The One That Got Away by Olivia Spring

Hello my book friends,

Today I am reviewing The One That Got Away by Olivia Spring. I like to mix in a rom com or romance between my mysteries and thrillers to add a bit of lightness to my reading.  If you want to read this book it’s on for .99 cents right now on Amazon. 

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Brand new from the bestselling author of My Ten Year Crush

What if the one who got away is really the one?

When Stella finds herself back home with a string of disastrous dates under her belt, she's certain she’s hit rock bottom. Until she discovers her mother has signed her up to The Love Hotel: a luxury matchmaking service where a perfect love match is guaranteed! Stella is adamant she'll have nothing to do with this nonsense! But then a match is found faster than she can say 'Not. A. Chance!' So, how bad can two weeks in the scorching Spanish sunshine be?

Very bad, actually. Because when Stella arrives, she’s mortified to learn her date is no perfect stranger. In fact she knows him a little too well. Because Max is the childhood sweetheart who broke her heart, who her heart remembers and who is more gorgeous than ever.

With no refunds, Stella reluctantly decides to stay and enjoy the holiday - all she has to do is keep Max at an arm’s length...right? Easier said than done when Max is impossible to ignore. And as the Love Hotel begins to work its matchmaking magic, Stella can't deny that the sparks still sizzle between them. And maybe, the experts were right after all…

I dove into this book blind, drawn by the cover and title, expecting a lighthearted second-chance romance. What I got was a delightful surprise - a spicy, engaging story that exceeded expectations.

Stella and Max, both bullied into visiting the Love Hotel, embark on a journey of self-discovery and love. Their relatable struggles and witty banter made me invested in their stories. I rooted for both equally, eager to see them overcome past heartaches.

This romcom had me laughing out loud and cringing in embarrassment for the characters. The author's writing is effortless, making the absurdity of situations feel authentic.  Beyond the humor, the story delivers heartwarming moments and swoon-worthy scenes. The perfect blend of spice, romance, and comedy makes this book a must-read for fans of the genre.

If you're looking for a lighthearted, engaging romance with a dash of spice, this book is for you. With its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, it's a true page-turner.

I look forward to reading all Olivia’s future novels and highly recommend to all spicy romance loving friends.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I requested and received an advance reader’s copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!

I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

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The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin

Hello my friends,

Today I am reviewing the "The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted” by Rebecca Raisin. I really enjoyed stepping away from my normal mystery reading and it was so refreshing and heartfelt.  I’m a big fan of Rebecca Raisin’s books.

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Can you ever swear off love, in the city of love? Coco is having a hell of a month. She’s lost her boyfriend and her business, been forced to uproot her daughter to move back in with her parents in Paris, and now an infuriatingly handsome stranger is yelling at her for acting like a tourist… Right underneath the Eiffel Tower.

Storming away from him – and swearing off men for life – she decides she’s going to take the first job that comes her way.

Then, as if fate hears her, later that day she stumbles into a little bookshop – but not any old bookshop. This one comes complete with a café, cocktail bar, reading room and secret tunnel of books, and just a little hint of magic in the air. So when Coco’s offered a job selling books there, it feels like the perfect fit.

There’s only one problem… propping up the bar in the bookshop is none other than the grumpy, gorgeous stranger she’d met earlier that day…

A totally romantic, bookish and gorgeously escapist romantic novel, set in Paris in Springtime. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, and Sarah Morgan.

I absolutely loved this book! I found myself engrossed in story, after Coco’s story as she rediscovers herself and uproots her daughter by moving back to Paris.

  
I found the story to be more about finding your way in the world, family, friendship and yes love.   I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves books and wants a feel good read.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Boldwood Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow book lovers.

Hugs,

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Death at the Old Curiosity Shop by Debbie Young

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Death at the Old Curiosity Shop” the first instalment in The Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mystery series by Debbie Young set in the Cotswold Village of Little Pride, England.  What a great start to a new series.

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A picturesque village. A quaint highstreet... And a murder to solve. Alice's new life is off to a deadly start.

When Alice Carroll steps into Curiosity Cottage, a picture-perfect former bric-a-brac shop in the Cotswold Village of Little Pride, she thinks she’s found the perfect place to start the new phase of her life. Freshly separated from her collector long-term boyfriend, she’s excited to embrace her new, minimalist existence.

All Alice needs to do is sell off the left-behind stock, and settle in. But the villagers of Little Pride have other ideas, and Alice quickly realises they won’t give up their beloved shop without a fight.

Then a dead body is found buried in her neighbour's compost heap, and Alice realises there’s much more to Little Pride, and its residents, than meets the eye.

Head for the Cotswolds in this delightful new cozy mystery series, perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch, Faith Martin and Agatha Christie.

I enjoyed this story, and it has made me want to visit the Cotswolds on my next trip to England. I thoroughly enjoyed Debbie's latest novel, which masterfully blends cozy mystery and heartwarming storytelling. Although the mystery unfolds midway through the book, the first half is an engaging introduction to Alice, her friend Danny, and the charming village of Little Pride.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and heartwarming fiction. Debbie's writing is engaging, and her characters are lovable and well-crafted. I highly recommend this charming novel and look forward to the next instalment.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

Murder in an Irish Garden by Carlene O'Connor

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “ Murder at an Irish Garden” the 11th instalment in the "Irish Village" Mystery series by Carlene O’Connor.  This is one of my many favourite cozy series and I loved this story!

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Everything’s coming up roses for garda Siobhán and the rest of O’Sullivan family in quaint Kilbane, County Cork, Ireland—until a murder investigation blooms out of a deadly gardening competition.

While Siobhán studies for her Detective Sargeant exams, her brother, Eoin, prepares for the grand opening of his new restaurant, The O’Sullivan Six, and concocts a plan to enter Kilbane’s Top Garden Contest to boost business. But trouble brews when Eoin hires a mercurial landscape designer known for her killer designs. His new partner’s unflattering reputation and questionable practices nearly eclipse her talents—and plunge the prestigious competition into chaos.

A lush and intricate winning garden emerges from the controversy, with a spectacular golden statue in the center of the display. But in a devastating twist, the work of art leads to the shocking discovery of a bold and brutal work of murder.

Everyone in town has an opinion about who committed the crime and planted the evidence, from easily bribed sponsors to green-with-envy gardeners. And with another golden statue found in Eoin’s garden display, rumors about his involvement intensify. As local gossip buzzes and a list of suspects grows, it’s up to quick-witted Siobhán and her husband, Macdara, to suss out the guilty culprit’s identity . . . before the competition buries another victim.

I always love visiting the village of Kilbane in County Cork and the O'Sullivan Six this time a murder investigation blooms out of a deadly gardening competition.  Eoin hires a mercurial landscape designer known for her killer designs. His new partner’s unflattering reputation and questionable practices nearly eclipse her talents—and plunge the prestigious competition into chaos. 

I love the characters which are well developed.   I also like where the series is heading as the siblings spread their wings.  The mystery is super interesting and well plotted, and loaded with red herrings.   I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. 

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

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Little Stolen Memories by Cheryl Bradshaw

Little Stolen Memories by Cheryl Bradshaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Little Stolen Memories - In a secluded cabin deep within the woods, an ominous stranger is about to change the lives of six unsuspecting teenagers forever …

Cheryl Bradshaw's writing never disappoints. This series is a must-read for mystery fans. Each book stands alone, but starting from the beginning enhances the experience. Lovable characters, intricate plots, and shocking twists make for an unforgettable ride.

View all my reviews

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog! 

I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

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Murder in Bloom by Rosie Sandler

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Murder in Bloom” the third instalment in The Gardener Mystery series by Rosie Sandler set across England.  This time we are in picturesque Devon.

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Murder is in full bloom, but can Steph and her sidekick Mouse weed out the killer?

It's an invitation Steph can't refuse when she's handpicked to compete at the prestigious National Trust property Coleton Fishacre. With the country's top garden designers as rivals and a stunning historic estate for inspiration, it feels like a dream come true.

But things quickly turn thorny when the youngest competitor falls mysteriously ill and Steph suspects foul play. Her fears are confirmed when a scream echoes through the gardens, leading her to the horrific sight of a dead body at the foot of the cliff.

With her trusty dog Mouse by her side, Steph's determined not to let the culprit slip through the cracks. Uncovering the truth in a garden full of suspects is no easy task, but Steph must trim away the lies before the murderer prunes the competition - for good!

I enjoyed this story. I really like the bond between Steph and Mouse it just felt real, we all want to think our four legged friends understand us and would protect us from harm. There is a LOT of plant speak in the stories but it won’t distract from the story.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end.  I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.     

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book four!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

A Victim at Valentine's by Ellie Alexander

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing A Victim at Valentine's by Ellie Alexander the 5th instalment in the "A Secret Bookcase Mystery" series.   

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In the cozy town of Redwood Grove, Annie Murray’s Valentine’s Day plans take a sinister turn when a beloved pillar of the local community is found dead at her Agatha Christie-inspired bookshop.

As Annie assists the lead detective in unraveling the mystery, she quickly identifies a host of likely suspects – from an oddball psychic, to a professional matchmaker, to a rival bookseller – each with a worryingly plausible motive.

With her keen eye for detail, soon Annie suspects there may be connections to the decade-old tragedy of her best friend’s death, which still haunts her. Putting her own Valentine’s Day plans with the irresistible Liam on hold, Annie must solve the crime – before she ends up on a hot date with a killer.

This charming and utterly addictive cozy mystery will keep you guessing until the very end. Fans of Tonya Kappes, Lauren Elliott and Ellery Adams will love this murder mystery with a dash of romance.

I loved returning to the charming town of Redwood Grove and the Secret Bookcase bookstore.  In this instalment Annie is hosting a matchmaking event at the bookstore, but then a beloved pillar of the local community is found dead …

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Annie did..  

Overall, I'm thoroughly invested in this series and excited to see where the author takes these endearing characters next!

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 6 to come out!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Storm Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

Something in the Air By Helen Rolfe

Hello my book friends,

Today I am reviewing “ Something in the Air” by Helen Rolfe book 3 in the Skylark series.  What can I say other than I loved it and read in one day.  

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Preorder the BRAND NEW instalment in the uplifting Skylarks Series from bestseller Helen Rolfe

A surprise arrival

Working with the Whistlestop River air ambulance is Nadia's whole world. She adores her job and the team – they’re family. But when a baby is abandoned on the steps of the base, Nadia is forced to confront events from her past she’d rather forget.

A difficult change

Hudson is trying to get his life back on track after his divorce. It’s not easy juggling his work as a patient and family liaison officer and being the primary parent for his children. He wouldn’t change it for the world. But when his teenage son’s behaviour spirals out of control, Hudson begins to wonder if he can really be there for everyone who needs him…

A chance for something special?

Nadia and Hudson have always been friends, but the arrival of baby Lena pushes them closer than ever, and as their feelings start to grow, they’ll have to decide – do they have space for love when their families need them? And could they put themselves and each other first, just this once?

The Skylarks return in this gorgeous new story, perfect for fans of Jo Bartlett and Heidi Swain.

The setting of Whistlestop River, in Dorset sounds perfect, and I could picture the fields and the breathtaking coastline each time the emt helicopter took to the skies  It had everything you could want in a story family, friendship, community and love.  This time we are following Nadia and Hudson’s journey 

I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. It’s a great follow up to book two Written in the Stars, and I can’t wait to pick up the authors next book! 

I will definitely read other books by this author.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Boldwood Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!

I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs, 

The Wagtail Murder Club by Krista Davis

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "The Wagtail Murder Club” the 8th instalment in the "Paws and Claws” Mystery series by Krista Davis.  This is one of my favourite cozy series, I love Trixie and Twinkletoes and the whole concept of Wagtail.

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Holly Miller gets much more than she bargained for when she rescues an adorable stray pup by the side of the road in this all-new Paws & Claws Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis.

Holly Miller is on her way home to Wagtail, Virginia when she spots something in the grass not far from her car. It turns out to be an adorable black Labrador in a cage with a note attached to his collar. My name is Squishy. I am a very good boy. Please take good care of me. Holly takes Squishy home to the Sugar Maple Inn, which she owns with her grandmother, who also happens to be the mayor of Wagtail. They decide to foster Squishy at the Inn. Days later, Holly is surprised to see her ex-boyfriend Ben checking in with a group of his attorney colleagues who all seem to think that he and Holly are still an item!

Aided by Squishy, Holly’s rascally dog and cat find one of Ben’s fellow attorneys who has died from a non-accidental fall. Is the fiend a resident of Wagtail or a visitor? Holly bands together with her mom, grandmother, and beloved elderly Inn butler, Mr. Huckle, to uncover the killer and the truth about Squishy. Because nothing brings a town together like murder.

As with all the books previously I read in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. The characters are like old friends and then stray pup Squishy comes and steals our hearts.   

We had murder that looks like an accident and Holly bands together with her mom, grandmother, and beloved elderly Inn butler, Mr. Huckle, to uncover the killer and the truth about Squishy. Because nothing brings a town together like murder.

I never know who committed the murders until the end, and the food always makes me hungry - would love to vacation in a place where you and your dog are welcome everywhere.  Wagtail is definitely somewhere I would love to live or visit.

 I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.  I can’t wait till the next book!

I requested and received an Advance Readers Copy from Berkley Publishing and NetGalley.. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Please join the conversation and comment below.  Have you read… If so what did you think/like

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

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