REVIEW: Casey Griffin's "Inlaid to Rest"

 

INLAID TO REST
Cosy Mystery

 

 

AUTHOR:
Casey Griffin

RELEASE DATE:
May 22, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Charming Frog Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781990470370

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://books.caseygriffin.com/

 

 

Violet Woods has gleaned new information on the accident five years ago that took her fiancé. She hopes Max can answer some questions she has about the incident. Violet accompanies her best friend to a new luxury resort, the very place that Max works at. However, she discovers a dead body near his boat. When Max becomes the top suspect, Violet knows she must help clear his name. Can she find the real murderer? And what other clues will Violet unearth about her fiance’s tragic accident?

Violet is still struggling to adjust to being a witch and her abilities. Then there is the guilt of her fiancé’s death AND abandoning her family and friends five years ago. I like how Violet is finally coming to terms with all of that. That she came to that conclusion herself allows her to heal and move on. I hope we learn more about Violet’s mother. She and her dad need closure.

INLAID TO REST is the third book in Casey Griffin’s paranormal-mystery series, CHARM ISLAND MYSTERY. The series is best read in proper order, starting with ENGRAVE DANGER.  Each book shows Violet’s growth, in both accepting being a witch AND healing from her fiancé’s death. The author does like to drop important clues on the accident at the end of each novel. Neat way to keep readers hooked and needing to read the next installment. I cannot wait for the next book!

I am giddy that my suspicions on Max proved correct! The author took her own approach with shifters, breaking away from the normal mold cast. I like that. I could elaborate but I chose not to because of possible spoilers. The fun is learning for oneself.

REVIEW for Jennifer K Lamber's NEVER THE ROSES

 

NEVER THE ROSES
Fantasy Romance

 

AUTHOR:

Jennifer K Lambert
(her other alias is Jeffe Kennedy)

RELEASE DATE:
July 8, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Bramble

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250360342

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://jenniferklambert.com/

 

 

Oneira is a former leashed battle mage for the Southern Lands. A formidable oneiromancer, wearied by the years of war and killing, she has retreated to isolation. On a whim, Oneira visits her rival’s extensive library. When she steals one of his books, an illicit correspondence begins between them. However, an impending war threatens to drag her back to her former life. Can Oniera find a way to thwart the war? Or will she make the ultimate sacrifice to save herself and Stearanos?

Stearanos Stormbreaker is a powerful battle mage contracted to the Northlands. When a thief steals one of his books, he sets out to learn their identity. Stearanos never imagined his mysterious thief to be his nemesis and rival. They engage in taunting yet engaging correspondence. However, his king’s greed threatens to ruin the relationship brewing between Stearanos and Oneira. Will war be inevitable? And what price will Stearanos pay to keep it from happening?

Oneira and Stearanos are kindred souls. They are both renowned and powerful battle sorcerers. The only difference is their specialty: Oniera with dreams and Stearanos with wards. Both mages understand the other where others cannot or will not. The weariness of countless wars only to satisfy their spoiled monarchs’ demands. The ramifications those deeds have on their conscience and spirits. I like how Oniera finally finds a way to atone for the sins she was forced to commit in the past. Stearanos had a part in it.

NEVER THE ROSES is the newest fantasy-romance novel by Jennifer K. Lambert. I am familiar with the author’s works under her other alias, Jeffe Kennedy. NEVER THE ROSES start off slow. Necessary, since the author needs to set up this brand-new world and its unique dynamics. It did take me a while to get accustomed to the pace, the characters, and the plot. Sometimes, the repetitious reminder that Oniera being an oneiromancer, caused my interest to flag.

I persevered. And I am glad that I did because the story’s momentum picks up once Oniera interacts with Stearanos. Their playful interactions kept my interest for the remainder of the book. I needed to know what happened next with the two battle mages.

Review: Bethany Bennett's MY BEST FRIEND'S EARL

 

MY BEST FRIEND’S EARL
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Bethany Bennett

RELEASE DATE:
August 12, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538740507

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://bethanybennettauthor.com/

 

 

Constance “Connie” Martin is the youngest daughter of a bookshop owner. She does not mind the reputation she has earned for jilting her fiancé at the altar. When a friend comes to her shop and asks for a matchbreaker, Connie decides to help. She devises plots to make the stuffy, straightlaced earl to end the engagement. Connie never anticipated in falling for the man herself. Will Connie succeed? Or will this endeavor end in heartbreak?

Oliver Vincent, the Earl of Southwyn, prefers a staid and orderly life. He intends to honor the betrothal agreement his late father made with their neighbor. Unfortunately, his fiancé does not feel the same. Oliver knows the wedding must take place; however, he becomes distracted by her vivacious, chaotic friend. The woman is his complete opposite. Will Oliver allow Connie to disrupt his life? Or will the wedding continue as planned?

In GOOD DUKE GONE WILD, I knew that Connie would be a good match-up for Oliver. Their separate nature benefits the other. Connie’s impulses disrupt Oliver’s organized existence, while his staidness acts as a grounding for her chaotic thoughts. What I like the most is that Connie has ADHD, before it was widely known as in today’s era. The author does a great job of showing the trials that she faces on a day-to-day basis.

Oliver pleasantly surprised me! I do not read many romances where the man is the virgin. It is a nice (and refreshing) change of pace from the usual “experienced” male lead. I also admire his reasons for abstaining. Very noble. What I love the most about Oliver is how he could tell when Connie’s cheerful facade was faked. He hated it, but he never called her out on it.

Series: Yes, it is the second book in Bethany Bennett’s historical romance series, BLUESTOCKING BOOKSELLERS. The story can standalone. There are no on-going problems or controversy that spill over from the first book. Dorian and Caro, the couple from GOOD DUKE GONE WILD, do play helpful, supporting roles in this story.

I have a suspicion that the next book will center around Hattie and Lord Bixby. Perhaps it is my wishful thinking after their interaction near the end of the book. If so, then I eagerly await the next installment.  If not, then I hope the author will consider writing a series about the intriguing man and his quest to find suitable partners for his sisters. I would definitely read it!

Review: Laura Lee Guhrke's "BAD LUCK BRIDE"

 

BAD LUCK BRIDE
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Laura Lee Guhrke

RELEASE DATE:
July 29, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538722664

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://lauraleeguhrke.com/

 

 

 

Lady Kay Matheson needs her wedding to a wealthy American to take place. She hopes it will repair the damage a failed elopement and broken engagement has done to her reputation. Kay never imagined she would run into the very man responsible for her downfall. She is determined not to allow Delvin Sharpe to ruin her chances to secure her family’s future. Will Kay change her mind once she learns the truth behind their separation? Or will she forsake love for her family’s security?

Devlin Sharpe is the disgraced, unwanted son of a baron. He returns to England a wealthy businessman and engaged to a marquess’ daughter. Devlin never anticipated running into the woman who broke his heart or learning about her engagement. He tries to avoid Kay, but fate has other plans. They both soon learn the real reason behind their breakup and separation. Can Devlin fix all the wrongs of the past? Or will he allow Kay to slip through his fingers for the final time?

I could not help but empathize with Kay. The poor woman has endured a lot, especially being the unfortunate victim of gossip and rumors. She also bears heavy responsibility for her mother and sister’s future. What I hate the most is how Kay did not have many options available to provide for her family, thanks to gossipmongers. Women faced many restrictions back then. There was only so much they were allowed to do.

Devlin is amazing! He made something of himself through hard work. Devlin chose a trade school over the colleges for nobles. What I love the most about him is how Devlin noticed Kay when their peers overlooked her. He did not see a red-haired, chubby girl but a delightful woman. I also like how Devlin disliked how she disparaged herself or bowed to others wishes, sacrificing her own wants and desires.

SERIES: Yes, it is the third book in Laura Lee Guhrke’s Victorian romance series, SCANDAL AT THE SAVOY. This story can easily standalone. However, I suggest starting with LADY SCANDAL, book two, before this one. Much of Kay and Devlin’s reunion and interactions happen in the background. I love how Delia (from LS) plays an important role. Simon (from LS) and Max (from BOOKSHOP CINDERELLA) appear here or there. Sadly, Evie (BC) is only mentioned.

Review: Kate Bateman's ROAD TRIP WITH A ROGUE

 

ROAD TRIP WITH A ROGUE
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Kate Bateman

RELEASE DATE:
July 29, 2025

PUBLISHER:
St. Martin’s Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250907387

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.kcbateman.com/

 

 

Lady Dorothea “Daisy” Hamilton is the third co-founder of an investigation firm called King & Co. She agrees to take on the case of thwarting an heiress from eloping. However, Daisy’s mission goes horribly awry when she encounters the wrong carriage. Instead of the runaway pair, she finds the rogue who broke her heart five years ago. Daisy has no other choice but to tolerate the man as she continues with her mission. Will Lucien distract Daisy from her mission? Or will she gain another success for King & Co?

Lucien Vaughan, The Duke of Cranford, decides to help his nephew elope with his beloved. He never imagined he would encounter Daisy Hamilton, a woman who is off limits to him, along the way. Lucien is not about to let the hoyden thwart his nephew’s upcoming nuptials. He uses every tactic in his arsenal, including seduction, to delay her from finding the lovestruck pair. When Daisy’s reputation is compromised, Lucien steps forward to do what is right. Can he convince the headstrong miss to marry him?

Daisy did annoy me near the end of the book. Yeah, I understand her requisites for marriage, especially after seeing what her mother endured. However, Daisy knows how cruel the ton can be towards women whose reputations are tarnished.  Yet, she is still willing to face their wrath. A wise person knows when to concede and when to fight or make the best of their situation.

Lucien is positively swoon-worthy! I simply adore the man’s sardonic, hedonistic personality! It made his interactions (and dialogue) with Daisy entertaining and fun. What I like the most about Lucien is how he is not put off by Daisy’s blades. It impressed him, especially since she knows how to wield them. Other men of his station would have been either repulsed or intimidated by them.

SERIES: Yes, this book is the third and final book in Kate Bateman’s historical romance series, HER MAJESTY’S REBELS. It is more enjoyable to read this delightful series in proper order, starting with SECOND DUKE’S THE CHARM. The first book reveals the reason why the three ladies decide to set up an investigation firm. The couples from the prior two books (Tess and Justin and Harry and Ellie) do make frequent appearances throughout the story.

Review: Lydia Drake's THE WRITER AND THE ROGUE

 

THE WRITER AND THE ROGUE
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Lydia Drake

RELEASE DATE:
April 14, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Entangled Publishing, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781649375025

RATING:
4.5

 

Miss Caroline Devereux knows she does not measure up to the ton’s expectations of a gentlewoman. She provides food for her family and staves off her profligate father’s creditors by writing Gothic stories. When their situation turns dire, Caroline is forced to try her hand at blackmail. However, the Earl of Rockford refuses to comply with her extortions. Will Caroline follow through with her blackmail? Or will she have a change of heart?

Gabriel Kane, the Earl of Rockford, has promised his late brother to keep the Rockford legacy secure. However, an impoverished baron’s daughter threatens to expose his family’s secrets to their peers. He has no intention of submitting to her demands, but Caroline is not what Gabriel expected. The woman’s peculiarities surprises and seduces him. Will Gabriel find a way to escape Caroline’s blackmail? Or will he become a willing participant?

Caroline is a woman after my own heart! She does not quite fit in amongst her peers. And Caroline is fine with that. She is happy with the way she is with any intention of becoming what she is not. I like the fact that Caroline uses her passion for writing to help provide for her family. It saddens me that the only people who appreciated her contribution were her two brothers – who were such a delight. Her father’s behavior, on the other hand, made me so angry.

Gabriel won me over instantly. He is a little rough around the edges, but he has a good heart. I love how Gabriel notices how different Caroline was to the other debutantes. And he found that he liked her individuality and eccentricity. What I adore the most about Gabriel is how angry he got over their peer’s treatment of Caroline. He did not follow the status quo but instead stood up for her. It is always fun when a hero shares one of my sons’ names (though I have only ever seen my oldest boy’s name in a paranormal book or as a last name). Some mothers get weirded out about it but not me.

SERIES:  Yes, it is the second book in Lydia Drake’s historical romance series, DEBUTANTES OF LONDON. The story can easily stand alone. I have not read the first book, THE DUCHESS AND THE WOLF. Luckily, there is no on-going plot spilling over into this story from the first. The hero of TDTW (Rafe) does make a brief appearance, but he does not play a major role.

Review: Casey Griffin's THIRD CRIME'S THE CHARM"

 

THIRD CRIME’S THE CHARM
Cozy Paranormal Mystery

 

 AUTHOR:

Casey Griffon

RELEASE DATE:
April 24, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Charming Frog Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781990470332

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://books.caseygriffin.com/

 

SERIES: Yes, the second book in the author’s new paranormal-mystery series, CHARM ISLAND MYSTERY. It is best to start with the first book (ENGRAVE DANGER ) before delving into this one.

Violet Woods is a witch who has been dragging her feet on learning to use her abilities. She pushes her friend to open her own bakery business. Violet’s good intentions lands Alice into a heap of trouble: first fired then accused of arson and murder. She intends on proving her friend’s innocence and finding the true culprit. However, Violet needs to use her ability to see ghosts to achieve this. Will she finally consent to learn to use her witchy abilities? And what other secrets will Violet unearth during her investigation?

I like how Violet did not immediately accept being a witch or her abilities. It is taking her time to come to terms with it all, which is understandable and relatable. Anyone would be reluctant (and reeling) after being thrust into the supernatural world without any preparations. I also like how Alice’s trouble is the impetus Violet needs to learn how to use her abilities and accept them.

The death of Violet’s fiancé is still a mystery. However, she picks up clues here or there while investigating Alice’s case. Things have come alight that Violet did not know but now must come to grips with. I think once she gathers all the clues, it will give her and Nolan the closure they need to move forward.

My suspicions about what Max is changed in this book. The clues the author dropped pointed to something else. I cannot wait for the third book to see if my new hunch is correct. In my opinion, she is as reluctant to accept Violet as Violet is to accept her abilities. They are similar in their stubbornness.