A Moment With Mystee

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

J.C.P. Thomas’ Three’s A Crowd is a gripping contemporary fiction novel that explores the complexity of relationships, personal boundaries, and the secrets people keep. The story centers on Jessie, a hardworking mother, wife, and professional who is managing the chaos of daily life with two teenagers and a secret side hustle. Everything shifts when Misty, a tearful and vulnerable teenager, approaches Jessie for help in a supermarket parking lot. What begins as an act of kindness soon spirals into a dangerous game of intrusion as Misty becomes increasingly entangled in every aspect of Jessie’s life. The novel explores the lengths to which Jessie will go to reclaim her life and the painful truths that are uncovered along the way.

Plot: ★★★★☆
The plot of Three’s A Crowd is intense and full of psychological tension. The narrative is driven by Jessie’s efforts to maintain control while Misty’s presence becomes more and more disruptive. Thomas creates an atmosphere of unease, where the reader knows something is off, but the true nature of Misty’s intentions is slowly revealed in a way that keeps you hooked. The pace of the story is well-balanced, and while there are moments of predictability, the psychological depth of the plot keeps it fresh. The tension between Jessie and Misty builds steadily, culminating in a resolution that is both satisfying and unsettling.

Characters: ★★★★☆
Jessie is a strong, relatable protagonist who is juggling the demands of family, work, and a secret life. Her character feels real—struggling with the balance between being a mother, wife, and professional while grappling with the chaos that Misty brings into her life. Misty, on the other hand, is a complex and mysterious character whose true intentions are revealed piece by piece. While Jessie is fully realized, Misty’s character could have benefited from a little more development in terms of her background and motivations. The supporting characters, including Jessie’s family and friends, help ground the story, but they sometimes feel secondary to the main conflict.

Writing Style: ★★★★☆
J.C.P. Thomas writes with clarity and depth, immersing the reader in Jessie’s world and emotional turmoil. The writing is engaging, and Thomas has a knack for creating tension through subtle details and internal dialogue. There is an intimacy in Jessie’s narrative that pulls you into her emotional struggles and the confusion caused by Misty’s persistent involvement. However, the pacing slows a little during some of the more reflective moments, which can disrupt the otherwise tight flow of the story. Still, the prose is largely effective in building suspense and emotion.

Suspense/Thrill: ★★★★☆
The suspense in Three’s A Crowd is one of the book’s strongest elements. From the moment Misty enters Jessie’s life, there is a palpable sense of danger that escalates with each chapter. The psychological tension is skillfully executed, and the reader feels Jessie’s unease as she tries to navigate the complex and often intrusive relationship with Misty. The pacing builds up slowly, allowing for maximum impact when key revelations occur. While it isn’t a fast-paced thriller, the emotional stakes make it a compelling read that keeps you hooked.

Themes: ★★★★☆
The book touches on important themes like personal boundaries, family dynamics, and the secrets that people keep hidden. There’s a strong undercurrent of self-discovery as Jessie is forced to confront her own vulnerabilities, and the story explores the complexity of relationships—especially those between mothers and daughters, and the friendships that can be tested by outside forces. The exploration of these themes adds depth to the story and makes it resonate on a personal level with readers.

Overall: ★★★★☆
Three’s A Crowd is an intense, thought-provoking read that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the delicate balance between kindness, vulnerability, and self-preservation. The suspenseful atmosphere, well-developed protagonist, and emotional depth make it a compelling story, though it could have benefitted from a bit more development of Misty’s character. Nevertheless, this novel is an engrossing exploration of the limits of compassion and the consequences of allowing others too close.

Overall Rating: 4/5
A suspenseful and emotional journey that keeps you on edge. Three’s A Crowd offers a tense look at relationships and personal boundaries, with enough twists to make it a memorable read for fans of psychological fiction and contemporary drama.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

C.J. Love-Jones' Becoming Mistress Maye is a bold, provocative, and thought-provoking journey into the complexities of body image, self-discovery, and empowerment. The story follows Shelbi Mae, a woman who, after years of struggling with her body and self-worth, embarks on an unexpected journey into the world of seduction and power. As Shelbi delves deeper into a lifestyle that challenges everything she thought she knew about herself, she begins to unravel layers of desire, control, and vulnerability that force her to confront the woman she truly is.

Plot: ★★★★☆
The plot of Becoming Mistress Maye is unapologetically bold, and it doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker, more complex aspects of self-image and sensuality. Shelbi’s journey of self-discovery takes her into the underground world of dominance and submission, where she must confront both her internal and external battles. The story touches on themes of body image, beauty, and self-worth, weaving them into the broader narrative of Shelbi's transformation. While the plot is engaging and emotionally charged, at times, it feels as though the story could dive deeper into Shelbi’s motivations and the psychological aspects of her choices. However, the pacing and suspense maintain a solid momentum, keeping the reader hooked.

Characters: ★★★★☆
Shelbi Mae is a complex, relatable protagonist, and her internal struggle between body image issues and the desire to reclaim her sexuality makes her journey compelling. Her vulnerability and eventual empowerment add depth to her character, making her easy to empathize with. The supporting characters, particularly the unconventional life coach and others within the underground world Shelbi enters, serve as interesting foils to her transformation. However, the character development of some secondary characters could have been expanded upon, as they occasionally feel more like plot devices than fully realized people.

Writing Style: ★★★★☆
Love-Jones' writing is direct and evocative, using vivid descriptions to immerse the reader in the emotional and physical transformations Shelbi undergoes. The prose flows smoothly, with just the right balance of intensity and subtlety. The author captures Shelbi’s emotional journey with raw honesty, and the exploration of sensuality is both empowering and thought-provoking. At times, the narrative can feel slightly rushed, especially in moments where Shelbi’s emotional revelations could have been more drawn out. But overall, Love-Jones effectively engages the reader with a mix of intimacy and tension.

Romance/Sensuality: ★★★★★
The sensual elements in Becoming Mistress Maye are both powerful and empowering. Shelbi’s exploration of dominance, submission, and desire is portrayed with depth and complexity, offering a fresh perspective on self-empowerment. The chemistry and tension between Shelbi and the world she enters are palpable, and the eroticism in the story feels integral to her character development rather than gratuitous. Love-Jones handles these elements with care, using them to drive Shelbi’s transformation rather than just titillation.

Suspense/Thrill: ★★★☆☆
While Becoming Mistress Maye is not a traditional thriller, it does carry an element of psychological suspense. The tension builds slowly as Shelbi navigates her new world, facing difficult choices that challenge her sense of self. The stakes are high emotionally, but the thrill comes more from Shelbi’s internal conflict rather than external action. The story unfolds with a steady pace, but the tension could have been ratcheted up a little more in places to enhance the overall suspense.

Overall: ★★★★☆
Becoming Mistress Maye is an engaging and emotionally charged exploration of self-discovery, body image, and sensuality. Shelbi Mae’s journey from insecurity to empowerment is both complex and relatable, and the themes of beauty, power, and vulnerability are explored with sensitivity and depth. While the story could benefit from more in-depth exploration of certain characters and psychological aspects, the novella remains a bold and satisfying read. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and daring exploration of self-image and sensuality, Becoming Mistress Maye is a book that doesn’t shy away from challenging societal norms and personal limits.

Overall Rating: 4/5
A provocative and empowering story about reclaiming one’s body and sexuality. Becoming Mistress Maye is a nuanced journey of self-discovery that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories that tackle difficult themes with honesty and complexity.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Shane Lege's Cypress Tombs is a chilling and intense horror novella that blends elements of psychological suspense with dark, haunting horror. Set in the eerie backdrop of Vermillion Parish, Louisiana, the story follows Leah, a coroner's assistant, who becomes the next target of a serial killer after a night at the local Duck Festival. When she wakes up bound, gagged, and blindfolded—trapped in a nightmare mirroring the very crime scenes she has previously documented—Leah must find a way to outwit her captor before becoming just another victim in a gruesome spree.

Plot: ★★★★☆
The plot of Cypress Tombs is gripping from start to finish. Lege does an excellent job of setting a tense, suspenseful atmosphere, and the horror is palpable as Leah tries to survive her nightmarish captivity. The story takes readers on a heart-pounding ride as Leah must use her wits to stay alive while uncovering disturbing truths about her captor. While the pacing is quick and keeps the momentum going, some moments feel a bit rushed, especially as the plot builds to its climax. However, the relentless tension and the disturbing revelations about the killer more than make up for any pacing issues.

Characters: ★★★★☆
Leah is a strong protagonist who shows resilience and intelligence in the face of terrifying odds. Her experience as a coroner's assistant makes her a resourceful and believable character as she processes the horror around her. The supporting characters, though not as fully developed, serve their purpose well in advancing the plot. The true focus of the story is Leah’s survival, and Lege captures her internal struggle and determination effectively. The killer remains an ominous and mysterious presence throughout, and while their motivations are explored, I would have liked to see a bit more depth in their character.

Writing Style: ★★★★☆
Lege's writing is atmospheric, dark, and immersive. The descriptions of the setting—the isolated town of Vermillion Parish and the eerie swampy landscapes—add a layer of dread to the story. The pacing is quick, and the suspense builds steadily as the narrative unfolds. The dialogue is natural, and while the story is short, Lege manages to pack it with enough twists and turns to keep readers on edge. There are moments where the horror feels almost surreal, blurring the line between psychological terror and supernatural horror, but this adds to the overall unsettling vibe of the novella.

Suspense/Thrill: ★★★★☆
The suspense in Cypress Tombs is its strongest suit. From the moment Leah is captured, the story never lets up, forcing the reader to feel as trapped as she does. The tension never wanes as Leah tries to decipher the cryptic clues left by her captor, and the looming threat of death feels ever-present. Lege does a great job of building dread without resorting to excessive gore, opting instead for psychological horror that will stick with you long after the book ends. While the conclusion might not have the shock value that some readers may expect, it’s still satisfying and fitting for the story.

Eroticism: ★★★☆☆
While Cypress Tombs includes dark themes and elements that verge on erotic horror, the sexual content takes a backseat to the overall suspense and psychological terror. The eroticism serves more as a vehicle to add to the sinister atmosphere rather than a central focus of the story. The balance of horror and eroticism may not appeal to everyone, but it contributes to the unsettling tone of the novella, making it all the more disturbing.

Overall: ★★★★☆
The Cypress Tombs is a tight, suspenseful, and unsettling novella that offers a thrilling ride through horror and psychological suspense. Lege’s ability to create a vivid, oppressive atmosphere makes the story stand out, and the quick pacing ensures that readers are on the edge of their seat. While it may not delve as deeply into character backstory as some might like, it excels in creating a chilling experience that lingers long after the last page is turned. For fans of psychological and dark horror, this novella is a satisfying and haunting read.

Overall Rating: 4/5
A tense, gripping, and atmospheric horror novella that will keep you hooked until the final page. With well-executed suspense and a strong protagonist, Cypress Tombs is a quick but effective horror experience that showcases Shane Lege’s talent for blending psychological terror with dark, haunting themes.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Ava Colt’s Take Two delivers a quick but steamy contemporary romance with all the right elements for fans of the friends-to-lovers trope. The novella follows Anne, Theo, and Nathaniel—three best friends who have shared a close bond for years. However, when their feelings for one another evolve into something more, their friendship is tested, and they must confront their hidden desires and fears. Colt masterfully captures the complexities of love, friendship, and the tension that builds when lines are crossed.

Plot: ★★★★☆
Take Two is a fun, fast-paced romance that effectively plays on the friends-to-lovers theme. The plot isn’t overly complicated but doesn’t need to be. It’s a short, sizzling story that focuses on the emotional and physical attraction between the trio as they navigate the transition from friendship to something more. Colt does a great job of balancing the romance and the steamy moments, and while the plot feels somewhat predictable, the emotional payoff makes it an enjoyable read. The novella is perfect for a quick getaway into a world of passion and heartfelt connection.

Characters: ★★★★☆
Anne, Theo, and Nathaniel are well-developed, likable characters. Their friendship feels authentic, and the chemistry between them is undeniable. The emotional depth they share adds layers to the narrative, making it clear why they’re all drawn to each other. While the characters are engaging, there’s a bit of a rush toward the resolution, and I would have loved to see a little more exploration of their individual personalities and histories, especially since the story is short. Nonetheless, their chemistry is palpable, making their transition from friends to lovers both believable and compelling.

Writing Style: ★★★★☆
Ava Colt’s writing is engaging and straightforward. The dialogue flows naturally, and the pacing moves quickly, which is perfect for a novella. The steamy scenes are written with confidence and taste, without feeling overly explicit or gratuitous. Colt’s style is clean, making it easy for readers to connect with the story and characters despite the short length of the book. The pacing, while brisk, keeps the emotional beats intact, allowing for a satisfying resolution by the end.

Romance: ★★★★★
The romance is the core of Take Two, and Colt delivers it in spades. The transition from friendship to love is handled with care, and the emotional intensity between Anne, Theo, and Nathaniel is palpable. The chemistry is sizzling, and the slow burn builds nicely, leading to a climax that feels earned and exciting. It’s a short but satisfying romance that will leave fans of the genre feeling fulfilled.

Suspense/Thrill: ★★★☆☆
This novella isn’t built around suspense or thrill but rather on the slow-burn romance and the emotional rollercoaster of transitioning from friends to lovers. While it’s not a high-stakes drama, the tension between the characters keeps things engaging. There are no major plot twists or shocking revelations, but the emotional stakes are high, which gives the story its depth and satisfaction.

Overall: ★★★★☆
Take Two is a short, sizzling romance that delivers on the friends-to-lovers trope with passion, charm, and emotional depth. Ava Colt does a great job of capturing the complexities of transitioning from friendship to romance in a compelling and satisfying way. While it’s a quick read, it’s also a deeply engaging one, with well-developed characters and a romance that feels real and intense. Fans of contemporary new adult romances will find this novella both steamy and heartfelt, making it a perfect choice for a quick escape into a world of love and desire.

Overall Rating: 4/5
A sexy, satisfying read that’s perfect for fans of the friends-to-lovers trope. While it may be a quick read, Take Two is an enjoyable and steamy novella that will leave you craving more of Ava Colt’s writing.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Vicki Delany's The Sign of Four Spirits is the ninth installment in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series, and it delivers a delightful blend of classic locked-room mystery, intriguing characters, and the charming atmosphere of West London. When Gemma Doyle, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, attends a psychic fair and becomes involved in a séance, the last thing she expects is a murder to occur right under her nose. When the body is discovered and the doors and windows are all locked, Gemma must rely on her sharp wit to untangle the mystery, all while navigating a range of quirky suspects.

Plot: ★★★★☆
The plot of The Sign of Four Spirits is a solid, entertaining whodunit with just the right amount of intrigue. The locked-room mystery aspect is a classic trope that Delany handles well, with the confined setting of the séance and the limited number of suspects adding to the tension. The pacing is good, with the investigation unfolding in a natural way, although it takes a while for the pieces to come together. While some of the twists were predictable, the journey to the resolution is thoroughly enjoyable, and Delany does a great job of keeping the suspense high throughout.

Characters: ★★★★☆
Gemma Doyle continues to be a strong, relatable protagonist. Her knowledge of Sherlock Holmes and his cases gives her an insightful perspective, and her determination to solve the case makes her a likable lead. The supporting characters, including her friend Jayne and the rest of the psychic fair attendees, bring a good mix of personalities that add depth and intrigue to the story. I particularly enjoyed how Delany weaves in the recurring characters from previous books in the series, allowing for character growth while still keeping the mystery at the forefront. However, I would have liked a bit more development of some of the secondary characters, as they occasionally felt a bit one-dimensional.

Writing Style: ★★★★☆
Delany’s writing is smooth and engaging, with a nice blend of mystery and charm that keeps readers hooked. Her descriptions of the setting, from the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop to the psychic fair, are rich and atmospheric, immersing readers in the world of the story. The dialogue flows naturally, and the pacing is steady, although there are moments when the narrative lags slightly. The book strikes a nice balance between the detective work and the personal relationships, making for an enjoyable, easy-to-read mystery.

Romance: ★★★☆☆
The romance in The Sign of Four Spirits is subtle but present. Gemma’s relationship with her love interest, Detective Ryan, continues to develop, but it’s very much on the backburner in this book. It’s clear that there’s affection between them, but the romantic elements don’t overshadow the mystery, which is a refreshing change for readers who enjoy a cozy mystery without a heavy romantic subplot.

Suspense/Thrill: ★★★★☆
The suspense in The Sign of Four Spirits is well-executed. The locked-room mystery aspect heightens the tension, as Gemma works to piece together clues while the group of suspects remains isolated. While the ultimate reveal may not be the most shocking twist in the genre, Delany builds the suspense in a way that keeps readers engaged and guessing. There’s a nice balance of clues and red herrings that makes the eventual conclusion satisfying without being too easy.

Overall: ★★★★☆
The Sign of Four Spirits is a strong addition to the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series, offering a cozy mystery with plenty of charm and intrigue. The locked-room mystery is a fun and familiar plot device, and Gemma Doyle remains a compelling protagonist. The book moves at a steady pace, with well-crafted tension and a solid resolution. Fans of the series will enjoy this latest installment, and it’s a great pick for those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of classic detective work.

Overall Rating: 4/5
The Sign of Four Spirits offers a classic mystery with a modern twist, and it’s sure to satisfy both Sherlock Holmes fans and cozy mystery lovers. The engaging plot, memorable characters, and well-executed suspense make it a fun and rewarding read.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Paula Charles' Hammers and Homicide is an engaging cozy mystery with all the right elements to draw in fans of the genre—quirky characters, a small-town setting, and a murder that needs solving. The debut novel in the Carpenter's Corner Mystery series introduces Dawna Carpenter, a sixty-something widow who owns and runs a hardware store in the sleepy town of Pine Bluff, Oregon. When a dead body is discovered in her store's bathroom, Dawna, along with her daughter April, is thrust into an investigation that uncovers secrets and hidden motives in their seemingly quiet town.

Plot: ★★★★☆
The plot moves along at a steady pace, with a clear focus on the investigation that Dawna and April embark on after the shocking discovery of the murder. The setting of the small-town hardware store adds a cozy and familiar vibe, and the slow build-up of suspense keeps the reader engaged. The mystery itself is well-constructed, with clues that lead in several directions, making it a fun and satisfying puzzle to solve. The only downside is that some of the twists felt a bit predictable, but it didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.

Characters: ★★★★☆
Dawna is a delightful protagonist, a strong yet relatable character who is doing her best to navigate life as a widow and a business owner. Her daughter, April, provides a great balance to Dawna’s character, and their relationship is one of the highlights of the story. The supporting characters in Pine Bluff, from quirky town residents to a few potential suspects, add charm and depth to the narrative. While most of the characters are well-developed, I would have liked to see a bit more exploration of Dawna’s past, especially given her pivotal role in the story.

Writing Style: ★★★★☆
Paula Charles’ writing is smooth and easy to read, and she does a great job of bringing the town of Pine Bluff to life. The descriptions of the hardware store and the town’s small businesses give the book a sense of place, making it feel cozy and inviting. The dialogue flows naturally, and Charles does a good job of keeping the pacing tight while still developing the characters and relationships. The writing style is perfect for a cozy mystery—engaging without being too heavy-handed.

Romance: ★★★☆☆
While romance isn’t a major focus of the book, there are subtle hints of a developing relationship between Dawna and a potential love interest. However, the romance plays more of a background role in this first book, which I think was a smart move, allowing the mystery to take center stage. I would be curious to see how this element develops in future books of the series.

Suspense/Thrill: ★★★★☆
The suspense in Hammers and Homicide is just right for a cozy mystery. There’s a nice balance of tension without overwhelming the reader with high stakes. While it’s not a pulse-pounding thriller, the mystery is intriguing and the pace keeps the story moving forward. The reveal of the killer felt satisfying, though not overly dramatic, which is typical of the cozy mystery genre.

Overall: ★★★★☆
Hammers and Homicide is a promising start to the Carpenter's Corner Mystery series. With its charming setting, relatable characters, and an intriguing mystery, it’s a solid read for fans of cozy mysteries. While the plot could use a few more surprises and the romance could be expanded in future books, it’s a fun and engaging read that will leave you wanting more. If you're a fan of small-town mysteries with a heartwarming touch, this is a book you’ll enjoy.

Overall Rating: 4/5
A solid debut that offers a mix of charm, mystery, and a hint of romance. Hammers and Homicide will keep you entertained and eager to see what’s next for Dawna and her family in the quaint town of Pine Bluff.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Gerri Lewis' The Last Word is a charming and intriguing cozy mystery that stands out in its genre. The premise alone is enough to spark curiosity: an obituary writer, Winter Snow, becomes entangled in a murder investigation after a client, who requests her own obituary, dies unexpectedly. It’s an unusual job for an amateur sleuth, and the mix of quirky characters, small-town charm, and dark twists make it an enjoyable read.

Plot: ★★★★☆
The plot is a breath of fresh air in the cozy mystery genre. Winter Snow, with her unique profession, brings a distinct perspective to the investigation, offering a refreshing change from the typical detective or amateur sleuth. The murder mystery itself is well-paced, and the twists keep things interesting, though it does take a little while to fully ramp up. The unveiling of the killer felt satisfying, though not overly complex—this is a cozy mystery, after all, so readers can expect a solid but not mind-bending mystery.

Characters: ★★★★☆
Winter is a likable and relatable protagonist. Her job as an obituary writer adds depth to her character, as she’s someone who deals with the stories of others’ lives, yet is still figuring out her own. The supporting characters, particularly the ones in the small town of Ridgefield, Connecticut, add to the charm of the book. While some characters could use a bit more depth, they all serve to create a colorful backdrop to the mystery. The budding romance adds a nice touch but doesn’t overwhelm the story—it's a nice, slow-burn element that doesn’t distract from the main plot.

Writing Style: ★★★★☆
Lewis’ writing is engaging and accessible. She does an excellent job of weaving descriptions of Ridgefield and its quirky residents into the narrative, making the setting feel like an essential part of the story. The dialogue is sharp, and the pacing is steady, with just the right amount of tension to keep you turning the pages. The writing doesn’t try to be too flashy, which works well for this type of cozy mystery.

Romance: ★★★☆☆
The romance in The Last Word is understated, but it fits well within the context of the story. Winter’s relationship with the potential love interest is slow and natural, which is a pleasant change from forced or rushed romantic subplots. While it's not the focus of the book, the hints of romance offer a nice side element that adds depth to Winter's character.

Suspense/Thrill: ★★★☆☆
While The Last Word is certainly a cozy mystery, it doesn't have the high-octane thrills that some mystery fans may crave. Instead, it offers a more laid-back kind of suspense. The mystery unfolds at a comfortable pace, with Winter slowly uncovering clues. It’s not edge-of-your-seat material, but it’s certainly satisfying for fans who prefer a more relaxing mystery-solving experience.

Overall: ★★★★☆
The Last Word is a delightful mystery with a unique premise that sets it apart from other cozy mysteries. The small-town atmosphere, quirky characters, and Winter’s perspective as an obituary writer make for a fun, engaging read. The romance, while secondary, is sweet, and the mystery itself is satisfying without being overly complicated. It’s a perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries who are looking for a book with charm and intrigue. If you enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of mystery, The Last Word will be right up your alley.

Overall Rating: 4/5
A solid and engaging read, The Last Word is a charming cozy mystery that offers a fresh take on the genre. While it may not have the intense suspense of other mysteries, its likable characters and intriguing premise will keep readers coming back for more.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Maggie Blackburn's A Killer Romance is a delightful, yet thrilling addition to the Beach Reads Mystery series. The third book in the series serves up just the right balance of cozy mystery and romance, making it a perfect escape for fans of both genres. I’m a sucker for a good mystery, but when you combine it with quirky characters and a sprinkle of romance, it’s hard to resist.

Set against the backdrop of a quaint bookstore and a Valentine’s Day event, the story kicks off with a murder at the bookstore involving a guest author. What I appreciate about Blackburn’s writing is her ability to create an atmosphere that draws you in immediately—whether it's the cozy charm of the bookstore or the suspense that builds as Summer Merriweather delves into the investigation. It’s the perfect setting for a mystery, and Blackburn delivers on that front, bringing the world of Beach Reads to life with ease.

Plot: ★★★★☆
The plot, while solid, leans a bit into the formulaic cozy mystery territory. A murder takes place, and our protagonist, Summer, has to navigate personal relationships while solving the crime. It's a fun ride, but some of the twists and turns didn’t feel as unpredictable as I would’ve liked. It’s clear that Blackburn is trying to keep the mystery light-hearted, but at times, it felt like the stakes could have been raised just a little more.

Characters: ★★★★☆
Summer is a relatable lead, and the supporting cast, including the members of the Mermaid Book Club, bring charm to the narrative. I really enjoyed the interactions between Summer and her quirky friends, adding a nice layer of light-heartedness to the darker undertones of the murder mystery. That said, some of the characters could have used a little more depth, especially the love interests, which felt like a bit of an afterthought in comparison to the crime-solving.

Writing Style: ★★★★☆
Blackburn’s writing is easy to digest, and her ability to create tension while maintaining a cozy vibe is commendable. I wasn’t blown away by any particular literary moments, but the pacing kept me turning the pages. However, there were times when the repetitive dialogue made it feel like the story was stalling, especially as the characters continued to revisit certain points in the investigation without much new information.

Romance: ★★★☆☆
While I enjoy the sprinkle of romance in the mystery genre, this book didn’t do much for me on that front. The romantic angle felt secondary and didn’t add much to the overall plot. There was potential for a slow-burn romance, but it was sidelined by the murder investigation. It could have been developed a bit more to add layers to the story.

Suspense/Thrill: ★★★☆☆
There’s some suspense, but it’s not exactly edge-of-your-seat material. The reveal of the killer felt a bit rushed, and while the tension was there, it wasn’t as high as I would have liked for a mystery of this caliber. Still, it's light-hearted, and for fans of cozy mysteries, it provides a solid enough payoff.

Overall: ★★★★☆
A Killer Romance is an enjoyable, light read that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries who are looking for a book that combines humor, heart, and just a touch of romance. It's not a groundbreaking mystery, but it's fun and keeps you engaged. If you’re a fan of the Beach Reads Mystery series, you’ll certainly enjoy this one. However, if you’re looking for a deeply complex, twist-filled thriller, you might find this one a bit tame.

Overall Rating: 4/5
If you’re after something charming, cozy, and easy to read, A Killer Romance delivers. It’s got all the ingredients of a perfect beach read mystery, with just enough romance and intrigue to keep things interesting.

My Review: Indecisiveness rules the main female character in this book and stubbornness from the hero is abundant as well. I definitely had a love/hate relationship with this book. I really wanted to choke Emmy.

The time travel aspect was ok. It wasn't anything new or different, but again, how many different ways can time travel actually be done?

The ending, while it closed up pretty much everything, it's not really the ending I expected (nor wanted) to see.


Rating: 3/5

Book Description Crippled by deformed hips as a child, Mark Richard was told he would spend his adult life in a wheelchair. The son of an unpredictable, violent father and a mother who sought inner peace through scripture, Richard spent his bedridden childhood in the company of books. As a young man, he set out to experience as much of the world as possible before his hips failed him. He spent years doing odd JOBS and getting into trouble, grappling throughout with his faith and his calling, before winning a national fiction contest and launching an extraordinary writing career.

Product Details

Book Description

Product Details

 This is my review from 2015

Book Description

About the Author

Kyle Idleman is the teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fourth largest church in America. Author of the bestselling books Not a Fan and AHA, he speaks regularly at conferences and events around the world. Kyle and his wife, DesiRae, have four children.

Review:

---The original post is on my Healing Harvest Blog - you can find it here---

I think we all start a new yer motivated. We have so many plans, so many things we just know we can accomplish by the end of the year. As the year moves forward, we seem to be less motivated, tossing our goals aside and figuring "There's always tomorrow." Then one day, we notice, as we're justifying another excuse, that it's almost Christmas. There's no more time in the year to get all the goals accomplished.

With this book, YOU can accomplish your goals. The set up is perfect and keeps you wanting to move forward - looking forward to taking on the next day's task.

My days are 27 and 28. I absolutely love the date set up. Each date provides enough detail and ideas to move forward without overwhelming the goal of making it through the book and achieving the results you want. As with any challenge, I always go in a little skeptical. The AHA Challenge was no difference (of course, due to my own curiosity, I can never walk away from a challenge without trying).

I enjoyed that with each day, you were giving something specific to focus on, with details of how someone else managed, or how someone else feels exactly as you do (and may not have realized it). You're not alone. With each day focusing on a specific scripture part, it's also helped me to pull more from things I may have missed while looking over scriptures.

Each day there is also a small space to record an entry. When your book is complete, you can go back over these entries. I'm looking forward to re-reading this book in a few month and seeing how my own entries would change - how I've grown (hopefully) for the better.

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Review:  Where do you even start with a book like this? I fellthat  in love with The Outsiders in Junior High School. I even currently have a dog that is nicknamed "PonyBoy" (honest). I'm not certain a story like this ever falls to the side. I loved it (and still do) and the teens reading it now enjoy it as well. So, I'm almost willing to bet, those before me liked it too.

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