New Adult Review: Under the Lights

 * First book in a new series *

Chase could be having the worst day. His long time girlfriend left him for another man and his business partner took their money and left. Then the phone rings.

Kelly, the daughter of his high school football coach, wants his help fundraising for the team. If they don't raise enough money, there's no team. With nothing left to lose, he gives in to the guilt.

The once golden boy returns home without a plan for his future and no present. As he starts volunteering, he remembers his past and how he felt like a hero winning the state championship. He wants other boys to have that chance.

He wouldn't mind having a chance with Kelly either...

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. It reminded me of Friday Night Lights (set 10 years in the future). 

I felt bad for Chase because he worked hard but his entire life fell apart. I did admire the way he picked himself up - determined to start over and not live in his glory days.

I loved Kelly - how she cared for the kids, how she took her job seriously, and how she gave back to the community.

I really liked meeting the younger players and the former players. They had a lot in common. I liked how the coach shaped a generation of boys becoming men and how he had expectations of them. 

Source: My Library

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Final Thoughts: I can't wait to read more in this series: sports, romance, and witty banter all make me a happy reader.

Mysterious Saturday Review: At the Drop of a Hat

* Book 3 in the Hat Shop Mystery Series *

Scarlett and Viv couldn't be more thrilled when a woman walks into their shop with an old hat designed by Mim. She needs it repaired for her upcoming wedding. The two cousins can't wait to get started, but when they don't hear back from Ariana, Scarlett goes to visit her office.

As soon as she arrives, Scarlett hears a scream. Following the noise, she rushes through the office to find Ariana leaning over her boss who fell from the roof. The police investigation quickly uncovers a motive for Ariana. She's soon arrested.

Deep down, Scarlett knows her new friend isn't a murderer and she's not about to let Ariana rot in jail while she has a wedding to plan.

My Thoughts: I love this series - for the hat shop, for the cousins, for the secondary characters, and for the investigations. I love the relationships in this series: between the cousins, between Ginger and Harry, between Scarlett and Andre and Nick, and between customers. I love how Scarlett embraces people and tries to help them. I love the setting. I love the differences in cultures - between Scarlett's American ways and Fee and Viv behaving more properly. A fantastic mystery filled with humor, intrigue, and a little danger. I can't believe the bombshell dropped at the end - and I can't wait to read more about that!

Cover Thoughts: Perfection
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Reading a new hat shop mystery is like sitting down with your favorite cup of tea, always relaxing and enjoyable.

Mysterious Saturday Review: One Potion in the Grave

* Book 2 in the Magic Potion Mystery Series *

When an old friend comes into Carly's shop, she almost doesn't recognize her. Carly does however recognize the tingles of danger. Katie Sue followed her dreams and made them come true - at the expense of leaving everyone in the town behind, including her sisters.

Now, even when her sister's health is at an all time low, she's back in town for revenge. With a big wedding taking up Carly and her family's energy, she wants to help Katie Sue.

The closer they get to the wedding, the more things start to unravel. Carly's nervous about Katie Sue's talk of revenge. When she can't find her friend later in the day, the nerves start to grow. What should have been a happy moment in someone's life turned to murder and distrust. Carly desperately wants to figure out what happened to her old friend.

My Thoughts: Relationships make the book in this small town series - from Carly and Dylan to Carly and Delia, to Carly and her crazy family. I like the tension between Carly and Dylan and the slow burn of will they or won't they get back together. I like the new relationship between Carly and her cousin Delia - how they're learning to trust each other, how they're becoming friends, and how they're putting the past behind them. I really enjoy Carly's aunts - they lighten the book with their antics.

With the wedding in town, everyone's buzzing about the wealthy family and the girl who was once part of the town. The relationships intertwine and become heated with the desire for revenge. Not to mention the family that Katie Sue left behind in town - her family needs her. 

It's hard to imagine people's motives in heinous behavior, but this book showcases it all: revenge, greed, lust for power, the bond of family, and murder. An impressive feat for such an enjoyable book.


Cover Thoughts: Mysterious
Source: My Library

Overall Thoughts: A delightful second book in this magical series where relationships, gossip, love, and hope run the town that will make you smile and laugh and wish to spend a day or two in town.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Mark of the Midnight Manzilla

 * Book 11 in the Pink Carnation series *

Sally Fitzhugh isn't interesting the parties of the season until she wanders into a garden on a dare and meets Duke of Belliston. The man's rarely scene and rumors swirl around him.  They say he's a vampire. Sally knows this to be utter nonsense, but she can't help become fascinated with him.

She tags along with him to a midnight meeting during a ball, only to discover a girl murdered in the gardens. It's clear to Sally that someone is setting him up - especially since the girl looks to have died from a vampire bite.

Sally's hot on the trail, determined to figure out who's behind the murder and why they set up the Duke. 

My Thoughts: I love this series, and was so happy to have this extra novel. I love how the people of society felt the dangers of vampires because they were fascinated with a book: The Convent of Orsino.  (The book written by none other than Miss Gwen). I enjoyed Sally's determination not to let anything else happen to the Duke. A great addition to the series filled with romantic moments, action, danger, and a strong heroine.  On one hand, I do not want the series to end, but on the other, I'm curious to see how it all fits together - not to mention how the modern day story will end.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library  

Mysterious Saturday Review: Queen of Hearts

* Royal Spyness Book 8 *

Georgie's still in Kent when a car comes barreling up the driveway in the middle of the afternoon. It's her mother and she's on her way to America for a quickie divorce. She would like her daughter's company.

On the boat there, a priceless ruby's stolen causing Darcy to show himself to Lady Georgiana. He's been chasing a jewel thief through England and now across the pond.

Aboard ship, Lady Georgiana and her mother meed several prominent people including a famous Hollywood actress and her producer boyfriend. When he makes an offer to her mother to make her a star, a plan's hatched. They install a look-alike in Reno to make the divorce legal and then Lady Georgiana and her mother head to Hollywood.

Hollywood isn't as glamorous as it seems; secrets lurk everywhere. The group takes a break from filming and head to the producer's castle for the weekend. During the first night, the host is found bludgeoned to death in the library. The murderer must be one of the them and still in the castle.

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of the series and I loved seeing old Hollywood and some familiar faces among the characters along with the behind the scenes look at the movies. It was also fascinating to see the differences between the Americans and the English mannerisms; how they treated the maids, their thoughts on familiarity, their thoughts on romantic relationships.  Lady Georigiana has always been up for an adventure, which I admire about her. She's also calm, cool, and collected when an incident occurs.  Everyone has secrets, but the very rich seem to have a few more and Georgie is very good at figuring them out, should the need arise.  

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: A Potion to Die For

Carly Bell Hartwell makes healing potions. She's more in demand than ever until a dead body turns up in her shop with an empty potion bottle in his hand.

Now Carly's looking to clear her name and get her reputation back. In between asking questions, snooping, and breaking and entering - she has her hands full with family and relationship drama. Can she figure out the murderer before her reputation dies?

My Thoughts:  a strong start to a new series. I liked the small town charm and how quickly gossip spreads. I liked the unfinished business between Carly and Dylan (the lead investigator for the case, who happens to be her ex-finace). I really liked the relationship between Carly and her cousin Delia. I can't wait to see what kind of trouble they get into next.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Murder with Ganache

 * 4th book in the Key West Food Critic Series * 

Hayley's BFF is getting married this week. As Maid of Honor, she has a lot on her plate - not to mention hanging out with her family and meeting deadlines for work.

Her stepbrother ditches the Jack and Jill wedding shower to explore Key West. When he doesn't return at the appointed hour, Hayley starts to worry.  When her test and calls go ignored, she starts looking for him.

She finally finds him the next morning, badly hurt with defensive wounds.  When a girl's body turns up, Rory becomes the prime suspect.  While he's still recovering from his injuries, unconscious, can Hayley figure out the events of that night?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - I enjoyed getting to know Hayley's family more - even though she had to play referee several times. While I liked watching everyone getting ready for the wedding, I felt terrible for Ray and Connie for all the family drama. I hated how Rory was pulled in two direction and not told the truth about his family, but the hospital scenes were touching. I Loved Jai and the work she did helping the teens and creating a safe space for them. My heart went out to all of them, searching for a better life or searching to find themselves. I love how it ended and I can't wait to see what happens next. A fantastic addition to this charming series with just the right amount of work, family, and relationship drama. 

Cover Thoughts: Really Cute
Source: Sent for review

Mysterious Saturday Review: Final Sentence

 * first in a new series*

Jenna Hart's leaving her old life behind to help her aunt open The Cookbook Nook - a cafe and cookbook store. She even found the perfect celebrity chef for the grand opening - non other than her college roommate Desiree Divine.

Desiree comes to town with her entourage and shakes things up. Before she and Jenna have a chance to really catch up - Desiree ends up dead.  As Jenna's the one to find her body and it's revealed they had a fight, she becomes the number one suspect. It doesn't help that the police chief's mother points the finger at her and accuses her of the crime.

Now Jenna doesn't know what to do - but she needs to get to the bottom of this and clear her name.

My Thoughts: A fun start to a new series.  I love the small town charm and how Jenna's returned home. I love the Cookbook Nook - the blend of cook books, fictional foodie cozies, and cooking tools sounds amazing. I love the cafe and all the goodies Katie creates. It sounds like the perfect place. I liked learning more about Jenna's past and learning about the people of town. She had a heart-breaking few years and I liked seeing her gain her strength back. I can't wait to see what comes next for her and for the store. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it - especially the author's fictional books on the bottom bookshelf
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Passion of the Purple Plumeria

 * Book 10 in the Pink Carnation series *

One night, Miss Gwen overhears a Opera singer talking about precious stones to the French foreign minster. As soon as she returns to her lodgings, Jane informs her that her sister is missing.

Agnes Wooliston and her roommate have vanished at least a week ago from Miss Climpson's seminary. Together Jane and Miss Gwen head back to England to search for the missing sister.

As they arrive at the school, Colonel William Reid appears. He's Lizzy's father, who has been in India for years. As neither Miss Gwen nor Jane want to give up secrets regarding the Pink Carnation, they simply ask several questions as to the girls' escape.

The Colonel believes Lizzy might have gone to Bristol to see her sister. Miss Gwen and he travel there together. Only, Kat doesn't live in the same house. They find in a run down apartment, with little money, washing laundry. Colonel Reid can't believe his eyes. It's clear Lizzy hasn't been there. Not sure what else to do, the pair make tracks towards the coach. However, they're ambushed on the way and the Colonel's stabbed in the side. As the attackers run off, they make a remark on how they weren't told the pair would be armed.

Someone doesn't want the girls to be found. Could they have been captured because of Agnes's tie to the Pink Carnation or is there another more sinister plot at work?

My Thoughts: I love this series. I love how the time changes from 1805 to present day where Eloise and Colin are looking for the same jewels that the opera singer mentions. In the present day story, I like that Eloise and Colin are thrown together with Jeremy under the pretense of making their relationship more...cordial. I love learning more about Colin's family history and the relationship between Eloise and Colin.

In the time of the Pink Carnation, I love Miss Gwen. She's bright, witty, and has a sharp tongue to match her mind.  She's fearless and enjoyed the spy game. I admire her strength and her journey from a spinster to being second in command to Jane as well as Jane's protector as her chaperone. I liked finding more out about Miss Gwen's past.  A fantastic addition to this charming series.

Cover Thoughts: Great - love the purple dress
Source: Sent for review
Due Date: August 6th

Mysterious Saturday Review: 12 Clues of Christmas

 * the 6th book in the Royal Spyness Series*

Lady Georgiana Rannoch can't imagine spending Christmas at her home in Scotland with her family especially when her sister-in-law's been talking about her behind her back. In order to escape, she answers an advertisement for a house party looking for a hostess for a proper English Christmas for guests.

It just so happens to be in the exact quaint village her mother will be spending Christmas. On the day that Georgiana arrives, a man has died. A neighbor fell out of a tree and died. 

For the next several days, another mishaps occurs. As the deaths start piling up, it's hard to tell if the deaths are accidental or something more sinister. 

Georgiana's starting to get worried as more people die. She's not about to let something happen to her new friends or her family. Luckily, Darcy's shown up and she has someone to lean on. However, after hearing her sister-in-law wanting to marry her off, Georgiana's determined to figure out her future.

My Thoughts: A fabulous addition to the series, a perfect Christmas cozy mystery. Bowen executed the mystery beautifully, as it kept me guessing until the end. I loved learning about the old fashioned English Christmas: the food, the past times, and the small village traditions. I adore Lady Georgiana's grandfather and her maid. Their manners make me laugh, both for different reasons. I'm impressed with Lady Georgiana's streak of independence, her morality, and her stubbornness. I like her flirtation with Darcy. He's charming. I'm so curious to the ending of the book and what the means for Lady Georgiana's future. I can't wait to read the next installment of this series.

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Grace Among Thieves

 *3rd book in the Manor House Mystery series*

Grace has a great idea to bring in more patrons to the manor house - she's allowed a film crew to make a commemorative DVD of the manor. She wants to beef up the gift shop.

However, since the film crew's been at the manor house, a few items have gone missing. Grace shifted the shooting time to earlier in the day in an attempt to strengthen security.

When she hears from a friend that her museum's missing items, Grace begins to suspect there's something more to the picture. When a girl from a tour group winds up dead and an man shot in the shoulder, Grace believes the incidents might be related.

Can she figure out what's really going on or will someone stop her from trying?

My Thoughts: I find this series fascinating. I love the setting and Grace's job. I love her roommates - they're super supportive and very funny.  I found this addition to the series haunting, but wonderful. I devoured this book. I admire Grace for her beliefs, her strength, and her sense of fun. My heart broke for her at times during this book, but I can't wait to see how she rises!

Cover Thoughts: Charming, that chair looks like the perfect place to read.
Source: my Library.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Due or Die

 * book 2 in the series - read my review of Books Can be Deceiving *

Lindsey loves being a librarian. She does not love dealing with the fallout of the Friends of the Library vote for new president. The man who lost is unhappy. He and his strongest (and only) supporter are making life miserable for Lindsey.

The new president of the Friends group leaves her first meeting as head honcho to go home and discover her husband dead. He's been murdered. No one saw anything. Although the man was not well liked and had numerous spats with people in town, Carrie's the number one suspect.

Lindsey knows that Carrie's innocent. She's not sure what to do to help her friend, but she's going to try.  Add in a puppy who was left in the library book drop, a blizzard, and a choice between two men which all leaves Lindsey with her hands full. Will the snow prevent justice from being served?


My Thoughts: I adore this series. I love the library humor along with characters favorite books/authors. I loved Heathcliff, he was so charming. I loved the snowstorm, I could feel the cold as I was reading.  I love the quiet little town, it's perfect for the library. I love the description of the library, and especially the Lemon. While she's horrible to have in a library, I love her character. I love the romance heating up and can't wait to see what happens next.


Cover Thoughts: Cute and I love how it's a picture on a book. Plus I adore the puppy bounding through the snow and the snow spray.


Source: My Library

Up Next: Book Line and Sinker coming out December of this year.

Adult Review: The Next Always

Three brothers and their mother have purchased an historic building which they are in the middle of refurbishing. They want everything to be perfect for the grand opening of the new Inn.

The architect and eldest brother Beckett Montgomery lives and breathes work. He's a work-a-holic but treasures the time he has stopping to the town bookstore.  Beckett's always happy to see Claire - the one that got away in high school.

She's now a widow with three young boys. She tries to manage everything on her own, but as Beckett comes to her rescue a few times she gradually begins to open up and allow herself to relax.

Could there be a new addition to the Montgomery family?

My Thoughts: The first book in a new trilogy was charming. I loved the descriptions of the inn - from the building to the decorating. I loved the moments in the bookstore. I loved Beckett hanging out with the boys and their conversations. I liked the idea of the ghost in the inn, I thought that was an interesting touch. I hated the issues Claire had to deal with and how scary her life became.  I loved the banter between the brothers and their bond. I think this is my first Nora Roberts book and I'm sure it won't be my last. I'm anxiously awaiting book 2 - The Last Boyfriend coming out in May.


Cover Thoughts: Cute


Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Shoe Done It

Rita loves her job - helping fashionistas find the perfect outfit - including shoes and accessories. No one goes out of her way more to achieve style for her clients than her boss Dolce.

Dolce sends Rita to Miami Beach to pick a specific pair of silver shoes for a special client. She's under strict instructions to keep the shoes under lock and key.

When Rita arrives the store the following morning, MarySue is already there waiting. There's one tiny detail - MarySue hasn't paid for the shoes and she doesn't have the money for them. The fundraiser she's planning on wearing them too is tonight. Without further discussion, she takes them from Rita's hand and exits the store.

She wears them to the fundraiser and the shoes are the talk of the night. Unfortunately in the morning, MarySue's found in the park - barefoot and murdered. Can Rita figure out what happened to the MarySue and those elusive silver shoes?

My Thoughts: The first in a new fashionable series. Rita is clumsy, entertaining, curious, and full of bright ideas. She juggles three men while hoping to find herself the perfect man after a dry spell. I loved reading about the fashion and am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Review: Legend

Day and June come from two separate sides of the tracks.

June is the sister of Metias. Metias holds power among the highest military circles of the Republic.

June’s also the only one to get a perfect score on the testing. She hopes that she too will have a lengthy and respectable career in the military.

Day is a legend. He fights against the Republic. The Republic have been after him for year. The only problem in capturing him? No one knows what he looks like. Billboard wanted signs are plastered all over the city offering ransom for his capture.

When June’s brother dies, she’s told that Day is responsible. Y can’t imagine why Day would kill someone, it hasn’t been his MO. Still, she’s lets the rage live inside her. She takes to the streets, going undercover, hoping to learn some knowledge of Day.

She never expects that he will save her life. She never expects that he will take her under his wing. She never expects that she might come to like him.

My Thoughts: A brilliant debut dystopian novel. I loved the different perspectives of both June and Day. I couldn’t put the book down. There were so many twists and turns that I never saw coming. It's a thrilling novel full of action, betrayal, danger, and friendship. I can't wait to read more of their story!

Similar Read: Divergent

Cover Thoughts: Simple, but interesting

Source: BEA

Review: Future of Us

Josh and Emma used to be best friends, but that was before Josh tried to kiss Emma. Now they talk, but their friendship has an awkwardness that they can't seem to get past.

Then Josh brings over an AOL disk for Emma's new computer. Emma logs in and immediately sees Facebook - and herself in the future. She's married. Curious, she calls Josh.

Together, they try to figure out what Facebook could be and who they are in the future. They realize that the actions of today changes the outcome of their future.

What will they change?

My Thoughts: I LOVED this book- it hooked me from the beginning. However, my teen years were the 90s when AOL and dial-up internet were in fashion. I hope that today’s teens can relate to the story because it was great. I loved the friendship turned romance. I loved how Emma changed her future with knowledge of Facebook. I loved the alternative perspectives. I’ll be so curious to see if teen gobble it up as fast as I did.

Cover Thoughts: I like it, but it's hard to see what's in the background. I like the fuzziness- as the future changes.

Source: BEA Arc

Comes out: November 21st

Mysterious Saturday Review: Death By the Dozen

Melanie and Angie compete in a Challenge to the Chef contest. They have to fight down Olivia to return their contest entry form. Mel and Angie hope their potential win will boost the publicity for their bakery: Fairy Tale Cupcakes.

Mel's mentor from culinary school turns out to be one of the judges. She's happy to see him again, but she can't help be disappointed in his recent life choices.

When he turns up dead - in a freezer, Mel's immediately suspicious of his death. It turns out he was murdered. Mel tries to piece together his last moments, worry about the other judges, and try to win the contest.


My Thoughts: I LOVED the baking contest - I enjoyed reading about various recipes, ingredients, and trails and errors of the team. I loved the relationships between Mel and the judges. I love the new intern - Oz. he has some very interesting ideas for the bakery. I love the banter between Mel, Angie, and Tate. All in all, a tasty and thoroughly entertaining read.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: my Library

Review: Hexbound

Lily just learned the truth about her magical powers. She’s still having some trouble understanding them, not to mention controlling them. Still, evil doesn’t stop for a training period.

One night, on patrol, Lily, her BFF Scout, and others stumble upon a monster resembling a vampire. These monsters leave a massive slime trail. It’s not hard to discover the link from the monsters to the Reapers. The bigger question is why. Why are they creating monsters? What will they use them for?

While they begin to unravel the mystery, Lily gets help from an unexpected source – Sebastian. He helps her control her powers. He gives her clues to help their search and questions that she should be asking. Their relationship’s starting to heat up – despite the fact that Lily and Jason are becoming an item.

My Thoughts: I really like this series. I love the relationship between Lily and Scout. I love how Lily’s never satisfied with an answer and how she’s curious about everything. I love the magic, the danger, and the action.

Cover Thoughts: I love it! I love the color of magic lighting up the whole book

Source: Read for TeensReadToo

Mysterious Saturday Review: Tempest in the Tea Leaves

Sunny's tired of her family treating her as though she doesn't have a mind of her own. She's fallen in love with a Victorian house. She purchases it to use as both her home and a place for her business.

The first day there, the town librarian comes to see her and have her fortune told. Sunny sees danger in her future and warns the librarian. An hour later, she calls the police to give them a head's up.

She's too late.

The librarian is dead.

Detective Mitch Stone doesn't believe in psychic powers. He also doesn't have means or a motive to arrest Sunny. The handsome detective is forced to question her and let her go.

However, things change when the police chief assigns the two of them to work together - both protest the match. In order to clear her name, Sunny agrees to work with the Detective. If only she hadn't read his tea leaves, things wouldn't be so awkward between them.... Can they catch a killer in a small town?

My Thoughts: The first in a charming new series. I love the small town of Divinity. I adore Sunny and her easy manner. I adore her fortune telling business, her interesting cat Morty, and her crazy parents. I adore the sparks between her and the detective. I can't wait to read more of their story!

Cover Thoughts: Cute - but it takes place in winter.

Source: Purchased

Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door

Lola's Dads don't approve of her boyfriend. Max is 22, in a band, and not the boy they would pick out for her. Lola doesn't care. She adores him.

Things start to become rocky in paradise when the Bell twins move back to the neighborhood. Two years ago Cricket Bell broke her heart. She fell for him hard. Now he's back.

Lola can't fathom a relationship with him, but at the same time, he's popping up everywhere. She can't tell Max the truth about him, about her past.

Lola and Cricket's friendship begins again - only Cricket admits he's changed and that he wants more than friendship. Once he knows about Max, Cricket backs off.

Lola's torn - she doesn't want Cricket to back off any more than she wants to lose Max...

My Thoughts: It's hard not to talk about this book without gushing. So I'm just going to say that it's PERFECTION. I love the quirkiness of Lola - her outfits, her flair, her inner thoughts. I love her two Dads. I love her relationship with Cricket - and how slowly it builds. I adored this book. I couldn't put it down, yet I never wanted it to end.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: my Library