Say it isnāt so! The final story In authors Cari Z and L.A. WItt series, Hitman Vs Hitman is here. Those two irascible, delicious, utterly murderous, incredibly wealthy couple, August Morrison and Ricardo Torralba, are getting married.
Of course, itās utter mayhem and madness when you have the large, warm hearted Torralba family hosting the wedding and meeting Augustās parents, the patrician and decidedly less enthusiastic billionaire business billionaires for the first time.
Add in a ex wife, ex detective, ex Mafia boss, all friends now, and what could go wrong?
The authors lay in the humorous aspects of this story but also, not surprisingly, give us the doubts, the family dynamics issues, and all the deeply human elements that erupt during such a momentous time. Areas where the men need to examine their own lives and relationships in order to move forward.
I adored this. It showcased exactly why weāve come to love this couple and continue with their journey book after book.
So, do I believe the authors are really done with them? Hmmm. Letās just say if the men start speaking loudly after retirement, I wonāt be surprised to see another story eventually emerge.
They are truly hard to say goodbye to.
Iām recommending you read the series and then this story. Itās got the best of both men, the heart and the soul. Great way to see them out.
Hitman Vs Hitman series:
ā Hitman Vs Hitman #1
ā Sniper vs Spotter #2
ā Killer vs Kingpin #3
ā Cop vs Capo #4
ā In-Laws vs Outlaws #5 – finale. Thatās what they said.
Got Me Talking is the penultimate story in Casey Coxās heartwarming series about a small Virginia town Veterinary Clinicās doctors search for and finding their HEA.
You can feel the series winding down as the last of the characters find their partners and lasting relationships. Yet Coxās stories remain strong and compelling, with each person getting a new chapter of their lives to move forward with their biggest dream, a person to love who loves them back.
Jeremy has been a staple in the series as this quiet baker behind the wonderful baked goods at Daleyās Bakery, a place thatās been featured throughout the series. Heās grown as a character but now gets his story and HEA.
One of the major element here is stuttering. Jeremy has suffered in the past because of the rejection and mistreatment heās endured due to his struggles with speech. Only with Tyler, a former Vet Shop Boy veterinarian and his best friend, and the other vets and partners, does he feel accepted.
The newest hire at the Vet Shop Boys is an older English veterinarian, whoās relocating to the US for personal reasons. Montgomery is in storage, emotionally and almost physically. Heās committed to a rental property and still grieving the loss of his mother, as well as getting over his divorce.
Cox sets up a chance meeting with both men thatās believable, incredibly sexy, and lets us inside each of their minds as something unexpected happens between them.
It also helps us understand the need for communication when the logical moment arrives where they meet again. And the difficulties that arise when it doesnāt happen.
I love the way Cox is able to pull the reader into the world of these characters to the point where we sense their insecurities, their need for shielding themselves from being exposed emotionally. Thatās on both sides. Montgomery is also frail, but his quiet, almost frozen demeanor hides the turmoil threatening to come out whereas Jeremyās fears carry forth with every word he utters.
Their relationship is slow and moving. I wish it was longer. The age gap and health issues had some surprises towards the end.
Itās that ending thatās shows more than anything the series is almost at a close. Weāre not in Virginia anymore.
And thatās ok.
One more unhappy vet to get his HEA in Got Me Feeling and then the series is done.
Itās a lovely show. Iām thrilled to see Jeremy get his romance and happy ending. Thereās realistic elements but I expect that from the series and author.
Itās why Iām recommending this and the entire series. Well written, wonderful characters and plots of interesting elements, moving scenes, sexy, and warm-hearted. Love it!
What do you call a herd of rhinos? A crash. That about sums up my life, too.
Having spent the last three years caring for my dying mother, I need a new leash on life. So I say goodbye to the UK and take a job opening at a small-town vet clinic in the US.
Via a layover in New York. Where I get, ahem, laid over.
With a man.
Not something I’ve ever done in my forty-three years.
Not something I intend on repeating.
Which won’t be a problem since I’ll never see the guy againā¦ Until I step into the local bakery.
There’s no way anything can happen between Jeremy and me. I’m lost, grieving, and, oh yeah, straight. He also happens to be fifteen years younger than me. So what is it about the sexy baker that’s suddenly got me talking?
Got Me Talking is book 7 in the Vet Shop Boys series and can be read as a stand-alone. Expect a silver fox British vet having a bi awakening, an adorable baker with a stutter, age gap, plenty of humor, found family, and a heartwarming happily ever after!
Got Me Talking is the penultimate story in Casey Coxās heartwarming series about a small Virginia town Veterinary Clinicās doctors search for and finding their HEA.
You can feel the series winding down as the last of the characters find their partners and lasting relationships. Yet Coxās stories remain strong and compelling, with each person getting a new chapter of their lives to move forward with their biggest dream, a person to love who loves them back.
Jeremy has been a staple in the series as this quiet baker behind the wonderful baked goods at Daleyās Bakery, a place thatās been featured throughout the series. Heās grown as a character but now gets his story and HEA.
One of the major element here is stuttering. Jeremy has suffered in the past because of the rejection and mistreatment heās endured due to his struggles with speech. Only with Tyler, a former Vet Shop Boy veterinarian and his best friend, and the other vets and partners, does he feel accepted.
The newest hire at the Vet Shop Boys is an older English veterinarian, whoās relocating to the US for personal reasons. Montgomery is in storage, emotionally and almost physically. Heās committed to a rental property and still grieving the loss of his mother, as well as getting over his divorce.
Cox sets up a chance meeting with both men thatās believable, incredibly sexy, and lets us inside each of their minds as something unexpected happens between them.
It also helps us understand the need for communication when the logical moment arrives where they meet again. And the difficulties that arise when it doesnāt happen.
I love the way Cox is able to pull the reader into the world of these characters to the point where we sense their insecurities, their need for shielding themselves from being exposed emotionally. Thatās on both sides. Montgomery is also frail, but his quiet, almost frozen demeanor hides the turmoil threatening to come out whereas Jeremyās fears carry forth with every word he utters.
Their relationship is slow and moving. I wish it was longer. The age gap and health issues had some surprises towards the end.
Itās that ending thatās shows more than anything the series is almost at a close. Weāre not in Virginia anymore.
And thatās ok.
One more unhappy vet to get his HEA in Got Me Feeling and then the series is done.
Itās a lovely show. Iām thrilled to see Jeremy get his romance and happy ending. Thereās realistic elements but I expect that from the series and author.
Itās why Iām recommending this and the entire series. Well written, wonderful characters and plots of interesting elements, moving scenes, sexy, and warm-hearted. Love it!
What do you call a herd of rhinos? A crash. That about sums up my life, too.
Having spent the last three years caring for my dying mother, I need a new leash on life. So I say goodbye to the UK and take a job opening at a small-town vet clinic in the US.
Via a layover in New York. Where I get, ahem, laid over.
With a man.
Not something I’ve ever done in my forty-three years.
Not something I intend on repeating.
Which won’t be a problem since I’ll never see the guy againā¦ Until I step into the local bakery.
There’s no way anything can happen between Jeremy and me. I’m lost, grieving, and, oh yeah, straight. He also happens to be fifteen years younger than me. So what is it about the sexy baker that’s suddenly got me talking?
Got Me Talking is book 7 in the Vet Shop Boys series and can be read as a stand-alone. Expect a silver fox British vet having a bi awakening, an adorable baker with a stutter, age gap, plenty of humor, found family, and a heartwarming happily ever after!
Murder Without Magic is a stellar story. Third in Ripley Hayesā Tuder and Stewart Cosy Mystery series, itās one that is so much more than its 169 pages numerically would have you believe.
Within a plot to find out who murdered the person in the garden next door to their new home, Hayesā story encompasses a newly established relationship that deepens through adversity, personal differences over things held basic to Lorne like magic and ghosts, emotional doubts , and abiding love.
Yes , thereās a ghost. Our favorite horse from Abergwyn makes a hugely important contribution, as does Uncle Wint.
The mysteries, multiple, are poignant, terrifying , and fascinating. Hayesā narrative lays out this element so well that itās easy to get involved in the process of discovery. Ade, our detective from Abergwyn, is also part of the supporting cast.
But the heart is our couple, Peter and Lorne. Having a new home, establishing themselves in place where they donāt know anyone, a new dream job for Peter with all its stresses, a dream kitchen for Lorne. Only to have everything start to come apart.
That personal struggle to grow together as a couple while solving the mysteries is what makes me love this story, this series and author so.
The people have flaws, they donāt always react well, but because they do love each other, they eventually find a way to make it work and get the culprits.
I think this might be the final book in the series. Hope not. But if it is, Iām happy to see them off in their new kitchen and place by the sea.
Highly recommend this entire series. Read them in the order they are written.
Also donāt miss the recipe for Lorneās Emergency Refrigerator Cake at the end! Itās a winner!
Peter and Lorne have taken the plunge: moved in together in a little house by the sea.
Peter has his dream job, and Lorne has his dream kitchen, and so what if things go bump in the night next door? they can ignore it. The ghost with a violent streak isnāt so easy to ignore. Nor is the dead body in next doorās garden.
Much against their better judgement, and the advice of their friends, Peter and Lorne are dragged kicking and screaming into another investigation.
Only two questions remain: do the bad guys have any idea how hard it will be to to defeat Peter and Lorne, and second, has Peter finally started to believe in magic?
Another in the multi-author thriller series, The Elite, I found Leave No Trace to absolutely be a fun, sexy murderous romp of a novella.
A young cute man, who dearly needs someone to take care of him ISO assassin. Killer Daddy pls apply!
Well actually he goes on the hunt for the killer to hire him and finds a Daddy to love. The Daddy finds a boy with an obsession to do good. What could go wrong?
This story is way too short for these wonderful characters and great premise. Itās needs more exposition and maybe a sequel. Iām up for both.
Itās a definite recommend!
The Elite Multi-Author series (9 Books):
ā Reckless Roulette by Alice Winters
ā¦ Leave No Trace by Michelle Frost and Sammi Cee
Trace took a job at The Anonymousāthe most exclusive club in the cityāfor a very specific reason. Only now that heās there, heās not sure how to get what he needs. He sure didnāt expect a killer Daddy to help him figure it out.
Kol always closes his contracts, and he never leaves loose ends. The powerful families of the city pay him to clean up their messes and keep their secretsāan arrangement that only works because he gives his allegiance to no one. Being a lone wolf has kept him alive, but even lone wolves get hungry.
A simple contract and one wrong turn bring Trace and Kol crashing together with a twist neither of them saw coming.
Leave No Trace is a novella in the multi-author series The Elite. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Anonymous, a club beneath the gritty city where only the elite are welcome.
Reckless Roulette is Alice Winters offering in the multi author series, The Elite. Per the series description:
āWhat links these books together is The Anonymous, a club beneath the gritty city where only the elite are welcome.ā
Nebulous enough, the characters met briefly in the club here seem nasty, entitled, and of a semi lawful nature. So the books could have a wide range of themes.
Here itās Kade, a casino owner being threatened by a brutal thug. The thug wants everything Kade has, starting with the casino, and thereās a timeline to turn it over before everyone dies. Including Kade.
The reader should immediately feel sympathetic, right? Be on Kadeās side?
And thatās one issue for me. Alice Winters can create snarky, sometimes sarcastic, self indulgent characters and still make them endearing or connectable. See her Hitman series for starters.
But here? The minute we enter the ugly life and identical mind of casino Kade, itās an unpleasant, unending cesspool of selfishness, rage, and arrogance. A mind unmarred by thoughts of any kind of concern for others or even the most minuscule of ripples that heās responsible for his actions and their consequences/impacts on others. Kade is completely contemptible, so spending pages with him becomes almost impossible.
Len, the hitman, a gamer, with a hoodie and a attitude is a better character but given the personality heās to play off of and the short time in which to make his redemption believable, it just never feels right.
Itās a short story to begin with, with problematic characters, a lot of twisted emotions and dark reveals that needs a larger narrative to get the depth to handle the themes here.
That HFN ending, the irredeemable, contemptible person now so loving and happily generous to one and all? I just felt Winters never sealed her plot development along with the character growth.
Itās interesting, has promise. But in the end just didnāt deliver.
If youāre a fan of this author, or love to read entire series, then you might want to check out this book. Otherwise, Iād recommend Winterāsā Hitman series where I feel this type of character was given a far better treatment.
Kade has seven days left to liveā¦ unless I do something about it. I am one of the best assassins around, after all. Butā¦ Iām not sure I exactly care what happens to Kade. Heās rude, only cares about himself and his casino, and did I mention he doesnāt know a single thing about video games?
Okay, okay. Maybe thatās not enough of a reason to watch him dash headlong into danger while I kick back and enjoy the show.
Itās kind of fun though.
Now I know what youāre thinkingā¦ doesnāt that make me the selfish one? See, I donāt mind helping peopleāitās kind of my thing. But the ones I help arenāt anything like Kade.
Theyāre people who have nothing left who are willing to go to great lengths to save those they love, even at the cost of losing themselves. Still, maybe Kade can show me that beneath his icy exterior is a man worth saving. A man worth loving. And maybe even a man worth risking everything for.
Issue isā¦ he only has seven days to do it.
Reckless Roulette is a part of the multi-author series The Elite. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Anonymous, a club beneath the gritty city where only the elite are welcome.
These books pick up pretty much where the events in the preceding stories left off. So if youāre looking to understand the characters, the relationships, even the agency itself, then youāll need a prior history and knowledge coming into Stealth. Because, honestly, I couldnāt remember who was who and from where at times here. Too many overlapping series and books and too much time in between reading them.
That said, these two characters are among my favorites here. They have just started a relationship, and despite the difficulties of their circumstances, their chemistry is still outstanding, and they are in sync with each other in every way.
Knightley really brings us into their relationship and unique dynamic, the intrigue, the missions, and now with Seven, his tragic family situation and history. The author has a twofold plot ongoing. One that involves Seven looking into the murder of his younger sister and the disastrous home life his brother is forced into with his father. And an internal conspiracy that will involve multiple agencies and countless characters from crossover series.
Both are so complex and intriguing that I kept wishing for more narrative time spent on each element. But probably would have doubled the size of the book. Still I felt that with such complicated storylines also comes the expectations that an equally layered exposition would follow each thread to its conclusion. Instead Iām left with questions about each plot line and wondering if weāre going to get the answers in future books.
From the epilogue, it seems not. At least on Sevenās personal side.
I really wavered over the rating. I loved the main characters. They and their relationship is so well written. They balance each other out. However, weak points like Theo (very annoying, a one note character given too much page time), the suddenly appearing villain on Sevenās element, works against the good aspects of the story.
Overall, a hugely entertaining, and often enjoyable story, another in a terrific series.
If you have issues with overlapping characters, a multitude of characters, crossed paths with other series, then this might not be the best thing for you.
However, if youāre a fan of the author, her related series, and this series already, then itās one I recommend. I love this couple and itās great to see them get a HFN!
Seven is hot as hell, possessive, and dangerousāhis perfect match. Except Seven is not into long-term commitments. So, when the man is still in his bed one morning, Hunter thought theyād have a couple of perfect days together. Hunter wants to share about his past. Then again, maybe he shouldnāt say a word since his secrets could get both of them killed.
When Hunterās past rears its ugly head, he is out of time.
Seven –
Hunter is sexy, lethal, and irresistible. Seven canāt decide which trait is more appealing. Thereās something else, thoughāsomething dangerous simmers beneath Hunterās surface that intrigued him and has brought him back for more. Seven canāt stayā¦ he wonāt commit until he finds his sisterās killer. He needs to take care of that before he can make promises. Best-laid plans donāt always work out and staking his claim canāt wait when assassins come gunning for Hunter. Seven will need to pull out every trick from his arsenal to stop them.
Because nobody is going to take Hunter from him.
-Shadows emerge from the darkness and hitmen suddenly have faces, and Seven is thrust into a world he knows nothing about. What the hell is going on…
No Friends At Abergwyn is the second story in the Tudor and Stewart Cosy Mystery trilogy and itās even better than the first.
Ripley Hayes dives into the background of the magical baker who lives in a field, Lorne Stewart. Peter Tudor, the nurse whoād left his A&E job in the city to come home to care for his disabled mother, has found himself at odds with his life in Abergwyn. While heās fond of his hometown, his mother has ample support, a boyfriend, and no real need for him. And his skills arenāt being used in his current job. Only in his new relationship with Lorne can he be said to be happy. With questions.
Does Peter believe in magic?
Hayes builds a story strong on mysteries, full of questions both personal and those that involve the mystical. All threaded so neatly together that it feels completely natural.
With the ancient oaks, the sea, Enzo the horse and Charlie the dog, both of which seem perfectly capable of communicating with the humans they adore, and magic that makes itself a real presence. These are storylines that pull the reader in , through murders, through personal experiences, drama and joy!
The characters are sympathetic, easy to empathize with, interesting and layered.
The third book should be the most interesting in that itās removed from Abergwyn. That was a character all itās own.
Now onto the last one of the trilogy.
Iām highly recommending this and the one prior. Great characters and elements. I love a terrific cosy. Here you have two!
Lorne’s past has caught up with him in the shape of a mini-convoy of camper vans, and a mysterious book of his mother’s recipes. Which turns out to be magic. Of course it does.
Peter knows there is no such thing as magic, but he’s falling hard for Lorne and trying to keep an open mind.It’s harder to be open-minded abut the camper van people, who just sit around drinking tea and eating Lorne’s cakes. Then one of them turns up dead, and Lorne is arrested for the killing — by Peter’s schoolboy-crush-turned-policeman.
With his mother and Dave-next-door all loved-up, his old job calling him back, and tarot cards at every turn, the last thing Peter needs is a murder to investigate. But that’s life: what happens when you’d planned something else.
No Friends at Abergwyn is the second book in the Tudor and Stewart gay cozy mystery series from bestselling author Ripley Hayes.
What a delightful find! New to me author! Small village Welsh location, with all that entails. And itās a cosy mystery.
That means the following elements. Busybody main characters, small communityās over abundance of gossip and intrigue, a murder or more , a romance however slow to build, and animals. A dog, cat, or in this story a charming dog and a horse!
Both of those belong to a bit of a magical man, Lorne Stewart, who along with Enzo the horse and Charlie the dog, have invaded the quiet village of Abergwyn, and settled into his field, and started baking his acceptance into the villagers hearts.
Recently returned home to Abergwyn is Peter Tudor. Once a A&E nurse but now a rural district nurse in order to return home to live with his disabled mother, diagnosed with MS. A mother who decidedly needs less help from Peter than he realizes.
The mother/son relationship is real, warm, and loving. Peter almost blindly not accepting the truth of the degree his mother is able to do on her own. The strong support system in place from neighbors and friends heās been unaware of away from home.
Peterās situation too is believable. Heās suffering from leaving a position and type of ER job he thrived in to go to one where his skills are wasted and heās feeling cut off from others and maybe even depressed.
Hayesā realistically, and with gentle humor and care, builds up her foundation and the personalities of the people who will make up the series and the stories we will invest our time in.
I was entertained, really got into the village life and people, and saw the start of the romance that will build.
I thought it ended abruptly. The villain was caught but there was still questions left over for the next book to dive into. Plus personally, Peter has much to ponder at the end.
Iām thrilled to find this author and new cosies to read. Definitely a recommendation! Plus great covers!
Meet Peter Tudor. Nurse. Gay. Twenty-nine years old…and living with his disabled mother in the village where he grew up.
Only, it’s not that simple. His mother doesn’t really need his help. Peter’s given up the job he loves to move ‘home’ so now he’s drowning his sorrows in gin and cake. It doesn’t help that his schoolboy crush is still around, working for the police and handsomer than ever.
With the big birthday coming up, it’s time to take action. It’s on with the running shoes and onto the beach … where there is a fabulous sunrise. There’s also a dead body, and a man with a horse.
Westinās Prince is the finale for Jocelynn Drakeās marvelous Shadow Elite series . Itās fitting it goes out on the story for Westin St James , the former marine, former CIA, now member of the mercenary Shadow Elite Unit. Westās been the one quietly in the background, the deadly sniper who can be counted on to have the teamās backs every dangerous moment of their outings. Heās a damaged man, and heās been a mystery until now.
Who knew West could turn into such a favorite for me? A weird assassin contract thatās rejected by Justin and Gabriel is turned over to West by their joint handler because the target and terms are just too āoffā. Somethingās obviously wrong and the situation needs to be at least researched.
Drake creates a island kingdom thatās a supposedly combination of Chinese culture with Japanese influences. Honestly other than a mention that the language was a combination of Mandarin and Japanese languages there was little indication of anything Japanese to reference.
The other major characters are , and quite frankly, very engaging ones too:
š·Jin Long Wei, Dianxia or Your Royal Highness , the target of the heart of the contract
š·Prince Jin Ming Tao, younger brother to the heir.
š·Qin, all around PA, to Long Wei
West lands into a kingdom whoās in love with its royal family, The Jins. Drake lays a good foundation for this, allowing the reader to see the peopleās reactions to their Prince and interact with him as West and Long Wei themselves meet, discuss, and discover a deeper connection between them.
The island, itās peace, and itās Prince represents a powerful hope for West , if only that pesky contract is eliminated first.
The conflict is convincingly escalated, all the great team members and their new partners/husbands appear to help save the Kingdom, the Emperor, and the newly formed couple. Even the retired killer uncles are there, to back up West.
As itās the last, there is betrayals, bloodshed, high suspense, and lots of action to take place along side the romance and relationship drama of acceptance and anxiety over the question of time.
The authorās able to work some of the readers own doubts about their relationship into the discussion process this way and it smoothly turns us into supporters of their romance and this bookās main theme.
The oddity for me remained that āforced meldingā Asian influences when actually there were none. It was a mention and then used later in the story as a reference for the lack of aggressive behaviors in the island because as a nation long overrun by wars, only by cooperation can they succeed. So thatās all they do.
Nice thought for the faux Gaoxing, placed between China ,Japan, and Russia. But as I said I found little cultural aspects here other than Chinese seem to be represented.
The Chinese elements are:
š·Chinese names for the characters, including grandfather, dad, etc.
š·mah-jongg playing aunties
š·The historically accurate headwear and manner in which the royal family should have their hair worn:
ā¦ Xiaoguan-(small guan) headwear worn around the topknot, typically held in place with a hairpin to help stabilize the topknotā
ā¦ Touji-topknot
š·The mythology included, which is definitely Chinese (kitsune is Japanese):
āThe huli jing is just a fox spirit, but after a thousand years of cultivation, it can become a juiwei hu. A nine-tailed fox, which is what the statue is in the old square.ā
The Chinese elements gave Gaoxing a realistic impression and firm vision for its people. The idea of a mixture was immediately lost.
So I throughly enjoyed the romance, the plot, seeing the entire team form up against a common enemy to save one of its own, and finally a rewarding ending for them all.
Thereās a free second epilogue that shouldnāt be missed showing the happy family six years down the road. Itās a heartwarming read and makes this even better.
So really, loved everything but had questions about the world building of Gaoxing.
Definitely recommending it, especially if youāre a fan of the series and author.
Donāt come at this cold. Read the series first in the order that they were written.
The contract on the princeās head was only the beginningā¦
This was supposed to be a quick job.
Pop in. Check out the prince. Alert his security that someone wanted him dead.
Easy.
But a chance meeting in a tea shop left West unable to walk away.
Crown Prince Jin was far too sweet and trusting to be left unattended.
(Not to mention devastatingly handsome and mind-blowingly sexy.)
However, Prince Jin has a dark secret that leads to even bigger problems. West is going to need the entire team for this oneā¦and maybe even those crazy assassins.
Oh God, and a makeover as he goes undercover in the elite world of royalty.
Westinās Prince is the fourth and final full-length novel in the Shadow Elite series and features mercenaries, assassins, royalty, a sassy assistant, conspiracies, danger, insta-swoon, yet another cinnamon roll, a fish out of water who will do anything for his prince, a āfakeā boyfriend but nobody believes them, and love on the run in Asia.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 