"Coconut Wireless" by Toby Neal

Kat is a Secret Service agent who had the bad luck of needing to reject the advances of someone powerful. Because of that, her boss was forced to remove her from her position, at least for the time being. And that's how she wound up being transferred into the position of Postmaster in the small town of Ohia in the Hawaiian Islands. Unfortunately, being an outsider brought in to fill a position that a local postal employee had expected to get leaves her with a less than pleasant start in both her new job & and her new town.

Things take a turn for the worse, when the feral cat living in Kat's new home brings her a human hand that just happens to belong to the previous postmaster. Now Kat has decided to help the local police solve the murder. Which is not the easiest of tasks when most people consider you an outsider.

I enjoyed reading this book. Parts of it were light hearted, but it also dealt with some serious topics, like the fact that Kat has been dealing with PTSD and is currently very touch sensitive in a community of people who are big on hugs, not always with a warning that they are about to hug her.

There was a lot of interesting information on Hawaii in this book, some of which I was aware of, but much of it was new to me. I loved the local flavor that was added in by using the native language by the people in the town. And the depictions of characters at first resenting Kat's presence, and later accepting her into their community, gave this book a great deal of authenticity.

I think anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, the Hawaiian Islands, or both will enjoy this fun story. I will definitely be continuing on with reading this series in the future.

This book may also be available through:

https://books2read.com/u/bOjRK9

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

"The West Haven Undead" by Nick Savage

This is the third book in the West Haven Undead series. And it does not disappoint. Another among their group has died, and the young group who have not been aware that Legends existed—let alone that they were Legends themselves —are all struggling with how to deal with their loss. But now they have someone and something else to focus on. There is a new drug on the streets that poses a great threat to their ability to remain hidden. And both the drug itself and the people behind it need to be dealt with.

I read the previous two books in this series and really enjoyed them. This story is one that draws the reader in and leaves you wanting to know more. I had a hard time putting it down to sleep at night. While it answered a lot of the questions I had after the end of the previous book, it left me with even more questions that I need answers for. I love the concept that this book is based on. The idea that Vampires, Werewolves, and others are not supernatural beings, but that they are simply people who have an autoimmune disease that causes them to sometimes appear as what people call Vampires, Werewolves, or others.

I do need to warn you that this book ends leaving you with a couple of very big questions that won't get answered until book 4 is released, which I believe will be in 2024. I know that I'll be waiting to find out what happens in that one, and if you've been enjoying this series so far, then I expect that you will enjoy this book and be waiting patiently with me for the next one too.

If you enjoy stories about Vampires, Werewolves, Fairies, and other unusual creatures, then you will enjoy this book. But I strongly recommend reading the first two in the series if you don't want to feel a bit lost.

This book may also be available through:

https://books2read.com/u/boXrVL

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

“The Extinction Trials” Written by A.G. Riddle, Narrated by John Skelly

Things in the world have been going poorly for quite a while. In many fields, Artificial Intelligence systems have all but taken over, leaving humans almost unnecessary. Then one day, it seems that the machines meant to make life easier for most people, are suddenly working against them. While many people die, some are saved. One such group awakens in what appears to be a laboratory somewhere, but they have no idea where. The land outside appears barren and the air deadly. There are limited supplies in their shelter, and it is obvious that they must find their way elsewhere if they have any hope of survival. Discovering what has happened and where to go next is of utmost importance. Fortunately, there are clues left for each of them. And if they can solve the puzzle, maybe they can find out not only what has happened, but how to survive.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story, and wow, was it very well done. Not only did the narrator do a great job of depicting the various characters, but the author wove a tale that is both fascinating and draws the reader into the story, leaving you waiting to learn what will happen next as well as trying to figure it out yourself. I very much enjoyed listening to this one.

This story was particularly interesting to me as I could see much of what happens in the beginning of this tale happening in the real world if something doesn’t improve sooner rather than later. While I did eventually guess the ending, this book did take many unexpected turns before then that I never saw coming. While it was an easy enough story to follow, what happened was often very surprising. And it was only very near the end before I was able to guess what would be coming next. I read a lot of books in quite a few genres, and as such, it’s not too often that a book can keep me guessing incorrectly for as long as this one did.

If you like post-apocalyptic / end-of-the-world stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you try to solve what is actually happening before the author leads you to the final answer, then you will love this book as much as I did.

This book may also be available through: https://books2read.com/u/bajZAa

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

"A Man of Our Kind" by Scott Telek

If you have been reading my reviews for long enough, this book's title may sound familiar to you. There is a reason for that. Quite some time ago I read and reviewed a book from this author with almost the same title. With this rewrite he changed the title of this one, I assume to avoid athe possibility of confusing his readers.. This series, The Swithin, is one of my favorite Arthurian series. He has been writing this series to be as historically accurate as he can. And in his research, he learned new information that required him to rewrite much of what he had previously written in order to remain true to his intended purpose in writing this book.

So after removing the original version from publication, he rewrote it and asked if I would consider reading and reviewing the new version. How could I possibly refuse? Now don't be fooled into thinking that this is going to be some dry, history lesson about the legendary King Arthur and Merlin. It is anything but dry or boring. It is a wonderful book that I didn’t want to put down. I'm so glad to have received a review copy of this book.

Honestly, I believe this new version far outshines the previous one. I absolutely loved it. This book is all about how Merlin himself came to exist. And while much of this book focuses on Merlin's mother, her family, and those in her life, it is told so well that I only put this book down when I absolutely needed to so that I could get some sleep. The pacing of the book and the details create fantastic foreshadowing of events. Many of us are familiar with at least some of the legends surrounding King Arthur, Merlin, and the Round Table, but how often do you get to read about  what happens before everything we know comes to pass?

I also loved how at the end of this book Mr. Telek took the time to let us know what was historically accurate and what was added by him in order to make the story flow in a much more relatable manner while still maintaining the accuracy of the legends and tales he is presenting to us.

Even if you have read the previous version of this story, I recommend that you read this rewritten version. It far surpasses the previous version. It is very worth taking the time to read. Highly Recommended.

This book may also be available from:

https://books2read.com/u/b5we5p

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

"Flames Like Darkness" by Belle Manuel and Angelina J. Steffort

Calla has been raised to take over ruling for her father one day. She hopes that she can make life better for everyone, both human and fae, and not just for the rich and powerful. But there are those who feel differently and don’t want such changes. And after an incident in which it is discovered by a few that Calla possesses faerie magic, things begin to happen quickly, and it appears that only the half-fae man who had mistakenly kidnapped her rather than his intended target may be able to keep her safe from other assassins.

I received a review copy of this book. And found it to be an interesting story. Griffin doesn't know much about where he came from, and had to learn how to control his power on his own. Now he has saved the life of the princess, and it looks like he may be the only one able to help her in more ways than one.

I enjoyed reading this book. While Griffin isn't always the most appealing of characters, it is easy to understand why he behaves as he does. He has been deeply hurt more than once in his life and fears letting others in again. Calla, on.the other hand, is a good deal more trusting and seems to see people for who they can be, and not necessarily who they are. And yet somehow, these two nearly opposites seem to work well together, despite neither seeming to actually want to admit how they feel, both about themselves and each other. One is fire and light, and the other darkness and shadows. And yet, together they seem to work, if they can learn to trust.

I felt this was an interesting story, and really want to see where it will go in the next book. Be warned though, this book ends on a cliffhanger, so if like me you read it before the next book has been released, you'll have a bit of a wait to find out what happens. (I don't know about you, but I will definitely be waiting and watching for book two.)

If you enjoy fantasy novels that deal with fae and human relations, as well as including some subjects that exist in our world, (such as love, jealousy, poverty, and racial hatred), then take a look at this book. These themes aren't always obvious, but they are there nonetheless. And in my opinion, they make this book that much more appealing.

This book may also be available through:

https://books2read.com/u/m0oyOM

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

"The Humble Bride for a Prideful Mountain Man" by Florence Linnington

Louisa lives in the time not long after the civil war. The man she was engaged to, never returned from the war, and there isn't anyone that her father considers good enough for her. When she receives a proposal from a man through the matrimonial times, her father forbids her to accept, but she leaves in the extremely early hours of the morning to catch the train anyway.

Luke lost his parents as a child and was taken in and raised by the Indian tribe. When the government took their land and sent them to live on a reservation, he became the local Indian representative, in the hopes of helping them as much as he could. Neither he nor Louisa were truly ready for the changes and expectations brought by each other.

I received a Review Copy of this book from the author, and it doesn't disappoint. As always, this book embraces the importance of communication and trust. But this one also highlights the importance of patience and understanding. Without all of those, no relationship has a chance of success.

I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were at times both sympathetic  and infuriating, and they make the reader truly feel for both the highs and lows of their journey together. In my opinion, this is one of Ms. Linnington's best books to date. If you enjoy mail order bride stories, stories that make you smile at the end, or have enjoyed any of Ms. Linnington's previous books, then you should enjoy this one as well.

This book may also be available from the following:

https://books2read.com/u/baqeMy

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

"Stiffs and Petroglyphs" by Trixie Silvertale

When Mitzi's old boss from the coffeeshop in Arizona calls hoping to hire the Harper-Moon Investigations duo to try and find out what happened to his missing girlfriend, Mitzi and Erick decide to take the job, traveling to Arizona and going undercover as  newlyweds looking to cleanse themselves of previous negativity at a retreat center on Native American lands.

With Mitzy and Erick attending the retreat and looking for the missing woman, what else are they likely to discover about what is really happening behind the scenes at the retreat? Because obviously there will be more going on than meets the eye. And this time, they are on their own. No “ murder board” to lay out the clues they find, and no Pyewacket or Silas around to help them out when they inevitably get into trouble along the way. Can they solve this one on their own? Will they be able to find out what secrets this retreat is hiding?

I received a review copy of this book, and as always, I enjoyed this latest adventure quite a bit. Nothing is ever quite as it first seems when this duo is involved. Yes, Mitzi once again stumbles upon a corpse and finds herself seemingly in over her head, but other than that and, of course, them solving the case, very little goes quite the way you might expect. All in all, making this a very enjoyable cozy mystery.

If you enjoy reading cozy mysteries, stories involving the famous characters from the Harper-Moon series, or have enjoyed any of Ms. Silvertale's other books, then you'll want to read this one.

This book may also be available through the following:

https://books2read.com/u/4XeO7v

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Affiliate account and that using my provided links may earn me a few pennies if you purchase something after clicking on them to reach amazon. I chose to become an Amazon Affiliate so that I would have access to their provided links. I feel that it is important to make it as easy as possible to find the books I talk about in my reviews. But as of yet, I have never earned a anything in this manner from Amazon.