking for that special someone who will embrace all of him—including his gender fluidity. So he takes a chance and asks Todd to be his partner in a dance class leading to a fundraiser. When the music starts and he takes Todd in his arms, Kendall is shocked at how good it feels. Turns out taking the lead for once isn't a mistake. In fact, it might be time to take the next step and follow his heart ... 

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

This wasn't a story. This was a bunch of issues, HIV, drug addiction, etc, held together by a very weak plot line of two guys learning to dance together. That was it, no other story, characters were not fleshed out and the 'ending' just fell flat. 

Breath of Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles 2) by Amanda Bouchet

SHE'S DESTINED TO DESTROY THE WORLD... 
"Cat" Catalia Fisa has been running from her destiny since she could crawl. But now, her newfound loved ones are caught between the shadow of Cat's tortured past and the threat of her world-shattering future. So what's a girl to do when she knows it's her fate to be the harbinger of doom? Everything in her power.

BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT

Griffin knows Cat is destined to change the world-for the better. As the realms are descending into all-out war, Cat and Griffin must embrace their fate together. Gods willing, they will emerge side-by-side in the heart of their future kingdom...or not at all.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

I really wish I had of read the first book in this series first. It's not necessary, you can follow the story, however I feel like the relationships were established in that book and were not defined/explained well in this one, especially at the start.

World rules had some confusion, but again this may have been explained in book one and not reiterated = why are their alpha's and beta's but also queens?

The romance was good but the news at the end came out of left field

She was pregnant the whole time she was throwing herself into suicidal situations

, she's watched over and helped by a bunch of Gods and yet none of them told her/warned her before she went into dangerous situations?! That's just shitty. 


Also, her powers were no really well explained. Were the gills now permanent? What was with the lightning power? And did the author make a big deal about Persephone watching over her and then seemingly forget about it?

I will read the third book when it comes out, because while their was holes, the story was good and I want answers!!!

Something Like Magic by Max C. Payne

John Cunningham is a private investigator looking into the disappearance of his friend's son, but he hits a roadblock because there's no evidence and the perpetrators are thought to have used magic. For assistance, he's pointed to magical consultant Orion Kensington, and asks for his help despite John's bad history with magic and reluctance to have anything to do with it.

But as the case grows more dangerous, and his unexpected attraction to Orion stronger, John soon realizes it's his own reluctance and hesitation that might get them killed long before magic and demons do it.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

For the love of all things holy, if you are going to introduce an original, magically diverse 'world' don't throw a couple of snipets out there and then refuse to explain/flesh out anything else!

For instance, "I'd had no idea there were so many different types of supernatural with varying differences in their magic and what they could do with it. The list had sorcerers, warlocks, and wizards separate from witches, thought my thinking was that they were basically the same... Except for sorcerers, those I knew ran toward special from normal witches." 

And that was it. No more explanations except for some really bad ones about Orion's 'Magic'.
There was more clothing descriptions than magic ones. 

Lost Souls (Cainsville 3.5) by Kelley Armstrong

The disappearing hitchhiker is one of the hoariest urban legends, and no one knows that better than Gabriel Walsh, a lawyer who grew up on folklore and myth. When author of books on the supernatural Patrick brings Gabriel a case of a hitchhiking woman in white who vanished on a country road after accepting a ride from a businessman, Gabriel knows the Cainsville elder is just trying to wheedle into his good graces. But Gabriel is a man in need of a mystery, one that will get him back into someone else’s good graces. His investigator, Olivia Taylor-Jones, has blown town supposedly on a simple vacation. But when she left there was a rift between them and…he misses her.

Gabriel is well aware the only thing Olivia loves more than a good mystery is a weird one, and this hitchhiker case more than fits the bill. As Gabriel digs into the story, he’s forced to face ghosts of his own and admit that the woman in white isn’t the only one who has lost her way.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

I would not recommend reading this novella without reading  books 1 through 3. It was just confusing without reading the rest of series. Yes the basic story was understandable, but the characters, their thoughts, feelings and relationships were not, nor was the world building. 

It was kind of like being thrown down a rabbit hole and being told to follow along a story half-way through without any cliff notes. 

Murder Wears White (Wedding Planner Mystery 2) by Stephanie Blackmoore

Mallory Shepards wedding planning business is off to a shaky start when a member of the bridal family drops dead at a food tasting . . ." 

Mallory hopes to unveil her new B&B just in time for her first ceremony as a wedding planner. The renovations to Thistle Park the mansion she inherited in small-town Port Quincy, Pennsylvania are almost complete. But what Mallory didn't plan on is the bride's aunt being poisoned at the wedding tasting and her perfect venue becoming a crime scene. 


Adding to the mystery is the discovery that this is not the first murder in the bridal family, and as Mallory becomes engaged in her own investigation she learns the man convicted of the crime may not be guilty. Now she has two crimes to solve before the bride walks down the aisle but a killer has other plans to ensure that Mallory forever holds her peace . . . '

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

I didn't realise until about 2 chapters in, that this was the second book in a series (not good publishers) and that I had previously read and reviewed the first book on Goodreads. 

Engaged In Death (book 1) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1639769943?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

This was just another cute, sweet, 'cosy mystery'. Nothing new, nothing excited, just the kind of book you read when you want to take your mind off things without having to think to hard. Enjoyable and I will read more in the series if I can get them for free, but I don't love them enough to purchase them.

Murder Go Round (Witch City Mystery 4) by Carol J. Perry

Lee Barrett has agreed to attend a storage auction with Aunt Ibby--even though she suspects the forgotten rooms will yield more junk than treasure. Her skepticism vanishes once the two win a bid on an overlooked locker and uncover a trove of beautiful curiosities, including a stunning wooden carousel horse with gentle eyes and fading paint. But just before Lee leaves the fairground relic at a local repair shop, the sight of a silver samovar awakens her psychic abilities and conjures visions of murder. 


Lee prays the intrusive ESP episode was just a glimpse into the past--until her policeman boyfriend reports a dead man outside the repair shop. Apparently, the unknown victim had been hot on Lee's trail since the auction. And with the horse found dismantled, it looks like he was up to no good. What's the story behind the antique equine, and could a strange bubblegum-chewing woman with fiery hair have something to do with the crime? Guided by her gift and O'Ryan, her wise tabby cat, Lee's set on catching the murderer . . . before she's sent on the darkest ride of her life. 

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

Can I start off by pointing out, why do 90% of 'cosy mystery' heroines have cops for boyfriends? I know its helpful for the story but it is soooo repetitive. 

I didn't mind this book, but it didn't really leave a mark. Case in point, I'm writing this review about a fortnight after finishing the book and I'm struggling to remember what happened. 

There was a bit more romance than normal for a 'cosy mystery' novel, but it was still only limited to kisses, sleepovers, and allusions towards certain activities occurring on the sleepovers (lol). 

The writing was a bit convoluted. Lots of unnecessary elements to try and throw the reader off the scent, i.e. various red herrings, and constant mention of those 'cards' with the 'clues' written on them. 

Probably my biggest issue was the editing/facts. There was a couple of continuation problems, for example the date with Rupert was on, then cancelled, then suddenly back on? As for the facts, the golden egg from the scrap collector was sold in 2012 not 2011 and Russian's generally believe that it is Maria not Anastasia in the second grave with Alexei, it's an American romantic ideal that it is Anastasia. 

All in all, okay book, but nothing new, and nothing impressive, especially the end which was really hands off/disappointing/cheap. 

Rasputin's Supernatural Dating Service by David D. Hammons

Monsters, ghosts, dead, undead, and Frankensteins still unsure if they’re depressed because they’re abominations against existence or if it’s just been forever since they’ve been laid, all can find love with Rasputin’s Supernatural Dating Service!

Eli Kowalski has seen his share of freaks as a Certifier for Rasputin’s Supernatural Dating Service. It’s his job to weed out the real monsters from the weirdos with too much black lipstick. While on a routine certification, he comes across the Tablet of Nicaea. A powerful witch and self-proclaimed “Men’s Rights Activist” wants to steal the tablet and use it to kill all supernatural creatures so that “nice guys” like him can have a better chance with women. Eli must unite with the supernatural policing agency, the witch’s ex-girlfriend, and the constantly-naked Rasputin to save supernatural creatures in the name of love. He’ll probably excuse himself from Rasputin’s victory orgy, though.

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

OMG what a hoot! This was definitely a comedy read and I really enjoyed it. From the minute we were introduced to Rasputin, every time he appeared 'on-screen' I had Boney M's disco hit 'Rasputin' playing in my head. Then the author brought it up in the book! (Magic disco ball to save the day anyone? lol)

The story itself wasn't that complicated it was really all about the writing and the comedy that won me over. I loved how the main character was a human who knew more about the supernatural world than a witch did, how you can't trust anyone with a Delaware license, and how Mormon's are a supernatural race, just to name a few.

If you want a fun, laugh out loud read, definitely give this book a go. 

Probably the only thing that annoyed me was why did a dating agency have to do the work of a policing agency (when it comes to certifying supernaturals) and why was a policing agency so incompetent? (Letting themselves be completely taken over, shouldn't they have safeguards in place?!) I get that it was to help to story move forward, but it annoyed me.

Leo Loves Aries (Signs of Love) by Anyta Sunday

A new person will enter your life in the early year, Leo. Look past any moments of frustration they might bring and laugh—this could be the start of a thriving friendship.

Theo Wallace usually laughs at the horoscopes his mom sends. Still hung up on his ex-girlfriend and practically friendless, this one begs him to reconsider. Because a friendship that stuck, that thrived…

Well, that would be a reason to leave past pains behind and look to the Bright Future.

When his sister Leone challenges him to find her the perfect date for a spring wedding, Theo uses it as a chance to make new friends. Theo’s ex economics tutor and newest roommate Mr Jamie Cooper seems to be a possible and convenient match. Real convenient. Like written in the stars, convenient.

All he has to do is make sure this Jamie is good enough. Could really be the one for her, and the friend for him.

But watch out, Leo, the stars have a surprise in store…

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My Review:     (Thanks to NetGalley) 

A sweet story but very slow. Could have done with some better editing, the first two thirds just dragged unnecessarily. 

I liked the whole friends to lovers angle, though I was in a bit of disbelief at how easily Theo could accept a change in his sexuality. Like with no thinking about it at all.