Sunday, July 20, 2025

NETGALLEY-READ NOW- Beyond the Shadows: A Savannah Sleuthing Mystery Savannah Sleuths Book 1 by Veronica Mixon

 book cover for Beyond the Shadows: A Savannah Sleuthing Mystery

Pub Date Jun 01 2025 | Archive Date Jul 01 2025
Mystery & Thrillers 
 

Talking about this book? Use #BeyondtheShadowsASavannahSleuthingMystery #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

They solved a murder before prom—now they’re retired, nosy as ever, and dead set on cracking one last case before someone signs them up for chair yoga and a senior discount.

When Emma Lynn Whitmore returns to her childhood home in Savannah after losing her husband, she expects peace, maybe a little porch-sitting—not a fifty-year-old mystery clawing its way out of the attic. A faded photograph, a broken promise, and a name no one’s dared mention in decades all point to one thing: Delilah didn’t run away. She vanished.

Teaming up with her old high school partners-in-crime-solving—sharp-tongued Margaret and quietly brilliant Graham—Emma Lynn dives headfirst into a Southern tangle of missing land deeds, whispered family names, and secrets buried deeper than a Lowcountry grave.

Armed with charm, determination, and a collective disregard for their doctor’s advice, the trio sets out to finish what Delilah started—no matter who’s still trying to keep it buried.

Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with heart, Southern sass, and sleuths who’ve traded curfews for reading glasses—but haven’t lost their taste for trouble.

advance praise:

A beautifully written Southern mystery with heart, humor, and just the right touch of haunt. Emma Lynn and her friends are the kind of sleuths you’ll want to follow through every shadowy secret.
 
MY REVIEW- 

  And super smart Graham-

MY REVIEW- 5 STARS TITLE- INTENSE Drama with Sass 
 
I really liked this story that had sassy southern "charm" and sarcasm.  Emma Lynn was charming, astute, and she noticed things that others didn't. She began to have some prophetic dreams of Delilah that surprise Emma !. That stirred her even more to dig for  the truth. 
Emma Lynn, the southern way of saying names down there reminded me of what happens when my husband goes with me "down south." That's right, I'm a Northerner.  But I love the south. I just don't want my name spoken with my middle name included. That's why family don't know what it is.   Lol. 
 
Emma pulls in her sassy, talented friend Margaret, who works in the library and knows how to pull the very information that they need. She's direct and blunt but also caring when it comes to Emma and Graham. Emma's other friend, Graham is Super-smart and compassionate and very easy to like. I almost made the title of this review- "Emma, friends & Murder to be solved."  Because they do. With cunning, cleverness and humor.  I loved that  They weren't going to let the Vanishing of Delilah Grace Hart, go quietly into the night.   
Delilah Hart and her daughter Eva Hart Simmons, were such sad people in the story. Eva's epileptic son was also stolen from because of all of this. Stolen from and attempts to erase all of them as though they never lived, loved or thrived in any ways at all. They were poor but that's no excuse to what they did to them !  To steal land from them to prosper from it and to kill to keep it ! And the sleuths and Eva just aren't going to put up with it even when things get tough and they do !
Smug, Mason Blake was designed for me to hate and I did ! Him and those who helped him ! There were several surprises about that and I loved that too. They were being watched and being sent secret notes and warning. Short but threatening... saying in one form or another, "Stop digging."  
On a finally note, although they were SO MANY witty things spoken and written in this story, but I do have a favorite. When hysterically but oh so stern, direct, proper, caring Margaret had this said about her by Emma. "If this mysterious messenger thought a few cryptic notes would undo us, he really, really should've read Margaret's Yelp review" I almost fell down laughing ! Had to read it over a few times and giggle.!
There is also a mention of the first book where this group first solved a murder, it was free so I got it.  It's called "Buried Beneath the Ivy" by Veronica Mixon."
 
I read this book through Netgalley.  
 

Saturday, July 19, 2025

ARC/BKFUNNEL/A Poisoned Proposal BY Cass Landri

 

A public proposal. A poisoned tart. A celebration that ended in chaos.

When a romantic proposal brings the crowd to its feet at The Cozy Crumb’s anniversary party, it should be the sweetest moment of the night. But seconds after the ring appears, the groom-to-be collapses—mid-toast, mid-bite, and very much poisoned. The tart? One of Sam Baker’s own. Now her bakery is shut down, her name splashed across gossip blogs, and her future crumbling faster than overbaked shortbread.

To clear her name, Sam rallies her inner circle: Hazel, all grit and sharp instincts; Lily, the sunny librarian with a mind for messy details; and Diggie, her loyal corgi with a nose for nonsense.

Their suspects? Clara, a once-rising baker with a ruined career, and Jasper King, a rival with charm, secrets, and questionable timing.

As misdirection mounts and timelines blur, Sam realizes someone wanted to hijack more than just the spotlight. And if she doesn’t unmask them soon, her bakery—and her life—might never recover.

MY REVIEW-  5 STARS  title -What's really going on ?

I fell in love with this story  and all the people and Doggie too ! Great mystery and great dialogues !   I'd have to say that this is my favorite story by this author,

 so far !

 I'm looking forward to more adventures by this author.  And this town. 

 

 

Friday, July 18, 2025

FREE BKFUNNEL/ AN OPPOSITE ATTRACTION TO MY HIGH-STAKES PROTECTOR BY SCARLETT FROST

 Book Cover

A Fake Identity, Enemies To Lovers, Forbidden Romance

AN OPPOSITE ATTRACTION to MY HIGH-STAKES PROTERCTOR is a fast paced, suspenseful, Jewel Heist action packed filled romance novel about a Handsome Las Vegas Casino Head of Security that is Forced to protect a reformed Jewel Thief being forced to steal the well known Emerald Siren for the Vegas Mob. Otherwise her past secrets will be unleashed. She's smart and sassy and falls for her protector HARD!

If you like it hot and steamy with a VERY Dominant Male, you will LOVE this novel.

Hugh:
She’s a flame in emerald silk, slipping past my security with a smile that dares me to stop her.
I run Caesars Palace from the shadows—calculated, controlled, untouchable.
But the second she walks in, I’m toast.
She’s tangled with the Vegas mob, caught in a heist that could bring the whole empire down.
I should shut her out.
Instead, I pull her in—closer, deeper, until I can’t tell where the danger ends and the need begins.
She’s the one risk I can’t walk away from.
And if protecting her means upsetting the house…
Then let it fall.

Trixie:
I’ve survived on instincts, charm, and the kind of secrets you don’t speak about.
Now the mob wants a necklace that’s more trap than treasure—and they’re done asking nicely.
But the real threat?
Is him.
Hugh Tolliver is steel and shadow, a man who sees past every lie I wear and touches every part I swore I’d lock away.
He should be the enemy.
Instead, he’s the one man making me believe I’m worthy.
One wrong move, and we both lose everything.
The city’s a pressure cooker.
And falling for him?
He might be my only escape.

Surprise Pregnancy, Kidnapping, Alpha Male Protector, Smart and Sassy, Fake Identity, Hidden Past, Mafia Boss, Opposites Attract, Thriller, Murder, Blackmail, Dominate Alpha Male, Damsel in Distress, Mob Boss, Jewel Heist, Surprise Baby, Secrets, Casino Boss, Workplace Romance, Alpha Hero, Protective, Feisty Female, HOT, Secret Identity, Take-Charge, Bad-Ass Woman, Feisty Heroine.

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MY REVIEW- OUTSTANDINGLY GOOD

Beautiful, clever, afraid to trust Trixie was someone that I wanted to win so bad. Someone to stand by her because no one ever did. UNTIL.. she met Hugh Tolliver. Someone she never saw coming and was afraid of. Definitely attracted to but she sure wasn't going to trust or lean on HIM or anyone. That never worked out well in the past. Hugh Tolliver was sharp, mean against his enemies and he pretty sure she was an enemy when he spotted her in his casino. BUT he was very intrigued by her almost against his will.  Hugh Tolliver I wanted him to win too ! And then she slowly draws him in almost against her will. She's intrigued and attracted to him too. She doesn't know it at first but he will decide that anyone that tries to hurt her, he will burn to the ground. He does begin to see her strengths, she's small but feisty and SHE will burn her enemies to the ground IF SHE gets the chance. She's planning ! I loved that she was a redhead. I also loved the whip smart, quirky and sassy conversations between Trixie and Hugh. Almost always does seem to start with Trixie. She starts it and often gets the last words too. But Hugh isn't left out of those few funny quips either.  Funny !!! There will also be some hot sex between them too. 

The story is so sharply woven in all the best ways. The dangers, their enemies being MANY steps ahead of Trixie and Hugh.  The clever ways that they try and often success in getting ahead of the enemy's plan.  Awesome !

The enemies were so clearly drawn that I could almost see them as well as our hero and heroine.  So well the different settings of the casino and many evil places of business. 

Trixie's sister, Molly, is she the innocent victim of the conspiracy or not? Held hostage or the leader of the gang? Good questions and great resolutions. I cried for her and her sister. 

Beckett, was he really the good, trusted ally of Hugh's at the casino and his personal life ?He sure seems to be.  I did like him though.

The Epilogue was the best !! Great way to end the story.  

 

 

A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder (A Countess of Harleigh Mystery Book 1) by Dianne Freeman

 Book 1 of 8: Countess of Harleigh Mysteries  AMAZON    

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07638LZZB
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Books
  • 290 PAGES
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 26, 2018
  •  

    In this exciting historical mystery debut set in Victorian England, a wealthy young widow encounters the pleasures—and scandalous pitfalls—of a London social season . . .

    Frances Wynn, the American-born Countess of Harleigh, enjoys more freedom as a widow than she did as a wife. With her young daughter in tow, Frances rents a home in Belgravia and prepares to welcome her sister, Lily, arriving from New York—for her first London season.

    But no sooner has Frances begun her new life than the Metropolitan police receive an anonymous letter implicating Frances in her husband’s death. Frances assures Inspector Delaney of her innocence, but she’s also keen to keep him from learning the scandalous circumstances of Reggie’s demise. As fate would have it, her dashing new neighbor, George Hazelton, is one of only two other people aware of the full story.

    While busy with social engagements on Lily’s behalf, and worrying if Reggie really
    was murdered, Frances rallies her wits, a circle of gossips, and the ever-chivalrous Mr. Hazelton to uncover the truth. A killer is in their midst and Frances must unmask the villain before Lily’s season—and their lives—come to a most unseemly end . . .

    “This lighthearted debut tale of mystery, love, and a delightful sleuth will leave you wanting more—which is presumably just what Freeman had in mind.” Kirkus Reviews
    MY REVIEW-  5 STARS TITLE: It's got it all, romance included
    George Hazelton is in love with Frances. She doesn't even realize it or even that's she's romantically attracted to him. Not yet !They are friends. Well, after she stops trying to ignore him because of what happened with her husband. He's in on a dangerous secret and she's not 100% sure that it's safe with him.  Well, he's not only helpful but also funny!  He's great and has quite the sardonic humorous responses to her trying to avoid him. Fiona is George's sister and she was stern, funny, direct in speaking truth, and compassionate too as Frances's best friend.  She also secretly and sometimes not so secretly thinking that George and Frances would make a great couple. 
    Lily is the sister who is excited about her first season. While Frances has a mix of excitement for her and wariness of her falling for the first charmer who gets her attention.  Fortune hunters are out there and Lily is beautiful and charming herself.  Aunt Hetty shows up with Lily, and she's a great, outrageous and funny addition to the family gathering.
    Reggie is a rotter as they would say ! Dying in bed, in their home with his mistress. And that mistress had me turning back and forth trying to figure out IF she could be trusted. Alicia-Stoke-Whitney, Frances and George make for strange bed-fellows, who don't actually share a bed.  But they do share trying to escape the investigations that keep mysteriously cropping up. Rose is someone that Frances will also protect at all costs. She might have ended up hating Reggie at the end of their marriage but loved the daughter that they produced. 
    I enjoyed it all, well except for that rather LONG title.  Made for a lot of typing and looking up the spelling of, Etiquette. But it does get the attention !
    I got to read a sneak peek into : A Newlywed Guide to Fortune and Murder. by Diane Freeman.  Set in the 1900's. 
     Graham is Reggie's equally evil brother who causes Frances MANY problems as well. So does Graham's wife, they both just scheme to get more of her money. 

     

    Wednesday, July 16, 2025

    AMAZON BOUGHT/ Crumpets and Cowpies: A Sweet Historical Western Romance (Baker City Brides Book 1) BY SHANNA HATFIELD

      

      I liked the cover I saw on FB better- where the man holds the little girl in his arms. She says you smell like Papa. I think I'll keep you ! 

    AMAZON LINK 

     Book 1 of 6: Baker City Brides

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00QMTZYM2
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wholesome Hearts Publishing

  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 15, 2015
  • Detestable! Arrogant! Insufferable!
    He'd been called worse...

    Rancher Thane Jordan reluctantly travels to England to settle his brother’s estate only to find he’s inherited much more than he could possibly have imagined. With limited options, he offers marriage to a woman he's certain will be nothing but trouble.

    Lady Jemma Bryan has no desire to spend a single minute in Thane Jordan’s intolerable presence much less live under the same roof with the handsome, arrogant American. Forced to choose between poverty or marriage to the man, she travels across an ocean and America to his ranch in Oregon.

    Will love find its way into their hearts and home as they build a future together?

    Find out in this sweet and wholesome historical western romance full of hope, humor, and heart.

    If you love a sweet romances with unforgettable characters, read all the Baker City Brides series!

    • Crumpets and Cowpies
    • Thimbles and Thistles
    • Corsets and Cuffs
    • Bobbins and Boots
    • Lightning and Lawmen
    • Dumplings and Dynamite
    •  
    •   MY REVIEW NOTES- 5 STARS- LOVELY ENGLISH  & WESTERN MEETS
    •  
    • Both Thane in his rough cowboy ways and Jemma in her reserved lady like behaviors were a delight. And both the niece and nephew were too ! The little girl was proving to be more than a lady in training but also a fearless little handful I loved that. And the overly serious nephew beginning to come out of his shell caused by the death of his mother and father was also a delight to watch. 
    • The teasing that Thane put proper Jmma through was funny as was her reactions ! Thane's cowboy crew were helpful even when Emma began to be uppity.  She was never mean but she hated dirt, dust, and just about everything in the beginning. Snakes, wolves you name it ! The kids though loved it on Thane's ranch  and didn't want to go back to England ! 
    • The angst that developed between Thane and Jemma was interesting to watch as they struggled; often dangerously to stay away from each other. 
    • The ending and Epilogue was excellent. Leaving me very satisfied with the story and wanting to read more about Jemma and Thane as a couple. 
    • Both Thane in his rough cowboy ways and Jemma in her reserved lady like behaviors were a delight. And both the niece and nephew were too ! The little girl was proving to be more than a lady in training but also a fearless little handful I loved that. And the overly serious nephew beginning to come out of his shell caused by the death of his mother and father was also a delight to watch. 
    • The teasing that Thane put proper Jmma through was funny as was her reactions ! Thane's cowboy crew were helpful even when Emma began to be uppity.  She was never mean but she hated dirt, dust, and just about everything in the beginning. Snakes, wolves you name it ! The kids though loved it on Thane's ranch  and didn't want to go back to England ! 
    • The angst that developed between Thane and Jemma was interesting to watch as they struggled; often dangerously to stay away from each other. 
    • The ending and Epilogue was excellent. Leaving me very satisfied with the story and wanting to read more about Jemma and Thane as a couple. 
    •  
    • P.S I liked the cover I saw on FACEBOOK better- where the man holds the little girl in his arms. She says, you smell like Papa. I think I'll keep you !  Aww

    Tuesday, July 15, 2025

    JULY 15/HOOPLA/ Zero Days Kindle Edition by Ruth Ware

      AMAZON 

    384 PAGES 

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BHTN6TL6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gallery/Scout Press

  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 20, 2023
  •  

    New York Times bestselling author Ruth Ware proves that she is the “new Agatha Christie” (Air Mail) with this adrenaline-fueled thriller about a woman in a race to clear her name and find her husband’s murderer.

    Hired by companies to break into buildings and hack security systems, Jack and her husband, Gabe, are the best penetration specialists in the business. But after a routine assignment goes horribly wrong, Jack arrives home to find her husband dead. To add to her despair, the police are closing in on their suspect—her.

    Suddenly on the run and quickly running out of options, Jack must decide who she can trust as she circles closer to the real killer in this unputdownable and heart-pounding mystery that combines
    Mr. and Mrs. Smith with The Fugitive from an author whose “propulsive prose keeps readers on the hook and refuses to let anyone off until all has been revealed” (Shelf Awareness).
     ----------------
    MY REVIEW-Tight-Wire Balancing Act 10+ STARS
     
    Tense, Loving And Funny right from the start.  I loved both Gabe and Jack and their banter while on the job was adorable. And after she found Gabe dead, his encouraging words from time to time came up in her memories just like his voice used to speak in her ears while on jobs. It often was the only thing keeping her going. Of course her sister, Hel as she called her was ALWAYS there for her, no matter what.  I enjoyed her characters so much too !!
    I hated the fact that Gabe was dead when Jack got home, even though I knew it was coming.  But I just couldn't let this story go !!  It also did bring tears to my eyes at times, so it really did stir the emotions too !
    Jack's friend Cole was such an interesting person when he showed up in the story. After awhile though the author had me questioning, "Was he really a trustworthy guy?"  Ruth Ware had me swaying between yes and no,so often ! 
    And the police that were after her were brutal. Especially the woman detective who was staunchly convince that Jack was guilty.  Beautifully, written, described as smart. deceptive and so wrong ! Jack's ex was someone that Jack was deathly afraid of although she hated to admit it and stood up against him as much as she could and also avoided him as much as she could.  Being a corrupt cop he had more power than he ever should have had.
    I loved the twists and turns at the end. A surprise also awaits the reader and several of the baddies as well. 
    I can clearly see why this author is an best-selling author !  Now I want to read more.
    I read this book through the Hoopla app and was thankful to be able get a hold of it ! 

    Sunday, July 13, 2025

    July22-26 arc due/bkfunnel/Deadly Summer Crush A Quillhaven Magical Cozy Mystery (Quillhaven Magical Cozy Mysteries Book 6) TESSA SILVER

     Book Cover

    One scoop of romance. One dash of magic. One deadly dessert. 

    Thank you for agreeing to dive into my new SWEET magical cozy mystery.

    I'm grateful for your honest review :) AMAZON LINK JULY 22 OPENS 

    --------------------------------------------------------- 

    Chloe Lovelace’s new ice cream flavor, Summer Crush, was supposed to stir romance, not suspicion. But when a visiting relationship coach dies after sampling the magical treat, all signs point to Chloe’s beloved Sweetheart Creamery. With her shop shuttered and her reputation on the line, Chloe has no choice but to investigate.

    Luckily, she’s not alone. Leo and Luna, Quillhaven’s talking Siamese cats, have more than sharp claws. They’ve got sharp magical instincts. With Leo sniffing out lies and Luna sensing emotional echoes, the ageless sibling sleuths are determined to help Chloe crack the case.

    Joining their efforts is Jonathan Mann, a former magical detective who comes with a mysterious past and a glowing orb sidekick who sees and intuits all.

    As the investigation heats up, so does an unexpected attraction between Chloe and Jonathan. Their connection might just survive the summer, but they need to survive first.

    Can Chloe clear her name before her business—and summer romance—melts away?

     

     

    my review- Titled: 10 delicious scoops of excellence 

    I've been 'following Leo and Luna" everywhere. I really like those two intuitive, talking magic cats !  And Chloe Lovelace came in a fast second. She was awesome. And so was the many multi-magic people of this quaint, talented town of Quillhaven. They were normal but with an added twist of magic to round them out.  Non-threatening for the most part but most were extremely helpful wanting to only help others. 

    The story behind the naming Chloe's magic ice cream shop was not only sweet but also explained a lot.  I really liked Jonathan Mann, the mysterious former detective and I adored the fact that he was written as part Native American !  The author did a great job of describing the details of each person's character and appearance. SO much so that I could actually almost "see" them." Leo and Luna make a new friend. Jonathan's "friend'' that went with him everywhere, the glowing orb oddly named "Indi"

    It was a clean, clever murder mystery with the sparks of love included. Also a couple of long suffering characters like Noah the sheriff who was fair but also skeptical.  He was one of the two people in the town who suffered Leo and Luna's presence and meddling. Funny. Their "owner" Annie adored them. 

     The murder gets solved after several red herrings that were necessary to the story as was a few repeated parts of the story because of the multiple points of views and conferences with people trying to find out the truth ! And they all do ! Great endings and beginnings.