Phantom Evil by Heather Graham

A secret government unit, a group of renegade paranormal investigators... and a murder no one else can crack.

Though haunted by the recent deaths of two teammates, Jackson Crow knows that the living commit the most heinous crimes.

A police officer utilizing her paranormal intuition, Angela Hawkins already has her hands full of mystery and bloodshed.

But one assignment calls to them too strongly to resist. In a historic mansion in New Orleans's French Quarter, a senator's wife falls to her death. Most think she jumped; some say she was pushed. And yet others believe she was beckoned by the ghostly spirits inhabiting the house — once the site of a serial killer's grisly work.

In this seemingly unsolvable case, only one thing is certain: whether supernatural or all too human, crimes of passion will cast Jackson and Angela into danger of losing their lives... and their immortal souls.

Series: Krewe of Hunters #1 | Publisher: Mira |  Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense | Source: Purchased  | Rating: 3

I’m going to be honest, I cheated. I started somewhere in the middle of the series then I went back and read the first book and I’m glad that I did. Let me tell you a bit about the book then I’ll explain why I’m glad I didn’t start the series from the beginning.

When the Senator’s wife dies, it’s apparent from the look of terror in her eyes that there was more to it than an accidental fall. Given the mansion’s gruesome past, some are left questioning whether or not a ghost is to blame. Enter Jackson Crow and Angela Hawkins, members of the newly formed Krewe of Hunters, a special unit of the FBI that deals with paranormal situations. As they work the case, it becomes apparent there’s more going on than what they first thought.

This one was a quick read but, at times, I felt as though the book dragged a bit as the Krewe of Hunters unit was being introduced, which is to be expected when it’s the first book in a new series and I didn’t mind that. The mystery and paranormal aspects of the book were fantastic. There’s also a darker aspect to this book.

What drew me out of this book after loving the others were the characters, which completely surprised me as Jackson and Angela are some of my favorite characters in the series. Jackson spent the majority of the plot fighting/avoiding his ability to see and communicate with ghosts while Angela was comfortable in her ability and it made the plot feel bumpy. Jackson also came off as arrogant at times, which is something he’s not in later books.

While this is a romance, the romance does take a backseat to the case and paranormal aspects. It developed quickly and, at times, I found myself searching for the chemistry between Jackson and Angela that’s there in the later books.

I ended up switching back and forth from book to audio trying to find which format I vibed with and I ended up sticking with the physical book. While I do enjoy Jeffrey Cummings, his narration didn’t work for this book.

Overall, this one had a few issues but I do recommend the book and the series does get better as it goes along. 

Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter

A grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance with a fun-loving heroine and a rule-following hero? Yes, please! Keep reading and find out why this contemporary romance was a 5 for me!

Isabella Shay is usually a very honest person. But when she’s running late for her first day at her dream job and the barista yells for “Amy” three times with no answer, she does the unthinkable.

Izzy takes that PSL.

It’s the exact drink she ordered and paid for, only way further ahead in the queue—and she’ll take whatever bad karma is coming for her; she’s desperate and very late. But when she turns around and runs directly into the most attractive man she’s ever seen, spilling the drink all over his made-for-GQ shirt and tie, she ends up having the ultimate meet-cute. Karma who? Sparks fly and things feel beyond promising, until he says to her: “See you tomorrow, Amy.”

Izzy reasons she can just straighten things out the next day, no biggie. Only when she gets to her new office and meets the VP of her department, it is none other than Blake Phillips—the hottie from Starbucks. And the man might’ve been charming to “Amy,” but he is an arrogant grump to Izzy, an arrogant grump who does not find her explanation funny at all. But day by day, an attraction simmers between them and they’ll have to find a way to work together without ripping each other’s heads—or clothes—off.

 Publisher: Berkley |  Release Date: 1/14/2025 | Genre: Contemporary Romance  | Source: Publisher | Rating: 5 

I had so much fun with this one. It’s been a minute since a contemporary romance has pulled me in and wowed me but, let me tell you, I absolutely loved this one and I cannot get it out of my system.

Not wanting to be late for her first day on the job, Izzy decides to grab an unclaimed PSL meant for ‘Amy’. Even though she paid for her PSL, the karma gods intervened, causing her to spill her drink all over the sexiest man she’s ever seen. While there’s no denying that there’s an instant spark, he thinks she’s ‘Amy’ and things take an even worse turn when he discovers he’s her boss. While Blake is drawn to Izzy, he’s a stickler for the rules and there’s no way he can date someone he’s in charge of and there’s the fact she lied about being ‘Amy’ and he cannot tolerate a liar. But, rules are meant to be bent. When Izzy comes up with a plan to be ‘friends’, Blake is more than willing to comply but will they find a way to work around those pesky rules and become more than friends.

I’ve noticed a lot of ‘romance’ books as of late are actually women’s fiction with a side of romance and I’ve been missing true romances. Thankfully, Accidentally Amy is exactly what it is labeled: a contemporary romance.

Blake is probably one of my favorite characters in a contemporary romance. He’s such a straight up, honest guy who cares about ethics and telling the truth and he’s sweet, funny, and takes amazing care of his two disabled cats. He’s also been hurt before and that’s made him a bit guarded. Izzy is such a fun, unique character with this exuberant nature that makes everything fun.

I loved the romance in this one. The chemistry was spot on and the way the relationship developed felt realistic. Blake is a stickler for honesty and doing what’s right. While Izzy, technically, didn’t lie to him, she didn’t correct his belief that she was Amy, which gave Blake pause. He also wasn’t willing to cross the line and date someone he was the boss of. He’s very conflicted when Izzy draws up a ‘friend’ plan. Izzy’s entering into new territory with Blake. She’s never been in a relationship and it’s a bit daunting for her. I loved watching them navigate this new situation and found myself rooting for them. They also have this amazing back-and-forth banter and the way they put each other at ease made me melt.

Going into this one, I was a little worried that I wouldn’t be able to get past the ‘Amy’ issue. I find it very hard to accept a character that lies, especially in a romance. I don’t feel like this was an actual lie but rather a misunderstanding and it wasn’t a lingering issue, which I appreciate, and Izzy was completely horrified by what she had done.

Overall, I highly recommend this one. It has everything a contemporary romance should have: wit, chemistry, and a true connection. It should be on everyone’s 2025 ‘to-be-read’ list.  

2025 Goals

Another year, another set of goals that I’m finally going to crush. Last year was an odd year for me, but I did manage to cross several goals off my ‘to-do’ list and I know this year I’ll be able to tackle most, if not all, my 2025 goals.

Blog Goals

 

-Be Consistent With Content

-Post More Creative Content

-Finish Updating Graphics

-Create/Update Lists

 

 

Reading/Bookish Goals

 

Tackle My TBR Pile—this is an ongoing operation. I’m still in the process of decluttering and organizing my books. I’m also being a bit more selective in the physical books I’m bringing in for review.

Limit Book Purchases—while I’m not giving up buying books, I am being more selective about the books I’m adding to my collection. I plan to use KU, Audible, and Libby then decide if I want to buy the book.

Read more non-fiction—I’ve been missing reading non-fiction and this is something I really want to focus on this year.

Return To The Classics

Branch Out

 

 

House

 

Declutter—I’m still in the process of decluttering but this is the year to get it done. I will never be a minimalist but I do want to get a bit more organized and, let’s be honest, no one needs an entire kitchen drawer of random utensils they’ll never use.   

Landscape The Front Yard—I wanted to tackle this last year but the drought made it impossible. Finger’s crossed, this is the year.

Replace Bookshelves—I still haven’t tackled this one and now I’m leaning towards having customized, built-in shelves installed.

 

Personal

 

Create a Work/Life Balance—this is my number one goal this year. Because I work from, it’s so easy for me to get caught up and work until the wee hours of the morning. For my physical and mental health, I must keep to a set schedule.

Unplug more—this is something I need to do for at least 30 minutes a day. My ultimate goal is to have a device free day once a week.

Get Out More—I need to get outside more and take more walks (weather permitting).

Remember to take my vitamins—I’ve been using the habit tracker in my Happy Planner for the last few years and it’s been working to remind me to take my vitamins.

Learn something new—I’d like to learn/do/make something new at least once a week.

Drink more water—I’ve been doing a decent job with this but I this year I aim to do better.

Be More Creative—my goal this year is to draw or paint daily. I’ve also picked up a few daily writing prompts and I plan to complete a prompt each day.

Feel free to share your goals so we can root each other on!

 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! 

Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and safe New Year filled with fun times and fun reads! 

 

Mini Reviews: How to Lose a Guy Before Christmas & A Highland Ghost for Christmas by Jo-Ann Carson

After a snowstorm grounds her flight, Lucy makes a last-ditch effort to get home for Christmas using a rideshare app. She thinks she’ll be taking a road trip with a stranger … but the guy who shows up is someone she knows all too well. He’s the hookup she ghosted a few months ago, and now she’ll be stuck in a car with him for the most awkward road trip of her life.

 

Making matters worse, he’s even more gorgeous than she remembers—too bad things between them are frostier than the North Pole. Will the long ride home allow them to get to know each other in surprising new ways? And more importantly, will the season warm things up and send sparks flying yet again? Whatever happens, one thing is clear: It’s going to take a whole lot of Christmas magic to unlock their guarded hearts.

 Publisher: Audible  | Narrators: Jason Clarke, Andi Arndt | Length: 5 h 24 min. | Genre: Contemporary Romance  | Source: Publisher  | Rating: 3.5

If you’re looking for a fun, quick, slightly cheesy Christmas rom-com, this is the book for you. Imagine having to share a rideshare with your one-night stand then getting stuck in a Christmassy little town full of zany residents while trying not to fall for the guy you ghosted. While I did enjoy the majority of this one, it had a few minor issues (mainly the cause of the conflict not being strong enough and a few odd things at the end) but nothing that couldn’t be overlooked.

Overall, it wasn’t the best book in the world but it was fun, especially for an end of the year read. Think of this as a PG-13 Hallmark movie, they’re not the best but they make the season bright. 

Jilted by her fiancé, librarian Maddy Jacobson is nursing a broken heart, when her best friend gives her an early Christmas present. Intended to be a fun, psychic reading in a spooky, tea house, the gift turns out to be life changing. Maddy becomes haunted by a mischievous, Highland ghost.

Ruggedly handsome, Cullen Macfie, the Highlander, has been dead for over three centuries, and never in all those years has he been so attracted to a woman, as he is to Maddy. He falls hopelessly in love and decides to woo her.

Can there be a future for a librarian and a naughty, Highland ghost?

Series: Gambling Ghosts #1 | Publisher: | Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Romance  | Source: Purchased  | Rating: 2.5

A haunted teahouse, a Highlander ghost, and a brokenhearted librarian have a festive holiday season while trying to heal her broken heart.

 

This was a cute concept for a novella and made for a quick, light read. While it was fun, it was a bit over the top and not fully developed. The ending was a little out there, but this concept was a little out there, and, for some reason, there’s a lot of baking going on in such a short amount of time. We’re also treated to a lot of Gaelic quotes straight from Outlander.

 

Winter Wonderland Book Tag

Hello, Lovelies, and welcome back! It’s been cold and snowy in Ohio, which means it’s time for The Winter Wonderland Book Tag. This tag was created by I’m All Booked Up and, unfortunately, I cannot find the blog to tag the original creator. The rules are simple: answer the prompts and tag other bloggers, which I won’t be doing. If you’d like to join in, please feel free to create your own post or leave your answers in the comments as I would love to see your answers.

 

Now, on to the Winter Wonderland Book Tag

 

 

1) Look out the window, it’s snowing! Find a book with snow on the cover.

 

The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley 

A group of friends stranded in the Scottish Highlands while a murderer is on the loose makes this the perfect winter thriller.

 

2) The fire is roaring in the fireplace. Pick a cozy read to enjoy by the warmth of the fire.

The Cowboy Cookie Challenge 

by Lori Wilde (Twilight, Texas #16) This was such a cute and cozy holiday romance.

 

3) Winter is time for outdoor sports. Find a book that features a winter sport.

 

Puck and Prejudice by Lia Riley 

As soon as I heard about this one, I was intrigued. While it’s on my TBR list, I’ve not started it yet so here’s the blurb…

 

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a modern single man in possession of a hockey jersey may be exactly what a Regency woman needs to avoid the shackles of marriage...

 

Goalie for the Austin Regals, Tucker Taylor is benched due to health issues. So he decides to visit his sister in England. But an accidental plunge into an icy pond thrusts him back to 1812 where he comes face to face with a captivating blue-eyed woman who regards him as if he’s grown two heads.

 

Lizzy Wooddash dreams of a life surrounded by books, engaging conversation, the presence of literary icons like Jane Austen, and... nary a husband in sight. But in Regency England, only widows like her cousin Georgie enjoy freedom and solitary pursuits, unencumbered by expectations. The only way to quickly become a widow is by marrying a dying man or killing a perfectly healthy one, neither of which Lizzy desires.

 

A visitor from the future might just be the husband of her dreams. Once married, they can figure out how to return Tucker to his proper time, and his absence—aka death—will make Lizzy the widow she always dreamed of becoming. Yet as sparks ignite, they soon realize that matters of the heart rarely adhere to carefully laid plans. Can their love stand the test of time, or will Lizzy get exactly what she wanted...as well as a broken heart?

 

4) Winter means the start of a new year. What is one book that is on your TBR list this year?

Oh my goodness, I have so many books on my 2024 TBR that I haven’t read but if I had to pick just one I think it would be The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness. I’m itching to read this book but, at the same time, I’m wanting to wait until there’s another book from the All Souls Series on the horizon as it’s a series I’m not ready to say goodbye to.

 

5) If you’re not careful, winter weather fun can cause frostbite. Pick one book that was a major disappointment.

Something in the Heir by Suzanne Enoch  

Normally I love her historicals, but this one was just an odd book that didn’t find its footing.

 

6) But by going outside, you can find comfort in a warm beverage. What is your go-to comfort book that never fails to cheer you up?

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte will forever be my London Fog, my cozy sweater, and warm blanket. I absolutely love everything about the classic.

 

 

7) Winter comes to an end and spring emerges. Name a book that you want to read before springtime?

There’s so many…but I’m eager to read A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene. It’s been sitting on my TBR stand just begging me to pick it up and, as it’s an Irish Folk Fantasy, it seems fitting to read as spring emerges.

Designs on You by Jaci Burton

Natalie Parker is in her mid-thirties, divorced, and firmly focused on her newly resurrected career and her two children. When her sister asks her to help design the backyard in the new home she shares with her boyfriend, Linc, Natalie’s more than happy to take on the project. What she isn’t prepared for is Linc’s younger brother, video game designer Eugene Kennedy. He’s smart, incredibly good-looking, and constantly flirts with Natalie. He’s also too young for her, which makes him totally off-limits.

 

Eugene is intrigued by Natalie’s beauty, smarts, and especially her sarcastic wit. When he teases her, she throws it right back at him. Besides that, they have an instant chemistry, but she keeps trying to get rid of him despite the sparks that fly between them. And Eugene never backs down from a challenge.

 

Natalie is running out of reasons to think being with Eugene is a bad thing. Her kids adore him, her sister loves him, and even her always negative mother does, too. The only person holding her back is...her. Maybe it’s time she take that leap and design herself a love for the ages. After all, if she can create the perfect home, she sure as hell can design a happily ever after.

Series: See below* | Publisher: Berkley Romance |  Release Date: 12/03/2024 | Genre: Contemporary Romance  | Source: Publisher | Rating: 3.5

A single mother, a slightly younger man, two young children, and an adorable rescue pup? Yes, please!

When newly divorced Natalie finds herself agreeing to decorate her sister’s boyfriend’s brother’s new place, she’s thrilled to have a new project. What she’s not so thrilled about is Eugene and the attraction they share. While she does not want to get into another relationship, there’s no harm in a little fun. There’s no denying that Eugene’s enamored by Natalie and more than ready for a good time but he has to convince her he’s in for more than just a little fun.

I always enjoy Jaci Burton’s books so I knew that I was in for a good time but I was a bit worried as Natalie wasn’t a favorite of mine in the previous book. Thankfully, she’s changed in this one.

Natalie’s been through some things and she’s trying to figured out who she is and what direction she’s taking with her life. She’s starting a new career, healing things with her sister and mother, and trying raise two young children on her own. She’s also determined not to enter into another relationship. Natalie has a lot of fight and determination in her and, while it’s not a bad thing, it seems to interfere with her happiness at times.

Eugene’s easy to like, which surprised me given his job as a video game designer. I’ve known a few game designers who have been very immature so I wasn’t expecting a lot of maturity from Eugene, so I was pleasantly surprised at how adult he was and how eager he was to enter into a relationship with a single parent. He’s just a fun, charming, family-first guy but I don’t feel that we really go to know Eugene down to his core.

There’s no denying there was chemistry from the start and they fit perfectly into each other lives but Natalie was cautious, which I understood. What I struggled with was how much Natalie was in her own head. Every time something great would happen between the two of them, Natalie would start an inner monologue of why they wouldn’t work. She also made too big a deal out of the fact he was younger than her but it was only 5 years, which I don’t feel is a major difference. I also found the conflict lacking, as it could have been settle with a conversation, which is something I’ve noticed in several of her romances.

I’m on the fence about rating this one. I think I’m going to settle on a 3.5. While I liked this one, I don’t feel that it was a romance but rather a women’s lit with a side of romance due to all the issues Natalie was going through. I also feel like too much of book took place in Natalie’s head.

Overall, I do recommend this one. I enjoyed it but it did have its issues.

  

*I want to say that while this is labeled as a ‘stand-alone’ this does follow Housebroke and they are connected. While you don’t have to read one to follow the other, I do recommend that you read them in order just to get a better sense of the characters and their behavior. I can’t seem to find a title for this series, and I’m not sure if there is one, but if you know what it’s called, please let me know. 

Book Un-Haul Round 1

It’s started…the great book un-haul. I’m surrounded by books and, while I wouldn’t mind living in a library, I need to have a bit of a sort out and get my books organized. While I’ll never be a minimalist, especially when it comes to books, this un-haul is a must.

 

What am I getting rid of?

Duplicates. I didn’t realize I have so many duplicates. Occasionally I pick up special editions of books, which I don’t mind, but I have several copies of random mass-markets and trade paperbacks that I will be un-hauling.

Books I have on audio or e-book. I’m not getting rid of every book I have on audio/e-book but I will be un-hauling the books I would rather listen to or won’t read in physical form.

Books I won’t read again/didn’t like. There’s so many books that, while I enjoyed them, I know I won’t read them again and I can’t justify keeping them. The same goes for books that I read and didn’t like.

Books I have no interest in reading. My TBR pile is more like a mountain and it’s completely out of control. One of the new features of the blog will be the series ‘Read It or Un-haul It’ where I’ll pick four books from my TBR totes, read the first few chapters then decide if I’ll read it or un-haul it.

 

What am I doing with the books?

The books will go to family, friends, and the Little Free Libraries in my area. If I un-haul a special edition, I’ll probably post it for sell.

 

To make sure the books go where they’re supposed to, I have boxes that I’m filling for friends/family and a tote bag for the Little Free Library books. Once the boxes are filled, I take them out to the car so I can drop them off the next time I’m out. The books for the Little Free Libraries are dropped off every Friday. 

 

 

1. Watching You by Lisa Jewell
2. Such a Quiet Place by Megan Miranda
3. For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing
4. Not by Boy by Kelly Simmons (DNF)
5. The Lantern by Deborah Lawrenson (DNF)
6. Nobody’s Princess by Erica Ridley (extra copy)
7. Secrets by Fern Michaels (DNF)
8. No Way Out by Fern Michaels (DNF)
9. Something in the Heir by Suzanne Enoch (extra copy)
10.  Nuts by Alice Clayton
11.  Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton
12.  Buns by Alice Clayton
13.  The End of Her by Sheri Lapena
14.  Justified by Jay Crownover
15.  Moondance Beach by Susan Donovan (DNF)
16.  Unbroken Cowboy by Maisey Yates
17.  Sustained by Emma Chase
18.  Overruled by Emma Chase
19.  Appealed by Emma Chase
20.  Sidebarred by Emma Chase
21. Breaching the Contract by Chantal Fernando
22.  Seducing the Defendant by Chantal Fernando
23.  Death at the Party by Amy Stuart
24.  Enchant the Dawn by Amanda Ashley (DNF)
25. Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper  (have audiobook)
26.  Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper (have audiobook)
27.  The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths (extra copy)
28.  The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths (extra copy)
29.  The House at Sea’s End by Elly Griffiths (extra copy)