COYER and Books Of My Heart #READALONG!

This was a nice break in the action of the Night Huntress series, in the last installment I was very annoyed with Cat and Bones and ready to read something else.  Pretty clever, Jeaniene Frost, way to keep me reading.

This book is the story of Cat's friend Denise. From her introduction into the series a few books ago, I have wanted to read more about her. I loved her relationship with her husband, Randy, and was very sad that he died in the big Vampire battle.  Now it's about a year later and Denise is still in mourning. She understandable suffering from PTSD and is trying to distance herself from the supernatural world her friend Cat is an intricate part of.  

This being an Urban Fantasy series, Denise is quickly pulled into the world as she is cursed by a demon. This book does have action but most of the story is focused on Denise and her grieving process and Spade's struggle with his attraction to Denise fighting against his desire not to love and lose a human again. We learn a little more about the Night Huntress World and how it works, we do see Cat and Bones towards the end, but this is solidly Denise and Spade's book.

I'm a fan of Denise so I was happy for her to find Spade. Spade--for me--- is just an OK character, he is--and again this is just to me--a pretty typical hot Vampire. In other words, I don't find him as interesting to read as I do Vlad--or even Ian. 

Here is the publisher's blurb for this book: 

"The night is not safe for mortals.

Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows – her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield – and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family’s dark past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness – and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who craves a taste of her.

He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human – even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the demon nightmare together…

Because once the first drop of crimson falls, they will both be lost."

4 Starts to First Drop of Crimson

Join the Read Along at https://booksofmyheart.net/2021/12/05/read-along-giveaway-night-huntress-world-by-jeaniene-frost/

Spring Means Gardening, and You Don't Need a Yard to Do It!

 Today I am sharing a review of a book from the publishing company Pelargonium Press called Apartment Kitchen Gardening by James Jacques. 

Here is the blurb from the publisher: 

Do you like the idea of growing your own fresh, healthy food at home?

Our latest book by James Jacques explains exactly how to do that, even if 

you don’t have a garden or yard of your own, and even if you’ve never grown 

anything before. It’s also great if you already grow food and want to learn 

exciting ways to grow even more. The book is called Apartment Kitchen 

Gardening and it explains how to grow a wide range of veg, fruit, and herbs, 

from oregano to oranges to oyster mushrooms, inside your home. It even 

covers some fascinating, unusual edibles like ‘beef and onion plant’ and 

saffron.

You can order the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TWX7B28/

If you have a Kindle Unlimited it's free to you, if not, it's only $4.99

I live in a townhome and I have a small backyard and I have a little raised garden bed, but recently I bought a bunch of fresh herbs to make some new recipes and I came to the conclusion that I must figure out how to have fresh herbs in my house year-round!  Thankfully  Apartment Kitchen Gardening covers exactly how to manage that! You can even use leftover grocery store herbs to start your own plants! 

"Regrow Herbs!

Herbs are a fantastic addition to any kitchen windowsill.

Many herbs grow well in water – all you need is a glass, pot,

or even an old plastic bottle and a herb plant from the store.

You can then take cuttings from the parent plant and stand

them in your container with some water." -Apartment Kitchen Gardening

This book is a concise guide that includes all the most important information you need to start a garden in any living space, it covers indoor gardening, patio/balcony gardening as well windowsill, and other container gardens.  I really appreciated that James Jacques' writes with frugality and conservation in mind. The book is filled with tips on how to use what you already have to garden and a few fun upcycling projects as well. 

The book is a fast read and a nice reference that will inspire anyone who has wanted to grow some of their own food wherever they reside. 

Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy of the book to review!  All the opinions are my own and the link to Amazon is not an affiliate link.  

The Sunday Post, And Now For Something Different

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme 

Once I week I usually participate in an online journaling group. This week we had a fun prompt and I liked my responses so I'm going to share it here: 

The prompt was to imagine that the seasons are people, how would you describe them:

Spring has a plan and she has goals. She spent her lunch hour shopping online for a cute pair of sandals and a new dress--floral of course.  She's on a diet but she can't stick to it because life is just too full of good flavors. She's been at her job for 10 years now and she loves it, but she longs for something more.

Summer walks by and the scent of sunblock and a hint of chlorine follows in her wake. She has tickets for all the best outdoor concerts.  She is on her way to meet up with friends on a rooftop and her mouth waters at the thought of an ice-cold beer. Her curly hair is extra curly thanks to the humidity and she revels in it. She hardly puts effort into it but her container garden is flourishing.  All her friends know she is the one to ask what herbs go in what dish and it's her playlists they sync to the Bluetooth speaker. 

Fall is in her 4s and she is cool with that. She loves a good sweater and her favorite boots were pricey but she's had them for 10 years now and they still look amazing. She works exactly as long as she paid to and not a minute more. her job is not her life. Her life is experiences. She is counting down the days to the big girls' trip she is taking to Scotland. Maybe she'll find a handsome lad in a kilt to take her on a tour of a castle or two. 

Winter wears her grey hair in a short bob and stopped wearing makeup the day she retired from her last job. She doesn't smile much, but when she does her whole face lights up. She complains often about an ache in her bones when the temps dip below zero. But for those she lets into her home they only speak of the twinkle in her eyes, like sparks from a fire crackling making the whole house cozy during the long winter nights. 

*****

How was your week? I hope you had a nice one!  This week I'll be sharing my thoughts on a Harry Dresden book, a book on apartment gardening, and Romancing Mister Bridgerton!

#ThreeTaintedTeas #NetGalley

Three Tainted Teas is the third book in Lynn Cahoon's Kitchen Witch Mystery series.  I enjoy a nice witchy cozy and in this addition to the series, shifters are added to the world of Magic Springs, so I think this books series is now officially a paranormal cozy series. While there are plenty of cozies that have a witch and her cat and a coven or two.  Not too many cozies expand into a more fulsome paranormal world.  I enjoy paranormal so I was pleased with the additional magical creatures in this book. 

I enjoy that Mia views all of the different magical folk as all the same species at the end of the day. This is a good perspective, she also adheres to a strong set of core beliefs that cause her to think before using her magical skills..unlike some of the spells first ask questions later witches and warlocks around her. 

In this book, weddings are on everyone's minds including Trent and Mia. Trent seems ready to make a larger commitment to Mia and I for one, can't wait for her to catch up to his view of their potential future! Mia is a planner and an organizer and while some readers might find it a little boring to read about her planning the day-to-day, this reader finds it very relaxing to read. Plus all the yummy food talk, it's a nice balance.  Murdery stuff/party planning/food talk! 

4 Starts to #ThreeTaintedTeas Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC! 

You can get this book on Tuesday April 26th! 

Here is the publisher's description for your reference: 

New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon returns with the third installment of her enchanting Kitchen Witch Mysteries starring aspiring witch and culinary entrepreneur Mia Malone, who must dispel a deadly plot to wreck her clients’ wedding!
 

Aspiring witch and culinary entrepreneur, Mia Malone, must dispel a deadly plot to wreck her clients’ wedding in this charming continuation of New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon’s Kitchen Witch Mystery series.
 
Business is bubbling at Mia’s catering service and cooking school, Mia’s Morsels, but toil and trouble are not far behind. Mia just accepted her toughest gig yet: last-minute wedding planner for Magic Springs’ own Romeo and Juliet. Though the small town is fairly accepting of magic, two families have been locked in a vicious feud spanning generations. Unfortunately for both families, they’re about to become in-laws! Amethyst and Tok are excited to wed in a few weeks and somehow Mia must ensure the event is flawless.
 
But when she goes to pick up paperwork from the couple’s previous wedding planner, Mia discovers the woman murdered in an apparent attempt to stop the contentious union. Now, not only is Mia a prime suspect, as the new planner she may also be the killer’s next target. Backed by her squad, her charms—literal and figurative—and a protective amulet from her Grans, it’s up to Mia to save the star-crossed couple’s wedding, her professional reputation…and maybe even her life!

How do you feel about a Cinderella Retelling? An Offer From A Gentleman

Ah yes, season two of Bridgerton on Netflix pulled me in all the way and now I can't sit idly by waiting for Shondaland to make the next book come alive.  So I bought book three the other day, and now I've finished it and am waiting for the next book to come available as I have it on hold at my library.

Exciting news, while I was typing the above paragraph, I got the notice from my library that Romancing Mister Bridgerton is ready for me to pick up!  Yippee! I'll pick it up and then, I think I'll have time to dive into it by the weekend. 

Now back to An Offer from a Gentleman.  Enjoyable, some good will they/won't they action If you like a good sickbed situation you get it. The problem of Sophie's birth is a big obstacle and I thought Julia Quinn deals with it in an interesting way, Mama Bear powers for the win! 

Much of the book takes place outside the ball season, so it will be interesting to see what the Netflix version of this will look like. Also, I think many of us who have come to Bridgerton via the show wonder if this book could possibly transform into a queer story where Benedict finds his HEA with a man? I'm sure the creative powers behind the show could manage it and make it some fantastic viewing. In general, I'd say I don't hold out much hope that this will happen, but I'd love to see it. 

4 Stars for Book 3 in the original Bridgerton series! 

I'm so happy this series continued after the initial run.

 My only complaint about the final book in this series was that the very end had a flash-forward and I was left really wanting

to know what happened between the end and the flash-forward.

So I'm so pleased that in 2020 Kim Harrison went back to writing about Rachel Morgan. Million Dollar Demon is the second book in the second set of The Hollows.  Boy did I enjoy this book. I love that Rachel has become a leader, she has confidence and most importantly she has truly realized she doesn't have to solve or save the world by herself.

If you've read the first 13 books and haven't started this second series now is a great time to catch up as the next book Trouble with the Cursed  will be out in June.

If you haven't read any of this series. Go out and get Dead Witch Walking and start on an amazing journey in Contemporary Fantasy!

5 stars

The book description from GoodReads: 

"To save the city, Rachel Morgan will need to show some teeth in the next Hollows novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison.

The new master vampire of Cincinnati has arrived . . . and she wants Rachel Morgan out. No matter where Rachel goes, Constance is there--threatening Rachel's allies, causing city-wide chaos, and, to add insult to injury, even forcing Rachel out of her current quarters. Ever since Rachel found a way to save the souls of vampires, the old undead's longtime ascendancy has been broken. Now Constance sees eliminating Rachel as the key to consolidating her own power.

Rachel has no desire to be enthralled or killed--and she's terrified of what may become of the city if Constance forces a return to the ancient ways. But even a witch-born demon can't stand against the old undead--at least, not alone. And if Rachel refuses to claim the role of Cincinnati's master demon, the city will tear itself apart, taking her and all those who stand beside her with it."

The Sunday Post, Hoppy Easter!

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme 

Happy Easter to those who celebrate!  Here is a flashback to an Easter when the kids were small. Now the big kids are enjoying our annual egg hunt. I fill the eggs with money so, it's a popular egg hunt.  I have it set up so they only get X amount of egg each so no one gets more money than anyone else. (it's $20 per kid) 

Dinner is going to be my favorites: Ham, potato salad, asparagus, a veggie tray, and cookies for dessert! PLUS deviled eggs!  Yum!

This week was another week of up and down cooler than expected temperatures and little sunshine. I have all my fingers and toes crossed that changes this week!  The best of the past week for me was that I had my 6-month follow-up CT scan (the anxiety leading up to the actual test sucked in the extreme) and got the results in less than 24 hours everything was unremarkable --ie normal! WAHOO!!! 

How was your week? And how do you feel about Peeps? 

Reviews coming up this week:

 

The Sunday Post! She found the dress!

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme 

Hi Everyone! Did you have a good week? I hope so! I finished reading some fun books, had a doctor's appointment in which the after-visit summary described me as pleasant, and my daughter found her prom dress.

fingers crossed that it arrives quickly and that we have time to get it altered should it need to be altered. The dress she tried on here was a size too big so maybe we'll get lucky and it won't need altering. She also agreed with me that it would be pointless to purchase heels to go with this dress as no one is going to see her feet and she might wind up putting a heel through some of this tulle! 

The color is lovely, don't you think? 

Like A Sister by Kellye Garrett

 

Having enjoyed  Hollywood Homicide immensely, I was looking forward to the day it was my turn to check out Like A Sister from my library. Now this book is considered a thriller, not a cozy mystery, which is fine because I enjoy both genres.

Thrillers are usually tense, and this book does have tension--but there isn't the ticking clock countdown most thrillers have, and this book has more humourous lines than a thriller usually has, Like a Sister contains elements found in cozy mysteries in a thriller situation. 

One example of the descriptive humor in this book:

"Ms. Scott, you beat us." Green was behind me, joined by a standard-issue young white guy. The type who looked like he made daily use of his Planet Fitness membership but never whipped the machine down after. "My partner, Detective Zizza." 

This book was a fast read, I really don't like putting down thrillers if I can help it. I have heard that the audio version of this book is fantastic. As I said above, I borrowed the book from my library after having to wait a month on the holds list. The first option my library had was the physical copy of the book, so I grabbed it. 

This book is good it is entertaining and I rate it a 4.

I will say I have a couple of questions about the how of the murder and the why. I could have really used an additional paragraph or two from the killer explaining how they did it and why they felt they needed to--I think they could have resolved the issue easily without killing anyone. Two of the other suspects could have committed the murder more easily and with good very good motives.

I wonder if Kellye Garrett wrote any drafts with one of the other suspects as the killer but then decided to go with who is ultimately the murderer. This book could really have at least three different very plausible endings. I kind of wish this was a choose your own adventure book with several endings!

In any case, I look forward to what Kellye Garrett writes next! 

One of My Favorite Series Has a New Book Coming out Soon

 Thanks very much #NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy an ARC of the latest book in Allison Brook's Haunted Library Mystery Series-- Dewey Decimated.  This book is the sixth installment of this very enjoyable cozy series featuring a library and a ghost and Smokey Joe the library kitty. This book will be out on September 6th, so if you have not read the series you can start ready it and be ready for this when it is released!

I am finding lately that many of the cozies I am reading feature a cold case,  I don't mind this at all as it is nice to see our sleuths find answers and it reduces the rapid-fire murders happening in their towns. 

As usual, I enjoyed spending time with Carrie and the crew in Clover Ridge.  I could have used more time with Carrie and her best friend Angela hanging out. We have in this book a new character who annoys Carrie--and the reader--the investigative reporter that won't quit.  Then we also have a new ghost AND a major construction project at the library, so Carrie is really pulling her hair out. In the area of overarching mysteries, we learn a little more about Evelyn's situation and Dylan is more forthcoming with Carrie about how he grew up. 

I found the town council aspects of the story to ring true to how politics works in a small town. The mystery and the who and the why of the killer worked for me.  I am looking forward to the next book and have my fingers crossed maybe we will get to see Dylan and Carrie get married!