Category: Part of a Series

Christmas with a Chimera by Isabelle Taylor

On By TracyIn Christmas, Contemporary, New To Me Author, Novella, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Rom Com, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Christmas with a Chimera: A cosy, spicy, Alaska-set second chance romance – perfect for Christmas 2025 (Claw Haven Book 2)Christmas with a Chimera: A cosy, spicy, Alaska-set second chance romance – perfect for Christmas 2025 by Isabelle Taylor

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Claw Haven #2

Release Date: October 9, 2025

Chimera Arthur Pineclaw left his hometown of Claw Haven, Alaska twelve years ago to pursue his dream of acting in Los Angeles. Now a successful actor, Arthur has returned to film a holiday rom-com and is a bit surprised at the changes in the small town. But one thing hasn’t changed and that is Emma Cult, the girl he loved and left behind all those years ago. Arthur is still drawn to Emma, and she is still as shrewish as ever – why does that still turn him on? As Arthur reconnects with his past and Emma, he wonders if he can convince her to give them another chance and move with him back to LA. He is sure he will win her over, after all, he can charm anyone!

Emma Cult is now the owner of Cozy Grotto Café and let newcomer Luna Musgrove talk her into allowing the film crew to use her café for the movie, but no one told her that her ex-boyfriend, Arthur was the star! Emma was devasted when Arthur left her on Christmas Eve all those years ago and hasn’t spoken to him since. She is determined to keep him at an arm’s length, but Arthur is just as determined to make her forgive him and give him a second-chance. Let the battle of wills begin!

This was a reverse grumpy/sunshine romance that definitely had a Hallmark rom-com vibe, just with monsters. The book is a cute and spicy second chance romance with long separated high school sweet hearts, Arthur is very charming and likeable and cannot handle anyone not liking him, but he hasn’t let anyone really know him since Emma, Emma is his complete opposite, she is angry and apparently has been that way all her life, and despite her denial, she is still hurt by Arthur’s abandonment. Together, they will have to come to terms with the past and move forward, but before they can do that, they will each have to look inside and be honest with themselves. This was a cute story with a happy ending, making it a quick, holiday read that leaves with that Hallmark-like feel good feeling.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Murder in Matrimony by Mary Winters

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Murder in Matrimony (A Lady of Letters Mystery, 4)Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Lady of Letters Mystery #4
Publication Date: 10/7/25
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 240

Lady Amelia Amesbury hardly has a minute to spare in this fast-paced, brilliantly written historical mystery! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each installment in the series, but this might just be the best one yet.

With her sister’s wedding to plan, a blackmailer on her trail, multiple murders to solve, and her Lady Agony column to manage, Amelia is nearly at her wits’ end. She’s so busy, in fact, that there’s barely time to explore her growing feelings for Simon Bainbridge—until a dire situation forces her to confront them.

Since the death of her husband, Amelia has leaned on the local vicar, Mr. Cross, as both a spiritual guide and a close friend. When she goes to the church to ask him to officiate her sister’s wedding, all seems well. But the next morning brings shocking news: Mr. Cross has been murdered. Even more unsettling, he’d sent Amelia a cryptic message hinting at another suspicious death. Were both victims murdered? And how are their deaths connected?

As if that weren’t enough, someone is threatening to expose Amelia’s secret identity as the voice behind Lady Agony—unless she reveals the identity of the elusive Mayfair Marauder. But Amelia refuses to be manipulated, and she’ll need all her wits to unmask the blackmailer.

Whew! Are you tired yet? I know Amelia is! Despite the whirlwind of plotlines, the author keeps the narrative tightly woven and easy to follow, with clever pacing and satisfying twists. The familiar cast returns—Kitty and Oliver, Simon, Aunt Tabitha, and a maturing Winifred—to lend continuity and warmth to the mystery.

This book has everything I love in the series: wit, heart, mystery, and a heroine you can root for. And there’s a delightful surprise at the end that fans will especially appreciate.

Highly recommended—happy reading!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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