New Facebook book group: Give me More... book recommendations (come join me :))

 

Here is the link to my new book group: 

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BtLHQ8kUv/

Hello everyone, 

I created a new book group last week on facebook and I would love to have more members in the group, while a big part of my goal for this group is to help promote the books that I worked on with my husband under our pen name Beth Anderson and my husbands crime and mystery fiction (Brandon Barrows) along the way I would love to help other Indie authors find more readers.  If you are interested come join us 💓

I mainly read romance novels while occasionally branching off to cozy mystery or true crime but I have been trying to be more supportive of Indie authors this year.  If there is interest in it I would like to maybe a few times a month post a blog sharing new books out by Indie authors if you are interested in being apart of this post please let me know.

Would love more bookish friends here are the links to my other socials:  

Blue Sky:    https://bsky.app/profile/elby1313.bsky.social

Good reads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/28052351-lb

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@elby1313?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Fable: @Elby  I don't know how to use this yet but I'm trying 😅

Samara Reed Atonement

 Book 2 The Fitzpatricks:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222445653-atonement

I did not read the first book I started with this 2nd book (I will go back and eventually read the first in the series).  I think that enough information was given throughout the book to make this a stand alone but it probably would have been good to read them in order to get the full story of what was going on.

The story starts out with Dane who is trying to leave his father's control he has lived in a compound his whole life and has been instructed from an early age not to go against his father's power and until now he has always just gone with this that his father's rule is the law and that's how things are... but when things start to change in his "community" and not for the better he knows that he needs to get out and get help, he also knows that he's not the only one afraid of what will happen in the future there are many women and children in the compound and now women are losing even more of their rights it's time to take a stand.  

Dane builds up the courage and leaves with some cash on hand because he doesn't know what it will take to get the help he needs but money talks and he ends up looking for help with someone he knows is capable of helping he heads out looking for Jack he was able to make a life for himself outside of the compound walls and Dane knows that if anyone is up to the challenge it's him but they need to act fast their dad's (who both control the compound) are bound to know that something is up since he left the compound and they will notice he is missing.

While looking for Jack, Dane runs into Ginger who is fierce and fiery but under the tough exterior she is a survivor with a heart of gold she has been through a lot and still wants to help any way she can and quickly Dane finds that she is a good person to have on his side.

This was a action packed quick read that kept me on the edge of my seat hoping that everyone would get through the rescue mission safely.  Dane and Ginger had instant sparks that turned into full blown flames by the end of the book.  

I enjoyed this book over all but the way the FMC spoke took me out of the story a bit, it didn't take away from the storyline just something that took awhile to get used to.  

*reverse age gap (not sure how old FMC is but led to believe she is older than our MMC)  

 *rescue mission *Spice  *instant attraction  *touch her and 💀vibes  *protective MMC *found family

*Indie author

Vanessa Rhoswen: Destiny Redeemed

 Book 2 Reborn Villainess read in 2025

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236182758-destiny-redeemed

This book starts where the last book ends (so make sure you read them in order) -->  

This book is the 2nd half of the story following Lady Ilyana D'Arcane in her attempts to right wrongs from a past life and forge a new path for a brighter future for herself and her family.  From the first book we learn that Ilyana had been working on multiple schemes all to get what she wanted for herself in her previous life she had wanted to be with Noah (the prince's cousin)... Noah wanted to be with another woman through a series of events Ilyana ended up essentially getting rid of her rival which led to what she thought she wanted (being Noah's wife) but when things were discovered about her and her father's involvement in all their shady dealings it led to her father's death and her families banishment from the kingdom where they lived in exile (see my book 1 review for a bit more details on this).    

In order to change her future in this time line, she knows how rare it is to get a second chance and even though she thinks of confiding in some people that this is her second time living some of these events she decides it's best to just not mention it who would believe her anyways when she thinks about it it sounds just wild her whole family died including herself in this past life and now she's back even she has a hard time believing this past life existed.  

Ilyana focuses on building her businesses and being more independent with her divorce from Noah granted by the Queen herself it leaves her a free woman again she's happy to see Noah go after what he wants... the woman he wanted to be with to begin with and seeing that relationship blossom even with the other noble families gossiping about her and her mother not speaking with her she has been in worse situations... she can get through this too.

What Ilyana doesn't expect in this new time line is to grow closer to the Prince (Anderic Voltaire) he never really paid much attention to her in her last lifetime but now he is everywhere she wants to be and seeing way more than she wants him to see, how can she move about as freely to continue to protect her family if she has this irritatingly handsome man actually noticing her and everything she's doing?

When the dangerous events that led to her families downfall still start to happen Ilyana realizes the time has come that she might just need to break down her walls and confide in someone she never thought that she would confide in but it might not be that bad... the Prince already holds her heart.  

Can Ilyana and Anderic work together to save the kingdom or will it be too late?  Can a former Villainess get the redemption that she longs for?  

I really enjoyed this series, while this second book starts off slow after getting away from the initial battle scene and focuses on Ilyana and her business savvy nature it begins to pick up the pace and sparks fly between her and our Prince!  

The second book continued from the where the first book left off and didn't have a time travel element but just the day to day struggles to make sure that history didn't repeat itself you continued to see Ilyana plotting and redirecting to reach her new goals of keeping her family safe and out of exile and I loved her relationship with her loyal maid Laurel at this point they were friends more than employer and employee.  

Had to overlook some of the fight scenes due to the fact that she was not truly trained for battle but appeared to be able to handle herself against multiple enemies without any real difficulty, but I loved the story line and that our lady was truly trying to make changes to be a better person and right all of her past wrongs.  

If you enjoy historical romance with a time travel element don't miss this one!  

*historical romance  *Time travel romance  *slow burn *some spice  *Medieval romance 

*Independent fierce FMC  *handsome prince MMC  *Warrior MMC *banter *Indie author  

*Happy ending 

My blog post for book 1:  https://elbyslibrary.blogspot.com/2025/02/vanessa-rhoswen-villainesss-redemption.html

Claire Kingsley: Faking Ms. Right

 

Dirty Martini Running Club Series book 1 -->  I think I originally read this in 2023 but have read it a few times, I enjoyed the whole series.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62870038

Everly has had a long series of terrible first dates... it seems that nothing goes right for any of them it's a good thing she has a great group of girlfriends to laugh it off with and she needs that because she is the assistant to the wealthy, handsome, super grumpy Shepherd Calloway it's a good thing that she's amazing at her job in fact this is the longest time anyone has stayed in this position he's hard to handle.

Shepherd is tired of dating superficial women who only seem to want to be around him for his money, what he can buy them they automatically expect because he's wealthy that he needs to shower them with gifts... daily.  While deciding to just be single for a bit and focus on work he ends up in quite a predicament... his latest ex who was a cold hearted gold digger shows up at a big event on the arm of his father... oh no!  She met his dad on her latest trip and Shepherd knows she is doing this to get back at him for breaking things off she can't get her clutches into his dad to make things a bit worse he doesn't tell his dad that she's his ex (after discussing it with his brother and his brother saying he shouldn't tell their dad) and she doesn't tell his dad either this could get awkward.

Not knowing what else to do he calls his loyal assistant Everly if she has been able to handle everything he's thrown at her over the years she can surely handle a night of pretending to be his girlfriend... she accepts only things progress when his father ends up having to move into his home for a period of time he can't tell his dad that he lied about their relationship he'll simply ask her to move in for a short period of time... what could go wrong?

Everly happens to need an awkward favor from her boss (her sister is requesting her to do this) and not knowing how to approach him naturally with this request maybe staying with him is her in, she does him this favor and maybe he will do her this little tiny favor that she wants... only the more she spends time with him the more she realizes he's not the stone cold businessman that everyone sees he is so much more when their fake situationship starts to feel so real at this point can she go through with the ask?  What would he even say if she did ask?

Shepherd while spending more time with Everly begins realizing that he has been going for the wrong women all these years he doesn't want someone who just wants him for his money he wants someone kind, someone who is able to laugh at herself, someone who is warm and loving who doesn't see his money but really sees him she isn't after anything he can give her... or is she? 

I really loved this book it was ridiculous at times but so funny and had many actual laugh out loud moments!  Her girlfriends are great they call themselves the dirty martini running club because after they meet up for a run they always end up at the bar for the martini's (reward) her friends are hilarious and they have her back everyone should have a great group of girls like Everly.  I ended up getting this book on audible.  

*Romantic Comedy  *Spice  *opposites attract *Grumpy/Sunshine  *fake dating/fiancé

*office romance *wealthy businessman  *Boss/assistant  *forced proximity  

*she's not like the other girls

Have you read this series?  Which book was your favorite in the series?  

I gathered some negatives from other peoples reviews to share:

• They were working together for 3 years with no chemistry while dating many other people then the readers are expected to see how quickly they get "closer" after 3 years of nothing
• Super silly plot, the fake relationship moving in could have not even been needed if he had just had a conversation with his dad about how he was dating his ex who was a snake in disguise
• The ex girlfriend is a stereo type cold woman who just wants to be with a wealthy man and doesn't care who
• Absurd and predictable 
• the tropes were not well executed 
• MMC continues to expect different relationship results when he continues to go for the same women over and over then when he feels it's time to break up he ends the relationship and sends the now newly ex on an expensive trip as a parting gift 
• Everly's sister shouldn't have put her in that position to ask her boss for this "favor" and they could have made plenty of other arrangements so she wouldn't have this over her head.  

Jennifer Seasons: That Time Violet Got Tipsy and Kidnapped a Viscount

 Heir Hunters book 2

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/229934443-that-time-violet-got-tipsy-and-kidnapped-a-viscount

Violet Bramble is an heir hunter she works with her foster sisters to research family lines and track down lost heirs the ultimate goal is that they will be able to rebuild the orphanage they grew up in with the finders fee's they get and Violet is on the track of a really big reward she just needs to go to Scotland and somehow convince this Highlander that he needs to return with her to London and oh yea...  convince him that he is the lost heir she's looking for.

Only problem is that when she finally gets to Scotland and finds Heath McCrae he is in the middle of a fight, she distracts him he loses his match and ends up in more debt than before.  Trying to get closer to him she accidently may have let it slip that she is his fiancé and when he comes to he doesn't disagree with her original claim that they are engaged leading to a series of hilarious situations since naturally it is time for the matchmaking festival and of course they have to attend as a newly engaged couple.

When two of Violet's rowdy sisters show up things get a bit more complicated as she is now trying to deny her growing feelings towards the handsome Scot and he is feeling the same way towards her only he is also concerned about the debt hanging over his head and he wants to keep the ladies in his life (his mom and now Violet safe).

Violet who has never known a mother figure falls for Heath's mom and feels a sense of belonging like she never expected once in Scotland.  When more pieces of the puzzle fall into place how will Violet and Heath move forward and will they want to move forward together, even though they were in a fake relationship at first it feels so real now.  

Have you read any books in this series?  Have you read anything by Jennifer Seasons?  What would you recommend?

I really enjoyed this book, it is the second in the series but can be read as a stand alone.  The story is funny and moves along well but it is more of a whimsical historical romance it wouldn't have surprised me if at any point some or all of the characters in the near area burst into a happy song (reminded me of Ella Enchanted meets historical romance novel).  I sometimes had to re-read sections as the continuity wasn't always clear but I didn't feel it took too much away from the story.  

Fun Quick read that is quirky in all the right ways!  I plan to go back and read the first book in the series and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series, hopeful that all the sisters will get their own story.  As a side note if you like your historical romance to be historically accurate this might not be the one for you it is more loosely based on historical times.  

*fake fiance/relationship  *Prize Fighter MMC  *whimsical  *historical romance  *Scotland 

*Highlander  *Man in kilts  *family mystery  *humor *banter  *some spice  *insta attraction/lust 

*Book Sirens *ARC read 2025  *some adult language  *fierce independent females 

Danielle Baker: Honor

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221860418/reviews?reviewFilters=eyJyYXRpbmdNaW4iOjEsInJhdGluZ01heCI6MSwiYWZ0ZXIiOiJNakF4TERFM016azBOVEExTXpVNU5EZyJ9

 Read in 2025 book 3 of the Sky Ridge Hot Shots Series (each book is written by a different author but the lead characters in this book are present in the first few books as well)

Xander (our lead MMC) is in his early 40's he has been a hotshot (wildland firefighter) for many years now and even though the job is dangerous he doesn't know what he would do without it he loves it just like his dad did.  As a younger man he watched his parents relationship crumble because his dad chose his career over his wife and kids... even after that Xander went out to work with his dad when he was old enough.  Unfortunately, his dad passed away in the line of duty just months before he was set to retire he died doing what he loved and Xander feels he will head down that same path he's married to his job.

Xander doesn't do long term relationships he doesn't have room in his heart for anyone else (besides his job) and he knows that his job is dangerous and a lot to put on a partner so he stays far away from anyone that might make him want things, things like a future (marriage, kids, the white picket fence etc...).  He has especially tried to keep a distance from his best friend's sister Teddy and for years he was able to do so since she was happily married... but things have changed Teddy has recently become a widow and with 2 young children and one on the way she moves to town to be closer to her brother in the duplex right next to Xander... talk about temptation she's everything that he knows he shouldn't want and she is in mourning. 

Being next door has it's perks including when Teddy goes into early labor who comes to the rescue but Xander he delivers the new little one and maybe just loses a little bit more of his heart in the process.  While Xander had in the past spent most of the time at the station when they weren't out working an active fire he can't help from staying at home (closer to Teddy and the kids... what if they need him).

Teddy is grieving the loss of her spouse they were high school sweet hearts and she has made a pact with herself not to fall in love again losing her husband almost killed her she can't possibly do it again... especially not with the super sweet, caring, handsome as sin man next door with the super dangerous job... not to forget mentioning that he is her brother's best friend and boss.

Can Teddy ever let down her walls and give Xander a chance?  If she gives him a chance she'll also have to accept his dangerous job and the fact that she could lose him just like she lost her first husband, could her heart handle 2 great losses?  If she asks him to give up his job will he, that's a big part of his life.  

Xander towards the end of the book receives some surprising advice from a trusted source that leads him to think that maybe some things could change in his life and it would be ok.  

*Brother's best friend/Boss  *Age Gap  *Hero/Firefighter  *neighbors  *love after loss

*Grieving/loss of spouse   *FMC widowed single mom  *curvy FMC  *pregnancy

*Dirty talk  *Grumpy MMC *supportive family/crew  *spice  

What I liked about this book:

• Xander is really sweet to Teddy and the kids he is truly swoon worthy reading material + he is a handsome firefighter! (as evidenced by the front cover and the description of this guy) 
• I liked the curvy FMC representation and the fact that Xander was very body positive towards her helping her come out of her shell  (minus the scene where he was thinking she was soft everywhere, not toned in a single place... or however it was described) 
• The kids were cute 
• I like that there was more scenes about the MMC's job in this book, if it's going to be part of the "hot shot's firefighter's series" and we had a whole big section at the front with different terms at least some of them were used in this book.
• Had some really sweet sections between Xander and the kids where they were starting to look up to him as a father figure even before the FMC and MMC were officially together and after they were together when it was shown how much the kids loved him and he loved them.  
• The FMC had some very supportive inlaws who came to help with the kids 
• supportive girlfriends for the FMC,  Supportive crew for the MMC
• Happy Ending 

Things that missed the mark for me in the book  (contains spoilers read at your own discretion):

• Xander is 42 he's too young to retire... so what is he doing for work to support the family that is growing and... he wants to have more children, Teddy only works 2 days a week as a dispatcher... I would like to know their secret on how they pay their bills on her salary?  Even if he has savings he isn't getting social security or anything yet.  
• I got the Audible companion for when I'm in the car and while the male voices for the adults were fine it really took me out of the story the first time Teddy was talking to her son Dalton (who is supposed to be 8) and what sounded like a college frat boy was speaking... 
• Xander keeps calling Teddy "momma" I guess it's supposed to be hot (cause she likes it) I thought it was kind of cringe
• A lot of the FMC's sections focus on insecurities around her body, she has had 3 kids... she's not going to look like a Dallas Cowboy's Cheerleader and we as the reader wouldn't expect her to... what else is going on with her?  Is that her personality? 
• I know everyone grieves differently but the FMC was already falling for and having an intimate relationship with a new man less than a year after her husband passed away (while she's still wearing his wedding ring because she's not fully over him and his mom is on board with her having this new relationship).  I kind of wished that the author had pushed that part out a bit more to give it more time... this feels like when my dad's best friend had recently passed away but his wife was already dating another guy before he was even gone.  
• The MMC keeps discussing how "old" he is... I'm around the same age... settle down there 
• A lot of repetitive story line 
• Timeline was a bit spotty/hard to figure out at times (she gets pregnant with another man's baby 3 months? after having her last child)  

Guilty Crime Story Magazine Issue One

Doing a general post about this magazine each issue offers many short stories from a variety of writers it focuses on crime and detective work and if you enjoy this genre you will be likely to enjoy the stories featured in the issues of this magazine.  Available for kindle and Paperback.

Blurb: Guilty is a magazine of crime stories, of criminals, their motivations and their beginnings and ends.  

In issue: 

“Midnight at the Oasis” by Robb T. White - Nate thought he and his uncle Rex were as close as brothers until one midnight at the Oasis changed everything.

“French Twist” by Joe Giordano - While on vacation in Paris, American Max Caspian offers police his assistance with a very unusual murder.

“Unprincipaled” by Stephen Sottong - Everyone wondered about the day Principal Taylor stole the truck. Nobody would have ever guessed the reason.

“Give Me a Reason” by Brandon Barrows - Something was taken from Chris Zender while serving in Afghanistan and if he can't get it back, he'll get revenge.

“Bridal Wreath” by Jill Hand - Robin was lonely for a long time. Then she met Richard, then Richard brought the flowers...

“Cymbaline” by Alec Cizak - When Raven and Sparrow saw an opportunity, naturally, they took it. Wouldn't you?

“Chasing 61” by Bruce Harris - The Babe set the record of sixty homeruns. Both Roger Maris and Frankie Z. aim to break it.

The Famous Last Words of Mickey Spillane” (Article) by Mike McHone All brand-new material by top crime writers!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58143802-guilty-crime-story-magazine?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=b86c8tR5l6&rank=1

amazon link:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095N7H23Q?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_0&storeType=ebooks

*Crime fiction  *Mystery  *Detective  *Multiple authors  *magazine 

Nina Jarrett The Captain's Wife

 Inconvenient brides prequel  

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61115945-the-captain-s-wife

I picked up this book from book sirens so thank you for the book!  it was a quick read novella and when I started reading it was finished with it in a few hours.  

The story has several time jumps from present day to the past and begins when Captain Jacob Lewis after a lengthy period of time finally finds his wife Lydia.  Lydia was the daughter of a vicar and he had passed away leaving her wondering where she would go as a now on the shelf spinster with no marriage prospects and no family to take her in she had been thinking of taking up work as a governess.  

Jacob had always had his childhood friend Lydia in mind when it came to taking a wife but he decided  that it wasn't time to settle down and had been spending several years sowing his wild oats in hopes that Lydia would still be waiting for him when he did decide to settle down, when he finally came to the conclusion that he should return to court and then marry his friend he found that her father had passed away and she was soon to lose her home with no where to go.  

Jacob is due to return back to military service but asks her to marry him before he returns then giving her the option of staying with his family while he is away and offering his protection.  She agrees to the marriage but always feels like he did this out of obligation from their life long friendship as opposed to actually wanting to marry her.  While Jacob is away fighting in a war Lydia stays with his elderly grandfather and lecherous uncle things are going well... until they aren't and she is forced to flee in the middle of the night.

Lydia finds shelter at in a Duke's residence as the housekeeper, the Duke is friends with her husband she writes to her husband but never hears back thinking that he has forgotten about her (or worse died in war) she begins to move on with her life hoping that if her husband is alive he will move on with his life too since he married her out of pity. 

Jacob searches for years to find his wife and manages to find her from a newspaper article where her hidden identity is mentioned (he knew it was her from a story they discussed as children) he then does everything he can to prove to her that she is the love of his life and they belong together.  

Things I liked about the book:  The couple truly seemed to care for each other even though it is a short book you can see it from their interactions, Strong FMC she takes charge of her own life and gets out of a bad situation, happy ending.

Negatives for the book:  Too short to really tell a well thought out/planned story there were plot holes and not enough time to fix them everything felt rushed --> for example if Jacob has been looking for her why wouldn't he contact this good friend (the Duke where she has been staying) to help him.  

I thought the book was ok for a historical romance novella and the writing flowed well enough to move the story along I would like to try the next book in the series.

Have you read anything by Nina Jarrett?  What would you recommend? 

*Quick read  *Novella  *some spice  *Vicar's daughter  *Army Captain MMC 

*2nd chance for romance *historical romance  *book sirens book  *hidden identity FMC

*Miscommunication/no communication  *friends --> more

Emily Morgans: Kissing the Rake

The Howertys Book 2  (have not read the first book yet but plan to!)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219236335-kissing-the-rake

Lady Jessica Howerty is smart, beautiful, funny and caring she is given the opportunity to spend the summer at a neighboring estate (Hurst estate) and she accepts the opportunity to be a companion to Olivia who is coming to visit her uncle and as a younger lady in need of someone closer to her own age to spend time with.  The Duke at that point writes to his wayward son Jacob (the Earl of Wortham) to notify him that he will be spending more time with Jessica at the estate he goes on to relay that he plans to propose marriage soon if things go well.

Jessica has a secret that she has kept onto forever since it's not likely to turn into anything more than a crush but she has been in love with Jacob Hurst (her older brother's best friend) since she was young but he has always just noticed her as a little sister and nothing more.  He has also been widely known for his rakish ways and has at several points been at the center of the Ton's gossip due to his behavior with the ladies, she can never tell him her true feelings she must guard this secret.

Jacob receiving his father's letter at first is confused that he is even writing to him at all they have never been close and their most recent in person interactions have been anything but pleasant.  After the initial shock of this news Jacob finds himself traveling from London to his father's home in the country to spend time there and make sure that his father's plan to propose marriage to Lady Jessica does not come to be... he needs to stop this at all costs in fact.  

The more time he spends with Jessica the more he realizes that he isn't looking at her like his best friend's little sister anymore... he's looking at her as a beautiful woman maybe his rakish days are behind him and he can get on board with Jessica getting married... but not to his father to him.  

Conflict arises due to Jacob believing that Jessica is after his father for his title and wealth it leads to Jacob saying some rotten things to Jessica at times.  Jessica fights between her continued love for Jacob and the thoughts that he is never going to change and she should just move on and find a more suitable man who she can grow to love and during these times Jacob becomes more aware that his feelings towards Jessica are growing stronger.  

Jacob and Jessica's banter is perfect throughout the book and leads to some passionate encounters when they can't keep away from each other any longer this ends with them in a marriage of convenience but can they build something lasting with his past history?  Can he really stay with one woman forever when he has been so wild for years?  When old baggage comes back to haunt him will Jessica think the worst of him like everyone else or will she listen to his side of the story? 

I really enjoyed this story and plan to read the first in the series and the next book in the series when it comes out.  I did find myself struggling with our lead characters at times due to the length of time with no communication/miscommunication and running away from each other instead of talking.  I really loved Jessica's family and I'm looking forward to Rain's story, I also hope that Ravenscroft finds his love match he was a true sweetheart.    

Have you read any books by this author?  Have you read the first book?  

*ARC read 2025 *banter  *older brothers best friend *handsome rake  *Duke's son  *friends --> more

*long term pining (FMC huge crush on MMC) /she falls first  *drama 

 *miscommunication/no communication  *Forbidden romance *FMC has a wonderful close family

 *historical romance  *spice  *Marriage of convenience  *Happy ending

Christine Lawrence: To Have & To Kill

 read in 2025

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/235961651-to-have-and-to-kill-book-2

I found this author on facebook in one of the ARC groups I'm a member of they were actually offering this book to someone else and I have been regularly checking the different groups to find new (to me) authors/Indie authors.  I usually read romance novels and occasionally branch out to read something in a different genre.

I really enjoyed this book it was a good cozy murder mystery with the feel of old school Murder She Wrote episodes with the small town vibes, the amateur detective work and continuing the investigation even though law enforcement has discussed how dangerous it could be to continue.

I have not read the first book in the series but I didn't feel lost with how the author added some bits of info from the story that took place previously.  Leah is the owner of a wedding planning business/hall in Ohio the story starts with her and her friends/co-workers planning an expo at their job site bringing in other people who run wedding related businesses for potential brides & grooms to peruse.

Leah is pretty soon after called in to act as a go-between for two vendors having a dispute one vendor believing they needed more space to air out their wedding dresses from their shop and moving into another vendor's space while this heated discussion is quickly doused a mystery begins when a few days later the wedding dress vendor is found dead in their home from unnatural circumstances with the other vendor (who owns a flower shop) being the lead suspect.

At first not wanting to get involved Leah gets talked into helping by her co-worker knowing that her friend needs their help.  Leah gets help from a private investigator (who helped with the case in the last book) and they begin to unravel the mystery finding that there were plenty of others that could have a motive for murder the victim had made several enemies prior to her passing.

This was a fast paced old fashioned who done it where you kind of have to believe that the people will that willingly give up information to a random person (not working with the police) really liked that small town amateur investigator feel, and since so many people popped up as a possible suspect it kept me guessing as to who the culprit was.  I enjoyed the story and plan to go back and read the first one at some point!  

*Cozy Mystery  *Murder mystery  *amateur detective  *quick read  

*2nd in series but could be read as a stand alone 

Lille Moore: Keeping the Countess

ARC read 2025  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/235193727-keeping-the-countess

Faith (FMC) is the Countess of Rochford she is married but her husband is absent from the estate and it appears that he has been for quite some time.  Due to the husband's gambling and other nefarious activities  Ravenglass Hall (the estate she lives in) is falling apart and lacking funds it's hard to make the necessary repairs, this is made worse since the steward who has been placed in charge comes around when he feels like it and is stealing any additional funds the property might have.  

Jonah (a reverend) is on a mission to bring his father's killer to justice he gets a position as a tutor to the Earl of Rochford's young ward (his nephew Adam) he accepts he believes this position will help lead him to the person(s) responsible for his father's death.  

New to town and not quite sure where to go he ends up almost getting run down in the street by a small man on a horse (who he quickly realizes is actually a woman dressed in men's clothing), Jonah once he finally reaches Ravenglass knows immediately that Faith is the "man" who he had encountered the night before and he is drawn to her strength and determination she has been pretending to be an apprentice steward and helping the townspeople.    

Faith finds herself drawn to Jonah as well but she can't become involved with him she needs to keep her family safe and she is holding on to secrets of her own what will happen if he uncovers them?  She must see Adam safely enrolled in school before the funds are completely gone.  Will she ever be able to get rid of that awful steward?  Jonah is a stranger sent in by the church (who could potentially take her home and lands she lives on) can she even trust him?  

The book focuses mainly on the mystery surrounding Faith, the disappearance of her husband and the secrets she is hiding.  As far as "romance" goes there really didn't seem like much of one going on, I think maybe a lot of stuff takes place off the pages and there are confusing time jumps I had to re-read some sections to see if I missed something because they had very few encounters and next thing you know they are falling for each other and have some intimate interactions from what was there it was more of an insta lust/love situation.  It was also noted multiple times that they love the smell of oranges & lemons.     

I'd say that the book started to flow better after the half way mark but there were a few confusing things that maybe were not fully explained and I would have liked to see more of the lead couples relationship built on the page, I also get that the ladies husband was a bad guy and there were "some things" going on with it but she was still married to him while she was starting to build this relationship with the reverend. 

When the countess finds herself in a terrible situation will Jonah be able to help her in time?  Will they ever be able to be together or is their romance going to forever be hidden?  Will Jonah be able to bring the people responsible for his father's death to justice?  

Lots of drama, secrets and ulterior motives leaving you to wonder if our couple will reach their goals or if the villains will win in the end.  Not overly spicy for those who like a lower spice read.

*ARC read 2025  *Book Sirens *historical romance *mystery romance 

*FMC is married  *slow burn  *strong FMC *some spice  *forbidden romance 

Karla Sorensen: Focused

 Ward Sisters book 1 (I read this in 2023 or 2024?)  

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49473257-focused?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=TgWP6HxqMi&rank=1

Molly had a huge crush on the neighbor's son when she was a teenager finally deciding to do something about it she climbed into his window she was 16 and he was 19 (probably not too aware of her existence until she plopped herself on his lap).  Noah in college at the time and home for the day couldn't believe his luck having a beautiful girl climb into his window... his dad caught them and brought her home he then finds out she is 16 and realizes how close he came to ruining his future over a few minutes of fun he decided to change his ways and not get attached to any girls anymore and just focus on the main goal... his future in football and that has suited him just fine until that same girl who led to him losing his focus the first time comes back into his life. 

A large time jump happens (like 10 years) they are no longer teenagers Noah has been traded to the Washington Wolves football team after a misunderstanding that happened on his previous team with one of the team mates wives.  Molly's older brother (Logan) is Noah's new coach, Molly works with the team as well and he will be working closely with Molly on a project since he has been chosen for an episode of a documentary that focuses on the lives of football players and she is now his new point person that makes sure that he has everything that he needs for the day.

Molly would rather do anything else than be next to the guy that broke her heart ages ago but she does want a promotion and in order to get the promotion she needs the filming to go off without a hitch... Noah isn't making things easy for her he is grumpy and just wants to settle in working on doing well with his new team.  He also doesn't want to share with the world that he is a rather lonely guy who is so focused on his job he doesn't have much of a personal life he sees other guys on the team going home to wives/girlfriends and kids but he has never needed any of that he is fine being solo.

Noah begins to open up to Molly while spending more time with her she brings out a softer side that he didn't even know he had and it scares him what if he loses his edge in the game he has been set in his ways so long that he isn't sure how things will be if he does let someone in but somewhere along the way of working on the show he has fallen for Molly and now that he has he doesn't know how to keep her.

Part of the conditions for working on the documentary involved a no fraternization policy and while Molly has been trying to stay professional she can't help but fall for this handsome, grumpy guy once she cracks his outer shell he is kind and caring and when he looks at her like she is the only one that matters she melts.  What will happen if she takes a chance and crosses the line?  

Have you read anything by Karla Sorensen?  Have you read this series?  Who was your favorite Sister?

*age gap  *past history *enemies --> more  *football/sports romance  *Grumpy/sunshine  

*Brooding MMC  *miscommunication/no communication *drama *happy ending  *dual pov

*forbidden romance *2nd chance romance *some spice  *slow burn  

*love FMC's family and MMC's sassy grandma

I read this series after reading the original Washington Wolves series and I really enjoyed it I read it in a few days I've compiled some negative thoughts from other readers (proceed with caution may have spoilers):

• Some readers found the story predictable & boring
• The lead characters were boring with no chemistry
• Didn't feel enough of a connection between the couple to be believable as being in love by the end of the book leading to it feeling rushed
• Their past history Molly (16 at the time) tired of waiting for Noah to notice her didn't think of the potential consequences for Noah who was (19 and a college football star) but sneaking in his room and coming on to him could potentially have been setting him up for charges leading to ruining his future at such a young age.
• Molly's over protective brother (Logan) is now Noah's coach putting Noah in a bad position since he's now on this new team and this past history is hanging over his head when he was just a kid at the time too.  None of them mention the past history to the organization which could lead to further problems.
• Some people felt that Molly was pushy, spoiled and unprofessional especially when upon seeing him for the first time in years she cornered Noah in a elevator and pushed the stop button essentially forcing him to have a conversation with her

Kenzie Quivers: The Loneliest Number

The Thirst Trap Book 3  (I have not read the first two in this series)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234544426/reviews?reviewFilters=eyJyYXRpbmdNaW4iOjQsInJhdGluZ01heCI6NCwiYWZ0ZXIiOiJOVFFzTVRjMU1ETTFOekkzT1RRek1nIn0%3D

This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be my last, when I say this book starts out coming in hot... woah!  😳  

Our lead female is into joining partners for one night only kind of fun, she doesn't give her real name choosing to go by the nick name Pixie, after an amazing night Cam (our male lead) gives her his phone number, she doesn't plan to use it but with his big personality, handsome face, and what he can do to her body... not to mention he has a sexy Scottish accent it's hard to not call him.

We next see our lead several weeks later finding out her name is Abby she is a hard worker and has a challenging family life so has made a family of her own with a good group of friends and her co-workers (she works as a bartender).  While on her way to work she often imagines what it would look like inside of this elegant run down building nearby and is torn when she finds out that there is someone who has come to town to actually fix it up she knows it would be amazing restored but it might also cause competition if they open a bar and are in the same neighborhood.  

Cam's grandmother has passed away and he learns that he is the new owner of a building in London.  No one in his family even knew the building existed the other weird thing is that a man he has heard of gave his grandmother the building it's a true mystery.  Cam heads down to London to fix up his new place and finds that he is the new owner of the very building that has enchanted Abby and ends up meeting up with her in the streets outside of his building when she comes up to see if she can help bring in supplies and maybe get a tour.

Cam wants to continue to get to know Abby (she finally told him her real name) better while Abby struggles with wanting to remain an independent unicorn (joining into other peoples relationships to spice it up for a night) and has never been one for just being with one person but Cam is different he is willing to explore with her and quickly finds himself just wanting to be with her in whatever way she will have him.

Cam is a good match for Abby allowing her time to open up on her terms and accepts her as she is never trying to change anything about her.  Will Abby let herself fall for Cam?  Throughout the book you can see maybe Abby is leaning more towards the idea that having someone special to come home to isn't always a bad thing.  Will they find out what the history is on this mysterious building that Cam now owns?   

Cute, quick read I enjoyed this book over all and plan to go back and read the rest of the series at some point --> some of the spicy scenes were spicier than I'm used to in multiple different partner pairings throughout the book.  Even with the amount of spice the author did a good job with moving the story forward and letting us get to know our lead couple better I was also interested to learn more about the mystery of how Cam's grandmother came into possession of The Juniper (Cam's new building in London).     

Have you read the rest of the series?  What did you think?  

*ARC Read 2025  *Polyamorous MF Pairing  *Ethical Non Monogamy  *Grumpy x Sassy 

*Scottish MMC/ British FMC  *Dual POV  *found family *MMC golden retriever energy 

*Spicy (lots of spice mixed in this book with multiple partners and MF pairing)  *kink club

*Will they/won't they *LGBTQ representation  *he falls first  *Curvy girl representation

*super stubborn FMC