Category: Books

Review: Dusk’s Devotion (Blue Ice Ranch #3) by V.L. Locey

Rating: 4🌈

Dusk’s Devotion is a terrific way to wrap up this western romance trilogy with its roots in another hockey romance series.

Locey ties up all loose storylines and manages to end the nasty ongoing feud that’s been a persistent flashpoint point of so many troubling events between the two major neighboring ranchers.

Told from one point of view, that of Kyle Abbott, long time ranchhand/irrigator and well established character from the preceding books.

It seems to be winter, the prodigious amounts of snow falling is about right for a Wyoming winter, especially around the Tetons. And the storm that blew in on Kyle as he went out to the furthest part of Blue Ice Ranch to feed and water the herd of cows pastured out that way until they could be brought in for calving and market.

I got into this section of the story. I love the Tetons, have ridden out there, and find its beauty beyond compare. Whatever the season. But to stay in Wyoming and be someone who has to work outside during the winter takes a certain fortitude. And love for the land which Locey captures very well.

It’s out at this remote cabin where Kyle’s staying, that as a blizzard arrives, so does a visitor.

What a fantastic idea and dramatic element!

It has so many different aspects to the idea of this entrance and it’s ramifications.

Shep McCrary comes from that despicable neighboring family of ranchers known for their bigotry, racism, homophobia, and actual crimes committed against the local indigenous peoples.

He’s not one readers are immediately going to get involved with, unless the conditions are right.

Well the conditions are right.

Although it takes a minute, Shep and his Dun stallion invade Kyle’s cabin, and then the blizzard keeps them all there.

I wish we actually had more of their developing relationship during the time they had alone. Instead we get a good start, then told of the passing of time, boom , someone is knocking on the cabin door with food and times up.

What should have been drawn out and intimate moments is over too soon imo.

Understandable, as there’s a bunch more exposition to get through.

It’s back at the ranch. Where multiple characters are processing feelings about seeing a hated McCrary in their midst. There’s also some sort of minimal communication about a future between Kyle and Shep because of family issues.

No spoilers.

And then there’s still major thefts going on to be solved as well as past enormous ones regarding the dinosaur digs to uncover.

So that’s quite a few storylines to process and then resolve.

Locey does, everything gets a investigation, there’s a huge dramatic development that’s potentially devastating, and a final expose’ that solves everything.

I only wish that ending and the culprits had felt more fleshed out , and believable. Not the rationale but the people. They felt too one dimensional to care about.

That’s a bit of a shame because the story is well done . It just has a lot of work to carry as the last book in the trilogy. I loved the romance! I just wish that had been given more focus.

If you love contemporary romance with a cowboy twist, this is a terrific series. Put it on your TBR list!

Blue Ice Ranch (previously named Prairie Smoke Ranch series)

✓ Dawn’s Desire #1

✓ Twilights Touch #2

✓ Dusk’s Devotion #3

ALL BUY LINKS

https://www.goodreads.com › showDusk’s Devotion (Blue Ice Ranch #3) by V.L. Locey – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Can love warm the hearts of two enemies facing the wrath of a Wyoming winter storm?

Kyle Abbott is slowly discovering that being midway through his thirties and being married to your job isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. There has to be more to life than random hookups, horses, and cattle. If only he could find a person who excites and ignites his passions like everyone else has at Blue Ice Ranch, he’d be a happy man. He hopes. Confused about his life, he volunteers to spend a month out with the cattle to sort through his bewilderment. Knowing there’s a blizzard on the horizon, Kyle sets out fully prepared and ready for anything.

Anything except the unexpected arrival of rival rancher Shep McCrary. When the half-frozen man shows up at the remote cabin where Kyle has hunkered down with the herd, his conscience demands for him to allow Shep to come inside. Offering food and warmth to another human being is the least he can do, right? Even if the man is a swaggering, hateful jerk who’s far too pretty for his own good and knows it. When the two are forced to spend time together, Kyle begins to see that there is more to Shep than he ever imagined. He might actually kind of like the pompous creep at times. Whoever said there was a fine line between love and hate sure knew what they were talking about…

Dusk’s Devotion is the final book in the Blue Ice MM contemporary western romance trilogy with enemies-to-lovers, a blizzard, lots of forced proximity, family dynamics, suspense, a mystery solved, and a happy ever after.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: Obsidian Island by Arden Powell

Rating: 3 🌈

Based on the description, Obsidian Island easily fits into the historical gothic horror genre that’s wonderfully scary stuff to read. Especially if it’s well written, with a subliminal message of dread building along with suspenseful actions flowing through the storylines. Coming from the author of the wonderful Flos Magicae Universe stories, I had high expectations.

Obsidian Island comes close as it contains so many of the classic elements of the genre. There’s a shipwreck, a mysterious island full of wildly unimaginable plants and animals never seen anywhere before, and disquieting dreams that invade the minds of those within the island’s territory.

Obsidian Island’s biggest weakness lies not in its storylines but in one of its main characters. That’s the explorer biologist Emery Lapwing.

Emery is part of a crew of college friends that are sailing together on The Achillean, a frigate captained by a man he’s adored secretly for years, James Rawlings. Along with them are a ship’s doctor, Deaton, a man with his own demons, and a baker, Lucian.

There’s a considerable amount of unannounced romance and passion for the people within that quartet of men, more so given the nebulous time frame of 1800ish England. Definitely when same sex relations could see you imprisoned.

But the characters don’t come with much history or depth of personality. That’s a issue because it’s hard to care about them, especially when the author has set one up to be such a idiot.

Lapwing consistently runs towards danger here. It doesn’t matter that his fellow shipmates/friends are telling him it feels wrong or something isn’t right, off he charges. He disregards every type of warnings that come his way. There’s ominous dreams, obvious and subtle portent signs of death, even when a bird tries to pull him back to the shoreline away from the weird interior, does he listen? No. Also the bird is the size of a human and befriends him immediately. Huh.

Instead its into a deep, dark, unexplored cave when the tides are incoming. Or run to a looming tree that’s blood red and smells of death.

Honestly, the author’s endowed Emery with the common sense and survival skills of a kumquat.

As the others follow him into increasingly horrifying situations, only towards the end does it enter his mind that perhaps he’s to blame for every wrong move, and he’s got everything all wrong. Ya think?

I’m not sure why Powell’s narrative is so focused on such a character. He’s not one to connect with. The poor decisions he makes puts everyone in near death situations that he makes little apologies for until the last moments.

The romances, such as they are or can be for that era when it’s illegal, come briefly towards the end of the book and consist of chaste kisses.

James, Deaton, even the baker, Lucian , are far more relatable characters then Emery in their emotional reaction to the island, the strange things they see, and the ominous scenes before them.

There’s a ludicrous element with a sea monster. But perhaps that’s in keeping with the island.

The rating teetered between 2.5 and 3 here. Powell’s imaginative elements on the island, the butterflies and caterpillar idea was intriguing, but something was lost in the animal carryover. There’s a hole in the process there when you catch it.

Then there’s the ending. Powell didn’t stick the ending, imo.

It involved Emery, of course. He’s not just an explorer but a biologist. So supposedly he knows about seeds , water, reproduction, destruction.

Apparently not.

Or maybe he’s just a another TSTL character. Doing TSTL things.

Like he did the entire story.

Obsidian Island by Arden Powell isn’t one of those stories I’m recommending unless you’re a fan of this author or a die hard collector of this genre.

Great cover though.

https://www.goodreads.com › showObsidian Island by Arden Powell – Goodreads

The storm should have killed them. The tropical paradise where they wash ashore just might.

Emery Lapwing is only interested in two things: exploring the natural world, and pretending that he’s not in love with his closest friend, Captain James Rawlings of The Achillean. The first is easy: James will sail him anywhere he wants to go. The second, Emery has been doing for the past ten years.

Emery’s routine is shattered when he and James are swept overboard in a lightning storm. When the storm passes, they find themselves on the glittering pink beach of an unmapped island where no one has ever walked before.

The island seems like the perfect place to recuperate as they wait for rescue, brimming with miraculous new species to be discovered. And a thousand miles from civilization, it’s all too easy for Emery to imagine kissing James. In London, it was unthinkable—a kiss between two men meant the gallows if they were caught. On the island, it means risking James’ friendship when they most need each other to survive.

But attraction isn’t the only peril they face. The island hides a dangerous secret, and James and Emery aren’t the only castaways falling under its spell. Monstrous creatures stalk their every move and something is taking root in their dreams, luring them deeper into the island’s deadly, tropical heart.

The island offers Emery everything he has ever dreamed of. But all dreams require a sacrifice. And the island is hungry.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: Much Ado About Lady MacBeth by Rebecca Cohen

Rating: 4🌈

Rebecca Cohen dives back into Elizabethan England with Much Ado About Lady MacBeth. A enlarged, rewritten version of a short story, it takes place in the same universe as Cohen’s historical Crofton Chronicles.

Those are favorite books of mine featuring a certain Earl and actor Sebastian, who is very present here! It’s wonderful to see him again, and the Earl, if only in mentions.

Cohen centers her story around the activities and actors of King’s Men, the company of players at the Globe theatre, in London, England. The two main characters are actively hostile towards each other, upcoming actors who each seek the same roles.

David Bell, who’s family lives in the slums, barely surviving, is about to age out of female roles. But he’s still wanting to play Lady MacBeth before he leaves female roles behind. The descriptions of the poverty and living conditions are concise yet impactful.

His rival for that role and others? The person known for making disparaging remarks about him? That would be the lovely Jacob Milner. Pretty of face, but with a nasty word for him. And the current favorite with plenty of money behind him. His middle class background is also well defined and believable.

Cohen sets the stage with Shakespeare’s verse, plays, good old fashioned mystery, misconceptions, and a healthy sexy romp or two.

All while keeping within the laws and morals of the times where same sex relationships were illegal and men could be gallows bound if caught.

It’s still got the feeling of a shorter story but with a fuller heart. The characters are well done and Cohen’s universe and understanding of the times is well established.

It’s a sweet historical romance and a lovely edition to The Crofton Chronicles , especially if you’re a fan like me.

I’m recommending it!

https://www.goodreads.com › showMuch Ado About Lady Macbeth by Rebecca Cohen – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Jacob Milner might have the face of an angel and the legs of a sinner, but his poisonous tongue would taint even the prettiest visage.


A Shakespearean era enemies to lovers MM Romance

David Bell has risen from the London slums to be one of the up-and-coming stars of the King’s Men, the company of players at the Globe theatre. On the cusp of being too old for female roles, he yearns to play one more part before he leaves the skirts behind: Lady Macbeth. But he is not alone in that desire, and his nemesis, Jacob Milner, a soft-bellied popinjay who has never known day’s work in his life, is also vying for the part.


Sparks have flown between them before, but the fiery barbs and risqué name calling are hiding a different passion. But even if they do manage to put their animosity behind them, Jacob has another problem, his father is trying to marry him off to the daughter of Baron Runcorn.

Modern Crofton series:

🔹Saving Crofton Hall #1 (orig released 2014

🔹Making History at Crofton Hall

🔹Below Stairs at Crofton Hall

🔹Getting Married at Crofton Hall-TBR September 2022

A spin-off from The Crofton Chronicles-historic romance series

🔹The Actor and The Earl #1

🔹Duty to the Crown #2

🔹Forever Hold His Peace #3

Review: Elusive Relations (Valor and Doyle Mysteries #2) by Nicky James

Rating: 5 🌈

From the seething long- standing animosity between their two departments, Homicide and MPC , has emerged an incredible series and two books to date focused on a detective from each department. Each man with his own personal traumas and battles, opposing personalities, differing family histories, as well as departmental bad blood between them.

From these basic elements, as well as cold cases and murder mysteries, James has built one of the most fascinating, compelling growing character dynamics I’ve read recently.

Temporary Partner, the first in the series, established the men’s background and departmental histories. A joint case, temporary partners and a cease fire within departments, meant these men had to work together to solve a complicated awful crime with emotional implications for both. It was revelatory for each, personally and professionally.

Shattering assumptions about each other, breaking personal boundaries, in ending up in a one night stand neither can forget about.

Elusive Relations begins as detectives Quaid Valor and Aslan Doyle return physically to their departments and lives, but emotionally it’s each other they’re trying not to think about. It’s all about denial.

Aslan’s coping with his alcoholism, his recovery, AA meetings, and his unhappiness with his social life. And exactly what that means. While Quaid is in a recovery of a different sort, that of having left an abusive relationship, feeling a failure, and alone.

James has created such rich layered portraits of men still working through fundamental issues within themselves, with grief, doubt, deep pain, and emotional resolve that you can’t help but believe in them completely. Whether it’s alone or with support, it comes across as absolutely raw and realistic.

These are elements that each man will continue to work on, grow with throughout both books and, I anticipate, the series. They are deep seated issues, and with alcoholism, a lifelong recovery.

As Aslan’s Homicide Unit arrives to investigate a crime whose victim has unexpected ties to Quaid, the men and departments join forces once more in a case that becomes increasingly convoluted. As well as deeply painful.

The author manages to balance a slow growing relationship between Az and Quaid, the detailed investigation with its revelations, and multiple other seemingly minor storylines that will swing back with a huge impact. There’s no holes, things that look like dead ends aren’t exactly, but just a sideways hill to the right direction. Great mystery btw.

But the heart is really the developing nature of the relationship between Az and Quaid that could so easily be derailed by a misstep by one person. It’s of such a tentative stage that it adds it’s own anxiety and suspense to the storyline.

And then that heartbreaking ending.

I am not a fan of cliffhangers. But this is different. Not one of action but of information. It’s shattering.

And I have to wait until October to see what happens next. But considering how the arc has played out so far, I’m not sure the mystery will be solved in that book either. It’s that’s deep, and has a long process behind it. I’ll be happy to have several more novels to go.

Until then, I’m highly recommending this series and absolutely Elusive Relations (Valor and Doyle Mysteries #2) by Nicky James.

It’s beautifully written, outstanding characters, fantastic arc, slow burn romance. The books must be read in the order they were written for characters histories, relationships, and arc development.

Valor and Doyle Mysteries:

✓ Temporary Partner #1

✓ Elusive Relations #2

◦ Unstable Connections #3 – October 17, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showElusive Relations (Valor and Doyle Mysteries, #2) by Nicky James – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Life was easier when rival detectives, Quaid Valor and Aslan Doyle, kept to their own sides of the building. They could forget the one glorious night they’d shared and move on.

But when Aslan is called to a homicide and discovers one of the victims has a personal history with Quaid, he knows a confrontation is inevitable.

When news about the case spreads, Quaid can’t help but get involved. He wants answers; if not for himself, then for the families of the victims.

Joining Aslan and his partner, Quaid uncovers more than he bargained for—too many secrets and lies in a case that is dangerously personal.

Plus, the more time he spends with Aslan, the harder it is for Quaid to ignore his attraction to the playboy detective.

Aslan, who doesn’t believe in repeats, can’t seem to stop flirting with the grumpy MPU detective, and his rules go out the window as they’re drawn deeper into the case.

But what happens when one more night turns to two, and two turns into three?

Does Quaid want to risk his heart again?

Has Aslan developed feelings?

Can they put a stop to their fun and walk away?

Do they want to?

**The Valor and Doyle Mysteries are a same-couple, ongoing series and should be read in order. The main mystery plot of each book will be resolved within the story, but there are elements that are overarching throughout the series**

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: Broken In by B.A. Tortuga

Rating: 5🌈

Broken In, B.A. Tortuga’s new release , is definitely my favorite of all her most recent stories.

It’s got all the elements I expect from a B.A. Tortuga tale, but elevated into well developed, beautifully defined book, where every aspect of the story and all the characters damaged past histories flow smoothly into a believable reunion and grounded heartfelt loving future.

The start doesn’t reflect the depth the story and characters will achieve as the story unfolds. First it’s a bit of the men’s combined past, their failure as Greyson Hayden is asked to leave his home and his lover of many years due to his alcoholism. Kyler Lassiter has packed up Greyson’s bags and told him to get help, get sober. Because he doesn’t love Kyler enough to do it together.

It’s a heartbreaking scene for all it’s shortness.

Fast forward to a successful now sober Greyson Hayden who’s returning to the small town he left as a drunk and the ex who asked him to leave.

Tortuga doesn’t shy away from the very human mixed bag of emotions Hayden is bringing with him to town. Tortuga writes believable people, and that means that they come with feelings and thoughts that aren’t always very admirable.

It’s all Greyson to begin with in the narrative. He’s been through the program, he’s got a sponsor he’s working with (we meet him later), he’s realistic about being a alcoholic. But he’s also someone who’s still hurting over the past. Right or wrong.

And just when the reader wants to give him a kick in the conscience about who’s to blame for his actions, Greyson himself gives himself a mental talking to, and corrects course.

Because he’s become a responsible adult. He’s grown up. And just like that , human foibles and all, you are in this man’s corner.

Which is exactly what the story and character needs when the reunion happens.

I won’t spoil Kyler Lassiter for you and his part of the story. It’s huge. It’s so emotional. It’s also realistic in keeping with the character and the setting. But how I love that man. He might be one of Tortuga’s finest characters.

I’ll leave it at that.

Showcased here at the highest level are the following elements:

⁃ The author’s ability to fully explore with grace and sensitivity important topics such as alcoholism and disabilities within the framework of her characters.

⁃ Tortuga’s regional knowledge of the land and culture to enrich the story and characters by creating a foundation so real it’s never in doubt.

⁃ This extended to the love of horses as well as bulls here. The horses were a living, breathing part of this book. I felt them as much as the people. Same went for Snow.

⁃ Food. Enchiladas, breakfast burritos, stuffed sopapillas, tacos, “Christmas flat enchiladas with an egg”, stuffed sopapilla with ground beef, guac, and Christmas”, and just like that my mouth is watering and I need to have a seat in that restaurant with them! Then honey and fried bread. Hmmmm.

⁃ Tortuga’s cellular level talent with colloquialisms. There’s the familiar Lord have mercy and God help me, but also the perfect

“Pie crust promises.”

Broken In by BA Tortuga

If that doesn’t describe a promise that’s temporary I don’t know what does.

I found a new one here, asking for Christmas as in:

““Do you want green, red, or Christmas?” “Christmas, please.” Ky beamed at him. “I love both types of chile.””

— Broken In by BA Tortuga

Again, don’t you just want to go ask for some of whatever they are having just to say that?

The author’s ability to craft dialogue that’s grounded in the region, as well as the people is outstanding. It contributes to pulling us into their lives, the universe, and all the emotions playing out in the situations they find themselves in.

One last thing. The realism as it pertains to the medical aspects of this story. That’s a raw deal for so many people who live in area like the ranches here where care is so spread out that what’s offered is almost nonexistent. It’s a reality faced here inside the story and for many in real life.

Combined with all the other elements here, it makes Broken In by BA Tortuga one of the most amazing contemporary romances I’ve read lately.

I’m highly recommending this. It went very quickly, including that wonderful epilogue.

Add this to your list of books to read!

https://www.goodreads.com › showBroken In by B.A. Tortuga – Goodreads

Greyson Hayden wants to prove to his ex that he’s made it. He’s a successful stock contractor with a couple of million dollar bulls, a ranch owner with more acres than he can count, and he stopped drinking when Kyler kicked him out. He’s had a lot to prove, but now he’s back in town to show Kyler that he has. And maybe rub it in.

The hardest thing Kyler Lassiter ever did was let Greyson go, and he’s lost a lot in his life, right up to his legs in a terrible accident. He’s willing to let Greyson one up him if it makes the man feel better, but when fate throws them together again in the most bizarre way, Ky isn’t sure he’ll survive it, or having to lose Greyson again when it’s all said and done.
Can these two hardheaded cowboys learn to forgive each other, and themselves in time to find something lasting, or are they more broken than broken in?

This is a MM cowboy romance with tough love, tough luck, and lots of learning to be something new.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: Chef Vs Chef (Sizzle in the Kitchen #2) by M.J. O’Shea

Rating: 2.5🌈

Chef Vs Chef is the second of the four book Sizzle in the Kitchen series by M.J. O’Shea and it’s the one I’m stopping on.

Honestly I’m dumbfounded by this book. All the characters and elements I admired and found charming in the first book, which set the foundation for the series,have been deconstructed to fit a new narrative path for this and the following novels.

I see the author’s rationale for this. It’s the only way to make the other plots and characters work now. But it changes the person I loved the most, at his most fundamental level.

That’s Peter Baldwin Powell.

When we left him. And throughout Chef in the Wild, he was done. All Peter wanted was to cook, go home, get involved once again with his family’s lives, have his restaurant.

“”I don’t want to be somewhere high pressure again. I don’t want to have to care about Michelin stars or shaking hands with celebrities, but I miss cooking for people.””

— Chef in the Wild: Sizzle in the Kitchen Book One by M.J. O’Shea

There’s quotes after quotes to the same depth of feelings.

Here? Peter’s turns his beloved now successful Hearth&Oak restaurant in Montpelier, Vermont, over to be run by others. Why? He’s become a TV Food Network Celebrity Chef filming a TV show back in NYC, and more.

He’s the opposite of the man we saw at the end of Chef in the Wild. Content, home. With family and a new love at his side, every bit a man fulfilled and passionate again.

While you can connect with the men, Peter, Murphy, and Bobby, his former sui chef now almost a partner, a threefold force in the Hearth&Oak kitchen and restaurant, that strength is quickly lost in the story.

Murphy and Peter leave to NYC and TV, while a shaken Bobby remains behind to deal with a badly handed decision to bring in another chef to fill the void.

Issues here immediately:

1. Bobby is a close knit friend and part of the trifecta that runs the restaurant. But he’s not involved in the decision process or Informed that another is coming into the management?

This again seems to be storytelling by drama lottery. It happens throughout this book and the next which I just stopped at partway. It’s as though a drama was needed at this point in the story, so regardless of whatever went on before, a new narrative was created to fit the picture.

All of a sudden, Peter’s a different type of careless personality, the type to hurt his friends. He will change again with regard to a “old enemy “.

Continuity has little impact here.

Unless it’s the author’s fondness for characters that are unable to communicate and run constantly from any conflict.

That was Murphy in book 1. It’s Cal here.

That’s a dynamic O’Shea’s couples follow in the two books I’ve read in this series . One’s a steady , established personality, the other someone who uses their past history as an excuse not to communicate and to run from the relationship at each moment possible.

Then of course come back and be immediately forgiven.

With little discussion.

I like Bobby. But there’s very little building here when it comes to a relationship to make the reader care about them and their future. Especially Cal.

And the manner in which he returned and who he works for. Nothing made sense except the author needed it that way for the next even more unreadable and unrealistic novel.

These are supposed to be contemporary romance not fantasy. Narratively speaking, things should at least make sense, have some exposition, and a little character depth.

And without deconstructing a previous story to get it.

“Baldwin didn’t know how to say that when he pictured his restaurant, it wasn’t in New York. Not anymore. He didn’t see flashing lights and packed houses. He saw something a lot more laid back and gentle. In the country, maybe. Or, at home.

He’d been daydreaming about it more and more–a small town restaurant, touring farms and working with local producers. He’d imagined waking up every day with Murph, creating new dishes with Murph and Bobby… watching his nieces grow up from a few blocks away instead of hundreds of miles.”

— Chef in the Wild: Sizzle in the Kitchen Book One by M.J. O’Shea

That’s the character and book I remembered and the one that’s vanished from the series here.

I think I’m going too.

If you’re a fan of this author, then pick it up and decide for yourself. As I said, I’m stopping here.

Sizzling in the Kitchen:

✓ Chef in the Wild #1

✓ Chef Vs Chef #2

◦ Chef On Top #3

◦ Chef In Love #4

https://www.goodreads.com › showChef vs Chef (Sizzling in the Kitchen, #2) by M.J. O’Shea – Goodreads

Synopsis:

They say oil and water don’t mix.. with these two it’s more like oil and a blow torch.

Bobby Diaz has worked his whole life to get where he is – running a restaurant with his two closest friends, no boss, no stress. When his best friend Baldwin gets the opportunity of a lifetime, he asks Bobby to take over the restaurant while he’s gone. Bobby can’t wait to see if he has what it takes to do it on his own.That is until Baldwin tells Bobby his cousin Cal is coming to help run Hearth&Oak.

Awesome.

Bobby and Cal don’t exactly hit it off—to put it lightly. Bobby resents getting Cal dumped in his lap. Cal doesn’t appreciate Bobby’s frosty attitude. They’re stuck together day and night, and their chemistry is undeniable… but will it be sweet summer love or a case of too many chefs in the kitchen?

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: The Reluctant Companion (13 Kingdoms #1) by H.L. Day

Rating: 4.5🌈

The Reluctant Companion is exactly what I was hoping to read when I saw the words whimsical fantasy adventure! The first in the 13 Kingdoms series by H.L. Day, it just encapsulated all those things that have made me love this type of book since adolescence . It’s got a glorious, technicolor cover, complete with fabulous looking being with Fire leaning against a huge lion! Yep!

Then immediately inside there’s hand drawn maps of the places our characters go charging off to, ala Tolkien or many a other great fantasy series. Be still my heart when I saw those tiny little mountains, complete with nonsensical names.

You got to have those in a whimsical fantasy.

And then? It’s quest time! A farm boy sets out to find his sister who’s left his village, only to find himself (and his quest) being immediately led astray by a magical monkey only he can see!

The farm boy isn’t your typical naive wide eyed sweet thing. Oh no. He’s a deliciously stubborn, temperamental person who also happens to be a excellent hunter with a dry sense of humor and strong sense of justice.

A interesting choice when it comes to wanting a companion for a mission and adventure. Especially if the other person’s morals are a tad on the shaky side. As is his identity. But he’s gorgeous, a bit vain. And mysterious. And hard to say no to. Even as a reader. *shakes head at Sebastian *

Jack needs to find his sister and Sebastian says he needs to rescue a Prince. In between those two quests lies, well, a ton of fantastical fun, a bunch of not quite lies, amazing amounts of fabulous characters, including orcs who may not have been cheated, cheating pirates who aren’t nice to their fathers, and sassy, spoiled princes.

And some magic. And not that they’d let on, but perhaps some heartfelt romance.

It’s a wonderfully lighthearted story that allows for the characters to show growth of personality as well as real changes of heart as their journey progresses. It’s surprisingly deep for a whimsical tale of adventure, wild quests, and personal growth.

And maybe finding a companion who loves you too.

The ending is just terrific. One element of the plot had been left open. So of course, a new mission opens up for Jack and Sebastian with the potential to tie up that loose storyline. The Stubborn Accomplice (13 Kingdoms #2) is due out on September 30, 2022.

I will there immediately to grab it up.

Love fantasy? In need of something lighthearted? But with great characters and enough depth and charm that it will stay with you after you are done?

Check out The Reluctant Companion (13 Kingdoms #1) by H.L. Day! And don’t forget to look at the maps!

I’m highly recommending this!

13 Kingdoms:

✓ The Reluctant Companion #1

◦ The Stubborn Accomplice #2- Sept., 30, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Reluctant Companion (13 Kingdoms #1) by H.L. Day | Goodreads

Synopsis:

Sebastian might have the power to summon animals, but winning Jack over? Far more difficult.

As first encounters go, Jack and Sebastian’s isn’t ideal, leaving Jack nursing a grudge he’s not about to let go of in a hurry. Yet, if Jack is to find his missing sister, and Sebastian is to rescue his captured prince, they’ll need to set their differences aside and work as a team.

Jack is stubborn and somewhat volatile. Sebastian is vain and clearly in love with himself. But as the unlikely companions face all manner of dangers together, they grow closer. Rescuing the prince should be easy. Rescuing him from an impenetrable tower guarded by dragon-shifting knights? Okay, that part is harder.

But once the adventure is over, letting Sebastian go might be the hardest thing Jack has ever had to do.

The Reluctant Companion is an 85k MM enemies to lover’s story featuring murderous orcs, deadly creatures, and marauding bandits. Opposites attract in this light-hearted fantasy romance which mixes humor with action and adventure. Meet a whole cast of colorful characters in the first book of the 13 kingdoms series.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Chef in the Wild (Sizzle in the Kitchen #1) by M.J. O’Shea

Rating: 3.5🌈

Chef in the Wild by M.J. O’Shea has a number of good elements going for it as a contemporary romance. The first of a series, Sizzle in the Kitchen, it’s center is a recently fired celebrity chef trying to climb his way out of burnout and a stressed out talented food truck chef fighting for his family’s approval. All taking place in the expensive, highly competitive location of Manhattan, NYC.

I really like the character of Chef Baldwin Powell. Recently fired from the restaurant he raised up to culinary fame and Michelin 2 stars, he’s a depressed man scrambling to find himself and his passion again. While O’Shea doesn’t dwell on this time in any depth, it’s not just a light matter either. It’s enough to give Peter Baldwin Powell dimension. He needs a new path back to his love of food and cooking.

And he finds it on a stroll and a food truck owner who’s been enticing him with delicious aromas and the offers of fantastic wraps.

Food trucks are a marvelously current element. Every city has its share of fabulous trucks and outstanding food. Even in my small town here there’s a Food Truck Thursday with just great offerings.

Shout out to Boombas Kitchen Food Truck and The Corned Beef King food truck should you ever be in Olney,Md!

So the next character, Murphy Haynes, is the chef of That’s A Wrap food truck. Murphy is younger, a talented chef from a rich family that doesn’t value his life choices.

So many issues stemming from that sentence. He’s a good character with that one personality defect, doesn’t communicate well, that usually keep me from connecting with him.

That plus his need to run away instead of talking through any issues that arise between them as a couple.

When they are together, cooking or , well, eating, Baldwin and Murphy are a cute couple. But at the first hint of a problem or a discussion, Murphy shuts Baldwin down. Won’t come home with him when asked. Doesn’t want to listen to any plans. Won’t explain his feelings to Baldwin. And then essentially runs away. More than once.

Murphy has understandable issues but is a character/personality with a inability to communicate.

So this becomes essentially a one sided relationship. One lacks maturity, and his continuing inability to talk about his issues ends up hurting himself and the relationship.

As well as my need to connect with this character too. This type of behavior in a character or relationship is one almost guaranteed to remove my continued in a storyline.

Especially ,since the fight and run response is big with Murphy . Then a enormous repeat of said actions with an immediate reconciliation. Boom done.

For me, that relationship was appearing a tad toxic. Murphy was ghosting Baldwin then showed up, after majorly running away for a lengthy amount of time.

Hmm. This scenario just didn’t work for me. Talk about a forced happy ending.

Only the town of Montpelier, Baldwin, and the cooking kept this rating from sinking.

There’s four books in the series. I will continue on at least to the next story.

If you like books about chefs, contemporary romance, give this a try and see what you think.

Sizzling in the Kitchen:

✓ Chef in the Wild #1

◦ Chef Vs Chef #2

◦ Chef On Top #3

◦ Chef In Love #4

https://www.goodreads.com › showChef in the Wild (Sizzling in the Kitchen #1) by M.J. O’Shea | Goodreads

He would’ve never guessed he was one perfect burrito away from falling in love…

Chef Baldwin Powell has everything he could ever want.

Until he doesn’t.

Fancy parties, celebrities, magazine write-ups, his own little empire of stainless steel and fire – he thought all of it was forever. It only takes one awful meeting for everything he’s worked for to be yanked out from underneath him. And one fateful meeting with the owner of food truck, of all things, to realize maybe what he thought he wanted isn’t what he needs after all.

They’re opposites in nearly every way – On paper it should be a disaster. But life and love in the wilds of Manhattan rarely work out the way anyone expects.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: The Infidelity Clause by Lisa Oliver

Rating: 2.5🌈

I was looking forward to this book based on the blurb and some of the reviews, but it was definitely not the story I anticipated. Btw, spoilers ahead.

First of all there is no solid world building here. The Infidelity Clause by Lisa Olivier was lacking in a consistent foundation for its storylines. It’s missing huge parts of its universe, especially anything relatable to a magical element. That was almost a nonexistent item here, although supposedly it was a major factor in the health of the peoples, education , and foundation of the kingdoms.

Oliver’s plot veered between the “whimsical” historical comedy the blurb referenced and a realistic drama that factors in people with pasts that contain sexual assault, suicide, family abuse, and abandonment. More about the abundance of plot elements later.

The story revolves around a marriage clause called a Infidelity Clause referred to by the characters as a “piss off “ clause repeatedly. Why? Because if broken, one of the partners of the contract can, well, you guess it.

The intention here is that the marriage was going to be a temporary contract. It all starts off so lightly. A way faring Prince, will wed a ne’er do well “loves to party”prince in a comedy of errors! Sounds fab!

The author has chosen names of the countries and neighboring kingdoms along the lines of Gumflumple, ( actually Gunkermal) with a actual heir , a stepbrother, to a throne called Paragon. Not the main characters. So I figured this was not a story I was supposed to take seriously.

It was if Oliver started out writing a broad comedy, then because she couldn’t decide where to take the characterizations, so she moved them and the storylines all over the place. From light fun which then took a dark turn into stark murderous drama!

Broad comedy, sex and sexual awakening, drama, murder mystery, murder attempts, action suspense, romance, pirates and sea battles, a pinch of steampunk and a scoosch of tiny magical doings too . Oh and a character with disabilities and mentions of several past sexual assaults to others. The entire kitchen of narrative elements was absolutely tossed into the book here . I believe I’ve left out some. Like the smh names of some people and items.

I liked the characters, but the story they are running around in is a mess. Main elements have no foundation. Small characters play a big part , then several mentions, then disappear. Pop back in. Gone again.

It’s got the feeling of a grab bag of narrative elements that just keep getting thrown in without the necessary exposition to glue it together.

But the worst? The way it was ended.

“Which was why, when the knocking at the door started, he ignored it, and encouraged Caspian to ignore it too.

To Be Continued.”

— The Infidelity Clause: One of those MM crown princes, arranged marriages books by Lisa Oliver

The author excuses herself by saying she’s decided to write another book, so she’s leaving them here.

Like that absolves her of the decision to complete a book a person has paid for and has the expectation of getting a finished , polished product.

Which, imo, this is not.

So read it if you’re a fan of the author. Or if the blurb intrigues you. I’m giving the next book a pass.

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Infidelity Clause by Lisa Oliver – Goodreads

Synopsis:

What are you talking about? Marry another man?”

Caspian, fourth son and yet still a Crown Prince of Gunkermal knew he was a party to a marriage contract. Arranged marriages were common in his family, and he expected the contract would cement various trade or security agreements with another country. He just didn’t realize the other party to his contract was a full-grown man, who stepped off his ship and into Caspian’s life as if he owned it.

How much is this marriage worth to our king again?

Nikolas, Crown Prince and only heir of Westland, arrived in Gunkermal to fulfill his part of a marriage contract that was six months in the making. He was under no illusions about his prospective spouse. By all accounts, his intended was a womanizer, a lay about, and was likely someone who fussed if Nikolas should use a wrong fork at dinner. That’s why Nikolas insisted their marriage contract have an infidelity clause. He figured his spouse would invoke what was known as the “piss-off” clause before Christmas and he’d be free.


It’s far better to marry someone whose weaknesses we’re already aware of.

One man went into his marriage contract blindly. The other thought he knew everything there was to know about his intended spouse. When circumstances suggested that neither man knew what was actually going on, was there a possibility the marriage could work after all? And what did a pirate captain have to do with anything at all.

The Infidelity Clause is a whimsical story that is the result of the author’s muse taking a holiday. If you are a fan of MM arranged marriage stories, set in a land with a dash of magic, and a double dose of humor, you might enjoy this one. The main characters in this story are adults, so intimate situations are described. Please store your e-book content responsibly.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Rogue (A Mike Bravo Ops #2) by Eden Finley

Rating: 4.5🌈

Eden Finley’s done it again with another wildly entertaining and suspenseful black ops novel! This time, it’s Rogue, the second book in the Mike Bravo Ops series about a black ops security firm made up of LGBTGIA ex military.

While Rogue has some similarities to the first book , like the couple already knows each other, it also differs largely in topic and tone.

First, Travis West is the owner of the now well and highly established Mike Bravo Ops security company. He’s a millionaire plus, not just one of the company. Although he did meet Dylan Rodriguez years earlier.

But he’s secure and a man of substance. A ex military leader who’s seen the best and the absolute worst the service has offered. And has the scars and experience to prove it.

Dylan Rodriguez, a DEA agent, is someone we met in Iris. He’s younger, idealistic in the best, most believable way. He’s not naive, but someone with a code of ethics he’s trying to follow.

Their interactions are often hostile, entertaining, frustrating (for Dylan), and a cat and mouse game the DEA agent never seems to exactly understand.

Once they get together, they are engaging, supportive, and sexy. The communication that’s ongoing between them about their philosophical differences in their careers, black versus gray areas seems realistic. Especially considering the situation.

Finley’s threads gets complicated, wonderfully so, as this becomes a espionage/murder/law enforcement mystery as well as a romance entanglement.

With everyone not knowing who exactly they can trust.

Talk about high octane action! Especially as Dylan “ Rogue “ Rodriguez starts to figure out exactly who and what Trav West and his family of black ops stand for and can do at any given moment.

Most of the family as we’ve come to think of them are here. Atlas, Ghost, Angel, Domino, Zeus, and of course, my favorites Iris, Saint, and even Princess Smooshy Face. Say yes to that trio!

There were some issues here that were inconsistent with the first book and characterizations laid down there.

Atlas is given a job he’s absolutely uncomfortable with and yet Trav makes him go. That’s inconsistent with the observations and standards put down in the other story.

Trav himself didn’t always seem like the man we met in Iris. However, I’ll chalk that up to love on the run and a relationship under fire.

I’m hoping that Atlas will get the next book and we will see a family book for our favorite trio, Iris, Saint, and Princess Smooshy Face. They cry out for a sequel.

I’m recommending this and the series! Happy reading!

Check out the series below!

Mike Bravo Ops series:

✓ Iris #1

✓ Rogue #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showRogue (Mike Bravo Ops #2) by Eden Finley – Goodreads

Synopsis:

TRAV

I remember the first time I met Dylan Rodriguez. It was one sweaty encounter I’ll never forget.

The second time we met, he arrested me. I can still see the hot scowl on his beautiful face as he slapped handcuffs on me and realized I was … me.

Dylan’s main goal in life is to forget he ever met me. My goal is to make him mine.

Turns out, I’m better at this game than he is.


DYLAN

When my law enforcement career falls to pieces in front of my own eyes, I don’t know who I can trust.

I have nowhere to go. No one to turn to.

Asking Trav for help is a last resort, but I’m desperate.

If he can’t get me out of this mess, I may as well turn myself over to the guys hunting me down.

I’m not sure which will be more difficult: protecting my life or my heart.

Because when it comes to love, my heart wants what my brain doesn’t. It wants Travis West.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.