Fear in First Gear - Karen C. Whalen

 In the midst of a merciless blizzard, shoe-a-holic tow truck driver, Delaney Morran, finds herself in a race against time—and her own sanity. After discovering a dead woman buried in a snow-locked vehicle, she barely escapes an avalanche that obliterates all evidence of her shocking find. Distrust shadows her every move, as the police suspect she hallucinated the whole thing, and friends joke about her "body count." Fueled by guilt and a fierce determination for justice, Delaney plunges into a perilous hunt for the truth. Solving the crime would be a nice I-told-you-so, too. Can she discover the killer before becoming the next victim in this comical who-dun-it?

My Review

Who wouldn't love the idea of a female tow truck driver, who goes out to work in heels? I haven't read the other books in this series, but I soon got into this great murder mystery read. I love strong female characters and Delaney certainly fits the bill in that reguard.

This cosy murder mystery was lots of fun (seems an odd thing to say about a murder mystery!) I really enjoyed it and it kept me guessing right until the end. 

This might be my first Two Truck Murder Mysteries book, but I'm sure that it wont be the last.

Wistful Whispers - Kaylene Winter

Wistful Whispers
Kaylene Winter
(Charming Irish, #3)
Publication date: June 9th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Wistful Whispers is an irresistible battle of the wills where surrendering to forbidden temptation could cost them everything.

I never promised forever.
A good time? Absolutely.
Heartbreak? Only if they got too attached.

My reputation as a quiet playboy precedes me—women talk, and my ‘talents’ follow me wherever I go. But I’ve always been upfront. No commitments. No expectations. No complications.

Marcella Delgado is nothing but complications. Brilliant. Fierce. Eight years older. And the attorney trying to take down my boss in a malpractice case. She should hate me on sight—hell, she does. But that doesn’t stop the heat between us from igniting the moment we meet.

She’s heard the stories about me firsthand, right there in the depositions. She knows exactly what I’m good at, and even though she fights it, I can see the temptation in her eyes.

One night. One line crossed.
Now my future’s unraveling—and she might be the only thing I don’t want to let go.

For the first time, I want it all.

And I’ll fight like hell to be the man she can’t leave behind.

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Author Bio:

When she was only 15, Kaylene Winter wrote her first rocker romance novel starring a fictionalized version of herself, her friends and their gorgeous rocker boyfriends. After living her own rockstar life as a band manager, music promoter and mover and shaker in Seattle during the early 1990’s, Kaylene became a digital media legal strategist helping bring movies, television and music online. Throughout her busy career, Kaylene lost herself in romance novels across all genres inspiring her to realize her life-long dream to be a published author. She lives in Seattle with her amazing husband and dog. She loves to travel, throw lavish dinner parties and support charitable causes supporting arts and animals.

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Death at the Highland Loch - Lydia Travers

Move over, Inspector! Lady Poppy Proudfoot is here to solve her very first case.

Scotland, 1924: When Lady Poppy Proudfoot travels to the Highlands for a midsummer party, the last thing she and her fellow guests expect is for a body to wash up beside the loch.

Despite protests that it could have been an accident, Poppy is convinced it’s murder and decides to dust off her law degree and hunt for clues. But when the police arrive, the grumpy Inspector MacKenzie dismisses her evidence, insisting a crime scene is no place for a Lady. The nerve!

With the help of her trusted Labrador, Major, Poppy begins to unpick the case. But she soon has two mysteries to solve, as her host Lady Constance Balfour claims a diamond and emerald bracelet has been stolen. Could the two cases be linked? Was it Freddy the footman, a favourite of her ladyship? Or American actress Miss Cornett, with a keen eye for jewels? Or with such a dazzling guestlist, was someone from the local village tempted into the grounds by the party?

When a woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to Poppy is attacked, she realizes that someone wants her off the case. Someone connected to Balfour House is a murderer and a thief, but who? And can Poppy solve the mystery before she, too, washes up beside the loch?

A warm, unputdownable page-turning historical whodunnit, perfect for fans of Helena Dixon, Verity Bright, T.E. Kinsey and Catherine Coles.

My Review:

Death at the Highland Loch is a murder mystery set between the First and Second World Wars. Lady Poppy Proudfoot is of that class of woman who doesn't need to work, but is very keen to stick her nose into everyone elses' affairs, a bonus when you are investigating a murder. She is also a little aragant and irritating, but hopefully as the series progresses, some of her rougher edges come of and we warm to her a bit more.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this book and it certainly kept me guessing, although I had figured out one or two things by the end. I wasn't keen on the way that Poppy decided she was a detective on the strength of solving one mystery. Most amatures are a little less keen to label themselves straight away.
There are mentions of characters from a previous series I believe, I haven't ready any of the books, so didn't really understand who they were, but fans of Lydia Travers other books might well appreciate them.
This was an entertaining read and a good start to a new series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Author Bio:

Lydia Travers was born in London.  She moved progressively north until settling with her husband in a village on the edge of the Scottish Highlands. She has raised children, bred dogs and kept chickens; and for as long as she can remember has written for pleasure. A former legal academic and practitioner with a PhD in criminology, she now runs self-catering holiday accommodation, sings in a local choir and is walked daily by the family dog.

Lydia also writes as Linda Tyler and her first novel under that name, Revenge of the Spanish Princess, won a 2018 Romance Writers of America competition for the beginning of an historical romance. Her second novel The Laird's Secret was Commended in the 2021 Scottish Association of Writers' Pitlochry Quaich competition for the beginning of a romantic novel. Mischief in Midlothian won the 2022 Scottish Association of Writers' Constable Silver Stag trophy. She has had a number of short stories published in magazines, journals and anthologies in the UK, the USA and Australia.

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Their Mended Hearts - Angie Cole

Their Mended Hearts
Angie Cole
(Cardinal Creek)
Publication date: March 25th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

He’s a firefighter haunted by tragedy; she’s a nurse who never stopped loving him. Jon and Katie find themselves drawn back together, bound by shared history and the promise of healing and hope.

Jon Clemmons, a devoted firefighter, carries the heavy burden of guilt from losing his sister in a tragic accident. His pain runs deep, and he’s learned to keep others at a distance, afraid to let anyone see his scars.

Katie Deluca, a compassionate nurse, and Jon’s first love, has her own wounds, but she’s never stopped caring for him. When they’re reunited at a family wedding, old sparks reignite, and with them, old hurts that need mending.

As Jon and Katie draw closer, Jon’s troubled past, family secrets, and a volatile temper threaten to unravel the bond between them. Katie’s unwavering love gives him hope, but fears of reliving their painful past linger.

Will they find strength in each other to break free from the grip of old grief, or will their love slip away once more?

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Author Bio:

My journey as a romance author is deeply rooted in my personal experiences of love, loss, and resilience. The profound impact of the losses I have endured, including the passing of my grandparents and my parents, has shaped my perspective on life and love.

My own love story is one of healing and finding joy after heartache, and it mirrors the themes I explore in my novels.

As a survivor of grief and a believer in the power of love, I channel my experiences into crafting stories that resonate with the complexities and triumphs of the human heart. My writing is a testament to the idea that love can emerge from the most unexpected places, offering hope and healing. The one thing that can be learned from grief is that it’s a very personal experience and isn’t the same for every person.

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My Review

This second-chance romance for a couple who've both seen plenty of tragedy. After the death of Jon's sister, who also happens to be Kati's sister-in-law, the two drift apart. Now, once again, spending time together and having something that draws them together, they have to work on their relationship.

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Between Today and Someday - Ann M. Trader

Prim Vreeland is an emergency department nurse, and after a string of disappointing relationships, her own heart needs life support. On a leap of faith, she moves home and is surprised when her brother’s best friend—and her secret childhood crush—has the same idea. As attraction sparks, she finds her usual steady footsteps treading on quicksand.

Sportfishing media influencer Chase Bova realizes it’s time to swap life on the road for hometown roots. When he crosses paths with Prim, she tangles his line, tying it in knots. Her charm reminds him why he’d steered clear of her years ago…and should probably do the same now.

As their irresistible connection turns into romance, questions of honesty and commitment linger. Will Prim and Chase dig deep for the courage to face their past and together, discover what really lies between today and someday?

My Review

Between Today and Someday is the second book in the Wonder of Wildflowers series. This time, hard-working nurse Primrose finds herself back in the company of her childhood crush and brother's best friend, Chase. Prim isn't the only one who has harboured feelings for Chase. He always found himself drawn to her, but felt that he wasn't good enough. 

I really liked these two as a couple. They were well matched and made sense as a couple. As a rule, I'm not that keen on romances between a player and someone less experienced, but it worked in this case, possibly mostly because it wasn't as though Prim was completely inexperienced.

I do enjoy romances between people who have been friends for a long time and this certainly falls into that category. I also liked that Chase had to figure out who he was and what he wanted before he could properly get his woman.

This was a second great installment in this series and I'd be keen to find out what is going to happen next for this family with wild flower names.

Washed up at Sea Oats Beach - Karen C. Whalen

One sun-drenched morning at Sea Oats Beach, Breanna Hart stumbles on the dead body of a
surfer washed ashore. As the reality of her grim find sinks in, a movement in the water catches her eye—a chocolate Lab perched on a surfboard. Did the dog belong to the surfer or someone else? With no answer to that question, Breanna fosters the traumatized canine and learns about the incredible world of dogs who surf—an unexpected yet fascinating sport.

What began as a tragic encounter quickly escalates into a homicide investigation when the authorities determine that the woman’s death was no accident. Driven by her desire for justice for the woman, and healing for the Lab, Breanna sets out to connect the lost dog to his people and unravel the secrets hiding in the tide. Will she discover the truth, or will it remain as mysterious as life under the waves?

Dive into the sequel to the award-winning Mystery at Sea Oats Beach featuring a colorful cast of characters including the island town of Sea Oats Beach itself. Sit back and relax, unwind, and escape to the shore!

My Review

Washed Up at Sea Oats Beach: A cozy mystery beach read by Karen C. Whalen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good cozy murder mystery and Washed up at Sea Oats Beach certainly fits that criteria. Bree hasn't lived near Sea Oats Beach for long, but she seems to have found herself in the middle of a mystery for a second time (although I haven't read the first book as yet). She finds the body of a woman on the beach, as if washed up from a surfing accident, but with strangulation marks around her neck, showing this is anything but an accident.
I loved the setting of this book, as Bree tries to find her way in this new community, juggling her own insecurities and her brother's issues, as well as trying to get to the bottom of this murder. She also takes care of a dog who was at the scene and seems to enjoy surfing and skateboarding just as much as some of the locals.
On a slightly different note, I also hadn't heard of 'sea oats' before, but they clearly belong to the same family as other dune grasses such as toi toi and I can see how they got their name with their almost feather like seeds. What a great name for them and this beach community.
This was a light hearted, but gripping read, although I hadn't a clue who was responsible by the end. It all added up and made sense though and I really enjoyed this read. I think I may have to go back and read others in the series and I'm looking forward to what happens next for Bree and her friends.

View all my reviews

Death at Inishmore Castle - Lucy Connelly

 A grand castle, a glass of Irish whiskey, a good book by the fire… and a rather mysterious murder?

Historic Inishmore Castle is opening its doors for the first time, hosting a charming weekend of whiskey tasting and soda bread baking. Sisters Mercy and Lizzie McCarthy are badly in need of a break, but their relaxing trip takes a decidedly unrestful turn when Mercy finds fellow guest Father Brennen slumped over the desk in the library… Did he have one glass too many or did someone want him dead?

Even more curiously, Mercy swiftly learns that the priest was no priest at all. So why was he searching through dusty old journals? Can the legend of Inishmore’s lost treasure possibly be true?

Mercy’s suspicions of foul play are confirmed when another of their party is found drowned in the lake at the edge of the manor’s estate. It can’t be a coincidence! Someone in this idyllic Irish castle is up to no good and Mercy is determined to find out who’s behind it, accompanied by her reluctant fellow sleuth and beloved dog Mr. Poe.

With a host of frightened guests and worried staff, and a storm closing in, Mercy soon has more suspects than bedrooms in the castle. Could it be the unconvincing nun, the busybody birdwatcher, or are the owners hiding something sinister? When Mercy realises there are secret passages in the walls, she thinks she might have cracked the case… but will she track the killer down, or will Inishmore be her resting place forever more?

A completely delightful Irish cozy mystery, full of warmth and wit. Fans of Agatha Christie, Carlene O’Connor and Faith Martin will love Mercy McCarthy!

My Review

I'm really enjoying these Mercy McCarthy Mysteries. They are easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable books about murder (which sounds mad to even say, but if you like murder mysteries, I'm sure you get it).
This time Mercy and her sister Lizzie are visiting Inishmore Castle when a murderer strikes and writer Mercy finds herself investigating yet again. She also seems to be getting even more friendly with local Garda Kieran (and I'm hoping that's going to develop even further in future books).
I didn't manage to solve this one, but I was so caught up in the story that I didn't really spend a great deal of time trying to get to the bottom of it. Great read though. I was a little surprised for a raccoon popping up the story, but apparently google tells me that they can occasionally be found in the wild in Ireland. I can't imagine that they are a regular occurrence though, but who knows, sometimes these things quickly establish themselves.
I can't wait to find out what happens to Mercy, Lizzie, Poe the Dog and Kieran next...
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Author Bio:

Bestselling author Candace Havens has published more than 25 books. Her novels have received nominations for the RITA’s, Holt Medallion, Write Touch Reader Awards and National Reader’s Choice Awards. She is a Barbara Wilson Award winner. She is the author of the biography Joss Whedon: The Genius Behind Buffy and a contributor to several anthologies. She is also one of the nation’s leading entertainment journalists and has interviewed countless celebrities from George Clooney to Chris Pratt. Candace runs a free online writing workshop for more than 2000 writers and teaches comprehensive writing classes. She does film reviews with Hawkeye in the Morning on 96.3 KSCS, and is a former President of the Television Critics Association.

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