Mayhem at the Orient Express by Kylie Logan

goodreads.com

Book one of the League of Literary Ladies series. This book had me cracking up. At the beginning three of the women could not get along to save their lives so a guy in a mediator position sentences them to be a part of the library book discussion group to make them get along. After the first meeting they just happen to find a dead body before a horrible storm leaves them all stranded together. The development of the story follows the book they just read so they find themselves trying to solve the case finding themselves as friends by the end of the book. The women are easy to relate to, and the story evolves in a smooth manner. I really enjoyed it, and am looking forward to reading more in the series. I give it 4/5 stars.

Freeks by Amanda Hocking

goodreads.com

I believe this is a stand alone book. Having enjoyed one of her previous trilogies I picked this book up hoping it would be just as good. The main character is part of a traveling "freek" show where most of them have some kind of supernatural power that they use in their acts. They are invited to a small town down south and decide to go because they need the money. Strange things happen as soon as they get there, and each night it just gets worse until the end when ti all comes to a head. The story idea is a good one though I felt it moved a little slow. Plus I pretty much guessed what was happening before I even got half way through the book. I think I wanted to like it more than I did but it still gets 3/5 stars.

Occult and Battery by Lena Gregory

goodreads.com

*Received ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange fro an honest review. Expected publication date is April 4, 2017.

Book two of the Bay Island Physic Mystery series. I do believe that the paranormal parts of this story are my favorites, and I would love to keep her dog Beast since he is constantly cracking me up with all the things he eats. In this story Cass is hosting a physic weekend at a newly opening bed and breakfast that is going into the haunted mansion on the island. It is believed there is a curse on the mansion which the killer uses to try to blame the murders on. Of course this never works as the investigation continues, but the killer threw me for a loop as I was not totally expecting that. A good choice for fans of cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist to them. I give it 4/5 stars.

Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning

goodreads.com

Book four of the Fever series. Considering how the last book ended this book started right up as if no time had past. Mac needed saved, and while not who one would expect she was. Once I hit part 2 of the book I rooting for her new powers, and hoping she could kick some butt now. She can and she cannot at the same time which left me intrigued to say the least. Part 3 was definitely different, and again we get a cliff hanger at the very end. I highly attached to the story by this point, and very interested to read what happens next. Great world building, and lots of fantasy mixed up with action. I give it 4/5 stars.

Death at First Sight by Lena Gregory

goodreads.com

Book one of the Bay Island Physic Mystery series. Meet Cass who runs a physic shop on Bay Island where she grew up though she left for 17 years before coming back after her parents passes away (natural causes). Cass does not get along with Marge even having a run in with her after giving her daughter Ellie a reading much to Marge's dismay. This places Cass as the main suspect after she finds Marge dead the following day. When the head cop decides she is only suspect even ignoring evidence to the contrary she finds herself trying to solve the case in order to clear her name. The physic stuff added some light hearted details, and her two friends balance the characters quite nicely. I liked the writing style but felt that things moved at little slowly at times. Still a cute little cozy though is that is what you are looking for (I really enjoyed the antics of the dog). Technically I would give it 3.5/5 stars but since Goodreads does not have that option I gave it 4/5 stars there.

Seven Minutes in Heaven by Eloisa James

goodreads.com

Book three in the Duchesses by the Numbers series or book nine in the Desperate Duchesses  series though I have read all the books in both so it really does not matter. Eloisa is one of my favorite historical romance authors. She is excellent at period details plus her romances do not always follow a set formula which I am a big fan of. This one did not disappoint in either regard. The couple just happens to be two characters that are mentioned as kids and adults in other parts of the series making them previously known which is another big plus for me. This makes their romance so much more special, and I loved every minute of it. I was hooked from start to finish, and recommend it as a must read to all fans of historical romance. I give it 4/5 stars but would have been happy to give 4.5 if Goodreads had that option.

Everything is Normal: Life and Times of a Soviet Kid by Sergey Grechishkin

goodreads.com

*Received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Well I have to admit that this book was better than I thought it would be. It tells the story of a boy as he grows up in the Soviet Union with all of the details that would entail. It has a historical yet informative feel to it that I rather enjoyed. The writing style is excellent flowing smoothly from section to section. The amount of little details that are worked in blew my mind. I had no idea that the people living over there had to endure all of those hardships, and I fully admit that it made me grateful that I was born in the United States. This is a great read for anyone that wishes to learn more about the people from this country in an easy to read manner. If Goodreads had half stars I would give it a 3.5 but since it does not I marked it as 3/5.

Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton

goodreads.com

Book two of the Rebel of the Sands series (though it may only be a trilogy I am not really sure). This book was awesome and I absolutely loved it!! It starts just a little slow, but once the story really gets going it full of action, intrigue, plots, backstabbing, fantasy, and so much more. The author has an amazing imagination that translate very well for the reader. The story flows smoothly from one section to the next so well that it was almost impossible for me to put it down when I had to go to work. This is a must read for all YA fantasy lovers. I give it 5/5 stars.

Silence of the Jams by Gayle Leeson

goodreads.com

*Received an advanced reading copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is April 4, 2017.

Book two of the Down South Mystery series. This book was just as good as the first one even with the extra family drama thrown in. After a man drops dead in the cafe Amy finds herself trying to find out who did it only to find herself in danger before it is all said and done. The development is incredible, and I found myself not wanting to put the book down until it was finished. I wish the next book was coming out sooner, but what can you do? I give it 4/5 stars since I really liked it a lot.

The Calamity Cafe by Gayle Leeson

goodreads.com

Book one of the Down South Cafe Mystery series. Amy Flowers is an aspiring chef who's dream is to open her own cafe. She offers to buy her bosses cafe but she turns her down flat. The next thing she knows her boss is dead, and she is a suspect. Her investigation style is more general conversation than interrogation which seems to help her pick up the pieces she needs. The characters are all well developed and easy to relate to even cracking me up at times. I really enjoyed the development of the story, and am looking forward to reading book two which I happen to have access to already. I give it 4/5 stars.

Buried in a Bog by Sheila Connolly

goodreads.com

Book one of the County Cork Mystery series. This is the cutest little book. Maura promised her Gran, who just happened to raise her, that after she passed she would visit Ireland (I goofed and originally put Scotland for some reason) to say a prayer in the church that Gran married in. Upon arrival she meets lots of relatives that she never knew anything about, and is accepted into a world that she never knew existed. I love the way this story plays out as it is quite different than most cozy mysteries. For one she does not stumble across the dead body, but the killer still thinks she knows too much which puts her in the middle of the situation. The development is nice though, and I was in love with Ireland before it was all said and done. I look forward to reading the next installment so I can see what happens next. I give it 4/5 stars.

A Crafty Killing by Lorraine Bartlett

goodreads.com

Book one of the Victoria Square series. Meet Katie Bonner a fairly recent widow who finds herself dealing with the Artisans Alley after her deceased husbands business partner is found murdered. At a crossroads in her life Katie is faced with some difficult decisions as she attempts to help solve the murder while trying to save the business at the same time. I admit that I wanted to like this book more than I did. The premise of the story had lots of potential just some bad development in my opinion. The story stalled out quite a bit and I found myself forcing myself to finish it. Maybe the next one will be better. I can barely give it 3/5 stars, but it is more like 2.5 or 2.75.

No Time to Say Goodbye by Bill Adler Jr.

goodreads.com

*Received a early review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Expected publication date is April 1, 2017.

Well I have to admit that this book is definitely different, but in a good way. It is slimmer than most of the books I read so I was afraid that the story would feel unfinished, but the author did a good job of wrapping everything up. The main character finds himself disappearing for hours, and then years, on end with no idea what is going on. He struggles to hold onto his wife though time is slipping away. He acclimates to the best of his ability until he finds the end of his journey where it is all explained to him. Good character development, and the writing style is good. I look forward to a full novel from this author as it would probably be really good. A great read for fans of time travel or just a good little mystery. I give it 4/5 stars.

Cat Got Your Cash by Julie Chase

goodreads.com

*Received an advanced reading copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The book will be published on April 11, 2017.

Book two of the Kitty Couture Mystery series. After finishing the first book I was happy to have the second one already since the first one ended with a bit of a question though it took awhile to answer it in this one. Lacy is hoping to work with her fashionista idol, but when she shows up for her appointment she finds her dead instead. Since she is again a suspect she finds herself involved whether she wants to be or not especially since she volunteered to take care of the dead woman's orphaned kittens who come with a trust for their care. As she struggles to clear her name she finds herself in danger which is not resolved until the end. I love the writing style since it keeps me hooked until I am done. Of course part of that could be because I am a huge animal fan and they are everywhere in these books. A must read for all cozy mystery animal lovers. I give it 4/5 stars.

Cat Got Your Diamonds by Julie Chase

goodreads.com

Book one of the Kitty Couture Mystery series. Meet Lacy who runs a  pet boutique and organic treat bakery which I have to admit is awesome. I never would have thought someone could enjoy making pet costumes and baking treats so much but Lacy surely does. As she returns to her shop late one evening she interrupts a man breaking in who she sprays with her glitter gun, but when she returns with the police they find him dead making her the prime suspect. She obviously has to clear her name, and finds herself in lots of trouble as she does so. This is a really cute little story that I did not want to put down until I reached the very end. A must read for cozy mystery animal lovers. I give it 4/5 stars.

A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi

goodreads.com

*Received and advanced reading copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The book will be published on March 28, 2017.

Book two of the Star-Touched Queen series. This book was incredible I must admit. It is an amazing blend of imagination and creativity as she tells the story of the Jewel of Bharata and the Fox Prince as they finds themselves involved in the Tournament of Wishes hoping all of their dreams will come true if they win. Things never work they way people plan though. There is constant action and so many twists that I found myself unable to put the book down until I was done. A must read for all young adult fantasy lovers. I give it 4/5 stars.

Dead with the Wind by Miranda James

goodreads.com

Book two of the Southern Ladies Mystery series. I admit that I am in love with sweet old ladies by this point. They have very distinct personalities that are perfectly blended with Southern charm. The addition of Peanut and the cat is good one that the author takes advantage of to move the story along. The two women are invited to a family wedding, but once they get there they finds themselves involved in family drama that includes a murder. The ending was a nice twist that I admit that I did not really see coming. Highly recommended for all cozy mystery fans. I give it 4/5 stars.

Faefever by Karen Marie Moning

goodreads.com

Book three of the Fever series. Things have gotten interesting in the main story line by this point in the series. The bad guys are mad Mac and looking forward to getting even with her for getting in the way of their past efforts to destroy the wall between Fae and Humans. As the time for next ritual to maintain the walls nears Mal finds herself in a sticky situation that has no easy way out of. The character development is incredible and I really like the new Mac over the original. I have to admit that the ending was a huge surprise and I look forward to the next installment to see just where this is going. I give it 4/5 stars.

Bless Her Dead Little Heart by Miranda James

goodreads.com

Book one of the Southern Ladies Mystery series. The two main characters of this story are a hoot. One is eighty and the other is four years younger. They have very strong personalities and the relationship between the two after years of living together gives the story a whole new dimension. After an old college friend of theirs shows up with all of her family drama a couple of murders happen in the house that they have to help solve. The ladies are so firmly established in the area that they are never under suspicion though they sure help the police solve the case. The animals are sweet, and I just loved the whole mesh of all the characters. To be honest I give it 3.5 or 3.75 out of 5 stars but had to mark it as 4/5 on Goodreads.

Of Books and Bagpipes by Paige Shelton

goodreads.com

*Received and advanced reading copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The book will be published on April 4, 2017.

Book two of the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. I liked this book better than the first one, but I am still not in love with it. The story picks up a few months after the last one, and Delaney is well established in Scotland by this point. Edwin sends her to a meeting to pick up an old book, and instead she finds a dead body. Of course she finds herself wrapped up in the mystery. I admit that I was curious who the culprit was throughout the book and the little details she works into the story give it some great character. I still felt that something was missing though so I can only give it 3/5 stars. Great for cozy fans though.

Caramel Crush by Jenn McKinlay

goodreads.com

 *Received an advanced reading copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The book will be published on April 4, 2017.

Book nine of the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. This book was incredible! After finishing the last book I could not wait to get my hands on the next installment since as usual it ended in a cliffhanger (this was too but a funny one to say the least). Mel is hired to create some break up cupcakes for an old college roommate of hers, and as she goes to deliver them she finds the intended groom dead instead. Feeling she owes her old friend a debt that can never be repaid she attempts to solve the mystery to clear her name. She finds trouble along the way that kept me hooked until the very end. I was very happy for the development in the personal relationships as well plus meeting bridezilla Angie was a treat. If you are fan of the series you will fall in love with this book just like I did. It is a must read earning 5/5 stars.

The Cracked Spine by Paige Shelton

goodreads.com

Book one of the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. Meet Delaney Nichols as she decides to uproot her life in the United States after being laid off by her job at a museum to take a position in a bookshop in Scotland. The story developed is quite nice, and the little details in the story are incredible. I especially like all of the language translation that are going on. Shortly after arrival Delaney's boos finds out his sister had been murdered and as she joins their little shop family she finds herself motivated to solve the murder to ease every one's minds. This is a cute little mystery cozy, but it was not able to keep me totally enthralled so it only gets 3/5 stars.

The Valiant by Lesley Livingston

goodreads.com

Book one of a new series called Valiant. This book takes place during ancient Roman times when Julius Caesar was in charge. We meet Fallen a warrior princess who just wants to take her place in her father's army. Life has other plans though and Fallen finds herself stuck in a situation she cannot get out of so instead she fights to her best ability until things finally start to go her way. This book is all about girl power which is just awesome. I really enjoyed how Fallen was always able to face her obstacles head on even when the outcome may not be in her favor. Lots of action along with some incredible detail. I will be looking forward to the next installment in this series. I give it 4/5 stars.

Kale to the Queen by Nell Hampton

goodreads.com

*Received an early review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The book will be published on April 11, 2017

This book was just awesome! It is book one in a new series called Kensington Palace Chef Mystery. We meet Chef Carrie Ann Cole as she starts her new job as the personal chef for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and while no names are mentioned the royal family reminds the reader of Kate and William which I loved. On her second day on the job Chef Cole finds a body in the greenhouse and finder herself involved in solving the murder. The details are incredible giving an interesting view of life inside the palace, and the murder keeps the reader attached until the very end. A very good cozy mystery, and I will be looking forward to the next installment in the series. I really liked it so it gets 4/5 stars.