Cathy's World

REVIEW

Still Missing by Lauren Street

Still County Thriller #5

~ Seamless transition for Rita from Sheriff of Still County to Head of Law Enforcement Operations APEX was supposed to provide more income and less time at work now that she is pregnant and in a relationship with Cash but the plan is thwarted by industrial intrigue and two bizarre murders and a few kidnappings instead ~ Great addition to the series ~ Would recommend reading previous book before this one if possible ~

What I liked:

* Rita Jones: mid-thirties, spent 15 with the NYPD, recently sheriff of Still County till APEX job was offered, complex, competent, bright, strong, contained, conflicted, mother estranged, father recently deceased, in a committed loving relationship with Cash * Cash Gabriel: Rita’s first love, mechanic, attractive, caring, supportive, excellent cook, calm, steady divorced, son of the local drug lord, cares deeply for Rita, fire destroyed his home and business

* Members of her old team at the Sheriff’s office:

- Mary Lou: mans the front desk, multi-tasks, worth her weight in gold, mother-figure to Rita in the past, Jill of all trades - Jason: current Sheriff of Still County, bright, professional, sensitive, levelheaded, responsible, brother to six sisters, recently left his romantic interest, intrigued by what he will do next

* Supporting characters: Tilda Keating/Forensics, Dylan Bruce/Chief Medical Examiner, Ruby Joe/The Shaft owner and Rita’s aunt, Carly/owner of Carly’s Crystals and runs group for abused women, Skylar/coffee shop & bakery owner

* The mysteries: origins of money found in Otto’s safe deposit box, murders and kidnappings, the intrigue at APEX and that all of the mysteries were solved by the end of the book * The plot, pacing, setting, police procedural aspects, and the writing * That I have become invested in the characters of Still County and want to spend more time with them

What I didn’t like:

* Who and what I was meant not to like

* The part greed and desire for money played in this story and how many people were impacted * Thinking about politicians and big businesses that connive and scheme together

Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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REVIEW

A Dance with the Wayward Duke

by Giovanna Siniscalchi

A Pirate Duke & Ballerina Historical Romance

~ Costume party meet-cute introduces a pirate entranced by a woman dressed as Selene, the moon goddess ~ A meeting that sets the stage for all to follow ~ Loved this story ~

What I liked: * Tristan: Duke of Blackmere, The Sea Wolf, Captain in the English navy, soon to be diplomat as ambassador to Naples, wears the pirate’s costume well, master of the seas, avoids ties and emotion and anything that might weigh him down, emotionally closed off but comes around eventually

* Marguerite “Maggie” D’Ailes: previously a dancer, owes money to the hotel and perhaps others, recently left a negotiated four-year liaison with a diplomat, dislikes the cold of England and seeks passage for herself and her lady’s maid to Naples where she hopes it will be warmer, gives more of herself than the contracts she signs expect

* Watching the relationship develop between Tristan and Maggie as it moves from a negotiated affair without feelings to so much more

* Lorenzo della Rocco, Conti di Brianza: Tristan’s younger brother, lieutenant on Tristan’s ship the HMS Resolute, outgoing, warm, caring, interested in knowing his brother, insightful, fun, looking forward to his story that will come later this year

* Elsie: Margeurite’s lady’s maid, level headed, wise, gives good advice often unheeded

* The way Tristan maximized The Resolute’s strengths to elude a corsair that pursued them

* Maggie’s gift to Tristan, not a negotiation, and its positive impact on him

* That I could see Tristan and Maggie living happily together forever

* The plot, pacing, setting and writing

* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like: * Can’t think of anything at all that I didn’t like except perhaps saying goodbye to Tristan and Maggie on the last page

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author and Bookfunnel for the ARC – This is my honest review

5 Stars

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REVIEW

Stolen Sanctuary by Jezebel Thorne

Omerta Brotherhood #3

~ Giovanni and Viviana have a rough start ~ expectations on both sides of the wedding veil are diametrically opposed with no middle ground to be seen ~ What an interesting, intriguing, and immersive romance this proved to be.

What I liked: * Viviana “Vivi” Salviati: banished to a convent at ten, naïve, wedding expectations high, trained to be obedient, innocent, inexperienced, protective, carries guilt, greatest wish is for a loving family, learns a lot and comes into her own as the pages are read

* Giovanni “Gio” Marchetti: Head of the Marchetti mafia family, strong, lethal, cold, grim, revenge and family focused, loving uncle, protective, lives by a code, not afraid of getting his hands bloody, makes a choice based on “facts” that might not actually BE facts

* The three little girls that had their lives disrupted: Viviana, her sister Elena, and the housekeeper’s daughter Millie

* Little Bird: a bird with a broken wing that cracked the ice between Vivi and Gio

* The communication between Vivi and Gio once they began to talk

* That the darker aspects of the story were pertinent and not overly graphic

* Not knowing who to trust and what was/was not true

* The mysteries resolved related to murders and who committed them, the twists and turns, that the characters were not always what they first appeared to be

* That it was easy to dislike the villains once they were revealed

* The supporting characters that I hope will show up in future books of the series

What I didn’t like:

* Who and what I was meant not to like

* Parents that were ruthless, negligent, and evil

* Thinking about how difficult it would have been to have lived some of these characters lives

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review

4.5 Stars

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My bride dreams of a fairytale prince. Too bad she marries the villain. The nuns taught me to be obedient. To be the perfect wife. The lesson was clear. From the moment I say ‘I do,’ I belong to him—my husband. But the man who lifts my veil isn’t the boy I was promised, the childhood sweetheart I’ve been dreaming about for years. My husband is a stranger, with dark eyes devoid of humanity and a powerful body with no hint of a soul. Capo Giovanni Marchetti doesn’t want a wife. He wants control—and a weapon in his ongoing war. He drags me to an isolated island off the Italian coast. Locks me in a room. There’s no escape. I am a prisoner on l’Isola di Lisca Bianca, at the center of a mafia war I don’t understand, held captive in a villa that hides as many secrets as it does threats to my life. Screams that creep in on the sea breeze. Doors that aren’t there. And a picture of a little girl my husband never talks about, and I’ve never seen… I was taught to be the perfect wife, but the nuns never warned me I was marrying the devil. The man who has stolen my future—and is going to punish me for my past. My own personal damnation. Because when Gio stalks me with those eyes, and drags those battle-hardened fingers across my lips, I don’t want to escape. I want to burn. Stolen Sanctuary is a standalone dark mafia romance featuring a possessive silver fox and the flame-haired virgin bride who refuses to be his lamb. Expect high steam, dark themes, and a morally grey, possessive, obsessive antihero who will stop at nothing to keep what’s his. It is the third novel in the Omertà Brotherhood series and can be read as a Standalone. No cheating. Guaranteed HEA. For TWs visit the author's website.

REVIEW

The Killer’s Dastardly Intrigue by Patricia Rice

Gravesyde Village Mystery #6

~ Delightful addition to a wonderful series ~ Loved watching Tutor Birdwhistle and Modiste Lavender they contemplate the pros and cons of a life together ~ Gravesyde Village is growing with each story ~ I can’t wait to find out who is up next to star in book seven ~

What I liked:                                                                                  

*Terence Fortescue Dacre also known as “Birdwhistle and Fort”: youngest of six Duke’s sons, smallest in age and size, tutor, attracted to Lavender Marlowe, strategizer, and more than he appears

* Lavender Marlowe: young modiste, illegitimate daughter of a lord, dyslexic, excellent designer, had difficulty at the girls school she attended, one of the family who inherited the Gravesyde estate

* Thinking about the future of Lavender and Fort and believing they will achieve success and happiness together

* Watching the romance develop between Thea and Arnold and can’t wait to see how their lives progress after their wedding

* The ongoing mystery of the treasure that was hidden and what transpired surrounding the treasure in this book

* The murder mystery and finding out who the murderer was and the motivation for the murders

* The troupe of actors that made appearances to assist in solving the murders

* That Thea’s inheritance will be hers as her evil father who has kept it from her has been thwarted brilliantly

* The entrance…and exit of the band fo no-good-dastards that descended on the village

* Catching up with characters from previous books set in this Gravesyde

* Thinking about the future of the village and hoping to return to it in another book soon

What I didn’t like: * Those involved in the plot to assassinate Birdwhistle’s brother and their intention of taking over Gravesyde manor and village for their own nefarious reasons

* Having to say goodbye to the cast and crew

Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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REVIEW

Echoes of Infamy by Shaina Steinberg

Bishop & Gallagher Mystery #3

~ Stepping back into this series was like entering a black and white movie from the era. It was also like returning home as I came across characters mention of Pickwick Book Store where the family used to go for family evening outings, Clifton’s Cafeteria where we sometimes ate, and Bullock’s Pasadena where I shopped and bought trousseau items with my mother ~

What I liked: * Evelyn Bishop: president of Bishop Aeronautics, married to Nick, spy during WWII, private investigator after the war, intelligent, feminist of sorts, wealthy, open minded, fair, honest, empathetic, wise, someone I would want as a friend * Nick Gallagher: private investigator, married to Evelyn, poor as a child, abusive parents, abandoned as a preteen, survived on the streets, grew up in Los Angeles, excellent investigator, finds out a bit more about his family in this book, wants a family in the future

* Carl Santos: member of the OSS team Evelyn and Nick belonged to, FBI agent unhappy in his job, good friend, intriguing, has secrets, would like to find his life partner * Aunt Taffy: Evelyn’s aunt, socialite, organized, interesting, quirky, there for Evelyn and those who need her

* People working at Bishop Aeronautics:  Julia: Evelyn’s excellent personal secretary, Willa: engineer soon entering a PhD program and Hank: head of the engineering department

* The Takemura family’s part that covered internment of some, suicide of one, and enlistment and service during the war of another

* The difficult historical information shared about the Japanese internment and its impact on the Japanese communities in the USA

* Rory Gallagher: Nick’s thirteen-year-old nephew, son of Nick’s sister Paula, bright, loves to read, seeking family, has secrets, has potential, hope to see more of him in the next book

* Thinking about my parents who married at the end of WWII and their life in Southern California

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

* That I felt a part of the story and cared about the outcome

* The way Evelyn and Nick dealt with issues that needed to be handled

* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like: * Thinking about the post WWII era with racism, bigotry, misogyny, homophobia, abuse of power, and government spying on the people

* The internment of Japanese and knowing that other “alien” nationalities were also interned

* Knowing that the darker parts of this book are all to real and that many of them still can be seen today.

* Having to wait for the next book

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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REVIEW

The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan

DS George Cross Mystery #7

~ George Cross is becoming a person of interest to me – not as a criminal but instead as a character that follows clues to put criminals behind bars. In the process he has ruffled feathers at times while also endearing himself to others, including me ~

What I liked:

* That this book reminded me of trips to bookstores with my father, an avid collector of antique books and being reminded of what happened to some of his collections – and – of my brother who continued the tradition – and perhaps of myself who has a collection of cookbooks on my shelves * DS George Cross: brilliant, diligent, tenacious, very literal, doesn’t always grasp undercurrents jokes or sarcasm, intriguing, focused, excellent detective, has Autism Spectrum Condition, plays the organ, close to his father (Raymond) who raised him

* DS Josie Ottey: George’s work partner, widow, mother of two teenage daughters, relies on her mother for childcare and has had her move in with her, deals with mother-daughter tensions across three generations, patient, kind, and a good fit to work with George, recently promoted * DCI Ben Carson: in charge-supervisory position, more comfortable in the office than working crime scenes, new father, focused on his future, quick to charge suspects, not as savvy as he thinks * The police procedural aspects of the story * The twists and turns and George’s ability to see each clue that proves someone is not the culprit and his willingness to follow those clues relentlessly * Alice Mackenzie: police staffer in previous book, returned to study to become an officer, in a relationship with Dr. Michael Swift, strong, resilient, survivor, is assaulted and presses charges against her attacker in the previous book – trial takes place in this story * Dr. Michael Swift: bright, professional, meticulous, thoughtful, in a relationship with Alice, supportive, an admirer of George Cross, noticeable for his height

* The intricate plot, deliberate pacing, and excellent writing * Support characters:

  - Christine – George’s birthmother and ex-wife of Raymond – now back in their lives,

  - Stephen – Catholic priest, baker, supportive, lets George play the church organ on Thursdays

  - Various and sundry others that pop up throughout the series * The way all of the threads are tied together to reveal who murdered the bookseller and the many people that could have but didn’t do it * All of it except…

What I didn’t like: * What I was meant not to like * Thinking about the crimes that occurred and the damage done to more than one person in the story

* Realizing again that not everything is black and white even though George might think so at times

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Atlantic Grove – Atlantic Crime for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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REVIEW

His Own Brother by Charlie Gallagher

Abigail Morton Thriller #2

This was a book I looked forward to reading but couldn’t get into. It grabbed me early as Josh was beaten and left for dead. Brothers in gangster lifestyle have to trust one another and their trust was as broken as Josh after his beating.

As I do with books, I read the introduction, found myself having trouble concentrating so I read the end and found out where the middle would lead. I read a bit from the middle and learned about Josh and Alex and understood why they were a strong unit.

When their mother stepped in and made the decision she did it definitely impacted her family. Abigal’s part in this book is as the handler of Abigail although there were times it felt Abigail was handling things more than the police. Abigail’s motivation for turning her sons might have been worthy but in the end, it probably didn’t work out as she had hoped it would.  

The book is well written, deals with good and evil, trust, family, crime, murder, and more. The beginning were very dark. The dynamics within Abigail’s team seemed uncomfortable and a place where I would have trouble working. This book didn’t leave me feeling uplifted and hopeful and with all that is going on in my life right now, it might not have been a good fit for me to be reading. That said, I believe many will pick this book up and speed read as they enjoy every moment. I loved book five in the Maddie Ives series so am wondering if I will choose to read more in this series or not.

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe for the ARC – This is my honest review.

2 Stars for me as I coludn’t get into it

4 Because it should be published

3 as an average of the above

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Wild and Wanted by Amy Andrews

Redemption Valley Ranch #1

~ This story hit the spot making the day better by spending time with Clay and Stevie at Redemption Valley Ranch ~ I’m still smiling as I think about their lives after reading the last page ~

What I liked:

* Clay Calhoun: ex-rodeo star, suffered horrific last ride on the circuit, suffering professional loss, works on family ranch, skilled horseman, experienced, supportive, feels something for Stevie

* Stephanie “Stevie” Everhart: grammy winner, country music writer and singer, introverted, pleaser, made a vow when younger that she may be ready to give up, knew Clay was special at first sight

* The introduction and first time Clay and Stevie became aware of one another

* The mature honest communication between Stevie and Clay

* That I felt the two were perfect for and with one another

* Clay’s family who were supportive, caring, kind, hardworking, and enterprising people I would want as friends

* The way Clay supported Stevie as she navigated big issues toward the end of the story

* Cindy Everhart’s wakeup moment and how she stepped up for Stevie

* Knowing that there will be at least two more books to look forward to and wondering which of the characters from this book will star in them

* That Stevie reminded me a bit of myself when I was her age though I was NOT a singer or songwriter

* That I am smiling now as I think about tis story that made me feel and care and what a HEA ending

What I didn’t like: * Thinking about the loss of Yolanda, Stephanie’s sister, and the devastating hole her death created in the lives of her sister and parents

* Thinking about grief and the way people process it – sometimes in a positive way and sometimes in ways that are not

* Having to wait for the next book in the series.

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I like to read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC – This is my honest review

5 Stars

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REVIEW

The Grave Song by Andrew James Greig

Detective Corstorphine #4

~ Twisted tale of families, secrets, love, and loss~Couldn’t put it down ~

What I liked: * DI Jim Corstorphine: strong leader, cares about and utilizes staff to their best potential, focused, puzzle solver, eager to start a family with his wife Shamila, persistent, dedicated, professional

* Jack Knight: military, 1st Battalion, Ranger Regiment, elite soldier, strong, silent, lethal, quiet, protective, intelligent, stoic, there for his sister and niece

* Mary Knight: Jack’s sister, single mother of nine-year-old Amelia, lives in France, left home ten years prior to the story

* That Jack and Mary reconnected and feeling hope that they will have more time together in the future

* Catching up with Corstorphine’s team and watching them work together, they are a cohesive supportive group

* The complexity of the case with its twists and turns, red herrings, and so many unknowns to suss out

* That three deaths/murders and a kidnapping were solved through diligent police following clues

* That all the threads of the story were followed and tied up tightly without any left dangling at the end of the book

* That I came to care about the characters, feel for and with them, and cared about the outcome

* Finding out what the treasure was that Janet told some about * Knowing that there will be another book in the series…hopefully soon  

What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant to dislike

* The warped thinking and motivation of the murderer

* The loss of innocent lives and the impact it had on those left behind

* Filip: greedy, unscrupulous, manipulative, crystal aura reading ne’er-do-well

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review

5 Stars

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REVIEW

When I First Met You by Lori Foster

Family Ties #2

~ Wonderful way to spend the day ~ Loved Glory & Kam as people that were also perfect together ~

What I liked: * Glory McCallahan: orphaned young, raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle, strong, survivor, bright, empathetic, hard worker, wealthy, insecure, pleaser, giving, Callie’s cousin/close as a sister/BFF

* Kam Norwood: abused as a child, taken in by Addie, welder, works with children at risk, attractive, outgoing, caring, kind, has a plan, nothing like his parents,

* The way Kam stepped up to help Glory after the wedding, the way the first impressions Kam and Glory had of one another changed, and watching their relationship grow

* Addie: widowed too young, took in Kam and Tanner and raised them, wonderful cook, nurturing, accepting, caring, friendly, someone I’d want for a friend

* Catching up with Tanner and Callie on their wedding day

* Glenda: Glory’s neighbor, a bit of a snoop, a surprisingly wonderful person

* The way Callie’s mother/Aunt Liz to Glory began to change and how much she grew on me

* PB: a homeless dog that caused an accident but ended up in the a warm loving home

* The youth that Tanner and Kam were helping and wondering if we will see more of Nell & Liam, Kirby & his sister, or any others in the future

* The stepfather who was there for two at risk children

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:

* Mike: obsessive, stalker, deranged, evil, murderous, creep that was a menace

* Thinking about abuse and the impact it has

* Having to say goodbye to Hoker, Kentucky and the wonderful people that live there

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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REVIEW

Falling Into You by Jill Shalvis

Colburn Brothers #3

~ The Star Falls Legend states that if you see three falling stars arching together across the sky, your soul mate will enter your life? All three Colburn brothers saw the phenomenon while together one night, pooh-poohed that it could be true, and then did everything they could to pretend they had not seen the stars at all…and yet…two out of three brothers are pretty sure that their youngest brother will be joining them soon.  ~

What I liked: * Tucker Colburn: Firefighter, EMS, Colburn Restorations Estimator, youngest brother, strong, protective, steady, reads people easily, has a special relationship with Hazel

* Hazel Pierce: owner of Pierce Custom Woodwork, skilled carpenter, in town due to father’s health scare, left Star Falls over a decade ago with unfinished business

* That both Tucker and Hazel were there for one another when younger and that in spite of the years apart they still have a lot to unpack and in so doing may be the third to fall for the falling star legend

* That Hazel and Tucker both had difficult fathers and were there for one another in the past

* Hank Colburn: a once abusive tyrannical father whose health issue has rendered him dependent and a completely different person…one that is so different from who he once was

* Finding out how the couples from the first two books were doing

* Keira: The youngest Colburn, widowed mother of four-year-old twins, coming out of her grief at the loss of Auggie, and knowing that her future looks bright…was worried about her in the past

* The way Tucker and Hazel finally were able to open up to one another, communicate, clear up past issues, and finally end up together ~ They were perfect for and with one another.

What I didn’t like: * Thinking about the pain suffered by more than one character in the past – even though they all came out okay in the end

Favorite quote: “You can show up. You can fight for her. Fight like you’re the third monkey on the ramp to Noah’s Ark and it just started raining”

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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REVIEW

The Worst Wedding Date by Pippa Grant

Three BFF’s and a Wedding #1

~ Rom-Com, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, and more ~ Not for me but some will love it ~

What I liked: * Theo: kind, generous, thoughtful, wise, fun-loving, trouble-magnet, understands and likes himself, attracted to Laney

* Laney: intelligent, parent-pleaser, wants to run family business, prim, proper, wants to break free but doesn’t know how, attracted to Theo

* The friendship between Laney, Emma, and Sabrina that was warm, strong, and vibrant

* The cats – all of them

* The island setting though the resort had a lot of issues

* That eventually one couple realized they were not meant for one another and another couple found out the opposite

What I didn’t like: * It felt like everything was over the top or trying too hard to be funny

* I had trouble believing that the characters were nearly thirty and not still in their teens

* I never understood what Emma saw in Chandler

* I felt that Theo was labeled and misunderstood most of his life – and I can’t figure out why

* The blackmail feeling of the secrets some knew about others

* That I just couldn’t get into the story, feel with the characters, or easily see them together

Did I enjoy this book? Not so much

Have I read and enjoyed other books by this author? Yes

Would I read more by this author? If the synopsis/blurb sounded interesting, maybe

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC – This is my honest review.

2-3 Stars

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REVIEW

The Wolf at the Door by Kate Wiley

Margaret Phalen FBI #2

~ Possible cold case murders on the Appalachian Trail has Margot and her team moving away from their usual cold case duties to find an active serial killer ~

What I liked: * That the book is able to standalone – I did not realize when I started reading that the lead character had a five-book series with her as a detective working in the SFPD before a spinoff series with her at the FBI was started. I had no trouble following the story.

* Margot Phalen: daughter of serial killer Ed Finch, skilled police detective, excellent interviewer of serial killers, traumatized by past events hinted at that were probably shared in previous books, in a committed relationship with Wex Fox

* Wes Fox: high school coach, left his job at the SFPD when Margot moved to the FBI, was accused of murder in a previous book and exonerated, understands and loves Margot

* The team that Margot works with

* The setting – have heard about the Appalachian Trail and admire those that have walked all of it

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing

* The police procedural aspects of the story

* That there was more than one murder/er and story thread to follow with one lingering for the next book or possibly more than one book

* That Margot and her team were able to solve the mystery of who the serial killer was and bring justice for the families of the survivors

What I didn’t like: * Thinking about how differently those that hunt and kill humans must think from the way I do

* The loss of innocent lives and the suffering some of them went through

* That I had a strong suspicion who the murderer was the first time they showed up on the page – and I was right

* That I was curious about Margot and her past and knew that the only way I could find out this information would be to find and read the previous books.

Did I like this book? Yes – but think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read all of the previous books Margot starred in

Would I read more in this series/books by this author? Maybe, if the blurb sounded interesting

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

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REVIEW

A Lyon for Luck by Chasity Bowlin

~ Lucky or unlucky ~ Fletcher and Daphne may have just run into Lady Luck others know as Bessie Dove-Lyon ~ This couple so deserved to find one another and I loved watching their journey ~

What I liked: * Bessie Dove-Lyon: owner of The Lyon’s Den, excellent matchmaker, business woman, widow, wealthy, knows and is known to many, a bit of an enigma, someone I would want in my corner

* Miss Daphne Acres: dysfunctional family life, atrocious parents, her mother died at her birth, father finds her a burden and only sees her for what she can bring to him in status or money, lost her reputation previous to the story, realizing she has nothing to lose and is coming into her own

* Fletcher Quill, Lord Aldwyn: second son of a second son that came into the title, orphan raised by his spendthrift uncle, poor, saddled with the estate’s debts, needs a wealthy wife, never thought he’d marry, someone I admired

* That the couple came in with realistic expectations, communicated honestly, and knew what they chose in and with one another was necessary to provide them both safe futures

* That there was physical attraction at first, a feeling of trust they felt with one another, and that their emotions and feelings were not engaged immediately but grew over the arc of the story

* The part the Black Widow – Bessie played

* The pragmatic way Daphne looked back on her betrothal to Lynley and acceptance/blessing of his marriage to Ellis and her ability to go to them for assistance (unread by me but refers to: Lady Luck and the Lyon by this author)

* The wild ride to wed

* That I could see Daphne and Fletcher happy together

* Being able to dislike Daphne’s father and the horrible Lord Pozenby he was willing to sell her to

What I didn’t like: * Reginald Acres: a man that should never have had children

* Lord Pozenby: despicable, disgusting, dirty, entitled person

* Thinking about Daphne’s half-brother and wondering if his sister would step up to help him out in the future

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Draqgonblade Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

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REVIEW

Seduced by the Alien Mercenary by Robin O’Connor

Monster Mercenary Mates #10

~ Fear, hunger, fatigue, and pain are part and parcel of Irina’s life as a slave until one day Flack is captured and a possibilities open up for a better more free life if everything goes right ~

What I liked: * Irina: human, kidnapped from college on earth, scarred by another slave, sold to alien pirates, starved, overworked, trust issues, trying to survive, grows a lot through the book

* Flack: Sune alien, shape shifter with fox-like appearance, difficult childhood, strong, lethal,  procurer of goods, in trade, kidnapped by alien pirates, knows Irina is his mate

* Watching Irina learn to trust Flack, observing their “courtship”, and knowing they were perfect for and with one another

* That the two main characters were committed to survival and to one another

* That both Irina and Flack are searching for “home” and find it in one another and on the Varakartoom

* The way Flack had Irina send a message to the Varakartoom – his mercenary space ship and crew

* The gentleness, respect, and caring Flack showed to Irina

* The way the pirates were thwarted and wondering if the assassin sent by crime lord Jalima and wondering if she would show up in a book of her own

* That it was easy to dislike the pirates

* Thinking about what character will have his story told next

What I didn’t like: *Who and what I was meant not to like

* The Vidu spaceship and those that were on it

* The idea of slavery and the impact it had on more than one

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review

4-5 Stars

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REVIEW

A Dangerous Vision by Christy Carlyle

Electra Poole Mystery 3

~ Solving murders isn’t easy though it can be rewarding and sometimes further romance…at least it seems to for Electra and Gideon ~

What I liked:

* Electra Poole: senses emotions, sees visions, sometimes hears words in the visions, refining her skills, curious, tenacious, generous, establishing her psychic business, mother was institutionalized by her father, loved & hated her murdered father, attracted to Gideon

* Gideon Pierce: Detective Inspector, pickpocket in childhood, taken into the home of Electra’s father and mentored by him, controlled, well dressed and spoken, bright, protective, attracted to Electra and has accepted her “ability”

* That Gideon and Electra know one another well and are able to build on the past to create a stronger relationship in the present * The paranormal element of the story and wanting to see how Electra’s abilities develop through the series * The police procedural aspects of the story, following the clues, and realizing that sometimes people that are murdered are not very nice * The plot, pacing, setting, and writing * That all of the threads were tied up at the end of the story and the murderer caught * Knowing that there will be another book to read in the future

What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant not to like

* Considering what I might be willing to do to avoid poverty, prison, or the workhouses and orphanages

* Thinking about what the penalty for murder was in this era, what part social status might play in the sentence handed down, and what the judgment would be for the murderer

Did I like this book? Yes Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to the Author, Oliver Heber, and Booksprout for the ARC – This is my honest review. 5 Stars

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REVIEW

How to Compromise a Duke by Mihwa Lee

~ Scandal, lies, desperation, and a possible curse wee two wary people agree to a marriage of convenience that isn’t always convenient ~

What I liked: * Violet: Baron’s daughter, oldest sister, responsible, frugal, protective, knowledgeable, willing to sacrifice for her family, intelligent, has low expectations for her future, forthright, has backbone

* Henry: Duke of Ravenshollow, nicknamed The Reaper, widowed three times, reserved, aloof, name-conscious, wants an heir, closed off, guarded, changed a lot through the story

* That both characters were believable, relatable, and people I grew to care about – their lives and stories were not easy but were rewarding in the end

* Being introduced to Violet’s four siblings, and mother and learning more about them – I would love to find out how they fare in the future

* Kit Harris: Violet’s father’s secretary who has been with the family seven years – a mysterious person I would like to know more about

* The botanical element of the story and remembering that many times herbalists were wiser and more successful healers than physicians

* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing that swept me up, made me feel part of the story, and care about the outcome

* The somewhat sinister and gothic feel though not a true gothic romance

* The satisfying conclusion with murder mysteries resolved, a happily ever after in the offing for Violet and Henry, and the potential romances to come for others in the book

* Reading a new-to-me-author that I would gladly read again

What I didn’t like: * Who and what I was meant to dislike

* Thinking about how difficult the lives of Violet and her family must have been – though probably not as difficult as some even less fortunate

* Snobbery and class elitism

* Thinking about the emotional pain Violet and Henry both experienced

Did I like this book? Yes

Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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