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Best friends Krissy and Vickie have moved to Pine Hills and opened a bookstore and coffee shop. They’ve even named it Death by Coffee after one of Krissy’s dad’s bestselling mystery novels. But they find themselves in a real life mystery on their first day in business when a customer buys a cup of coffee, takes it to his office across the street, and dies. Krissy will have to act fast to clear their shop of any wrong doing in the crime.

The book sounded like fun, and I really wanted to like it, but the truth it is turned out to be average. The plot was a little uneven at times, but it still advanced to a great and logical climax. The suspects were good, but most of the series regular characters were a bit flat. Krissy did some embarrassing things that made me cringe, and her cat was annoying. Here’s hoping the series gets better as it goes along.

NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/05/book-review-death-by-coffee-by-alex.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Lady Georgie and Darcy’s elopement is put on hold when Darcy gets the news that his father has been arrested for murder. He races off to Ireland to see how he can help, and it isn’t long before Georgie follows him to help clear her future father-in-law. The evidence all seems to point to Darcy’s father. Can Georgie figure out anything that will help clear him?

The book gets off to a slow start as Georgie once again has to figure out where she will live. The time is put to good use since it gives us updates on many of the series regulars. Once Georgie arrives in Ireland, things really pick up, and we are treated to a fantastic puzzle with plenty of twists and surprises. Several of the series regulars get some much needed development here, and I hope it lasts. Meanwhile, there is a fantastic new character I hope we see pop up again in future books.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-crownded-and-dangerous-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
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Only (Alex Conner Chronicles, #3)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Only: The Alex Connor Chronicles book 3
Four stars
This was an interesting read. Different in a good way. I was confused some what when the scenes changed. But it didn’t take too much away from my enjoyment of this book. I recommend reading the first two books first. I didn’t think about that when I started reading this book. So I was a little lost in the beginning. It’s a lot at first when you just jump right in but I liked it without the knowing the back story. The author offered US something unique and compelling. If you’re interested in other world reading and magic this is a good series for that. Alex is a strong character who is scared to be soft and scared at times. But when it was needed her back was made of steel. I will go back to read the first two books because I would like to know what happened to Justin. Her relationship with Valant is intriguing also. Then there is Ryan. Can you say oh la la. Definitely a series worth picking up to give a try. The authors style was smooth and had a very good dialogue.
  
Scion&#039;s Destiny (Seven Seals #1)
Scion's Destiny (Seven Seals #1)
Traci Douglass | 2018 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Scion's Destiny (Seven Seals #1) by Traci Douglass
Scion's Destiny is the first book in the Seven Seals series. In this one, we meet Kagan, who has looked after the host of the First Seal for eons. The trouble is, not only does he concern himself over the current host, but he is also getting bored and wants to visit earth. A summons comes, and he arrives on earth, only to find out it wasn't Divinity who summoned him, but the host.

This is a nice, relaxing read, with no particular angst and an easy enough plot to follow. Although this story focuses on Kagan, his other brothers are mentioned. With plenty of brothers - and hosts - I can't wait to see where this series will go next. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was perfect for the story.

For a quick, laid-back, paranormal romance, then I can definitely recommend this one.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
MG
Malevolent Gateway (S.P.I.R.I.T., #2)
Dawn Gray | 2012
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

People going missing/dying on a stretch of road next to a marsh. Main characters with connections to the supernatural realm. A special military team trained to fight the paranormal. All in happy little Vermont.

Malevolent Gateway is the second in the S.P.I.R.I.T. series. I read the first one for a book club, and I absolutely loved it, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. And I was definitely not disappointed! The main characters are great, the story behind the town and strange happenings (and the happenings themselves) are just plain creepy but awesome, and I love that Zander Smith from the first book found his way into this one. =)

Paranormal/supernatural stories are my favorite, and this one is just bursting at the seams with interesting stuff. Whether it's a woman who can "see dead people," a man who has astral projections, or a military LT who can latch on to them and do what they do, it was all so captivating I couldn't put it down. Really hope she keeps the series going!!

5 stars
  
Dire Straits (Aspen Falls #4)
Dire Straits (Aspen Falls #4)
Melissa Pearl, Anna Cruise | 2018 | Contemporary, Romance, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Dire Straits (Aspen Falls #4) by Melissa Pearl & Anna Cruise
Dire Straits is the fourth book in the Aspen Falls series, and we get to know Jessica and Jarrett a bit better. Both of them are unhappy in their current jobs/situation, but neither of them feel able to make a change. Just before Jessica has a week's vacation, a dead body is found. This leads to questions being asked by Jarrett and Jess, both professionally and personally.

The romance side of this was a slow burn, and going behind closed doors when necessary. The mystery side kept me guessing all the way through, although I had my own suspects.

There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is always a pleasure to catch up with old characters, and I loved the cameos we got.

This is a great series that I am thoroughly enjoying. Can't wait for the next one.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
Aced (Driven, #4)
Aced (Driven, #4)
K. Bromberg | 2016 | Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
How do I even begin to write a review for one of Kristy's books that truly shows just how incredible it/she is!? She is the Queen... the Master... period. And more Rylee & Colton.. what more could you ask for? This book TORE ME APART!? I was full on, crest wracked crying for chapter after chapter. Covers some very personal and difficult topics but you'll still get that incredibly heartwarming feeling you get reading Kristy's books. I have loved Rylee & Colton since starting the Driven series over a year ago... they are that perfect book couple that everyone knows and loves. Colton amazes me once again with his strength and determination... that and his clearly endless love and support for Rylee. While she was so broken and hurting throughout this book it was like a watching a dear friend suffer, understanding and not be able to help <3 Haddie & Becks, Zander, Shane and the rest of the boys, even the Twatwaffle made an appearance!? It's like coming back to old friends again... If you have somehow made it this far without reading the Driven Series, GET ON IT!? ABSOLUTE. MUST. READ!!! You have no idea what you are missing!
  
Kings of the Wyld
Kings of the Wyld
Nicholas Eames | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
9.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I can't emphasize enough how much I love this book! From the minute I read the synopsis a couple months ago I absolutely could not wait to read it. Having just finished it, I can't come up with any sort of criticism for the purpose of this review lol it was truly a superb fantasy adventure. The author went above and beyond creating a world so richly detailed and immersive that I half expected to see some of the creatures running around outside any time I was forced to put the book down. The characters were all well developed and relatable. The writing style was great, it had me hooked from the start and was detailed without being bogged down with unnecessary information and had me laughing out loud numerous times. The story develops at a nice pace, everything falls into place without feeling rushed or drawn out and the action never lets up. Kings of the Wyld is definitely one of my all time favorite fantasy adventure stories! I would love to see it as a tv series. Super excited to read the next book in the series!

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!*
  
Alice Anonymous (Project Scion)
Alice Anonymous (Project Scion)
Sophie Davis | 2018 | Mystery, Young Adult (YA)
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book. I was really glad I did as it was a super good read and would recommend it.

The story follows Alice as she goes about her life in a small town. All of this gets disrupted by Trey and his frequent visits to the store where she works.

Alice has secrets but what’s exciting is that the big secrets are hidden even to her. I enjoyed this as it bugs me in a mystery when characters allude to these secrets but just don’t tell you and drag it out for suspense.

It was good to see Alice and Trey develop during the story and not stick to classic stereotypes ie arrogant rich guy.

It is really hard to figure out who to trust as everyone seems a bit suspicious at times, some more so than others.

The story links with another series by the author but you don’t need to have read that series for this one. I’m not sure if the next book will follow the exact same characters or pick up some of the other characters but I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
  
Blackwood (Perth Shifters #1)
Blackwood (Perth Shifters #1)
Pia Foxhall | 2018 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Blackwood (Perth Shifters #1) by Pia Foxhall
Blackwood is the first book in the Perth Shifters series by Pia Foxhall. We jump straight into the action with Braden in trouble, in the middle of nowhere. He is rescued by Coll, who realises just what Braden has been through, and he tries his best to help him in the circumstances. Of course, it couldn't be that easy, so Braden's past is thrown into the mix, plus long distances.

What you get is an enthralling read that will keep you turning the pages. The story is fully fleshed out, with a multitude of other characters that I am hoping I hear from! There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word.

This is the first in the series, so don't expect everything to be handed to you on a plate. Instead, look forward to the next installment, so you can get the full enjoyment. Absolutely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!