SIFTING THROUGH SECRETS by Catherine Bruns
Fiction, Cozy Mystery, part of series
4****

BLURB: When full time baker and reluctant part time sleuth, Sally Muccio, agrees to cater a glamorous baby shower at a customer’s lavish home, she expects a day full of strawberry lemonade cookies, vanilla buttercream icing, and minimal drama. What she doesn’t expect is for the grandma-to-be to offer her fifty thousand dollars to find out who’s trying to kill her. Trudy Delvecchio is rich, pretentious, and without many fans, especially in her own family. While the money is tempting, Sal politely declines the offer. After all, she explains, she’s a baker, not a professional detective. But when Trudy turns up dead the very same evening, with no obvious sign of foul play, something about the entire situation leaves a bitter taste in Sal’s mouth. With a house full of suspects and lies rising faster than oven-proofed dough, Sal will need to sift through many secrets to uncover the truth, or she could be the one left in the dust.

THOUGHTS: I love the Muccio family in this series, especially Grandma Rosa. But all the characters are a hoot. In this one, Sal and her best friend and baker, Josie, are hired to cater an upscale baby shower for a rich, obnoxious woman. After the shower is over, Trudy Delvecchio asks Sal to look into who is trying to kill her. Sal refuses because she doesn’t want anything to do with Trudy, plus she has a two-month-old baby and a toddler at home. She just wants a normal life, preferably one that doesn’t involve murder. Unfortunately, her wishes don’t happen when Trudy ends up the same night she tried to hire Sal. And there are way too many suspects. Her old friend and cop, Brian, draws her in, asking for her help. She reluctantly agrees, but her questions lead to her sister, Gia, being put in danger.

This story was as interesting as the other stories I’ve read in this series. I love the characters the author has created. They are unique and quirky and fun. Even the bad ones. The mystery is good with a lot of suspects and kept me reading to the end. I was a little confused though by Brian actually asking Sal for her help when in the other books he only grudgingly accepted it. Also, I had some other questions that didn’t get solved. I don’t want to go into them here because I don’t want to give things away. But, I will say that overall, I enjoyed this one as much as I did the other books in the series – and I love the addition of those delicious recipes at the end. And I really want some of Rosa’s Braciole!

Recommended.

HIGHWAY TO HAPPY by Kelly Fletcher
Fiction, Contemporary Romance
5*****

BLURB: Sometimes you just need a road trip… I didn’t mean to stare at Adam Woodbury. And I definitely didn’t mean to assume he was homeless. But when you see a man in a small-town café eating like he hasn’t had a real meal in days, then sharing the last bite with his big golden retriever, it’s hard not to wonder. With his sun-streaked hair brushing his shoulders, scruffy face, flannel shirt torn at the elbows, faded jeans, and dusty boots, he looks like he stepped right out of one of those vagabond movies. The kind where the leading man carries secrets in his silence. Turns out, Adam isn’t lost. He’s searching—traveling the back roads of Georgia in a camper van, capturing the world through his camera lens while trying to outrun the ghosts of his past. I should’ve kept my distance. But somehow, this wandering soul with a love for the simple things in life has pulled me out of my comfort zone of real estate contracts and high heels, and into his world of open skies, campfires, and quiet mornings. And the more I learn about the pain he’s running from, the more I realize my heart aches with hope too. Because somewhere between the winding highways and the unexpected moments of shared joy, I’ve started to wonder if this road we ended up on together is leading us home. Highway to Happy is a tender, deeply emotional journey about love, loss, and rediscovering yourself when life takes an unexpected turn.

THOUGHTS: I love this author and there’s a good reason. She puts you right in the world with the characters, and makes them real. They have flaws. They have issues. They make mistakes. In this one, Keri lives in a small Georgia town trying to make a living at a dying real estate business that once belonged to her father. A former beauty queen, she had dreams once upon a time, but life stepped in with the deaths of her father and her beloved grandmother. Now, she’s just trying to do right by them. Then, while eating at the local cafe, she sees a man upside, with his dog. He’s scruffy, wearing torn clothes and driving a beat-up camper van. But he’s also incredibly handsome and something inside her clicks. Adam, a former high-end photographer, is trying to escape his past and the devastating memories that live there. When he meets Keri, a part of him that he thought was closed forever cracks open.

As the two of them get to know each other, they face their pasts. It’s not always easy or pretty, but their bond tightens and they both realize that maybe they can begin to live again – with each other. But as everyone who reads romances knows, the road to a HEA is often filled with potholes and detours and this story is no exception.

This story is full of emotional highs and lows and they feel real. It is written in first person from both Keri and Adam’s point of view, but the author is careful to title each chapter with who you’re with in that chapter. And a HEA that satisfies.

Definitely recommended.

LIFE AFTER by Victoria Smith
Fiction, Paranormal Romance
4****

BLURB: When Mia realizes she’s the only person left in the world, her first thought is that she’s free. After years of abuse by her mother and an accident that makes her financially responsible for her comatose mother’s care, Mia embraces her new life. Though the solitude was intended to torture Mia, it’s the best thing that ever happened to her. She spends the time healing while trying to figure out who she is and what she wants. Before long, she realizes she’s not truly alone in her paradise. John claims to be her guardian but insists she needs to go back to her old life. How could that possibly be good? Together they strive to figure out why Mia’s life was manipulated and who is responsible. Their journey uncovers deceit and evil—and their love for each other.

THOUGHTS: Wow. What an emotional ride. The character of Mia is well done and the world building is excellent. Mia has been abused by her mother her entire life. An accident that killed her brother, sent her mother into a nursing home where Mia has had to pay for this woman’s care. She works eighteen hour days, barely scraping by. One night, she opens up to her neighbor about her life. The next morning, she wakes up alone. Completely alone. As in there are stores and cars and houses… but no people anywhere. At first, the solitude bothers her, but she adapts and learns to actually enjoy her new life. But she has the feeling that someone else is there.

John is a guardian who has been watching over Mia. But he realizes something is wrong. Mia shouldn’t be having this much trouble. And why is she alone? John starts to investigates and then actually meets Mia, even though he’s not supposed to. But he has fallen for her. She’s special. And Mia thinks he is too. 

When Mia returns to the real world, she returns with a new focus on life. But John is gone. She goes on, adjusting and living her life even with a broken heart. 

This is an emotional story and some people need to know about the abuse trigger, but Mia is a survivor. If there was anything I wish was different, I wish the story was a little longer. That was really the only thing (and a few editorial issues) that kept it from being 5*****. The ending seemed a bit rushed, but there was a HEA that satisfied. 

Recommended.

THE PUMPKING VICE CAFE by Ellie Alexander
Fiction, Cozy Mystery
4****

Blurb: As autumn settles over the charming hamlet of Ashland, Oregon, ushering in cool, crisp breezes and a stunning show of color, everyone at Torte is keeping warm by whipping up a bevy of fall treats and spicy lattes. Jules is nearing her due date, and the whole town is abuzz—placing bets on when the twins will make their grand debut. Helen and the team are working on a secret surprise baby shower, complete with cupcakes, cookies, and a feast fit for royalty, or maybe just a mother-to-be. Meanwhile, Lance and Arlo are busy planning their nuptials in what is sure to be as close to a royal wedding as Ashland has ever seen. But when the high-end wedding planner they hired is found dead in the frigid waters of Ashland Creek, what looks like a tragic accident, a slip on an icy bridge, quickly reveals itself as something much more sinister. Jules knows at once—this was no mishap. A killer is loose in Ashland, and they may be ready to strike again.

THOUGHTS: This was a fun story, #23 in the Bakeshop Mystery series. While some series are hard to get into if you haven’t read the books from the beginning, this one was fine. The author has a deft hand when describing the characters and their relationships with each other. And the description of the town is spot on. The only thing I had a tiny bit of trouble with was the “Mount A” as I had no clue what this was until I asked a friend who had been to Ashland. You might want to let newbies know that it is Mount Ashland. But this is a minor issue. I love that everything in the story is related to the Shakespeare Festival.

In this story, the main character, Jules, is very pregnant and due any day. Which kind o amazed me. How is she still standing at the bakery and doing all this work when she’s ready to drop twins? Most nine-monthers are not into doing that kind of hard work. But I love that her team is doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Her best friends Arlo and Lance are making plans for their wedding and hire a planner to help them. Unfortunately, she is a no-show, so they hire someone else–someone who is less than ethical in her dealings. When she ends up murdered, there are a lot of suspects and Jules wants to make sure the right person gets caught so she goes on the case–much to her husband’s (and a lot of other people) dismay.

A fun read, a good cozy, lots of interesting characters and great setting, and a satisfying ending. What could be better? Pick this one up to add to your collection.

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” Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this ARC.

FRACTURED VALOR by A.A. DaSilva

Fiction, Romantic Thriller, Steamy

5*****

Blurb: Xavier
After a mission gone wrong, the life of valor I once led bleeds away one drink at a time. But a brother-in-arms from my past needs my help, so I reluctantly agree. The assignment: transport a scientist and her antidote to a base on the west coast for international security. As we race against the clock and face danger at every turn, I become fixated on more than just the mission. For someone so accustomed to feeling nothing, she makes me want to feel everything.
Isabel
Shaking off the tatted, sardonic hired bodyguard isn’t as easy as I’d hoped. My sharp tongue and defiant nature are supposed to chip away his resolve and allow me to arrive at my destination solo. But my efforts are stirring something in him—something I shouldn’t want from a man like him. The more protective he becomes, the harder I fight to resist the desires hidden in my guarded heart. Because if I let him in, I don’t think he’ll give me back. Especially once he learns I’m the reason he’s lost everything once before.

THOUGHTS: The story starts off with high intensity as the hero is an assassin for the government and on a mission that goes horribly wrong. Fast forward two years, he’s retired from the army and is basically a badly scarred drunk with no prospects. Enter an old army buddy who runs a security company and has been trying to get Xavier on his team for a while. He convinces Xavier to take on a small job—take a woman scientist with an antidote to a nasty drug across the county to her brother on an army base in San Diego. Isabel is stubborn and determined that she doesn’t need a babysitter – until she does. But even then, she fights against it—and against the feelings she is developing for Xavier.

Both Isabel and Xavier have issues with things in their pasts. It takes the entire trip for them to come to grips with those issues, especially when Xavier finds out about Isabel’s ties to his failed mission. As the danger escalates, so do their feelings for each other—leading to several steamy sex scenes. And a HEA that satisfies.

I will note that the story is told in multiple first person with each chapter headlined by who is the lead in that chapter. I know some people have an issue with this, but trust me, the story is worth it.

Recommended.

A.A. DaSilva

Blurb: Isabel Torres is a reclusive scientist brokenhearted by events in her murky past. When she’s the first in the country to develop an antidote for a new bioweapon, her special-ops brother enlists the services of Valor Security to transport her—and the vials—to the West Coast safely. Xavier Mastroianni is a former soldier fighting the demons that cling to him from a faulty hit years ago. When a brother-in-arms offers him a job in an effort to help piece his life back together, he’s thrown into the path of the sexy scientist with sad eyes and a smart mouth. Brought together on a mission for international security, Isabel’s snark and Xavier’s sarcasm mix like fire and fuel, and the two dark souls taunt each other at every turn. But when thrown into a life-or-death situation, bonds form, secrets are exposed, and as danger mounts at every mile, both begin to wonder if they’ll survive the mission—without losing their what’s left of their fractured hearts. Sexy and suspenseful and unexpectedly funny, Fractured Valor has some of romance lovers’ favorite tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, brother’s frenemy, just one room, and a healthy dose of scorching open-door spice.

TUNNEL VISION by Eloise Corvo
Fiction, Mystery
4****

BLURB: Autumn in Stone’s Throw, Michigan, is filled to the brim with hot apple cider, chunky pumpkins, and football rivalries. The entire town is gearing up for Homecoming festivities against rival Hemlock Pond, bringing together old friends and new, to the Lake Michigan town. With the support of her loyal (and cheeky) dog, Martin Short, State Park Ranger Maudy Lorso is determined to keep her head above water. She’s running for local office, tending to a burgeoning relationship, and scrounging to keep the park’s doors open. Already trying to mend a rocky relationship with her best friend Eli, things take a darker turn when his childhood friend, State Senator Paige Ramos, is found dead on his front porch on Halloween night. As secrets surface and old bonds fray, Maudy’s not sure who she can trust. Stone’s Throw may seem like a postcard-perfect coastal town, but someone is hiding a much larger plan, and they’ll do whatever it takes to keep it buried.

THOUGHTS: This is a well-written book with good characters and really good scenery. But, did I like it? No. Yes, I gave it four stars, mostly because it is a good story. But it was a little too dark for my taste. I *thought* it was a cozy mystery, but some places are promoting it as a thriller and I’m not a huge fan of those.

The good points: I loved the little dog, Marty. And the Prohibition Era tunnels are brilliant! The interaction between Maudy and the other characters is done well–both to her advantage and her detriment. I especially liked her relationship with Eli and how that came together. Maudy is a park ranger who has her hands full trying to come up with funds to keep the park open, but it’s not an easy job. And all this while running for town council. But someone is trying to sabotage her race. Meanwhile, the entire town is gearing up for homecoming during Halloween festivities so there is a lot going on. Including the murder of a state senator on Eli’s porch. And the attempted murder of another friend, Wesley, and even Eli. And so much more. The ending was satisfying but very dark for me. And there is a huge thread left dangling so we know there will be more to come on that plot point in following books.
All-in-all, a decent enough read, just not my cup of tea.

SHELTER OF HIS HEART by Andrew Grey
Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Gay M/M
4****

BLURB: College professor Jameson Kline has a good life, if a little quiet and maybe lonely. But all that changes when he encounters his high school crush, Todd, and Todd’s young son, in the woods at the back of the local park. Not knowing what else to do, he takes them home and gives them dinner and a place to rest for a while. Todd Morris is ashamed of his current situation, but unsure of how to come back from losing nearly everything, especially a home and safety for his son, Kenny. With Jameson’s help, Todd begins to piece their lives back together one step at a time. But being without a steady home has left a mark that’s hard to overcome, including not being able to rely on others for anything. As Jameson helps Todd get his feet under him again one step at a time, Todd’s heart opens to Jameson’s kindness and old feelings find new life. But Todd and Kenny’s old life refuses to go quietly, putting Kenny in danger. As they work together to rebuild and keep Kenny safe, Todd and Jameson’s simmering attraction grows more intense and possibilities open for both of them, if they can hold the threat at bay.

THOUGHTS: This was a good, quick read (only 100 pages) with decent characters and well-done setting. In this one, a college professor has a chance encounter with an old friend who is down on his luck and is trying to keep his 5-year-old son safe from a stalker. Jameson Kline recognizes Todd Morris from when he had a crush on him back in high school, plus they had a couple of junior college classes together, then Todd dropped out of sight–until now. Living in a tent in a park with his son, he has nowhere to go and no way to get there. Jameson takes them both in, offering a safe haven until Todd can get things together. But a stalker from the homeless camp thinks Todd’s son is his and comes after them. They manage to thwart the attempt and life settles down. Meanwhile, with help from Jameson and others, Todd manages to find a good job and is slowly getting his life back on track. The two of them realize that they have more than an old friendship going on and open their hearts to possibilities. A couple hot scenes and a satisfying ending make this a romance to read and enjoy.

Recommended.

JUST MY LUCK by Lena Hendrix
Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Heat Level 4
second in series
4****

BLURB: You might think it’s reckless for a single mom to enter into a marriage of convenience with her boss… You would be correct. To make matters worse, Abel King is a grumpy local brewer with a criminal past. He also happens to be my boss and a total stick-in-the-mud. Every time I come to work with a smile and wave, I’m lucky if I can get a grunt in response. When I accidentally-on-purpose overhear that he’s having trouble securing a business loan due to his criminal record, I hatch a plan to help the both of us. The arrangement is perfect—a business transaction and nothing more. Like having a roommate without the hassle of other people bugging you for dates. I will definitely not be falling in love with him—no matter how many times he says “my wife” and tingles dance in all the right places. Trouble is, as time goes on, things stop feeling like business and start feeling a whole lot like pleasure… and really, that’s just my luck…

THOUGHTS: Combine a grumpy ex-con in need of money and a single mother looking for protection for her kids from her ex and you have the makings of a marriage of convenience. Which is exactly what Sloane proposes to Abel in order to solve both their problems. If she marries him, she gets access to her trust fund with enough money to help him out and a way to keep her and her 7-year-old twins safe from her violent ex.

But something happens after their wedding and they actually fall in love and become a family. The kids adore him and so does Sloane. And when her ex shows up and threatens her, Abel and his friends warn the man off. But the problems don’t stop there as Abel’s crooked father “takes care of things”. Abel and his siblings suspect that his father killed their mother, but have no proof. And now Sloane’s ex has also disappeared.

Like in the first book, the mystery is not solved and only deepens. One can only assume that the threads will continue in following books. The heat level is high, but not as high as the first book. This one has a lot more emotions going on and, even with the mystery, a satisfying ending.

Recommended with notes about the heat level and dangling threads.

LIFE AFTER by Victoria Smith
Fiction, Paranormal Romance

BLURB: When Mia realizes she’s the only person left in the world, her first thought is that she’s free. After years of abuse by her mother and an accident that makes her financially responsible for her comatose mother’s care, Mia embraces her new life. Though the solitude was intended to torture Mia, it’s the best thing that ever happened to her. She spends the time healing while trying to figure out who she is and what she wants. Before long, she realizes she’s not truly alone in her paradise. John claims to be her guardian but insists she needs to go back to her old life. How could that possibly be good? Together they strive to figure out why Mia’s life was manipulated and who is responsible. Their journey uncovers deceit and evil—and their love for each other.

Amazon

About the Author: Victoria Smith lives in Central PA with her high school sweetheart and way too many animals. She writes paranormal, urban fantasy, and dystopian—all with romance, because who doesn’t love a happy ending? 
Visit her at http://vickismith.blogspot. com.