THE DOMINION by Gaylene Froese 

Fiction, Paranormal, LGBTQ, 

4****

Blurb: The Pacific Northwest border town of the Dominion is soaked in magic. Full moons are a bloody spectacle, local restaurants have unicorn on the menu, and a dragon once burned down City Hall. The excitement makes the Dominion a beacon to tourists… but many of them never make it home. Travel writer Innis Stuart and his photographer, Karsten Roth, are visiting the Dominion to explore its dangers and offer a warning to overconfident tourists. Unfortunately, they may be among that number. Their local guide is an old friend to Innis, but he’s not acting like himself. Why does he seem to be working with the biggest crime boss in town? And why did both Innis and Karsten feel such a strong compulsion to enter the Dominion in the first place? It turns out that what they don’t know about the Dominion can hurt them, but it’s not as dangerous as what they don’t know about themselves.Come along for a tour of the city known as “the most magical place on Earth”… and don’t forget to buy travel insurance.  

Thoughts: I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started reading this. First of all, there are multiple first person points of view — both Innis and Karsten —well delineated by section headings so you know who is who. The story reads kind of like a travel guide, and kind of like two guys telling you what happened. Which is what they’re doing. You’re getting the story from Innis’s point of view, then Karsten’s. And it’s paranormal and just… weird. I wasn’t sure I liked it… and yet, I couldn’t stop reading. 

Innis is a travel writer and Karsten is a photographer. They get together to go to Dominion, a city in the Pacific Northwest straddling the US and Canada. Magic has come to the world, but not all of it is a good thing. And the Dominion is the worst of the worst. All sorts of crazy things happen there. Even though they’re with an old friend of Innis’s to guide them, things do go wrong for them. 

I liked how the romance aspect between Innis and Karsten was downplayed. It was there, but not in your face. All bedroom action is behind closed doors but in the end, you know they’re there for each other and the feelings are real. Nicely done.

Recommended, especially if you want something a little—no, a lot different but with a good ending that satisfies.

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”

A CURE FOR SPRING FEVER by Barbara Robinson

Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Novella, 73 pages

5*****

Blurb: For centuries, Gamekeepers have used their magical abilities to create a buffer between the creatures who dwell in the enchanted forest and the sleepy coastal town that sits in its shadow. When Gamekeeper Stan Ross’s magic begins to fail, he must find out what went wrong, then fix it before the two worlds collide. His hit or miss magic has already led to a few close calls so he journeys to the Sacred Isle searching for answers and advice.Finding a cure proves elusive—until Stan encounters a kitchen witch who captivates him body and soul. Lynnette Peters is healing from her own wounds, however, and it isn’t clear whether she’s ready to open herself to the possibility—or the peril—of love.

Thoughts: This was a cute short novella full of magic and mischief and the old ways. Lynette and Stan are perfect for each other – they just don’t know it yet and it’s up to the High Priestess to pull some strings and see to it that they get together. 

If you like mixing your romance with magic, definitely pick this one up. It won’t disappoint. And there’s a HEA ending that satisfies. Grab a cup of tea (or whatever) and curl up for a sweet story. 

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 GARDENER’S SECRET by S. Hansberger

Fiction, Suspense, 266 pages

4****

Blurb: Believing she’ll get to report gritty news, Callie accepts a job at her hometown newspaper. Instead, she’s assigned the gardening column—a subject she knows nothing about. She begs advice from a tight-lipped neighbor when he admits he’s a retired gardener, even though his mannerisms and speech suggest he’s anything but. Not knowing the full truth doesn’t matter—she needs his help. The townsfolk think him strange and warn Callie to keep her distance, but she regards him and his family as friends. Learning their horrifying secret doesn’t deter her, even though loyalty will draw her into danger.

Thoughts: This was a good suspense novel. Callie is a young, avid reporter who wants to be a big-time investigative reporter — but she’s stuck doing a gardening column for her small town newspaper. Unfortunately, she knows absolutely nothing about gardening. But a new friend does and he agrees to help her. She becomes intrigued by him. He lives with his daughter and grandson and is very reclusive. Over the next few months, they become friends, and she learns why they are secretive. Their problem becomes her danger. Note trigger: this is a story about abuse though nothing happens in the book, there is talk about escaping bad situations.

I enjoyed the story—though I knew what was going on from the beginning—which is the only reason this was a four and not a five. The characters are believable and the settings well-done. Even the situation with the brother coming back sick and forcing the secret out is an interesting part of the story. 

Recommendation: I would definitely read more from this author and do recommend this if you’re looking for suspense that is on the lighter side (no murder, very little romance). 

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 DUKE’S COWBOY by Andrew Grey

Fiction, Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+, 211 pages

4****

Blurb: George Lester, the Duke of Northumberland, flees familial expectations in Britain for the promise of freedom of San Francisco, looking for the chance to be himself. But before he even gets close, a blizzard forces him off the road, and he finds himself freezing half to death in a small town with no motel… with a litter of puppies to look after. Luckily for George, he also finds Alan. As the heir to his family’s ranch, Alan Justice knows the burden of being the oldest son. He doesn’t have time to show George, the stranger his brother dragged home, what it takes to be a cowboy. But that very night, George surprises him by helping a mare in distress through a difficult birth. Maybe the duke is made of sterner stuff than Alan thought. George and Alan keep surprising each other, and every day they grow a little closer. But when George’s responsibilities call him home, Alan finds he’s the one who has something to prove—that he can handle what it means to be the duke’s cowboy. 

Thoughts: The first thing I thought of when reading this was how desolate (and beautiful) it is driving across Wyoming/Montana/Dakotas/etc. I’ve done it and you can drive for miles and see nothing but landscape. Add in a blizzard and someone not used to this kind of country and you have a disaster waiting to happen. And that is what happens to George. Fortunately for him, he finds a place and a family to hunker down until the storms pass. Alan isn’t quite sure what to make of the British aristocrat, but at least the man joins in and helps out on the ranch instead of just sitting around expecting to be waited on.

Both men have issues that need to be addressed before they can commit to each other—and they do. This is a romance after all so there’s a HEA that satisfies. There’s a good bit of heat in the story, but it works. 

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”

COOKIES AND GHOSTS by Tiny Sparks

Fiction, Paranormal Romance, 5 Heat Level, 211 pages

4****

Blurb: Ellen didn’t know she has a great-aunt until she receives an invitation to meet her. With her great-aunt’s house in shambles, Ellen must shack up with a sexy Scot named Kerr. No matter how much she throws herself at him, he resists, insisting on something more she’s not ready for. Still, as deliciously handsome as he is, he might break down her walls and persuade her to try a relationship one last time. In her great-aunt, she finds a kindred soul who understands the struggles of being bipolar. However, when she’s introduced to her great-aunt’s young boyfriend, Ellen questions her sanity. Ghosts aren’t real, or so she thought.

Thoughts: This is a steamy paranormal romance full of ghosts and handsome Scot’s with delicious accents. It’s also about a woman who has bipolar issues. I love that the author showed the struggles she goes through with her emotions and medications—all part of the process. Ellen gets to know her great-aunt and how she also struggled with being bipolar. Then Ellen finds out the other issue shared with her great-aunt—she can see and talk to ghosts. 

Almost from the beginning, we know Ellen is going to get it on with Kerr (the handsome Scot), even with the issues that keep coming between them. The heat level in this book is high. But in the end, Kerr accepts Ellen and everything that entails and we have a HEA ending that satisfies. The setting is well-done and the characters quirky and fun. There were a few editorial glitches, but the story overall was interesting and kept me reading. And I just wish I knew more about Claire. I got the feeling this was the first book in a series, maybe.

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”

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”