Fall has me reaching for my comfort reads: cozy mysteries.

A Roux of Revenge by Connie Archie is book 3 out of a 5 book series. It is centered around the Halloween season. A carnival rolls into town and with it secrets, deception, and murder. Lucky also finds herself unsure of her relationship with the local doctor who appears to be keeping secrets of his own.

If you look at my reading dates you would think I didn’t like the book. Far from the truth, I have just had a slow reading month with long weekend trips and work being done at our home (something exciting coming soon).

It is always a good visit with Lucky and her restaurant friends. It is like a warm hug on chilly night. The Vermont setting adds to the Halloween atmosphere.

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I am not a huge fan of poetry as usually I don’t understand what the author is trying to convey but I felt this poetry. As I read the poems I was able to visualize the area or action being mentioned. Was it because it is a native Kentuckian like myself? Possibly.

I wish I had known of the notes in the back as it would have even further helped my understanding of the poem. Being read in kindle format I didn’t realize that section was provided.

This was the book chosen for my Bookends Book Club through the Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Office.

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A cozy sweet romance that is full of swoony romantic moments.

It is 2025 and Beverly is a professional puppeteer who has hit a snag. She has thrown a Hail Mary out and agreed to do a talk show. While on stage she meets Griffin Harvey the handsome music star. At this meet cute moment a bond has formed that has Griffin following Beverly from California to a remote North Carolina mountain town. Can they help each other’s careers and maybe find time to fall in love as well?

The entire time I read this book I had more of a 1990s feel than current and I absolutely loved that feeling. The book wrapped me in a warm hug. I felt myself reading slower and taking time to embrace the story.

If you are a seasonal reader this book is a winter season read. Although any season you read will still bring all the cozy vibes.

This book released this past Tuesday and I recommend to all romance readers.

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Brenda Novak Book Club August selection

After a domestic violence marriage that ended in tragedy Elle has relocated to California as a bounty hunter. She finds herself on a case in Mendocino, California. There she finds herself working with a detective who is looking for the same guy she is and sparks fly in all forms. As the case takes a dramatic turn Elle finds herself at a crossroads in her personal and romantic life.

The story is great. I enjoyed the hunt for the bad guy and I enjoyed the slow burn romance. The author did a great job in keeping you guessing and interested in the story. There is a bit of spice towards the end but not much.

My complaint is with the audiobook. There was a female and male narrator which I thought great one for each main character. That is true BUT when say the female character is the lead of the chapter/section the female narrator reads both hers and the lead male lines and vice versa. What??? Why not have them stay in character the entire book. It threw my listening pleasure off drastically and was disappointing. I think if the narrators had stayed in character the entire book it would have been even better.

My rating is a 4.50 because I imagine that the audiobook narration is out of the authors control. It is not a reflection of the authors writing.

I highly recommend this book for fans of romantic suspense, police drama, and slow burn romance.

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I have owned Fourth Wing since its release date but life never gave me the perfect time to read it until now. I have gathered some of my closet friends and family and we have centered our book club around Fourth Wing. To say I’m hooked doesn’t even begin to tell you my feelings. I am 100% all in. Many times I woke up around 2am and read until I couldn’t hold my eyes open. The ending has me 🥺. It has been way too long for an ending to shock me to my core.

If you haven’t tried Fourth Wing yet but want to I say do it. Who knew dragons and superpowers could be so beautifully exciting.

I am in complete awe of the talent exhibited by Rebecca Yarros.

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As promised Jenn McKinlay’s Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Since we are taking them to a family gathering tomorrow I did mini and regular size cupcakes. They taste so good. I would even fix the minis with no frosting as a breakfast “muffin” and skip buying the Little Bites in the store.

My frosting/icing technique needs work. I don’t have the fancy piping bags and tips. I used the sandwich bag idea and it worked for the most part.

Easy make and will be made again.

Finally…PUMPKIN SPICE SEASON IS HERE!!!

I have waited all year to read this book. It may be the devil’s back porch hot with a side of humidititties here in KY but metrological fall started on 9/1.

Y’all my heart was breaking for Mel. What should have been a great event celebrating her artist friend turns into a crime scene. Mel can’t help but try to figure out the who and why. Unfortunately, as she does her heart keeps getting broken more and more.

Jenn McKinlay writes with such feeling and I love that. Joe is no Sully (JM’a Library Lovers series) but he fills in as a nice second in command book boyfriend. I wouldn’t kick him out of my bed 😉.

I plan on fixing the pumpkin spice cupcakes from the included recipes for a gathering this weekend. If they turn out I’ll post a picture.

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August Wrap Up ☀️🍎🥵

11 books total, 0 DNF

8 books donated/given to others

7 books (kindle/physical) of my own read

Reviews of most books on my blog. www.kentuckybooklover.com

B Borrowed from friend/family

L  Library

KO  Kindle Owned

O  Physical Owned

EL  E-library (Libby/Overdrive/Hoopla)

AB  Audiobook 

KU  Kindle Unlimited 

NG NetGalley

ARC Advanced Reader Copy 

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Perfect timing. Last (purposeful) summer book of the season finished on the night before meteorological Fall begins.

Flamingos and football. What can go wrong? Apparently a lot can but it takes dedication to succeed at everything. Graydon is a tough as nails football player who is afraid of love and Maple is a tender hearted flamingo zookeeper who knows what she wants. A PR stunt turns into something special that neither expected.

It’s Meghan Quinn so it has plenty of spice. You can skip those parts if you wish and be perfectly fine. It has language and again you can ignore the language. Quite a few Easter eggs of her other series.

If you like grumpy/sunshine, football, and slow burn romance you need to pick this book up.

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An enjoyable romantic read with a bit of spice. I’m enjoying working my way through Bridgerton at a slower pace.

From the beginning I had my suspicions on who Lady Whistledown was and I guessed correctly. Now I don’t have to turn a deaf ear when Bridgerton is discussed.

Penelope is a fun character. I empathize with her in many things. It was fun to see Colin turn into a big ol’ softy around her.

The next book in the series is To Sir Phillip, With Love. It looks to be very entertaining.

Before anyone asks, no I haven’t watched the series. I may or may not. If I do it won’t be until I finish reading the series.

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