Magic in the Air (review)

by Leann Pettit, posted in Book Reviews

I listened to Magic in the Air to kick off Spooky Season. This book promised small town witchy romance and I was excited to listen to this one! 

Unfortunately, the narrator definitely ruined it for me. I am not one to DNF, so I struggle-bussed through this and turned the speed a little faster to get through it faster.

There was disability rep (Olivia has cerebral palsy), single mom, and some steam. 

I honestly wish I had read Magic in the Air rather than listening to it.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the review copy.

Spells and Sandwiches (review)

by Leann Pettit, posted in Book Reviews

I jumped into Spells and Sandwiches 100 percent for the cute cover and expected a fun witchy romcom. This was a fun read, but not a romcom by any means. I loved Zelda, who is older than the typical cozy fantasy by at least a decade or two.

I appreciated the quips and humor and the range of fantasy creatures represented in this book.

Thank you, NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an advanced reader audiobook copy of Spells and Sandwiches! This was a fun read, and Hollie Jackson was a fantastic narrator!

A Big Fat Greek Murder (review)

by Leann Pettit, posted in Book Reviews

A Big Fat Greek Murder is set in a small town in Michigan, so of course I read this cute, cozy mystery while we were exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Isle Royale National Park.

I really enjoyed this standalone in the Goddess of Greene Street Mysteries series. There were lots of characters, but it never felt overwhelming, and there were a lot of possibilities for the suspect! I even thought I knew who the suspect was a few times, but kept changing my mind.

And, if you need another reason to pick this one up, there’s a pet raccoon!

Meet the Author: Amelie Rhys

by Leann Pettit, posted in Author Interview

Happy Monday! Welcome to Meet the Author Mondays, a series where we get to know the authors attending Rocky Mountain Readers Retreat 2025. Tickets are still available and include meals, yoga, two signing sessions and more! Get your tickets now! https://www.rmreaders.com

Today we’re getting to know Amelie Rhys!

What genre do you write?: I write steamy contemporary romances! 

Where can I buy your books?: My books are available on Amazon or at certain independent bookstores, such as Wildflower Fiction or Scribbles Book Shop.

What is a word you absolutely hate?: Convenience – simply because I’m writing a marriage of convenience at the moment, and for some reason, the spelling trips me up every time!

Coffee or tea?: Coffee, but I enjoy both!

What is your preferred reading format?: I like reading on my Kindle the best!

What are you currently reading?: Mad Love by Willow Aster

https://amelierhys.com

https://www.instagram.com/amelierhys.author/

https://beacons.ai/amelierhys

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1614798670/alive-at-night-signed-copy?ref=listings_manager_grid

Carbs & Cadavers (review)

by Leann Pettit, posted in Book Reviews

Carbs and Cadavers is my first cozy mystery by Ellery Adams (I know, it’s crazy!), but I enjoyed her writing style and this will not be my last by this author.

Carbs and Cadavers is the first in The Supper Club Mysteries series, and is a fun start and there are a lot of interesting characters. The main crew are all plus-sized characters and the main character is a guy – two things that I found unusual for a cozy. The characters were definitely best part of this story, they honestly felt like I could have jumped in and joined this group of friends.

Wild Scottish Beauty (review)

by Leann Pettit, posted in Book Reviews

I think I am officially in love with Will Watt, the narrator with the gorgeous Scottish accent who narrates the male characters for Tricia O’Malley’s books. I do have to slow down my audiobook listening speed, but it’s absolutely worth it for the brogue. 

Wild Scottish Beauty is the 5th book in The Enchanted Highlands series, and while they are all interconnected, so far I feel like the can be read in any order. There’s romance, magical realism and a super adorable kitty.

Ramsey and Willow are the ultimate in grumpy sunshine romance.

I listened to Wild Scottish Beauty as an audiobook thanks for NetGalley and Dreamscape.

Explosive Chemistry (review)

by Leann Pettit, posted in Book Reviews

I love the cover of Explosive Chemistry, there is so much detail in there! However, I didn’t realize that this is the second in a series, and was not a stand alone. I struggled a little in the beginning to catch up and throughout felt like I was missing important backstory (although, again, that was 100% my fault!).

That said, this definitely felt like it was setting up for an epic book 3, and this was bridging the story between the first book and what is going to happen in the next book.

I didn’t always care for our MC, Liliana. She felt very naive and innocent at times, but then other times she was independent and experienced. I also wanted to know more about some of the side characters, but I’m thinking maybe there was more to them in the first book.

Thank you to author Paige E. Ewing and PR by the Book for the #gifted copy!

Meet the Author: Jen Simmons

by Leann Pettit, posted in Author Interview

Happy Monday! Welcome to Meet the Author Mondays, a series where we get to know the authors attending Rocky Mountain Readers Retreat 2025. Tickets are still available and include meals, yoga, two signing sessions and more! Get your tickets today at: https://www.rmreaders.com

Today we’re getting to know Jen Simmons. 

What genre do you write?: I write romance! 

Where can I buy your books?: My books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and my website.

What is a word you absolutely hate?: I hate the word…damn this is hard, I love words especially the filthy ones…but I’d say moist. Lolol. 

Do you believe in ghosts?: Yes I totally believe in ghosts, I’ve never been graced by one but they fascinate me!

What is your spirit animal?: I’d say my spirit animal is a mini Aussie.

What is a book you always recommend?: I will die on the Credence hill! I seriously loved that book! 

http://jensimmonsauthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/jen.simmons.5686322/

@jensimmonsauthor

Cinderella is Dead (review)

by Leann Pettit, posted in Book Reviews

I cannot believe I left Cinderella is Dead sitting on my TBR pile for so long. This was such a unique retelling of the Cinderella story and I really enjoyed reading this book!

I liked the main character, which is not something I have been able to say about may of my recent reads. Plus, there was good world building and just enough action and adventure without all of it over powering the overarching storyline. Plus, there’s nothing like “The Princess Saves Herself” trope.

There was so many layers to the Fairy Godmother, too! She was a great character.

The Spellshop (Review)

by Leann Pettit, posted in Book Reviews

I’ve been loving the cozy fantasy genre – these are such nice stories in between heavier or steamier reads that just feel like a warm blanket and hot cup of tea.

I chose The Spellshop on NetGalley 1000 percent because of the cover (how cozy is this cover), but I wound upon loving this book so much. There is just enough world building to draw you into the story, but I still wanted more because I loved Kiela’s small town.

I do wish there had been more depth to some of the side characters. That said, set me up with some toast, jam, tea, and books at Kiela’s cottage.

I listened to this as an audiobook thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, but loved it enough to buy a trophy shelf copy.