REVIEW: A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany by Vivian Conroy
Stevie‘s review of A Fatal Encounter in Tuscany (Miss Ashford Investigates, Book 3) by Vivian Conroy
Historical Cozy Mystery published by One More Chapter 13 Apr 23
It seems that Atalanta Ashford is another of those protagonists who can’t go anywhere without someone finding a dead body immediately after her arrival. Even popping out for afternoon tea close to home leads to her being asked to solve smaller mysteries. So it’s a mixed blessing when her racing driver friend Raoul Lemont conspires with her faithful butler (inherited along with her newfound fortune from her long-lost grandfather) to take her on holiday to Tuscany. The pair board the Orient Express together and are soon accosted by an Italian heiress cum adventuress, who is returning home for her estranged father’s 60th birthday party. Raoul is aware of Catharina Lanetti and her wealthy, dysfunctional family and tries to warn Atalanta off Catharina’s invitation for them to join her at the party. Atalanta is intrigued, however, and so Raoul reluctantly agrees to accompany her to the Lanetti palazzo and vineyards.
REVIEW: Wings Once Cursed and Bound by Piper J. Drake
Fantasy Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 11 Apr 23
You guys, this book is wild. We start off in modern-day Seattle, and within the first few chapters, we’ve got vampires, werewolves, fae, magical dancing shoes, Thai folklore bird princesses, and flying squirrels.
REVIEW: Operation Witness Protection by Justine Davis
Romantic Suspense published by Harlequinn Romantic Suspense 28 Mar 23
All he wanted was a cup of coffee. All she was looking for was safety. Could they provide each other with what the other needs and keep each other safe?
REVIEW: Rose and the Burma Sky by Rosanna Amaka
Stevie‘s review of Rose and the Burma Sky by Rosanna Amaka
Multicultural Historical Romance published by Doubleday 23 Feb 23
I’ve always been interested in the roles played by Black and Asian soldiers (as well as those from other under-represented groups) in the major world conflicts, so this book was a good fit for me, particularly after enjoying Rosanna Amaka’s previous novel. Obi grows up in the same village in Nigeria as Rose, whose family is higher in status than Obi’s, and comes to increasingly admire her strength of personality following the death of his mother in the ‘Women’s War’ of 1929.
REVIEW: Don’t Back Down by Sharon Sala
Romantic Suspense published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 07 Mar 23
He was shipping out on a tour of duty, and she was in between assignments. A chance encounter in a bar and an unforgettable night with no questions asked. Neither forgot the other, but years and a lot of living on both their parts passed before they found themselves unexpectedly face to face again.
REVIEW: Happy Place by Emily Henry
Contemporary Romance published by Berley 25 Apr 23
You guys. I don’t know how to articulate how much I love this. Emily Henry is incapable of writing a bad book or even just an okay one. She only knows how to write absolutely phenomenal books that destroy you and then bring you back to life.
REVIEW: So Close by Sylvia Day
Contemporary Romance published by Ronin House 28 Mar 23
After a number of my favorite authors have taken a break from writing, pursued different projects, and a host of other things that have kept them from readers for years, I now hold my breath when one finally has a new release, hoping against hope the latest book gives us a hint of the writers we have loved for so long. Some are successful and some aren’t.
REVIEW: Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Young Adult published by Flatiron Books 28 Sep 21
Jacks, you stole the show and my heart. I already loved him, but this strengthened that love immensely. This book has all the perfect fairytale vibes. It is so magical, and I never wanted to put it down. I love the Magnificent North and how whimsical everything is. This world’s even more fun than Caraval. and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
REVIEW: Lady of Fortune by Mary Jo Putney
Historical Romance published by Zebra Books 21 Feb 23
This flight is definitely not the case of a frying pan into the fire – it’s quite the reverse. Pretty Christa lands in the arms of a handsome young nobleman when she flees from her workplace, after being abused by the master, mistress, and footman. A servant’s lot in regency England is definitely not pretty. For a woman raised in privilege and forced to be a servant, it’s definitely quite a few degrees of hell. read more…
REVIEW: Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
Greek Mythology published by Flatiron Books 4 May 21
You had me at “feminist retelling,” Jennifer. I love Greek mythology retellings and how each one can put the characters in a different light.
