Posted in Cozy, Giveaway, mystery, Spotlight on October 26, 2018

 

Back Stabbers (The Country Club Murders)
Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Henery Press (October 23, 2018)

Synopsis

All Ellison Russell wanted was an update on her stock portfolio. Instead, she found her broker dead.

With an unexpected out-of-town guest at her house, Ellison is too busy for a murder investigation. Only this time, Detective Anarchy Jones wants her help, and she can’t deny the handsome detective. Can Mr. Coffee supply her with enough caffeine to keep her brain sharp and everyone else happy?

Juggling bodies (one, two, three, four), two-faced friends, her social calendar, and a cat (yes, a cat) is taxing but Mother might be the biggest challenge of all.

With a killer drawing closer, can Ellison put together the pieces or will she be the one getting stabbed in the back?

About the Author

Julie Mulhern is the USA Today bestselling author of The Country Club Murders. She is a Kansas City native who grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie. She spends her spare time whipping up gourmet meals for her family, working out at the gym and finding new ways to keep her house spotlessly clean–and she’s got an active imagination. Truth is–she’s an expert at calling for take-out, she grumbles about walking the dog and the dust bunnies under the bed have grown into dust lions.

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Posted in excerpt, Spotlight, Thriller on October 25, 2018

Synopsis

In this sequel to Pullen’s best selling thriller, Naked Ambition, Chief Justice Nino Castiglia is scheduled to have breakfast with the disgraced newspaper reporter Beck Rikki, but shows up dead instead.

Rikki, once Washington’s premiere investigative reporter, immediately focuses on a prostitute who spent the evening with the justice. As he digs deeper, it starts to become obvious there is more to this than murder. Yet the deeper he goes, the more he suspects he is being manipulated.

He dashes back and forth between Texas and Washington, D.C. in hopes of solving the riddle and realizes he has not only put his life in danger, but the lives of others.

What has he gotten into? This is Washington where you can’t believe anyone. In this story of blackmail and manipulation, no one would believe the astonishing truth. And just how would an ex-newspaperman who has been exiled from his profession get anyone to believe the truth anyway?

Excerpt

He rang the doorbell and waited.

“Coming,” he heard. Beck held his breath.

The door opened as far as the safety chain would allow. He could see through the small opening that he must have just gotten her out of the shower. Her hair was wrapped in a white towel and she was wearing a thick white bathrobe. Even so, he immediately recognized her from the party the night before.

“Ms. Fiori?”

“Yes.”

“My name is Beck Rikki. I’m a reporter and I’d like to talk to you.”

“What about?” she asked.

“There’s been a murder. I’m not sure you’re aware of it.”

She gasped and slammed the door. The safety chain scraped against the lock and the door swung open again with such ferocity that her extended arm motion pulled loose her hastily tied belt. It fell to her sides and her robe gaped open. Beck gaped too, looking down at her exposed body. He fixed on her breasts, her smooth flawless skin and her taut belly. His eyes stopped there as she grasped at her robe with her free hand.

He tried to pretend he’d seen nothing, but her expression revealed she wasn’t buying it.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t—”

“Was it my sister?”

“Your sister?”

“The murder.”

“Oh no.” Beck cleared his mind of the accidental striptease. “I’m not here about your sister.”

“Oh thank God.”

“What about your sister?” Now Beck was curious. But he was getting off topic. Her family life was her own.

“She has issues. Never mind.”

“That’s not why I’m here. Chief Justice Nino Castiglia was murdered last night. I think you were the last one to see him alive.”

She gave him a puzzled look. “What are you talking about?”

“I saw you at dinner last night at the resort and then you left with the chief justice to go to his room.”

He gazed into her wide crystalline blue eyes. Her face was delicate and flawless. The short narrow nose and pointed chin were offset by high cheekbones.

“Mister, Mister Rikki, is it?” she said.

Her tone changed. He had put her on the defensive. Not good.

“Mr. Rikki, I don’t know what your game is or what you’ve been smoking, but I’ve never laid eyes on this justice of yours, and you most certainly did not see me at dinner last night. Please leave.”

Beck hesitated. This was his best lead. He couldn’t lose it.

“But I saw you there. I was a few tables away.”

“You obviously saw someone, but it wasn’t me.”

Beck knew better. Why would she deny being there?

“Now please leave before I call the police.”

About the Author

Rick Pullen is an award winning career journalist. He started out as an investigative reporter and eventually became a magazine editor. In 2015 he was named runner up for editor of the year. Also in 2015 Rick was named to the Folio 100—the 100 most influential people in magazine publishing.

He began writing political thrillers in 2011. His first, Naked Ambition, was a 2016 bestseller. Naked Truth, a sequel, was just published in September. The Apprentice was published in 2017.

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Posted in excerpt, Giveaway, romance on October 25, 2018

Title: A Brand New Ending

Author: Jennifer Probst

Release Date: October 23, 2018

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Synopsis

Ophelia Bishop was a lovestruck teenage girl when she and Kyle Kimpton chased their dreams to Hollywood. Kyle’s dreams came true. Ophelia’s did not. When Kyle chose his career over their relationship, Ophelia returned home to rural New York to run the family’s B & B—wiser, and more guarded against foolish fantasies. Now Kyle has come crashing back into her life, and all her defenses are down.

Kyle can’t think of a better place to write his latest screenplay than his hometown. After all, that was where he met the heart of his inspiration—his first love. He knows the damage he’s caused Ophelia, and he wants a chance to mend their relationship. If anyone can prove to Ophelia that happy ever afters aren’t only for the movies, it should be him.

As much as Ophelia’s changed, she still has feelings for Kyle. But her heart has been broken before, and she knows that Kyle could run back to Hollywood at any time. She gave up her dreams once, but maybe she can dare to change her own love story…one last time.

Exclusive Excerpt

Kyle glanced at the clock. Time to give Ophelia the next round of meds. He heated up the kettle and fixed a cup of tea, another glass of water with lemon, and some dry toast. Rummaging through the cabinets, he found a tray and loaded it all up.

Easing into Ophelia’s bedroom, he set the tray on the bureau, tiptoed to the bed, and leaned over.

“Holy shit!” She jerked up in surprise.

He jolted back, almost falling on his ass.

Hair a mess of tangles sticking up around her head, skin still damp and flushed from the fever, a dirty T-shirt hanging off one shoulder, she blinked wildly like a night creature awakened by a predator. “You scared me,” she croaked out.

“I think you scared me more.”

She groaned and flopped back on the pillow. “Sorry, I was having some type of crazy dream. I got stuck in the Willy Wonka factory, and they were putting me through the taffy machine.”

His lips twitched. “At least it’s better than the one you used to have.”

A pained laugh escaped. “The one where I’m a female Ben Stiller in Zoolander and the only way to save the world is to walk the runway like a badass, but I trip and fall and rip my skirt and everyone sees me half-naked? Still have that one, too.”

“Always wondered why you never wore underwear on the runway.”

“I was a slut.”

He laughed. “Every time you got stressed you’d wake up screaming from that dream.”

“I’d rather be in a taffy machine than naked in front of a judging crowd.” Her smile was quickly wiped out by a fit of coughing.

He moved toward the bed and laid a hand on her forehead. “Still warm. We should get you into some dry clothes. These are damp.”

“Forget it. I know it’s just a plan to seduce me.”

His lips twitched in a smile. “Baby, as much as I want to see you naked again, you’re too sick for even me to get excited. I’ll help get you into clean pj’s, and then you can try and eat some toast.”

“I already told you not to call me that, and I can do it myself. I have to get back to work anyway.” She pointed to the bottom drawer. “Can you just grab me some sweats and a T-shirt?”

He pulled out a cozy fleece set and watched her ease to the side of the bed, brows knit with determination. He tamped back a frustrated sigh. She was never one to surrender gracefully. The woman would fight with spit and sass till her dying breath.

She slowly stood up, took a few steps, and floundered.

“That’s it.” He swept her up into his arms, carried her to the bathroom, and set her gently back on her feet. “Turn around. I promise I won’t look.”

The pallor of her skin and the glassiness of her eyes softened her mulish expression. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine.”

She fell into another coughing fit, and he gently moved her so her back faced him. With quick, methodical motions, he lifted her shirt over her head and replaced it within seconds. Before she had time to protest, he’d already tugged her sweats over her hips, leaning down to gently untangle the fabric from her legs and replace them with the new pair. He made sure to keep his gaze firmly averted from the tiny scrap of black lace that covered her. Soon, she was fully dressed.

He turned her back around. “See? That wasn’t so bad, right? Let’s get you back to bed.”

He carried her back and propped her up on a few pillows. Then he sat on the edge of the bed and brought the mug of tea to her lips. She took a sip, closing her eyes with pleasure. “Thank you. That’s good.”

“Welcome. Listen, you need to rest again today. You can’t work with a fever.”

“How bad is it out there?” she asked, biting down on her lip. “Are the skiers a lot to handle? Is Aubrey coming back?”

“The skiers are fine—nice guys. Aubrey’s coming tomorrow morning.”

Her eyes widened with panic. “Oh my God, I have to clean ten rooms! I forgot she couldn’t make it today.”

“I’ll do it. Here, drink more and take a few bites. Let’s see if this stays down.”

She moaned through the motions of eating and drinking her tea. “This is a nightmare—do you know how to prep a room properly?”

He shrugged. “Sure. Clean it up and make the bed.”

“Yes, but make sure everything is organized, and the bathroom is spotless, and the toilet paper and tissues are refilled. Use that vanilla-coconut scented spray if it’s a bit funky, and make sure you vacuum.”

“Got it. Take more meds so you can get some sleep.”

She swallowed her pill and coughed. Kyle could tell she had no energy. She lay limply back, barely able to keep her eyes open. “I’m so sorry,” she said. “I never meant for you to get stuck with all this.”

He stroked her hair back from her forehead and dabbed some lingering crumbs from her lips with the napkin. “I could never be stuck with you,” he said quietly. “I like taking care of you.”

“Don’t be nice to me,” she murmured. Her head lolled drunkenly as exhaustion overtook her.

He pulled the covers up to her chin and edged the extra pillow to the side so she’d be more comfortable to sleep.

“Why?”

Her soft voice drifted to his ears in a caress. “Because I can’t fall for you again.” Then she closed her eyes and slept.

About the Author

Jennifer Probst is the New York Times bestselling author of the Billionaire Builders series, the Searching For series, The Marriage series, the Steele Brothers series, and The Start of Something Good, which is the first book in the Stay series. Like some of her characters, Probst, along with her husband and two sons, calls New York’s Hudson Valley home. When she isn’t traveling to meet readers, she enjoys reading, watching “shameful reality television,” and visiting a local Hudson Valley animal shelter.

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Posted in excerpt, Giveaway, romance on October 24, 2018

Title: He Loves You Not

Author: Tara Brown

Release Date: October 23, 2018

Publisher: Skyscape

Synopsis

Among her superrich friends, Lacey Winters never minded being the “poor one.” That is, until her tuition money and big dreams vanish overnight. Now Lacey has a plan to make some extra cash—a devilishly brilliant plan. For a fee, she’ll test your boyfriend to find out if he’s faithful or a cheating jerk. Her next target: a slick and sexy trust-fund playboy. Unfortunately for Lacey, his charms aren’t just legend. And before she knows it, she’s under his spell.

It was bad enough that Jordan Somersby’s father forced a spoiled “society princess” on him. Then Jordan had to go and find his dream girl—the beautiful, fun, and down-to-earth Lacey. And he’ll do anything to prove he’s sincere. But pretty soon it’ll be Lacey’s turn to prove that this is not just a game.

Because, when it comes to mixing love and deception, nothing is what it seems. And Lacey and Jordan are about to face the ultimate test.

Take the “Fidelity Test” with Tara Brown’s He Loves You Not

My newest release is He Loves You Not!

The high concept romance is centered around Lacey Winters, my hard working and slightly devious heroine.

She’s intelligent, fun, and absolutely gorgeous inside and out.

Her main love in life is her brother Martin, who at the start of the novel is diagnosed with something terrible.

The sickness puts Lacey into a bit of a tailspin. Not only is her favorite person in the world sick, but the availability of her funds for her final year of college come into question.

Not that she would ever complain, the money is going to a worthy cause.

But Lacey needs to graduate. Her dream job is awaiting her.

Which means nothing will stop Lacey from finding the money. She’s ingenious, crafty, and surrounded by the wealthy elite of Manhattan. All she needs is a plan.
As if God handed her the idea himself, the week she is desperate for an idea, one lands in her lap. Most of her friends are dating guys Lacey has questioned at one point or another, and that week one is being particularly shady.

With the help of her brother, Lacey puts that questioning into practical application—a fidelity testing company called The Test Dummy.

What she doesn’t expect is that the idea will hit home with so many of Manhattan’s upper crust. But it does.

And pretty soon, business is good.

Too good.

Which is where everything goes wrong, and right.

Fidelity testing is how Jordan Summers is brought into her life, even if it’s to test him for his socialite girlfriend.

The number one rule of the company was don’t get caught.

After meeting Jordan, it quickly changes to don’t fall for the clients.

But nothing is easy in love and war.

And make no mistake, Jordan Summers is at war.

His father has decided to use him in a plot to get a huge investment from a family friend, by hooking Jordan and the man’s daughter up.

The daughter couldn’t be less interested in the relationship and Jordan is desperate to get out of it. Desperate enough to hire the hot new fidelity testing company under the guise he’s his new girlfriend then make himself look guilty.

It’s a brilliant plan.

What he doesn’t know is the company is owned and operated by the girl he’s chasing and that his infidelity will question everything she thinks she knows about him.

This tale is high drama, loads of angst, and laughing out loud for hours.

You won’t want to miss this one!

Excerpt

I dialed my brother and hid in an alcove.

“Lacey?” He answered like he was confused.

“Yeah,” I whispered, and glanced around. “I need advice.”

“Okay.” His tone still seemed skeptical.

“What if I created a company that fidelity-tested guys, offering this as a service for a fee? Is that morally wrong?”

“Fidelity-testing service? Who would honestly pay someone—never mind. Forget I even asked that. We both know who would pay for something so stupid. Is this hypothetical?” He laughed hopefully.

“No,” I whispered, and scanned the hall again. “What would I need?”

“Honestly? I don’t know. I’d need a minute to think about it.”

“You have a minute.”

“Okay. Uhhhhh. A website that couldn’t be hacked. A system of being paid that couldn’t be traced. A couple of girls who could easily blend in and not be recognized if they wore simple disguises. A way of recording every interaction as proof. An email account that’s linked to the website that could send the recordings of the guy being disloyal.”

“Have you given something like this much thought before?” I asked quietly, a little worried.

“Yeah, this is totally what I spend all my free time thinking about,” he said sarcastically. “It’s simple logic, moron.”

“Can you help me make this?” I closed my eyes for a second and really contemplated if this was a good idea.

“Probably. You would make your entire year of tuition and probably mine in the next two months of summer. I would totally be down for this.” He was too eager. “I legit have nothing better to do. But I have one condition.”

“What?”

“Hennie. You give me your blessing to ask her out. I will knock that website outta the park.”

“Fine,” I hissed, and closed my eyes and forced myself into a momentary chant of do whatever makes him happy before I continued with the regular worries. “Are we going to burn in hell for manipulating people like this?” Second-guessing was already starting.

“No. Dude. If girls are willing to pay you for this, that’s their choice, and you should take the money. And it’s the guy’s choice whether or not he acts like a dick. Not your problem. This is like being a PI for love. That’s what you should call it. PI for Love.”

“I was thinking Fidelity Tester,” I whispered, and checked the hall again.

“That sounds stupid.”

“You’re stupid.” We automatically slipped back into our brother-sister banter.

“Love Tester,” he offered, ignoring the name-calling game.

“Man Tester.”

“Dear God. Don’t you claim to work at a marketing firm?”

“Shut up. Test Dummy.” I laughed, thinking how insanely stupid this idea might be and how dumb I sounded even contemplating it.

“Winner!” He smiled. I could hear it in his tone. “Test Dummy it is. I’ll set up the email account now: iamthetestdummy@gmail.com. The address is available; no surprise there. I guess there isn’t a lineup of other creeps putting money on the name.”

“Okay.” I inhaled sharply. “I’ll go advertise it where all the girls look, kinda random and casual, like it’s on the DL.” I took a second deep breath. “Thanks.”

“No, no. Thank you for the chance to contribute my talents on such a positive, healthy, world-benefitting project, with the side perk being you forced to accept my adoration of Hennie. First order of business, stop the players; next up, save the whales. I’ll get started now.”

About the Author

The international bestselling author of Roommates and the Puck Buddies series, Tara Brown writes in a variety of genres. In addition to her comedic Single Lady Spy series, she has also published popular contemporary and paranormal romances, science fiction, thrillers, and romantic comedies. She especially enjoys writing dark and moody tales, often focusing on strong female characters who are more inclined to vanquish evil than perpetuate it. She shares her home with her husband, two daughters, two cats, an Irish wolfhound, and a Maremma Sheepdog.

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Posted in 3 1/2 paws, Contemporary, excerpt, Review, romance on October 24, 2018

 

Title: TAKING CONTROL: RICK’S STORY
Author: Morgan Malone
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 170
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

Summer on the Jersey Shore and all Rick Sheridan wants is some solitude at his beach house. Then he spots a lean, leggy blonde coming out of the surf and his plans are shot to hell. And the dangerous looking knife strapped to her arm tells him this is no damsel in distress. As a not-so retired Marine, at 51, Rick’s learned that nothing is for certain, plans can spin out of control and shit happens.

Wounded and weary from one too many wars, Britt Capshaw thought a summer at the Shore, hanging out in her family’s beach cottage, would help her heal. And figure out what to do with the rest of her life. Out of the military, disillusioned and distrustful of any two-legged male, Britt’s one love is Alex, the yellow Labrador retriever she rescued from Afghanistan.

Rick and Britt are immediately attracted to one another, but after years in combat, they are wary of letting down their guard, of giving up control. The summer heats up and fireworks are flying between them even after the Fourth of July. But, ghosts from their pasts haunt them and finally bring them face to face with some dark secrets that may destroy the fragile trust they’ve built.

Can Britt trust Rick with her dangerous past? Will Rick be able to let go of the rigid control he needs to keep Britt and himself safe from more heartbreak? These two brave souls fight against surrendering their hearts and finally finding love. Who will win?

Excerpt

He stood before the French doors to the deck, with a large mug of steaming black brew cradled in his hands, letting its warmth take away some of the chill that had surrounded him for the last several months. I’m freezing. And it’s not the air-conditioning. It’s my damn frozen heart. Rick pushed the doors open, letting the heat of the sun and the smell of the ocean sweep into his house. He stepped outside, breathing deep, relaxing just a little. Yeah. This is what I need. A summer at the Shore, a few projects, and plenty of quiet—then I’ll be back to my old self. Chuckling as he mentally reminded himself of just how “old” his self was, Rick raised the cup to take a long sip of coffee.

He saw the figure emerging from the waves almost directly in front of his cottage at the same moment he heard the loud barking of a nearby dog.

What the hell?

She was a modern-day Botticelli’s Venus, with the waves foaming around her legs. Long, long legs, lean and tan, disappeared into a bright blue bikini bottom, just visible under the blue and white swim T-shirt that covered a long, muscular torso. Her arms were raised, her hands brushed back sodden strands of platinum blond hair. A swim mask dangled from her left elbow, dropping down into her hand as she lowered her arms. When she stepped from the surf, the woman gave an all-over body shake, drops of ocean water flying off her, glistening for an instant like diamonds in the early morning sun. Then she dropped to her knees so suddenly that Rick lurched forward, splashing coffee as he looked down for a place to leave the heavy mug before he rushed to her aid.

He needn’t have bothered. From the deck of the cottage to his left, a huge yellow dog was bounding down the wooden stairs two at a time in a mad dash to the woman. She stretched out her arms to the animal just before the happy hound collided into her, rolling her into the sand. The woman’s laugh floated on the ocean breeze. Rick straightened, still grasping his cup of coffee and stepped back into the shadows cast over his deck by the second-floor balcony. From his vantage point, he watched the woman ruffle the dog’s fur, the animal prancing and shaking in spasms of pure pleasure. When had he ever experienced such unfettered joy? Rick couldn’t remember. A long, long time ago…maybe.

Who was she? The owners of the cottage next door were an older couple who spent half the year in Florida and half the year on the Shore. Could she be a granddaughter or niece? Or had the couple decided to rent this year? Rick made a mental note to contact his property manager who handled many of the shore homes and make inquiries. He had not planned on having to deal with a stranger; he just wanted some peace and quiet.

The woman and dog were walking up from the water’s edge. Rick eased toward the open doors of his living room, thinking to disappear into the shadows. He just didn’t feel like an early morning encounter with anyone, certainly not the mermaid with those incredible legs who was ambling slowly in his general direction. He stopped suddenly when something caught the corner of his eye. A glint of sunlight on metal. He reached for his pistol, but his waistband was empty. Damn. What is that woman doing with a diving knife strapped to her right bicep? Who the hell is she?

Review

I can’t imagine what it is like for those in the military that see battle and the stress that surrounds the jobs that they perform to protect our country.  This book gives us a little insight into PTSD for Britt and Rick and how it is not quite the same for each person.  I thought their stories were well told – from what they experienced to how it currently affects them both physically and mentally.  They both have trust issues that they work through with each other and with the help of some four legged friends, especially a horse named Kip.  When I was reading the book, I wondered where the horse came into play that was on the cover.  It is halfway or more through the book before you understand why there is a horse on the cover.

There are some descriptive sex scenes and a fair amount of foul language.  Just a heads up in case you don’t like to read this in your book.  I think some of it was appropriate but there are also a part where I felt like it was on the fringe of BDSM.  However, knowing how both characters had control issues it was not too surprising to have this sort of scene.

We give it 3 1/2 paws up.

About the Author

Morgan Malone is the pen name of a retired lawyer who turned in her judicial robes to write romantic memoir and sexy contemporary romance, which always features silver foxes and the independent women who tame them.

Morgan fell in love with romantic heroes after reading her mother’s first edition of “Gone with the Wind” when she was 12 years old. Rhett Butler became the standard by which she measured all men. Some have met the mark, most have failed to even come close and one or two surpassed even Rhett’s dark and dangerous allure.

Morgan lives near Saratoga Springs, NY with her beloved chocolate Lab. She can be found on occasion drinking margaritas and dancing at local hostelries, but look for her most often in independent book stores and the library, searching for her next great love in tales of romance, history, adventure and lust. When she can’t find the perfect man, she retreats to her upstairs office and creates him, body and soul, for her pleasure and for yours. Remember: love, like wine, gets better with age.

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Posted in 5 paws, Review, romance on October 23, 2018

Synopsis

Susan Mallery, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances, proves there’s nowhere better than Happily Inc to rekindle first love.

Silver Tesdal has a head for business and a mouth made for kissing, and banker Drew Lovato has his eye on both. But ever since he was dumb enough to let her go, she’s kept him at a distance. When the bank turns her down for a loan, Drew sees a double opportunity—he can finance her brilliant, unique idea to rock Happily Inc’s wedding industry and win back her trust.

Despite her reputation, Silver’s not as tough as she seems. Losing Drew nearly destroyed her. Still, his kisses are as tempting as his offer to invest in her business. If she can’t quite get over him, maybe she should get under him and knock him out of her system once and for all.

But her best laid plans begin to unravel as Silver finds herself falling even harder than when they were high school sweethearts. Which means that she’ll have to come clean about the secret she’s been hiding from him for years—and risk losing him forever.

Review

I probably say this on every review of this series, but I want to live in Happily Inc! This sounds like a wonderful small town and while not perfect has enough positive that draws me into the town.

I also love this story because I was part of a (large!) group that helped create one of the characters in the book and the basic storyline. This was at the author’s Girlfriend Getaway in 2017. We came up with Mr. Whiskers. I was rooting for a turtle, but a bunny won out. Either way, I really enjoyed seeing how the author took our ideas and weaved them into the story.

This book focuses on Silver and Drew. I admire Silver for everything she has gone through in her life and for creating AlcoHaul. What a unique idea for a business which fits perfectly into the town and Weddings Out of the Box. Drew has his own issues, mainly his mother. I am still shocked at how callous she is towards Drew and refusing to listen to what he wants from life. Thankfully his father is down to earth and can see what Drew really wants.

Silver and Drew have a past but they are able to work through it all. There are ups and downs, but if everything went smoothly with no issues then the book wouldn’t be as engaging. I was a little surprised at a few events near the end, but when I thought about how certain situations played out, it is probably for the best.

I also enjoyed a little peek into Jasper and Wynn’s life/relationship. There is a lot more to tell regarding Wynn and I can’t wait to hear her backstory. We know there is one based on her comments to Jasper and her rules for their relationship.

We give it 5 paws up

Posted in Cozy, Giveaway, mystery, Spotlight on October 23, 2018

 

Death By Drama: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery
Cozy Mystery
11th in Series
Worker Bee Press (July 24, 2018)
Paperback: 228 pages

Synopsis

Josiah joins an amateur thespian group that puts on plays in quirky places like public parks and crumbling antebellum mansions. It is a way to socialize, and Josiah feels lonely when her friend Hunter stops calling. Since the new play is being staged at Hunter’s ancestral home Wickliffe Manor, Josiah sees this as a win-win situation. She gets to have fun and remind Hunter that she is still alive and kicking. Hint. Hint.

What could go wrong? Everything!

Hunter ignores the acting group including Josiah, and it doesn’t help when the leading lady, Madison Smythe, drops dead on Hunter’s antique Persian rug. To make matters worse, Franklin, Hunter’s brother, is arrested for her murder!

Josiah does the only thing she can. She sends an S.O.S. to her daughter Asa to investigate the murder. Asa must also discover why a love note from Hunter was found in the dead woman’s coat pocket. Josiah is ready for romance, but she doesn’t want to fall in love with a cheater . . . and possibly a murderer!

Josiah Reynolds Mystery Series

Death By A HoneyBee I
Death By Drowning II
Death By Bridle III
Death By Bourbon IV
Death By Lotto V
Death By Chocolate VI
Death By Haunting VII
Death By Derby VIII
Death By Design IX
Death By Malice X
Death By Drama XI

About the Author

Abigail Keam is an award-winning and Amazon best-selling author who writes the Josiah Reynolds Mystery series about a Southern beekeeper turned amateur female sleuth in the Bluegrass.

Her first mystery novel, DEATH BY A HONEYBEE, won the 2010 Gold Medal Award for Women’s Lit from Reader’s Favorite and was a Finalist of the USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011.

DEATH BY DROWNING won the 2011 Gold Medal Award for Best Mystery Sleuth from Reader’s Favorite and also was placed on the USA BOOK NEWS-Best Books List of 2011 as a Finalist.

Miss Abigail is also an award-winning beekeeper who has won 16 honey awards at the Kentucky State Fair including the Barbara Horn Award, which is given to beekeepers who rate a perfect 100 in a honey competition.

A strong supporter of farmers’ markets and local food economy, Miss Abigail has taken her knowledge of beekeeping to create a fictional beekeeping protagonist, Josiah Reynolds, who solves mysteries in the Bluegrass. While Miss Gail’s novels are for enjoyment, she discusses the importance of a local sustainable food economy and land management for honeybees and other creatures.

She currently lives on the Kentucky River in a metal house with her husband and various critters. She still has honeybees.

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Posted in Biography, nonfiction, Spotlight on October 22, 2018

The Whole Damn Cheese

Maggie Smith Border Legend

by

Bill Wright

Genre: Biography / Texana

Publisher: Texas Christian University Press

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Publication Date: October 12, 2018

Number of Pages: 160 pages with B&W photos

 

Anecdotes about Maggie Smith abound, but Bill Wright’s The Whole Damn Cheese is the first book devoted entirely to the woman whose life in Big Bend country has become the stuff of legend. For more than twenty years, Maggie Smith served folks on both sides of the border as doctor, lawyer, midwife, herbalist, banker, self-appointed justice of the peace, and coroner. As she put it, she was “the whole damn cheese” in Hot Springs, Texas. A beloved figure serving the needs of scores of people in Big Bend country, she was also an accomplished smuggler with a touch of romance as well as larceny in her heart. Maggie’s family history is a history of the Texas frontier, and her story outlines the beginnings and early development of Big Bend National Park. Her travels between Boquillas, San Vincente, Alpine, and Hot Springs define Maggie’s career and illustrate her unique relationships with the people of the border. Vividly capturing the rough individualism and warm character of Maggie Smith, author Bill Wright demonstrates why this remarkable frontier woman has become an indelible figure in the history of Texas.

TAMU Press   ║   Amazon   ║   Barnes & Noble

ATTRIBUTIONS: Photo 1: courtesy Smith family archive; Photo 2: courtesy of Byron Smith; Photo 3: courtesy of Byron Smith; Photo 4: Photo by Charles Kelley, courtesy of the Archive of the Big Bend; Photo 5: courtesy of Byron Smith; Photo 6: Photo by Glenn Burgess, courtesy of the Archive of the Big Bend.

For thirty-five years Bill Wright owned and managed a wholesale and retail petroleum marketing company. In 1987 he sold his company to his employees and since then has carved out a remarkable career as an author, fine art photographer, and ethnologist. He has written or contributed to seven books, and his photographs appear in Fort Worth’s Amon Carter Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center of the University of Texas at Austin, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.

 

Check out the other blogs on this tour

10/17/18 Excerpt Texas Book Lover
10/18/18 Character Interview All the Ups and Downs
10/19/18 Character Interview Max Knight
10/20/18 Author Interview That’s What She’s Reading
10/21/18 Review Hall Ways Blog
10/22/18 Scrapbook Page StoreyBook Reviews
10/23/18 Review The Book Review
10/24/18 Excerpt Reading by Moonlight
10/25/18 Review Forgotten Winds
10/26/18 Review The Clueless Gent

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Posted in Cozy, Giveaway, mystery, Spotlight on October 22, 2018

 

Designed for Haunting (Aurora Anderson Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Henery Press (October 9, 2018)

Synopsis

October brings a message from Beyond The Grave…

Halloween is fast approaching in the quiet Los Angeles County city of Vista Beach, home of computer programmer and tole-painting enthusiast Rory Anderson. While her painting chapter prepares to open its annual boutique house, Rory receives an unexpected email from Beyond The Grave, a company that automatically sends out messages when someone dies.

“I think I have a stalker,” the message reads. “If you’re reading this I’m either missing or dead. My life may depend on what you do. Please find out what happened to me.”

Haunted by her friend’s disappearance and possible death, Rory begins her search with the help of best friend and fellow painter, Liz Dexter. Can they discover who has designs on the missing woman and uncover the truth before one of them becomes the stalker’s next victim?

About the Author

Sybil Johnson’s love affair with reading began in kindergarten with “The Three Little Pigs.” Visits to the library introduced her to Encyclopedia Brown, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and a host of other characters. Fast forward to college where she continued reading while studying Computer Science. After a rewarding career in the computer industry, Sybil decided to try her hand at writing mysteries. Her short fiction has appeared in Mysterical-E and Spinetingler Magazine, among others. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in Southern California where she enjoys tole painting, studying ancient languages and spending time with friends and family.

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Posted in Cookbook, cooking, Review on October 21, 2018

I was lucky enough to be chosen as part of Abrams Books dinner party group.  This is a select group of bloggers – from book reviewers to cooks to lifestyle bloggers – that receive some of the hottest new cookbooks to come from Abrams Books.  I hope I can do all the cookbooks justice and I’m very impressed with what I have seen so far.

Today I am showcasing Matty Matheson A Cookbook.  It is much more than just a cookbook.  It is the story of his life and his memories of family and food.  I think we all have good memories when it comes to family and food…or maybe it is just me!  We love to eat in my family and my mom will even tell you that she isn’t sure where I got my passion for cooking.  I’m not a gourmet by any stretch, but I do love trying new recipes whenever I can.  So let me share this cookbook with you and you can make your decision from there.

Matty Matheson, star of Viceland’s It’s Suppertime and Dead Set On Life, reveals his favorite recipes and stories in a cookbook that his devoted fans have been waiting for.

Matty Matheson is known as much for his amazing food as his love for life, positive mental attitude, and epic Instagram account. This debut cookbook is about Matty’s memories of the foods that have defined who he is. With a drive to share his zest for life, he creates dishes within these pages that reinterpret the flavors of his youth in Canada, as well as the restaurant fare for which he has become so well-known. Interpretations of classics like Seafood Chowder, Scumbo: Dad’s Gumbo, and Rappie Pie appear alongside restaurant recipes like Bavette, Pigtail Tacos, and his infamous P&L Burger. This is a very personal cookbook, full of essays and headnotes that share Matty’s life—from growing up in Fort Erie, exploring the wonders of Prince Edward Island, struggling and learning as a young chef in Toronto, and, eventually, his rise to popularity as one of the world’s most recognizable food personalities. His no-nonsense approach to food makes these recipes practical enough for all, while his creativity will entice seasoned cooks. This book is like cooking alongside Matty, sharing stories that are equal parts heartwarming and inappropriate while helping you cook dishes that are full of love. Matty Matheson: A Cookbook is a new collection of recipes from one of today’s most beloved chefs.

 

 

Review

 

This cookbook is one that any meat lover should pick up and take a look.  There are recipes that include everything from beef to bologna (yes you read that right), from venison to veal, and quail to duck…and everything in between.  But interspersed between all of the recipes are gorgeous photos of the recipes, Matty’s life (cooking schools, family, etc), and some gorgeous scenic shots of Prince Edward Island.  This is a cookbook meant to be savored slowly and you will have time because most of the recipes take time to create.  So enjoy a glass of wine and read some of Matty’s story while preparing whatever dish you choose.

I have several recipes tagged to try but the first one I tried was the Double Bone Pork Chop with Maple Jack Daniel’s Bacon Sauce.  This dish included several of my husband’s favorite items – primarily pork chops and bacon.  I will have to say I could not find any double bone-in pork chops but found some really thick chops with a little bit of bone and that would have to suffice.  I think I would need to call around and find a butcher or grocery store that carries these.

I was going to make this dish one Sunday night and then realized I had not brined the pork chops.  I’m sure I could have gotten away with that but wanted to follow the recipe closely at least the first time to have a feel for the dish.  So the dish was moved a few days forward so I could follow all the steps.

I found that the recipe easy to follow, but as Matty says at the beginning of his book, all of these take time to prepare.  Let’s just say I should have started about 30 minutes sooner than I did!  But no matter, the pork chops were made and very delicious.  I’m glad I didn’t flip as many times as the cookbook called for because they would have been overdone.  I am guessing it is due to the lack of bone and perhaps not quite as thick as what the recipe states.  No matter, it was very delicious!

The Bacon Sauce – mmmmm

Basting the pork chop in a butter, rosemary, garlic sauce

 

The final dish plated. I had to take the picture quickly before it was eaten by my husband.

 

I highly recommend this dish from the cookbook and have several others tagged to try in the coming months.  If you are a vegetarian you might have a hard time finding a recipe to prepare.  There are also very few “sweet” dishes.  But any way you slice it, the book will provide many nourishing meals and some entertainment for you and your family.