Mei Edwards

My novella the Boy Next Door, previously published in the Weird and Wonderful Holidays anthology, is available for preorder at the following link: https://books2read.com/bnd a and will be released on November 15!

No-one is more surprised than Ani when a rockstar moves in next door. Garrett fell off the map two years ago after his wife died and his band broke up. The guy is obviously trying to lay low, so Ani buries her fangirling and offers to run interference with the rest of the too-helpful town. She's the total opposite of his famous and beloved wife, so her parasocial crush has no chance of ever being reciprocated. Right?

If you want high-angst, high-drama, this is not the book for you. It's comforting and sexy and reassuringly small, with witty banter and absurd situations in a small town where everyone knows each other and newcomers stick out like sore thumbs. It has a grumpy rockstar who hates having feelings again and a comparative sunshine with her own issues, who has no idea what to do with the sudden prospect of anything more than friends.

I loved that Ani is a regular girl doing her best to get by, who loves her little town even as its prospects get smaller and smaller. It's a little harder to connect with Garrett, but you can see him slowly emerge from his spiral of grief and depression. I was especially charmed by when the locals switched from suspicion to protecting him as one of their own. Let me tell you, in a town this small, there is no shortage of matchmakers.

Best enjoyed with a bit of music in the background, this is an easy, light, low-angst read that I ate up with a spoon. It's exactly what it says on the tin.

Famous in a Small Town is available now in ebook and hard copy (which come in both hot guy and discreet) 

A slightly bonkers but also entertaining tale of pen pals and mistaken identity.

Lady Ludmilla Windemere, spinster wallflower extraordinaire, has a scandalous secret. Orphaned and living with her hypochondriac aunt in Bath, she has been writing to a man for the last three years. Despite knowing him only as 'Addy', he has become her dearest confidante. When she is convinced to join her younger sister for one final season in London, she knows it is the perfect time to discover Addy's identity. Only it seems that he may be the Viscount St Addington, notorious rake and the man who ruined her once and only engagement. Or is he?

This book is such fun once you accept that it will be filled with shenanigans. Mistaken identity!  Secret penpals! Sisters! Cousins! Matchmaking aunts! It's filled with twists and turns, and chapters from other points of view only serve to heighten the mystery. While I guessed Addy's identity from the start, there were enough red herrings to make me doubt myself until the very end, and I find myself wanting to reread and see what clues I missed.

I liked the sisterhood between Lu and her sister Jessica, who are far apart enough in age to find common ground. Their aunt Ernestina is a force of nature, and I was pleasantly surprised by character growth even in old aunt Mildred. It's overall a wonderfully entertaining read.

Lady Ludmilla's Accidental Letter is available now

This feels like a culmination.

Spelunking Through Hell is book 11 of a series about a family of cryptozoologists - monster scientists and preservationists. It switches POV every few books and some are more interconnected than others. The events that led to this one really kicked off at the end of book 5, which started a domino chain through books 6, 7, and 8, with books 9 and 10 detouring slightly. In addition to the novels, there's a bunch of short stories and novellas - some released for free on the author's website, other in anthologies or on Patreon - detailing past generations. I can't tell you how well this one stands on its own because it stands SO WELL with its prequels, drawing two straight lines from the current continuity and the past that got us here to the culmination of what feels like a lot of things.

Thematically, it's a quest. Alice Healy has been hunting for her husband for fifty years, smashing through the walls between dimensions and giving people nightmares. She's abandoned her children, now grown, and somehow still looks about the age of their children, or even younger. The last time she saw her granddaughter Antimony, she learnt news that changed everything and gave her hope again. We meet her as she back onto Earth, right before her infamous Healy luck points her in a new direction. It might be a trap. It might be the answer to everything. It's definitely going to be a wild ride.

Alive has a very different perspective from her grandkids. She's older, far more cynical, and her focus is finding Thomas, with neither Covenant nor cryptozoology in sight. She's cheerful and damaged and tremendous fun to read even as you groan at some of her choices. She makes a lot more sense now I've read her backstory.

I'm trying not to gush but my flatmate caught me grinning at my phone during one particular fight scene and I found myself going back to reread choice bits (and then found myself rereading pretty much all of it). There's a bit of body horror and references to Alice's very poor parenting, but if you've read any of this series and enjoyed it, you will love this. I'd just recommend reading the Patreon stories for it to have maximum impact. It feels like a culmination, but it also feels like an inflection point, and I can't wait to see where the Price-Healy family do next.

Spelunking Through Hell is available now in ebook and hard copy

Laura Hopkins stalks the night as the vigilante Lady Sterling, avenging mistreated maids and blackmailing the men who prey on them. Jeremy Addison, the reluctant Viscount Sterling, would rather be cracking codes than tracking down a potential traitor with a coincidental name to his own. When a carriage accident forces them together and undercover as husband and wife, the temporary allies realise there's nothing they'd like more than to make the ruse a permanent one.

Having heard a lot of good things about both the preceding books (this is book 3), I had high expectations for this book and somehow it managed to deliver. It's a chaotic caper of deception and manipulation, some of it against each other, but it's also full of witty banter and steamy tenderness, with strong characters and a reasonable plot. There are contrived coincidences and ONLY ONE BED.

Basically, it's a well-written trope fest with Regency spies and so if any of that sounds good, pick up this book.

Better Off Wed is available now in ebook and hard copy

When Alex moved to Moon Harbour to put down roots, she didn’t expect to run into her summer fling and first love. It’s been twelve years since Sam broke both their hearts but they’re older and wiser and the fire between them has never been hotter. Alex just wants to settle down and see if they can make something work, but the little township is hiding some ugly secrets and someone is dangerously unhappy Alex came to Moon Harbour.

I liked how while Sam and Alex have painful history, there’s no resentment or a secret baby, just an acknowledgment that they were two teenagers who made poor choices. Now they’re together again, they have a chance to build a future, if they can shake the growing sense of threat. It was awesome that Alex put up boundaries around finding her own feet before starting a relationship and Sam not only respected those, he communicated his own as well, even if he did get a tad overprotective.

Backing up the romance are a cast of new friends (some clearly setting up for their own book) and some background villagers, all happily matchmaking Sam and Alex from day one. Now, there are a couple of plot threads that don’t go anywhere (at least in this book) and a few unanswered questions but nothing huge.

It’s low angst, open door, and on the shorter side. If you’re looking for a steamy second chance romance with plenty of sexual tension and a side of danger, this one deserves a look!

Light in the Dark is available now

Rory McKenna is dying, which is seriously impairing his hunt for a wife. Fresh out of an abusive marriage and facing another arranged marriage, Moira decides that her best choice is to marry Rory and spent the rest of her life as his widow. The more time they spend together, the closer they grow, but with a disapproving family, angry former in-laws, and Rory's life on the line, they may never get their happy ending.

Moira's past has left her scared of the future, while Rory believes he has none, thanks to a family history that some call a curse. This of course leaves them perfectly placed to find refuge and hope in each other, despite what seems like the whole world against them. I genuinely liked both the leads and how they treated each other, and so bought fully into their happy ever after. I do want to warn for mention of past spousal abuse, for any who may wish to avoid this, but I also appreciated seeing Moira's trauma treated gently and respectfully.

Can I take a moment to rave about Moira's pot plants? They pop up three times in the story - I won't spoil the fun (though everyone around me got to know as I came across them as I couldn't hold in the joy) but each time helped me fall a little more in love with Moira and Rory. I never thought pot plants could hold so much meaning!

Best enjoyed surrounded by greenery (plant moms of the world, rejoice!), this is a light and enjoyable historical romance!

Eloping with the Laird is available for pre-order in ebook and hard copy

Raised by tutors and longing for her often-absent mother's approval, Tarisai has only ever wanted a family to belong to. When she is sent to the Children's Palace to vie for a place on the Prince's Council, a group who will be bound by blood and magic, it seems like a dream come true - except her mother sent her bound with a magical command: to gain the Prince's trust, and then kill him.

I was absolutely blown away by this book. The world-building is intricate and gorgeous, and world like and unlike our own, where Oluwan stands at the centre of a magically-bound empire and restless shades can be summoned by burning their possessions. The prose is incredible and I was immersed from the very first page, though I had to take some breaks to recover from the spell the book cast on me.

Tarisai is clever but naive, well-schooled but sheltered, doing the best she can with what she's got and making friends as well she can. Beyond her growth - a beautiful story in its own right - we have a story of empire, where unity means uniformity and peace is attained through silence. Being part of the Prince's Council would put Tarisai at the centre of power but she must decide what she truly wants and what future she wants to be part of.

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Raybearer is available now in ebook and hard copy, and I've already ordered the sequel (it's a duology)

Aleksandra Daniels is slowly settling into the family business and learning to wield her hidden magic. Her happy life is threatened when a travelling artist is murdered and one of her small circle of friends is the prime suspect. While Alex's investigation is hampered by her boyfriend being the lead detective, it is further complicated by industrial espionage and magical interference. Has Alex cast her last spell?

I found this mystery well put together, with enough clues that it fitted together and enough red herrings to keep me guessing. The solution was clever and well written! Unfortunately, the ongoing story arc totally spoiled the first book (victim, murderer, motive), so heads up for that, this series should not be read out of order. The paranormal added an interesting twist but some of it felt a little confused; it’s definitely building up an ongoing story arc.

The lead character really frustrated me - mostly on how her detective boyfriend sets down clear and sensible boundaries (both for her safety and his job) and she steps all over them, along with violating her family’s ethics, and doesn’t face any consequences in this book. It also annoyed me that everyone assumed Celeste's guilt over what seemed like very circumstantial evidence - which is fine for the town gossips, but I'd expect the police to look for actual evidence, especially with an incorrect arrest in recent memory.

Overall this was a good read and a well written mystery but there were a few things that bothered me and I'd suggest starting at the first book.

A Hex for Danger is available now in ebook or hard copy.

Sensible Phoebe Marcham enjoys riding her horse and managing her widowed father's household. She is less pleased to host her overbearing aunt, though salvation comes in Duncan Armstrong, Scottish adventurer and friend of her neighbour. When Sophie reveals that her home is haunted by the ghost of her ancestor, Duncan joins her in a quest to put the tortured spirit to rest, and as they investigate the past, the two begin to imagine a different future.

What a delightful read! I've read a couple of books by this author and am always entertained by her stories and characters. I especially enjoyed the cast of this book - with a particular affection for Phoebe's aunt Sophia, whose thawing provides a most satisfying backdrop to the love stories in the foreground. It's the little details that land best, like Sophia's relationship with Phoebe's housekeeper Wiggins, who was Sophia's nursemaid back in the day. I also enjoyed the theme of reconciliation, though I will add no details to avoid spoilers.

Of course, I cannot neglect Phoebe and Duncan, who are well-matched and yet kept apart by their uncertainty of the other's feelings in a mismatch of misplaced courtesy. It was good to watch them grow closer though I am surprised their many friends and family did not lock them in a closet.

The titular ghost of Glendale Hall, Simon Marcham, is less of feature than you would think but no less a character because of that. He was woven into the story in an interestingly understated way and yet is pivotal to so many moments and relationships. I do feel the climax of his own story was a little bit drawn out over several revelations.

With my apologies to the northern hemisphere, this is the perfect book to read during the long hot days of summer (or those long cold nights of winter, while dreaming of summer). It's a sweet Regency romance with just a gentle touch of the paranormal and a hint of intrigue.

The Ghost of Glendale is available now in ebook.

Carenza Bettridge’s step-mother and sisters treat her like the hired help. When James, Viscount Austerfield accidentally nets himself a personal invitation to the Bettridge estate and is pressured into choosing a bride, he finds an unlikely match in the sensible eldest daughter. It’s a marriage of convenience between two quiet souls, but soon they find their friendship could turn to love if they give it a chance.

This was a delightful book with two leads I liked and could cheer for. Carenza is kind, efficient, and thinks nothing of sacrificing her future to look after her father. James is scarred in body and mind so thinks himself doomed to be alone, but sees a way he can help Carenza while keeping the matchmakers off his back. Of course they’re going to fall in love once they get over the mutual pining!

While definitely a Cinderella story, there were obviously Beauty and the Beast vibes, in part influenced by how Carenza‘s father is still alive - and uncomfortably aware of how he has failed his eldest daughter, which adds an interesting dimension to their courtship. It’s an easy to read and wonderfully paced Regency rendition of Cinderella, best enjoyed with a glass of whatever you want because your life is yours to live!

Cinderella and the Scarred Viscount is available now in ebook or hard copy

Fleeing from the spotlight, Catherine Wilde opts to spend a month on the private Greek island owned by her best friend's brother. Alaric retreated from the world three years ago after a tragic accident, but Catherine's visit might be the push he needs to live life again - with Catherine at his side.

Quick warning here for a recent miscarriage and exploration with some of the aftermath, along with some disordered eating that is explicitly addressed.

I enjoyed this book! It's a snippet of sun-soaked paradise as two hurting people find the strength to move on. Catherine's neglectful childhood did not set her up to handle success in a healthy manner and Alaric is dealing with a hefty dose of survivor's guilt that has him pushing everyone away. He's a bit of a jerk at first, but it's pretty understandable given the circumstances.

Alaric's staff, especially Dorothea the cook, are hilarious - sometimes a literal Greek chorus doing their very best to fan the romantic sparks into flames from the sidelines! They help relieve some of the sizzling tension between Catherine and Alaric, injecting some common sense into the scenario.

I would've loved to see a bit more resolution around some of the issues they were dealing with in the first place, but the focus is rightly on the romance. If you can't make it to an idyllic Greek island, enjoy this one with a nice glass of red wine.

Beauty and Reclusive Millionaire is available for pre-order now.

A good romance helps both leads become better people and that's exactly what happens here. Princess Anne of Termarth has led an incredibly sheltered life until Brand Ivarsson sneaks into her father's castle and kidnaps her in a plot against her betrothed. Brand is obsessed with vengeance but Anne helps him see there is more to life and in return he opens her eyes to the world outside.

Despite her neglected childhood, Anne is unwaveringly kind to the people around her - even when it threatens to get her in trouble, and it comes back to her time and time again proving that goodness really is a superpower. Brand is laser focussed on his revenge and caring for his people to the point of being a bit of a jerk to Anne at first, but it's a delight to see them open up to each other.

There's a lot of obstacles - he was a Dane, she was a Saxon, can I make it any more obvious? But this is an enjoyable story about two very different people connecting across cultural barriers when each need it most. The resolution does feel a little bit too easy given the setting, which does lose it a star, but it does tie everything up neatly. I hope Svea also gets a happy ending soon!

Best enjoyed with a stein of beer or out on a windswept cliff for the full effect.

The Viking's Stolen Princess is available in ebook or hard copy

For the last three years, Brida O'Connaill has been pretending to be married. When Sir Thomas Lovent arrives on her doorstep, injured and delirious, her neighbours naturally assume he's her husband, finally home. Unfortunately, Tom's attackers are on his tail and it's up to him and Brida to race to Wales to foil a plot against their king.

Brida and Tom's witty banter sparkles as it flies off the page, striking sparks between them, and their attraction is undeniable. It's no surprise that people believe Brida's ruse and helped me believe in their relationship going from irritating acquaintances to friends to lovers. They both carry heavy pasts, though I didn't really get what was up with Brida and the prophecy. Tom is a little easier to understand, even if he did get rather overprotective at times. It was nice to see them bond over shared aspects of their pain, though I feel some of this could've been explored more.

The book is stuffed with plot in order to get Tom to Brida and to get them moving and then together. There's also a number of supporting characters from previous books and admit a degree of ignorance about this period of British history so I don't know which, if any, are historical figures. In any case, it's easy to sit back and let the action carry you along, as well as enjoy cameos from previous leads.

Overall, it's an entertaining romance much in the vein of the others in the series. Best enjoyed with a cup of tea where you won't be disturbed from the mile-a-minute plot.

The Knight's Convenient Alliance is available now in ebook and hard copy

After a hideous mistake left Victoria Blackwood in debt to her father, she's been the perfect daughter, up to and including co-ordinating the wedding of her unfaithful ex to his bridezilla for the wedding date that was going to be hers. The last thing she needs is to find out the caterer is her smoking hot fling from the past, who saw her at her lowest and who she ghosted with a fake name. Rafael Sanchez wants to prove to his older brothers that he can be trusted with a big event, even a last-minute Christmas wedding. Victoria and Rafael both need this wedding to go off without a hitch but their chemistry is as hot as ever and it's proving impossible to resist.

This book is a wild ride. The characters are incredible, either charming and loveable (the Sanchezes) or those you love to hate (Victoria's father, her ex, and the bride). Both Victoria and Rafael are working so hard to leave behind the mistakes of the past, even when the people around them refuse to acknowledge this. And yet, with everything riding on this wedding and the clock ticking down, they decide to risk it all. The tension (and I'm not just talking sexual) ratchets up until it's almost unbearable and all you can do is sit back and enjoy the ride until its satisfying conclusion.

While this is the third in a trilogy with cameos from previous leads, there are no spoilers and you could jump in easily. I just wish there was am epilogue to see how Victoria and Rafael enjoy their forever.

Best enjoyed with a glass of wine because Blackwood Cellars will leave you thirsty!

White Wedding is available now in ebook or hard copy.

Charlie Kingsley makes tea. She's not a detective and she certainly isn't interested in investigating a murder. However, when her customer Courtney is accused of poisoning her husband, Charlie finds herself roped into proving Courtney's innocence. Of course, with everyone hiding something and the police focussed on Courtney, Charlie will have to have a cuppa with everyone in town to steep out the truth.

This is a festive cosy mystery with a plucky lead and a small cast of characters. It is first in a spin-off series based around Charlie, but worked perfectly well as a standalone.

I loved that Charlie's profession assisted in the investigation without feeling squeezed in or pasted on.The murderer wasn't obvious, especially at the start, but made perfect sense as the secrets came out. It did feel like Charlie driving between a lot of conversations without much tension, but as far as cosy mysteries go, this was an enjoyable and well-written read, and I'd be interested in catching up with these characters again.

Best enjoyed with your own cup of tea!

The Murder Before Christmas is available now

Seven years ago, Evelyn Thomas married David Ferris during a drunken night in Vegas. They've had their ups and downs, seen their friends get married and are perfectly happy being the last childfree couple in Stage Dive, when an unexpected pregnancy throws them both for a loop. Can what started in Vegas survive a change this big?

While this novella necessarily contains spoilers for the rest of the Stage Dive series (and I loved seeing how the rest of the band is doing), the only book you need to read first is Lick - where Ev and David first meet, so you know why you're rooting for them. I'll be honest, this book puts them through the wringer! Neither of them are prepared for this baby and I liked how this was handled bluntly and honestly. Parenthood isn't easy and things don't magically get better through the power of wuv. It takes hard work and compromise, and I like how this wasn't glossed over.

This was a great snapshot back into the Stage Dive world, with cameos from all your favourites. If you know the series, you'll love this, and if you don't, read them first then come and enjoy this.

The Rhythm Method is available now in ebook and hard copy.