Mr. Crotchety by Rich Amooi

 

 

Blurb:

Warning: May cause happiness and laughter.

Shoe store owner Roger Hudson has a chip on his shoulder the size of Mount Rushmore. Hiring real estate agent Sally Bright, the most-annoyingly positive woman ever, probably isn’t the smartest move but she’s the best. Her constantly bubbly nature gets under Roger’s skin but there’s an even bigger problem. She’s also getting into his heart. And don’t even get him started on her dynamite legs.

Roger doesn’t fool Sally one bit. She knows his crotchety act is as fake as her best friend’s Gucci bag. She’s dealt with his type before but selling his home is proving to be harder than she thought. Especially since she’s developing feelings for her handsome client. But just when things seem to be going in the right direction, Sally’s secret could destroy everything she worked so hard for.

 

My review:

Cancer sucks! Shoe store owner Roger Hudson lost his wife to cancer five years ago and has been miserable since.

Cancer sucks! Divorced real estate agent Sally Bright beat cancer and knows just how precious life is and is determined to make the most of it.

This is a fun enemies to lovers rom com that will make you smile and remember that life is worth living. I loved that the characters were older and remind you that love isn’t just for the young but the young at heart.

 

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The Age of Inno-Scents (A Nora Black Midlife Psychic Mystery Book 6) by Renee George

 

The Age of Inno-Scents (A Nora Black Midlife Psychic Mystery Book 6) by Renee George

 

Blurb:

My name is Nora Black, and I’m proof-positive that life past fifty just keeps getting better. I have great friends, own my own business, and I have a wonderful man in my life who loves me, crow’s feet and all.

For my BFF Gilly’s birthday, we are heading to an 80s-themed mystery weekend set in an old high school, and I’m looking forward to big shoulder pads and even bigger hair. The fact that my guy Ezra looks great in tight jeans doesn’t hurt one bit, either.

But when my scratch-n-sniff psychic gift acts up, and it sniffs out an actual murderous plot, our fun outing takes a totally deadly turn.

My scent-o-rama is spazzing out to the max!

The clues are in the past, and we’re racing against the clock to turn back time. But with my nose for clues and a little luck, hopefully, we can find a killer before schools out for murder.



***This novel was previously published in Aged to Perfection Collection and has had additional content added. Enjoy!

 

My review:

Nora and her friends head to an 80’s themed murder mystery weekend. But like Jessica Fletcher murder seems to follow Nora around. In this case she may be able to stop it from happening but only if she and her friends can decipher the clues.

This was a fun, sometimes silly tale of murder and mayhem. Though this can be read standalone it will be enjoyed so much more if you read the earlier books first.

 

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Rett (The Omega Collective #5) by Mina Carter & Susan Hayes

 

 

Blurb:

She thought they were on the same side. That mistake cost her everything... including her freedom.

Anya dedicated her life to the fight against the alien invaders who had conquered Earth. Now that fight is over. The rebellion failed, the enemy won, and she knows exactly who to blame. He was her lover, her friend, and a spy for the aliens. Worse. He’s one of them… and she’s his prisoner.

His mission was to spy on the enemy, not fall for one of them.

Find the rebels, infiltrate them, and send back intel that would break the rebellion. Those were his orders. But once he was inside, Rett discovered everything they thought they knew about the human rebels was wrong. The enemy was more dangerous than they expected. They were cunning, determined, and female… and one of them was his mate.

Claiming her isn’t permitted. Taking her prisoner might get him killed, but Rett won’t stop until he has what he wants... her.

This series contains hot, growly aliens on a mission to find their mates - and a group of women determined to free their planet... and themselves.

 

My review:

Spymaster A’Rett has been undercover with the human resistance. He’s learned a lot and, in the process, fallen for second in command Anya. When he’s outed during a firefight he has to convince Anya that they’re better together.

This is a fast paced, action packed, run through the wilderness type of romance. There is a lot going on and though it stands alone you’ll get much more out of it if you’ve read the earlier books.

 

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The Other Half of the Grave (Night Huntress) by Jeaniene Frost

 

Blurb:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Night Huntress series comes a thrilling new look at the iconic origin story of Cat and Bones, as experienced by Bones…from the other half of the grave.

There are two sides to every story–and the sizzling British alpha vampire, Bones, has a lot to say…

Ever wondered what Bones was thinking and feeling when he and half-vampire Cat Crawfield first met? Or how their story might differ if he were the one telling it? Now, relive the beginning of Cat and Bones' bestselling love story through Bones' point of view, which reveals a darker, sexier take on their early days, as well as a deeper dive into Bones' past, the vampire world, and other things that Cat didn't see when their story was told only through her eyes in Halfway to the Grave.

Cat had her say. Now, it's Bones' turn.

 

My review:

As a longtime fan of this series I should have expected that the author would make this fresh and exciting. But the thrill ride that was this story still took me by surprise. It was humbling to see Cat the way that Bones did from the very start.

This is a fast paced tale that will enthrall you from the first page to the last.

 

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Immortal Rising (Argeneau) by Lynsay Sands

 

 

Blurb:

The Argeneaus are back! Filled with love, passion, and adventure, New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands returns with another sexy romance about everyone's favorite immortals.

Stephanie McGill was attacked and turned when she was just a teenager. Worse, her abilities are unlike any other immortal. Now 13 years later, with the help of her adopted Argeneau family, Steph has carved out a new - if not lonely - life for herself. Until a new neighbor arrives...

Thorne is also one-of-a-kind. The result of a genetic experiment, he's not an immortal, but he's not mortal either. He's looking for a place to hide, to get some peace and quiet so he can figure things out, and Stephanie's sanctuary is perfect. In fact, Stephanie is perfect. For the first time, Thorne is free to be himself and he's falling for her.

But if they're going to have a future together, they'll first need to deal with their past...because the mad scientist who created Thorne is now after Stephanie. 

 

My review:

We met Stephanie in The Immortal Hunter when she was brutally attacked and changed at the tender age of fifteen. She has grown up and has learned to use her problems to assist the rogue hunters.

We met Thorne in Immortal Unchained. Thorne is a unique being with the looks of a fallen angel.

When they meet the chemistry is undeniable but they both have issues. As with everything since she was turned Stephanie tackles this with smarts, humor and fortitude. These two were made for each other.

I loved seeing a grown-up Stephanie and her relationship with her sister Dani. I loved the interplay between Lucian and Stephanie.

I truly love this series and was thrilled to see Stephanie get her happy.

 

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Magical Midlife Mating: Barbara's Sassy Midlife Tales (Sassy Ever After) by Milly Taiden

 

Magical Midlife Mating: Barbara's Sassy Midlife Tales (Sassy Ever After) by Milly Taiden

 

Blurb:

Luna Maxfield has worked hard to reclaim her life after her divorce, focusing on the joys: her kids, her bookshop, and her friendship with the likes of Barbara Wolfe. Okay, so there’s no romance in her life, but who needs that, right? Not like she wishes for true love…at least, not all the time.

Wolf shifter Derrick Montoya made a horrible mistake over thirty years ago: he let his fated mate slip through his fingers. He’s been miserable ever since. Now, after all these years, he meets Luna again and finds her more alluring than ever. He’s having a hard time keeping his hands to himself.

Derrick and Luna have a lot to figure out. Luna’s loved ones aren’t content to let her keep living her lonely existence. Her resolve is tested with the older—and sexier—Derrick. But how can he convince her that the mistakes of the past won’t be repeated? And is it too late for them to have the happily ever after they missed out on all those years ago?

 

My review:

Can Luna love the man the boy has become after he broke her heart and ruined her for anyone else? Can Derrick atone for the sins of his past and gain the love he should have claimed? With a push from Barbara Wolfe maybe they can get it right this time. 

I loved that the characters in this story had some living under their belts. Luna may not have had the love of a good man (her ex was a total jerk) but she got to raise his two children and her life wasn’t without some fulfillment. Now she has a chance at happiness will she grab on to it or hold on to the pain of the past.

This story left me with a smile.

 

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Dragon Fire (the Draignis Clans Series #1) by Aleah Raynes

 

Blurb:

Trained by the best to be the best, can her exceptional skills and extraordinary powers save her from an ancient war?

Talia Sarri knew nothing about her maternal grandfather until the state sent her to live with him in the wake of her father's tragic death. But unraveling the mysteries of her lineage only leads to more shock when she discovers that she's not just a mage. She's also half-black dragon, her new guardian is the head of a secret organization that is preparing for the coming dragon war.

Paired with her grandfather's most trusted team leader, Talia must learn how to fight and embrace powers she never knew she had. However, Talia has just as much to learn about distraction and focus with a mentor as intriguing as Raven Paules.

Leaning into her strengths comes at a cost, as great power also comes with chaos. With the pending war on the horizon, can she learn to control the chaos, or will she lose herself before her very first battle?

 

My review:

Dragon Fire is the first in an exciting new series starring a young woman who has suffered the loss of her parents and is shuttled off to a relative she didn’t know she had. When she arrives she learns more about her heritage. Unfortunately she is dumped in the middle of a draconic war that may destroy her new family and home. I love Talia she is smart, strong and a little snarky. This is a thrilling adventure and I am anxiously awaiting the next installment.

 

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One Way Back to Me (The Wilder Brothers #1) by Carrie Ann Ryan

 

 

Blurb:

The Wilder brothers have retired from the military and as they’re forced to learn a new life, things get interesting fast in this kickoff to a brand new steamy, contemporary romance series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.

One dance at a stranger’s wedding. That’s all it took for me to fall for Alexis.
And then? Disaster. Another man—her boyfriend—gets down on one knee and proposes to her.
I never thought I’d see her again.
Years later, I’m in desperate need of a wedding planner—not for myself, but for my company.
My five brothers and I need to get our new Wilder Resort off the ground, and Alexis is the only one savvy enough to help us.
But there’s the little matter that I still have it bad for her. Alexis has changed since the night we met. She’s gun shy. But there’s a spark between us that will not die. We both fight it, until we don’t.
Until history repeats itself. The same guy who took her away from me is back to do more damage. But this time he’ll have to go through me to get her.

 

My review:

Sweet, sassy and sexy One Way Back to Me is the first in a series about a family of former military men trying to make it in the civilian world. The Wilder Resort and vineyard is doing well for only being open for two years. They haven’t had any luck retaining a wedding planner. When the woman Eli Wilder danced with at a wedding two years earlier shows up to interview for the wedding planner job he is conflicted. He recalls the connection he felt during the dance but she would be an employee thus hands off. This story has a bit of angst and a whole lot of heart.

 

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Playing with Myself by Randy Rainbow

 

 

Blurb:

An intimate and light-hearted memoir by viral sensation and three-time Emmy-nominated musical comedian Randy Rainbow that takes readers through his life—the highs, the lows, the lipstick, the pink glasses, and the show tunes.

Randy Rainbow, the man who conquered the Internet with a stylish pair of pink glasses, an inexhaustible knowledge of Broadway musicals, and the most gimlet-eyed view of American politics this side of Mark Twain finally tells all in Playing with Myself, a memoir sure to cause more than a few readers to begin singing one of his greatest hits like “A Spoonful of Clorox” or “Cover Your Freakin’ Face.”

As Randy has said, “There’s so much fake news out there about me. I can’t wait to set the record straight and finally give people a peek behind the green screen.” And set the record straight he does. Playing with Myself is a first-hand account of the journey that led Randy Rainbow from his childhood as the over-imaginative, often misunderstood little boy who carried a purse in the second grade to his first job on Broadway as the host at Hooters and on to the creation of his trademark comedy character. In chapters titled “Pajama Bottoms” (a look back at the days when he wore pajama bottoms on his head to pretend he was Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz), “Yes, It’s My Real Name, Shut Up!” (no explanation necessary...) and “Pink Glasses” (a rose-colored homage to his favorite accessory), Playing with Myself is a memoir that answers the question “Can an introverted musical theatre nerd with a MacBook and a dream save the world, one show tune at a time?”

 

My review:

Just like Randy Rainbow himself this book will make you laugh, think and maybe shed a tear or two. This memoir shows how a gay chubby theater nerd came to entertain the masses. He owns his own quirkiness and name drops all over the place. I am a fan but was thrilled to find him so much more than his public persona. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and truly look forward to see where he goes from here.

 

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Howl Pass (Paranormal Dating Agency) by Milly Taiden

 

 

Blurb:

Terrorized as a child by her shifter parents and her wolf pack, Sassy Rodriguez has sworn off anything to do with shifters, living her life as a human. Hell, she was even married to a human until she found out he wasn’t as loving and faithful as he had promised after he had said I do. So there’s no way she’s going to find romance in the hottest shifter she’s ever seen when she opens her front door in a towel.

Wolf alphas Remy and Josh have been waiting for the female to complete their triad for years. When finally meeting her with the help of Gerri Wilder, they discover she refuses to acknowledge any part of her shifter self. That includes her mates. That doesn’t stop them from wanting to get her out of her clothes and into their bed.

The attraction is undeniable, but that’s not enough for Sassy to go back into shifter life. In order to have their happily ever after, the men must figure out how to romance their mate outside of the bedroom. A task not easily accomplished for two long-time bachelors. Especially with a woman whose ex-husband is a gun-toting narcissist who thinks if he can’t have her, nobody will.

 

My review:

A sexy and sassy tale of a woman who has denied her heritage and is now finding out who she was always meant to be.

 

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Recruited (The Elisha & Elijah Chronicles Book 1) by D. C. Gomez

 

Blurb:

Zombies. Necromancer-Kitty. How can a witch be bored with this combination?

Nobody knows who did the most damage, the witches or the humans. But the results are the same, the world is destroyed. The war made it easier for the spread of the virus, and even more zombies now roam the world.

With the war over, Elisha enjoys her quiet life watching her familiar control zombies for landscaping duties. Yeah, she is truly bored to death.

It’s no wonder, when her moral enemies knocked at her door with a job offer she is willing to entertain it. Curiosity can be deadly, even to a powerful witch. But is Elisha ready to follow this mission through?

* Recruited is book one in the Urban Fantasy/ Post-apocalyptic Series The Elisha & Elijah Chronicles. Recruited takes us sixty-five years in the future where a terrible plague follow by an even more destructive war has left the world in shambles. Now with a potential cure to save the human race, the only one they can turn to is their own nemesis.

 

My review:

I LOVE IT! Elisha is a powerful witch, and her familiar Elijah is a smart aleck cat who plays with zombies. This world offers a terrific playground and plenty of opportunities for trouble. Elisha & Elijah manage to find plenty. Get ready for some fun.

 

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Secret Agent by Michelle Larkin

 

 

Blurb:

Rogue agent Zoey Blackwood is having the time of her life traveling the world and evading the CIA's capture. Her wisecracking humor keeps things light, but her mission is no joke: save millions of innocent lives that the US considers expendable in the wake of a deadly virus. Giving away the vaccine's top-secret formula when the government plans to sell it lands her squarely on the CIA's most-wanted list.

CIA Agent Peyton North's mission is simple: apprehend Zoey and return her to headquarters. Peyton gives chase, ready to do whatever it takes to catch her. But every time she thinks she has Zoey cornered, the smart-ass agent pulls off another clever escape.

Sparks ignite between them during their cat-and-mouse trek around the globe. A bond is forged and loyalties are tested as their sizzling attraction approaches a point of no return. 

 

My review:

The chemistry between Zoey and Peyton is apparent from the first and I loved snarky talking Zoey from the start. This story takes our intrepid agents around the world and back again. This story is filled with a tapestry of threads to follow creating a picture of bravery and love.

 

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Demon Hunting with a Southern Sheriff (Demon Hunting #6) by Lexi George

 

 

Blurb:

Rowdy rednecks. Shifty shapeshifters. Deadly demon hunters.

THIS TOWN’S GOING STRAIGHT TO HELL.

With its cross-cultural mix of good ol’ boys, big bad wolves, and otherworldly beings, Behr County is the last place you’d want to be a cop. But for Sheriff Dev Whitsun, it’s Sweet Home Alabama—and he plans to keep it that way. Famous last words. When a gruesome shifter massacre rocks the community, the sexy sheriff needs more than a badge and a few silver bullets. He needs the help of an immortal demon hunter. Her name is Arta, High Huntress of the Kirvahni. Whatever that means. Dev is no position to be picky about partners right now. But when Arta turns out to be the one female he could really fall for, Dev knows he’s in for one hell of a ride. God help them all . . .

 

My review:

Laugh out loud fantasy! This is a rocking addition to the series. Dev is adorable and Arta is amazing. The supporting characters are absolutely fantastic. This is a sit down and get lost in their world type of read. Highly recommend.

 

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Alpha Geek: Wilder by Milly Taiden

 

 

Blurb:

Jackie hides a tragic past under her professional, tough girl exterior. Nobody gets in, so nobody can hurt her. Until she’s assigned to rescue trust fund baby geek Wilder from a shadowy group which may have connections to her own history. She shouldn’t want the client, but her body has other ideas.

Wilder can’t believe Jackie is sent to protect him. He definitely doesn’t mind that such a beautiful woman is willing to spend time with him. Not to mention she seems to like him. A lot. How can that ever be a bad thing with someone he wants? Okay, so she could kill him in bed, if others don’t get to him first.

Jackie sees how brilliant, brave, and selfless Wilder is. He’s the polar opposite of most of the men Jackie’s known. She can’t fight her attraction to him, and he’s clearly into her, but a long term love seems out of the question. Until a serum makes him so much more than just a cute geek.

 

My review:

According to the Oxford dictionary:

al·pha male

noun

noun: alpha male; plural noun: alpha males

the dominant male animal in a particular group.

"two of them trotted over to greet the alpha male, a black wolf with a graying muzzle"

a man tending to assume a dominant or domineering role in social or professional situations.

"two alpha males constantly competing to be the best"

 

This is a different installment into the Alpha Geek series. This is a romantic suspense done paranormal. Our hero Wilder may be a geek but he certainly has alpha tendencies. I had to rethink my definition of an alpha. Is it the ability to lead, is it a physically perfect specimen or something else? Jackie is a panther shifter and is a strong woman. She is used to being alone and is unsure if she even wants a mate let alone a breakable human. This is a fast-paced, thrill a minute, sexy ride.

 

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Unwanted Mate by Sam Crescent

 

Blurb:

Unwanted, Sofia Foster only knows pain when it comes to her pack. Considered a freak for her ability to heal, she has become their punching bag. They take their anger out on her, and she can’t leave because the alpha has ordered her to stay.

Caspian is addicted to the scent in the woods, and when he stumbles over a young female being beaten, he cannot just leave her alone. He attacks her pack, and Sofia finds herself free, finally able to live her life in the city.

Only, Caspian will never let Sofia go.

Years of abuse forces her to ignore the mating bond between them, but there is no mistaking the heat, the fire. They are destined to mate, even though someone from her pack lurks nearby.

With the full moon looming, Caspian vows to do everything to protect her, and he takes matters into his own hands. Will Sofia accept him as her mate, or will she continue to be the unwanted wolf?

 

My review:

Sofia is punished by her pack for being herself. She has a gift and they abuse her for it. Released from their cruelty she blossoms. Caspian finds his mate being tortured by her pack and is determined to free her but his wolf won’t let her go. Watching Sofia become the woman/wolf she was truly meant to be is fantastic. This is a wonderful, sweet and sexy read.

 

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Men or Paws by Rich Amooi

 

 

Blurb:

Watch a dog for three weeks, get fifteen thousand dollars. Piece of cake, right?

Wrong.

First, I have to stay in my client’s guesthouse while he’s in the main house working on an important project. That may not sound so bad, but HE is Hollywood’s Bad Boy, Rocco Romano, voted “Sexiest Man Alive.”

The guy could charm the pants off a mannequin.

Luckily he’s not my type.

Seriously.

A rich, sexy, generous man? Pass. Ten-pack abs? Whatever.

My heart palpitations are obviously caused by something else.

As for the dog, he’s sweet and adorable, but he’s named Houdini for a reason.

Then I accidentally kiss him.

Rocco, not the dog.

Then he escapes.

The dog, not Rocco.

Things can’t get any worse, right?

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

Men or Paws is a hilarious, opposites-attract, closed-door romantic comedy with sizzling chemistry and a guaranteed happy ending.

 

My review:

Men or Paws by Rich Amooi is a laugh out loud, feel good rom com complete with slapstick, bad puns and a dog named Houdini. I couldn’t have loved this more. I am still chuckling as I type this. Great characters kept me flipping pages. Seriously, read this book.

 

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