I hope everyone is doing well. I am down for the count this weekend with some kind of illness. I hope to be back to fighting strength next weekend.
I hope you have a wonderful week. I wish you good health and good books!
Elizabeth
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Review: Immortal by Morning by Lynsay Sands
Being an immortal rogue enforcer is never easy. But when human bones are found buried in a residential garden—and they happen to be discovered by your life mate—things get even more complicated in this latest installment of New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands’s wickedly alluring Argeneau vampire series.
About the Book
Crispinus Delacort is an immortal rogue enforcer and a homicide detective. But in his quiet city, he’s more likely to be rounding up truant teens than investigating murders. So, when he learns that human bones have been found in the garden of a sprawling rural home, it’s unexpected to say the least.
Abril Newman can’t believe her bad luck when she discovers a body buried on the grounds of her boss’s home, while chasing after Gina’s mischievous lab Lilith. She was just supposed to be house-sitting for a few days! And then Detective Delacort arrives. She knows she shouldn’t be thinking about love when there’s a crime scene outside the door. But ignoring her attraction to gorgeous Crispin is easier said than done.
When Crispin realizes that a rogue is involved, he knows this won’t be a simple investigation. Especially because he’s so distracted by Abril’s presence that all he wants is to kiss her senseless in every room of the manor. But he can woo her, solve the case, and stop a dangerous rogue by morning...right? All in a day’s work.
My Review
I have mixed feelings about this book.
Positives
Immortal by Morning has great characters, fun dialogue and funny life mate hijinks. Abril and Crispin seemed to suit each other well. Abril is hardworking, dedicated, personable and relatable. Crispin is a proper immortal with a quiet strength, beautiful smile, and endearing disposition.
We also get great cameos from many of the rogue hunters from previous books and they provide a lot of entertainment and comic relief.
Not so Positives
There was a character that was introduced that gave some serious clues to the mystery of the story and I thought it would be brought up again but never was. There was really no reason for this character to be introduced in the storyline because they had no purpose. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and then the book ended abruptly and I was left with questions. Whether this was done intentionally to lay the groundwork for a future book or just an accident, the loose threads really bugged me.
Immortal by Morning is a pretty good read with a few hiccups that briefly interrupted my reading experience, but did nothing to prevent me from loving the characters and highly anticipating the next book in the Argeneau series!
FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.
Purchase Links
About the Author
Lynsay Sands is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historical romances and anthologies. She’s been writing since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there are occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Learn more at www.lynsaysands.net
*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.
Friday, August 15, 2025
Read-Along Review: Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews
I am so excited to be taking part in Books of My Heart's annual Read-Along!
This year, the blog picked The Edge and Innkeeper Chronicles series by Ilona Andrews!
.png)
Sweep of the Blade is the fourth book in the Innkeeper Chronicles series and it is amazing!
.jpg)
About the Book
Maud Demille is a daughter of Innkeepers—a special group who provide ‘lodging’ to other-planetary visitors—so she knows that a simple life isn’t in the cards. But even Maud could never have anticipated what Fate would throw at her.
Once a wife to a powerful vampire knight, Maud and her young daughter, Helen, were exiled with him for his treachery to the desolate, savage planet of Karhari. Karhari killed her husband, and Maud—completely abandoned by his family—has spent over a year avenging his debts. Rescued by her sister Dina, she’s sworn off all things vampire.
Except… In helping Dina save the world, she met Arland, the Marshal of House Krahr, one of the most powerful vampire houses. One thing led to another and he asked for her hand in marriage. She declined. Arland is not used to hearing the word ‘no;’ and try as she might, Maud can’t just walk away from Arland. It doesn’t help that being human is a lot harder for Maud than being a vampire.
To sort it all out, she accepts his invitation to visit his home planet. House Krahr is extremely influential and Maud knows that a woman—a human, with a very questionable past—who’s turned down a proposal from its most beloved son won’t get a warm reception. Maybe she’s not sure about marrying Arland, but House Krahr isn’t going to decide for her. Maud Demille has never run from a fight, and House Krahr will soon discover that there’s a lot more to Maud than they’re expecting.
My Review
A delightful reading experience!
I loved reading about Maud and Helen’s journey to find their place in the galaxy. If Maud stays at the Gertrude Hunt Inn with her sister Dina, she’d be with family, but Helen is half human-half vampire. She’d have to be sheltered in the inn, raised in secrecy because humans can’t know the truth about otherworldly beings. Maud takes a chance by taking Helen and leaving with Arland to visit his home planet to see if it would be a better fit for Helen… and to explore her complicated feelings for the brash vampire.
Vampires are insular and superior beings and they don’t take kindly to having a human thinking she can waltz onto the planet and snag this virile eligible vampire warrior when there are thousands of perfectly eligible female vampires that are worthy of him. But Maud isn’t just a human. She’s been a vampire’s wife in a smaller House, trained in several languages, history, epics, customs, and combat. This ain’t her first rodeo.
Sweep of the Blade is an exciting read with so much action. I was completely immersed in the story and championed Maud and little Helen the whole time! These fierce females give Arland a run for his money, and he’s definitely up for the challenge! They just need to survive the entire House Krahr, duplicitous wedding guests, and Arland’s momma. Piece of cake 😉
I love the story and am excited for the next book!
Purchase Links
Want to join the fun? Visit Books of My Heart's blog post HERE!
Don't forget to enter the giveaways!
About the Author
“Ilona Andrews” is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Texas with their two children and many dogs and cats.
They have co-authored several bestselling series, including the #1 NYT bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels, rustic fantasy of the Edge, paranormal romance of Hidden Legacy, and Innkeeper Chronicles, which they post as a free weekly serial. For complete list of their books, fun extras, and Innkeeper installments, please visit their website at Ilona-andrews.com.
*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Review: Knife in the Back by Karen Rose
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Rose comes another "intense, complex, and unforgettable” * novel.
* James Patterson
About the Book
Officer Naomi Cranston was framed for stealing cocaine from the evidence locker and coerced—through threats to her young son—into not fighting the charges. After five years in prison, she has tried to put the ordeal behind her, but the crooks who framed her have returned, this time demanding she move drugs along with her flower shop’s deliveries. They threaten her son once again, but this time she’s not capitulating quietly. She hires Broussard Investigations to protect her and her son, to prove her innocence, and to put the real bad guys away.
As a former cop, Burke Broussard is well aware of the corruption in the New Orleans police department. He had always believed Naomi Cranston to be guilty and isn’t inclined to take her case. Until he sits down to listen to her side of things. Until he sees her tortured innocence written all over her beautiful face…
A relationship born amid an investigation is a fragile thing. Will it survive the danger and the threats? Will it survive the truth?
Excerpt
1
The Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
Monday, February 24, 8:45 a.m.
Burke Broussard placed the papers he'd just reviewed into a drawer in his desk at Broussard Investigations. Business completed, he wanted to spend a few minutes with the man he'd called brother since they were teenagers.
"Everything looks good, as usual, Kaleb. Thank you."
Kaleb accepted the thanks with a nod and the smile Burke had grown up seeing. It was a bittersweet connection to better times, because he and Kaleb were the only ones left now.
Burke's mother, his uncle Larry. And Kyra, of course. All gone these twenty-five years. Even Kaleb's father, Uncle Larry's dear friend and business partner, was gone now. It was just Burke and Kaleb.
"Now that the business is out of the way," Kaleb said, "how the hell are you?"
The "business" was Kaleb's quarterly presentation of their company's profit and loss statement, along with the new initiatives that kept Fontenot Industries at the top of its game. Burke didn't always understand the software that the engineers were designing, but he could read a P&L. Their company was doing very well.
Kaleb Marchand was the genius behind all the tech. As the owner, Burke mostly just signed the checks. The profits he made from Fontenot allowed him to fund the work he really loved-getting justice for those who'd been let down by the law. Some of the people he aided didn't have the money to pay them. Because of Uncle Larry and his gift that kept on giving year after year, Burke could do a lot of pro bono work.
"Oh, you know," Burke said with a shrug. "Same old, same old."
Kaleb shook his head fondly. "Meaning you have loads of cases you can't tell me anything about." He looked over his shoulder to the closed office door. "Glad to see Joy looking so healthy."
"You and me both." Burke's office administrator had been shot two years before and had taken eighteen months to come back to her job full-time. Rehab took a lot longer with age. Joy wasn't all that old-only thirteen years older than Burke's forty-three-but her body had taken a real beating.
She'd nearly died.
However, she was back at her desk, and he couldn't be happier.
"How are Juliette and the kids?"
"Juliette's got the house and the office decorated for Mardi Gras," Kaleb said with a grin. "You should come over for supper."
"I will. And those godsons of mine?" Braden was fifteen, Trent thirteen. It seemed like yesterday that he'd held them at their christenings, and now they were teenagers.
Kaleb rolled his eyes. "Braden's got a girlfriend."
Burke barely controlled his wince. "Another one?"
"Yep," Kaleb said dolefully, and then his smile was back. "But Trent's getting an award in two weeks. He developed a robot in his after-school program. Did it all on his own, without my help." Kaleb's pride was clear. "It's extremely well-done."
"Apple didn't fall far from the tree," Burke drawled. "If there's a ceremony, send me the details, and I'll be there."
"You always are."
Burke's desk phone buzzed and he checked the time. "That's Joy telling me that my nine o'clock is here."
He didn't know who the appointment was with, and that had his hackles rising. Joy normally gave him all the details on clients. That she hadn't done so this morning was both intriguing and concerning.
Kaleb rose and Burke came around his desk to give him a bear hug. Kaleb grunted, then laughed, hugging him back.
"Don't break my ribs," Kaleb said. "I might need them someday."
Burke slapped his back, then let him go. "Sorry."
Kaleb looked up at him with a smirk. Kaleb was tall, around six feet, but Burke was taller. And bigger. It had been that way since they were teenagers.
"You need to find a woman who'll appreciate those bear hugs of yours," Kaleb said. "Juliette has a new list of ladies for you."
Burke opened his office door with a good-natured groan, because Juliette never tired of trying to set him up with her friends. "Can you tell her to stop?"
"I can and I have, but you know Jules."
Burke did, and he loved her. She was the sister he'd never had. "I'll figure out a way to weasel out of anything she sets up."
Kaleb chuckled. "You can try." He walked into the lobby, leaning down to kiss Joy's cheek. "I missed you, J-Bird. Glad you're back full-time."
Joy beamed up at him. "Me too. Give my love to that wife of yours."
"I will. Thank you for rescheduling me on short notice. This trip came up last minute. I fly out in a few hours."
"Safe travels," Joy said. "Bring me something from Chicago."
Kaleb smiled at her. "Chocolate?"
Joy nodded. "You've always been a smart one."
Burke waited until Kaleb had gone before leaning against Joy's desk. "Where is my nine o'clock?"
Because the lobby was empty.
"Chilling with Antoine in the computer room. She and her friend didn't want to be out in the open."
Burke nodded. "Skittish, huh?"
"One of them is." Joy's expression became troubled. "Don't say no right away, Burke."
Burke's eyes went wide. "Why would I say no?"
"Promise me," Joy pressed. "Hear her out."
Now Burke was even more intrigued. "Okay." He turned for his office door. "Send in my appointment-and her friend-when they're done 'chilling' with Antoine.'"
"We're done," a familiar woman's voice said. "And we're ready."
Burke turned, puzzled to see Sylvi Kristiansen walking up to Joy's desk. "Sylvi? What are you doing here?"
"I need your help."
Sylvi's sister Val was one of Burke's inner circle. He'd gotten to know Sylvi over the last two years, since she and Val had healed a family rift that had kept them estranged. He and Sylvi had become friends. If she needed his help, how could he possibly say no?
Then he looked over Sylvi's head to the woman standing behind her, and the smile he'd been prepared to give disappeared like mist. Rage bubbled up, and his fists clenched.
He knew this woman, too.
Naomi Cranston.
He'd met her only once, when he was a detective and she worked in the evidence room. While he'd fought to remain honest, to retain his integrity, others took the easy way. The illegal way.
Which Naomi Cranston had done.
"No," he said, then turned on his heel and walked back into his office, shutting the door hard enough that everyone would know it was his final word.
The Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
Monday, February 24, 9:03 a.m.
"Burke Broussard!" Sylvi shouted, her anger clear as day. "You come back out here!"
"It's okay." Naomi had known this would be Broussard's response. She'd hoped for a miracle, but . . . she'd known.
"No, it's not okay." Sylvi marched to Broussard's office door, her fist lifted and ready to knock, but the soft whir of the admin's electric wheelchair stopped her.
Joy Thomas had placed herself in front of Broussard's door. "Simmer down, Sylvi. Let me talk to him."
Sylvi swallowed hard. "Okay. Thank you."
Joy squeezed Sylvi's hand. "Good girl." Then she entered Broussard's office, closing the door behind her far more gently than Broussard had.
Naomi started for the elevator. "It's no use. I told you that."
She'd been saying that ever since Sylvi had knocked on her front door Friday evening, shortly after Naomi had gotten home, shaken and terrified.
She hadn't opened the door, but Sylvi had a key for emergencies. The petite florist had used that key, storming in on Naomi as she'd sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her loaded Glock.
Had it not been for Sylvi's arrival, Naomi wasn't sure what she might have done. Now she wasn't sure what she'd do. Burke Broussard had been her only hope.
Sylvi grabbed her hand before she had a chance to press the elevator button. "Just wait. Burke will help you. Give him a few minutes."
"He said no, Syl. I have to respect that. I might say the same thing in his place."
"No, you wouldn't. You'd bend over backward to help."
She probably would, even now. Even after her willingness to help another person had contributed to her downfall. "Well, he's not me. And he said no."
"Let Joy convince him."
"I didn't come here to cause trouble."
The door opened and the whir of Joy's wheelchair had them both turning.
Joy was pointing to the open door. "Go in, Miss Cranston. He'll listen."
"And then he'll help," Sylvi said with a confidence that Naomi did not feel.
But she followed her boss into the lion's den, flinching when Joy shut the door behind them. The admin remained in the lobby, giving them privacy.
She didn't look at Broussard, who sat behind a large mahogany desk. She merely followed Sylvi to a set of visitor chairs, lowering herself into one of them as Sylvi did the same.
Broussard said nothing. Naomi kept her eyes on her hands, clutched together in her lap. She didn't need to look at the man to know this was hopeless.
Sylvi sighed. "Burke . . ." She reached out and gently separated Naomi's hands, holding one tight. "You're going to hurt yourself," she murmured.
Yes, she would. In the end, she would.
Not with the Glock, because Sylvi had locked it away. And not with any other instrument of suicide.
She truly didn't think she had it in her. Although the alternative-prison-was a compelling argument to the contrary.
But she didn't have many choices. If Broussard turned her away, she'd accept Gaffney's drugs-but not in Sylvi's van, and she'd not take them to the address that she was sure she'd be given. She'd use her own car so that Sylvi wouldn't be implicated. And then she'd call 911 and anonymously report herself.
She'd be arrested and sent back to prison. She'd tell her ex to protect their son.
Maybe Broussard could be convinced to do so as well. Protection for Everett.
Yes. That was what she'd ask for.
"What?" Broussard finally said irritably.
Naomi glanced up to find Sylvi staring Broussard down, a tiny five-foot woman glaring defiantly at a brickhouse of a man. He had to be six-five. His dark hair was cut short, his handsome face tanned, despite it being winter.
She glanced at the bicycle leaning against one wall. Biking to work would explain it. She had the brief, insane desire to grab his bike and escape the man's hawklike gaze.
"Sylvi," she whispered. "You don't need to do this."
"Yes, I do," Sylvi snapped. "Burke, you might think you know about Naomi's situation, but I can assure you that you do not."
"I know enough," Broussard said, his deep Cajun drawl rumbling out of his chest. It was a broad chest. A strong one.
He'd be able to protect Everett. And he had the reputation for taking on hard cases. Once she was back in prison, Everett would need all the help he could get.
"Did you know she was out?" Sylvi demanded.
"I'd heard."
"Her sentence was overturned."
"On a technicality," Broussard said mildly, his Cajun accent thick. "An overturned conviction is not a declaration of innocence."
And there was the rub. Naomi would never be looked at with anything other than derision again, and that hurt. However, Everett was more important than her hurt feelings.
"I want to hire you," Naomi blurted out. "To protect my son."
Sylvi and Broussard both turned to stare at her. Sylvi was stunned. Broussard looked . . . curious.
Curiosity was better than derision.
"Naomi, no." Sylvi's eyes filled with tears. "You can't."
"I don't have a choice." Tugging her hand free of Sylvi's grip, she faced Broussard head-on. "I've been given an ultimatum. Transport illegal drugs or my son will be harmed. If I don't do what they say, they will hurt him. He's only sixteen. He's innocent of all this."
Broussard glanced at Sylvi, who was now openly crying.
Her boss had a tender heart. Which, Naomi supposed, was the reason Sylvi had given her a job to begin with.
"Why not take this to the cops?" he asked.
Naomi laughed bitterly. "Because they are the cops."
Broussard's body language abruptly changed. His arms had been locked across his chest, but he lowered them to his desk and leaned forward with narrowed eyes. "Who?"
"Do you know a cop named John Gaffney?"
Broussard nodded, his expression giving nothing away. "I do."
Naomi wanted to look away but forced herself to hold firm. Broussard wouldn't respect her if she flinched. And if he didn't respect her, he wouldn't believe her.
Do this for Everett.
"He used to report to Captain Cresswell." If she hadn't been watching, she would have missed the small twitch of Broussard's jaw. That was good. He didn't like Cresswell. They had at least that in common. "I know you worked in Cresswell's department for a few years. I know you . . . left."
"Escaped," Sylvi muttered, drying her eyes with the sleeve of her jacket. "Some people weren't as lucky."
"Sylvi." Broussard's voice softened. "Let me listen."
"She shouldn't have needed to invoke the name of Gaffney or Cresswell to get you to listen," Sylvi snapped.
Naomi laid a hand on her boss's arm. "He only knows what the media covered. He doesn't know the truth."
Broussard sat back in his chair. "Then tell me the truth."
Naomi squared her shoulders. She didn't have anything to lose. "I was an honest cop. I worked in the evidence room."
"Until you stole a kilo of cocaine."
Naomi shook her head. "I never did. They hid it in my car. It was found when I stopped at a traffic accident."
"To supposedly help a woman whose car had been wrecked."
Naomi remembered it all in sharp detail. "Her flashers were on and her car had been damaged. The front bumper was crushed and the driver's-side windows were broken. She looked so young and scared when she ran into the road, motioning me to stop. So I stopped. I wasn't on duty at the time, so I called it in as a hit-and-run and waited with her until the police arrived."
"And then?" Broussard asked.
"She'd asked to put her book bag in my back seat, because it was pouring down rain and her windows were broken. I let her stow it back there without another thought. The cops arrived, took her statement, then told her to get her book bag from my back seat. That's when she saw the evidence bag. Her exclamation was so believable. Even I believed her for a moment. Until I realized what was happening. It was an evidence bag full of cocaine I'd processed." She lifted her chin again. "I was careful, Mr. Broussard. I was meticulous, for all the years I did that job. There were two bags of cocaine confiscated in an arrest, but there was no record of the second bag being delivered to Evidence."
Excerpted from Knife in the Back by Karen Rose. Copyright © 2025 by Karen Rose. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
The Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
Monday, February 24, 8:45 a.m.
Burke Broussard placed the papers he'd just reviewed into a drawer in his desk at Broussard Investigations. Business completed, he wanted to spend a few minutes with the man he'd called brother since they were teenagers.
"Everything looks good, as usual, Kaleb. Thank you."
Kaleb accepted the thanks with a nod and the smile Burke had grown up seeing. It was a bittersweet connection to better times, because he and Kaleb were the only ones left now.
Burke's mother, his uncle Larry. And Kyra, of course. All gone these twenty-five years. Even Kaleb's father, Uncle Larry's dear friend and business partner, was gone now. It was just Burke and Kaleb.
"Now that the business is out of the way," Kaleb said, "how the hell are you?"
The "business" was Kaleb's quarterly presentation of their company's profit and loss statement, along with the new initiatives that kept Fontenot Industries at the top of its game. Burke didn't always understand the software that the engineers were designing, but he could read a P&L. Their company was doing very well.
Kaleb Marchand was the genius behind all the tech. As the owner, Burke mostly just signed the checks. The profits he made from Fontenot allowed him to fund the work he really loved-getting justice for those who'd been let down by the law. Some of the people he aided didn't have the money to pay them. Because of Uncle Larry and his gift that kept on giving year after year, Burke could do a lot of pro bono work.
"Oh, you know," Burke said with a shrug. "Same old, same old."
Kaleb shook his head fondly. "Meaning you have loads of cases you can't tell me anything about." He looked over his shoulder to the closed office door. "Glad to see Joy looking so healthy."
"You and me both." Burke's office administrator had been shot two years before and had taken eighteen months to come back to her job full-time. Rehab took a lot longer with age. Joy wasn't all that old-only thirteen years older than Burke's forty-three-but her body had taken a real beating.
She'd nearly died.
However, she was back at her desk, and he couldn't be happier.
"How are Juliette and the kids?"
"Juliette's got the house and the office decorated for Mardi Gras," Kaleb said with a grin. "You should come over for supper."
"I will. And those godsons of mine?" Braden was fifteen, Trent thirteen. It seemed like yesterday that he'd held them at their christenings, and now they were teenagers.
Kaleb rolled his eyes. "Braden's got a girlfriend."
Burke barely controlled his wince. "Another one?"
"Yep," Kaleb said dolefully, and then his smile was back. "But Trent's getting an award in two weeks. He developed a robot in his after-school program. Did it all on his own, without my help." Kaleb's pride was clear. "It's extremely well-done."
"Apple didn't fall far from the tree," Burke drawled. "If there's a ceremony, send me the details, and I'll be there."
"You always are."
Burke's desk phone buzzed and he checked the time. "That's Joy telling me that my nine o'clock is here."
He didn't know who the appointment was with, and that had his hackles rising. Joy normally gave him all the details on clients. That she hadn't done so this morning was both intriguing and concerning.
Kaleb rose and Burke came around his desk to give him a bear hug. Kaleb grunted, then laughed, hugging him back.
"Don't break my ribs," Kaleb said. "I might need them someday."
Burke slapped his back, then let him go. "Sorry."
Kaleb looked up at him with a smirk. Kaleb was tall, around six feet, but Burke was taller. And bigger. It had been that way since they were teenagers.
"You need to find a woman who'll appreciate those bear hugs of yours," Kaleb said. "Juliette has a new list of ladies for you."
Burke opened his office door with a good-natured groan, because Juliette never tired of trying to set him up with her friends. "Can you tell her to stop?"
"I can and I have, but you know Jules."
Burke did, and he loved her. She was the sister he'd never had. "I'll figure out a way to weasel out of anything she sets up."
Kaleb chuckled. "You can try." He walked into the lobby, leaning down to kiss Joy's cheek. "I missed you, J-Bird. Glad you're back full-time."
Joy beamed up at him. "Me too. Give my love to that wife of yours."
"I will. Thank you for rescheduling me on short notice. This trip came up last minute. I fly out in a few hours."
"Safe travels," Joy said. "Bring me something from Chicago."
Kaleb smiled at her. "Chocolate?"
Joy nodded. "You've always been a smart one."
Burke waited until Kaleb had gone before leaning against Joy's desk. "Where is my nine o'clock?"
Because the lobby was empty.
"Chilling with Antoine in the computer room. She and her friend didn't want to be out in the open."
Burke nodded. "Skittish, huh?"
"One of them is." Joy's expression became troubled. "Don't say no right away, Burke."
Burke's eyes went wide. "Why would I say no?"
"Promise me," Joy pressed. "Hear her out."
Now Burke was even more intrigued. "Okay." He turned for his office door. "Send in my appointment-and her friend-when they're done 'chilling' with Antoine.'"
"We're done," a familiar woman's voice said. "And we're ready."
Burke turned, puzzled to see Sylvi Kristiansen walking up to Joy's desk. "Sylvi? What are you doing here?"
"I need your help."
Sylvi's sister Val was one of Burke's inner circle. He'd gotten to know Sylvi over the last two years, since she and Val had healed a family rift that had kept them estranged. He and Sylvi had become friends. If she needed his help, how could he possibly say no?
Then he looked over Sylvi's head to the woman standing behind her, and the smile he'd been prepared to give disappeared like mist. Rage bubbled up, and his fists clenched.
He knew this woman, too.
Naomi Cranston.
He'd met her only once, when he was a detective and she worked in the evidence room. While he'd fought to remain honest, to retain his integrity, others took the easy way. The illegal way.
Which Naomi Cranston had done.
"No," he said, then turned on his heel and walked back into his office, shutting the door hard enough that everyone would know it was his final word.
The Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
Monday, February 24, 9:03 a.m.
"Burke Broussard!" Sylvi shouted, her anger clear as day. "You come back out here!"
"It's okay." Naomi had known this would be Broussard's response. She'd hoped for a miracle, but . . . she'd known.
"No, it's not okay." Sylvi marched to Broussard's office door, her fist lifted and ready to knock, but the soft whir of the admin's electric wheelchair stopped her.
Joy Thomas had placed herself in front of Broussard's door. "Simmer down, Sylvi. Let me talk to him."
Sylvi swallowed hard. "Okay. Thank you."
Joy squeezed Sylvi's hand. "Good girl." Then she entered Broussard's office, closing the door behind her far more gently than Broussard had.
Naomi started for the elevator. "It's no use. I told you that."
She'd been saying that ever since Sylvi had knocked on her front door Friday evening, shortly after Naomi had gotten home, shaken and terrified.
She hadn't opened the door, but Sylvi had a key for emergencies. The petite florist had used that key, storming in on Naomi as she'd sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her loaded Glock.
Had it not been for Sylvi's arrival, Naomi wasn't sure what she might have done. Now she wasn't sure what she'd do. Burke Broussard had been her only hope.
Sylvi grabbed her hand before she had a chance to press the elevator button. "Just wait. Burke will help you. Give him a few minutes."
"He said no, Syl. I have to respect that. I might say the same thing in his place."
"No, you wouldn't. You'd bend over backward to help."
She probably would, even now. Even after her willingness to help another person had contributed to her downfall. "Well, he's not me. And he said no."
"Let Joy convince him."
"I didn't come here to cause trouble."
The door opened and the whir of Joy's wheelchair had them both turning.
Joy was pointing to the open door. "Go in, Miss Cranston. He'll listen."
"And then he'll help," Sylvi said with a confidence that Naomi did not feel.
But she followed her boss into the lion's den, flinching when Joy shut the door behind them. The admin remained in the lobby, giving them privacy.
She didn't look at Broussard, who sat behind a large mahogany desk. She merely followed Sylvi to a set of visitor chairs, lowering herself into one of them as Sylvi did the same.
Broussard said nothing. Naomi kept her eyes on her hands, clutched together in her lap. She didn't need to look at the man to know this was hopeless.
Sylvi sighed. "Burke . . ." She reached out and gently separated Naomi's hands, holding one tight. "You're going to hurt yourself," she murmured.
Yes, she would. In the end, she would.
Not with the Glock, because Sylvi had locked it away. And not with any other instrument of suicide.
She truly didn't think she had it in her. Although the alternative-prison-was a compelling argument to the contrary.
But she didn't have many choices. If Broussard turned her away, she'd accept Gaffney's drugs-but not in Sylvi's van, and she'd not take them to the address that she was sure she'd be given. She'd use her own car so that Sylvi wouldn't be implicated. And then she'd call 911 and anonymously report herself.
She'd be arrested and sent back to prison. She'd tell her ex to protect their son.
Maybe Broussard could be convinced to do so as well. Protection for Everett.
Yes. That was what she'd ask for.
"What?" Broussard finally said irritably.
Naomi glanced up to find Sylvi staring Broussard down, a tiny five-foot woman glaring defiantly at a brickhouse of a man. He had to be six-five. His dark hair was cut short, his handsome face tanned, despite it being winter.
She glanced at the bicycle leaning against one wall. Biking to work would explain it. She had the brief, insane desire to grab his bike and escape the man's hawklike gaze.
"Sylvi," she whispered. "You don't need to do this."
"Yes, I do," Sylvi snapped. "Burke, you might think you know about Naomi's situation, but I can assure you that you do not."
"I know enough," Broussard said, his deep Cajun drawl rumbling out of his chest. It was a broad chest. A strong one.
He'd be able to protect Everett. And he had the reputation for taking on hard cases. Once she was back in prison, Everett would need all the help he could get.
"Did you know she was out?" Sylvi demanded.
"I'd heard."
"Her sentence was overturned."
"On a technicality," Broussard said mildly, his Cajun accent thick. "An overturned conviction is not a declaration of innocence."
And there was the rub. Naomi would never be looked at with anything other than derision again, and that hurt. However, Everett was more important than her hurt feelings.
"I want to hire you," Naomi blurted out. "To protect my son."
Sylvi and Broussard both turned to stare at her. Sylvi was stunned. Broussard looked . . . curious.
Curiosity was better than derision.
"Naomi, no." Sylvi's eyes filled with tears. "You can't."
"I don't have a choice." Tugging her hand free of Sylvi's grip, she faced Broussard head-on. "I've been given an ultimatum. Transport illegal drugs or my son will be harmed. If I don't do what they say, they will hurt him. He's only sixteen. He's innocent of all this."
Broussard glanced at Sylvi, who was now openly crying.
Her boss had a tender heart. Which, Naomi supposed, was the reason Sylvi had given her a job to begin with.
"Why not take this to the cops?" he asked.
Naomi laughed bitterly. "Because they are the cops."
Broussard's body language abruptly changed. His arms had been locked across his chest, but he lowered them to his desk and leaned forward with narrowed eyes. "Who?"
"Do you know a cop named John Gaffney?"
Broussard nodded, his expression giving nothing away. "I do."
Naomi wanted to look away but forced herself to hold firm. Broussard wouldn't respect her if she flinched. And if he didn't respect her, he wouldn't believe her.
Do this for Everett.
"He used to report to Captain Cresswell." If she hadn't been watching, she would have missed the small twitch of Broussard's jaw. That was good. He didn't like Cresswell. They had at least that in common. "I know you worked in Cresswell's department for a few years. I know you . . . left."
"Escaped," Sylvi muttered, drying her eyes with the sleeve of her jacket. "Some people weren't as lucky."
"Sylvi." Broussard's voice softened. "Let me listen."
"She shouldn't have needed to invoke the name of Gaffney or Cresswell to get you to listen," Sylvi snapped.
Naomi laid a hand on her boss's arm. "He only knows what the media covered. He doesn't know the truth."
Broussard sat back in his chair. "Then tell me the truth."
Naomi squared her shoulders. She didn't have anything to lose. "I was an honest cop. I worked in the evidence room."
"Until you stole a kilo of cocaine."
Naomi shook her head. "I never did. They hid it in my car. It was found when I stopped at a traffic accident."
"To supposedly help a woman whose car had been wrecked."
Naomi remembered it all in sharp detail. "Her flashers were on and her car had been damaged. The front bumper was crushed and the driver's-side windows were broken. She looked so young and scared when she ran into the road, motioning me to stop. So I stopped. I wasn't on duty at the time, so I called it in as a hit-and-run and waited with her until the police arrived."
"And then?" Broussard asked.
"She'd asked to put her book bag in my back seat, because it was pouring down rain and her windows were broken. I let her stow it back there without another thought. The cops arrived, took her statement, then told her to get her book bag from my back seat. That's when she saw the evidence bag. Her exclamation was so believable. Even I believed her for a moment. Until I realized what was happening. It was an evidence bag full of cocaine I'd processed." She lifted her chin again. "I was careful, Mr. Broussard. I was meticulous, for all the years I did that job. There were two bags of cocaine confiscated in an arrest, but there was no record of the second bag being delivered to Evidence."
Excerpted from Knife in the Back by Karen Rose. Copyright © 2025 by Karen Rose. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
My Review
Knife in the Back delivers a thrilling read full of mystery, intrigue, and betrayal.
First off, I am absolutely heartbroken to know that this is the last book in this city of Karen Rose’s Romantic Suspense series. There are SO many amazing and wonderful characters who deserve the spotlight. I am hoping against hope for more stories in the future.
The final book in New Orleans focuses on Burke, the owner of Broussard Investigations. He leads a team of talented, well-trained ex-military personnel who provide a number of services from private investigations to bodyguarding and many other specializations.
Burke has honor, integrity, loyalty, and a deep sense of justice. So when a disgraced ex-cop shows up in his office asking for help, he’s loath to provide it. Whatever Burke decides next could depend on whether he can live with the consequences. Does he trust in Naomi’s innocence despite the insurmountable evidence against her or does he believe she truly is a dirty cop and is playing them all for fools?
Burke and the gang are brilliantly crafted characters that I have loved so much these past four years. They are an excellent team and an even better family.
Naomi’s story is full of gut wrenching heartache, I had so much empathy for her. Naomi’s freedom and livelihood were stolen from her and her son was turned against her but her resilience is incredible and admirable.
The circumstances of Naomi’s plight hampers any real romance between her and Burke, but the chemistry is there as is the physical attraction.
The book’s suspense is exciting, the mystery is intriguing, and the storyline kept me fully engaged.
I tip my hat once again to Karen Rose’s craftsmanship of the villain(s). He/She/They is/are insanely evil with layers of deceit and duplicity. I didn’t see the knife in the back until it was too late! Who got hit? Who wielded the blade? Are they alive to tell the tale? Read to find out!
**Please check your trigger warnings. There are many adult themes with several types of abuse and trauma scenarios in this book that may make some readers uncomfortable. Read at your own discretion**
FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.
Purchase Links
About the Author
 |
| Photo: © Michael Greene Photography |
Karen Rose is the award-winning, #1 international bestselling author of over twenty-five novels, including the bestselling Baltimore and Cincinnati series. She has been translated into twenty-three languages and her books have placed on the New York Times, the Sunday Times (UK), and Germany’s der Spiegel bestseller lists. Learn more at www.karenrosebooks.com
*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.
Review: Heart Strings by Ivy Fairbanks
Heart Strings is the second book in Ivy Fairbank's Love in Galway series set in Ireland.
This is my first read from the author and I thoroughly enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next book.
About the Book
She doesn’t do second chances. But he’s not done writing their song.
Cielo “Lo” Valdez doesn’t believe in second chances. Surviving cancer taught her life is too short to spend time on someone who wronged you. But Aidan O’Toole is determined to show her life is best spent together.
When the tough-as-nails Texan moved to Galway for medical school, she wasn’t looking for love. Aidan, a gorgeous, tattooed, mandolin-playing lawyer, slipped past her defenses. They each fell hard and fast. But when Aidan was given the opportunity of a lifetime—to move to London and record an album—he took it, breaking Lo’s heart. Yet more than two years and a successful album later, every song he writes is still about her, the one he let get away. And every time Lo hears his voice on the radio singing about love, it’s an arrow straight to her soul.
Now they’re on a collision course as maid of honor and best man at a weekend-long Irish castle wedding. Are some mistakes worth forgiving? Can Aidan convince Lo their song wasn’t meant to end?
.png)
My Review
Heart Strings is a second chance romance that’ll make you laugh, shed a few tears, and give you butterflies.
The storyline is a precarious balancing act of feelings and emotions that had my heart in a chokehold. Lo and Aidan’s relationship is so beautifully fragile and their journey is a tough one. Can they find the courage to claim the happiness they both so desperately deserve?
This was a book full of so many feelings and of so much love. The dialogue is funny and heartfelt. The characters are fun-loving, endearing, and easily relatable. I smiled a lot while reading and couldn’t contain a few chuckles.
I know I’m mentioning love a lot, but that’s the best way I can describe Heart Strings. All the actions, all the drama, all the earth-shattering and heartwrenching things that happen in this book, are colored with love. Love of a parent. Love of a friend. Love of family. And a love so raw, it defies definition.
I am looking forward to the next book.
FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.
Excerpt & Purchase Links
About the Author
 |
| Photo: © Eero Loera |
*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.
Friday, July 18, 2025
Review: Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh
The hunt for a stealthy predator takes a damaged J-Psy to the heart of falcon territory in this new Psy-Changeling Trinity novel from New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh…
.tiff)
About the Book
Justice-Psy Eleri Dias knows the end is near for her, her mind one step away from fatal psychic exposure. In the short time that remains, she is determined to atone for an act of omission that has haunted her for a long, cruel decade. But that decision not only means facing a powerful changeling wing leader, but also putting herself in the path of a serial killer.
Falcon wing leader Adam Garrett is fiercely protective of his family and his clan. After losing his parents as a teenager in a shocking act of malice, Adam has no forgiveness in him for the J-Psy who betrayed him, betrayed them, at the most painful moment of his life. But the evil that stalks his territory will allow him no respite, forcing him once more into contact with the J he has never been able to forget.
Everything that could’ve been between Eleri and Adam was lost years ago, a shimmering promise crushed. As they work to uncover a monster, the moment of reckoning looms ever closer. Soon, there may be no more time left for either atonement…or love…
Excerpt
Eleri snapped the tight band on her wrist when she felt the memories begin to take hold, unravel one by one. So many nights she and Reagan had sat across from each other as he taught her how to scan a memory into her own mind, then how to project that “impression” to others. So many days she’d sat beside him in the courtroom as he waited to go up into the witness box.
The sting of the elastic band was just enough to snap her out of the loop. It wasn’t the pain—she’d experienced far more pain in her life. It was the fact that she’d been doing the same thing for years, ever since she took her first involuntary step on the path to becoming a Sensitive. A little dissonance loop she’d built for herself outside the laws and rules of Silence.
Most of the time, the memories that threatened to drown her were those of the monsters, but every so often, it was her own memory of Reagan as he’d been at the very end.
Blood, so much blood, his throat gurgling and hand clutching at her as he gasped for breath.
Allowing Reagan to be sucked into the black hole of the past with the snap of the band, Eleri considered her next steps. With the room secure, she could leave her clothing and other items here—other than the mobile comm, which was always on her wrist, she had nothing worth stealing. But she could as easily unload her overnight bag after she’d taken a first pass at the diner.
Decision made, she left the room, engaged her security system, then crossed over to her vehicle. Once inside, she thought about peeling off her gloves but decided against it. Much as she craved time without that physical shield on her hands, the diner wasn’t far per the search she’d just run. She’d only have to put them back on again, and no doubt people would be watching her as soon as she pulled up.
Small towns loved to watch outsiders.
The cypress trees that lined the drive to the inn threw dappled shadows across her vehicle as she drove out, and without thought, she lowered her window to listen to the silence.
Adam.
He’d caused this crack in the wall between her and the world today, a fracture that might yet take her under.
She snapped the rubber band again . . . and rolled up the window.
Turning left out of the drive, she found herself looking down the deserted road shadowed by trees to a vehicle parked up ahead. A man in jeans and a short-sleeve white shirt leaned against it. His skin glowed in the sunlight, his silky hair dark and just long enough to flow around his face, and his body far more muscled than it had been ten years ago.
He’d been younger then, his body lankier and not quite finished.
Her pulse accelerated though she’d long ago stopped being nervous with anyone. Js were too often in the minds of the dregs of civilization for their Silence to stay in any way perfect, so the nervousness itself hadn’t disqualified her from her job. Reagan had just taught her to think past it.
Then it had dulled and dulled again, each reconditioning stealing a little more of her soul—if she’d ever had one to begin with. Until at last, she felt nothing at all when she sat across from the most vicious criminals the world had ever seen and waded into the fetid swamp of their minds and memories.
But today, her tongue dried up, her pulse kicked, and she found herself driving slower and slower as she neared the man who had once, long ago, made her wonder if she could have another life, live an existence devoid of murder and violence and a relentless march of screams.
Adam had parked before he got to the inn, his intention to shift and fly over to see what he could glean about the stranger who’d pulled him toward her though they were separated by air and sky. Then he’d heard the quiet purr of a vehicle and guessed it to be hers—no other guests at the inn right now.
So he’d got out and waited, just a local who’d paused to take in some air.
The rugged all-terrain SUV turned out of the inn’s drive with the clear intent to pick up speed, but Adam didn’t flinch. He could get out of the way without losing a feather if it came to that. But the driver began to slow some distance out and brought the tough vehicle to a stop three feet from him. The windows were tinted but the windscreen clear.
Her gaze was unreadable as she looked at him . . . and his rage a hurricane.
Her.
His talons thrust at the tips of his fingers, the raptor inside him ready to rip her to shreds. She’d lost the softness, a sharp thinness to her face that made her look far older than he knew her to be, but it was definitely her. The pretty J with eyes like the desert after the rains who’d made him smile in sheer joy only an hour before she stood unmoving and silent next to the man who had stolen justice from Adam and his family for an unforgivable and premeditated crime.
He could still remember each and every second of the experience that had forever altered him, destroying in minutes a life he’d only just discovered. Justice Psy were called that because they were telepaths who could reach into the minds of Psy and humans, pull out memories to do with a specific incident or crime, then broadcast those memories out to humans and Psy.
Changelings were excluded because of their powerful natural shields. Too hard to get anything in or out without smashing their minds to pieces. But that hadn’t been a disadvantage in that courtroom where an arrogant Psy landholder was meant to be held to account for the murder of Adam’s parents.
His paternal grandmother was human, as was Jenesse, his mother’s closest friend and a woman who’d been an aunt in all but blood to Saoirse and Adam. The two women had allowed the broadcast to reach their minds, watching the supposed “memory” from start to finish even as the court’s designated J-Psy interpreter spoke the memory aloud for the rest of them.
J-Psy were trusted because they were meant to be unable to change the memories they retrieved. They had to be trusted—once they went in and took a memory, it could never again be retrieved by another J.
That day Adam learned that the whole “Js can’t lie” thing was a pile of f*#ing bull. The J who’d stood beside the woman in the vehicle had altered the perpetrator’s memories.
And a double murderer had walked free.
He didn’t even realize he’d moved until he found himself staring straight through the windscreen at the woman on the other side, the hard metal of the car brushing his thighs as the wild creature in him rose to the surface in a blaze of rage . . . and things unspoken too long contained.
Excerpted from Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh. Copyright © 2025 by Nalini Singh.
The sting of the elastic band was just enough to snap her out of the loop. It wasn’t the pain—she’d experienced far more pain in her life. It was the fact that she’d been doing the same thing for years, ever since she took her first involuntary step on the path to becoming a Sensitive. A little dissonance loop she’d built for herself outside the laws and rules of Silence.
Most of the time, the memories that threatened to drown her were those of the monsters, but every so often, it was her own memory of Reagan as he’d been at the very end.
Blood, so much blood, his throat gurgling and hand clutching at her as he gasped for breath.
Allowing Reagan to be sucked into the black hole of the past with the snap of the band, Eleri considered her next steps. With the room secure, she could leave her clothing and other items here—other than the mobile comm, which was always on her wrist, she had nothing worth stealing. But she could as easily unload her overnight bag after she’d taken a first pass at the diner.
Decision made, she left the room, engaged her security system, then crossed over to her vehicle. Once inside, she thought about peeling off her gloves but decided against it. Much as she craved time without that physical shield on her hands, the diner wasn’t far per the search she’d just run. She’d only have to put them back on again, and no doubt people would be watching her as soon as she pulled up.
Small towns loved to watch outsiders.
The cypress trees that lined the drive to the inn threw dappled shadows across her vehicle as she drove out, and without thought, she lowered her window to listen to the silence.
Adam.
He’d caused this crack in the wall between her and the world today, a fracture that might yet take her under.
She snapped the rubber band again . . . and rolled up the window.
Turning left out of the drive, she found herself looking down the deserted road shadowed by trees to a vehicle parked up ahead. A man in jeans and a short-sleeve white shirt leaned against it. His skin glowed in the sunlight, his silky hair dark and just long enough to flow around his face, and his body far more muscled than it had been ten years ago.
He’d been younger then, his body lankier and not quite finished.
Her pulse accelerated though she’d long ago stopped being nervous with anyone. Js were too often in the minds of the dregs of civilization for their Silence to stay in any way perfect, so the nervousness itself hadn’t disqualified her from her job. Reagan had just taught her to think past it.
Then it had dulled and dulled again, each reconditioning stealing a little more of her soul—if she’d ever had one to begin with. Until at last, she felt nothing at all when she sat across from the most vicious criminals the world had ever seen and waded into the fetid swamp of their minds and memories.
But today, her tongue dried up, her pulse kicked, and she found herself driving slower and slower as she neared the man who had once, long ago, made her wonder if she could have another life, live an existence devoid of murder and violence and a relentless march of screams.
Adam had parked before he got to the inn, his intention to shift and fly over to see what he could glean about the stranger who’d pulled him toward her though they were separated by air and sky. Then he’d heard the quiet purr of a vehicle and guessed it to be hers—no other guests at the inn right now.
So he’d got out and waited, just a local who’d paused to take in some air.
The rugged all-terrain SUV turned out of the inn’s drive with the clear intent to pick up speed, but Adam didn’t flinch. He could get out of the way without losing a feather if it came to that. But the driver began to slow some distance out and brought the tough vehicle to a stop three feet from him. The windows were tinted but the windscreen clear.
Her gaze was unreadable as she looked at him . . . and his rage a hurricane.
Her.
His talons thrust at the tips of his fingers, the raptor inside him ready to rip her to shreds. She’d lost the softness, a sharp thinness to her face that made her look far older than he knew her to be, but it was definitely her. The pretty J with eyes like the desert after the rains who’d made him smile in sheer joy only an hour before she stood unmoving and silent next to the man who had stolen justice from Adam and his family for an unforgivable and premeditated crime.
He could still remember each and every second of the experience that had forever altered him, destroying in minutes a life he’d only just discovered. Justice Psy were called that because they were telepaths who could reach into the minds of Psy and humans, pull out memories to do with a specific incident or crime, then broadcast those memories out to humans and Psy.
Changelings were excluded because of their powerful natural shields. Too hard to get anything in or out without smashing their minds to pieces. But that hadn’t been a disadvantage in that courtroom where an arrogant Psy landholder was meant to be held to account for the murder of Adam’s parents.
His paternal grandmother was human, as was Jenesse, his mother’s closest friend and a woman who’d been an aunt in all but blood to Saoirse and Adam. The two women had allowed the broadcast to reach their minds, watching the supposed “memory” from start to finish even as the court’s designated J-Psy interpreter spoke the memory aloud for the rest of them.
J-Psy were trusted because they were meant to be unable to change the memories they retrieved. They had to be trusted—once they went in and took a memory, it could never again be retrieved by another J.
That day Adam learned that the whole “Js can’t lie” thing was a pile of f*#ing bull. The J who’d stood beside the woman in the vehicle had altered the perpetrator’s memories.
And a double murderer had walked free.
He didn’t even realize he’d moved until he found himself staring straight through the windscreen at the woman on the other side, the hard metal of the car brushing his thighs as the wild creature in him rose to the surface in a blaze of rage . . . and things unspoken too long contained.
Excerpted from Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh. Copyright © 2025 by Nalini Singh.
My Review
I am absolutely blown away by this part of the PsyChangeling Trinity series! I love that we finally get to learn more about Adam and the WindHaven clan!
Oh, this story is so exciting! There’s action, adventure, mystery, suspense, more mystery, and a second chance romance that’ll sweep you off your feet, literally!
We first met Adam in Branded By Fire (Psy-Changeling #6) and I have always been curious about him and his feathery clan of winged shifters. Adam’s been on the outskirts of the series making a few cameos here and there but now he finally gets the spotlight. His story is full of grief, perseverance, strength, and vengeance. Does he have room for forgiveness, too? Let’s find out!
Eleri is a Justice-Psy dangerously close to her expiration date. You see, Justice-Psy–or Js–as they’re often referred to, use physical touch to read the minds of accused criminals to obtain guilt or innocence. But walking in one’s mind has a huge drawback, the Js absorb the feelings and emotions that go along with those thoughts which have a negative impact on the Js and their mental shields. Mental shields are used by all Psy to protect themselves from others and to protect others from their minds and their psychic gifts.
To prevent the build up of emotions affecting the Js, they frequently undergo a reconditioning procedure that wipes them clean of these emotional experiences, leaving them with their functioning J abilities and not much else. Too many wipes and their shields rapidly start to deteriorate. And when their mental shields are gone, Js suffer a horrible death as they are swamped by the noise in their heads from years of exposure. Eleri’s got just enough time left to right a few wrongs and give justice to those long since denied.
While Eleri is a new character, she’s not new to Adam’s life. They have an explosive history you don’t want to miss!
Atonement Sky is amazing and full of so many surprises and few familiar faces from the series! I am so excited for everyone to read the book!
I absolutely loved it and I especially loved how the author respected the culture of the Diné (Navajo) indigenous people and how she beautifully threaded it into the story.
I highly recommend Atonement Sky and every book in the Psy-Changeling universe!
Where will Nalini Singh take us next? I don’t know but I’m here for it!
FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.
Purchase Links
About the Author
.jpg) |
| Photo: © Sharyn Barratt |
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh is passionate about writing. Though she’s traveled as far afield as the deserts of China, the temples of Japan, and the frozen landscapes of Antarctica, it is the journey of the imagination that fascinates her most. She’s beyond delighted to be able to follow her dream as a writer.
She is the author of the Psy-Changeling novels, including Primal Mirror, Resonance Surge, and Storm Echo. She is also the author of the Guild Hunter series, including Archangel’s Lineage, Archangel’s Resurrection, and Archangel’s Light, and three stand-alone thrillers: There Should Have Been Eight, Quiet in Her Bones, and A Madness of Sunshine. Learn more at nalinisingh.com.
*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.
Read-Along Review: One Fell Sweep by Ilona Andrews
I am so excited to be taking part in Books of My Heart's annual Read-Along!
This year, the blog picked The Edge and Innkeeper Chronicles series by Ilona Andrews!
One Fell Sweep is the third book in the Innkeeper Chronicles series and is an exciting story full of action, adventure, subterfuge, and surprises!
.jpg)
About the Book
Dina DeMille may run the nicest Bed and Breakfast in Red Deer, Texas, but she caters to very particular kind of guest… the kind that no one on Earth is supposed to know about. Guests like a former intergalactic tyrant with an impressive bounty on her head, the Lord Marshal of a powerful vampire clan, and a displaced-and-superhot werewolf; so don’t stand too close, or you may be collateral damage.
But what passes for Dina’s normal life is about to be thrown into chaos. First, she must rescue her long-distant older sister, Maud, who’s been exiled with her family to a planet that functions as the most lawless penal colony since Botany Bay. Then she agrees to help a guest whose last chance at saving his civilization could bring death and disaster to all Dina holds dear. Now Gertrude Hunt is under siege by a clan of assassins. To keep her guests safe and to find her missing parents, Dina will risk everything, even if she has and may have to pay the ultimate price. Though Sean may have something to say about that.
My Review
I absolutely LOVE this book!
Strong women representation is in full force in One Fell Sweep.
I love that we finally get to meet Dina's sister Maud and Maud's super cute daughter Helen.
I love how serious Dina takes her job and how her strong morals, principles, and vows never waiver in defense of her guests. Dina and Maud seriously kick ass.
The storyline is exciting, engaging, and brilliantly written. I want to climb inside this series and hang out with Dina, Sean, her Grace, and the rest of the innkeeper bunch!
On to the next book!
Purchase Links
Want to join the fun? Visit Books of My Heart's blog post HERE!
Don't forget to enter the giveaways!
About the Author
“Ilona Andrews” is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Texas with their two children and many dogs and cats.
They have co-authored several bestselling series, including the #1 NYT bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels, rustic fantasy of the Edge, paranormal romance of Hidden Legacy, and Innkeeper Chronicles, which they post as a free weekly serial. For complete list of their books, fun extras, and Innkeeper installments, please visit their website at Ilona-andrews.com.
*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Release Blitz: The Reluctant Flirt by Jennifer Probst
Just one night…but it changes everything.
The Reluctant Flirt, an all-new steamy, swoon-filled forced proximity, small town romance set in the Outer Banks world from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst & Blue Box Press is now live!
Just one night…
After discovering her husband’s affair, Sierra Lourde flees to New York City for a little damage control—and a lot of wine. A tipsy night in a bar with a charming stranger seems like the perfect way to forget her troubles. No names, no promises, just one night to escape reality and regain her confidence. The next morning, mortified by her vulnerability, she flees without looking back. But who needs closure, right?
But one night changes everything…
Sierra has reinvented herself as the proud owner of Flirt, a trendy boutique in the Outer Banks. Life is good—until Kane Masterson, the man she left behind, walks back into town. And of course, he’s now the developer whose big new project threatens to bulldoze her beloved shop. Kane needs this deal to save his career, but Sierra’s not about to let him demolish her hard-won success.
With sparks flying, sarcastic jabs turning into lingering looks, and a family wedding forcing them into close quarters, Sierra and Kane find themselves tangled in a battle of wills—and hearts. But now he has to choose: reclaim his career or risk everything for a second chance with the one woman he can’t forget.
Start Reading Today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47cTtcF
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/TheReluctantFlirt
B&N: https://bit.ly/3Glt6Iw
Apple Books: https://bit.ly/45RS78w
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3G7ecWh
Google Play: https://bit.ly/44IOu3w
Add The Reluctant Flirt to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3QaT6aP
Start the interconnected series with Book of the Month today→
For more information about Jennifer Probst, visit:
For More Information about 1001 Dark Nights
Website: https://www.1001darknights.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3ONzTtZ
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rTZdo3
TikTok: https://bit.ly/3G98oYh
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Review: A Charming Touch of Tarot by Melissa Holtz
A Charming Touch of Tarot is the second novel in the Gin & Tarot Club by Melissa Holtz!
This series is magical mystery tour of ghostly gasps, spooky spirits, and mystical mayhem!
Grab your copy today!
About the Book
Four friends discover that their new magical skills may not be enough to save them from a stalker hell-bent on turning their lives upside down.
Alyssa, Nina, Lanie, and Corinne’s friendship is being put to the test. With Nina’s marriage falling apart, Lanie acting distant, Alyssa’s new romance, and no one quite trusting Corinne, this may be more than their bond can take. But when Nina appears at Alyssa’s door, and confesses not just a decades-old secret, but a newfound magical power, the friends know that the only way to face this is together.
Someone has been blackmailing Nina for years, but lately the threats to reveal her secret have changed to threats on her life, and on the lives of those she loves. With Alyssa contacting ghosts for insight and Nina getting used to her telepathy skills, they dash from city to city to track down the threat. There’s someone out there that will go to any lengths to keep their control over Nina, and it will take all four friends to get out of this without ruining, or losing, their lives. But with the strength of their friendship—and a little help from the beyond—these women are out to prove they’re not to be messed with.
Excerpt
1
The Moon
I watch from the doorframe of my great room, savoring the moment. My favorite people are all here, under one roof, celebrating Christmas Eve together, and it's a sight that warms my heart.
Lanie, Nina, and Ava are huddled together in their matching red-and-white plaid reindeer jammies, alternating between shoving holiday goodies into their mouths and sipping from piping-hot mugs of Baileys hot chocolate, minus the Baileys for Ava.
The largest charcuterie board I've ever made sits on the coffee table, overflowing with an assortment of cheeses, crackers, popcorn, and various cookies and candies I purchased from a bakery in downtown Knox Harbor.
I've been running back and forth from the kitchen playing the part of hostess, a role I've always enjoyed but haven't been up to for some time.
In the past few years, the merriness of the season was tempered by sorrow and self-pity. Tonight, it's been all laughter and no tears.
The way Christmas Eve should be.
Those who matter most are in this room, singing along to the song playing on the television. Lanie belts out "Deck the Halls," punching at the air; Nina pulls in her upper lip, grimacing into the side of Lanie's head; and Ava sings the song without a care in the world, just happy to have her two aunts here with us.
We're bonded by more than blood and DNA. These are sacred friendships that we've chosen. They weren't thrust upon us out of duty and an age-old tale that blood somehow trumps all. While my parents are hundreds of miles away, likely playing cards with friends, my made family is here, choosing me, and that's not something I take lightly.
Since the accident that took Garrett from me, Lanie has made Christmas Eve our thing. It was her attempt to pull me out of my despair long enough to ensure that Ava had the Christmas she deserved. This time, we have the bonus of Nina being here.
Before this year, she has always been required to attend Knox Harbor's Christmas Eve ball, a charity event that her slimy ex had nothing to do with organizing but took all the credit for. Due to the shocking events that unfolded earlier this year, the event was cancelled.
I take a second to relish how this year, Richard Dunbar is celebrating Christmas in prison, while Nina gets to curl up on my oversize couch, comfortable and cozy. Not only did Richard cover up his son's drunk driving homicide, but he was also behind two murders and the car accident that took Garrett from me and Ava.
Pure evil.
He's eating crappy food while Nina gorges on treats that she typically didn't allow herself, because he would throw a fit over any weight gain. He's sitting in a cell, staring at concrete walls, and she gets to binge-watch every sappy Hallmark movie she can fit into one night. Movies he never allowed her to watch in her own home.
Oh, how sweet karma can be.
"Are you done stalking?" Lanie calls over her shoulder, not bothering to take her eyes off the television.
"I wasn't stalking anything. If you haven't noticed, the platters of food don't magically fill themselves."
Ava turns toward me, smiling like a loon. "You should really get on that. A magic house that cooks and cleans sounds like a game changer."
I smirk. "I'll make sure to add that to my Santa list next year."
Ava half rolls her eyes, grinning wide and twisting back toward the television.
"I just figured you were keeping an eye on the house next door for any signs of movement," Lanie says, shoving popcorn into her mouth.
"We just started dating. I'm hardly inspecting his house for proof of life. It's not like I haven't talked to him."
Lanie peaks one perfectly microbladed eyebrow. "Have you? Talked to him? Because I've seen you check your phone no less than ten times in the last hour . . ."
"Why do you always make me sound so pathetic? I've been having too much fun with all of you. I haven't thought about him once."
A slight lie, but Lanie Anderson doesn't need to be proven right.
"How about you come sit and finish the movie with us," Ava suggests, patting the couch cushion. "Ignore Aunt Lanie. If you were thinking about Mr. West, that's perfectly normal."
"I agree with Ava. Ignore Aunt Lanie." Nina purses her lips when she turns toward Lanie, who isn't at all bothered. "Come join us. We have plenty of food. Enjoy your time with Aves."
I should absolutely be soaking in every moment I have with her. The two-week break she gets is never long enough. Soon she'll be returning to school, and I'll be in this empty house all alone.
I make my way to the couch, taking the seat next to Ava. She smiles at me, squeezing my hand as she scooches in closer, offering to share her blanket.
"What have I missed?" I ask, eyes trained on the big screen.
"She just got whisked back in time by that sand thingy."
I lift an eyebrow at Ava's explanation.
"I think you mean hourglass," Nina says.
"Whatever it is. She's about to see the hot actor," Lanie says, grabbing a handful of Cheez-It crackers. "It's about to get swoony."
"Are you hungry, Lanie?" I ask, completely mystified by the sheer amount of junk she's consumed in the past ten minutes. While she has never shied away from food, she typically grabs healthier options. I feel bad that I didn't opt to serve a meal.
She purses her lips. "Is that a fat quip?"
"I'm offering to make you actual food if you're hungry." I motion to the large platter. "I really didn't think this through."
She wipes her hand on her pajamas. "I'm simply using the holiday as an excuse to indulge. Nothing wrong with that."
"I didn't say there was. I was only attempting to be a proper host."
"You failed," she singsongs.
"Can you two just get along so we can watch the meet-cute?" Nina reprimands, a hint of humor in her tone.
Ava squeals, clapping her hands and shimmying in her seat, clearly ready for what's to come. "Meet-cutes are the best part."
My head shakes and my chest bounces, barely containing the laughter that bubbles within at Ava's reaction. My little girl is sixteen. She's a young adult, interested in love and romance, something that wasn't the case a year ago.
"Here, this is yours," Nina says, passing over a mug. "It might be a tad cold by now, but it's good."
"Thank you." I take a sip and sigh.
The temperature is perfect. Not too hot and not too cold. The hint of Baileys just enough to make the cocoa even better.
We all settle in to watch the movie, oohing and ahhing at every twist that arises. It's cute. Your typical Christmas love story, complete with magic and humor. The type of movies we all enjoy this time of year.
Over an hour goes by, and we're moments from the movie's conclusion when the doorbell rings.
Ava looks over her shoulder, grinning from ear to ear. When she turns toward me, she lifts one brow. "Who could that be?"
My eyes are narrowed as I run through the short list of possibilities.
I quickly eliminate Nick West. I've peeked at the house next door for any signs of him a few times tonight, only to find it dark. He's likely working late at the station.
That's been his excuse for the three dates he's cancelled in the past two weeks. Ever since the night Nina showed up on my doorstep, looking as though she'd been run through the mud, he's been distant.
I did send him away without an explanation, but he can't be angry with me about that. Nina's practically family, and she was distraught. I needed to be there for her and didn't think she'd be open to spilling her guts with Nick hanging around.
"Well . . . are you going to answer it or let them freeze out there?" Ava asks, cutting off all thoughts of Nick.
I jump up from the couch and rush toward the door because she's right-it's a chilly night, and nobody should be left to freeze on Christmas Eve.
Pressing my eye to the little round hole, I check to see who it is, but there's nobody out there. At least, not that I can see. A strange feeling washes over me, and I decide not to open the door. Instead, I make my way to the white-trimmed picture window, staring down the road both ways.
The soft glow of twinkling lights glistens off the freshly fallen snow all the way down my street. It's a stunning sight that distracts me from my initial reason for peering out my window into the dark night.
There's nothing and no one to be seen. Not even taillights in the distance proving that someone had been on my doorstep.
Bizarre.
I'm about to turn around when a figure pops up from the bushes, two horns protruding from a demonic face. Its hands reach out to tap an eerie cadence against the window. I screech, stumbling backward, grabbing at air. With a quick twist, I crouch low, instinctively assuming a defensive stance. Thankfully, I manage to avoid the embarrassment of falling on my ass. I swiftly right myself in time to see the creature remove its head to unmask Corinne, bent over, laughing hysterically.
"What the hell's going on?" Lanie says, rushing into the room with Nina and Ava right on her heels.
I motion toward the window, working to calm my racing heart.
"That asshole," Lanie says, throwing her head back and laughing. "I love her."
Leave it to Lanie to find this funny. I about had a coronary, but who cares about that minor detail?
Nina throws open the front door, standing to the side, giving Corinne enough room to enter. "Get in here, you menace."
I take a step forward, hands planted on my hips. "What were you trying to do? Give me a heart attack?"
She shrugs out of her coat, throwing it over the chair. "Playing Krampus. Have you been naughty?"
"It's not Krampusnacht, idiot. You're a few weeks off," Lanie says, half rolling her eyes.
"Idiot is too kind a term." I grab her coat and head toward the office, where the others have been stashed.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were tied up with Moradi Madness," Lanie says, but I miss Corinne's reply as I step away from the group.
I deposit the black bomber jacket into the pitch-black room and give myself a moment to laugh at the absurdity that just occurred. I almost went down, and if it had been Lanie, I would be rolling on the ground laughing.
That's the thing about the friendships I have with these girls. They all bring something unique to the group. Corinne's happens to be youth and the reminder that no matter our age, laughter and silliness is the best medicine.
I chuckle to myself before rejoining my friends who are all gathered in the front room, chatting away about Corinne's brother, Darian. From what I've pieced together, he was ordered to bring her here to ensure something goes down.
"What exactly is going down?" I ask, glancing around the room for someone to explain.
"Not you," Lanie says, chuckling at herself.
My nose scrunches, and I glare daggers at Lanie, looking out of the corner of my eye at Ava, who clearly got the joke, if her giggling is any indicator.
Nina sighs heavily. "Do you always have to be so crass, Lane?"
Lanie doesn't answer, and Ava has inquired about the lore surrounding Krampus. Corinne is far too eager to give all the horrific details. I zone out, knowing the story behind the Christmas devil.
My head turns toward the window, and I watch as large flakes continue to fall from the sky, blanketing the ground. It's a winter wonderland out there, the perfect scenery for the holiday.
Movement to the left has my eyes narrowing as I lean forward.
"What the . . ." My words trail off as I stand to get closer to the glass. "Is that Mrs. Fields?"
Standing on the sidewalk, out in the dark, cold, winter night, a barely dressed Mrs. Fields appears to be talking to thin air. She's in her pale pink nightgown, hair secured under a white shower cap, finger lifted as if she's in the middle of a lecture.
The others get to their feet, joining me at the window.
"Is that a nightgown?" Nina asks, and I nod.
"She's not wearing shoes?" Ava says, nose practically pressed against the window.
"Looks like she's wearing slippers," Nina replies to Ava.
The frail woman has her fist raised into the air, moving it around like she's moments away from crashing it against someone's head. Something isn't right with her.
"She's going to freeze out there," I say, heading toward the door.
With my hand on the knob, I look down, recognizing that I'm not exactly dressed appropriately either.
"Let me grab our coats," Lanie says, rushing off before I can agree or protest.
"Nina, throw me that blanket." I motion to the unused fleece throw hanging off the back of the couch.
Within a minute, Lanie is back and practically hurling my coat at me as she slings hers on. She makes her way out into the freezing night with me close behind.
"Mrs. Fields, what on earth are you doing out here? You're gonna freeze," I say, jogging across the street, hitting a piece of ice that nearly takes me out. A patch of snow saves me from my second almost-fall of the night. I'm holding the blanket up to put it around her shoulders, but she stares right through me. It's like this for several moments until her eyelashes flutter and her mouth drops open. She pops a closed fist on her hip and begins a tirade.
"Well, I came out here to see what she was doing out in the cold." She shakes her head, tsking. "Dressed like that. I've never," she grumbles. "Last time I saw a woman dressed that scandalously . . . well . . . it was you," she says, pursing her lips and looking up at Lanie. "Ladies don't dress like that."
"It was Halloween, Mrs. Fields. I was a nurse."
Mrs. Fields makes a noise that sounds an awful lot like clearing phlegm from her throat.
"What woman?" I ask, looking around the area only to find it absent of anyone aside from Mrs. Fields and us.
"That one," she says, gesturing behind me.
We all turn to find nothing but cold air and darkness.
Excerpted from A Charming Touch of Tarot by Melissa Holtz. Copyright © 2025 by Melissa Holtz. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
The Moon
I watch from the doorframe of my great room, savoring the moment. My favorite people are all here, under one roof, celebrating Christmas Eve together, and it's a sight that warms my heart.
Lanie, Nina, and Ava are huddled together in their matching red-and-white plaid reindeer jammies, alternating between shoving holiday goodies into their mouths and sipping from piping-hot mugs of Baileys hot chocolate, minus the Baileys for Ava.
The largest charcuterie board I've ever made sits on the coffee table, overflowing with an assortment of cheeses, crackers, popcorn, and various cookies and candies I purchased from a bakery in downtown Knox Harbor.
I've been running back and forth from the kitchen playing the part of hostess, a role I've always enjoyed but haven't been up to for some time.
In the past few years, the merriness of the season was tempered by sorrow and self-pity. Tonight, it's been all laughter and no tears.
The way Christmas Eve should be.
Those who matter most are in this room, singing along to the song playing on the television. Lanie belts out "Deck the Halls," punching at the air; Nina pulls in her upper lip, grimacing into the side of Lanie's head; and Ava sings the song without a care in the world, just happy to have her two aunts here with us.
We're bonded by more than blood and DNA. These are sacred friendships that we've chosen. They weren't thrust upon us out of duty and an age-old tale that blood somehow trumps all. While my parents are hundreds of miles away, likely playing cards with friends, my made family is here, choosing me, and that's not something I take lightly.
Since the accident that took Garrett from me, Lanie has made Christmas Eve our thing. It was her attempt to pull me out of my despair long enough to ensure that Ava had the Christmas she deserved. This time, we have the bonus of Nina being here.
Before this year, she has always been required to attend Knox Harbor's Christmas Eve ball, a charity event that her slimy ex had nothing to do with organizing but took all the credit for. Due to the shocking events that unfolded earlier this year, the event was cancelled.
I take a second to relish how this year, Richard Dunbar is celebrating Christmas in prison, while Nina gets to curl up on my oversize couch, comfortable and cozy. Not only did Richard cover up his son's drunk driving homicide, but he was also behind two murders and the car accident that took Garrett from me and Ava.
Pure evil.
He's eating crappy food while Nina gorges on treats that she typically didn't allow herself, because he would throw a fit over any weight gain. He's sitting in a cell, staring at concrete walls, and she gets to binge-watch every sappy Hallmark movie she can fit into one night. Movies he never allowed her to watch in her own home.
Oh, how sweet karma can be.
"Are you done stalking?" Lanie calls over her shoulder, not bothering to take her eyes off the television.
"I wasn't stalking anything. If you haven't noticed, the platters of food don't magically fill themselves."
Ava turns toward me, smiling like a loon. "You should really get on that. A magic house that cooks and cleans sounds like a game changer."
I smirk. "I'll make sure to add that to my Santa list next year."
Ava half rolls her eyes, grinning wide and twisting back toward the television.
"I just figured you were keeping an eye on the house next door for any signs of movement," Lanie says, shoving popcorn into her mouth.
"We just started dating. I'm hardly inspecting his house for proof of life. It's not like I haven't talked to him."
Lanie peaks one perfectly microbladed eyebrow. "Have you? Talked to him? Because I've seen you check your phone no less than ten times in the last hour . . ."
"Why do you always make me sound so pathetic? I've been having too much fun with all of you. I haven't thought about him once."
A slight lie, but Lanie Anderson doesn't need to be proven right.
"How about you come sit and finish the movie with us," Ava suggests, patting the couch cushion. "Ignore Aunt Lanie. If you were thinking about Mr. West, that's perfectly normal."
"I agree with Ava. Ignore Aunt Lanie." Nina purses her lips when she turns toward Lanie, who isn't at all bothered. "Come join us. We have plenty of food. Enjoy your time with Aves."
I should absolutely be soaking in every moment I have with her. The two-week break she gets is never long enough. Soon she'll be returning to school, and I'll be in this empty house all alone.
I make my way to the couch, taking the seat next to Ava. She smiles at me, squeezing my hand as she scooches in closer, offering to share her blanket.
"What have I missed?" I ask, eyes trained on the big screen.
"She just got whisked back in time by that sand thingy."
I lift an eyebrow at Ava's explanation.
"I think you mean hourglass," Nina says.
"Whatever it is. She's about to see the hot actor," Lanie says, grabbing a handful of Cheez-It crackers. "It's about to get swoony."
"Are you hungry, Lanie?" I ask, completely mystified by the sheer amount of junk she's consumed in the past ten minutes. While she has never shied away from food, she typically grabs healthier options. I feel bad that I didn't opt to serve a meal.
She purses her lips. "Is that a fat quip?"
"I'm offering to make you actual food if you're hungry." I motion to the large platter. "I really didn't think this through."
She wipes her hand on her pajamas. "I'm simply using the holiday as an excuse to indulge. Nothing wrong with that."
"I didn't say there was. I was only attempting to be a proper host."
"You failed," she singsongs.
"Can you two just get along so we can watch the meet-cute?" Nina reprimands, a hint of humor in her tone.
Ava squeals, clapping her hands and shimmying in her seat, clearly ready for what's to come. "Meet-cutes are the best part."
My head shakes and my chest bounces, barely containing the laughter that bubbles within at Ava's reaction. My little girl is sixteen. She's a young adult, interested in love and romance, something that wasn't the case a year ago.
"Here, this is yours," Nina says, passing over a mug. "It might be a tad cold by now, but it's good."
"Thank you." I take a sip and sigh.
The temperature is perfect. Not too hot and not too cold. The hint of Baileys just enough to make the cocoa even better.
We all settle in to watch the movie, oohing and ahhing at every twist that arises. It's cute. Your typical Christmas love story, complete with magic and humor. The type of movies we all enjoy this time of year.
Over an hour goes by, and we're moments from the movie's conclusion when the doorbell rings.
Ava looks over her shoulder, grinning from ear to ear. When she turns toward me, she lifts one brow. "Who could that be?"
My eyes are narrowed as I run through the short list of possibilities.
I quickly eliminate Nick West. I've peeked at the house next door for any signs of him a few times tonight, only to find it dark. He's likely working late at the station.
That's been his excuse for the three dates he's cancelled in the past two weeks. Ever since the night Nina showed up on my doorstep, looking as though she'd been run through the mud, he's been distant.
I did send him away without an explanation, but he can't be angry with me about that. Nina's practically family, and she was distraught. I needed to be there for her and didn't think she'd be open to spilling her guts with Nick hanging around.
"Well . . . are you going to answer it or let them freeze out there?" Ava asks, cutting off all thoughts of Nick.
I jump up from the couch and rush toward the door because she's right-it's a chilly night, and nobody should be left to freeze on Christmas Eve.
Pressing my eye to the little round hole, I check to see who it is, but there's nobody out there. At least, not that I can see. A strange feeling washes over me, and I decide not to open the door. Instead, I make my way to the white-trimmed picture window, staring down the road both ways.
The soft glow of twinkling lights glistens off the freshly fallen snow all the way down my street. It's a stunning sight that distracts me from my initial reason for peering out my window into the dark night.
There's nothing and no one to be seen. Not even taillights in the distance proving that someone had been on my doorstep.
Bizarre.
I'm about to turn around when a figure pops up from the bushes, two horns protruding from a demonic face. Its hands reach out to tap an eerie cadence against the window. I screech, stumbling backward, grabbing at air. With a quick twist, I crouch low, instinctively assuming a defensive stance. Thankfully, I manage to avoid the embarrassment of falling on my ass. I swiftly right myself in time to see the creature remove its head to unmask Corinne, bent over, laughing hysterically.
"What the hell's going on?" Lanie says, rushing into the room with Nina and Ava right on her heels.
I motion toward the window, working to calm my racing heart.
"That asshole," Lanie says, throwing her head back and laughing. "I love her."
Leave it to Lanie to find this funny. I about had a coronary, but who cares about that minor detail?
Nina throws open the front door, standing to the side, giving Corinne enough room to enter. "Get in here, you menace."
I take a step forward, hands planted on my hips. "What were you trying to do? Give me a heart attack?"
She shrugs out of her coat, throwing it over the chair. "Playing Krampus. Have you been naughty?"
"It's not Krampusnacht, idiot. You're a few weeks off," Lanie says, half rolling her eyes.
"Idiot is too kind a term." I grab her coat and head toward the office, where the others have been stashed.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were tied up with Moradi Madness," Lanie says, but I miss Corinne's reply as I step away from the group.
I deposit the black bomber jacket into the pitch-black room and give myself a moment to laugh at the absurdity that just occurred. I almost went down, and if it had been Lanie, I would be rolling on the ground laughing.
That's the thing about the friendships I have with these girls. They all bring something unique to the group. Corinne's happens to be youth and the reminder that no matter our age, laughter and silliness is the best medicine.
I chuckle to myself before rejoining my friends who are all gathered in the front room, chatting away about Corinne's brother, Darian. From what I've pieced together, he was ordered to bring her here to ensure something goes down.
"What exactly is going down?" I ask, glancing around the room for someone to explain.
"Not you," Lanie says, chuckling at herself.
My nose scrunches, and I glare daggers at Lanie, looking out of the corner of my eye at Ava, who clearly got the joke, if her giggling is any indicator.
Nina sighs heavily. "Do you always have to be so crass, Lane?"
Lanie doesn't answer, and Ava has inquired about the lore surrounding Krampus. Corinne is far too eager to give all the horrific details. I zone out, knowing the story behind the Christmas devil.
My head turns toward the window, and I watch as large flakes continue to fall from the sky, blanketing the ground. It's a winter wonderland out there, the perfect scenery for the holiday.
Movement to the left has my eyes narrowing as I lean forward.
"What the . . ." My words trail off as I stand to get closer to the glass. "Is that Mrs. Fields?"
Standing on the sidewalk, out in the dark, cold, winter night, a barely dressed Mrs. Fields appears to be talking to thin air. She's in her pale pink nightgown, hair secured under a white shower cap, finger lifted as if she's in the middle of a lecture.
The others get to their feet, joining me at the window.
"Is that a nightgown?" Nina asks, and I nod.
"She's not wearing shoes?" Ava says, nose practically pressed against the window.
"Looks like she's wearing slippers," Nina replies to Ava.
The frail woman has her fist raised into the air, moving it around like she's moments away from crashing it against someone's head. Something isn't right with her.
"She's going to freeze out there," I say, heading toward the door.
With my hand on the knob, I look down, recognizing that I'm not exactly dressed appropriately either.
"Let me grab our coats," Lanie says, rushing off before I can agree or protest.
"Nina, throw me that blanket." I motion to the unused fleece throw hanging off the back of the couch.
Within a minute, Lanie is back and practically hurling my coat at me as she slings hers on. She makes her way out into the freezing night with me close behind.
"Mrs. Fields, what on earth are you doing out here? You're gonna freeze," I say, jogging across the street, hitting a piece of ice that nearly takes me out. A patch of snow saves me from my second almost-fall of the night. I'm holding the blanket up to put it around her shoulders, but she stares right through me. It's like this for several moments until her eyelashes flutter and her mouth drops open. She pops a closed fist on her hip and begins a tirade.
"Well, I came out here to see what she was doing out in the cold." She shakes her head, tsking. "Dressed like that. I've never," she grumbles. "Last time I saw a woman dressed that scandalously . . . well . . . it was you," she says, pursing her lips and looking up at Lanie. "Ladies don't dress like that."
"It was Halloween, Mrs. Fields. I was a nurse."
Mrs. Fields makes a noise that sounds an awful lot like clearing phlegm from her throat.
"What woman?" I ask, looking around the area only to find it absent of anyone aside from Mrs. Fields and us.
"That one," she says, gesturing behind me.
We all turn to find nothing but cold air and darkness.
Excerpted from A Charming Touch of Tarot by Melissa Holtz. Copyright © 2025 by Melissa Holtz. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
My Review
What to expect when reading A Charming Touch of Tarot:
👻 Emotional story
👻 Full of surprises
👻 Mystery solving Scooby Doo-style gang
👻 Ghost whisperer
👻 Silver fox detective
👻 Family secrets
👻 Exorcism hijinks
👻 Diabolical enemies
👻 Game changing plot twist
What a wild ride. If my heart wasn’t clenching as Nick’s ex-fiancée’s ghost tries to matchmake Alyssa and Nick, it was in my throat as Nina and Lanie’s hidden secrets explode and have monumental consequences for the group. I was completely enthralled in the storyline and gasped with every revelation.
The jaw-dropping finale has me chomping at the bit for the next book.
FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.
Purchase Links
About the Author
Melissa Holtz is a former publicist and marketing expert in the romance genre. Now in an advisory role to several bestselling authors, she consults on industry marketing trends. An Enchanting Case of Spirits is her debut novel. Melissa also writes Romantasy under the pen name, Melissa Winters. You can learn more about both Melissas by visiting her website: melissaholtz.com/homepage
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Review: Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop by Sharon Booth
The second in the comforting, feel-good, romantic series with a dash of fantasy that started with Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall. ☕️
About the Book
An enchanting, cosy and feel-good romance Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Lucy Jane Wood and the hit BBC series Ghosts!
The beautiful Cotswold village of Rowan Vale is run as a living museum, allowing tourists to see history in action. But there’s more to the place than any visitor would guess… ✨
Fifty-something Shona grew up in the village and now runs its vintage, 1940s-themed teashop. Not everyone knows that the previous manager, her great-aunt Polly, still lives there too… as a ghost!
When newcomer Max arrives, hoping to find out more about the place where his German grandfather was a prisoner of war, both Shona and Polly are unsettled. Shona, because handsome, interesting Max is the first man to catch her eye since her divorce, and Polly, because she must finally confront the terrible truth about her past.
A 1940s-themed weekend planned for the village brings the families’ connections to a head and tragic secrets to light.
Can Shona help her ghostly great-aunt to find love and forgiveness once more, while also creating her own happy ever after?
My Review
Full of whimsy, ghosts, and history!
I really enjoy reading about the quirky village of Rowan Vale where history is alive… and so are the ghosts!
In this book we get to learn more about Shona who runs the local teashop and her family, including the ghost of her great-aunt, Polly. I love that there’s a town full of ghosts and that they have everyday lives, hold grudges, fall in–and out–love, take care of each other, and contribute to the betterment of Rowan Vale.
In Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop, there’s mystery, surprises, and loads of history surrounding World War II. It’s such a treat to read.
I was able to relate to Shona so well and her life as a single mom. She’s resilient and brave and deserves all the happiness in the world. The ghosts of Rowan Vale are lovely and steal the spotlight again in this delightfully whimsical story.
FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.
Purchase Links*
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble
Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play
Loving Spirits at the Vintage Teashop is currently FREE to read on Kindle Unlimited!
About the Author
Sharon Booth writes feel-good stories set in quirky villages and market towns, including the ‘Tuppeny Bridge’ series. Sharon writes cosy romances with a magical twist for Boldwood. She lives with her husband in East Yorkshire, England. Learn more at www.sharonboothwriter.com
*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)