REVIEW: Dog Eat Dog by David Rosenfelt

Title: Dog Eat Dog (Andy Carpenter #23)
Author: David Rosenfelt
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: July 2021
Genre: Mystery / Humor
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, work to free a man who risked it all to help a dog in need.

Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, enjoy walking their dogs, Tara and Sebastian. By this point in their marriage, it's routine. When out for one of their strolls, their simple ritual isn't so simple anymore. Across the street, a man is mistreating his dog. Three things happen at once: Andy yells, Laurie runs to stop the abuse, and so does a closer passerby, who so thoroughly beats the owner that both are arrested when the cops arrive.

Andy scoops up the dog and takes him to the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization that's always been his true passion. Meanwhile, at the police station, the passerby is identified as Matthew Jantzen, and he's wanted for murder. Andy and Laurie are struck by the fact that Jantzen, a man on the run, would nevertheless intervene to help a dog, and decide to find out more.

Dog Eat Dog, the twenty-third installment in the Andy Carpenter series, features the charming cast of characters - old and new - that David Rosenfelt is known for and the dogs that accompany them.

My Thoughts: First time reading this author and I found Dog Eat Dog to be entertaining despite not having read the first twenty-two installments of this series. I liked Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie. They were easy to relate to and I quickly came to care about them and what was happening to them. Additionally, as an audiobook, I loved Grover Gardner’s narration. The ease in which he breathes life into the characters made it easier for me to be pulled into the story.

The story was interesting too. I cannot imagine a man who knows he’s wanted in connection with a double homicide would do anything that would draw attention to himself, but Matthew Jantzen does when he steps up to intervene on behalf of a Pug who is being abused by his owner. There was no way in my mind I could be convinced this guy was guilty of anything other than punching the awful man who was kicking Hunter the Pug.

I really enjoyed that this story centers around animals, particularly dogs, and the author gives many moments of pleasure to the reader by including Tara, Sebastian and Hunter in many of the scenes.

My Final Verdict: Like me, I think any reader would enjoy this story without having to read any of the other installments, but this is a series not to be missed, whether you share your life with four-legged furry friends or not. Fans of mysteries as well as fans of humorous stories will enjoy this book as it delivers both.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Dog Eat Dog from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Veronica and the Vampire by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom

Title: Veronica and the Vampire
Author: Linda Thomas-Sundstrom
Publisher: Linda Thomas-Sundstrom
Publication Date: June 2011
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN

Description: Veronica Davis is a woman with a desperate need.

If she doesn't bring a date to her big sister's wedding, the L for loser that's imprinted on her forehead will become permanent, as far as her family is concerned. And heck, she's started to believe it, herself.

Why else would a girl end up at a Los Angeles escort agency with the strange acronym V.A.M.P. Inc? Where you pick your date from a row of coffins in the agency's basement. Guys who can't meet you at lunch time, due to the fact that they sleep until sundown.

You know . . . . vampires.

And when she meets the unearthly handsome Christian Dale, the agency's odd acronym begins to take on a whole new meaning. Tackling her sister's wedding actually starts to seem like a piece of cake . . .

My Thoughts: This story was a fun read and I loved the premise of a vampire escort service, but this story left too many loose threads hanging for my liking. I think there was a lot to unpack, especially regarding Charlene and her knowledge of the agency. I also would have enjoyed meeting some of the other vampires, or at least knowing it’s an option with future books.

I felt immense empathy for Veronica, not because she is single and must resort to the undead for a date to her sister’s wedding, but because her family is that horrible that Veronica showing up dateless would be considered unacceptable in their eyes. Personally, she should tell them all where to stick it while turning up the volume on her middle finger.

Of course, no vampire escort agency will have ugly vampires to present to their clients and Christian is swoon worthy in looks and physique. The sexual tension and chemistry between Veronica and Christian is white-hot and I would have voted to skip the wedding entirely and explore that all over the place.

My Final Verdict: Though this was a fast read and I liked this story, I wish it had been a little longer. I recommend this book to fans of paranormal romances, especially those involving vampires.

REVIEW: Once Upon A Royal Summer by Teri Wilson

Title: Once Upon a Royal Summer
Author: Teri Wilson
Publisher: Hallmark Publishing
Publication Date: June 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: A theme park “princess” meets a single dad…who turns out to be a real prince!

Lacey found her dream job: playing a princess character at a popular fairytale theme park in sunny southern Florida. Her diamond tiara might not be real, but the smiles of the children she meets every day certainly are. It’s just too bad that her ex-boyfriend was never impressed with her career choice.

Henry, the crown prince of Bella-Moritz, is trying to fulfill his young daughter’s birthday wish: to be a normal girl with a normal life. That’s why they’re pretending to be ordinary tourists at an American amusement park. Henry lost his wife four years ago, and he’s been going through the motions ever since. But could a meeting with a make-believe princess lead to real love?

This enchanting romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Cucumber Dill Tea Sandwiches.

My Thoughts: Upon first meeting the main character, Lacey Pope, one could experience a toothache with the sugary sweet persona that is Lacey, but you can’t help but like her. She has a heart and soul of gold and is such a kind and caring person. The crown prince of Bella-Moritz is also a kind and caring man raising his daughter after her mother died. He is determined that his daughter, Rose, experience life and all its wonder and glory outside the castle walls.

I enjoyed seeing the bond develop between Lacey and Rose, which created a bond between Lacey and Henry and though this story didn’t contain any white-hot passion escapades, I was completely immersed in the joy of the story and the numerous references to various fairytales.

This story delivers many memorable characters besides Lacey, Henry and Rose. I enjoyed the camaraderie Henry has with his security officer, Ian, Lacey’s friendship with Ava who accompanies her to Bella-Moritz and appears to be having a romance of her own with Ian. I would love to revisit these characters to see what happens there. I absolutely loved the bond that Lacey and Henry’s mother develop over Lacey’s ballgown crisis.

My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this story to readers looking for a sweet romance that confirms fairy tales do come true.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Once Upon a Royal Summer from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase

Title: The One That Got Away
Author: Bethany Chase
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: March 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Romantic Comedy / Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Perfect for fans of Emily Giffin and Jennifer Weiner, this bright, funny debut from a fresh voice in fiction offers a delicious take on love, family, and what it means to build a home of one’s own.

Sarina Mahler thinks she has her life all nailed down: a growing architecture practice in Austin, Texas, and an any-day-now proposal from her loving boyfriend, Noah. She’s well on her way to having the family she’s hoped for since her mother’s death ten years ago. But with Noah on a temporary assignment abroad and retired Olympic swimmer — and former flame — Eamon Roy back in town asking her to renovate his new fixer-upper, Sarina’s life takes an unexpected turn.

Eamon proves to be Sarina’s dream client, someone who instinctively trusts every one of her choices — and Sarina is reminded of all the reasons she was first drawn to him back in the day. Suddenly her carefully planned future with Noah seems a little less than perfect. And when tragedy strikes, Sarina is left reeling. With her world completely upended, she is forced to question what she truly wants in life — and in love.

Full of both humor and heartbreak, The One That Got Away is the story of one woman’s discovery that, sometimes, life is what happens when you leave the blueprints behind.

My Thoughts: Thoroughly enjoyed this delightful story about a woman who gets the answer to that “what if” question when a former flame reappears in her life years after he abruptly departed from her life.

I was prepared to dislike Eamon but I just couldn’t. He has a great vibe about him and though he broke Sarina’s heart, I knew he wasn’t a creep. Sarina comes off very wishy-washy regarding her feelings for Eamon and I struggled a little bit with the fact she is in a relationship of four years with Noah and needed to address that long before she does. I didn’t think Noah was a bad guy either, but just not right for Sarina. I also resented his parents interfering with life plans and goals for Sarina. I would not have been as polite or patient as Sarina, however, especially when Noah does not defend her choice to work after marriage and childbirth. So, yes, I was not a fan of the Noah / Sarina relationship and felt it had run its course long before this story begins.

The author’s voice, style and humor drew me into the story so completely, I felt like I knew these characters personally and would love spending time with them at Danny’s bar or hanging out on Sarina’s couch with her cat, Newman. I will be looking for more of this author’s work and would love to revisit these characters in a sequel.

My Final Verdict: Readers who are suckers for romance and fun will enjoy this feel-good story that will leave them with plenty of smiles.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The One That Got Away from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Therapist by B.A. Paris

Title: The Therapist
Author: B.A. Paris
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: July 2021
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: The multimillion-copy New York Times bestselling author B.A. Paris returns to her heartland of gripping psychological suspense in The Therapist--a powerful tale of a house that holds a shocking secret.

When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive…

As Alice is getting to know her neighbors, she discovers a devastating secret about her new home, and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before.

Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbors are keeping secrets and things are not as perfect as they seem…

My Thoughts: Can you imagine taking that big leap of faith, move into a new home with your boyfriend / girlfriend only to discover that a brutal murder had been committed there and your loved one not only knew about it but kept it from you? Worse yet, the apparent murderer was possibly innocent, which means the real murderer is still out there.

Welcome to Alice’s world. After moving into an exclusive gated community with her boyfriend, Leo, things appear to be as they should. To get to know her neighbors, she hosts a cocktail reception and notices a stranger there that nobody else recalls seeing. When the stranger appears on her doorstep with the shocking news that a brutal unsolved murder occurred in her home, Alice is devastated and when she further discovers that Leo not only knew about it, but kept it from her, she doesn’t feel like she can stay. The stranger tells her he is a private investigator hired by the family of the victim’s husband to investigate the matter and clear his name. When Alice decides to assist the P.I. with his inquiry, she is shocked at the sense of secrecy amongst her neighbors. What are they hiding?

I was quickly and easily pulled into this story and eager to discover what people were hiding. Alice appears to be consumed and obsessed with the former resident, Nina and upon learning Nina is also the name of Alice’s sister who died tragically, I completely understood and could empathize with her situation.

My Spidey-sense kept tingling and I had a major distrust of practically every character in the story, including Leo and Thomas, the private investigator. I trusted nobody. I also struggled with understanding why Alice continued to stay, especially after she noticed things out of place inside the house. She suspects someone is coming into the house. In her place, I would like to think that I would beat feet out of there.

My Final Verdict: The story is a little slow in the build-up, but quickly escalates and provides a heart pounding conclusion that I didn’t see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and recommend it to fans of domestic thrillers and mysteries who like the suspense and aren’t afraid to go into a room without turning on the lights.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Therapist from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Mutts and Mistletoe by Natalie Cox

Title: Mutts and Mistletoe
Author: Natalie Cox
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Publication Date: October 2018
Genre: Christmas Holiday / Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Thirty-one-year-old Charlie isn't in the mood for Christmas cheer...

Her boyfriend has left her for his personal trainer, her mother has absconded with her latest husband for the holidays, and--adding insult to (literal) injury--her London apartment has just been destroyed by a gas leak. Single, mildly concussed and temporarily homeless, Charlie realizes there's only one place to go: Cozy Canine Cottages, where she'll spend the season looking after her cousin Jez's doggy day care center. And if she's not exactly a dog person, well, no one has to know...

But her plans for a quiet Christmas in a quaint country village are quickly dashed. Peggy the pregnant beagle and Malcolm the anxious Great Dane seem determined to keep her up all night. A strange man has been casing her cousin's house. And where is Cal, the unbearably patronizing but disturbingly handsome local vet, when she needs him?

As the days tick down to Christmas, Charlie's life has never felt so out of control--but with some help from her new four-legged friends, she just might learn a thing or two about living in the moment, embracing the unexpected and opening herself up to love...

My Thoughts: Mutts and Mistletoe by new to me author Natalie Cox is an enjoyable story about a woman who finds herself running her cousin’s doggie day care and boarding facility after her apartment is destroyed by a gas leak and her cousin goes on holiday to the North Pole. She isn’t a dog person so this proves to be quite an interesting and entertaining prospect and it appears she is in way over her head throughout most of the book. Add to that the enigmatic vet, Cal who may or may not be a romantic interest but has great forearms, when he isn’t being an insufferable boor, however.

I enjoyed these characters and found them easy to relate to and thought Charlie to be quite a brave young woman, whether she’s trying to rein in two sled dog Huskies or serving as midwife to a very pregnant Beagle.

The romance doesn’t become part of the story until nearly the end, though there is a quasi-romance building between Malcolm, a lovesick Great Dane and Peggy, a pregnant Beagle. Instead, the most entertaining moments are Charlie’s daily routine of trying to manage six dogs, two alpacas, a dog napper and a partridge in a pear tree.

My Final Verdict: I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a sweet story to curl up with on a winter’s night.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Mutts and Mistletoe from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

Title: The Maidens
Author: Alex Michaelides
Publisher: Celadon Books
Publication Date: June 2021
Genre: General Fiction / Mystery / Thriller
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Edward Fosca is a murderer. Of this Mariana is certain. But Fosca is untouchable. A handsome and charismatic Greek Tragedy professor at Cambridge University, Fosca is adored by staff and students alike—particularly by the members of a secret society of female students known as The Maidens.

Mariana Andros is a brilliant but troubled group therapist who becomes fixated on The Maidens when one member, a friend of Mariana’s niece Zoe, is found murdered in Cambridge.

Mariana, who was once herself a student at the university, quickly suspects that behind the idyllic beauty of the spires and turrets, and beneath the ancient traditions, lies something sinister. And she becomes convinced that, despite his alibi, Edward Fosca is guilty of the murder. But why would the professor target one of his students? And why does he keep returning to the rites of Persephone, the maiden, and her journey to the underworld?

When another body is found, Mariana’s obsession with proving Fosca’s guilt spirals out of control, threatening to destroy her credibility as well as her closest relationships. But Mariana is determined to stop this killer, even if it costs her everything—including her own life.

My Thoughts: The Maidens is the second book from this talented author, though it should be a prequel to his first novel as references to the first novel are made, but the timeline occurs prior to the events of the first novel. This is very much a stand-alone story but hopefully will incite an interest to the reader for the first book. Once again, the author crafts a very twisty novel that takes the reader into some very dark places that, once illuminated, reveal some surprises that I was not expecting.

Mariana is the main protagonist of this story. Grieving the death of her husband the year before, she tries to stay busy as a group therapist. I found it interesting that her vocation was a therapist, helping others deal with their issues, but not dealing with her own. When Mariana is contacted by her niece, Zoe, about a murder at the university she attends, Mariana heads to Cambridge and finds herself right in the middle of the investigation when Zoe advises that the victim related to her that one of their professors threatened to kill her.

Frankly, I was surprised at how quickly Mariana accepted that Edward Fosca was the murderer when there were several viable suspects to my way of thinking. I thought Edward Fosca was a complex character and not hero material, but I figured he was a red herring and having him turn out to be the killer would be too obvious. I thought Mariana’s therapist training would prompt her to look deeper below the surface, but she spends most of the book adamantly, almost rabidly, trying to prove to the investigators that he’s the culprit. I was more suspicious of the other girls in Fosca’s student group, The Maidens. It had a cult-like feeling about the way they appeared to idolize and worship him.

I was also very suspicious of Fred, a young man that Mariana meets and who appears to be everywhere she is. At first glance, he comes across as an admirer of Mariana’s who is determined to start a relationship, but then I started wondering if he might be the mysterious man whose dark thoughts about his upbringing and complicated relationship with his parents are provided to the reader in short increments. Who is this man? Fred? Edward Fosca? The anticipation the author creates as the book progresses is palpable.

My Final Verdict: I really enjoyed this story but not as much as the first book by this author. I think it’s perhaps due to Mariana’s relentless pursuit of Edward Fosca’s guilt. Her perception was clouded through most of the story, which made her an unreliable character. I think readers will enjoy this story for the suspense and when all was revealed, I wanted more.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Maidens from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost

Title: Slashing Through the Snow (Christmas Tree Farm Mystery #3)
Author: Jacqueline Frost
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Publication Date: October 2021
Genre: Christmas Holiday / Cozy Mystery
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Maine innkeeper Holly White returns to sleuth another seasonal slaying in the third Christmas Tree Farm mystery from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost.

Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm is going into the B&B business, and Holly White is looking forward to her new role as innkeeper. Even better, Mistletoe, Maine's sheriff, Evan Gray, has deputized his little sister Libby to help Holly wrap presents for Mistletoe's toy drive. But a cold wind ruffles the cheery holiday decorations when a new guest checks in: Karen, a vicious B&B critic, who could make or break the new inn. And the short December days turn even darker when Evan and Libby find Karen's dead body in the gift-wrapped toy donation box.

The suspect list is longer than Santa's naughty list, and local resident Cookie is on it, since her fingerprints are all over the murder weapon, a metal nutcracker that she gave to Holly. So is Libby, who recently moved to town from Boston in less-than-savory circumstances. But cranky Karen was an oh-holy-nightmare to lots of the townsfolk, such as Evan's reporter friend Ray; Christopher, the inn's former contractor; and confectioner Bonnie, whose Gum Drop Shop was a direct target of Karen's scathing prose.

To figure out the killer's identity and clear Cookie's name, Holly and her friends brainstorm at The Hearth, the farm's café, while her mother keeps them fueled with Christmas goodies fresh from the oven. But if they can't put the culprit on ice, Holly may never see another Christmas.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this installment of the Christmas Tree Farm mystery series and feel it was a good addition to my holiday reading. As with the residents of Mistletoe, I love this little community and once again another murder happens at Christmas time which should put a serious damper on the festivities. Despite this being the third year in a row that a murder happens that also finds Holly White right in the middle of the investigation, the holiday festivities continue.

This time around, Holly’s friend Cookie is the suspect and with her fingerprints on the weapon, Holly and her friends are desperate to figure out who the real culprit is. As with the other books, I felt annoyed that Holly puts herself in situations that draw the killer’s attention to her, but unlike Evan, I knew she would insert herself into the investigation and wouldn’t listen to anyone telling her to let the authorities manage it.

As frustrating as it is seeing Holly put herself in danger, I have to say that for the third year running, the crime appears to be solved in large part due to her involvement. Evan is an excellent police officer, but he probably should just involve Holly at the onset of the investigation to avoid having to worry she is up to her neck in trouble as a result of keeping her out of it. I suppose hoping Holly comes to her senses and leaves the crime solving to Evan would mean the end of this series, so I will hope she and Evan keep their channels of communication open and she tries to stay in the background. I would miss the hot chocolate and snickerdoodles at The Hearth if it all went away.

My Final Verdict: I recommend this book and the whole series to fans of cozy mysteries as well as readers looking to add a little warmth and cheer to their holiday.

REVIEW: Christmas at Frozen Falls by Kiley Dunbar

Title: Christmas at Frozen Falls
Author: Kiley Dunbar
Publisher: Hera
Publication Date: September 2019
Genre: Christmas Holiday / Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | Audible

Description: Sylvie Magnusson is going to be lonely this Christmas. Instead of jetting off for her honeymoon, she’s freezing at home in Cheshire. Guess that’s what happens when your fiancé dumps you a week before your wedding…

Sylvie’s best friend, Nari, plans a trip to see the Northern Lights and get Sylvie’s mojo back. But as their Lapland getaway approaches, Sylvie realizes that Frozen Falls is the hometown of Stellan Virtanen, her dreamy Finnish ex-boyfriend, the one that got away.

When they meet, Stellan’s still gorgeous – and her heart is warmed when he shows her the romantic delights of Lapland (as well as some adorable Husky puppies). But when she returns to England, can she really leave Stellan behind? Or will she find that her heart belongs in the frozen North?

My Thoughts: This book gets top marks from me for the locale and the interesting research the author did on the history and customs of the area, but the story fell flat for me. There was little to no chemistry between Sylvie and Stellan and when she finds out the reason he left her and broke her heart back in college, I was quite annoyed.

Additionally, the secondary romance between Nari and Niilo, though cute and charming, had no place here and would have been better as its own story. The back and forth between the two couples got to be very distracting. The narrator’s accents for Stellan and Niilo didn’t work for me either. Stellan’s dialogue sounded stilted and forced and it pulled me out of the story numerous times. In hindsight, I would recommend the printed version over the audio version.

My Final Verdict: Readers who enjoy a story with a beautifully detailed and researched locale will enjoy this trip to Lapland, but readers looking for a magical Christmas romance may want to look elsewhere.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Christmas at Frozen Falls from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Christmas Wish by Tilly Tennant

Title: The Christmas Wish 

Author: Tilly Tennant
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: October 2018
Genre: Christmas Holiday / Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN

Description: Lose yourself in this beautiful romantic comedy set in a land of sleigh rides, sparkling starry skies and gingerbread cottages. Perfect for fans of Karen Swan, Katie Fforde and Jill Mansell.

Christmas is coming but it doesn’t feel that way for Esme Greenwood. Recently jilted by her cheating fiancé Warren, she’s had enough of London life and escapes to Thimble Cottage in the Peak District, home of her beloved grandmother Matilda.

While Esme mourns for the wedding she’ll never have, Matilda puts her granddaughter back together again with comforting words and generous helpings of fruitcake and together, they plan the trip of a lifetime, to Lapland to see the northern lights, somewhere Matilda has always dreamt of going.

But tragedy strikes and when Matilda dies, Esme screws up the courage to go on the trip on her own to honor her beloved grandmother’s wishes. At the airport she meets a motley crew of characters including Zach, a handsome, brooding, out-of- work actor and together they set off for an adventure.

Beneath the indigo skies of Lapland, Esme and Zach grow closer. But when Esme is bombarded by messages from Warren promising he’s changed and she discovers that Zach is hiding something very significant - will her head be turned? And when a trip to the northern lights reveals the full extent of Zach’s own secret past, is there any hope that Esme will get the happy ending that her grandmother wished for her?

My Thoughts: With The Christmas Wish, readers are taken on a holiday adventure to the Northern Lights and Lapland with a young woman who is honoring her late grandmother’s wish by taking the trip they were meant to take together. I liked Esme and thought she was brave and courageous to go on the trip, knowing it would be difficult not having her grandmother to share it with. I also enjoyed that she finally sees her ex for the creep he is and takes her power back for a change.

I enjoyed meeting the other travelers in Esme’s group and liked the chemistry building between her and Zach as well as some very humorous moments with Hortense, who was equally annoying and fun.

The landscape of Lapland really resonated with me and I commend the author for the excellent job she did of bringing it to life on the page. I got a real sense of the sights, scents and sounds through Esme’s eyes and found it to be quite magical.

My Final Verdict: I found this book to be a good choice for my Christmas holiday reading and recommend it to readers who are looking for happy conclusions and enjoy an adventure when it comes calling.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Christmas Wish from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Best Worst Christmas by Kate Forster

Title: The Best Worst Christmas
Author: Kate Forster
Publisher: Audible Originals
Publication Date: December 2021
Genre: Christmas Holiday / Contemporary Romance
Buy The Book: Amazon | Audible

Description: Lily is back from Australia for the first time in seven years to spend Christmas at her mum’s house in a small, gossipy English village. To her surprise, she returns to find that her mother is dating the man next door, who also happens to be the father of her ex-boyfriend Tom. Tom, who broke Lily’s heart all those years ago. Tom, the real reason Lily fled to the other side of the world and stayed there. Tom, who is also home for Christmas and right there, next door.

In what is shaping up to be the worst Christmas ever, somehow Lily and Tom have to try to get along and play happy families but living with the man who she is clearly not over is proving to be difficult, and tensions are high. Add in some drunken caroling, a reindeer bite, a potent Christmas pudding and some meddling parents and Lily’s trip home will turn her entire life upside down.

My Thoughts: A cute story sprinkled with charm and Christmas cheer about forgiveness of self and others and second chances. Lily is going home to England for Christmas for the first time since her broken heart drove her across the world to Australia. To her utter shock and confusion, her mother is dating and living with the man from next door, who also happens to be the father of Tom, her ex-boyfriend and the reason for her broken heart. Oh, and by the way, the ex-boyfriend is also home for Christmas and is next door and surprise! Lilly must bunk next door under the same roof as Tom. I figured this would have a happy conclusion or would turn into a bloodbath, as the tension was so sharp between these two, I was sure someone would be bleeding before too long.

This story had so many unexpected twists that I enjoyed as well as some heart-wrenching ones that reminded me that strong manly men can be vulnerable and that’s absolutely acceptable. This was a short story but is packed full of interesting characters and goings on that it felt longer. The characters were likable and easy to relate to. I was in high anticipation as to whether Lily would stay and sort out this mess with Tom or take off back to Australia.

My Final Verdict: Readers looking to add some festive cheer to their Christmas will enjoy this story, with or without the fruitcake.

REVIEW: Scrooged by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

Title: Scrooged
Author: Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
Publisher: Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
Publication Date: December 2019
Genre: Christmas Holiday / Contemporary Romance
Buy The Book: Amazon | Audible

Description: Sexy Scrooge
The Last thing I needed was to share an Uber with Scrooge - a cocky lawyer on a snowy Christmas Eve. It was bad enough I was on my way to court for the gift of eviction.

Although maybe today wouldn't turn out so bad after all.

The Sexy Scrooge and I started to connect as we trudged our way through a storm. Our ride was about to end. But would I ever see him again?

The Merry Mistake
Note to self: Ask Santa for glasses this year. When I accidentally mistook a gorgeous man resting outside my building for a homeless person in need of a lunch, we got into it. I'd only been trying to do a good deed around the holidays, but he called me righteous. I called him something far worse. If only I didn't have to see him again. But fate had other plans.

Kissmas In New York
It was just supposed to be a simple kiss with a stranger. I'd done it to prove a point - that I hadn't lost my sense of adventure. But you know what they about the best laid plans. Maybe I'd get something in my stocking after all this holiday season. . .

My Thoughts: When I am looking for a Christmas themed title that offers up a fun story, I know I don’t have to look further than Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. With Scrooged, the reader gets three short, festive, flirty and fun stories. I noticed that a common thread of mistaken identity was apparent in each story, but I thoroughly enjoyed each one and it’s impossible to pick a favorite.

My Final Verdict: Each story contained likable characters and lots of witty banter and some very funny situations all set in a Christmas backdrop. I highly recommend this story to readers who like their holiday reading to be fun and tickles the funny bone. This is such a short read that the marshmallows in your hot chocolate won’t have had a chance to melt before finishing this book.

REVIEW: The Magic of Christmas Tree Farm by Erin Green

Title: The Magic of Christmas Tree Farm
Author: Erin Green
Publisher: Aria
Publication Date: September 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction / Christmas Holiday
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN

Description: The scent of pine fills the crisp air as local villagers select their perfect tree. Picking the tree is the easy bit, creating a perfect Christmas is a bit trickier...

Nina has the most magical job in the world, matching customers with their perfect Christmas tree. Working at Christmas Tree Farm is always fun and full of laughter but the weight of past tragedy bears down on her. Her admirer is a great distraction, but is he the right man for her?

Holly is just trying to be a normal teenager, having to deal with the mean girls in her class. But then the most handsome boy at school takes an interest in her. Have all her Christmases come at once?

Angie is trying to bring her family together and save her broken marriage. It's not something she can force, but it's the only gift she craves. Will her Christmas wish come true?

It's the season of goodwill, and at Christmas Tree Farm anything could happen...

My Thoughts: An incredibly delightful story that really illustrates the spirit of the holiday season. This story centers on three primary characters, all different and not really connected to one another except through the Christmas Tree Farm. Nina works at the farm but would rather skip Christmas and all the festivities as she is mourning the death of her father the year before. Holly is embarking on her first relationship with the most wonderful boy from school. Angie is trying to rebuild her family after she and her husband divorced, but she must get through to her son who isn’t so eager to trust her after she left.

Each story is separate but they all connect to one another as more is revealed. Throw in a winter wedding at the farm and teenagers trespassing and damaging property and I could not put this book down. I found all the characters easy to relate to and cared about what was happening to them and what would happen. This book has a definite Love, Actually quality about it as the connections between the characters are made clear. I liked all the characters, but Nina was my favorite and I was on pins and needles alongside her as she sorted out who her admirer was.

My Final Verdict: All things are possible at Christmas and this story highlights that nobody is immune to The Magic of Christmas Tree Farm. I highly recommend this book with a hot chocolatey beverage and fuzzy blanket.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Magic of Christmas Tree Farm from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Honey-Don’t List
Author: Christina Lauren
Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date: March 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Carey Douglas has worked for home remodeling and design gurus Melissa and Rusty Tripp for nearly a decade. A country girl at heart, Carey started in their first store at sixteen, and—more than anyone would suspect—has helped them build an empire. With a new show and a book about to launch, the Tripp’s are on the verge of superstardom. There’s only one problem: America’s favorite couple can’t stand each other.

James McCann, MIT graduate and engineering genius, was originally hired as a structural engineer, but the job isn’t all he thought it’d be. The last straw? Both he and Carey must go on book tour with the Tripp’s and keep the wheels from falling off the proverbial bus.

Unfortunately, neither of them is in any position to quit. Carey needs health insurance, and James has been promised the role of a lifetime if he can just keep the couple on track for a few more weeks. While road-tripping with the Tripp’s up the West Coast, Carey and James vow to work together to keep their bosses’ secrets hidden, and their own jobs secure. But if they stop playing along—and start playing for keeps—they may have the chance to build something beautiful together…

My Thoughts: Good story about people who work under less-than-ideal conditions, making the best of it and managing to keep their sanity and find love. Working for America’s favorite couple isn’t easy under the best circumstances but trying to keep your employers on their best behavior while on a book and television show tour proves to be more than it should be. Melissa and Rusty Tripp used to be the ideal couple. Starting out their home design concept with a single store, they have been married for a long time. Unfortunately, it’s all a façade as they can’t stand each other. Excessive drinking and Rusty’s infidelity could bring their house of cards tumbling down and cause them public embarrassment and ruin everything they have worked toward.

As assistants to the Tripp’s, Carey and James are put in the awkward position of getting their employers to play nice and behave in public. They both need their jobs so they try to make the best of it. I kept thinking throughout this book that no job is worth this nonsense. The Tripp’s give a whole new meaning to dysfunctional relationships and even take it to new levels, but really, enough is enough! Life is short and I was surprised Carey and James put up with it for as long as they did.

I enjoyed this story though much of it felt like a train wreck that you just can’t walk away from. I think, like Carey, I hung on, hoping things would get better. I started wondering if the Tripp’s enjoyed the attention and didn’t care about any repercussions their bad behavior would bring. I enjoyed the blossoming romance between Carey and James and felt they were good together.

The character development overall was good and I had a lot of empathy for Carey and James due to the situation they were forced to participate in. Surprisingly, I also had empathy for Melissa and Rusty. They were probably great together at one time, but over the years, they lost their way and by the end of the book, I still was on the fence if they should even try to make their marriage work or cut and run. The story moved at a good pace, leaving the reader in anticipation of what was going to happen next and if Carey and James had scouted out the locations of the nearest exits.

My Final Verdict: Overall, an enjoyable book for fans of contemporary romances and women’s fiction. This author has many books that also look interesting and will likely end up on my to be read pile in the future.

REVIEW: The Perfect Daughter by D.J. Palmer

Title: The Perfect Daughter
Author: D.J. Palmer
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: April 2021
Genre: Thriller / Suspense
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: The Perfect Daughter is a thriller that explores the truth or lies behind a teenage girl's multiple personality disorder, from D.J. Palmer, the author of The New Husband.

Grace never dreamt she’d visit her teenaged daughter Penny in the locked ward of a decaying state psychiatric hospital, charged with the murder of a stranger. There was not much question of her daughter’s guilt. Police had her fingerprints on the murder weapon and the victim’s blood on her body and clothes. But they didn’t have a motive.

Grace blames herself, because that’s what mothers do—they look at their choices and wonder, what if? But hindsight offers little more than the chance for regret.

None of this was conceivable the day Penny came into her life. Then, it seemed like a miracle. Penny was found abandoned, with a mysterious past, and it felt like fate brought Penny to her, and her husband Arthur. But as she grew, Penny's actions grew more disturbing, and different "personalities" emerged.

Arthur and Grace took Penny to different psychiatrists, many of whom believed she was putting on a show to help manage her trauma. But Grace didn’t buy it. The personas were too real, too consistent. It had to be a severe multiple personality disorder. One determined psychiatrist, Dr. Mitch McHugh, helped discover someone new inside Penny—a young girl named Abigail. Is this the nameless girl who was abandoned in the park years ago? Mitch thinks Abigail is the key to Penny’s past and to the murder. But as Grace and Mitch dig deeper, they uncover dark and shocking secrets that put all their lives in grave danger.

My Thoughts: This story grabbed me and pulled me in right away and I couldn’t put this one down. The author did an excellent job of illustrating this family and what they are going through, not just with Penny’s dissociative identity disorder and her treatment, but the murder and the ensuing trial. The author researched his subject matter very well and presented it in an open and honest fashion, enabling the reader to make their own conclusions without any preconceived ideas.

This story is told from two points of view, one from Grace and one from one of her sons. I found this interesting because, although they both wanted the best outcome for Penny, their perceptions were coming from different directions, which gave a lot of insight to the characters. I had immense empathy for this family and what they were going through. I also enjoyed the side story involving Dr. McHugh’s struggle to help his son with his addiction. His determination to help Penny was admirable.

The pace of the story moves very quickly and held my interest throughout the story. I never doubted Penny’s guilt, but this book had several moments that took me by surprise and had me rethinking everything I thought I knew.

My Final Verdict: I’ve never read this author before and will be looking for more. Fans of suspense thrillers who enjoy intricate stories that weave a web around the reader, making it difficult to separate reality from fantasy will enjoy this story.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Perfect Daughter from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Eastside Hedge Witch by T.J. Deschamps

Title: Eastside Hedge Witch (Midlife Supernaturals #1)
Author: T.J. Deschamps
Publisher: T.J. Deschamps
Publication Date: October 2021
Genre: Women’s Fiction / Fantasy
Buy The Book: Amazon

Description: Miriam Diaz has lived as a suburban mom on Seattle’s Eastside for the past seventeen years. She serves on the parent teacher association, bakes for her daughter’s cheer squad, and is an all-around champion stay-at-home mom. Pretty average and totally boring, and Miriam likes it that way. All the better to hide her sordid past.

When a hellhound shows up in her neighbor’s begonias, and Miriam banishes the stinky mutt back to where it came from, she let her evil ex know she’s still alive and kicking…and likely in possession of something she stole from him.

Miriam doesn’t only have trouble brewing from below. The banishment also alerts the supernatural cops. When a gorgeous alpha of the shifter pack starts sniffing around her hedges, Miriam fears the news might go all the way to the archangel that she isn’t a latent but a full-blown witch. Miriam isn’t a registered supernatural and for a good reason, she’s hiding something big from the authorities above and below.

All of the commotion threatens the veil hiding the separating the mundanes and the supes. Miriam might just have to come out of the supernatural closet to save the world. Again.

My Thoughts: Interesting story about a widow who is navigating life raising her teenaged daughter, while trying to stay one step ahead of her ex-boyfriend, who happens to be the King of Hell. When a hellhound appears in her neighbor’s garden, the magic she uses to banish the beast back to the Pit alerts not only demons and Lucifer, but also the Fae and a hot archangel. Miriam now has a lot more to deal with than what treats to bring to the next parent teacher association meeting.

The story moves at a decent pace and I enjoyed meeting all the characters and learning about the magical abilities they possess. I found Miriam easy to relate to and had a lot of empathy for her as she begins to learn about her past, a past that was kept from her in large part. I am curious how this will play out between her world, the Faerie and the underworld.

My Final Verdict: This story ends on a cliffhanger and is the first in a series, so it is far from over at the end of this book. Fans of urban fantasy stories and women’s fiction will enjoy this story.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Eastside Hedge Witch from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Buried Deep by Margot Hunt

Title: Buried Deep
Author: Margot Hunt
Publisher: Audible Original
Publication Date: December 2019
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Buy The Book: Audible

Description: In this pulse-pounding short thriller, Maggie Cabot refuses to sit by idly as police re-open an investigation into the mysterious death of a woman her husband used to know.

After two decades in a near-perfect marriage, Maggie and James Cabot are enjoying their first year as empty-nesters in their charming Florida suburb, until two detectives arrive at their front door and change their lives forever.

The remains of a young woman have been found at a campsite in the Florida Keys. Hannah Nilsson, only twenty-one at the time of her disappearance, was last seen on a camping trip with a group of friends—including James, who dated Hannah long before he and Maggie ever met. Shocked and heartbroken, everyone on the trip said they assumed Hannah had wandered off toward shore, intoxicated from a long night of partying, and drowned. But the discovery of her body 25 years later, half a mile away from the campsite and buried six feet deep, makes it clear that her death was not accidental.

As the police dig back into the case, Maggie begins her own investigation, desperate to piece together the truth and clear her husband’s name once and for all.

My Thoughts: Buried Deep was a short thriller that moved quite fast that should have been a bit longer as I was left with a lot of head-scratching moments at the end. This domestic thriller centers on Maggie Cabot and her husband, James, living their best lives as empty nesters. When two police detectives arrive at their door, they bring news that the remains of a woman James used to date have been found, 25 years after she mysteriously vanished without a trace. The news that her remains were found buried leaves no doubt that she didn’t accidentally drown as earlier believed. Right off the bat, my internal alarm is going off. Someone in the group that James was a part of murdered her, obviously, but who and why? The police immediately focus on James as their primary suspect, no surprise there. Maggie decides to do her own investigation in the hopes that the police will entertain another avenue of possibility to investigate and exonerate her husband.

I could totally relate to Maggie and her decision to do what she could to uncover the truth, especially if it brings the killer to justice and her husband is cleared. What I couldn’t understand was her husband telling her to stay out it. Doesn’t he want the truth exposed? What is he hiding? Well, the fact that he and the dead girl were much more than just boyfriend and girlfriend, for starters. He failed to mention to Maggie that Hannah and he were engaged! Maggie feels she needs to get out from under the shadow of a woman she has never met but feels is always there.

I found the story interesting and in Maggie’s place, I would have done the same thing. When the truth is finally revealed, I felt let down. I didn’t feel any closure at learning the truth and I was shocked and horrified by Maggie’s reaction and subsequent actions. I didn’t see that coming and it left me with a sense of unfulfilled anticipation.

My Final Verdict: I thought the story was OK but would have enjoyed it more had there been more closure at the end. Fans of thrillers looking for a short, fast read and don’t mind loose ends will enjoy this story.

REVIEW: Tribulation Force by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins

Title: Tribulation Force (Left Behind #2)
Author: Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Publication Date: January 1997
Genre: Christian Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: In one cataclysmic moment, millions around the globe disappear.

Those left behind face war, famine, plagues, and natural disasters so devastating that only one in four people will survive. Odds are even worse for enemies of the Antichrist and his new world order.

Rayford Steele, Buck Williams, Bruce Barnes, and Chloe Steele band together to form the Tribulation Force. Their task is clear, and their goal is nothing less than to stand and fight the enemies of God during the seven most chaotic years the planet will ever see.

My Thoughts: I never finished this series the first time around and so much time has passed, I decided to start at the beginning. Tribulation Force was just as good as the first time I read it, picking up where the first book left off and then jumping ahead 18 months after the signing of the treaty. One of the major characters dies in this book and, though sad, not completely unexpected considering the content of the story.

I thought the authors do a particularly decent job of conveying the turmoil and chaos facing the world in the coming years as foretold in Scripture. I found the story to be equally frightening and realistic. The members of the Tribulation Force must be careful as they have witnessed the atrocities the Antichrist has already committed and the danger they are in being believers of Christ and it’s just beginning.

Overall, this story is very good. The story mixes suspense, action, romance and humor which helps alleviate the burden of such heavy subject matter, but what’s coming next remains imbedded in the reader’s mind as well as who will survive and who doesn’t.

REVIEW: Our Little Lies by Sue Watson

Title: Our Little Lies
Author: Sue Watson
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: November 2018
Genre: Thriller / Suspense
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: How far would you go to protect your perfect life?

Marianne has a life others dream of. A beautiful townhouse on the best street in the neighborhood. Three bright children who are her pride and joy.

Sometimes her past still hurts, losing her mother early, growing up in foster care. But her husband, Simon, is always there. A successful surgeon, he’s the envy of every woman they’ve ever met. Flowers, gifts, trips to France: nothing is too good for his family.

Then Simon says another woman’s name. The way he lingers on it, Caroline, gives Marianne a shudder of suspicion, but she knows it’s nothing – she can’t entertain this flash of paranoia.

In the old days, she’d have distracted herself by excelling at work, but Marianne left her glamorous career when she married. She’d speak to a friend, but she’s too busy with her children and besides, Simon doesn’t approve of the few she has left.

It’s almost by accident that Marianne starts to learn more about Caroline. But once started, she can’t stop, because what she finds makes her wonder: is the question she should be asking not ‘should she be jealous,’ but... ‘should she be scared?’

My Thoughts: With Our Little Lies, the talented Sue Watson delivers another domestic thriller that left me on the edge of my seat, breathless with anticipation of what would happen next. She creates characters that are extraordinarily complex and well developed which gives me, as a reader, a sense of knowing and caring about the characters and the ability to relate to the events occurring around them.

This story was riveting because it explores the reality of marriage and relationships and what goes on behind closed doors instead of what the outside world sees and makes assumptions about. Additionally, this story gave me a sense that truth can be subjective, depending on the perception of the narrator. Marianne Wilson is such a character. Married to successful surgeon, Simon, she has a beautiful home, three children and a life that, on the outside, everyone envies.

On the inside, Marianne is a woman who is highly paranoid and struggles with what is reality and what is fantasy, manufactured by her mind in times of anxiety. Her greatest struggle lies in whether her husband is cheating on her. He’s done it before, numerous times, or has he? Marianne doubts herself and when her husband says another woman’s name, she could let it go, but the way he says it, caressingly, lovingly, starts Marianne on a path of paranoia, suspicion, and delusion she can’t separate fact from fiction and has numerous gaps in her memory. I didn’t agree with a lot of decisions and choices Marianne makes but I understood why she did. To further complicate matters, it was apparent to me that Simon was verbally, mentally, emotionally, and physically abusive to Marianne. He gaslights her incessantly, blaming her for anything and everything, breaking her down into a mere shell of a woman who is all too eager to accept blame and responsibility for the slightest of infractions, such as throws and pillows not perfectly displayed on the couch. For Marianne, Simon’s love and acceptance is vital to her survival.

As much as I felt bad for Marianne, it was a challenge for me to discern whether Marianne is mentally ill or not. I absolutely loathed Simon. He’s a terrible husband and absentee father. He never misses an opportunity to degrade Marianne, questioning her ability to be the perfect mother and wife. He has perfectly isolated Marianne away from having friends or career or even hobbies that may bring her a sense of accomplishment or pleasure. He’s a vile, despicable character and I desperately wished Marianne would have found the strength and presence of mind to save herself, take the children, and leave, but as victims of domestic violence know all too well, they have limited options without friends, family, or money.

A major plot twist in the final 5% brings closure but it felt rushed and I would have preferred a different outcome, but still found this story very intense and very enjoyable.

My Final Verdict: I highly recommend Our Little Lies by Sue Watson to readers who love nail-biting thrillers that catapult the reader into a story where the lines between right and wrong, good and evil are not clear.

REVIEW: Sex, Lies and Online Dating by Rachel Gibson

Title: Sex, Lies, and Online Dating (Writer Friends #1)
Author: Rachel Gibson
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: January 2006
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: SEX...

What is it about men anyway? Bad cars, bad jobs, even bad teeth -- nothing convinces them that they can't snare a Size Two Babe with a D-cup chest. And after way too many internet dates with men named "luvstick" and "bigdaddy182," Lucy Rothschild should know.

LIES...

But sitting across from her now is "hardluvnman," and he seems different -- sensitive, honest, and hot! He says he's a plumber, while Lucy claims she's a nurse! She's really a mystery writer, dating online while researching her next book. Hey, everyone lies a little, don't they?

AND ONLINE DATING...

But Quinn's really an undercover cop hunting down a serial killer, and he sees Lucy as his top suspect. And while he could really go for this smart, sexy woman with the killer bod -- if that's the only thing "killer" about her -- he knows he needs to wine and dine her and discover the truth. Hey, he realizes the dating scene can be deadly -- but this is ridiculous!

My Thoughts: A fun read featuring an author who begins online dating to research characters she can kill off in her next book and the police detective who goes online to find a killer. Instant chemistry and sexual tension build for both Lucy and Quinn when they meet, she thinks he’s a widowed plumber and he already knows she’s not a nurse. He thinks she’s the “breathless” killer he’s hunting.

I had to suspend disbelief a tad that Quinn would allow Lucy into his home and do the no pants dance with her, believing she is a serial killer. Come on dude, you’re not thinking with the correct head here. Despite that, I really liked these characters and thought they were perfect for one another. I especially liked that Quinn has a soft side when it comes to Lucy and the care he shows her when she starts receiving letters from the real killer was heartwarming.

My Final Verdict: This book was enjoyable for both the mystery and the romance aspects, and I recommend it to readers who are looking for danger and fun in their reading and like books that allow them to live vicariously through the characters.

REVIEW: Cocktails at Le Carmen by Isabelle Andover

Title: Cocktails at Le Carmen
Author: Isabelle Andover
Publisher: Simon & Fig
Publication Date: June 2015
Genre: Chick-Lit
Buy The Book: Amazon

Description: When job cuts at Chloe Saddler’s London communications firm result in an unexpected transfer to Paris, she finds herself leaving behind her friends, family, and boyfriend Scott to start a new life in the City of Light. Getting to grips with La Vie Parisienne and keeping a long-distance relationship afloat is not made any easier by the culture shock. Committing the odd French faux pas and inadvertently indulging in a few too many flirtations with her very sexy (and very taken) boss, Jean-Luc, is just the start of it.

Factor in her bridezilla of a sister’s wedding (the hottest event of the year in the Saddler family’s social calendar), an unexpected session of hot, naked yoga, a slightly psychotic stalker, and one incredible kiss at an infamous Montmartre nightspot, and Chloe can say au revoir to her old, safe London life and bonjour to the romance, splendor, and glamour of Paris.

A delightful debut that harks back to the early days of Chick Lit when heroines were flawed, funny, and forever battling for love and happiness. With quirky characters and classic comedic charm, Cocktails at Le Carmen is pure fun from page one.

My Thoughts: Reading Cocktails at Le Carmen and meeting Chloe and Jean-Luc was entertaining and fun. Chloe is the type of character I find easy to relate to and connect with. Having one’s job cut and moved to Paris could cause enormous anxiety and stress in most people, but I admired Chloe’s ability to adjust and acclimate through the times of stress and anxiety, especially when looking for a place to live. Jean-Luc is one of those characters that readers just swoon over. He is the perfect man as evidenced by most of the women in the book are head over heels for him. He does not let that go to his head and is a likable and decent man and I was rooting hard for them to get together.

I enjoyed Ms. Andover’s narrative and descriptions of Paris. If I ever find myself in the City of Light, she would be a great tour guide, having first-hand experience living there.

My Final Verdict: I recommend this book to fans of chick-lit and romantic comedies, who crave happily ever after endings where the hero and heroine ride off into the sunset and the karma bus runs over the villains. I do wish the story went on a bit longer to see Chloe and Jean-Luc back in Paris after her sister’s wedding and meeting his parents. Cocktails at Le Carmen is my first book by Isabelle Andover but will not be my last.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Cocktails at Le Carmen from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.