Book Review: Inked Obsession (Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins) by Carrie Ann Ryan

Inked Obsession is part of the Montgomery Ink: Fort Collins series world by Carrie Ann Ryan but can be read as a stand alone. When men in uniform showed up on Eliza Wilder-Strong’s doorstep, she knew her life would be irrevocably altered. She not only lost her husband, but the future she’d carefully planned. A year later, she’s looking to start over—beginning with a solo healing vacation. Only she never expects to see a familiar, tempting face along the way. Beckett Montgomery refuses to want his little sister’s best friend—especially because she’s a widow. Yet there’s no stopping the connection between them. As the temptation to give in intensifies, so do the reasons they shouldn’t stay together. Painful ghosts from both of their pasts stand in their way and sometimes it’s the living that can haunt you when you’re not looking.

Inked Obsession is a romance that deals with second chances, grieving, secrets, family, lies, and so much more. Fans of the related series and the world Ryan has created will have a head start in understanding the characters and some of the issues the main and secondary characters are going through. However, the new (or sporadic ) readers of the authors work are not left in the dust and can fully enjoy the ride- and it is quite the ride. Eliza and Beckett each have big issues in their lives to deal with, and they seem to only get bigger as the story unfolds. The emotions and complications are high, and I loved watching them discover each other and figure out how to handle it all. The book also holds some of my favorite tropes- friends to more and forced or accidental proximity. I loved these aspects. I also loved the characters and the family and support system they have- and I wish that everyone had that many people in their corner. The amount of drama, hurdles, and danger seemed a bit over the top for me- as I just wanted all these people that have been through so much to have a good day, some peace and quiet. However, fans of the related series know that that is not likely to happen soon, as more Montgomerys and Wilders find their happy endings.

Inked Obsession is an emotional contemporary romance. Fans of the author will definitely want to give it a read. 

Book Review: Definitely Not Dating (Love Lottery) by Christi Barth

Definitely Not Dating by Christi Barth is the second book in the Love Lottery series. I have not read the first book in the series, but the prologue gives a good run down of how the new inn owners got where they are, so newcomers to the series and author will not feel lost or left behind. 

Everleigh Girard always dates the wrong men at the worst times. The last debacle cost her a job and an apartment. But thanks to a crazy lottery win, she and her friends have a fresh start restoring a historic inn. Determined to make it a success, Everleigh swears off the dangers of dating entirely. Except, the town’s police chief is distractingly hot. So how much trouble could friends with benefits really cause? Police chief Matt Halliday always puts protecting his town first. He’s blindsided when his house mysteriously burns down, and grateful his friends rent him a room at their inn while they finish renovations. It’s a great deal. Mostly. It’s hard to resist the very beautiful Everleigh. Love is permanently off the table for him—but lust is definitely on. After their first red-hot kiss, keeping it casual is impossible. Can Everleigh teach Matt to trust again—especially when he’s keeping a secret that may put him and his new friends at risk?

Definitely Not Dating is a romance that balances humor, heat, and heart very well. Ever is dealing with confidence issues and rarely trusts her own judgement- something that many of us can relate to on some level. She needs to prove to herself that she can do the right things, make the right choices, and help the inn succeed. Matt is still focused on not getting hurt again, while trying to figure out who burned down his house. The best relationships form when no one is looking, and sometimes when you are actively trying to deny the exist. That is definitely the case here.  I loved that Matt and Ever were open and honest (mostly) with each other from the very start- and the level of sass and fun that was a part of almost every interaction really made me smile as I read the story. I love when characters are real, flawed and dealing with real life issues that readers can relate to, or can at least see as possible. The feeling of found family and supportive friends is also something I love to see in romance novels- the main couple have other people and responsibilities in their lives, and this book did a good job of showing a nice balance with that, and how romantic relationships can find a happy balance with friend groups and even the most demanding jobs as long as communication and caring are at the heart of it all.  

Definitely Not Dating is a contemporary romance with plenty of character growth, heat, and feels. 

Book Review: An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler (Rogues and Remarkable Women) by Vanessa Riley

An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler is the second book in the Rogues and Remarkable Women series by Vanessa Riley. While the book stands fine on its own, I think returning readers will enjoy the book more than newcomers to the series. 

Surviving a shipwreck en route to London from Jamaica was just the start of Jemina St. Maur's nightmare. Suffering from amnesia, she was separated from anyone who might know her, and imprisoned in Bedlam. She was freed only because barrister Daniel Thackery, Lord Ashbrook, was convinced to betray the one thing he holds dear: the law. Desperate to unearth her true identity, Jemina’s only chance is to purloin dangerous secrets with help from The Widow’s Grace—which means staying steps ahead of the formidable Daniel, no matter how strongly she is drawn to him. Married only by proxy, now widowed by shipwreck, Daniel is determined to protect his little stepdaughter, Hope, from his family’s scandalous reputation. That’s why he has dedicated himself not just to the law, but to remaining as proper, upstanding—and boring—as can be. But the closer he becomes to the mysterious, alluring Jemina, the more Daniel is tempted to break the very rule of law to which he's devoted his life. And as ruthless adversaries close in, will the truth require him, and Jemina, to sacrifice their one chance at happiness?

This is a historical romance with big truths about how women and people of color have been treated in the past, and sadly still are by some today. The characters are fighting for happiness, and finding the truth of past and identity- and thankfully finding what they need and happiness along with it. It was a little more emotional and heavy of a read than I was really prepared for, but I did not reread the blurb before reading- just went by title and cover even though I know better, so that was completely on me. I really liked the characters- but the humorous banter and some of the situational humor were my favorite parts of the book. I also enjoyed the secondary characters and am glad that some already have their own story told, and some will be told later in the series. I felt like the author went into a great deal of effort to do the research and portray the characters in a thoughtful manner, rather than just checking of the boxes to be diverse and thought provoking. I really enjoyed that they included additional information on the historical people, climate, and landmarks of the time at the end of the book. I love a book that engages me on multiple levels, and this did happen here. I enjoyed the read all around- although there were definitely moments that hurt my heart.

An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler is a thought and emotion provoking romance. It will break your heart and then piece it back together.

Book Review: The New Girl (Elle(s)) Script by Kid Toussain and Art by Aveline Stokart

The New Girl is the first book in the Elle(s) graphic novel series written by Kid Toussain and art by Aveline Stokart. Elle is just another teenage girl… most of the time. Bubbly and good-natured, she wastes no time making friends on her first day at her new school. But Elle has a secret: she hasn’t come alone. She’s brought with her a colorful mix of personalities, which come out when she least expects it… Who is Elle, really? And will her new friends stand by her when they find out the truth?

The New Girl is a beautifully drawn graphic novel. At first Elle seems like the average girl, dealing with a new school, new friends, and the relationship with her parents. Most every reader can relate to aspects of this book. However, Elle has much more going on than the average teen- and I think it is portrayed in a thoughtful and engaging manner. I think the honest discussions she has with friends, and the way the art help differentiate the different aspects of Elle are part of what really make the whole thing work. My only, and huge, complaint is the cliff like ending. There are questions I want answered, and things I want to see play out. I am not on the hunt for whatever comes next.

The New Girl is a great graphic novel that gives readers a great perspective on how it feels to be in Elle's shoes. I just need the second volume- now!

Book Review: The Devil in Her Bed by Kerrigan Byrne

The Devil in Her Bed by Kerrigan Byrne is the third and final book in the Devil you Know trilogy. I have read the previous books, and they do help with understanding the characters, their connections, and the danger they face. You could read this book on its own, but you would be missing some of the context that makes the trilogy so engaging. 

He lives in secret service to the Crown—a man of duty, deception, and an undeniable attraction to a woman who threatens to tear his whole world apart. They call him the Devil of Dorset. He stands alone, a man of undeniable power. Moving in and out of shadows, back alleys and ballrooms, he is unstoppable and one of the Crown’s most dangerous weapons. However, when he sets his sights on the undeniably beautiful Countess of Mont Claire, Francesca Cavendish, he doesn’t realize that he has met a match like no other. Francesca is a countess by day and stalks her prey—those responsible for the death of her family—by night. What she does not expect is to be thrown into the path of the devil himself, the Earl of Devlin. She has secrets of her own and he seems determined to lay them bare. Can her heart survive finding the love of her life and losing him when all is revealed?

The Devil in Her Bed is a historical romance with plenty of intrigue and secrets. Just when you think you figured everything out, and that the main players have shared all the important bits, something new pops up. I liked the balance of danger, humor, and heat. I also really enjoyed the characters. While returning readers have met both characters before, it was the first time we really got to see the demons and secrets that they keep mostly to themselves. I think they paired together well. I will admit that each had moments that made me frustrated- but if they had not have done those things the story would have been over way too soon. I think that this book did a great job of getting the characters to their happy ending, and wrapping up the larger story line. 

The Devil in Her Bed is a perfect conclusion to this trilogy. Fans of the series  and author will not want to miss it.

Book Review: Secrets of Camp Whatever, Vol. 1, by Chris Grine

Secrets of Camp Whatever, Vol. 1, by Chris Grine is a middle grade graphic novel. Eleven year-old Willow doesn't want to go to her dad's weird old summer camp any more than she wants her family to move to the weird old town where that camp is located. But her family—and fate itself—seem to have plans of their own. Soon Willow finds herself neck-deep in a confounding mystery involving stolen snacks, suspected vampires, and missing campers, all shrouded in the sinister fog that hides a generation of secrets at Camp ... Whatever it's called. 

Secrets of Camp Whatever is a story that I think readers from a wide range of ages will enjoy. The art is very well done, and captures the mood of the characters, the setting, and the underlying mysteries very well. I liked the personalities of the kids, and I found their reluctance and curiosity to be very realistic in spite of the things they discover. The way they deal with each other, the adults around them, and the mysteries of the island only made me interested to learn more.Willow's independence, and the way some people treated her, was key in her personality but not the story development.  I really enjoyed the read, and am looking forward to this series continuing. 

Secrets of Camp Whatever is a fun and engaging graphic novel that left me eager to see what volume two might have in store. 

Early Book Review: Dryad Vol. 1 by Kurtis Wiebe

Dryad, Vol. 1, is a fantasy graphic novel written by Kurtis Wiebe and illustrated by Justin Barcelo (at least according to the credit pages in the galley I received, many sites have a different last name for the illustrator). It is currently scheduled for release on January 5 2021. The Glass family has spent thirteen years hiding peacefully in the sleepy forest settlement of Frostbrook where Morgan and Yale planted roots and raised their twins, Griffon and Rana. But secrets never stay hidden, and the entire Glass family find themselves the target of an unearthly attack on Frostbrook. Now on the run from Muse Corp., they must flee to the massive city of Silver’s Bay to hide in plain sight. Rana and Griffon find themselves uprooted and answering for their parents' mistakes. But, they’ll soon find that the past has a way of finding you, no matter where you run.

Dryad is a fantasy with tech elements, and some serious character and world building. The artwork is well done and matches the style and mood of the story. The details and color add a great deal to the story and do their job of immersing the reader in the world. I thought the information given as to the past of Morgan and Yale was given in good , small doses. I will admit that I want more information (rather like the twins) but I suspect those secrets are such an important part of the story that there will be a big reveal and repercussions that I have not considered yet. I am more than willing to wait and find out at the pace the author has set. There is a good mix of mystery, tech, magic, and individual character building and development. My biggest disappointment is that I feel like I was just about to get to the best part- some explanations of the past and who Yale and Morgan really are when the book ended. I expected a cliff hanger- as it is fairly standard in graphic novels of this caliber- but somehow it still snuck up on me and came way too soon.

Dryad is a good start to a graphic novel series, even if it did end with a cliff hanger.

Book Review: All Scot and Bothered (Devil You Know) by Kerrigan Byrne

 All Scot and Bothered is the second book in the Devil You Know series by Kerrigan Byrne. You do not need to have read the previous book to enjoy this one, but it will make most of the characters and some of the set up easier to understand and give readers a bigger picture of the dangerous undercurrents of the series.

He is first and foremost—at everything. A man who’s made his own way through ruthless cunning and sheer force of will. A strong and imposing Scot who can turn on the charm but does not suffer fools. His title: Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. His name: Cassius Gerard Ramsay. His mission: To investigate the goings-on at London's most notorious gaming hell, owned and operated by one of the most intriguing and desirable women he’s ever met. Cecelia Teague was an orphan facing a rather dire future—until a secret benefactor from her mother’s scandalous past swept into her life. Sent to a prestigious boarding school and later to university, Cecelia believed high society was at her fingertips...Then, from out of nowhere, she became the inheritor of a gambling establishment. Now Cecelia must live two lives: one as a proper lady who finds herself undeniably drawn to Lord Ramsay and the other as a savvy gaming hell owner trying to save her business from the very same man. He has no idea she is both women...and Cecelia would like to keep it that way. But what happens when consuming passion and escalating danger threaten to reveal the truth?

All Scot and Bothered is a romance that left me with mixed feelings. I liked the set up, and the characters, but something just never hit the mark for me. I really liked Cecelia's character. She was strong, smart, and sweet despite having gone through more than her fair share of trouble. Similarly, Ramsay has had a painful past, and as a result has some blind spots. I liked their banter when they were actually communicating, and their chemistry is off the charts and well done. I really liked that both Ramsay and Cecelia are so focus on protecting others but will admit to being more than a little upset with each of them during various moments in the story. I know there would not be much conflict between them if Ramsay was not so stubborn and blind when he focuses on something, most often the wrong thing. But, between that and Cecelia's crying, which she recognized in herself, I found myself annoyed. I thought the characters ad the larger story elements were very interesting, and I will keep reading the series, I just felt like the execution of the story did not hit my fairly high expectations for the book. I wanted to love it, and I did love some individual aspects of it, but as a whole I liked the read but was left wanting. 

All Scot and Bothered is a good historical romance with strong characters and a nice balance of heat, heart, and danger.

Book Review: Sarah's Dream (Grémillet Sisters) Script by Giovanni Di Gregorio & Art by Alessandro Barbucci

 Sarah's Dream is the first book in the Grémillet Sisters graphic novel series, the script is by Giovanni Di Gregorio and art by Alessandro Barbucci. Being sisters is never easy. But when you’re as different as Sarah, Cassiopeia, and Lucille, it’s even harder! The first is haunted by recurring dreams, the second lives with her head in the clouds, and the last spends most of her time with her cat. Then one day they discover a mysterious photo of their mother pregnant. Where was it taken, and who is the baby? And most importantly, why was this photo hidden away in the depths of the attic? To find out, they’ll have to venture into the tangled forest of the Grémillet family secrets!

Sarah's Dream is a story about family, siblings in particular. I liked the mysterious elements of the dreams of jellyfish. I think the pages really had an ethereal feel and made the story otherworldly.  The color work and art style greatly appealed to me, and I enjoyed the art as much as the story. The emotion and mood of each page was well captured, with details that I did not always catch at first glance. The dynamic between the sisters was very real to me, as siblings often have that struggle of love and annoyance going at all times. I will say that the story was not quite what I was expecting. I was really expecting more magic, mythical, or paranormal twist to rise up in the story. The story is well written and drawn, it was just not the story that I expected. That's not always a bad thing, especially when it is well done, as it is here. I was just really in the mood for magical mayhem, and did not get that. 

Sarah's Dream is a beautiful graphic novel, both emotionally and artistically.

Book Review: Igniting Darkness (sampler) by Robin LaFevers

Igniting Darkness by Robin LaFevers is the conclusion to the Courting Darkness duology, set in the world of Robin’s beloved His Fair Assassin trilogy. I am sad that I only have a sampler here- but (fair warning) I have been following this series from the beginning and love it more than I can properly express. 

When you count Death as a friend, who can stand as your enemy? Sybella, novitiate of the convent of Saint Mortain and Death’s vengeance on earth, is still reeling from her God’s own passing, and along with him a guiding hand in her bloody work. But with her sisters on the run from their evil brother and under the watchful eye of her one true friend (and love) at court, the soldier known as Beast, Sybella stands alone as the Duchess of Brittany’s protector. After months of seeking her out, Sybella has finally made contact with a fellow novitiate of the convent, Genevieve, a mole in the French court. But Sybella, having already drawn the ire of the French regent, may not be able to depend on her sister and ally as much as she hoped. Still, Death always finds a way, even if it’s not what one expects. No one can be trusted and the wolves are always waiting.

The sample I read via Netgalley for Igniting Darkness confirmed my need to read this full book. I do not recommend newcomers to this world start here- as this is the fifth book set in this world and they do build on each other and set up connections and intrigue that newcomers would miss or be confused or bored by because of the missing context. I loved that we get the multiple points of very and a more in depth look at the machinations that keep these characters and this world moving. Anyone that has gotten this far in the series needs to read this book, including myself. I need to get my hands on the full book and I both look forward to and dread it at the same time, because I am not sure I am ready to see this story come to an end. 

Early Book Review: Witch Hunt by Cate Conte

Witch Hunt is the first book in a new series by Cate Conte and is currently scheduled for release on June 30 2020. Violet Mooney owns The Full Moon crystal shop in quaint North Harbor, Connecticut. Still grieving her beloved grandmother’s recent unexpected death, she takes comfort in her fat orange cat Monty and her work. Not everyone in town is thrilled with her business, however. When disagreeable town councilwoman Carla Fernandez picks a fight over Violet’s "voodoo shop," the two have a very public confrontation. Of course, when Carla turns up dead, Violet gets little sympathy from the police as suspect #1. But the shock of two policemen showing up at her door pales in comparison to the sudden appearance of her estranged mother Fiona and a surprise sister, Zoe. What Fiona reveals will rock her world and her sense of self—and reawaken her long-dormant mysterious power. 

Witch Hunt is a story with a whole lot going on. Violet is still mourning the loss of her grandmother and just trying to get through life. Her best friend and neighbor is acting strange, her boyfriend is being distant, and the queen of the town council is harping on many of them about their businesses. Once said council member is found murdered everything gets even more complicated. It seems everyone has secrets, including Violet's family. A magical heritage and new dangers are added to the list of problems to be faced, and the stakes keep rising. I thought Carla's murder and the surrounding mystery was well done, and while I had some suspicions as things unraveled, it was an interesting ride to the reveal. The story line about Violet's family and witches in the world was good, but felt like it could have been its own book rather than a layer over the first murder. I felt like the witchy reveal, and the problems that it could bring, will include more murder and mystery in the next volume- but I already have a suspect in mind for several possible issues that might arise. I really enjoyed several aspects of the story, and the writing style was nice. I just think there was too much going on layered over each other for what I was in the mood for when I picked up this title. 

Witch Hunt is a well written mystery with many layers to unravel. 

Early Book Review: Bears Behaving Badly (BeWere my Heart) by MaryJanice Davidson

Bears Behaving Badly is the first book in the BeWere my Heart series by MaryJanice Davidson. It is currently scheduled for release on March 31 2020. 

These social worker bear shifters give the term "mama bear" a whole new meaning! Werebear shifter Annette Garsea is a caseworker for the Interspecies Placement Agency. When a selectively mute and freakishly strong teen werewolf is put in her custody, Annette has to uncover the young girl's secrets if she's to have any hopes of helping her. And not even the growling of a scruffy private investigator can distract her from her mission. Bear shifter David Auberon appreciates Annette's work with at-risk teen shifters, but he's not sure if her latest charge is so much a vulnerable teen as a predator who should be locked up. All that changes when he, Annette, and her motley band of juveniles find themselves dodging multiple murder attempts and uncovering a trafficking cartel that doesn't just threaten the kids, but risks discovery of the shifters by the wider world of homo sapiens.

Bears Behaving Badly has a good deal going on.Annette and David had some great dialogue, and I enjoyed the clueless, thought to be unrequited love, aspect of the story. They were fun and I liked getting to know them. I also really liked the secondary characters- and found some of them more interesting and entertaining than the major players on occasion.  I like that parts of the character backstories are slowly revealed rather than having a massive information dump. I thought that the mystery of what was going on and who the mole was had a good pace and had a good balance of danger and character exploration. Although, I have to say that some of the big picture was a little obvious to me and I wanted to facepalm when Annette and David finally figured it out. The story was fun and enjoyable. However, there several occasions when the transitions were sudden and I had to go back and reread bits to see if I missed something, some clue, as to how they got to be somewhere or which line of dialogue when to which character. Everytime that this happened with a scene transition I was taken out of the story and it took away from my enjoyment a bit. 

Bears Behaving Badly is a fun romantic adventure with a nice balance of humor, mystery, and a touch of heat.

Early Book Review: Wrong Bed, Right Man (Accidental Love) by Rebecca Brooks

Wrong Bed, Right Man is the third book in the Accidental Love series by Rebecca Brooks and is currently scheduled for release on February 17 2020. I have not read the previous books, and think each must be able to stand on its own. 

Rose Campbell is determined to get her stuff from her cheating ex-fiancé’s apartment. There’s just one problem. A sexy stranger is sleeping in her bed. Work boots and scruff so aren’t her type––except when they’re on furniture maker Owen Crowley, who is funny, kind, and speaks his mind. The prim and proper Rose isn't the kind of woman Owen is usually interested in. But the more he gets to know her, the more intrigued he becomes. There’s passion underneath those stiff suits of hers that he can’t wait to explore. There’s no reason these two opposites can’t have some sexy fun, except that one thing. Rose works for the very people trying to destroy Owen’s business.

Wrong Bed, Right Man is a sweet contemporary romance with a few good twists and turns. Rose is doing her best to get on with life after years of conditioning to be the quiet good girl and never raise a fuss. However, after catching her fiance in the act of cheating she just wants to get through each day and get her furniture back. This leads to all sorts of adventures with Owen, who is trying to keep his business afloat and not take advantage of the innocent Rose. I really liked Owen, he is a guy with integrity and an intense work ethic but very little filter. I liked his father even more. Rose I liked to an extent, but was a little frustrated with her on occasion. I did not mind the prim and proper, but found her inability to stand up for herself to more bothersome to me than Owen's ability to ignore slights to her. She  has a great, supportive group of friends but so little self esteem that it really took some of the fun out of the story for me. I did enjoy the resolution, and think parts of the story were brilliant, but was annoyed with Rose more often than not. 

Wrong Bed, Right Man is a fun and steamy read. 

Early Book Review: Her Twin Baby Secret by Therese Beharrie

Her Twin Baby Secret by Therese Beharrie is currently scheduled for release on February 4 2020.  Alexa Moore is the definition of independent. She runs her own successful business and she’s decided to start a longed-for family—by herself! But after business rival Benjamin Foster comes to her rescue and pretends to be her boyfriend for a night, their earth-shattering kiss sparks Alexa’s desire to share much more with him. But having Benjamin in her life means she must confide in him—she’s pregnant with twins!

Her Twin Baby Secret is an enemy to lover romance with much more emotional depth than I usually expect from the trope. Alexa's family is less than loving, while Benjamin's is very caring but has their own struggles. The family issues have affected the way both of them relate to others and deal with conflict- which is true of us all. I loved getting to know both of the characters, and could relate to Alexis's need to do everything herself and fear of getting hurt by those she might let in. Ben's protective nature was not unexpected, but I loved how sweet and caring he was. Each of them coming to terms with their own failings was perfectly paced and timed for the overall story, and it was just so well done.I also enjoyed that the secondary characters were so multidimensional, even those that could have been completely bad or oblivious had a moment or two when they were clearly more.  I so want to see more of some of them, and plan on getting my hands on more books from Beharrie as soon as possible.

Her Twin Baby Secret is a wonderful romance. I cannot wait to explore the author's other books. 

Early Book Review: The Perils of Intimacy by Rick R. Reed

The Perils of Intimacy by Rick R. Reed is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on January 27 2020. Mark believes he’s meeting Jimmy for the first time in the diner where he works, but he’s wrong. Mark has no recollection of their original encounter because the wholesome Jimmy of today couldn’t be more different than he was two years ago. Back then, Jimmy sported multiple piercings and facial hair. He was painfully skinny—and a meth addict. The drug transformed him into a lying, conniving thief. Mark doesn’t associate the memory of a hookup gone wrong with this fresh-faced twenty-something… but Jimmy knows. Can Mark see Jimmy for the man he is now and not the addict he was? The answers depend on whether true love holds enough light to shine through the darkness of past mistakes.

The Perils of Intimacy is a heartfelt romance that looks deeper. I was glad to see the straightforward and honest way drug use, and the difficult path of recovery, is handled. I found the way the damage drug use has on the user and those around them was handled with empathy and understanding. I think many people should read the book just for a better understanding of how powerful addiction is, and how hard it can be to get and stay clean.Jimmy had me rooting for him right for the start, and I really liked the author's voice and writing style. Getting the dual points of view helped me really become engaged in the story and the overall health of the major characters.  I also liked that while Marc had a better start in life, he also had real and relatable emotional issues that while different than Jimmy's problems were not pushed off to the side or ignored just because they were not more immediately problematic. I think this was a great show of the author's understanding that everyone has their issues, and they can all have an impact on our relationships and life in general.  I also enjoy that there was another layer of the story, about recovery and the help people give each other while working toward staying clean. There were a couple moments were I was braced for things to go really wrong, and at one point I worried that there was another twist around the corner. I am so glad I read this book, the love story was great but the better understanding it brought me people struggling with addiction made it even more valuable.

The Perils of Intimacy is a realistic and highly engaging read. There are some very vivid descriptions about intravenous drug use and the highs that drug use cause. Those that might not be ready or able to deal with reading that might want to skip reading the book for now. 

Book Review: Faerie Forged (Magicsmith) by L.R. Braden

Faerie Forged is the third book in the Magicsmith series by L.R. Braden. I highly recommend reading this series in order. I think newcomers would be lost as to much of the character and world building work that was done in the previous books. 

Alex is screwed. She’s due at the fae Court of Enchantment in less than twenty-four hours, but she’s not even close to being ready. Her job is hanging by a fraying thread. There’s a new vampire master in town. And several of her werewolf friends have been captured by the Paranatural Task Force. She’s their best chance for release before the full moon reveals their secret, but the Lord of Enchantment is not someone you keep waiting—even when he happens to be your grandfather. All Alex can do is call in a favor, hope to hell she can survive the plots of the fae court, and hightail it home to salvage her life. One mistake at court could change everything.

Faerie Forged is a great addition to Alex's story and includes a great deal of additional world building as she enters the fae realm. I liked the pacing of the world and character building, and appreciate the continued character growth for Alex and those closest to her. I also liked some of the fae descriptions- and could recognize many from folklore, legends, and other previous reads. It did take me a few pages to get back into the story and remember where we left off with all of the relationships and complications, but I was quickly back to being fully invested. I liked that some threads of the story were neatly tied up, but so many new possibilities opened up by the end of the story. While the immediate issues were solved, and I was not left with the rage cliff hangers bring out in me, there are so many thing that could happen next. There are so many situations and relationships that could implode with the new developments that I desperately want the next book but also want the author to take their time so that the quality of plotting, pacing, and characters continues. 

Faerie Forged is a solid continuation of the story. I am eager to see where the story takes us next. 

Book Review: Pawsitively Secretive (Witch of Edgehill) by Melissa Erin Jackson

Pawsitively Secretive is the third book in the Witch of Edgehill series by Melissa Erin Jackson. I highly suggest reading this mystery series in order, although the author does a good job of summarizing what has happened so far in the beginning of this book.

After two stressful months, Amber Blackwood is determined to have a few weeks of peace before the Here and Meow Festival descends on her small town of Edgehill, Oregon. That peace doesn’t last long; when she and the committee attend a meeting at the mayor’s house, Amber is pulled aside by the mayor’s daughter, Chloe, who Amber babysat for in high school. The mayor has forbidden Chloe from dating, but she recently met an older boy through a chat app and is desperate to meet him. Amber advises Chloe to tell her father about the boy. Hours later, Mayor Deidrick frantically puts in a call to Amber: Chloe, the always well-behaved teenager, seems to have snuck out her bedroom window—and now she’s not answering his calls. When Amber helps search the town for the girl, she happens upon Chloe’s abandoned car. Her driver’s side door is open, and while her purse is inside, her phone is gone. Working alongside Chief Brown, Amber uses her magic to figure out what might have happened to Chloe. The more they dig, the more they unearth secrets from the seemingly affable mayor’s past. The charismatic politician has both a hair-trigger temper and a suspicious death linked to his past. As if the mayor’s increasingly strange behavior isn’t bad enough, Amber and the chief also contend with an out-of-town private investigator, nosy reporter Connor Declan, and an even nosier population of Edgehill residents who start to question why Amber and the chief are spending so much time together. Undaunted by these obstacles, Amber races against the clock to help ensure Chloe doesn’t become another statistic—assuming the mayor doesn’t stop her first.

Pawsitively Secretive is a nicely done mystery. The blend of mystery and personal conflicts for Amber is very well done. I do think that those that have read the previous book will enjoy this book much more than newcomers because they will have a better understanding of the town dynamics, and especially the complications between Amber and a few members of the community. I greatly enjoyed how well woven the mystery of Chloe's disappearance and the secrets that became uncovered in the search for her. It was interesting to watch unfold and there was more than moment that had me trying to guess the details and falling short. I think the best part was how much the characters developed as part of the story, and how much more readers discovered about secondary characters as well as the major players. It was well done and I enjoyed the read. I am very interested to see where the series goes from here. 

Pawsitively Secretive is a good continuation of the series, and I am looking forward to continuing on.  

Book Review: Tall, Tatted, and Tempting (Reed Brothers) by Tammy Falkner

Tall, Tatted, and Tempting by Tammy Falkner is a new adult romance. Logan wants to know my name, but I can't tell him. I can't tell him anything. There are too many people looking for me. He's pretty persuasive, though, and he convinces me to go home with him so he can keep me safe from this harsh city where I find myself. It's not my home. It's his. He belongs. I don't. Logan lives with four brothers in the inner city. Yet I've never felt more safe than I do when I'm with him. I want him. But he won't let me have a darn thing, aside from his friendship, unless I'm willing to tell him my secrets. But they're mine, and I can't share them. Not unless I want them to come and get me. She catches my eye because she's so beautiful she takes my breath. But that's not all that I love about her. I love the way she smells. The way she smiles. The way she plays the guitar is unlike anything I have ever seen. She sleeps in my bed every night, and drives me crazy with her touch. But I can't take what she offers because I need all of her. I need for her to tell me her secrets. I need for her to trust me.

Tall, Tatted, and Tempting captured my attention right away and kept me thoroughly engaged for the entire read. I really loved Kit/Emily and thought her character was very well done. I was intrigued by her story and wanted more, and the way it was slowly revealed was pretty perfect for the larger story. Logan was very well written as well, the only complaint I could have for him was that he was almost too perfect. His patience and love for his family and friends was almost too perfect. Logan's family and the complications that were written into the story were very well handled. I loved the way everyone (including Logan) dealt with his deafness, and the way he responded to discovering that Kit had issues of her own was spot on. My biggest complaint is that I had no idea that there was a follow up (my fault for not paying any attention). While some things were decided by the end of this book, and so much revealed, there are so many more questions in my mind about what happens next for all of the characters of this story. I loved the read, but was so frustrated when I reached the end. I would suggest  having the next book on hand before starting this- because it is one I had trouble putting down, and when I went to check how many Reed Bother books there were- I counted ten plus some novellas. I have some follow up reading to do!

Tall, Tatted, and Tempting is an engaging new adult romance with lots of heart. Just be aware that it is the first in a series- and the ending leaves lots of questions for the future.There are at least ten books in the series, so you can scratch that itch right away.

Book Review: Project Duchess (Duke Dynasty) by Sabrina Jeffries

Project Duchess is the first book in the Duke Dynasty series by Sabrina Jeffries. A series of stepfathers and a difficult childhood have left Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, with a guarded heart, enviable wealth, and the undeserved reputation of a rogue. Grey’s focus on expanding his dukedom allows him little time to find a wife. But when his mother is widowed yet again and he meets the charmingly unconventional woman managing his stepfather’s funeral, he’s shocked to discover how much they have in common. Still, Grey isn’t interested in love, no matter how pretty, or delightfully outspoken, the lady. Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt with his rakish reputation isn’t exactly changing her mind. Then Grey agrees to assist his grief-stricken mother with her latest “project”: schooling spirited, unfashionable Beatrice for her debut. Now that Beatrice is seeing through Grey’s charms to his wounded heart, she’s having trouble keeping him at arm’s length. But once Grey starts digging into her family’s secrets, she must decide whether her loyalties lie with her family or with the man whose lessons capture her heart.

Project Duchess is a historical romance with well fleshed out characters, both complex and relatable in their way. Grey has been through a lot, and has a hard time getting past his trust issues and allowing himself to feel. Beatrice has not had an easy life either, and is doing the best she can to live her life and support her brother and extended family. Both have emotional scars, and I feel like those wounds are what bring our couple together. They are both very outspoken and genuine- even when they are trying to avoid talking about things they would rather avoid. I loved their banter- and often found myself grinning and they verbally spared. I liked the secondary plot line, a murder mystery that continues on in the series. I spent a good part of the book trying to figure out the mystery, and while I am glad parts of it were resolved- I am eager to get more pieces to the puzzle in the next book of this series. I am intrigued and want to see all players have their happy ever after and the mystery gets solved.

Project Duchess is a historical romance with all the elements I have come to expect from Jeffries. I was fully engaged in the read and will continue on reading the author's work.