Review: Conquering Reality & Other Misconduct by Annette Marie and Rob Jacobsen

Wow. 

What an ending. 

In a world not entirely unlike our own, Kit Morris is on the run. Our favourite wise-cracking, movie-quoting former con artist is now an international felon. There are a few less quips and the stakes are higher than ever before - but this is the party of the year and EVERYONE is invited. There are a few POV chapters from protagonists of the other series and these aren’t just fan service showing off how happy they are. It’s genuinely delightful to hear from them again, even if their inclusion means they are drawn into Kit’s chaos.

I distinctly remember coming across the first book in this world back in lockdown, now a whole six years ago. It has been a privilege and a delight to see all four series unfold and this is a fittingly apocalyptic ending to Warped and to the Guild Codex as a whole. 

Will it make sense on its own? Likely not, nor would it have the same emotional impact. You could get by with just reading the Warped series, but I’d genuinely simply recommend you pick up Three Mages and a Margarita, book one of Spellbound, and go from there. 

But, you cry, 21 books? Just to read this?

Trust me. It’s worth it. There’s a moment where Kit reflects on the path to get to where he is, the choices and decisions. Make a good choice today and start reading Annette Marie (and Rob Jacobson for Warped). 

I’m sad that this book, and thus the Guild Codex novels as a whole, are over, but this is the sadness of no longer having a block of chocolate… because you’ve just eaten it. It’s the sadness that all good things come to an end.

There are bonus scenes and short stories available through the Annette’s newsletter and Patreon, and it is through those that I shall have to get my fix. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I thoroughly enjoyed this series, and I am sure I will thoroughly enjoy whatever Annette Marie does next. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author, all opinions (and any typos, as I don’t use AI) are my own 

Blog Tour: A Shore Thing by Portia Macintosh

It's survival of the fittest!

 From the moment Cleo met Lockie, her infuriatingly charming co-casting producer on hit reality show Welcome to Singledom, he’s been getting under her skin. Their job? Casting singles for the ultimate island romance. Their problem? They can’t agree on anything.

Now, the cameras are ready to roll, and the contestants—well, most of them—are en route. But when the threat of a tropical storm delays half the cast, launch night turns into a total disaster. With no Plan B, Cleo and Lockie are forced to step in as contestants. Just for 24 hours until the real stars arrive.

Simple, right? Except tensions are sky-high and sparks are flying for all the wrong reasons! All they have to do is couple-up and get voted off - but there’s a storm coming, so leaving the island might not be so easy. Cleo’s used to pulling strings behind the scenes, not falling headfirst into the drama.

But when the cameras stop rolling, will their fake fling fade with the credits—or could it be Cleo’s most unexpected plot twist yet?

Review

Sometimes, a book really hits the spot.

I resonate a little too strongly with Cleo, who is feeling very old and very single, despite - or perhaps because of her job casting singles for a long-running reality dating show. With falling ratings, her boss brings in Lockie. He's hot, full of fresh ideas, and he pushes every one of Cleo's buttons, good and bad. One thing leads to another, and next thing you know, Cleo is on screen in a tiny bikini, pretending to fall for Lockie to keep the cameras rolling.

And then the storm hits.

My favourite part of the book was definitely their time on the island. I found it totally believable that the circumstances would turbocharge relationship building and I enjoyed the other contestants evolving from deliberate caricatures to individuals realising it's okay to put down the mask. In a story set somewhat behind the curtain, it was nice to see what happens when the cameras stop rolling. It gave me hope that Cleo and Lockie fit well together, even once the outside world forces its way back in.

I did see the third act coming and while I wouldn't call myself vindictive, I do wish for a bit more grovelling, a bit more comeuppance where comeuppance is due. Now I can't imagine I'd ever enjoy getting stranded on an island, but a love story like Cleo and Lockie's would make it all worthwhile. 

If you're looking for some delicious 'reality' show goodness, this book might be for you!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own 

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/ShoreThing 

Author Bio 

Portia MacIntosh is the million copy bestselling author of over 20 romantic comedy novels. Whether it’s southern Italy or the French alps, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages. Formerly a journalist, Portia lives with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire. 

Social Media Links
Facebook: @macintoshportia
Twitter: @PortiaMacintosh
Instagram: @portiamacintoshauthor
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/PortiaMacIntoshNews

Blog Tour: The Locked Room by Holly Hepburn

Join Harriet White in 1930's London for another glorious Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery, for fans of Nita Prose and Janice Hallett.

After a very close call on the Norfolk Fens, Harriet White is about ready to hang up her deerstalker and settle back into her normal life, working in a bank on Baker Street. Until she discovers a letter in The Times newspaper challenging Sherlock Holmes to prove his status as the world’s greatest detective, by solving an impossible mystery. The letter, signed Professor James Moriarty, advises Holmes that the crime will be committed within the following seven days. There will be no further clues – Holmes himself must deduce which crime is the correct one to investigate.

Dismissing the letter as a prank, Harry goes about her business until news breaks of the theft of valuable jewel collection from a safe in an apparently locked room in a Mayfair townhouse.

Intrigued in spite of her misgivings, Harry dons a disguise and investigates. But as she begins to unpick the puzzle, a body is found. And now, a stranger, and far more deadly mystery begins to unfold around her...

Review

Come along on a charming mystery with a plucky young heroine, nefarious villains, and just a hint of romance!

Though I haven't read the previous in this series, I enjoyed this entry as it follows Harry White - granddaughter of a baron who works as Sherlock Homes' secretary - knowing, of course, that Holmes is fictional, her role to let hopefuls know that the great detective has retired. What her bosses can't know is that every now and then, Harry solves the mystery instead. When a challenge to Holmes from his literary nemesis Moriarty is placed in the papers, Harry soon realises that her recent successes (from earlier books) have attracted the notice of shadowy figures, and someone wants to know who has been solving crimes under the name of Sherlock Holmes.

Harry is a classic heroine - adventurous, headstrong, and insightful - but I also appreciated her kindness and how she didn't make stupid decisions in the name of furthering the plot. Now, she might be a little bit oblivious to romance, but even clever people have blind spots. She is surrounded by an interesting cast of characters - few enough to keep track of but not so many as to be confusing. I liked her burgeoning friendship with Beth, and do I sense a possible frisson between Beth and Harry's brother?

The mystery was clever, not immediately obvious but believably twisty. Careening from the townhouses to the underground clubs and back again, this was a great way to spend an evening and I hope Harry's adventures continue!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions and words are my own 

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/TheLockedRoom

Author Bio

Holly Hepburn writes escapist, swoonsome fiction that sweeps her readers into idyllic locations, from her native Cornwall to the windswept beauty of Orkney. She has turned her hand to cosy crime inspired by Sherlock Holmes himself. Holly lives in leafy Hertfordshire with her adorable partner in crime, Luna the Labrador.

Social Media Links 
Instagram: @HollyH_Author
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/HollyHepburnNews

Blog Tour: The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting by Naomi Kuttner

Assassin. Gardener. Reluctant cat adoptee.

All Dante wants is to be left alone in the small New Zealand town no one’s heard of. No drama. No bodies. No questions. But then, of course, the orchid convention comes to town, and Dante is knee deep in suspects, intrigue, and red herrings.

On top of all this, Dante must navigate a mysterious woman from his past, cat issues, and the terrifying prospect of a first date. And he has to do it while fighting his instinct to solve problems the old-fashioned way: permanently.

The ‘Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting’ is a cosy paranormal mystery with found family, ghosts, a grumpy assassin and a sunshine gardener.

Come for the murder, stay for the cat, the gardens, and the New Zealand country charm.

Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DWVD5XRM
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0DWVD5XRM

Review

About the only thing I know about orchids is that they are incredibly fussy plants that bloom at the store and never again - and yet this lovely mystery had me absorbed in the world of exotic orchid hunters as they hold a conference in a little town in New Zealand and one expert topples to the floor, dead. Our eclectic crew of sleuths - titular retired assassin Dante, gardener and ghost whisperer Charlie, and international woman of intrigue Eleanor - must solve the murder before conference finishes and the attendees scatter back around the globe. Joining the cast are an English Lord, an Italian scientist, a French collector, and a mysterious redhead - oh, and Inspector Avery, who is definitely on holiday and wants nothing to do with mysterious deaths and the even more mysterious Eleanor.

Written in short, engaging chapters, the characters reel you right in. I simply love to read about Dante and his struggles to maintain his no-kill streak. His former profession colours his perspective in the most entertaining manner, until a first date is approached with just as much gravity (if not more) than the murder at the conference. Oh, and his cat is getting fat.

Overall, if you enjoyed the first one or are simply a fan of cosy mysteries with a touch of the paranormal, this is definitely the book for you. As a kiwi, I also adored the little touches of home in the narrative - from the native flora and fauna, to geography, colloquialisms, and the overall vibe. I just felt the whole book was such a delightful cosy mystery about orchids, relationships, and trying really hard to not kill people.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own. 

Author Bio
Naomi is a writer living in New Zealand. When not busy writing or raising her twin son and daughter, she spends her free time (ha!) surfing, kitesurfing, and retrieving her shoes from Max the dog.

Social Media Links
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16314712.Naomi_Kuttner 
https://www.facebook.com/NaomiKuttnerAuthor/ 
https://naomikuttner.com/ 
https://www.instagram.com/naomikuttner/ 

Review: To Ride a Rising Storm by Moniquill Blackgoose

 I requested an advanced copy of this book immediately after devouring the first one and let me tell you, I was not disappointed.

We pick up exactly where we left off, at the end of Anequs’ first year at the academy, and follow her and her growing crowd of friends and allies as the ripples of her presence continue to spread and tensions rise.

What I liked:
- more in-story lore from a wide range of narrators
- a deeper dive into skiltkrafting (chemistry), erelore (history), and mapcrafting (geography), all of which bring richness to the world and often have plot significance
- new students bringing additional perspectives to this boldly anticolonial story
- a bit of romance (no spoilers, but it’s all delightfully in character)
- a captivating story with a heroine I enjoy spending time with

What I didn’t like:
- the map at the front is very little and I can’t expand it on my reader
- there is something especially cruel about encountering a cliff hanger when reading an ARC

Basically, if you enjoyed To Shape A Dragon’s Breath, this is the same but has More. I couldn’t put this down, much to the detriment of my sleep schedule, and I await the next book with delight.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions (and any typos, as I don’t use AI) are my own 

Blog Tour: My Rock Star Neighbor by Kathy Strobos

When a wary rock star and a cynical reporter fake date to bury a scandalous rumor, will true love be exposed as the real story?

Nick: I do my best songwriting while playing my guitar on the fire escape. Unfortunately, my in-bed-at-ten next-door neighbor, Maddie, is not a fan of my music. She clambers out on the fire escape to yell at me about making "noise.”  In bunny slippers, no less. But then she trips and falls into my arms.

That photo of Maddie plastered all over me hits the papers, just as my dream recording company wants to sign my band. Which is a problem, because an obsessed fan is claiming that I’m her boyfriend and now the media is blowing up that I’m two-timing them both. Good-bye recording contract, unless…

Maddie: I’m supposed to cover the story. Not be the story! But when Nick begs me to fake date, I can’t resist the chance to be Nick’s girlfriend—even if fake—the opposite of my life as a city desk reporter. But my ex said I’m a terrible kisser, and there’s no way I want Mr. Hot Rock Star saying the same thing. Hence, clause 11 in our contract: There will be absolutely no physical contact.

Nick: When Maddie receives a threatening photo of the two of us with an X over her face, my desire to protect her suddenly feels all too real. It’s either a troll or her undercover investigation has been compromised. With both our careers at stake, is breaking up the only way to keep Maddie safe?

Review

I stayed up far too late reading this because I just couldn't put it down!

It starts innocently enough - a classic, implausible scenario leading to a fake relationship. And yet, it quickly reveals itself as so much more. Firstly and unusually for fake relationships, Maddie and Nick are already friends - if you can call ongoing friction over late night practice sessions 'friends'. They already know each other, giving their romance - both fake and real - additional layers, even as they grew closer. Second, Maddie's a reporter on the trail of a story about city corruption - and this addition had me hooked. It was a delight to see Nick and Maddie develop feelings as they interviewed public servants and hid behind dumpsters, rather than the usual public galas. It was woven together so well and helped their relationship grow in a wonderfully natural way, helped of course by a veritable legion of matchmaking friends.

Not only was I impressed by how the author made a compelling story about municipal corruption and handyman kickbacks, but she creates an incredible sense of place. I have no doubt that were I to go to New York City, I could walk in Nick and Maddie's footsteps

Fiction is meant to be fun, and let me tell you, this book delivered! For a delightful romance driven by a genuinely intriguing mystery, check out My Rock Star Neighbour.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own. 

Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHZ2LNFR/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FHZ2LNFR/ 
https://books.apple.com/us/book/my-rock-star-neighbor/id6748830148

Author Bio

Kathy Strobos is an award-winning author living in New York City with her husband and two children, amid a growing collection of books, toys, and dollhouses. She took a break from working as a lawyer to write romantic comedies full-time and get in shape. She is still working on getting in shape.

Born and raised in Manhattan, she loves writing about New York City and her smart heroines who live and fall in love there, amidst its vibrant energy and the aroma of homemade chocolate chip cookies. She is the award-winning author of: A Scavenger Hunt for Hearts, Partner Pursuit, Is This for Real?, Caper Crush, My Book Boyfriend, Love Is an Art and My Secret Snowflake. 

Social Media Links 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathystroboswriter/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathystrobosrewrites
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathy-strobos
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kathystrobos9451
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21826543.Kathy_Strobos
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kathy-Strobos/author/B09GGB2G1B
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Kathy-Strobos/B09GGB2G1B

Publication Day Push: Be Our Ghost by Carla Luna

The only thing scarier than ghosts is falling in love. 

Knox McIntyre has mastered the art of avoiding drama, especially the romantic kind. Ever since his screenwriting career went up in flames, the grumpy bartender has kept his past buried and his heart off-limits. But when a paranormal reality show sets its sights on the boutique hotel where he works, he gets roped into the production—and partnered with the one woman who just might unravel him.

Charlotte “Charlie” Fraser is the Duchess Hotel’s sunny front office manager, a hopeless romantic with a weakness for happy endings and broody bartenders. After months of pining for Knox, she’s finally ready to act—even if it means battling her inner scaredy-cat by helping him bring a ghost-hunting show to the hotel this Halloween.

As Knox and Charlie dig into the hotel’s chilling past, they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Every lingering look, near kiss, and shared secret brings them closer to something real. But unless they can summon the courage to face their feelings head-on, their love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

Review

A haunted hotel, a bartender with a secret past, and the living embodiment of sunshine at the front desk: a delicious combination from the pen of Carla Luna! I absolutely devoured this steamy slow burn from start to finish. Yes, I'm a little biased because I spent a year living in Victoria, but the heart of this romance is the characters - specifically, Knox and Charlie.

I loved Knox and Charlie. Yes, they've spent the last few years secretly pining for each other, too chicken to take a chance, but they get better. Lots better. I especially liked how they actually communicated with each other through the ups and downs, and even when they made mistakes and faced conflict, they hashed it out like adults. There was just the perfect balance of external plot conflict (the hotel), external relational conflict (Knox’s past, Charlie’s parents), and internal relational conflict (just kiss already!). The ending was so incredibly satisfying on all fronts. Also, despite not being a focus I couldn't help but notice that all the food was lovingly described throughout the story. 

This is second in the series about the Damsels of the Duchess Hotel and I can't wait to read more about them!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own. 

Purchase Links
UBL (Books2Read): https://books2read.com/u/3GZYVL
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FF5BTJWS
B & N Nook Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/be-our-ghost-carla-luna/1147708320
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/be-our-ghost/id6747683346

Author Bio
Carla Luna writes contemporary romance with a dollop of humor and a pinch of spice. A former archaeologist, she still dreams of traveling to far-off places and channels that wanderlust into the settings of her stories. Her books have been called “escape reads,” ideal for perusing during a beachside vacation, a long flight, or a relaxing weekend at the lake.  When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading, baking, and taking long walks while listening to pop culture podcasts. Though she has roots in Los Angeles and Vancouver Island, she currently resides in Wisconsin with her family and her feisty Siberian cat.

Social Media Links
Website: https://www.carlalunabooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlaLunaAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlalunacullen/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@carlalunacullen
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3temHlw
BookBub Page: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carla-luna