Novella

compose a love poem for Rory to read to Delilah. Said endeavor requires them to spend time together. Sparks ignite and she woos him into a blazing love affair. Rory has no interest in pursuing her cousin once he becomes aware of Juliet, the warrior poet with emerald eyes and a passionate soul. Will he manage to win her heart, or will their Oling become a memory?

A rambunctious romp that will woo readers to quickly turn pages hoping for a breeze to cool them off! This tale is a delight of sexiness and humor. On second thought, maybe pages will be read slowly to savor the sensuous details of two lovers with off the charts chemistry! The ensemble cast of cousins and bit players make brief appearances in a straightforward plot of seduction. Readers may yearn for the magical landscape of a Scottish fairy glen or hidden waterfall, especially if a strapping Highlander is included! Ms. Darling's trademark strong women and even stronger men–along with some downright sexy love scenes are deOinitely delivered in this Highland romance of another Windermere in love.

Petrichor Blooms (The Halcyon Universe #2)

Mindi Briar

SCIENCE FICTION: Danya Xiang is raised as a member of the Greenjacket rebel organization, as well as her twin sister, Nox. Danya couldn’t be more different from her sister if she tried. While Nox is in the military and loves to go on missions, Danya prefers to work in food production, far away from the military. But when Nox becomes injured right before she is set to go out on a mission, she convinces her sister to trade places with her so that Nox can get the intel that she needs. After Danya reluctantly takes her sister’s place, things appear to be going smoothly. But after the Greenjacket army captures Amy Ediya, a university student, Danya and Amy decide to desert the army and go on their own quest to Oind Amy’s family.

“Petrichor Blooms” is a science Oiction story with some female/female romance thrown in. It is well-written and easy to read. The dialogue between the characters is enjoyable and humorous. Danya and Nox even share some unique abilities that will keep readers invested in how this story progresses. “Petrichor Blooms” is the second book in the series, and is written as a standalone. However, readers may Oind it a little difOicult to understand the world building without reading the Oirst book. At times, it can become a little confusing. While the pacing can be very slow at times, Ms. Briar does a good job of keeping the story engaging in this fun space adventure that will leave readers wanting more.

Jennifer Shepherd

unique features, it successfully provides the reader with more backstory about Jax, and adds some hints to his past which will give lovers of this genre a little bit of something extra to chew on while they wait for the next in the “Jax Diamond Mysteries” series.

Sarah E Bradley

Two of a Kind: The Beginning Jax Diamond Mysteries #4

Gail Meath

Jax Diamond and his pint-sized puppy partner have solved many cases together, but their Oirst happened over the Christmas holidays during the 1920s, beginning with a robbery that goes wrong. Unable to forgive himself for a mistake in the line of duty, OfOicer Jax Diamond quits the force and attempts to Oind a new direction in his life. When a string of toy robberies trip Jax’s instincts, he Oinds himself investigating with a puppy sidekick. But broke, without a badge, and old enemies looking to get even, solving the crime and saving Christmas might take some real Christmas magic – along with some quick detective work.

When Jax and his longtime partner, Tim Murphy, begin the story with a simple lunch run that turns ominous. Set in the roaring twenties, this novella acts as a prequel to the series, with backstory on what launched Jax’s career as a P.I. as the focus. Romance is minimal in this tale with the mystery Oilling the story, and pulling the reader along. As a novella, the book is a quick and simple read with a straightforward mystery. While it lacks any major stand out or

Trip the Light Phantasmic (The Gothic Gwyn Mysteries, Book One)

Judith Sterling

Gwyneth Camm has always preferred “serious” books to her great-aunt’s love of romance novels. But when she inherits her great-aunt’s house in Salem, Massachusetts, she discovers there might be more to her greataunt’s books when she falls asleep reading one of the gothic mystery novels the woman left behind. Transported into the story as the main character, Gwyneth quickly determines the only way home is to solve the mystery, but magic doesn’t come with a rulebook, and playing someone else’s role can have complications of it’s own.

An intriguing mix of gothic mystery and “Alice in Wonderland” like characteristics!

Gwyneth is lured to a book by a ghostly presence and Oinds herself trapped in the story. While the majority of “Trip the Light Phantasmic” is about Gwyneth solving the mystery she is stuck in, there are hints of magic and mystery about the house she inherited at the beginning and end of the story. Additionally, there are some hints at a greater secret, perhaps tied to Gwyneth being transported into the book at the very end to be discovered in a later story. A side thread of romance teases the reader as Gwyneth Oinds herself attracted to one of the characters, but like real life readers, her book boyfriend is left behind when the story ends. Fortunately, this series has just begun, and promises more mystery, and possibly more romance for readers to enjoy!

Sarah E Bradley

Dark River Rising: A Winston Radhauser Mystery Book #13

Susan Clayton-Goldner

**Trigger warning: child abduction, child exploitation, sexual exploitation of a minor, death of a child**

When Ashland Detective Winston Radhauser gets called to the scene of a crime, little does he know an old case of his has come full circle. Det. Radhauser Oinds himself looking at the body of a young girl,