Review: Scooping Up Scandal: A Cozy Dog Mystery (Little Dog Diner Book 7) by Emmie Lyn

 

Turning thirty can be murder! 

When a body is discovered next to the Little Dog Diner on her milestone birthday, Dani Mackenzie finds herself scooping up a scandal instead of cutting cake.

The prime suspect is the new owner of the Blueberry Bay Grapevine, but the victim’s stepbrother and ex-girlfriend also have means, motive, and opportunity.

With this trio of suspects, it will take a good nose to uncover whodunnit. At least Dani has her best friend—her Jack Russell, Pip—at her side to help sniff out the killer! But in the meantime, her kick-off to her thirties is turning into more of an upside-down cake than a celebration as she uncovers money, a business scandal, and thwarted love at the core of this crime.

It will take the victim’s black Labrador and finding a winning lottery ticket to solve this mystery, but Dani never throws in the towel. Will she and Pip once again use their experience at solving mysteries to bring justice to Misty Harbor, Maine, or will they be caught in the crosshairs of the killer?

 

My Review: 

An entertaining Whodunit.

Great characters and an interesting plot held my attention the entire time I was reading this book.  Every time I thought I knew who the killer was, I had someone else to add to the list.  I was surprised by the reveal at the end of the book. 

This is the first book that I have read by this author and now I am ready to read more.  Even though this is book seven in the series, I felt it read well as a stand-alone. 

 

Review: Bear’s Heart (The Calhouns & Campbells of Cold Canyon Ranch Book 2) by Jane Porter

 

World champion bull rider, Braden ‘Bear” Anderson is a Montana legend in and out of the arena, but when a horrifying accident in Tulsa leaves him fighting for his life, many fear for Bear’s future. Determined to live independently, he hires a design company to remodel his luxury log cabin to accommodate his new needs, but when he arrives, and the work does not meet his specifications, he furiously fires the crew.

Josie Calhoun is no stranger to challenge. A passionate advocate for universal design after growing up with a younger brother with special needs, she’s determined to ensure that Bear’s cabin is everything he needs and wants. Bear is fierce, but Josie’s not intimidated and immediately gets to work. She soon realizes Bear needs more than an accessible home, he needs a new purpose.

Josie’s family objects to how much time she spends with Bear, but she’s never been happier. Bear knows he doesn’t deserve Josie, and thinks he should push her out the door. But can he let go of the best part of his life?

 

My Review:

A powerful love story.

From the first few pages, I knew this book was going to be special.  It is truly some of Jane Porter’s best work.  A fabulous romance/women’s fiction story about Bear, a paraplegic former rodeo star who was injured during a bull riding event.  He feels he is unworthy of love because he will be a burden to anyone who falls in love with him.  But then he met Josie, who had her own struggles growing up and has two handicapped family members.  She knows what it takes to love someone in Bear’s condition.  The story takes you on an emotional roller-coaster as Bear and Josie get to know each other and eventually fall in love. 

I highly recommend this book.  It is a heartfelt and emotional story about how far someone will go for love. There is another author, who has had many books turned into movies, I don’t know if I can say his name, but his initials are N.S.  This book has all the feels of one of his books/movies where you are taken on an emotional journey through an unforgettable love story.       

 

Review: Sworn to Defend (Sworn Navy SEALs #3) by Charlee James

Shot during a mission and falling to what he thinks is his death, Branch has one regret….

Navy SEAL Hunter “Branch” Green has one goal when he leaves the military hospital—finally tell the pretty flight medic how he feels about her and her autistic teenage son. He’s played it safe for too long, but the mission to win her trust and her heart might be his most challenging yet.

After lifetime of being criticized and disappointed by her family who should have loved her, single mom Hannah Day is fiercely independent. Her walls have walls, and if her son needs anything or something needs doing, she relies only on herself. But the protective, handsome SEAL with a dimpled smile, who has a soft streak for her son a mile wide and a need to help others, is difficult to resist.

Hannah wants to stay strong, but when she’s summoned home to Texas for her youngest sister’s speedy, high society wedding, something feels off, even dangerous. Can she rely on Hunter’s help or will this be one more disappointment for Hannah and her son?

 

My Review:

Great Chemistry.

This is a fast-paced book that I just wanted to read it in one sitting.  Hunter is a Navy SEAL, who is on medical leave, and Hannah is an independent, single mom, raising her autistic son on her own, while working a high pressure job as a flight medic.  The chemistry between Hannah and Hunter was amazing. I really liked how Hunter was a father figure to Hannah’s son, Collin, even prior to them dating.  There is also a bit of suspense in the story, and through it all, Hunter proves his love for Hannah by being by her side the entire time.  It’s an all-around great book.