Blurb for Island Detour

Falsely accused of wrongdoing at a Princeton Prep school, Sophie Kearns accepts a temporary teaching position at an environmental school in the Florida Keys to wait out her suspension. The time away is meant to be an anxiety-free escape, but her clashes with the hot but arrogant marine biology teacher, Max Heaton, are anything but tranquil. Max is determined to start an environmental research institute at the school, but he suspects the gorgeous new Lit teacher, who lacks even the most basic outdoor skills, is there to hinder that dream. Yet, something about her tames the demons from his past, and he can no longer ignore the fire she’s lit inside him.

Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/4D20y7

Bio

Maria Imbalzano is an award-winning contemporary author who writes about strong, independent women and the men who fall in love with them. She recently retired from the practice of law, but legal issues have a way of showing up in many of her novels. When not writing, she loves to travel both abroad and in the states.  Maria lives in central New Jersey with her husband–not far from her two daughters. For more information about her books, please visit her website at http://mariaimbalzano.com where you can also sign up for her newsletter.

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MURDER MARKS THE PAGE by Karen Rose Smith

Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Book 1 in “Tomes & Tea Mystery” series, 272 pages

4****

Blurb:  The first in a new series spun off from the Daisy Tea Garden Mysteries, Daisy’s daughter Jazzi Swanson has opened her own book and tea shop, providing a variety of literature and flavored beverages for a rural New York community. But Jazzi has not only inherited her mother’s gift for brewing tasty drinks—she also has a nose for sniffing out murder. New York State’s Belltower Landing is a lakeside resort town where tourists spend their summer days boating, floating, and paddle-boarding on the water. It’s also the perfect place to cuddle up with a good book and enjoy a cup of tea, courtesy of Tomes & Tea. Owned and operated by Jazzi and her best friend Dawn Fernsby, the book bar is beloved by vacationers and locals alike, but browsers grabbing brews in the off season aren’t enough to help them make ends meet. Between brainstorming social media publicity ideas for the shop and fending off flirtatious men she has no interest in or time for, Jazzi befriends a woman named Brie who has recently made contact with her biological father. As an adopted child herself, Jazzi is more than happy to give Brie emotional support, especially as her wealthy father’s wife and children see her as a threat. But Brie is also looking to start a family of her own. Unfortunately, all the potential princes she’s met through a dating app turn out to be frogs. Then, when Brie is found murdered, Jazzi finds herself playing detective. With a list of suspects ranging from jealous half-siblings to less-than-suitable suitors, Jazzi may need to consult some of her shop’s bestselling mysteries to help her uncover a killer . . . Includes delicious recipes!

Thoughts: This is the first book in a new (spin-off) series from Karen Rose Smith, but it has ties to her “Daisy’s Tea Garden Mysteries”. In this one, Daisy’s daughter Jazzi is the (reluctant) sleuth. She’s living in a small resort town, sharing ownership of a bookstore/tea shop with her college roommate, Dawn, as well as an apartment — and two kittens. When a friend is murdered, Jazzi helps bring the killer to justice. She also has a possible romantic interest in two men—Oliver (Australian owner of a bar) and Parker (genius nerd who can also dance). 

The characters are well-done with a realistic setting —that I want to live in! If there was anything I didn’t care for, it was so much description about the characters clothes and setting – though, this being the first book in the series, some of that is necessary. I was also surprised that, though Daisy was often referred to, we didn’t see any of her at all. The reading went pretty fast and was enjoyable. I can’t wait to see more from Jazzi and her friends in this wonderful little resort town.

Recommendation: Definitely recommended

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

DARK RULES by Susan Vaughn

#4 in The DARK Files

Fiction, Romantic Suspense, 293 pages

4****

Blurb: DARK: An elite corps dedicated to preventing terrorism … andfinding happily ever after
Danger, secrets and lies…
Maverick DARK officer Simon Byrne, undercover on a Caribbean island, must stop an international arms dealer’s sale of uranium that could trigger a world war. Simon’s mission goes sideways when the woman he once failed to protect is assigned as his tech officer. Vowing to keep her safe, he fights the smoldering heat between them because distraction could cost their lives. But despite his personal rule of no entanglements, she’s in his head…and in his heart. By-the-book Janna Harris is determined to prove herself in the field and uncover whether her late husband, who sold to the arms dealer, also betrayed his government. A treason investigation could expose Janna’s own secrets. Her attraction to Simon wars with her pledge never to allow another man into her life. But can she walk away from the only man who could heal her battered soul? Emotions and danger collide as the powder-keg deadline ticks down on their mission–and their survival.

Thoughts: In this book, agent Simon Byrne goes undercover to stop an arms dealer on a lush Caribbean Island. Unfortunately, he is teamed up with Janna – the one woman he lost. Simon is a bit of a rebel—he’s an excellent agent but tends to do things his own way. Janna is a nerd, not used to field work. I loved how Simon referred to her as “Q”. Both characters had issues, but especially Janna. She’s the widow of a “hero” who everyone admired, but behind closed doors, he was an abusive thug. When Simon and Janna are teamed up for this mission, they work together well even when things go south.

I loved the interplay between Simon and Janna and there are enough twists and turns in the story to keep you reading. The ending is satisfying with a “happy for now” that makes you think it will turn into a “happily ever after” for the two of them.

Recommendation: Definitely recommended. 

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

EMERGENCY: KISS OF LIFE by Andrew Grey

Fiction, Contemporary Gay Romance, Novella (91 pages)

4 ****

Blurb: Professional hockey player Marcus Markington—Mark Mark to his fans—has dreamed of playing in the NHL since childhood, and has been raising his nephew with his parents’ help for the past few years. He’s at the top of his game and getting noticed when a clash with an aggressive defender results in a head injury and an encounter with Logan. Logan Castro, EMT and huge hockey fan, is thrilled to meet one of his favorite players, but would rather have had it happen under better circumstances. After assisting Mark, he accepts a pair of tickets to a game as a thank-you for giving Mark a ride home from the hospital. He doesn’t realize his simple act of kindness could change everything. Logan not only gets to know Mark, but also his nephew, Timmy. Both of them work their way into his heart. As the two men grow closer and Logan’s need for a family of his own seems so close he can almost touch it, Mark’s playing turns red hot. Both men know that Mark’s dreams could put more distance between them than their new relationship can take, but risking their hearts could be the goal they score together.

Thoughts: This is a sweet, short novella about two men who find each other during a rough time for one of them. Mark is a hockey player who takes a hard hit to the head. On his way home, things go sideways and he ends up with a concussion. He manages to get to the side of the road and calls emergency. EMT Logan shows up and finds his favorite player in trouble. After the hospital, sparks fly between the two—even with Mark’s son in tow. But they have a lot of things to overcome, including the possibility of Mark moving due to his job. 

There is some heat, lots of romance, and a happy for now ending that satisfies. 

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

THE HEARTBEAT OF THE UNIVERSE by various authors

Poetry, Science Fiction

4****

Blurb: The Heartbeat of the Universe collects poems from the top writers in the science fiction and literary genres, including voices such as Jane Yolen, Bruce Boston, Robert Frazier, Jessy Randall, and many others. These poems, selected by editor Emily Hockaday from the pages of Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine and Analog Science Fiction and Fact over the past decade, examine the Universe’s smallest particles and largest astral phenomena. These poems travel through time, speak to and from the dead, explore the body and quantum physics, all depicting the human condition and allowing readers to learn more about their universe and themselves.

Thoughts: Who knew poems based on science fiction could be so beautiful? And these are. This is a lovely collection from some of the best SF writers. Like most collections, I didn’t “love” them all, but I did enjoy them all. Some were very short while others took you on a longer journey, but all were well written and unique.

Recommendation: Definitely recommended. 

Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and Interstellar Flight Press for this ARC. All opinions are as mine and are not influenced by anyone. 

Please forgive me for not posting anything other than previously scheduled spotlights and reviews as I deal with the death of my mother. I will be back as soon as possible, but it may be a week or more. Meanwhile, keep writing, keep reading – and hug your loved ones.

Thank you.

A TWINKLE OF TROUBLE by Daryl Wood Gerber

Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, 304 pages

4****

Blurb: Carmel-by-the-Sea garden shop owner Courtney Kelly sees things others can’t—like fairies, and hidden motives for murder . . . Courtney is delighted when her tiny friend Fiona returns from the fairy realm, appearing at the base of a Cypress tree. When her Ragdoll cat, Pixie, emerges from her own portal—aka the cat door—the three set off for a busy day. Busier than usual, since Courtney has rented a small plot of land at the Flower Farm, where she hopes to grow her own supplies for her fairy-garden business. Plus, the annual Summer Blooms Festival is coming up, and Courtney has booked a booth . . . But the murder of Courtney’s friend, Genevieve, casts a pall over the festival. Ever since Genevieve sold her floral business, she’d been building a career as an influencer. She was perennially opinionated—but in her new role she’d become surprisingly vicious, dissing local entrepreneurs with nasty posts and unwarranted bad reviews. That’s landed a couple of Courtney’s other friends on the suspect list—including Flower Farm owner Daphne Flores. And when a second victim is discovered, seeds of doubt about Daphne’s innocence sprout in Courtney’s mind. With only a germ of a clue, Courtney will have to overturn every rock to get the dirt on the real killer . . .

Thoughts: This is the fifth book in the series and, for those who haven’t read the others, it is a cute cozy with a fun twist – real fairies. Though not everyone can see them. They are tiny and flit around, sometimes helping Courtney out with her investigations. The descriptions of them and the fairy gardens Courtney creates are so vivid, you think they are real. 

In this story, a friend, Genevieve, is murdered and it is up to Courtney to help figure out who did the deed. Then there is a second one and everyone seems to have a solid alibi. But, with the help of Fiona, Courtney eventually puts all the pieces together and solves the case (while also putting herself in danger). 

The characters are great and the descriptions realistic. But what I loved the most, in addition to the story, is at the end of the book are recipes for some of the foods mentioned in the story – in both regular and gluten free versions! Thank you to the author and publisher for this!

Recommendation: Definitely recommended. 

Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Books, for this advanced copy. The opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced by anyone. 

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY SCONE by Sarah Graves

Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Book 3 of 6, 272 pages, 

4****

Blurb: Summer guests are eager to sink their teeth into tantalizing desserts at The Chocolate Moose, Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White’s bakeshop in the island village of Eastport, Maine. But attracting the wrong kind of attention can be deadly . . .With the August heat strong enough to melt solid chocolate into syrup, Jake and Ellie crave a break from the bakery ovens, despite tourist season promising a sweet payday. But they never envisioned spending the last weeks of summer drifting around Passamaquoddy Bay searching for pirate’s treasure—and a dead body. Sally Coates believes her husband was murdered off the coast, and begs Ellie, a trusted childhood friend, to locate his remains. It’s unusual that a skilled fisherman would vanish along with the gold doubloon he inherited from his grandfather. And Sally isn’t the only one coveting the valuable heirloom for her own. As Jake and Ellie’s island-hop for answers, they find themselves caught between hungry sharks and hungrier suspects. Can the duo tempt fate and dodge danger before there’s blood in the water—or are they destined to fall into the jaws of a killer’s trap?

Thoughts: There are a lot of characters in this story — and some of them are real characters! Like a fisherman who chews his cigars and has raised two handsome twin boys. Or a 4-year-old who loves banging on xylophones, pots, anything that causes noise. And an old hermit woman who lives in a shack made of driftwood. And then there’s Jake. I didn’t *get* that she was a woman at first, but that became evident as I read—and no, I hadn’t read other books in the series so might have missed that fact— but how she retains her sanity in a household that is utterly insane is amazing. And I love that she’s not only an older woman (the 4-year-old is her grandson), but a klutz of the biggest order. She’s always falling or tripping, or stumbling, or having trouble climbing up and down ladders. Set on an island off the coast of Maine, the story spends a lot of time on the water — and in the water — with sharks (which I found interesting). And there are more dead bodies that Jake want’s to deal with. But she does, along with her friends.

This is a fun story with quirky characters and a satisfying ending. 

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

THE SOLITARY ROSE by Anne Rollins

Fiction, Paranormal Historical (Regency) Fiction

4****

Blurb: Henry Dawson, sorcerer and apothecary assistant, works to support his mother and younger siblings after his father’s investments and consequent death leave them penniless. Invited to woo a reclusive heiress with magical empathy, he reluctantly accepts, despite a preference for earning his own way. Emma Ainsworth fears smallpox scars and her hypersensitivity to others’ thoughts make her ineligible for marriage. Sheltered by her aunt and uncle, she has withdrawn from most social life and wears a veil whenever she must go out. When a serious injury confines Henry to Emma’s estate for the summer, a verbal duel ensues—Emma wants to test her empathy in a sexual relationship, not marry him. What neither admits is their fear that passion might burn them both.

Thoughts: I don’t read many Regency type romances, but I do read them. But this one threw a twist at me that I have not seen before – and I loved it! Magic. Wizardry. Witchcraft. Empaths. It completely caught me off guard (No, I didn’t read the blurb, just started reading the story.) The story also reminds me just a little of “Beauty and the Beast”, but in reverse. Henry is a penniless, gorgeous young man who is trying his best to support his mother, grandmother, and siblings. Emma is an heiress who is scarred from smallpox and thinks herself ugly. Her uncle has been pushing men at her to marry, but they are just after her money. Her uncle hires Henry to catalog the library – and marry her. But Henry and Emma do nothing but fight – at first. This is, after all a romance. 

I enjoyed the story and the paranormal enhancements just added to the enjoyment. 

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”