By Familiar Means by Delia James

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Book two of the Witch's Cat Mystery series. I was really happy that I had this book after reading the first one as I was enjoying the characters, and especially the cat Alistair. Some time has past by this point Anna's grandmother is coming for a visit which leads to some interesting plot points to say the least. The blend of magic, mystery, and curiosity kept me hooked until the end of the story. I am really enjoying this series, and will more than happy to read some more as they come out. This one gets 4/5 stars.

A Familiar Tail by Delia James

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Book one in the Witch's Cat Mystery series. This is the cutest little cozy mystery, and I really enjoyed reading. We are introduced to Annabelle Amelia Blessingsound Britton who decides to visit her best friend Martine in Portsmouth, New Hampshire where her grandmother grew up. Once she gets there she finds herself surrounded by past history, and discovers that she has inherited the families magic making her witch. As she adjusts to this news she also finds herself trying to solve the murder of one of the witch's which leads her into to danger. Her familiar Alistair the cat is quite the character, and I just loved him. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I give it 4/5 stars.

Crystal Castle by John D. Ashton

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Well this was an interesting book to say the least. It starts out with the back to back deaths of three different people, and then moves on from there. There is lots of fantasy and action as the story moves along plus the world building is pretty good. I will admit that I spent half the book wondering about quite a bit of the story, but eventually most of my questions were answered. It is a good story with a premise that has quite a bit of potential. With a little more development the story would have been awesome. I recommend it for fantasy/action fans. I give it 3/5 stars on Goodreads, but to be completely honest it is more like a 3.25 or 3.5 to be fair.

Bound Together by Christine Feehan

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*Received and early review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review the book will be published on March 21, 2017.

The sixth and final book in the Sea Haven/Sisters of the Heart series. This is Blythe's story as the oldest of the sisters of the heart. She married Victor Prakenskii five years early when he was undercover to take out her stepfather though none of the others know that. Unfortunately Victor had to disappear right afterwards and was unable to come back to her until this time. They obviously have a lot of things to work through which makes the romance side of the story a little different from the others, but he also comes with a second family of pretty much adopted brothers and sisters that she has to accept as well. The blending of the groups makes things funny, and I absolutely loved the giant collaboration that comes towards the end of the book (I can say no more without spoilers). Great combination of romance, suspense, magic, and more. This is the perfect end to the series, and I absolutely loved it. It gets 5/5 stars.

Vanilla Beaned by Jenn McKinlay

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Book eight of the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. Unfortunately this is the last published book in this series so I once I finished it I knew I would have to wait until the next one was published  before I could keep going since I have been hooked since I picked up book one. In this one the trio that own the bakery head to Las Vegas to look into opening a franchise branch with a partner. Once they get their they find that someone is wither trying to hurt their new partner or is coming after them. The things they do to solve the case made me giggle quite a few times and I got frustrated with Mel over the whole Joe thing. The book was pretty great though keeping me hooked until the very last page which leaves a wonderful cliffhanger I must admit. A must read for anyone that had read any of the other books in the seres. loves cozy mysteries, or just enjoys a light-hearted mystery in general. I give it 4/5 stars, and I really hope then ext book comes out soon!!!

Dark Chocolate Demise by Jenn McKinlay

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Book seven of the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. Halloween has hit the town of Scottsdale, and Fairy Tale Cupcakes has agreed to participate at the zombie walk by selling cupcakes out of their van. They also rent a coffin for extra effect to be parked in front of the van to draw in customers. After being surprised by her ex Angie disappears fro a short time so when Mel finds a body in what is supposed to be the empty coffin that looks like Angie she freaks out. After the scare of her life she has to find out why the women was murder so she knows how save Angie really is especially since Joe is wrapped up in a dangerous court case that could be the cause of the problem to begin with. The personal parts of the story evolve nicely in one area, and stall in another. I enjoyed the mystery part but I am really hoping things work out for Mel and Joe before this is all said and done. This one gets 4/5 stars.

Sugar and Iced by Jenn McKinlay

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Book six of the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. Mel and Angie have been asked to provide a daily cupcake tower to a beauty pageant that their friend Lupe is competing in to be able to get a scholarship that will let her afford to go to college. One of the judges is murdered and her body is found under the cupcake table so the whole group of friends is considered to be suspects. While trying to clear their names Mel finds herself in danger which by now is no surprise though still funny. I loved the story, and the arching story line has me hooked hard. Time to move onto the next installment while this gets 4/5 stars.

Going, Going, Ganache by Jenn McKinlay

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Book five of the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. After ruining a photo shoot by fighting with Olivia Mel and Angie agree to host a cupcake boot camp for the magazine staff in an effort to make amends. When of them is found dead in the alley behind the bakery Mel just just cant help but get involved in order to save the bakery from losing all of its business. Her personal issues just make it harder for her to see the truth as they follow her along no matter where she is. I really hope she figures it all out before too long, but the story had me hooked either way so onto the next installment. This one gets 4/5 stars.

Wrath of the Storm by Jennifer Nielsen

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The third and final book in the Mark of the Thief Trilogy, and I have been waiting to get my hands on it for awhile. Nicolas is in control of the Bulla and the Malice of Mars by this point which paints a giant target on his back. He must find a way to stop the god Diana from starting a war while trying to save all the ones he loves at the same time. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages, and I was unable to stop until I found out how it ended which surprised me I must admit. A must read for fans of the first two books or just fans of a good fantasy suspense. It gets 4/5 stars.

Red Velvet Revenge by Jenn McKinlay

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Book four of the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. In the next edition of this saga Mel and Angie along with their other friends find themselves on a road trip selling cupcakes at a rodeo. As they find themselves wrapped up in the murder investigation yet again things get comical, and intriguing along the way. A good blend of funny, mystery, and romance. Great for all cozy mystery fans, and I admit that I am addicted to this series by this point though the cliffhangers at the end drive me a little bonkers. It gets 4/5 stars.

Elementary She Read by Vikki Delaney

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*Received early review copy from Netgalley the release date is March 14, 2017

Book one of a new Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. Meet Gemma who runs a Sherlock Holmes bookshop and paraphernalia story though she is not an avid fan herself. The shop is located in West London Cape Cod, and its address is 222 Baker Street go figure. Gemma has a mind like Sherlock did though she will never admit it. She observes everything around her, and just cannot understand why everyone else misses it all. I like how there is a grumpy cat at the store, and sweet dog at the house. The two seem to balance one another. The story develops quite well, and kept me hooked until the end. A great mystery cozy for any Sherlock fans or just a good mystery in general. I give it 4/5 stars.

Death by the Dozen by Jenn McKinlay

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Book three of the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. For this book Mel and Angie enter a baking competition where they are determined to beat Olivia. The event is filled with old friends and frenemies of Mel's, and after her mentor is found murdered she ends up involved out of honor to his memory. This book had me giggling, and the Tate/Angie situation is quite comical by this point. I am loving the development of each story. This one gets 5/5 stars since I was unable to put it down until I had finished it.

Buttercream Bump Off by Jenn McKinlay

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Book two of the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series that I just had to read next as I felt addicted to the characters after finishing the first one. In this one Mel's mother Joyce goes on a date for the first time in years, and her date ends up dead with her being one of the suspects. Of course Mel has to get involved in order to clear her mothers name. I loved the development if the characters, and it again blends humor with mystery in a way that makes me want to come back again. I am still looking forward to reading more of this series. I give it 4/5 stars.

Sprinkle with Murder by Jenn McKinlay

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Book one of the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. Meet Melania and her two best friends Angie and Tate who all own a cupcake bakery together. Mel is the baker, Angie is a great sous chef, and Tate is the investor. Running the shop gives the story lots of details that made me giggle, and when you add the murder of Tate's fiance to the mix it gets even better. This is an excellent mystery cozy that blends fun with murder in a way that leaves me eagerly anticipating more. I give it 4/5 stars.

The Emerald Tablet by Dan Jolley

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Book one of a new Five Elements series. Meet Gabe and his three friends. All his life Gabe has had to constantly move from one place to another which his Uncle claims is to keep him safe. Gabe does not want to leave his new best friends so they dig around in the Uncles office until they come across some a map that marks a hidden rook with a description of a binding ceremony that is supposed to keep them together forever. What they do not know is that this is magic that they should not be missing with, and things pretty quickly go down hill after that. The world building is incredible, and I found myself hooked until I got to the end which is a cliffhanger of course. I am looking forward to the next installment in the series, and this one gets 4/5 stars.

Twisted Threads by Lea Wait

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Book one of the Mainely Needlepoint mystery series. Meet Angie who returns to her hometown in Maine after her mothers body was discovered almost 20 years after she went missing. Angie had moved away to escape the stigma that she grew up under, and upon her return she must deal with accepting the past in order to move forward in the future. Grams needs her help after her group of needle pointers were swindled out of thousands of dollars by a business part gone rogue. As Angie tries to juggle all of these problems the business partner ends up dead with her and Grams under suspicion for his murder. I love the story building, and the characters are easy to get attached to. I will admit that arts of book moved a little slow which I found disappointing so I can only give it 3/5 stars.

If You've Got it Haunt it by Rose Pressey

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Book one of the Haunted Vintage Mystery series. This book was incredible. The main character Cookie runs a vintage thrift shop, and at the very beginning of the book she meets a ghost that will not leave her alone until she solves her murder. The ghost is an older woman with a strong personality which lends quite a bit of drama to the story. Cookie is pretty much adopted by the best cat ever as well. This cat loves to ride in its carrier, can communicate with a Ouija board or tarot cards, and is always around even when it is supposed to be locked up. The characters are easily relatable and I am already attached. I will be reading the other books in this series. It gets 4/5 stars.

Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill

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Book one of the Clash of the Kingdoms series. Meet Britta who finds herself in dire straights after her father passes away leaving her essentially homeless since girls cannot inherit. The boy she loves has been accused of murdering her father, and she finds herself hunting him in an effort to save herself from the gallows though things do not go the way she has planned. The evolving mystery keeps the reader hooked with plenty of surprises along the way. I enjoyed the book quite a bit, and give it 4/5 stars.

Hisses and Honey by Shannon Mayer

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*Received early review copy from Netgalley book will be published March 7, 2017

The third and final book of the Venom trilogy. Alena defeated Theseus in the last book, but Hera is still upset with her so she brings back Hercules giving him a nine headed hydra. Alena has found her groove with the new powers by this point having pretty much embraced who she is now. I admit that the drama with Remo threw me a little bit, and I lost some respect for him due to his lack of balls (all I can so without spoilers). It all seems to work out in the end though, and I am proud of Alena for stepping up. A good mix of fantasy, supernatural, drama, and action. My only complaint is that it is over now. It gets 4/5 stars.

Fangs and Fennel by Shannon Mayer

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Book two of the Venom trilogy (told you I had the next book already). This book continues the story of Alena as she tries to learn her new powers, stay alive, and save the world all at the same time. After defeating Achilles in book one Alena is now pitted against Theseus. While trying to deal with him she is also attempting to divorce her human husband which is challenge because was she turned she was considered to be dead. No matter what the obstacle she deals with it head one as she tries to be in control of her life though everyone around her is doubting her abilities. lots of action, great supernatural story points, and a good argument for women's empowerment. it gets 4/5 stars.

Venom & Vanilla by Shannon Mayer

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Book one of the Venom trilogy. Since I absolutely love Shannons' elemental series I had to give this trilogy a shot. it starts with a very sick Alena dying in the hospital from an incurable disease that is contacted from the supernatural community. She must make the choice between death, and becoming a supernatural being that her family will never accept. Obviously she chooses to turn or there would be no book, but I will leave the how until you actually read it. As she struggles to accept her new life Alena discovers that Greek heroes are being brought back to life as well as the Gods, and she just happens to be stuck between them all. The story kept me hooked until the end when I was really glad that I already had the next installment in the trilogy. It gets 4/5 stars.

Seven Black Diamonds by Melissa Marr

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Book one of the Seven Black Diamonds series. Lilywhite Abernathy has grown up as the only daughter of a crime lord which is bad enough but the she is sent off to school after being secluded all her life where she finds how special she really is. In a world where the Fae have been at war with the humans for years Lilywhite must find her place in the world while trying to make peace at the same time. The extensive world building is amazing, and Melissa has an awesome imagination. The story line flows smoothly, and I am really looking forward to the next installment in this series. It gets 4/5 stars.

Blog Tour Blitz for Pick Your Potion by C.C. Dragon

Pick Your Potion (Witch's Brew Cozy Mystery, #1)

by C.C. Dragon

Gypsies, vamps, and weres…these are just some of the people powerful witch Claudia Crestwood and her friends protect. In the city of Hartford, Connecticut—years before Salem, there were witch trials. Now the paranormal coexist with humans, more or less. With the help of her hippie aunt and cousins, her gypsy uncle, and other paranormal friends, Claudia stands on the line between humans and paras—helping to keep the peace.

When a human customer dies after an incident at the coffee shop, Claudia must dig into the case to protect the cafe and the coven. Threats have been made and what’s worse, she’s harboring a hunter wanted by the police in her basement. A hot and powerful wizard starts showing up in the shop when Claudia needs help and is at her worst. Intriguing and annoying… She isn’t sure she can trust him and his reclusive family but it’s time for her to dig deeper into the magical world.               RELEASE DATE: 2/21/17

Pre-Order/Purchase for 99¢: Kindle | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

156 pages | Prices goes up to $2.99 on Feb 28th

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ABOUT C.C. DRAGON

A loyal Chicago girl who loves deep dish pizza, the Cubs, and the Lake, C.C. Dragon is fascinated by mysteries, sleuthing, as well as the supernatural. The southern connection comes in because her sister moved down there and the material was too fun and entertaining not to set a series there.

C.C. loves creating characters, especially amateur sleuths who solve crimes in their spare time. A coffee and chocolate addict who loves fast cars, she’s still looking for a hero who likes to cook and clean…so she can write more!

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My Review: I received an early review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, and after reading the blurb this did not sound like a hardship to me. In this book we are introduced to Claudia a powerful witch in her own right who is doing all she can to make life better for all members of the supernatural community. The book has the perfect blend of fantasy, supernatural, mystery, and suspense. The world building in phenomenal and easy to get sucked into. This book kept me hooked until the very end which I was unable to guess about until I got there, and now I really want to know Claudia's secret. I recommend this book to all cozy paranormal mystery fans. It gets 5/5 stars.

Pressed to Death by Kirsten Weiss

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*Received ARC copy from Netgalley release date is March 8, 2017

This is book two of the Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum Mystery series, and I am addicted by this point. We continue to follow Maddie as she takes over ownership of the paranormal museum but she yet again finds herself as a suspect in a murder investigation. As she attempts to solve the case she finds herself under pressure from all areas, and stressed about her relationship at the same time. The evolving of the story was great with some excellent paranormal moments to reflect on. I highly recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers. It gets 4/5 stars.

Bookman Dead Style by Paige Shelton

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Book two of the Dangerous Type Mystery series. This books picks up a few months after the last one, and of course Clare finds herself wrapped up in another murder after a visiting celebrity is accused of killing his sister. Her efforts to discover the truth are quite comical even if she has no clue what she is doing. Her curiosity may be her downfall, but it keeps her going until the end when they figure it all out. Overall this is a cute little cozy mystery that I recommend reading if you like that kind of thing. it gets 3/5 stars.

A Dandelion Wish by Kiki Thorpe

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Book three of the Disney Fairies Never Girls series. I read this book as part of my goal to read more of the easy section in the kids room where I work in an effort to be able to make better recommendations though I admit that I a Disney fan and these are just the cutest little books. This is a story of four girls that have found the secret way to visit the fairy island that house the Neverland fairies or as we know them all of the fairies from the Tinkerbell movies. In this book they deal with sibling annoyance and how important family really is in a manner that young children will enjoy. I highly recommend it for younger readers. It gets 4/5 stars.

To Helvetica and Back by Paige Shelton

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Book one of the A Dangerous Type Mystery series. This is a cute little cozy book. We are introduced to Clare who works with her Grandfather in their typewriter repair/stationary store. She finds her self wrapped up in a murder, and helps to solve it in order to show that she did not do it. Has good character development, and I loved the location of Utah. A little more suspense may have made it better as the story seems to just flow along at a slow speed, but still worth reading on a rainy afternoon for cozy lovers. I give it 3/5 stars.

Roseblood by A.G. Howard

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The newest book by this author, and I had such high hopes after absolutely loving her last series. My hopes must have been too high though because it did not reach the goal. To start with the entire book is printed using red font. Having never read a red book I was unaware that this would give me a headache making me have to break up my reading into small bursts which is annoying to say the least. Ignoring that issue the story is a new take on the phantom of the opera story line which has lost of possibilities but the book felt drawn out making it rather boring to me. The details were nice though, and the character development was quite good. I can only give it 3/5 stars. Hopefully her next book is a little better.

Dreamwielder by Garrett Calcaterra

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Book one of the Dreamwielder Chronicles. I fell in love with this book from page one. The world building is incredible, and each new detail made me feel like I was there. Makarria is an instantly lovable character, and her adventures are fascinating. The blend of the personal narratives gives all sides of the story, and kept me hooked until the very last page. A must read for fans of fantasy, adventure, and suspense. I give it 5/5 stars since I was unable to put it down until I finished.

Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning

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Book two of the Fever series. I liked this book better than book one. This one picks up shortly after the events of the last one, and by this point Mac is less whiny while being a lot more accepting of what her life is really like at this point. In other words she is not fighting so hard to stay in the dark, and has embraced her need to learn more before ignorance gets her killed. I like this more assertive side better, and it makes the character more likeable. i am really looking forward to learning what happens next in the series. I give it 4/5 stars.

The Last King of Texas by Rick Riordan

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Book three of the Tres Navarre series. I am attached to Tres by this point in the series. His uncanny ability to stumble around getting into trouble yet still solving the case in the end is quite entertaining. He took some abuse in this one too yet he still figured it all out. I am enjoying these books though i will admit that I am not in love with them like I am his kids series. It gets 3/5 stars.

The Vanishing Island by Barry Wolverton

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Book one of the new Chronicles of the Black Tulip series. This is the cutest kids chapter book! We are introduced to Bren Owen who is unhappy with the life he is forced to live, and dreams of sailing away on a ship one day. He should be careful what he wishes for because once he leaves the adventure never seems to stop until we are left with a cliff hanger at the end. I look forward to the next book in the series to see what happens next. It gets 4/5 stars.

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

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Book one in a new series by a new author, and I will admit that she has some potential. This is the story of Audrey Rose who lives during the Jack the Ripper era. She is a practicing apprentice to her Uncle the coroner much to her fathers dismay. As the story of the Ripper unfolds she finds herself trapped in the middle of the case having to help solve it in order to feel safe again. I like the premise, and the flow is nice though at times scenes seemed to last forever. Overall a good first book though I can only give it 3/5 stars.

The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

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*Received ARC copy of this book from Netgalley

Rin Chupeco creates an incredible world in her book The Bone Witch. This story has a geisha feel to it filled with remarkable detail that for the most help the story instead of distracting from it. We are introduced to Tea who is telling the story of her past to a bard about she became the bone witch that everyone is so afraid of. The story evolves in a natural progression that truly sucks the reader into it. It slows for a short time just over half way, but picks back up before it’s over. It left me with lots of questions though that makes me anxious for the next book to see what happens next. I give it 4/5 stars because I really enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to other fantasy lovers as well.