Simmering Stu - Pamela Burford

Simmering Stu

A hot tub can be a great place to decompress—provided your tub toy isn't a Glock 9-millimetre. When Death Diva Jane discovers that Stu Ruskin has taken decompression a little too far, everyone assumes his sudden demise was self-inflicted. The result of a guilty conscience perhaps? After all, no one who knew Stu would describe him as a Boy Scout.
Jane begins to suspect murder when disturbing secrets come to light. As it turns out, some of those secrets involve Martin McAuliffe. All Jane really knows about yummy bad boy Martin is that he has a mysterious past and is a darn good kisser. But hey, Sexy Beast approves of him, and when has Jane’s neurotic canine sidekick ever steered her wrong?

My Review

Simmering Stu by Pamela Burford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've loved the Jane Delaney mysteries since I first read Undertaking Irene over five years ago. With each new instalment, I've quickly devoured each one and Simmering Stu was no exception. The previous book, Preserving PeachesPreserving Peaches, ended with something that I'd been hoping for for a while. Simmering Stu picks up from where that book left off, which is exactly what I had been hoping for.
Jane yet again stumbles across a dead body, I have to say, I think that I'd start to avoid Jane if I happened to live nearby, for fear that she'd find another body or that I might become one myself. Jane, of course, starts to investigate the murder. I didn't manage to get there before her this time, but it was an enjoyable read all the same and I did my best to guess where things were going. Ultimately, I was happy with the conclusion, which is all that really matters in these things.
There are a few things I love about this series, one is the murder mystery element, another the humour and almost my favourite bit, the relationship between Jane and Martin. This book had more on that and I'm happy to say that Jane does seem to be following the route that I was hoping for. I can't wait to read the next book and see how things develop.
I love this series. Jane is a great character and her supporting cast (not forgetting dog Sexy Beast) are brilliant too. I hope that we don't have to wait for too long to get our hands on book 7.

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Preserving Peaches - Pamela Burford

Preserving Peaches by Pamela Burford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It feels like a long time since I last read a Jane Delaney mystery, I've just had a look and it's been over two years since one came out. It didn't take me long to get back into this fantastic series. The book starts with Jane's 40th Birthday, during the course of the series she's started as slightly older than me and now I seem to have just overtaken her. She stumbles onto a body, the almost mummified body of local problem page writer, Peaches. Obviously, Jane can't help but do a little bit of digging into who killed her, especially after she is asked by two people to look into it, or at least things related to the death.
There are two elements to this great series. Firstly, the murder, obviously and then secondly the romance angle. For too long now, Jane has been hung up on her ex-husband Dom, for reasons that seem a little bit beyond me, when she has the wonderful Martin waiting in the wings. Jane seems to have seen the light, with Dom at least. I don't want to tell you something that might spoil the book for you. So, I'm not going to tell you if I was left satisfied at the end of this book. Although I am really tempted to give more away...
I didn't manage to solve this one sadly. At least not until the very end, although I had one or two ideas. The mystery worked well and kept me guessing, which is always a bonus. The real delight of these books is the humour though. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the things that Jane gets herself involved in. Being a death diva is certainly an interesting and varied role.
I loved this book and really hope that we don't have to wait too long for the next one. I for one, can't wait to see what Jane gets up to next.

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Icing Allison - Pamela Burford

Icing Allison

What, Jane Delaney asks herself, could be better than skating on a frozen lake with sexy MartinMcAuliffe? After all, Martin’s thought of everything:
• Yummy picnic lunch, complete with the requisite hot chocolate? Check.
• Adorable, if slightly neurotic, canine sidekick? Check.
• Chainsaw (don’t ask)? Check.
• Frozen corpse? Dang!
And just when things were starting to get romantic!

The authorities decide Allison Zaleski’s death was an accident, but Death Diva Jane isn’t so sure. For starters, some of the wealthy young woman’s nearest and dearest had reason to want her out of the picture—her boy-toy husband and his greedy mistress for starters. But it isn’t until Jane discovers Allison’s secret video diary that the questions really start piling up. Such as: Who left a decapitated Barbie doll, altered to look like Allison, in her mailbox? And what, if anything, did Allison have to do with her first husband’s death?

My Review

I really enjoy the Jane Delaney Series, you can read my reviews of Uprooting Ernie and Perforating Pierre on this blog. Icing Allison is the forth book in the series and even though I didn't get my hands on an ARC this time, I was really keen to read it. If you haven't read any of the Jane Delaney series before, then you could certainly start with this one and be able to follow it fine. I would recommend going back to the beginning though and giving them all a go. The books do follow on, but work as stand alone stories too.

The story starts with Jane going for a picnic and skate on a frozen lake, with the yummy Martin. It isn't long before a dead body shows up and Jane finds herself in the middle of puzzle again. To begin with it looks as though Allison's death was an unfortunate accident, but as time goes on, it becomes clear to Jane that there's more to this than first meets the eye.

I was glad to see a bit more Martin in this one. I'm not sure why she's even still hung up on her ex-husband Dom. As for the French man she met in the last book? Non, merci. Martin may be a bit of bad boy, but it's clear that he's got Jane's best interests at heart.

I didn't manage to solve this one, although I had had a few suspicions about the murderer earlier on, I'd dismissed them right until the big reveal. I love these Jane Delaney stories and can't wait for the next one, especially if we're going to get even more Martin.

Fiance for Hire - Pamela Burford

When four high school friends promise to find husbands for one another if any of them are still single at age thirty, they have no idea how complicated the pact will make their lives twelve years later! Book 4 of the Wedding Ring series is Fiancé for Hire.

Fiance For Hire 

The Prospective Bride: Amanda Coppersmith, successful at everything except marriage. Been there, done that—twice! No way is she going to let her matchmaking pals fix her up with another husband. She’s determined to remain single, which means outwitting her well-meaning friends.

The Prospective Groom: Nick Stephanos, studly New York taxi driver and the perfect choice for fake fiancé.

The Hitch: Nick is willing to play along, and the meddling matchmakers are completely taken in. So how did a simple fake engagement become so darn complicated?

My Review

This is the fourth and final book in the wedding ring series. Unlike her three friends, Amanda has been married twice before. Two divorces later and she has sworn of men for good. Her friends are unwilling to let her get away with not taking part in the wedding ring pact though, so Amanda hires someone to play the part of her new love interest. If she's found someone herself, then there's no need for them to set her up with someone. Nick seems like the perfect candidate for the role, but as time goes on, Amanda finds herself doing the unthinkable and actually falling for Nick.

Amanda might be busy scheming so that she can avoid her friend's plans, but Nick has plans of his own. It soon becomes apparent that there is far more to him than initially meets the eye. Amanda has far more on her hands than she first counted on.

I enjoyed this final installment in the wedding ring series. I liked Nick's character and I thought that he was a good fit for Amanda. We learn more about Amanda in this book, she isn't the worldly, assured woman that she portrays. 

I wasn't entirely convinced that even as close friends as the four women who make up the wedding ring circle are, would be able to predict so well how one of them would behave. It did help the story line though and was certainly enjoyable. As with the other three books in the series, I'd recommend Fiance for Hire.

One Eager Bride to Go - Pamela Burford

When four high school friends promise to find husbands for one another if any of them are still single at age thirty, they have no idea how complicated the pact will make their lives twelve years later! Book 3 of the Wedding Ring matchmaker series is One Eager Bride to Go.

One Eager Bride to Go

The Prospective Bride: Sunny Bleecker, who’s been waiting tables at Wafflemania for twelve years… and waiting just as long for her knight in shining armor to come rescue her. She can’t wait for her matchmaking friends to find him!

The Prospective Groom: Kirk Larsen, who’s a college professor, a widowed single dad, and Sunny’s high school sweetheart. Between teaching and raising a toddler, Kirk isn’t looking for romance, but his unexpected reunion with Sunny feels so perfect.

The Hitch: Sunny is dubious when her blind date turns out to be her old boyfriend, but her doubts quickly evaporate. Soon she’s walking on air, dreaming of a white picket fence and a passel of kids… until a devastating secret threatens their second chance at happiness.

My Review

It's true that life often doesn't go quite to plan. While you might see yourself in a particular role, or place, there's no guarantee that it will happen. Sunny has spent the last 12 years, waiting for her life to start. Rather than going out and finding what she want's, she sat and waited for it to come to her. But it just hasn't happened. While her friends have gone out and followed the careers and lives that they have dreamt of following, Sunny has just stayed in the same place, doing the same thing.

Sunny is thrilled at the idea of her friends setting her up with a potential future husband. What she doesn't expect is to be set up with her high school boyfriend, the only man she ever loved, Kirk. Kirk seems to offer all that Sunny has ever wanted, but is everything as straight forward as it seems. what is it that Kirk isn't telling her.

I enjoyed this third installment in the Wedding Ring series. Sunny is forced to question what and who she really wants out of life. When Sunny has put everything on hold with only one goal in mind, how much is she willing to give up, what does she really want?

 The wedding ring series is a great series. All four friends are very different with different dreams and ideas. One more to go, I really recommend this series.

I Do, But Here's the Catch - Pamela Burford

When four high school friends promise to find husbands for one another if any of them are still single at age thirty, they have no idea how complicated the pact will make their lives twelve years later! Book 2 of the Wedding Ring matchmaker series is I Do, But Here’s the Catch.

I Do, But Here's the Catch 

The Prospective Bride: Carlotta “Charli” Rossi, last of a dying breed: the thirty-year-old virgin. It’s love at first sight when her matchmaking friends set her up on a blind date with Grant—but does he feel the same way about her?

The Prospective Groom: Grant Sterling, a handsome, rich, worldly lawyer, always in control. This confirmed bachelor’s only goal is to make partner at his stuffy law firm, and for that he requires a mousy, undemanding wife who doesn’t turn him on.

The Hitch: Charli is thrilled to become Mrs. Grant Sterling, but maybe she should have paid closer attention to the details before the wedding! Grant thinks he’s planned the perfect marriage of convenience, devoid of messy complications like sex and commitment. Good thing perfect plans never go wrong, huh?

My Review

To begin with, I wasn't completely convinced by this story line. When Charlie and Grant decide to get married, it's clear that there's been a big misunderstanding. I wasn't entirely convinced that something like this could happen, surely no one would manage to get that confused? But it didn't matter, as the story progressed and Grant begins to fall in love with Charli, I really didn't care that the wedding set up was a little far fetched.

Charli, who has spent her whole life being the dutiful, good daughter, finds out that there's far more to life and that she has far more power over men, or at least the one man that counts, than she ever thought possible. Soon, she's learning all the little moves and tricks that drive Grant wild, he can't resist her.

Of course the path of true love has a few humps and bumps along the way. But this was a great story and I am really looking forward to the third book in the series. I'll be sharing my review of that soon.

Love's funny that way - Pamela Burford

I love a good romance series, so I was thrilled to get the chance to read the Wedding Ring Series by Pamela Burford. The first in the series Love's Funny That Way has just been released.

Love's funny that way

When four high school friends promise to find husbands for one another if any of them are still single at age thirty, they have no idea how complicated the pact will make their lives twelve years later! Book 1 of the Wedding Ring matchmaker series is Love’s Funny That Way.

The Prospective Bride: Raven Muldoon, hypnotherapist by day and aspiring stand-up comic by night. She realizes her matchmaking friends have made a grave mistake—and that’s no joke.

The Prospective Groom: Brent Radley, a blind date who appears to be perfect husband material… until Raven meets his sexy-as-sin younger brother, Hunter, owner of the local comedy club. Did her pals pick the wrong brother?

The Hitch: Hunter is no choirboy, but not even he would steal his brother’s girlfriend, no matter how tempted he might be. But how committed is Raven to Brent, and he to her?

My Review

As I said in the beginning, I love a good romance series and the wedding ring is certainly that. These books follow four friends, Raven, Charli, Sunny and Amanda who are all turning 30. Back in high school they agreed that if they weren't married by the time they were 30, then the other three would find each one a husband. Raven is the oldest of the group and so the first to turn 30.

I think that one of the things that I enjoyed the most about this book, is that it didn't follow the often common theme of a much older hero. In fact in this case, Hunter, is actually younger than Raven. He isn't the man that she's been set up with, but it soon becomes clear that he is the man that she is meant to be with.

Raven and Hunter do their best to keep apart, Raven because she must keep dating the chosen man, in this case Hunter's older brother Brent for three months. For Hunter, it's a case of family loyalty, he can't even consider falling in love with the woman that his older brother is dating. 

As the book progresses, everything gets sorted out and people end up with who they are supposed to be with. Along the way, Raven discovers her hitherto undiscovered talent as a stand up comic and with Hunter's help faces her fear of performing. 

All in all, this was a funny and fun read and highly recommended. I'm really looking forward to the next books in the series. I'll be reviewing those here too. So if you're looking for a great read, I'd check it out now.

Perforating Pierre - Pamela Burford

I've been looking forward to the release of the third Jane Delaney mystery since I read Uprooting Ernie last year, (see my review here). I really enjoy this series and I really wanted to see what was going to happen next to Jane. 

Over the past month, I've ready quite a few humorous, light, murder mysteries (also known as cozy mysteries apparently). They have, for the most part, been rubbish. Fortunately, Perforating Pierre, while being light-hearted and fun, is far from being rubbish.

Perforating Pierre

Celebrity chef Pierre Dewatre has everything going for him: swoon-worthy looks, a successful restaurant, and a budding TV career, not to mention that drop-dead-sexy French accent. Unfortunately for Pierre, the drop-dead part becomes all too real when Death Diva Jane and her furry little sidekick Sexy Beast discover him marinating in his own juices. So to speak. And okay, so the famous chef has been accused of cooking and serving endangered species, but that couldn’t possibly have anything to do with his death. Could it?

The inept detective in charge of the case has homed in on a single suspect: Jane’s ex, who’s only the Nicest Guy in the World. She’s never gotten over him, even with a certain bad-boy bartender invading her personal space at every opportunity. Throw the victim’s hot Parisian brother into the mix and it’s little wonder Jane is having trouble concentrating on whodunit.

You’d think having a high-strung, seven-pound poodle on your team would be the key to quickly solving a complicated murder. Turns out that’s not necessarily the case. Who knew?

My Review

This was another great instalment in the Jane Delaney series. This time she has yet another male who seems to be interested in her. The brother of her recently murdered friend, Pierre Dewatre. Her ex-husband is still in the thick of things, not only is he hanging around and confusing Jane, but he is also the chief suspect in Pierre's murder. 

The Padre, the lovely Martin is still around too. Sadly, not quite as much as I'd like. (He'd be my choice if I were Jane.) The sooner that Jane realises that her ex-husband, Dom, is not for her, or French men (no matter how sexy the accent) the better.

This time I did manage to work out who done it, before Jane realised, but I don't think that it was obvious, and it certainly didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. (Actually I like to be able to solve the mystery from time to time, it helps me to feel intelligent.) 

I really really enjoyed Perforating Pierre. I can't wait to for the next installment and to find out what happens to Jane next. If you haven't read the first too books, then check them out too. Perforating Pierre is out on the 31st October, but open for pre-orders now.

Twice burned by Pamela Burford

Last week I reviewed Good to be Bad by Patricia Ryan. This was the first book in a two book series, by identical twins Patricia Ryan and Pamela Burford. While the books can be read as stand alone novels, the suspense element of the story continues in the second book. This week I got hold of Twice Burned, so that I could finish the story and see what happened.

Twice Burned

Zara Sutcliffe has always been more confident and adventurous than her shy twin sister, Emma. But nothing in Zara’s past has prepared her for FBI Agent Logan Pierce… if he really is an agent, that is. She can only take his word for that after he kidnaps her and keeps her a virtual prisoner in a New York City warehouse. He calls it a safe house, but she feels anything but safe when he turns those intense amber eyes on her. The only thing she’s certain of is that her enigmatic bodyguard is too sexy for her own good. What does he know that she doesn’t?

Plenty, as it turns out. Such as his own close connection to a criminal with no conscience who’s a threat not just to Zara, but to her sister and mother as well. And all because of a bizarre, decades-old movie prop that someone wants badly enough to kill for.

My Review

I really enjoyed Good to be Bad, so I was looking forward to giving Twice Burned a go and finding out what would happen. Zara returns from her trip to Australia to find an FBI agent waiting for her, in order to take her into a safe house. She soon learns of the danger that she is in and that her Mother is missing, presumed kidnapped.

I loved reading about Zara and her growing relationship with Logan. Although we had met him very briefly in the previous book, it wasn't clear exactly who he was, so we were discovering things about him at the same time Zara did.

Although Zara was the strong business woman, we soon learnt that there was much more to her character than that, and that she had plenty of worries and insecurities to deal with. I enjoyed seeing how Logan helped her to deal with those and came to care for her himself.

This was a really good conclusion to the first story. It wrapped everything up and still had Emma appearing in the book and the story line. The ending was a little cheesy, but hey, who cares, it was still good fun. I'm glad that I went onto read the second book, it certainly lived up to expectations.