Robin Loves Reading

Hi. I started reviewing (again, as I did in the past) with NetGalley in March 2018. I began my blog (https://www.robinlovesreadingcom) in May, 2018. In 2018, I read 311 books. For 2019, I have already read 374 books this year. I love reading, reviewing and blogging. I am very active doing lots of blog tours each month. I love engaging in readathons and any reading-related challenges.

A Devil of a Duke

A Devil of a Duke - Madeline Hunter Amanda Waverly, secretary or thief? Or is she both? She was born into a life a crime, forced to become a thief due to her parents' training. Amanda is striving to keep her identity a secret, all while trying to escape that life by serving as a secretary to a responsible lady in society. However, the pressure to keep stealing is constantly facing her.

Fortunately, her employer, Lady Farnsworth, a publisher of a lady's journal, has a wonderful influence on her. What Amanda doesn't expect, however, is to run into Gabriel St. James, Duke of Langford. Amanda manages to trick the duke into participating in a theft, all while keeping her name a secret. How long can this go on? Who will end this farce?

While the two spend time together, one thing is undeniable, and that is their powerful attraction to one another. Throwing caution to the wind, they engage in far more than a begrudging friendship. The story shifts back and forth between their affair, her secret and Gabriel having to choose honor and decency over his own heart.

This was a sensitive story, especially since both Amanda and Gabriel went through so many changes, and the result could have been more than disastrous. It was enjoyable to be reminded of Gabriel's friends with the other two Dukes and how they helped him to see how he actually felt. This entry in the Decadent Duke series had a satisfying ending.

Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.

A New Leash on Love

A New Leash on Love - Debbie   Burns My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Craig Williams has been grieving for quite some time. His family has suffered a terrible loss, and partly due to that, he is now divorced. Therefore, he must take his daughter's dog to a shelter immediately after the holidays. Craig is heartbroken, almost as much as his daughter Sophie.

When Craig meets the shelter's acting director, Megan Anderson, they knock heads. Craig presents as extremely angry and he definitely rubs Megan the wrong way. Their paths begin to cross, however, and soon Craig tries to level the playing field. He just might want a chance with her, despite the fact that his heart is still broken in a million pieces.

When I got the book Love at First Bark for review, I realized that it is the fourth book in the Rescue Me series. Since I am a series binge-reader, I went to my library and got all three previous titles, including this one, A New Leash on Love. I am so very glad that I stopped to read this book. It was incredibly touching on many levels.

For starters, the shelter Megan works at is a no-kill shelter. There simply are not enough of them across the country. Megan's dedication to the dogs was just so sweet. I especially loved her connection with the dog Sledge. Also, Craig was a very sincere character. his spirit had been crushed and I loved the light Megan put in his heart and soul. His daughter Sophie was another wonderful character in this story.

I am eager to continue this series. The other titles not mentioned are Sit, Stay, Love and My Forever Home, which are at the top of my TBR.

Christmas Carol Murder

Christmas Carol Murder - Leslie Meier It is Christmas in Tinker's Cove and Lucy Stone is busy as usual. However, times in the little town in Maine are not easy. Christmas is not going to be a lovely holiday for everyone. However, those at Downeast Mortgage are unseemly celebrating other people's losses. His murder comes as no surprise, and suspects are plentiful.

Lucy does what she does best. She decides to find the killer, even if it interferes with her job, family and even her desire to take classes.

Christmas Carol Murder, by the title alone, reminded me a bit of the Dickens classic. With a not-so-unexpected ghost, the typical twists and turns, and the danger Lucy always seems to find make this a delightful edition to the series.

I have enjoyed this series to-date, and have less than ten left. Since I love cozy mysteries, I am thrilled to have found this series and it holds a warm place in my heart.

Christmas Carol Murder

Christmas Carol Murder - Leslie Meier It is Christmas in Tinker's Cove and Lucy Stone is busy as usual. However, times in the little town in Maine are not easy. Christmas is not going to be a lovely holiday for everyone. However, those at Downeast Mortgage are unseemly celebrating other people's losses. His murder comes as no surprise, and suspects are plentiful.

Lucy does what she does best. She decides to find the killer, even if it interferes with her job, family and even her desire to take classes.

Christmas Carol Murder, by the title alone, reminded me a bit of the Dickens classic. With a not-so-unexpected ghost, the typical twists and turns, and the danger Lucy always seems to find make this a delightful edition to the series.

I have enjoyed this series to-date, and have less than ten left. Since I love cozy mysteries, I am thrilled to have found this series and it holds a warm place in my heart.

Marry in Haste

Marry in Haste - Anne Gracie Major Calbourne Rutherford has returned home with the express purposes of seeing his two half-sister settled. Having become Lord Ashendon, while in the middle of trailing an assassin gives Cal very little time. When he realizes that the girls, Rose and Lily, are rather wild, he looks to their former teacher for assistance. Cal soon offers their former teacher, Miss Emmaline Westwood an unusual offer.

When Emm gets asked by Cal for her hand in marriage, she knows love will have nothing to do with it. When Rose and Lily were at her school, she was rather fond of them. It doesn't take Emm long to consider Cal's offer. But, she soon realizes that this will not simply be a marriage of convenience, at least on her part. Not only does Emm accept, but she begins to have powerful feelings for Cal. What's more is that she starts to see his shell begin to crack.

Marry in Haste is the first book in the Marriage of Convenience series. I truly enjoyed how this story developed. Not only do readers get to see Emm and Cal fall in love, and Cal is the typical historical romance hero in this type of tromp, hard on the outside, but there was a strong family atmosphere throughout.

As most romance stories entail, there will be at least one conflict, and this story had its fair share. Although part of a series, this could serve as a standalone, but having already read the next two, Marry in Scandal and Marry in Secret, I was able to see this family come together, with Emm, Rose and Lily all finding love. I look forward to their cousin, George's - as she prefers to be called - story. I found this to be a touching book, with a wonderful ending.

Marry in Haste

Marry in Haste - Anne Gracie Major Calbourne Rutherford has returned home with the express purposes of seeing his two half-sister settled. Having become Lord Ashendon, while in the middle of trailing an assassin gives Cal very little time. When he realizes that the girls, Rose and Lily, are rather wild, he looks to their former teacher for assistance. Cal soon offers their former teacher, Miss Emmaline Westwood an unusual offer.

When Emm gets asked by Cal for her hand in marriage, she knows love will have nothing to do with it. When Rose and Lily were at her school, she was rather fond of them. It doesn't take Emm long to consider Cal's offer. But, she soon realizes that this will not simply be a marriage of convenience, at least on her part. Not only does Emm accept, but she begins to have powerful feelings for Cal. What's more is that she starts to see his shell begin to crack.

Marry in Haste is the first book in the Marriage of Convenience series. I truly enjoyed how this story developed. Not only do readers get to see Emm and Cal fall in love, and Cal is the typical historical romance hero in this type of tromp, hard on the outside, but there was a strong family atmosphere throughout.

As most romance stories entail, there will be at least one conflict, and this story had its fair share. Although part of a series, this could serve as a standalone, but having already read the next two, Marry in Scandal and Marry in Secret, I was able to see this family come together, with Emm, Rose and Lily all finding love. I look forward to their cousin, George's - as she prefers to be called - story. I found this to be a touching book, with a wonderful ending.
Sophie Marren has had enough with her ex. She left him, and took his boat. She is exhausted and incredibly seasick when she docks her boat. She is more than annoyed with she is told, more than once, to either get a permit or to move her boat. Jacob Kincaid is the man telling Sophie what to do. It is his dock in the town of Cedar Ridge and her boat does not belong there.

Jacob has just returned home after many years away. He did not leave on good terms. In fact, he and is twin brother Hudson never thought they'd speak again. Jacob is in the Army Special Forces and he has just experienced a difficult mission. Perhaps it is time for him to make matters right with his family.

One person he really must see is is mother. She has dementia and Jacob knows he needs to spend time with her. Also, Jacob has all but lost his once close bond to his twin and he is desperate to get that back. One thing Jacob does not have time for is his bone-deep attraction to this quiet, sexy woman who, for some reason, simply will not move her boat.

Nobody But You is the third book in the Cedar Ridge series by Jill Shalvis. I have fallen in love with the Kincaid family. Each story has been absolutely endearing and I love the conflicts they presented. In the case of Sophie and Jacob, they certainly had their challenges, but it was always clear that they were perfect for each other.

Although this is the first time in years I have read anything by this author, I love the "coming home" feeling that her books produce. She is extremely prolific and has written multiple series. I love keeping her books on my radar.
Sophie Marren has had enough with her ex. She left him, and took his boat. She is exhausted and incredibly seasick when she docks her boat. She is more than annoyed with she is told, more than once, to either get a permit or to move her boat. Jacob Kincaid is the man telling Sophie what to do. It is his dock in the town of Cedar Ridge and her boat does not belong there.

Jacob has just returned home after many years away. He did not leave on good terms. In fact, he and is twin brother Hudson never thought they'd speak again. Jacob is in the Army Special Forces and he has just experienced a difficult mission. Perhaps it is time for him to make matters right with his family.

One person he really must see is is mother. She has dementia and Jacob knows he needs to spend time with her. Also, Jacob has all but lost his once close bond to his twin and he is desperate to get that back. One thing Jacob does not have time for is his bone-deep attraction to this quiet, sexy woman who, for some reason, simply will not move her boat.

Nobody But You is the third book in the Cedar Ridge series by Jill Shalvis. I have fallen in love with the Kincaid family. Each story has been absolutely endearing and I love the conflicts they presented. In the case of Sophie and Jacob, they certainly had their challenges, but it was always clear that they were perfect for each other.

Although this is the first time in years I have read anything by this author, I love the "coming home" feeling that her books produce. She is extremely prolific and has written multiple series. I love keeping her books on my radar.

Murder under Cover

Murder under Cover - Kate Carlisle My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Brooklyn Wainwright is a book restoration expert in a league of her own. She can choose whatever project she wants to work on. When best friend Robin presents her with a damaged, but invaluable copy of the Kama Sutra, Brooklyn is more than intrigued. This book could serve a dual purpose for her. Of course, she has the privilege of restoring it, but she knows she could have fun with it, especially now that she and Derek Stone have gotten rather serious. Derek is a British security expert who has opened up a business in San Francisco simply to be a part of her life.

Robin then shows up at their door - bloody. She woke up next to a man she was enamored with, only to discover that he was shot twice while she was sleeping right next to him. Robin is the primary subject in the immediate investigation. Robin feels safe knowing she will have Derek's help. Furthermore, Brooklyn has managed to help find many a killer in the months previously, and she will go to whatever means necessary to prove Robin's innocence.

Murder Under Cover is the fourth book in the Bibliophile series and it has proved to be my favorite so far. There were a lot of delightful layers in this book. For starters, how could a man die right next to Robin? Who was this man? Well, things looked one way in the beginning, but turned out to be something else entirely in the end.

Kudos to Kate Carlisle for taking readers down a twisty path. I love trying to guess who the killer is when reading mysteries, but especially cozy mysteries. In this case, I was rather shocked. While working that out, I was pleased to see how Brooklyn and Derek have cemented their relationship. All the while, the bond of friendship between Brooklyn and Robin gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling.

For a delightful book, as well as an enticing series, I highly recommend this one. The next book is a novella, Pages of Sin, to be followed by One Book in the Grave.

Murder under Cover

Murder under Cover - Kate Carlisle My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Brooklyn Wainwright is a book restoration expert in a league of her own. She can choose whatever project she wants to work on. When best friend Robin presents her with a damaged, but invaluable copy of the Kama Sutra, Brooklyn is more than intrigued. This book could serve a dual purpose for her. Of course, she has the privilege of restoring it, but she knows she could have fun with it, especially now that she and Derek Stone have gotten rather serious. Derek is a British security expert who has opened up a business in San Francisco simply to be a part of her life.

Robin then shows up at their door - bloody. She woke up next to a man she was enamored with, only to discover that he was shot twice while she was sleeping right next to him. Robin is the primary subject in the immediate investigation. Robin feels safe knowing she will have Derek's help. Furthermore, Brooklyn has managed to help find many a killer in the months previously, and she will go to whatever means necessary to prove Robin's innocence.

Murder Under Cover is the fourth book in the Bibliophile series and it has proved to be my favorite so far. There were a lot of delightful layers in this book. For starters, how could a man die right next to Robin? Who was this man? Well, things looked one way in the beginning, but turned out to be something else entirely in the end.

Kudos to Kate Carlisle for taking readers down a twisty path. I love trying to guess who the killer is when reading mysteries, but especially cozy mysteries. In this case, I was rather shocked. While working that out, I was pleased to see how Brooklyn and Derek have cemented their relationship. All the while, the bond of friendship between Brooklyn and Robin gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling.

For a delightful book, as well as an enticing series, I highly recommend this one. The next book is a novella, Pages of Sin, to be followed by One Book in the Grave.

The Lies That Bind

The Lies That Bind - Kate Carlisle Brooklyn Wainwright, an expert when it comes to restoring books, has recently returned home to San Francisco after attending a conference in Edinburgh. Her next job will be to teach a bookbinding class. She has several scheduled students for her course, but when the program's director, Layla Fontaine, adds another woman, Alice, for Brooklyn to teach, she is a bit thrown off.

This turns out to be the least of her problems, actually, because Layla is found dead. Brooklyn has to stop and think. This is hardly the first time she has stumbled across a dead body. So, not only does Brooklyn seem bound and determined to figure out what happened to Layla, she runs into security expert Derek Stone. The two had an almost relationship, but it seemed like nothing would ever come of it.

The more Brooklyn becomes involved, the more danger she places herself in. Meanwhile, she successfully works with her students and proves to be an intelligent teacher.

One reason that I enjoy reading various series so much is because of the continuity. In this case, not only is Derek back, but Robin, Brooklyn's best friend is back. Unfortunately for Brooklyn, her nemesis is back as well, and will also be teaching a class. Her neighbors, chainsaw sculptors, are back too. Of course, Brooklyn's parents make a cameo appearance.

I loved the mix of intrigue, friendship and family in this book. I also enjoyed watching the romance bloom between Brooklyn and Derek. Actually, I discovered this series with the 13th book, The Book Supremacy, so I already know how they end up, but it is a delight watching things form.

As of writing this review, I have also read the fourth book in the series, Murder Under Cover and look forward to continuing with Pages of Sin and One Book in the Grave.

The Lies That Bind

The Lies That Bind - Kate Carlisle Brooklyn Wainwright, an expert when it comes to restoring books, has recently returned home to San Francisco after attending a conference in Edinburgh. Her next job will be to teach a bookbinding class. She has several scheduled students for her course, but when the program's director, Layla Fontaine, adds another woman, Alice, for Brooklyn to teach, she is a bit thrown off.

This turns out to be the least of her problems, actually, because Layla is found dead. Brooklyn has to stop and think. This is hardly the first time she has stumbled across a dead body. So, not only does Brooklyn seem bound and determined to figure out what happened to Layla, she runs into security expert Derek Stone. The two had an almost relationship, but it seemed like nothing would ever come of it.

The more Brooklyn becomes involved, the more danger she places herself in. Meanwhile, she successfully works with her students and proves to be an intelligent teacher.

One reason that I enjoy reading various series so much is because of the continuity. In this case, not only is Derek back, but Robin, Brooklyn's best friend is back. Unfortunately for Brooklyn, her nemesis is back as well, and will also be teaching a class. Her neighbors, chainsaw sculptors, are back too. Of course, Brooklyn's parents make a cameo appearance.

I loved the mix of intrigue, friendship and family in this book. I also enjoyed watching the romance bloom between Brooklyn and Derek. Actually, I discovered this series with the 13th book, The Book Supremacy, so I already know how they end up, but it is a delight watching things form.

As of writing this review, I have also read the fourth book in the series, Murder Under Cover and look forward to continuing with Pages of Sin and One Book in the Grave.

Easter Bunny Murder

Easter Bunny Murder - Leslie Meier Another holiday is approaching for Lucy Stone and this time it is Easter. Ever the busy woman, Lucy again has a lot on her plate. For those not familiar with the series, Lucy is married with four children and also has a grandson. She is also a newspaper reporter. More exciting, however, is she is also an amateur sleuth, one who happens upon many a murder scene and with the keen sense to identifying killers, and often at risk to her own life.

Lucy is currently trying to prepare an exceptional Easter meal. She is also working on her garden and is determined to make the holiday a lot of fun for her little grandson. She is also eager to do her annual story on the Easter Egg hunt in town for the Pennysaver, the newspaper she writes for.

Well, upon arriving at a fancy event, grandson in tow, the Easter Bunny suddenly drops dead. Lucy is currently at the estate of one Vivian Van Vorst, and it is her grandson who was dressed up as the Easter Bunny. In typical fashion, Lucy begins to investigate what could have happened.

Lucy quickly discovers that there have been secrets and lies hovering about, and that there may indeed soon be another victim. Meanwhile, Lucy is contending with husband Bill regarding a serious matter, and is concerned for her oldest daughter Elizabeth, as she is away and dealing with a minor health crisis.

This was another engaging read by Leslie Meier and I do look forward to the next book in the series, Christmas Carol Murder.

Easter Bunny Murder

Easter Bunny Murder - Leslie Meier Another holiday is approaching for Lucy Stone and this time it is Easter. Ever the busy woman, Lucy again has a lot on her plate. For those not familiar with the series, Lucy is married with four children and also has a grandson. She is also a newspaper reporter. More exciting, however, is she is also an amateur sleuth, one who happens upon many a murder scene and with the keen sense to identifying killers, and often at risk to her own life.

Lucy is currently trying to prepare an exceptional Easter meal. She is also working on her garden and is determined to make the holiday a lot of fun for her little grandson. She is also eager to do her annual story on the Easter Egg hunt in town for the Pennysaver, the newspaper she writes for.

Well, upon arriving at a fancy event, grandson in tow, the Easter Bunny suddenly drops dead. Lucy is currently at the estate of one Vivian Van Vorst, and it is her grandson who was dressed up as the Easter Bunny. In typical fashion, Lucy begins to investigate what could have happened.

Lucy quickly discovers that there have been secrets and lies hovering about, and that there may indeed soon be another victim. Meanwhile, Lucy is contending with husband Bill regarding a serious matter, and is concerned for her oldest daughter Elizabeth, as she is away and dealing with a minor health crisis.

This was another engaging read by Leslie Meier and I do look forward to the next book in the series, Christmas Carol Murder.

If Books Could Kill

If Books Could Kill  - Kate Carlisle My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Brooklyn Wainwright, an expert book restorer, is excited to go to Edinburgh, Scotland to attend and run a few workshops and to participate in a bookbinding contest. She just had a terrible experience when her former mentor and friend, Abraham Karastovsky was murdered. This trip is just what she needs.

Brooklyn is looking forward to seeing her old friend Helen, but is also pleasantly surprised to be traveling along with security consultant Derek Stone. Why is he going to Scotland anyway? When she runs into her ex Kyle, he asks her to protect a rare book that might harm the history of the British monarchy. Before Brooklyn can get enough details as to what to do with the book, she finds Kyle dead.

Wondering why she has suddenly stumbled among dead bodies, seeing Kyle sends her into a frenzy. Fortunately Derek is around and he is highly respected and easily helps to prove that Brooklyn had nothing to do with Kyle's murder. Things are not right with Brooklyn on several levels. For starters, it seems that her bookbinding tools were used in the murder. Then her hotel room is broken into. Just as Brooklyn took things upon herself to investigate what happened to Abraham previously, she jumps into the fray with Kyle's murder.

In this fast-moving second title in the Bibliophile series, readers are treated with some familiar characters. Brooklyn's best friend Robin is back, as well as her parents. Her arch nemesis Minka is back too. Another likable feature to this book is the first-person narration. This was done exceptionally well.

I am loving this series and am eager to read the third book in the series, The Lies that Bind. There are currently 13 books in the series, and, having read the final book, The Book Supremacy, already, it will definitely be a pleasure to reach each title.

If Books Could Kill

If Books Could Kill  - Kate Carlisle My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Brooklyn Wainwright, an expert book restorer, is excited to go to Edinburgh, Scotland to attend and run a few workshops and to participate in a bookbinding contest. She just had a terrible experience when her former mentor and friend, Abraham Karastovsky was murdered. This trip is just what she needs.

Brooklyn is looking forward to seeing her old friend Helen, but is also pleasantly surprised to be traveling along with security consultant Derek Stone. Why is he going to Scotland anyway? When she runs into her ex Kyle, he asks her to protect a rare book that might harm the history of the British monarchy. Before Brooklyn can get enough details as to what to do with the book, she finds Kyle dead.

Wondering why she has suddenly stumbled among dead bodies, seeing Kyle sends her into a frenzy. Fortunately Derek is around and he is highly respected and easily helps to prove that Brooklyn had nothing to do with Kyle's murder. Things are not right with Brooklyn on several levels. For starters, it seems that her bookbinding tools were used in the murder. Then her hotel room is broken into. Just as Brooklyn took things upon herself to investigate what happened to Abraham previously, she jumps into the fray with Kyle's murder.

In this fast-moving second title in the Bibliophile series, readers are treated with some familiar characters. Brooklyn's best friend Robin is back, as well as her parents. Her arch nemesis Minka is back too. Another likable feature to this book is the first-person narration. This was done exceptionally well.

I am loving this series and am eager to read the third book in the series, The Lies that Bind. There are currently 13 books in the series, and, having read the final book, The Book Supremacy, already, it will definitely be a pleasure to reach each title.