A Date with a Book
I love reading and you will always catch me with a book. While I love all mysteries and romances, I am particularly stuck on Cozy Mysteries.
Originally posted at A Date with a BookMy third book in this series and fourth book by this author. I am definitely going to consume all books written by Ms. Stark.This story idea was fresh and new. I was a little apprehensive when starting this book thinking, how is she going to write a story with just Milo and Ariana and not have it boring or just complete sex scenes. Very creative. I love the little twist and the loop in with Milo’s mom. There was also a little bit of suspense in with this love story which just added to the enjoyment.I love how the author writes the beautiful scenery in all of her books. I can just imagine myself in such a beautiful place. The descriptions are just enough without being overbearing in abundance.Definitely a must read author and a must read series. I recommend this entire series to all romance readers. I just hope there is more of the Aspen series.
Originally posted at A Date with a Book This cozy was a free Kindle download and being book two of the series, I was a bit worried about being lost on some of the details. It was obvious I had missed book one action and adventure, but did not affect the details I needed for this book. This book was fairly a quick read. Sometimes I felt a lull while reading and realized a lot of the story did not revolve around the crime and the solving of the murder. While I enjoyed what went on in the personal life of Kiki, I did feel disconnected from the mystery and rushed when it was actually solved.I enjoyed Kiki’s character and the theme of scrapbooking for a cozy mystery. Kiki’s mother-in-law was quite hilarious with the mole problem and her wanting to help out in Kiki’s life. The spa trip was a great example. The questionable romantic connection with Kiki and the detective does make me want to continue on to the next book in the series.Overall, I enjoyed this book and the theme. The book does share some scrapbooking ideas at the end of the chapters and other extras as well. I would recommend this book to readers of cozy mysteries.
 - Addison Moore)
Originally posted at A Date with a BookThis was a Kindle free download that has been on my Kindle shelf for a while. Having highlighted this series for it’s awesome covers, I finally decided I needed to read it. Definitely as good as the cover looks. It has been a while since I read a young adult book and I was glad I enjoyed this one as much as I did, so I quickly grabbed the second book, Tremble, and have that on my TBR pile coming up very soon.This book reminded me a lot of Shiver (Wolves of Mercy Falls) by Maggie Stiefvater, but mainly for the relationship and paranormal element. It isn’t about wolves or running away, but Skyla definitely deals with a lot of the similar situations as Grace did.Skyla and Logan are a great couple. It’s interesting how the paranormal elements guides the relationships, etc. While inside I’m routing for one thing, once the guidelines of the angelics become known, I knew it couldn’t be that way. But why?I’m excited to continue the next book and learn how the angelic realms will affect Skyla and Logan. I highly recommend this book to young adult and paranormal/urban fantasy readers. Well worth the money and time. A very quick read. Grab this first book while it's free and get hooked on yet another series!
Originally posted at A Date with a BookI accepted this time travel romance from the author after reading the synopsis. This entire concept intrigued me and so I began reading this book. After a slow start, the book finally took off and I thoroughly enjoyed the story that unfolded. What a unique story with its concept and idea. Imagine finding yourself in another time period where all the valuables you have on your person are no longer of use to you. What do you do? It was probably from the point that Joel figured out how to make things work for him that I was captured in the story.The characters the author has developed as easy to connect with and as a reader I was able to identify with all of them. The love stories that are enveloped in the entire story are what I enjoyed the most. As I finished up the book, however, I discovered the true love story.Definitely another great indie author book! If you like love stories and/or time travels, this book is for you.
Originally posted at A Date with a Book After reading book three, I went back and read book one a free download on my Kindle. Book one does cover more of the details I thought I was missing, but really book three did a very good job of keeping you in the loop.I enjoyed the crime in book one better than book three. I’m not exactly sure why, but it kept me entertained. The characters the author has created are all very quirky and fun. My favorite is the mother-in-law. When you talk mother-in-law, Anastasia’s is the epitome and she handles her very well.The side story of the loan shark bothering Anastasia does keep the pace of the book. A quick read with a lot of fun and entertainment. Definitely a must read for cozy mystery readers. A lot of fun even if you don’t think you like cozies.
Loving Mick
Originally posted at A Date with a Book I was excited to review this book and the entire series of books. This series is about a group of girls, friends from college, and their getting together on New Year’s Eve. When they were in college, they made a list of qualities they wanted to find in a husband. With all of them single again, they make a new list and challenge to find someone by next year.This book is focused on Jessie and her story of finding a man. Jessie has just moved back home to San Diego after her cheating husband leaves her. Jessie moves in with her parents so they can help out with the children while she works. Charlie ends up missing and the cops are called. Mick shows up to help during the search. Quickly finding his chance to ask her on a date, they soon find themselves enamored with one another.This was a quick read and a lot of fun. I found familiarness to the Nora Roberts trilogies or quartets where friends and romance are involved. I absolutely loved this book. Even though it is a short book, I did not feel rushed or that there wasn’t enough information or story. If you love a cute romance with a little steamy situations, this book is for you.
Review originally posted at A Date with a BookFinally getting somewhere with this series. I enjoyed this book of the series. A reader friend of mine said it would be with this book that the story would take off and I definitely have to agree. I guess I have struggled somewhat with the world building and that is why I’ve been sluggish with the series. However, I am glad I stuck with it.This book is where we really get to meet and know more about Dani who is the character in the new spin off series of this one. I loved this character. Amazing and to think she is only 13 years old. What a spit fire.I loved the new developments that Mac has discovered with the Seelie and Unseelie. I can see how this book is the pivotal of the series. When I finished, I was amazed and quickly grabbed the next book in the series. Yes, it does leave you hanging.I am excited to continue with this series. I would recommend this series to readers who like to think and wait for things to happen. This definitely is not a quick story with action each book, but is deliberate with its set up and story. You definitely have to commit yourself to the series and not judge the series on each book. Definitely something new for me.I hope to have the next book finished within the next month.
Review originally posted at A Date with a BookThis is a definitely must read, must buy cozy series of mine. These are always quick reads for me. I really like amateur sleuth Hannah Swensen and her cookie recipes. This story puts her right at the crime scene after it happens which is not normally a situation for her. I liked this fresh new approach to the crime. Her crime solving tactics are always fun and putting herself in Claire’s dress shop was new.There is also new development in Hannah’s relationships with Mike and Norman. I can’t wait for the next book to be released to see where this will go now. I enjoy a cozy mystery series when it has a great side story that keeps you wanting to read the next book.Definitely a must read series for all cozy mystery readers. They do not have to be read in order, unless you want to follow the personal story of Hannah and her friends and family.
Baby Daddy
Review originally posted at A Date with a BookI was provided a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.I was totally taken in by the synopsis of the book and accepted the book for review. The book is a fairly quick read and takes off well. There is a lot of information about family law, the court and legal process, etc. and at times I did feel bogged down with the details. However, overall I enjoyed the story.I felt the story was limited being told from Deshawn’s point of view. Only hearing about how Deshawn’s mom felt I could be more emotionally involved in the story if I got to hear from her point of view how she felt about things. Even if she didn’t know what was happening to her son.My favorite character was Deshawn’s boss. I felt he understood Deshawn and tried to help him the best way that he could without getting involved. Another character favorite was the flower shop girl. Very unique and enjoyed her interaction with Deshawn.Overall I did enjoy the story, I was disappointed with how quickly the story ended. I recommend this book to readers who like drama fiction. Very unique story and a quick read.
 - Caris Roane)
Review originally posted at A Date with a BookWith my resolution to read more paranormal romance this year, I chose to read this book for this tour. I am very glad I did. It is very steamy with it’s sex scenes, so if you don’t like that, you may want to steer clear. Very well done, however.I loved the balance of the war, ascension, and romance, as well as the delivery of information pertinent to the world. I’m not a fan of too much world building, and this was definitely just right. Enough to set the stage, but not to bore a romance fan like myself.I loved the hero Gideon. Strong, sexy, and sensitive enough for Elise. Elise, was also strong, sexy, and sensitive for Gideon. They were both able to learn from one another, and develop a strong relationship, not letting the past affect their going forward.I would recommend this book to readers of J.R. Ward and Lara Adrian. Caris Roane has definitely set the stage for me, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Play Him Again
Original review posted at A Date with a BookI was provided a copy of this book by the author for my honest review. When I received the request, I read and thought the synopsis for a while before accepting the request. I’m glad I chose the book. I think the cover is fitting for the story, as well as the title.A lot is going on in this book. It’s not a quick read, but it is a page turner. Absorb all of the information you can when you read about the bootlegging and rumrunning, and the silent and talking pictures. Do not make a determination about liking or disliking the book until you are at least halfway through the book. As soon as the connections begin coming together, the book takes off.My favorite character was not the main character, but his girlfriend Sylvia. I think partly because of the way Hud treated her and what he kept secret from her. However, when she found out about the certain things he was hiding, she was spit fire back at him. I really enjoyed it.I enjoyed the background information on the rumrunning and progression into talking pictures. Some big names in there that made me wonder how the actual talking picture came to be. That’s what I like about fiction. An introduction to non-fiction, that will cause me to research and learn more about.I recommend this book to readers of thrillers and mysteries. It is not a light or fluffy read and will require some thought and patience, but it is definitely worth your time.
 - Cindy Stark)
Original review at A Date with a Book After reading the holiday story of this series, Cowboys and Angels and loving it, I found that I had the first book on this series on my Kindle TBR pile and quickly read it. And just like the holiday story, this book was a quick read as well. Even though this is a novella, it definitely has enough substance to make a complete story, but definitely wanting more of the author’s work.This author sure knows how to write a romance story. I loved Lily and Luke. Having heard briefly about them in book three, I was excited to learn about their story. The obstacles that were created were real and added interest to the story. The best friend, the mom, and the circumstances of Lily ending up in Aspen. And wow, who wouldn’t fall in love with Luke.I definitely enjoyed this book. If you’re looking for a new author in romance with fresh ideas, definitely a must read. I recommend this book for all romance readers.
A Death in C Minor (Mick Chandra Mysteries)
Original review at A Date with a Book I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I don’t know why I was so apprehensive in starting the book. As soon as I got into the book a few pages, the story took off and it was a quick read. I loved the tone of the book and this is what definitely had me hooked as well as the story.I enjoyed all of the characters whether they were “evil” or “good”. I loved how the author wove the story throughout all of the characters with their personal stories included. My favorite characters included Adam Marr, Jamie, Jess, Mick, Elizabeth, and the Colonel.Even though there are a lot of characters, their details and contribution to the story was not daunting. I loved how the author portrayed an amiable group of people/friends. This is where we were introduced to many of the characters and learned of their personalities. It was from this beginning that the reader needs to begin making his decisions on the suspect.I loved the duo of Elizabeth and Mick. Their relationship is interesting and fun, actually quite comical. This provided a lot of refreshing moments in a book that could be very dark and serious.After finishing this book, I checked out Rebecca’s website and was excited to see the next book in this series is due to release soon. I will definitely be reading the next one. I’m not sure if it will include Jess as a character, but I am hoping so.I highly recommend this book to mystery readers. Quite a clever and fun story!
Revenge of the Crafty Corpse
I was lucky enough to grab this book from Netgalley. Even though this is the third in the series and I have book one on my Kindle, a freebie, I was not completely lost with historical facts. The author does make reference to prior events but provides enough detail to not be completely lost on a new reader.I absolutely loved this cozy mystery. Anastasia is a great main character. She’s tough and caring. Having been through the wringer in prior books, she is trying to make her life better. As she takes on the part-time job at the assisted living center, she finds herself strapped for time and away from the house. This situation creates freedom for several family members living at her home and definitely adds to events happening at her house while she is goneOh and the bird, it quotes Shakespeare. Amazing! But hilarious at times when situations are tight and questionable. The crime was not easy for me to figure out, but was a lot of fun to follow. Very clever how Anastasia was able to find the link when the cops could not. I really enjoyed following her path to solving the crime.I would highly recommend this book to readers of cozy mysteries. I am definitely going to read book one which is waiting for me on my Kindle very soon.
I have to be honest, in the beginning I was bored and was not enjoying this book at all. I pressed myself to continue and glad I did as the ending was amazing. I’m not sure why I didn’t like it in the beginning, as I love Nora Roberts trilogies. The only thing I can think of is that there was a lot of set-up and not a lot of characters engaging until near the end.This book is a typical Nora Roberts, but with her suspense and paranormal inserts the book was awesome. While I don’t believe in ghosts, I absolutely love how the ghost played into the storyline. I also liked that the women were older and that Clare was a single widowed mother with kids. Tying them into the story and the fun games they had with Beckett, were very enjoyable. However, I think Ryder is my favorite of the Montgomery brothers and I cannot wait until I can read his story.I recommend this book to readers of Nora Roberts romance trilogies. If you have not read this author before, I don’t recommend starting with this trilogy/book.
I choose to read this book because I enjoy mysteries and the synopsis describes a great story.I enjoyed all of the characters. They were described very well without being too wordy. I instantly was able to see these types of character in my head and put them into the story. My favorite character was Kate, especially when she hooks up with Lugowski to head to the mansion to help with the situation there. I also enjoyed their new found friend Luzetta. I wonder what part she will play in future books in this series.My least favorite part of the book was that there were so many stories going on. These stories eventually wind together and fit in the end, but I spent so much of the time while reading wondering how it was going to go together. This just provided a little bit of a distraction for me.All in all this was a good book. I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy adventure, mystery, and thrillers.
