My Bag Of Books

Here is a love of a good read. Life is too short to waste time and money on bad books.

Professional Reader 50 Book ReviewsReviews Published80%

The Deepest Cut by P. J. Tracy

Lots happening in this “monkey wrench “ newest book. This is my first experience with this series and no problem with this as a standalone. Some really bad guys and gals in this one, many moving parts. Very entertaining and engrossing, you pretty much know whodunnit but you get the chase Liked this a lot. Do not hesitate to pick this one up.

Shopping for a Highlander’s Elopement by Julia Kent

OMG!  The laughter never ends and the heart wants, what the heart wants. There is so much to love about this story and you can close your eyes and just point to a random page to get more hilarious moments. Only Julia Kent could think up a match for Marie Jacoby. And I must say, I feel for Amy and Hamish, as they are blessed with both Fiona and Marie. Loved, loved, loved this book and all my favorites are included along with my favorite town Love You, Maine. Grab this newest book, which can br read as a standalone, but I guarantee you will go for the whole series, once you start.

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols

So, a little bit sweet, saucy and mysterious. Can’t say this is my favorite type of mystery. It was an easy and fun read. Found it a little slower going than I like but it has heart and is a great relaxing story. We meet all the residents of Marigold Cottages, who in a way are family by association. When disaster strikes, they bond together and do what is necessary to survive and make things right. An enjoyable read.

Shopping for a Highlander’s Elopement by Julia Kent

 

Shopping for a Highlander’s Elopement
Series: Shopping for a Highlander #3
Author: Julia Kent
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Tropes: Sports Romance/Surprise Proposal
Grand Gesture/Chaotic Wedding/Scottish Footballers
Release Date: June 10, 2025
 
My Bag of Books review
 
BLURB
 
I didn’t expect to fall for a Scottish footballer so annoyingly sunny you need shades to be around him.
 
I didn’t expect to say yes to his heart-felt, if loopy, proposal while he lay injured on the pitch, blathering on about banana pudding and sparkly unicorns.
 
What I definitely didn’t expect?
 
For our engagement to explode into a paparazzi circus, our mothers to turn into wedding bulldozers, and for our wedding protector's perfectly reasonable elopement plan to spiral into a roadtrip escape.
 
So here we are.
 
In Love You, Maine, a town that celebrates Valentine’s Day every single day. We’re here to get married. Quietly. No drama. In disguise.
 
Although good luck hiding a 6’5” ginger Scottish striker wearing a knee brace and a perpetual extrovert smile.
 
Instead of being subtle and blending in? Our quiet escape is vibrating heart-shaped beds, mirrors on the ceilings, secret identities, interfering mothers, and one suspiciously enthusiastic moose that humps dumpsters.
 
This was supposed to be a simple wedding. Just me and Hamish. No fuss.
 
But nothing about us has ever been simple with us.
 
Still, this is what love is, right? It’s chaos. It’s compromise. It’s crying in a wedding planner’s office, then kissing in a hot spring.
 
It’s choosing each other again and again, even when everything goes sideways.
 
No matter what comes next... this is our comeback story, in more ways than one.
 
And no - that’s not a euphemism. :)
  
Shopping for a Highlander’s Elopement is a romantic comedy that blends the worlds of four bestselling series by New York Times bestselling author Julia Kent:
  
- Shopping for a Billionaire

- Shopping for a Highlander

- Whatever It Takes 
- Love You, Maine
 
If you love sports romance, surprise proposals, grand gestures, chaotic weddings, Scottish footballers, golden retriever/black cat energy, and characters who love too hard, mess up spectacularly, and always find their way back to each other with plenty of laughter (and lovingly-used scrunchies) along the way, then this is your book.


GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221247053-shopping-for-a-highlander-s-elopement
 
BOOKBUB LINK: https://www.bookbub.com/books/shopping-for-a-highlander-s-elopement-by-julia-kent
 
 
PURCHASE LINKS
 
US: https://amzn.to/4mGFN0R
UK: https://amzn.to/3HnuFWq
CA: https://amzn.to/4dPutvh
AU: https://amzn.to/4dLEl96
Universal: https://geni.us/SFAHE_AmazonALL
B&N: https://bit.ly/4jBEKMO
Kobo: https://bit.ly/457ckXy
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3HlcRer
Google Play: https://bit.ly/4jBuPqF
 
 
ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE SERIES
 
#1 Shopping for a Turkey – FREE on all platforms!
 
US: https://amzn.to/2ZxlJIj
UK: https://amzn.to/3GlgbS5
CA: https://amzn.to/3BbqDHS
AU: https://amzn.to/2XNeJpX
Universal: https://geni.us/SFAT_AznALL
B&N: https://bit.ly/3EioFrg
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2ZlwjSo
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3GhHs7I
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3vKPsJI
 
Also available
Audio: https://amzn.to/3qBoPVk
Paperback: https://amzn.to/2Zq3TXf

#2 Shopping for a Highlander – 99c for a limited time!

US: https://amzn.to/2Zubc0w
UK: https://amzn.to/3GrVbZC
CA: https://amzn.to/3nt8i4o
AU: https://amzn.to/3bsMWP3
Universal: https://mybook.to/SFAHighlander_AznALL
B&N: https://bit.ly/3vQb4V8
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2ZozkkM
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3BnNnEQ
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3Ek6MIA
 
Also available
Audio: https://amzn.to/3mLyt6E
Paperback: https://amzn.to/30XJs4N
 
 
AUTHOR BIO
 
New York Times and USA Todaybestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 4 New York Times bestsellers and more than 21 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French, German, and Italian, with more titles releasing in the future.
 
From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire she met in a romantic comedy).
 
She lives in New England with her husband and three children where she is the only person in the household with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.
 
She loves to hear from her readers by email at julia@jkentauthor.com, on Twitter @jkentauthor, on Facebook at @jkentauthor, and on Instagram @jkentauthor. Visit her at http://jkentauthor.com
 
 
AUTHOR LINKS
 
Website: http://www.jkentauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jkentauthor
X: https://twitter.com/jkentauthor
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2PIBi9n
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkentauthor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/julia-kent
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/jkentauthor
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Julia-Kent/e/B00A99V268

Cold Truth by Toni Anderson

WOW!  This newest thriller is a must read, it brings so many of the past stories into play and is also an excellent standalone. Kurt finally gets his chance at an HEA and it is an amazing story. We meet Rowena who I adored, she is strong, perfectly capable and a great match for Kurt. The mystery, thrills and excitement, will keep you guessing and you will not want to put this book down until the end. If you are a fan of Toni Anderson, or just starting your journey with her, no better place to continue or begin than with this book. I guarantee you will pick up her previous books. Do not miss this one!

Excellent read.

WOW! Does this ring a bell with the current backward slide for women, racialism and gay rights. This story hits close to home these days. Eve and the gang take on more than a whodunnit and pull out all the stops in this thriller. It is great in both audio and hard copy. A definite addition to your TBR list..

Excellent in both audio and hard copy

Can you rewrite life? And then walk away, sliding back into the present? I listened to this as always, as soon as it was available on audible. Just finished the ebook, honestly. It had been awhile since I delved into this whirlwind of insanity. Excellent listen and read, join the “Dallas circle” and find the answers.

Do not miss this newest release by Pippa Grant

The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco
Series: Copper Valley Bro Code #6
Author: Pippa Grant
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Tropes: Mysterious Protective Hero/Fake
Relationship/Forced Proximity/Treasure Hunt
Release Date: May 8, 2025
 
BLURB
 
A reclusive former celebrity, a recovering good girl, and small town trouble...
 
It started as a joke. After a string of bad boyfriends, I made up a fake boyfriend so people would quit asking when I was going to meet a grumpy lumberjack trying to save his mama’s inn in my adopted hometown.
 
When my grandma demanded proof from afar, I sent her a picture of me and my “boyfriend.”
 
Spoiler alert: He wasn’t really my boyfriend.
 
He was actually a reclusive former boy band member who swings through town sometimes and is friends with my friends.
 
As much as a reclusive former boy bander can be friends with anyone, that is.
 
He doesn’t know I told anyone he’s my boyfriend. Or that his name is Steve.
 
So when Grandma sends the guy she’d rather me marry to town to make sure “Steve” is good enough for me—and to talk me into marrying him instead—I have something of a problem.
 
But I got myself into this mess, so I’ll get myself out.
 
By proposing.
 
Relax, relax, I’m proposing a fakewedding.
 
And when he turns me down, I can say we broke up.
 
Except he doesn’t turn me down.
 
Instead, he offers me a trade.
 
He’ll pretend to be my groom, but I have to do something for him in return.
 
And that something?
 
Hoooo, boy.
 
I liked the man better when he was my pretend boyfriend Steve.
 
The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco is an action-packed romcom featuring the reclusive final member of the boy band Bro Code, a recovering good girl with too many men interested in her for all the wrong reasons, a treasure hunt, a fake engagement, and the best surprise to hit the Copper Valley universe since the Fireballs’ new mascot was revealed. This small town romcom stands alone, but you wouldn’t go wrong to read both the Copper Valley Bro Code and Copper Valley Fireballs series, along with Dirty Talking Rival, to catch all of the easter eggs.
 
 
GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221405712-the-pretend-fianc-fiasco
 
BOOKBUB LINK: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-pretend-fiance-fiasco-copper-valley-bro-code-book-6-by-pippa-grant
 
 
PURCHASE LINKS
 
US: https://amzn.to/4k2TODV
UK: https://amzn.to/3ER5omy
CA: https://amzn.to/42ITnJ2
AU: https://amzn.to/4jDRyTB
Universal: https://readerlinks.com/l/4407464

Free in Kindle Unlimited
 
Also available in print & audio:
 
Amazon Audio: https://readerlinks.com/l/4407467
Audible: https://readerlinks.com/l/4407475
Paperback: https://readerlinks.com/l/4407466
Hardcover: https://readerlinks.com/l/4407477


ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE SERIES
 
US: https://amzn.to/42HKD64
UK: https://amzn.to/4iPpRWO
CA: https://amzn.to/44hK9ER
AU: https://amzn.to/4d7KbBI

All free in Kindle Unlimited
 
 
AUTHOR BIO
 
Pippa Grant wanted to write books,so she did. Before she became a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling romantic comedy author, she was a young military spouse who got into writing as self-therapy. That happened around the time she discovered reading romance novels, and the two eventually merged into a career. Today, she has more than 30 knee-slapping Pippa Grant titles and nine written as Jamie Farrell. When she's not writing romantic comedies, she's fumbling through being a mom, wife, and mountain woman, and sometimes trying to find hobbies. Her crowning achievement? Having impeccable timing for telling stories that will make people snort beverages out of their noses. Consider yourself warned.
 
 
AUTHOR LINKS
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pippagrantromance
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePipsquad
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/pippagrant
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pippa-grant
Website: http://www.pippagrant.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pippa.grant
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pippagrant

Release Day! The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco by Pippa Grant

 


The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco

Series: Copper Valley Bro Code #6
Author: Pippa Grant
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Tropes: Mysterious Protective Hero/Fake
Relationship/Forced Proximity/Treasure Hunt
Release Date: May 8, 2025
 
My Bag of Books blog review link

http://Pippen.booklikes.com/post/6676436/the-pretend-fiance-fiasco-by-pippa-grant


 
A reclusive former celebrity, a recovering good girl, and small town trouble...
 
It started as a joke. After a string of bad boyfriends, I made up a fake boyfriend so people would quit asking when I was going to meet a grumpy lumberjack trying to save his mama’s inn in my adopted hometown.
 
When my grandma demanded proof from afar, I sent her a picture of me and my “boyfriend.”
 
Spoiler alert: He wasn’t really my boyfriend.
 
He was actually a reclusive former boy band member who swings through town sometimes and is friends with my friends.
 
As much as a reclusive former boy bander can be friends with anyone, that is.
 
He doesn’t know I told anyone he’s my boyfriend. Or that his name is Steve.
 
So when Grandma sends the guy she’d rather me marry to town to make sure “Steve” is good enough for me—and to talk me into marrying him instead—I have something of a problem.
 
But I got myself into this mess, so I’ll get myself out.
 
By proposing.
 
Relax, relax, I’m proposing a fakewedding.
 
And when he turns me down, I can say we broke up.
 
Except he doesn’t turn me down.
 
Instead, he offers me a trade.
 
He’ll pretend to be my groom, but I have to do something for him in return.
 
And that something?
 
Hoooo, boy.
 
I liked the man better when he was my pretend boyfriend Steve.
 
The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco is an action-packed romcom featuring the reclusive final member of the boy band Bro Code, a recovering good girl with too many men interested in her for all the wrong reasons, a treasure hunt, a fake engagement, and the best surprise to hit the Copper Valley universe since the Fireballs’ new mascot was revealed. This small town romcom stands alone, but you wouldn’t go wrong to read both the Copper Valley Bro Code and Copper Valley Fireballs series, along with Dirty Talking Rival, to catch all of the easter eggs.
 
 
GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221405712-the-pretend-fianc-fiasco
 
BOOKBUB LINK: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-pretend-fiance-fiasco-copper-valley-bro-code-book-6-by-pippa-grant
 
 
PURCHASE LINKS
 
US: https://amzn.to/4k2TODV
UK: https://amzn.to/3ER5omy
CA: https://amzn.to/42ITnJ2
AU: https://amzn.to/4jDRyTB
Universal: https://readerlinks.com/l/4407464

Free in Kindle Unlimited
 
Also available in print & audio:
 
Amazon Audio: https://readerlinks.com/l/4407467
Audible: https://readerlinks.com/l/4407475
Paperback: https://readerlinks.com/l/4407466
Hardcover: https://readerlinks.com/l/4407477


ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE SERIES
 
US: https://amzn.to/42HKD64
UK: https://amzn.to/4iPpRWO
CA: https://amzn.to/44hK9ER
AU: https://amzn.to/4d7KbBI

All free in Kindle Unlimited
 
 
AUTHOR BIO
 
Pippa Grant wanted to write books,so she did. Before she became a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling romantic comedy author, she was a young military spouse who got into writing as self-therapy. That happened around the time she discovered reading romance novels, and the two eventually merged into a career. Today, she has more than 30 knee-slapping Pippa Grant titles and nine written as Jamie Farrell. When she's not writing romantic comedies, she's fumbling through being a mom, wife, and mountain woman, and sometimes trying to find hobbies. Her crowning achievement? Having impeccable timing for telling stories that will make people snort beverages out of their noses. Consider yourself warned.
 
 
AUTHOR LINKS
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pippagrantromance
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePipsquad
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/pippagrant
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pippa-grant
Website: http://www.pippagrant.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pippa.grant
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pippagrant

The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco by Pippa Grant


The last quarter of this book saved the story. Davis Remington finally got his big break and found his HEA, but it was a hard sell for me. For about half this story, it was floundering and I actually considered letting it go, could not hold my interest but pressed onward. Thank goodness for the ending, redemption at its finest.

Excellent whodunnit

— feeling amazing

Another awesome whodunnit, well the devil, of course! This story brings Eve close to her breaking point, but of course she has Roarke, Mira and the crew as support. I had listened to this as an audiobook when it was first published and had to read to refresh my memory. It was just as good written as narrated, so either or both are worth the time spent. Do not miss this, the whole series does not disappoint.

Rage by Linda Castillo


WOW! Another super exciting story revolving around Chief Kate Burkholder and John Tomasetti, this installment brings us face to face with pure unapologetic evil. This book has all the right elements to keep the reader on edge and starts out like a top that keeps the spin spiraling out of control until the very end. This series is an excellent and this newest whodunnit is a definite addition to your TBR list.

The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves

A deeply engrossed whodunnit by an extremely entertaining author. The language colloquialisms are abundant in this book, as is expected but despite and perhaps because of this, a slow read with an unexpected outcome. All of Ms. Cleeves books have been great reads, this is no exception. Well worth the time to understand and enjoy. A definite addition to your TBR list. Spend some time in Scotland and it’s isles through the eyes of this author.

Love Walked In by Sarah Chamberlain

A sweet, steamy romance. Quick easy read with lovely main characters. Mari and Leo have trust issues and they work through them slowly and not without drama and angst. Great beach read.

The Blue Horse by Bruce Borgos

— feeling star

Loved this book! One of the best whodunnits I have read in awhile. The heartfelt plight of the wild mustang meets death and destruction. The characters are well written and they come to life while burying yourself in this truly engaging story. Do not miss this book, it is awesome.

Snowed in with Mr. Heartbreaker by Pippa Grant


So slow and sweet. A quick read, although not much happens outside of the teen angst between Aspen and Cash, nothing else really happening here.  There is the included requisite HEA and a very short cameo appearance by a bear.