Chances by B.K. Stubblefield My Review with an Excerpt

 

About the book  

If he’s not careful, he’ll end up in the emotional doghouse and might not ever make it out…

For Haley Redmon, must love dogs is more than just a saying; it’s a way of life. She’d never want a romantic relationship with a man who didn’t get along with her animals. So, when her dog seems to approve of the handsome real estate broker she’s falling for, Haley’s thrilled. But then a new puppy joins her tribe and everything changes…

Austin Young wasn’t looking for romance when he came to Oak Creek, but he isn’t about to turn his back on it, either. And Haley is perfect…except for her insistence on adopting an intolerable, destructive puppy. With so many animals to care for, he can’t help but wonder if there’s even room in her life—or heart—for him…

Will a little hell-raiser of a puppy destroy the fragile bonds Haley and Austin have built? Or will this pair of opposites find a way to overcome their differences and take a real shot at happily ever after?

Read an excerpt 

“Thank you, ma’am,” a deep voice boomed.

A tower of a man in a ball cap and red and black checkered flannel shirt smiled as he held the door for Keira to exit.

“Thanks,” she beamed back. As he sauntered into the room, Keira glanced back at Haley with a silent O on her lips and eyebrows meeting her hairline.

Haley met her friend’s eyes and, holy kibbles in a bowl, she fought the impulse to give Keira a thumbs up. Yep, as the guy strode toward her desk with the confidence of a country star taking the stage, something about Austin Young slammed into her stomach, awakening a swarm of butterflies furiously fluttering against its walls.

“Austin Young. I’m here for the gift basket,” the man said. His voice so rich and warm it could slice through butter, but it brought her back to the reason for his visit.    

“Hi, I’m Haley Redmon,” she pushed to her feet, presenting her hand for a shake. When his fingers folded around hers, the butterflies went ballistic. “Thank you for supporting Barkville by bidding in our silent auction. You were the highest bidder.” She laughed, masking her unusual nervousness. “But, of course, you know that. Why else would you be here? Thank you for coming in so quickly, Mr. Young.” She caught herself babbling, but what else was she supposed to do when he held her hand longer than what seemed necessary.

“Please call me Austin. Mr. Young sounds so… old.” He released her hand on the pun and accepted the seat Haley offered him. She wondered about his age. Early to mid-thirties, she guessed as she walked to the filing cabinet, imaging his eyes on her back. Or her ass. Her cheeks heated at the thought. Why had she chosen to wear these clingy leggings today? Because the universe was going to send a man like Austin into her office when she looked like she’d just left the gym after an hour of power cycling. Jeez, thank you very much.

And I thought 

I enjoyed meeting Haley and Austin and visiting Oak Creek again. 

I venture to guess Chances was an easy book to write for the author. 

B.K. Stubblefield is a dog lover just like Haley the main character she introduces. 

For this reader Haley was instantly likeable.  I loved her passion for rescuing dogs. 

Austin on the other hand for me was a little bit boorish.  He meets Haley at a fundraiser for the non profit  she founded that rescues dogs. 

So he should have a clue to how important dogs especially those Haley brings into her family are in her life. 

Ultimately he ended up realizing he needed a  2nd Chance just like the dogs Haley rescues

 He does redeem himself in the end.

  No spoilers but the engagement scene toward the end was priceless. 

Their story is a fast paced.  Thier attraction is immediate. 

I enjoyed the way the author took the story from the present to the past (only) a few months and told the story of how they meet and became involved.  And then how a bit of drama caused them to reconsider thier relationship. 

There was a very nice Happy Ending for all.  Animals and humans. 

Chances is a book I would recommend even to my friends that only read Sweet Clean Romance. 

There are no bedroom scenes.  Just a little reference to. 

I received a complimentary copy from the author.  

Buy the book 

Available on Amazon

Click Here

Lies Threats Kidnappings by Sharon Michaels My Review

 

About the book 

Sometimes it is better leaving the past in the past…

The Paul Madison PI cozy mystery series continues…

A determined private investigator learns that even heroes aren’t perfect.

A compassionate Medical Examiner must watch as the past begins to destroy the present.

A vengeful crime boss systematically eliminates everyone who has wronged her.

A shadowy spirit guide always shows up in the nick of time.

A short read cozy filled with mystery, romance, and a touch of magic.

Paul Madison finds himself facing family secrets that have the power to change his life forever. An unwelcomed relative makes herself known, and he must deal with the repercussions. Paul and Kathleen continue to battle the elusive and cunning Delilah Rossi, who seems to be winning.

Paul Madison P.I. is Book 1 in the Paul Madison cozy mystery series

Lies Threats Kidnappings is Book 2

Set-Up Betrayal Murder is Book 3 (Coming July 2022)

**The Paul Madison short read series is also the prequel to the Oscar the Doxie Detective cozy mystery series. You can find the Oscar the Doxie Detective series on my Amazon Author Page.** 

And I thought 

What a fun page turner.  It was fun meeting Paul Madison again in book 2.  And even better to get a little more back story. 

A bit twisty and turning to keep the reader Happily turning the pages. 

It is not always easy to say a 2nd book is better than the 1st but Author Sharon Michaels brings a plot that definitely gets better each time. 

I am looking forward to book 3. 

I couldn't help but like the Good Guys.  And then those bad guys.  And bad girl.  They add to the story but I can't help help to  cheer for the Good guys. 

And good over evil. 

If you like a short read check out this series! 

I received a complimentary copy. 

My review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads. 

Buy the book 

Available on Amazon

Click Here

New Releases

 

Donut Disturb 

by Ellie Alexander 
Love is in bloom in Ashland, Oregon. The Shakespearean hamlet is bursting with fresh spring energy. Fragrant lilacs and the sweet aroma of vanilla cake fill the air as everyone in town gathers at Lithia Park for the celebration of the year—Thomas and Kerry’s wedding. 

Available on Amazon

Click Here

Gone But Not Furgotten 

by Cate Conte 

Maddie James has big plans for the summer season at JJ’s House of Purrs. But when her friend, master meditator and Tai Chi teacher Cass Hendricks, brings a potential animal hoarding situation to her attention, Maddie has to refocus her attention on the furry felines who may need a helping paw. 

Available on Amazon

Click Here

A Catered Doggie Wedding

 by Isis Crawford 
At A Little Taste of Heaven, Bernie and Libby Simmons cater all sorts of affairs, from book clubs to bridal showers and everything in between. So when their counterman, Googie, asks them to cater a doggie wedding for his girlfriend Jenni’s eight-month-old golden retrievers, they jump on the opportunity. The reception, which will also serve as a grand opening for Jennie’s new doggie daycare center, is no small affair. 

Available on Amazon

Click Here

Hint in the Hashtag 

by Kathi Daley 
it’s spring in Holiday Bay and new guests have arrived to enjoy the plentiful sunshine. Lonnie has begun construction of the four new cottages and decisions relating to color and design keep Abby hopping. Abby’s most recent manuscript has been turned in leaving time in her schedule to pitch in as a volunteer for the annual spring events and everything is as it should be with the exception of the disturbing emails Georgia has been receiving.

Available on Amazon

Click Here

A Bride’s Guide to Marriage and Murder 

by Dianne Freeman 

On the eve of her marriage to George Hazelton, Frances has a great deal more on her mind than flowers and seating arrangements. The Connors and the Bainbridges, two families of American robber barons, have taken up residence in London, and their bitter rivalry is spilling over into the highest social circles. At the request of her brother, Alonzo, who is quite taken with Miss Madeline Connor, Frances has invited the Connor family to her wedding. 

Available on Amazon 

Click Here

A Hint of Mischief 

by Daryl Wood Gerber 
Courtney has thrown a few fairy garden parties—for kids. But if a local socialite is willing to dip into her trust fund for an old sorority sister’s fortieth birthday bash, Courtney will be there with bells on. To make the job even more appealing, a

famous actress, Farrah Lawson, is flying in for the occasion, and there’s nothing like a celebrity cameo to raise a business’s profile.   

Available on Amazon 

Click Here

Five Belles Too Many

 by Debra H. Goldstein 

Sometimes Sarah’s mother, Maybelle, can be higher maintenance than her Siamese cat RahRah. Maybelle and her friend, Mr. George Rogers, have been chosen to be one of five couples competing for a small-town “perfect” wedding and dream honeymoon on a Southern Belles reality show—and guess who has to be chaperone. Even more vexing, the producers have decided to put up the crew and participants at the restaurant/bed and breakfast owned by Sarah’s nemesis Jane Clark. 

Available on Amazon

Click Here

With A Spirt of Vengeance 

by Lena Gregory (Cozy)

When the spirit of Ophelia Wilson turned to clairvoyant Cass Donovan for help, Cass was able to prove Ophelia’s innocence in the century-old murders of her family members—and solve a contemporary murder in the process. But Ophelia’s spirit has returned, this time angrily demanding that Cass expose the identity of whoever did kill her family. And then eerily, two descendants from the Wilson family tree are murdered, suggesting that Ophelia has the power to meddle in modern-day events to satisfy her rage.

Available on Amazon

Click Here

The Locked Room

 by Elly Griffiths (Traditional)

Three years after her mother’s death, Ruth is finally sorting through her things when she finds a curious relic: a decades-old photograph of her own Norfolk cottage—before she lived there—with a peculiar inscription on the back. Ruth returns to the cottage to uncover its meaning as Norfolk’s first cases of Covid-19 make headlines, leaving her and Kate to shelter in place there. They struggle to stave off isolation by clapping for frontline workers each evening and befriending a kind neighbor, Zoe, from a distance. 

Available on Amazon

Click Here

The Escrow Escape 

by CeeCee James (Cozy)

Stella’s routine is getting back to normal after her mother’s trip to Poland. But even the simplest things can lead to unexpected adventures. While researching a tax issue for a client at the courthouse, Stella picks up an abandoned book. A handwritten note falls out with an odd message: Where she goes there are no shoes. . . 

Available on Amazon 

Click Here

Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary

 by Amy Lillard 

After Sissy’s rodeo cowboy boyfriend turns out to be more of a rodeo clown, she packs a bag; picks up her Yorkshire terrier Duke; and leaves Tulsa, Oklahoma, bound for her parents’ former hometown. There are still plenty of Yoders in Yoder, Kansas, including Sissy’s aunt Bethel, who owns the Sunflower Café but recently broke her leg. It’s a homecoming of sorts as Sissy arrives to help in the café and reunite with her pregnant cousin Lizzie. 

Available on Amazon 

Click Here

Waning Innocence 

by Tyora Moody (Traditional)

At first, law enforcement thinks the girl ran away with her boyfriend. When the boyfriend’s body is found, it becomes imperative to find the missing young woman. Evidence is pointing towards the woman not really being in danger but on the run after committing murder. Not sure what to believe, PI Serena Manchester is starting to wonder if she should have taken this case on at all. 

Available on Amazon

In July 

Wicked Schemes

 by Deb Pines (Traditional)

When a local online message-board post says, “A Murder is Announced,” all are welcome, on July 18, 2021, at 9:15 p.m. at Merrill Manor, Chautauqua is abuzz. Many show up expecting a harmless murder-mystery game. But then the lights go out. An intruder yells, “Stick ’em up.” Three shots are fired. And, by the door, lies . . . the body of the intruder, in costume. 

Available on Amazon

Click Here

Muddled Through 

by Barbara Ross (Cozy)

When Julia spots police cars in front of Lupine Design, she races over. Her sister Livvie works there as a potter. Livvie is unharmed but surrounded by smashed up pottery. The police find the owner Zoey Butterfield digging clay by a nearby bay, but she has no idea who would target her store. Zoey is a vocal advocate for turning four blocks of Main Street into a pedestrian mall on summer weekends. 

Available on Amazon

Click Here

Stark Raving Mod 

by Diane Vallere 

When Samantha Kidd places the winning bid on a mystery trunk from the estate of a sixties pop star, she’s over the moon—until she opens it and discovers more than mod fashions: top secret papers that suggest something more menacing than miniskirts. Repeated attempts to steal the trunk motivate Samantha to sell it—but not until after she’s removed the questionable items. 

Available on Amazon

Click Here

The Gallery of Beauties 

by Nina Wachsman 

Venice, 1612. Two very different women, a notorious courtesan and a Talmudic scholar, are brought together by an artist when they pose for a “Gallery of Beauties,” forming a relationship neither of them anticipated. Conflicted about her past, Belladonna finds herself drawn to Diana, the rabbi’s widowed daughter, and has ambitions for her future, but only if Diana will discard her origins and her traditions. 

Available on Amazon

Click Here

Big Bad 

by Kirsten Weiss 

Hi. I’m Alice, a thirty-something ex-bodyguard. I live to sleep in, but I rarely get the chance now that I’m living above my small-town’s dinner theater. Between self-absorbed actors slamming doors at all hours and the theater cat that won’t leave me alone. . . I swear he knows I’m allergic. Also, he led me straight to the corpse of the theater’s leading lady. Thanks, cat.

Available on Amazon 

Click Here

Five Belles Too Many bt Debra H. Goldstein Great Escapes Book Tour

About the book 

When Sarah Blair’s mother participates in a reality show competition for brides in Wheaton, Alabama, things get a little too real as a murderer crashes the wedding party . . .

Sometimes Sarah’s mother, Maybelle, can be higher maintenance than her Siamese cat RahRah. Maybelle and her friend, Mr. George Rogers, have been chosen to be one of five couples competing for a small-town “perfect” wedding and dream honeymoon on a Southern Belles reality show—and guess who has to be chaperone. Even more vexing, the producers have decided to put up the crew and participants at the restaurant/bed and breakfast owned by Sarah’s nemesis Jane Clark.

But when someone turns up dead with Jane kneeling by the body with blood on her hands, she goes from being Sarah’s chief rival to the police’s chief suspect. Neither Sarah nor her twin, Chef Emily Johnson, can stand Jane—still, they don’t think she’s a murderer. The producers vow the show must go on, but to protect their mother and the other contestants, Sarah vows to find the true killer before someone else gets eliminated . . .

Includes quick and easy recipes!  

Visit the tour 

To read reviews, guest posts and interviews click Here

New Releases

 A few Cozy Mysteries to check out!

Almost a Serial Killer

 by Margaret Lashley 

When wannabe actress Doreen Diller takes a job with her celebrity crush, his new acting gig takes them on location to St. Petersburg, Florida. What awaits Doreen in the Sunshine State will seal her fate — in the form of a role she didn’t see coming and a family she didn’t bargain for.

Available on Amazon

Click Here

Killers of Feather

 by T.C. LoTempio 

With the grand re-opening of her Urban Tails Pet Shop just days away, Shell McMillan has her hands full planning entertainment for the festive event, including a fortune-telling parrot. But her jubilant mood is soon threatened by ominous rumors of the return of Johnny Draco, a former investment guru who swindled money from most of the residents of Fox Hollow and then vanished without a trace. And when the parrot predicts a dire future for Draco and his dead body is found just hours later, no one can say they’re surprised—but no one will say who did it. 

Available on Amazon

Click Here

Death by Rocky Road

 by London Lovett 

Anna St. James is having a great summer. Her newest tenant is working out fine, the weather on Frostfall Island is fabulous and the tourists have returned. (Although Anna wishes there were a few less of them. The island is hosting a massive romance reader event complete with big name authors, cover models, enthusiastic readers and best of all ice cream sundaes. Anna’s sister, Cora, and their eccentric housemate, Opal, are anxious to attend so they can meet their favorite authors. 

Available on Amazon

 Click Here

Mysteries, Midsummer Sun and Murders edited by R.B. Marshall 

From a brilliant bunch of amazing authors, including multiple prizewinners and USA Today best sellers, comes this wonderful collection of 21 summer-themed cozy mysteries. Featuring peril at the pool, blood on the beach, and felony at the festival, these fabulous stories—21 brand new and exclusive tales—will keep you entertained until long after the sun has set. 

Available on Amazon

Click  Here

Mistletoe Can Be Murder: Every Wife Has a Story

 by Susan Santangelo 

Carol Andrews is planning her grandson CJ’s first Christmas down to the last detail. What she didn’t plan for is a furnace fiasco, the unexpected appearance of CJ’s Other Grandmother, Margo, and her new boyfriend, a family feud, a stolen credit card, and murder. When Margo’s boyfriend becomes the police’s chief suspect, Carol is forced to add crime-solving to her holiday to-do list before Santa can come down the chimney. 

Available on Amazon 

Click Here 

New Releases

 

Death of an Heiress by Anne Louise Bannon (Historical)
It starts when the inheritance that Lavina Gaines was to receive is stolen by her brother Timothy. Then an old Indian healing woman is murdered. Winemaker and physician Maddie Wilcox wants to find the person responsible for Mama Jane’s death, but is also occupied with another killer – the measles.  

Available on Amazon

Click Here

The Tuesday Night Survivors’ Club

 by Lynn Cahoon 
Two things got Rarity Cole through her breast cancer treatments: friends and books. Now cancer-free, Rarity is devoting her life to helping others find their way through the maze to healing. She’s opened a bookstore focusing on the power of healing—Eastern medicine, Western medicine, the healing power of food, the power of meditation, and the importance of developing a support community. To that end, she’s also started the Tuesday Night Survivors book club.  

Available on Amazon

Click Here

Attack and Decay 

by Andrew Cartmel 
It starts with a perfectly normal evening in, except for the corpse-faced gentleman dressed all in black, with a crow on his shoulder, staring into the house, of course. And the visit from Owyn Wynter, head of Whyte Ravyn Records, who needs the Detective’s unique skills. 

Available on Amazon

Click  Here

Prove or Perish 

by Kathi Daley 
Arden Haynsworth has been kidnapped after being sentenced to death for her part in the death of the kidnapper’s daughter Daisy. Arden insists she’s innocent of the crime she’s been accused of and is certain she was set up to take the fall. She’s been allotted five days’ worth of food, water, and air to prove it. If she can prove that she really is innocent of the murder, she’ll be set free. If she can’t prove her innocence, she’ll die. The biggest problem is that she’s locked in this room and therefore unable to investigate. 

Available on Amazon

Click  Here

Lady of Bones

 by Carolyn Haines 
It’s Halloween season in Mississippi as Sarah Booth and the gang gather to decorate and gush over Tinkie’s new baby, Maylin. Sarah Booth is just about to refresh the cocktails when she hears a knock on the door and opens it to find a woman named Frankie, distraught at the disappearance of her daughter Christa, a young journalist. Christa had been investigating the disappearance of young women in New Orleans over a five-year period―one every year around Halloween. Now Christa herself is missing, and Frankie fears it may be connected to a cult based in the Garden District, called People of Eternity. 

Available on Amazon

Click Here

This New Job’s Murder

 by Carole Lynn Jones 
Meet Melody Shore, a sassy, calamity-prone millennial who leaves her legal secretary career in Pittsburgh to work as a funeral assistant. She’s trying her best to send the dearly departed off to a “peaceful rest” back in her hometown of Pleasantview. Unfortunately, no matter how hard she tries, she can’t seem to keep herself out of the crosshairs of murder. Join Melody as she buries her past, digs for clues, and unearths small-town secrets. This New Job’s Murder is a collection of five short cozy mysteries by Carole Lynn Jones.      

Available on Amazon

Click Here