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Take the Honey and Run
Take the Honey and Run
Jennie Marts | 2023 | Mystery
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Is Granny Bee a Killer Bee?
Bailey Biggs has returned to her small town in Colorado to help her grandmother, who has recently broken her foot. But when she arrives, she finds Granny Bee yelling at the town’s founder. The next morning, she finds the man dead from his honey allergy, a jar of Granny Bee’s signature Hot Spiced Honey on his table. With the sheriff questioning Granny Bee, Bailey jumps in to figure out what really happened. Can she find a sweet killer?

I’d heard lots of good things when this book came out, and I’m glad I finally got a chance to read it. The book jumps right in, and we met a group of characters at once. It took me a while to separate them all, but I was able to. The main characters are strong, and the suspects are good. The plot also started quickly, and it kept me buzzing from one suspect to the next until we reached the logical solution that wrapped everything well. The book was funny, although I do feel it got a little too zany at times. If this book finds you craving honey, you’ll be delighted in the six recipes at the end. If you enjoy cozies on the comedic side, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2589 KP) rated Ashes Never Lie in Books

Nov 29, 2024 (Updated Nov 29, 2024)  
Ashes Never Lie
Ashes Never Lie
Lee Goldberg | 2024 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Team Ups are Hot
When a new house burns down before the new owners can move in, the fire department is ready to chalk it up to faulty wiring. But arson investigators Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker think something else is going on. Before they can fully investigate that case, they are pulled to another arson, but the evidence just points to a bigger mystery. Teaming up with homicide detective Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone, can the four figure out either case?

As a fan of Lee’s other books, I really enjoyed seeing Eve and Duncan pop up in this book. If you haven’t met them before, no need to worry, you’ll easily follow their characters here. Meanwhile, it was nice to get to know Sharpe and Walker more in their second case, this time told from Walker’s third person point of view. Something about the set up didn’t quite work for me, but once the book got rolling, I was hooked all the way to the over the top but still fun climax. We get a little bit of language and crude humor here, but it is kept to a minimum. On the other hand, there are lots of jokes and teasing that I did enjoy. Overall, this is another winner you’ll have a hard time putting down.
  
Christmas Mafia Prince (The Naughty List)
Christmas Mafia Prince (The Naughty List)
K.A. Merikan | 2025 | Contemporary, Crime, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
CHRISTMAS MAFIA PRINCE is the first book in The Naughty List series, and features Damen and Killian.

This is a dark/cute Christmas romance, and yes, the whole book is as paradoxical as that sounds! Killian bumps into Damen when he is trying to give his ex the slip. Damen is looking for a fake husband so he can join in his family's Christmas 'Hunt'. A match made in heaven?

Honestly? This book is bonkers! You have Damen the Assassin, who is completely gone for his boy. Killian the Innocent (sort of!), who really doesn't know what he's agreed to, plus a whole host of crazy (and slightly psychotic) characters who help move this story along. It's Christmassy, it's cosy, it's hot as hell, oh, and just a tad murderous!

I can't wait for more in the series, as there are definitely characters I want to see more of - Corvus being one of them! The epilogue for Damen and Killian was absolutely perfect as they are still smitten with each other. I really hope they show up in future books.

Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

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

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 21, 2025
  
The Curse Between Us
The Curse Between Us
Layla Moran | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE CURSE BETWEEN US is a standalone story of opposites - hot Rafria and icy Eskarven, long at war with each other. When both kings die, the crowns are passed on to Edric of Rafria and Zephyr of Eskarven. With help, they come up with a plan to stop the war, but that just unleashes a prophecy neither was aware of.

This was a great story, with plenty of world-building and lore without being bogged down by all the minutiae. The differences in both the characters and places help build within the story, and nothing is just easy and solved with the wave of a hand. The relationship between Edric and Zephyr is slow-burn but with plenty of emotions. It does lead to some steamy moments but doesn't overtake the story.

This is the second book by this author I have read and it has been proven that intricate and emotional stories are what to expect, which I love! A fantastic story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in HIGHLY RECOMMENDING.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

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

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 17, 2025
  
Cloudy With a Chance of Bad Decisions
Cloudy With a Chance of Bad Decisions
Fae Quin | 2025 | Contemporary, Humor & Comedy, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF BAD DECISIONS is a long-a$$ contemporary story that will have you rooting for the MCs from the get-go. Alex is an incorrigible flirt who hides behind a multitude of masks, while George is the one who has perfected a blank mask.

Their romance takes place during just over a week, but trust me, your emotions will go up hill and down dale as their story sweeps you along. These two are perfect in every way for each other. There are HOT and spicy moments, romantic moments, snarky moments, and then my-eyes-are-leaking moments. Plus, there is lots of caretaking, which is one of my not-so-guilty pleasures. And it is so well written, you won't even notice how long it is!

With a whole host of supporting characters, I was ecstatic to find out Joe will have his own story. I'm hoping to meet up again with the characters here, especially George and Alex, to find out if all their dreams are coming true. Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY ME.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

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

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 28, 2025