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”

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.