April 15, 2025

* Review * HER BURNING LIES by Pamela Fagan Hutchins

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Her Burning Lies by Pamela Fagan Hutchins
Series: Detective Delaney Pace #5
Published by Bookouture on April 15, 2025
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As a blazing wildfire rages through Kearny County, homes are destroyed and the town is in turmoil. Amongst the debris, the body of a young woman lies totally still, her eyes looking to the sky, a silver sword pinning her to the ground.

When fire wardens search the scorched remains of an abandoned farmhouse, underneath the rubble, they make a shocking discovery—a young woman, stabbed and left to die in the middle of the fire zone. Detective Delaney Pace and Sheriff Leo Palmer are called in to investigate.

Leo takes in the woman’s petite features, his voice shaking as he turns to Delaney. He knows the victim—they had met on an online dating site. How did she end up in the middle of the wildfires, and who would want to kill an innocent young woman?

As a second body is discovered at a remote ranch, also stabbed with a silver sword, Delaney is sure the victims are linked—both young mothers, both looking for love. Could Kearny County have a serial killer preying on single women?

Delaney’s heart pounds when she learns that her close friend, Clara Eckhardt, is missing, last seen driving towards the fires. She ignores the evacuation orders and races towards the inferno. But when shots are fired, she knows the murderer has her in their sight. Will she turn back and save herself or chase the killer further into the fire to save her friend’s life?

Non-stop action and suspense! It’s always a joy to head back to visit Delaney, Leo, Clara and the gang to solve the next mystery they find themselves knee deep into. This book was particularly intense because things hit close to home on several fronts. I found the olden mindset a little hard to sink my teeth into with the crime scenes, so it drug a bit in places but I enjoyed the gist of the mystery. I really enjoyed things moving forward a bit with how the friends and family atmosphere is playing out. I look forward to visiting again soon to continue the storylines.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a gnarly whodunnit with impactful crimes and really addictive key characters.

* Review * JUST A LITTLE CRUSH by Carly Phillips and Erika Wilde

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Just a Little Crush by Carly Phillips, Erika Wilde
Series: A Sterling Family Crossover #1
Published by CP Publishing on April 15, 2025
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It’s just a little crush. What could possibly go wrong?

I’ve had more than enough relationship drama to last a lifetime, so romance with Stevie Palmer, the gorgeous server I had a hot one-night stand with, isn’t in the cards. However, she would make the perfect fake girlfriend to help me win my custody battle.

When I offer her an obscene amount of money to play along, she agrees. I insist this arrangement is strictly business. No feelings. No complications.

Easy, right?

Except nothing about Stevie is easy. She’s unexpected softness, stubborn as hell, and impossible to ignore. I tell myself I can keep my hands off of her. That I can ignore the way she makes me feel. Then one kiss turns into another. One night into more. And suddenly, our perfect little arrangement is anything but simple or straightforward.

With so much at stake, can I turn our fake relationship into a real happily ever after?

Sexy, sentimental and sweet! I adore Phillips and Wilde’s heroes when they ooze sex appeal in just the right amounts while at the same time being really good guys and amazing father’s! This Sterling family crossover is fast paced and really easy to sink your teeth into. There’s attraction and ease of feelings, but also depth of family drama and real life obstacles. The core plot was easy to follow, the characters were well developed and the general feel of the connection between them was spot on. I really loved their story!

I highly recommend this book as well as all of the Dare/Sterling series to anyone who enjoys a close knit group of family and friends who always support each other when needed and cheer along the way as they each find their happily ever after.