Book Review (Shorts) ~ Hexed

Hexed
Published By Berkley mass market


Four of the bestselling names in romance and fantasy come together in this collection of thrilling novellas featuring powerful women who know how to handle a hex or two...


Magic Dreams (Kate Daniels 4.5) by Ilona Andrews 
I haven't started this series yet but I've read both novellas and loved them. 


Ice Shards (Sisters of the Moon 9.5) by Yasmine Galenorn
Loved learning more about Iris and her past. Would also like to hear more about Howl and his pack. 


Double Hexed (Stormwalker 3.5) by Allyson James
Found this story very entertaining even though I was not familiar with the series. I was intrigued by almost all the characters that were in the story. Will be looking into it more.


Blood Debt (Anna Strong Chronicles 6.5) by Jeanne C Stein
This didn't grab me in the same way as the other three. It was still a good read I see myself at least trying the first book in the series.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine.It's a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating


Triple Shot (Maggy Thorsen #7)
By Sandra Balzo
Published By Severn House Publishers
expected release: December 1, 2011

Summary: The new Maggy Thorsen coffeehouse mystery - There’s a chill in the Wisconsin air, and it's a shot in the arm – a triple espresso shot – to Uncommon Grounds, the Brookhills coffeehouse owned by Maggy Thorsen and real estate maven Sarah Kingston. Their new autumn drink is a huge success. But two estate agents have died lately, and Sarah herself is under investigation for irregularities at her job. Then a stench begins to percolate through the coffeehouse, and soon it’s clear that corpses – like other bad things – do indeed come in threes . . .


** I have this book sitting on my side table... Had to start from book 1, I'm now on book 4. They're great reads and I am really enjoying them!

Book Review ~ Bean There, Done That

Bean There, Done That (Maggy Thorsen Mystery #3)
By Sandra Balzo
Published By Severn House Publishers

Summary: Heres a tip: if your ex-husbands mistress-cum-missus asks for your help in proving that he cheated on her while he was married to you, just say no. And, whatever you do, dont invite her in . . .Coffeehouse owner Maggy Thorsen does just that when Rachel Slattery Thorsen comes knocking on her door. When the new Mrs Thorsen disappears that same evening, Maggy quickly finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation involving Rachels hotelier family Milwaukees answer to the Hiltons.

My Thoughts: The third installment of this series is my favorite so far. The addition of Maggy's ex and his mistress/new wife added something to both the book and Maggy's character. I found myself wanting the ex husband to be guilty. The author did a great job making him the slimy condescending type that you would expect. The romance that has been on the side of this series finally goes somewhere and then somewhere else. While I like Pavlik, I found myself liking Stephen more and hope he shows up in future books.
Overall this book had everything you've come to expect from this series. While I was happy with the whole book I'm not as sold on the conclusion of the mystery. This was another where there were plenty of clues scattered throughout but a few I never would have gotten. Looking forward to fourth book. Hoping for more Amy, she has quickly become my favorite.

Rating: 4

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing everyone who celebrates a 

Very Happy Thanksgiving!

Book Review ~ Grounds For Murder

Grounds For Murder (Maggy Thorsen Mystery #2)
By Sandra Balzo
Published By Severn House Publishers

Summary: A sharp and amusing mystery from a talented writer - Set in Milwaukee at a scaldingly competitive trade show for the coffee industry, events reach a head when coffeehouse-owner Maggy Thorsen discovers a body under a table at the conference centre. As the reluctant conference coordinator and a potential suspect Maggy must track down the murderer, save her coffeehouse and hopefully put some froth into her love life . .


My Thoughts: This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Maggy seems to be getting stronger as the series moves forward. The only problem I had with the book was the way it started. We start with the dead body and then spend the first half of the book getting back to that point. I would have preferred if we had just started at the beginning. 
The characters of Brookhill were entertaining as usual. Sophie and Henry and the Red Hats added some much needed levity. Sara trying to quit smoking and running the conference at the same time was almost more interesting than the mystery. I liked Amy as a new character, she adds something for the younger set without being the other woman that is often referred to. 
Overall the mystery lived up to the first book but I wasn't as surprised by who committed it. Since the victim was not likable it was harder to care about the who-dun-it part. 


Rating: 4