Mahina (A Hawaiian Mafia Romance Book 1) by Nalani Titcomb

 

Two families – One follows the letter of the law, and the other… doesn’t. But somehow, they’ve made it work. Neighbors and friends. Bound by past generations of honor, trust, and even love.
~~~
As children, Mahina Tillman and Zeb Lehua were inseparable. Zeb was a protector. Her protector. Her best friend.
But then one day, he wasn’t.

Mahina had loved Zeb more than she ever thought was possible. But when he left, she was forced to move on with her life. And she did.

But now he’s back and things are… complicated.

Zeb walked away from Mahina, but she’d never been far from his thoughts. Or his heart. He’s finally returned home—after being gone for nearly two decades—and things aren’t always what they seem.

What do you do when the love of your life has moved on?

What happens if she needs you, when there’s literally no one else she can turn to?

Zeb Lehua would burn the world down for Mahina Tillman. And this is only the beginning.

~~

Mahina is the first book in the Hawaiian Mafia Romance series and ends on a cliffhanger. The books should be read in order for the best experience. All books are full length novels.

Mahina is predominantly a family drama about a marriage breakdown that spirals into domestic abuse. The slow-burn romance between Mahina and Zeb is the simmering undercurrent running through the story. I liked the dual point of view as it gave some insight into their relationship, but I felt that either their backstory or their renewed friendship could have been developed more.
My favourite relationship in this book is the one between Mahina and her son Ben, who is growing up to be a fine and respectful young man despite having a father who practically ignores him. I liked how Zeb and Ben interacted and bonded through surfing, developing their own friendship independent of Mahina.
There were a few instances when Mahina annoyed me a little. She made a couple of risky decisions, putting her in precarious situations.
The book is labelled as a mafia romance, but it is surprisingly light on mafia-related activities, concentrating instead on Mahina's family life. The twist at the end was a nice touch, making the story end on a cliffhanger and intriguing me enough to want to find out what happens next.

Available in paperback and ebook Amazon UK 

The author's  TikTok Shop (not available in Ireland)

Buy direct from the author's website https://www.nalanititcomb.com/shop

The Last Raven by Helen Glynn Jones narrated by Jane Fox

 

 

Description

I’ll be forced to take the crown, simply because of who my parents are. Never mind that my skin, my eyes, the way I move, everything will give me away for what I am.

Human.

In a world ruled by vampires.

As sole heir to the House of Raven, there is nothing Emelia can’t have. The only problem is, she doesn’t want it.

But when the mysterious Kyle enters her closed-off existence, she sees a way out. As rebellion and dark forces swirl around her, Emelia has a choice to make – leave everyone she loves behind, or stay and accept her destiny…

The Last Raven is a vampire romance novel set in a world where vampires rule, and humans are oppressed and regarded simply as food. The story follows Emelia Raven, a human girl born to vampire parents, destined to inherit their powerful house.
Emelia is kept in isolation to protect her until she comes of age. When a new guard, Kyle, enters her life, she begins to see a potential escape from her predetermined path. They both find each other quite annoying initially, and I wasn't sure how trustworthy Kyle was to begin with.
He teaches the naive Emilia about the realities of the world and how humans are being treated. there is talk of rebellion and she is torn between her loyalty to her family and her growing feelings for Kyle, and her desire for change.
This supernatural/vampire story has forbidden romance, political intrigue, and surprising plot twists that will appeal to those who are fans of the genre. This book is part of a series, so any unanswered questions readers have should be addressed in subsequent titles. I found that the ending made me want to read the next book to find out what happens next.
I enjoyed the audio narration of this book and felt that the narrator did an excellent job of performing the different types of characters and the emotions they were feeling.

The Kindle copy of this book is currently priced £1.08 on Amazon UK

Murder at Mill Ponds House: (The Iris Woodmore Mysteries Book 6) by Michelle Salter (2025)

 

Murder at Mill Ponds House

When murder hits close to home, Iris must fight to clear her name.

...

Spring, 1924.

Reporter Iris Woodmore plans to move to London to avoid a shocking hometown

scandal. Longtime enemy Archie Powell has been threatening to reveal her darkest secret

and she’s desperate to flee before he does.

But when he’s found murdered after a violent argument with her, there’s no escape. Iris must stay and clear her name even though the truth could ruin her reputation.

With the police closing in, Iris has to find the real killer if she’s to keep her secret. Can she prove her innocence without revealing the identity of the one man who can provide her with an alibi?

A gripping new mystery for fans of Verity Bright, Clara McKenna, and Helena Dixon.

Murder at Mill Pond's House is the sixth in the Iris Woodmore series. Set in Hampshire in 1924, Iris finds herself identified as the main suspect in the murder of her longtime enemy, Archie Powell.

The plot and series, in general, are so well plotted that I never know what's going to happen next. The identity of the killer had me guessing all the way through, and I didn't figure it out until the end.

Iris is a very unconventional heroine with an unconventional love life. I would need a crystal ball to figure out which male character I should be rooting for, although Percy is such a dote. It would be nice to have a proper romantic thread running through the series, even if it takes Iris some time to unwind it. 

Murder at Mill Pond's House is a class whodunit with a recurring cast of characters. I recommend you read the previous books to avoid any confusion and to get to know these wonderful characters better.

Purchase Link

-

https://mybook.to/MillPondsHouse

Author Bio

–

All my books are classic murder mysteries because golden age whodunnits are the stories I enjoy reading most.

I love to create memorable characters and devise intriguing plots with a focus on mystery rather than violence.

I live in Hampshire, England, and it’s the setting for many of my books. My standalone novel, Murder at Merewood Hospital, features Sister Helen Hopgood, the last nurse left in a military hospital in Hampshire at the end of the First World War.

I also have family connections to Devon, and the fourth Iris Woodmore Mystery, A Killing at Smugglers Cove, is set on the south coast of Devon in 1923. Iris is back in her native Hampshire for A Corpse in Christmas Close, set in Winchester over Christmas 1923, and Murder at Mill Ponds House, which begins on 1st May 1924.

You can read all of my books as standalone novels, even the Iris Woodmore Mysteries, as each is a separate story, although the characters develop as the series progresses.

I hope you enjoy reading or listening to my books.

Social Media Links

–

Facebook: @MichelleSalterWriter

Instagram: @michellesalter_writer

Newsletter Sign Up:

https://bit.ly/MichelleSalterNews

Bookbub profile:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/michellesalter

A Scottish Island Summer by Julie Shackman (Blog Tour)

 

                                                A Scottish Island Summer

When ambitious city girl,  Darcie Freeman is sent to the Isle of Skye to conduct research for a travel guide, she’s horrified. The prospect of having to travel to a remote island in the Scottish Highlands leaves her wondering what she’ll do. Step in Logan Burns . Gorgeous and adventurous, he lives and breathes the island, and along with his sister Iona, who owns a rather haphazard PR company, they’re going to show Darcie everything she needs to know about Skye.

As Darcie swaps her designer shoes for her walking boots and her faux fur jacket for her raincoat, will she learn there’s more to life than the picture - perfect presence she shares on social media, or will it be the case that Skye is the limit..

purchase links   https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scottish-Island-Summer-escapist-romance-ebook/dp/B0CW1767DP

https://www.amazon.com/Scottish-Island-Summer-escapist-romance-ebook/dp/B0CW1767DP

Another gorgeous story from Julie Shackman. This heartwarming romance left me wanting to visit the Isle of Skye. With its historical importance and beautiful landscape it seems like an idyllic setting. To Darcie, it may as well be the back end of nowhere. Her social-media-obsessed and designer lifestyle doesn't exactly scream remote and rugged Highlands. Darcie's high-maintenance attitude made her appear shallow and split but I came to like her as her appreciation of the people and the area developed as the story progressed.

Logan Burns, a local geologist with a deep love for his island home is tasked with being Darcie's guide, and their initial interactions are filled with friction.

I enjoyed their humorous journey from enemies-to-friends-to-lovers. The unexpected mystery was the icing on the cake for me as romantic mysteries are my favourite genre.

Author Bio – Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance.

As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags.

She is married, has two sons and adopted a Romanian rescue puppy, Cooper.

A Scottish Island Summer is Julie's twelfth novel.

Social Media Links –

Julie Shackman Author

Julie Shackman (@G13Julie) / Twitter

Julie Georgina Shackman (@juliegeorginashackman) • Instagram photos and videos

(2) Julie Georgina Shackman | Facebook

Murder In Bloom (The Gardener Mysteries book 3) by Rosie Sandler

 

Description

Murder is in full bloom, but can Steph and her sidekick Mouse weed out the killer?

It's an invitation Steph can't refuse when she's handpicked to compete at the prestigious National Trust property Coleton Fishacre. With the country's top garden designers as rivals and a stunning historic estate for inspiration, it feels like a dream come true.

But things quickly turn thorny when the youngest competitor falls mysteriously ill and Steph suspects foul play. Her fears are confirmed when a scream echoes through the gardens, leading her to the horrific sight of a dead body at the foot of the cliff.

With her trusty dog Mouse by her side, Steph's determined not to let the culprit slip through the cracks. Uncovering the truth in a garden full of suspects is no easy task, but Steph must trim away the lies before the murderer prunes the competition - for good!

Being the third book in the Gardener Mysteries, 'Murder in Bloom' has cemented the series as a firm favourite of mine.

Steph is a wonderful character with an interesting and varied job that brings her into social sphere of lots of different people. In this instalment she is taking part in a prestigious gardening competition with all the rivalry and tensions that entails.

I enjoyed the witty banter and the touch of romance. Both aspects lighten the tone of the book and propel the story forward.

The vivid descriptions of the gardens and the competition bring the story to life, making it easy for me to immerse myself in the world of horticulture. The mystery itself is cleverly plotted, with red herrings and unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the very end.

Murder in Bloom" is a perfect escape for fans of cozy mysteries and gardening enthusiasts alike. It's a lighthearted and entertaining read that will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied.

A well deserved five stars and a thumbs up from me.

Dashiki: A Cozy Mystery by Florence Wetzel

 

Dashiki: A Cozy Mystery

A cozy mystery with a dash of romance set in the vibrant world of jazz.

During an interview with reclusive jazz singer Betty Brown, journalist Virginia Farrell is shown priceless tapes from the iconic 1957 Thelonious Monk-John Coltrane gig at the Five Spot. When Betty is found murdered, Virginia is determined to recover the tapes and uncover the truth behind Betty’s death.

In the spirit of Nancy Drew, Virginia teams up with her six-foot blonde roommate to investigate the various suspects. Detective Robert Smith from the Hoboken Police Department joins the case, quickly becoming absorbed by an unsolved murder possibly linked to Betty Brown’s death, as well as an undeniable attraction to Virginia.

Dashiki is a cozy mystery laced with romance, immersing readers in the captivating world of jazz, where musicians, journalists, scholars, and enthusiasts intersect in an entertaining whodunit.

As a fan of romantic cozy mysteries I was delighted for the opportunity to read Dashiki by a new to me author, Florence Wetzel. Not only was this novel a fun and engaging read but it transported me to the New York Jazz scene of which I am completely unfamiliar with. The mystery is woven into jazz history and culture. I found it easy to imagine the music, the streets and bakeries mentioned in the story.  The characters are very engaging with charmingly witty dialogue. My favourite character was Detective Robert Smith, who added depth and humour to the story.

The mystery itself was quite clever and had me guessing right up until the end.

A very pleasant and enjoyable mystery

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DS1R2KNQ/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DS1R2KNQ/

Author Bio – Florence Wetzel was born 1962 in Brooklyn, NY. Her novels include the thriller The Woman Who Went Overboard and the Swedish mystery The Grand Man. She has also authored horror short stories, a book of poems and memoir essays, and co-authored jazz clarinettist Perry Robinson's autobiography. In July 2024, she published Sara My Sara: A Memoir of Friendship and Loss.

Social Media Links – Facebook

Florence Wetzel (@florencewetzel108) • Instagram profile

(1) Florence Wetzel | LinkedIn

                                           GIVEAWAY

Giveaway to Win a Paperback copy of Dashiki by Florence Wetzel (Open to UK / US / Canada only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK / US & Canada entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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Best Mistake Ever by Christy McKellen (BlogTour)

 

Best Mistake Ever

Some mistakes are worth making

Beatrice Donovan would do anything for her identical twin sister. Including stepping into her hotel management job temporarily and pretending to be her - she’s desperate. What could go wrong? A lot apparently! Because her sister Delilah has hugely understated her role – the hotel is at risk of closure and she’s promised she can turn it around. Now Bea has to find a way to fly under the radar, and get the job done before anyone notices their switch up. Sounds easy, all Bea has to do is avoid her temporary new boss Jonah. However, that’s a lot harder than she thought. Not only does he have impossibly high standards, he’s also out of this world gorgeous, an ex-rockstar with a chip on his shoulder and he's watching her like a hawk! So Bea uses her charm to keep him focussed on the job and not her. But by trying to put up boundaries and keep things professional, Bea finds herself seeing the real man beneath the grumpy façade . Yet with so much at stake, she knows she shouldn’t fall for her sisters boss...but then again, it may just be the best unintentional mistake she’s ever made!

Purchase Link https://mybook.to/bestmistakeeverbook

Best Mistake Ever is such a delightfully funny romantic comedy. The story follows Beatrice Donovan, who steps in for her identical twin sister Delilah to manage a struggling hotel.

The secret identity trope is a lot of fun with all the misunderstandings that twin-swapping creates and I was on tenterhooks waiting for Bea to be rumbled.

Bea quickly finds herself entangled in a winding web of chaos, including a grumpy but undeniably attractive boss, Jonah. Their initial interactions are a hilarious clash of personalities, but as they navigate the challenges of revitalizing the hotel, a surprising connection begins to form. Jonah has a hard shell, but Bea manages to get under his skin and expose his vulnerable and charming side. The slow-burn aspect of their romance made it more endearing to me. 

This lighthearted and swoon-worthy romance will leave you all warm and fuzzy.

Christy McKellen is the author of provocative and sexy romance novels that have sold over half a million copies worldwide.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @christymckellenauthor

Twitter: @christymckellen

Instagram: @christymckellen

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/ChristyMcKellenNews

Bookbub profile: @ChristyMcKellen

Miss Anna and The Earl by Catherine Tinley (Blog Tour)

 

Miss Anna and the Earl

Discover the truth of The Triplet Orphans in the final instalment of this compelling Cinderella trilogy! 

The key to unlocking Cinderella’s past… 

The enigmatic earl? 

For Miss Anna Lennox, a house party hosted by the Earl of Garvald is a timely distraction from uncovering the truth about her past. And a chance to indulge her secret tendre for him! She can’t escape her quest for long after discovering the earl’s castle was once her home and he was her playmate as an infant! With so many unanswered questions about her past, is there room for Anna to explore her attraction to the earl and discover if her feelings for him are anything more than rekindled friendship?

Purchase Link

books2read.com/MissAnnaEarl

Catherine Tinley's books are always a treat. Miss Anna and The Earl is as delightful a read as the previous books in the series with loose threads tied up nicely bringing the series to a satisfying conclusion.

Both Anna and Garvald are kind and gentle in nature and the fact that they were childhood playmates made their romance that much sweeter with the sense that they were fated to be together.

I enjoyed the charming mix of drama, romance, and mystery, but Anna's being the last of the triplets to find happiness sadly brings the series to an end.

A must-read for fans of Regency and historical romance.

Author Bio 

Catherine Tinley is a multi award-winning writer of witty, heartwarming Regency Romance. Her first novel, Waltzing with the Earl, won the Rita® Award for Best Historical Romance 2018, and she has since won the 2021 RoNA award, the 2021 HOLT medallion, and the 2022 RoNA award for Best Historical Romance. She lives in Ireland with her family and can be reached at www.CatherineTinley.com and on social media at https://linktr.ee/CTinley

Giveaway to Win a Signed copy of Miss Anna and the Earl

                                       (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Corset Girls Unlaced by Annie R McEwen

 

In the shadows of Victorian London, passion burns bright…

After a desperate act leaves Jillian Morehouse a fugitive, she flees to Whitechapel and finds work in a Mayfair corset workshop, but the walls are closing in.

Jillian catches the eye of the handsome Michael Kelly, a reformed criminal with a dangerous history he's desperate to keep hidden.

Drawn together by a powerful attraction, Jillian and Michael’s love is tested when she’s kidnapped and abandoned in the catacombs beneath London.

With enemies circling and secrets threatening to destroy them both, Jillian and Michael must confront their darkest fears, or lose everything to the shadows of their past.

In a world where love is the most dangerous game of all, will they find redemption, or will the darkness claim them both?

 The Corset Girls is a captivating historical romance set in the shadowy world of Victorian London. I got pulled into this story very quickly and couldn't put it down. The story follows Jillian Morehouse, a fugitive seeking refuge in a Mayfair corset workshop. There, she crosses paths with Michael Kelly, a reformed criminal with a dangerous past.

I liked the unique setting of the corset shop, which showcased the lives of ordinary women at the time.
I really liked the two main characters. Jillian and Michael are well-developed with complex backstories and hidden depths. There was an instant attraction between the two but the low-burn romance created a powerful emotional connection. Michael fell hard, following her movements, finding excuses to be near her and hunt down those who would harm her.
The thrilling suspense near the end made up for the slower pacing in earlier parts of the novel.
This was a greatly entertaining historical romantic suspense.

 The Corset Girls Unlaced ; Author, Annie R McEwen ; Publisher, Bloodhound Books, 2025 ; ISBN, 9798337200736 ; Length, 250 pages. 

Buy links Amazon  Foyles  Waterstones