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”

CATCHING ROSE by Virginia Barlow

Fiction, Historical Western Romance, 263 pages

Expected publication: Feb. 12, 2024 

4****

Blurb: Rose Tanner dreamed of a fairytale wedding her whole life. But when her prince leaves her at the altar, she wants to know why. Traveling to Texas for answers she finds more than she bargained for. Captured by a human trafficking ring, she fights for freedom. Risking her life to help the other women with her, she discovers there’s more to happy ever after than she thought.Texas Ranger Chase Calhan wants one thing, to capture El Diablo’s men so he can marry Rose. When they get to her first, he races against time to catch Rose before it’s too late.

Thoughts: I don’t often get the chance to read western historical, so this was a nice break from my regular reading. Set in Texas/Mexico, the settings are realistic as are the characters for this time period (late 1800s). There is a lot of action, romance, some nastiness in the kidnapping and sale of women, and more. I enjoyed how Rose grew from a pampered city girl to a rough and tough woman who will stand up for herself and fight for her freedom. She is definitely the center of this story. Chase, Rose’s fiancé, doesn’t grow nearly as much, but he fights on—even against death—for the woman he loves. And, since this is a romance, there’s a HEA 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”

Rose Tanner dreamed of a fairytale wedding her whole life. But when her prince leaves her at the altar, she wants to know why. Traveling to Texas for answers she finds more than she bargained for. Captured by a human trafficking ring, she fights for freedom. Risking her life to help the other women with her, she discovers there’s more to happy ever after than she thought. Texas Ranger Chase Calhan wants one thing, to capture El Diablo’s men so he can marry Rose. When they get to her first, he races against time to catch Rose before it’s too late.

Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub)

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Catching-Calhan-Brides-Virginia-Barlow/dp/1509252649/

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/catching-rose-virginia-barlow/1144421887?ean=9781509252640

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/books/catching-rose-by-virginia-barlow

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203155315-catching-rose

Author Bio:

I have always loved reading romance novels. I used to sneak into my mom’s room as a young girl and read them while she was gone. As I grew older, my reading and tastes expanded to sci-fi, dystopian, paranormal, and fantasy. I considered becoming an author in my late twenties but as a busy mother with toddlers, I didn’t have the time nor the energy. Later, in my fifties, I decided to give it a try and have enjoyed every moment of it since. I recently signed my fourteenth contract and am doing my happy dance as I type this. My husband of forty-one years is my greatest support as are all my kids. Most of them are grown and carving out lives for themselves. They are the beat of my heart and with every grandchild, the rhythm gets stronger. I enjoy every moment of my life.

Social Media Links

Twitter: https://twitter.com/virginiabar1031

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiasromancenook/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3046288755596817

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@virginiasromancenook

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvGFHEfWqTshpYrUvlwbQhQ

Website: https://www.virginia-barlow.com

February 10

Birthdays: Charles Lamb (1775), William Allen White (1868), Boris Pasternak (1890), Bertolt Brecht (1898), Joseph Kessel (1898), Adrienne Adams (1906), Alex Comfort (1920), E.L. Konigsburg (1930), Stephen Gammell (1943), Mary McGarry Morris (1943), Francis Moore Lappe (1944), Vernor Vinge (1944), Mark Teague (1963), Lucy Cousins (1964), Glenn Beck (1964).

E.L. Konigsburg is a two-time winner of the Newbery Medal.

Stephen Gammell is the winner of the 1989 Caldecott Medal for his work on “Song and Dance Man”

Vernor Vinge is a multiple Hugo Award winner for his science fiction

Quote: “No bad man can be a good poet.” – Boris Pasternak, known for his book “Doctor Zhivago”

Tip: What is your book about? Boil the answer down to no more than two sentences. This becomes the basis for your pitch to editors and agents.

Jumpstart: You’ve been chosen…. (finish this using splinter, guitar, in a lab)

February 11

Birthdays: Sidney Sheldon (1917), Gordon Lish (1934), Jane Yolen (1939), Joy Williams (1944), Pico Iyer (1957), Mo Willems (1968),

Quote: “Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.” – Jane Yolen

Tip: Go to a library and browse the stacks. Check out areas you don’t normally go. What can you find that’s new and different for you?

Jumpstart: Make a list of images you find disgusting or ugly. Choose one and write a description that redeems that object.