Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Review: Our Last Wild Days by Anna Bailey

 
Our Last Wild Days by Anna Bailey

Our Last Wild Days by Anna Bailey
Publication Date: May 20th 2025 by Atria Books
Pages: 339
Source: Publisher
Rating: ½

My Thoughts:
Loyal Mae has returned to her small hometown of Jackknife, Louisiana when it seems her mother’s memory is declining. Taking a job at the local paper, the Bayou Leader, she teams up with Sasha, another journalist, and it’s not long before they’re thrown into a dangerous investigation.
 
Loyal left town years earlier after an accident led to a falling out with her best friend, Cutter Lebasque. However, before Loyal can mend that fence, Cutter is discovered dead in the bayou under suspicious circumstances.  Loyal is determined to get to the truth even when she comes up those who definitely want her to stop digging.
 
Cutter’s death impacts several and we get the POV of Cutter’s brothers, Dewall and Beau shining light on their messy and sometimes violent history.
 
Jackknife was a small town; parts gritty and shabby, but it held some wild appeal. Loyal and Sasha encounter prejudices and danger, but there’s also kindness and community.
 
The writing was beautiful without being clunky or slowing the plot. I was fully immersed in this atmospheric mystery, staying up late to find out how it all turned out!

4.5 Stars


Book Description:

From the author of the “irresistible” (Paula Hawkins, #1 New York Times bestselling author) Where the Truth Lies, an atmospheric novel about a young woman who searches for answers after her estranged friend is found dead in the bayou of their rural Louisiana hometown.

The Labasques aren’t like other families.

Living in a shack out in the swamps, they made do by hunting down alligators and other animals. To the good people of Jacknife, Louisiana, they are troublemakers and outcasts, the kind of people you wouldn’t want in your community.

So, when Cutter Labasque is found face down in the muddy swamp, no one seems to care, not even her two brothers. The only person who questions the official verdict of suicide is Cutter’s childhood friend, Loyal May, who has just returned home to care for her mother. When she left town at eighteen years old, she betrayed Cutter. Now with a ragtag group from the local paper where she works, Loyal goes in search of answers, uncovering a web of deceit and corruption that implicates those in town. It may be too late to apologize to Cutter, but Loyal has restitution in mind.

Weaving through the swamps and bayous of rural Louisiana, Our Last Wild Days is an atmospheric, smoldering suspense about our darker impulses—and how to set things right.


Monday, June 30, 2025

Book Review: A Tarnished Canvas by Anna Lee Huber


A Tarnished Canvas (Lady Darby Mystery #13) by Anna Lee Huber

A Tarnished Canvas (Lady Darby Mystery #13) by Anna Lee Huber
Publication Date: June 24th 2025 by Berkley
Pages: 400
Source: Publisher
Rating: 
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Libro.fm | Audible | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
A Tarnished Canvas is the 13th book in a series best read in order.

A quick rundown of the series: Kiera, Darby is a woman ostracized by society when it’s found out her late husband had her sketch the dead bodies (obtained from questionable sources) he dissected for an anatomy journal he planned on publishing. Kiera had no knowledge of this at the time, but she couldn’t refuse with her husband forcing her to comply. He was an awful man, so I was happy he died before we’re introduced to Kiera.

With the knowledge of anatomy she acquired, and her superb deductive skills, Kiera’s a valuable source of information to Gage, an inquiry agent tasked to solve a murder while staying at her sister’s estate (book 1). Gage and Kiera initially lock horns.

Each installment tackles a new mystery, while at the center of the series is the relationship/romance between Kiera and Gage. Ms. Huber masterfully created two wonderfully complex characters, faults and all, so of course their journey isn’t all smooth sailing, but I’ve loved every minute!
 
In A Tarnished Canvas Kiera and Gage are wintering in Edinburgh, preparing for their daughter Emma’s first birthday, which holds both joyful and traumatic memories. While Kiera is immersed in her art, painting pieces for an exhibition she hopes to display, Gage is at loose ends with no major cases coming their way.
 
One bright spot is an art auction Kiera’s been invited to. However, the event is overcrowded, and the floor gives out injuring many and killing one. Kiera and Gage barely make it out alive. Was it an accident or sabotage?
 
When it becomes clear the collapse was purposeful, the police ask for Gage and Kiera’s assistance in finding the culprit and their motivation.
 
As usual, I was completely captivated as the mystery was unraveled piece by piece! Kiera and Gage’s relationship, as well as their friendships with a few of their servants, who also help with the investigations, are a huge draw for me. Emma continues to be adorable and the sweet baby moments between mother and child are so touching.

The mystery comes to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion, but Kiera’s last words have me eager for the next installment!

5 Stars


Book Description:

Lady Kiera Darby had planned to spend the winter practicing her painting, but instead, she must find the flaw in a killer’s masterpiece when an art auction results in one participant’s final bid.…

March 1833. Kiera and her husband, Sebastian Gage, have decided to settle in Edinburgh for the winter with their infant daughter. This also allows Kiera to enjoy long hours painting in her studio, making progress on the portraits she soon hopes to unveil in her own exhibit. She’s thrilled when she receives an invitation to the auction of the late Lord Eldin’s coveted art collection, and she and Gage eagerly accept. When the floor collapses beneath the gathering, killing one of their fellow bidders, Kiera and Gage are lucky to escape with their lives.

Within days it becomes apparent that what at first seemed to be a terrible accident is actually something far more nefarious. Someone deliberately compromised the integrity of the structure, though the police are unsure of the culprit’s aim. Sergeant Maclean requests Kiera and Gage’s assistance in figuring out who would wish to harm the bidders. As they dig deeper, it becomes increasingly apparent that the victim was not the killer’s intended target . . . and that Kiera was lured to the auction deliberately. Kiera and Gage must utilize all their resources to unveil a monster willing to risk the lives of dozens of bystanders to achieve their ends. But they’re on the verge of making a dire miscalculation. For one of the cleverest tricks in a painter’s repertoire is the art of misdirection, and their eyes have been drawn far from the gravest danger.


Sunday, June 29, 2025

Sunday Post #299

 


The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog, and is a post to recap my bookish and non-bookish things from the last week. I'm also linking up to The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance @Readerbuzz.

Happy Sunday! 

It's started to heat up here with temps in the low 90s. Working Sunday threw my week off a bit. I had Monday off but then worked Tuesday and Wednesday and we've been really busy. My shoulder is really feeling it. 

I finished the first season of Tracker, that's all that's on Hulu right now. It's kind of a cheesy, but fun action/mystery series and I like the actors and settings. I started watching it after reading and loving South of Nowhere by Jeffrey Deaver and the series is based off the Colter Shaw book series. 

I ordered shade cloths that block out 40% of the suns rays for more of my garden beds. My tomatoes are doing better this year with them. My flowers are really coming up. Roses, zinnias, cosmos, snapdragon butterfly bush, and hydrangea. I'll have interesting varieties of sunflowers blooming soon. It's my first time growing them and I started them from seed. We'll see how they turn out.

These two hydrangea bushes are coming out really blue, but I have another to the left that is purple (not shown). I must've not sprinkled the bluing powder (that you water in) around that bush.

Roses: Brandy

Rose: Isaac Pierre

Puzzle completed last week: Pretty Penny Square by Charles Wysocki

Smokey snuggles


I'm getting ready to head to Montana later this week. I didn't get as much reading done as I hoped to but I enjoyed what I read.

Read:
(Click on cover for Goodreads listing)
A Tarnished Canvas (Lady Darby Mystery #13) by Anna Lee Huber
Our Last Wild Days by Anna Bailey
Jakob's Point by Michael Peterson

A Tarnished Canvas (Lady Darby Mystery #13) by Anna Lee Huber-5 Stars
Our Last Wild Days by Anna Bailey-4.5 Stars
Jakob's Point by Michael Peterson-4 Stars

Received:

Grave Birds by Dana Elmendorf
Rage (Kate Burkholder #17) by Linda Castillo

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and Macmillan Audio!


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How was your week?




Wednesday, June 25, 2025

3 Fantasy Book Giveaway!

 As usual, I have more books than I have space. Some I donate to my library or charity shops, but I try to giveaway a few here on the blog, as well. I'm giving away three fantasy books:

a Rafflecopter giveaway






Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Review: No More Yesterdays by Catherine Bybee

 
No More Yesterdays (The Heirs #3) by Catherine Bybee

No More Yesterdays (The Heirs #3)  by Catherine Bybee
Publication Date: June 17th 2025 by Montlake
Pages: 392
Source: Author
Rating: ½

My Thoughts:
Along with her brothers, Alex Stone inherited her father's billions and his company, Stone Enterprises, a hotel empire. Taking over as CEO hasn’t been smooth sailing. Being undermined and second guessed is tiring, especially since Alex has worked in the industry for years.  She can deal with all of that, but a dangerous situation at a business event and serious threats directed at her and the company have the Stone siblings evaluating their security. This is where Hawk Bronson and his security team come in.
 
Hawk and Alex are thrown together as he’s assigned to protect her making the immediate attraction they feel hard to resist. There were intense situations, but they also had some quiet time to get to know each other. I was all in.
 
The mystery was engrossing and there were a few suspects. Lots of interesting bits discovered in this installment about the company leading to more questions.
 
No More Yesterdays hooked me from the first page! Mystery, suspense, danger and romance all combined together for an exciting read! I felt like each aspect was balanced nicely. The mystery/series wrapped up in a thrilling and satisfying conclusion!  
 
While No More Yesterdays is part of a series, it could be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Each book is currently available as a “Read and Listen for Free” on Kindle Unlimited.






Book Description:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee lights the fuse, and the Stone siblings must rely on their wits and hearts to uncover a dangerous enemy…and an explosive secret.

Taking over her late father’s company was never part of Alex Stone’s life plan.

But now, sitting in the CEO chair at Stone Enterprises, she’s resigned to living her life alone. Being a high-powered, billionaire woman tends to narrow one’s romantic prospects. As Alex works relentlessly to reshape her inherited hotel empire, she’s acquired a target on her back complete with death threats.

Alex turns to Hawk Bronson, a man who is equal parts bodyguard, sexy, and completely infuriating. Especially when it comes to protecting her.

As the danger escalates, Hawk comes to terms with the fact that their connection goes way beyond bodyguard and assignment. He knows he should keep his distance—his own dark past and nightmares put her at greater risk—but he can’t walk away. Protecting Alex means everything. Putting her life in someone else’s care isn’t an option once he’s tasted their passion and depth of his feelings.

As they navigate a minefield of family secrets, past pain, and unexpected hope, Alex and Hawk must face their deepest fears and fight for a future together. But first, they’ll need to unmask whoever is behind the threats—before Alex becomes their next victim.

Read books one and two in The Heirs series–All Our Tomorrows and The Forgotten One– available now on #kindleunlimited.



AUTHOR BIO

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee has written over forty-five books that have collectively sold more than eleven million copies. Her titles have been translated into more than twenty languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full time and has penned the popular Not Quite, Weekday Brides, Most Likely To, First Wives, and D’Angelos series. 


Connect with Catherine Bybee:





Saturday, June 21, 2025

Sunday Post #298

 


The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog, and is a post to recap my bookish and non-bookish things from the last week. I'm also linking up to The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance @Readerbuzz.

It's been an uneventful week, just the usual: work, gardening (lots of weeding!), cats, puzzles, reading and exercise. I go on walks and run, but also do weight routines from someone I follow on Instagram: @carolinescircuits. I love her routines! I'm trying to lose a few pounds before our next Montana trip. I'm just a few pounds over what I'd like to be, but boy is it tough to lose weight in my 50s! 

My husband and I went to dinner with my sister and her husband downtown. I work tomorrow (Sunday), which is a bummer because I'll miss out on the Innkeeper Chronicles for the read along hosted by Anne @Books of My Heart

My blue hydrangeas are starting to bloom

St. John's Wart that grows wild in the yard

Starla helping with my latest puzzle.

It was pretty cool yesterday and today. Didn't break 70 degrees for our high and we sat by the fire outside last night and tonight. 

Outdoor Fire Solo Stove
Outdoor Fire Solo Stove

Read:
(Click on cover for Goodreads description)
Sweep in Peace (Innkeeper Chronicles #2) by Ilona Andrews
Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady
Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds by Allison Brennan
No More Yesterdays by Catherine Bybee

No More Yesterdays by Catherine Bybee: 4.5 Stars

Received:

A Tarnished Canvas (Lady Darby Mysteries) #13) by Anna Lee Huber
The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liza Tully
Atonement Sky (Psy-Changeling Trinity #9) by Nalini Singh

Thank you to Berkley!

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How was your week?




Friday, June 20, 2025

Audiobook Review: Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews

 

Sweep in Peace (Innkeeper Chronicles #2) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: November 13th 2015 by NYLA
Pages: 315
Audio Book Length: 10hrs 50min
Narrator: Renée Raudman
Source: Purchased
Rating: ½
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
 
Re-read 6/13/25 for Books of My Heart read-long. So good!

I didn't write much of a review the first time I listened back in 2016. I appreciated the story more the second time around, especially since I recently finished reading The Edge series and so remembered George, Jack and Sophie a lot more, and I'd now recommend reading that series before this one.

Dina is a little bored and lonely since Sean left, but that quickly changes when Arbitrator George Camarine requests her in host peace talks, at Gertrude Hunt, between the Vampires, Merchants and The Otrokars, aka "The Hope-Crushing Horde", all engaged in a bloody war for Nexus.

A very risky proposition with lethal delegates, but Dina needs the money and it'll Gertrude Hunt's reputation if it goes off well. But that's a big "IF".

The Innkeeper Chronicles is a wonderfully imagined fantasy world with well-developed characters. Mystery, danger, betrayal and just a bit of romance all blended into this exciting installment!

5/9/2016:
I want the next one!

4.5 Stars


Book Description:

Dina DeMille doesn’t run your typical Bed and Breakfast. Her inn defies laws of physics, her fluffy dog is secretly a monster, and the only paying guest is a former Galactic tyrant with a price on her head. But the inn needs guests to thrive, and guests have been scarce, so when an Arbitrator shows up at Dina's door and asks her to host a peace summit between three warring species, she jumps on the chance.

Unfortunately, for Dina, keeping the peace between Space Vampires, the Hope-Crushing Horde, and the devious Merchants of Baha-char is much easier said than done. On top of keeping her guests from murdering each other, she must find a chef, remodel the inn... and risk everything, even her life, to save the man she might fall in love with. But then it's all in the day's work for an Innkeeper...