Tag: Book Review

Fiction, Mystery, Romance

Thirty-Three and a Half Shenanigans by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Thirty Three and a Half Shenanigans
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #6
Location: Henretta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose
Other Characters: Joe, Mason, Skeeter, Bruce Wayne, Neely Kate, Billly Jack, Maeve
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 5

I absolutely loved Thirty-Three and a Half Shenanigans! Denise Grover Swank never disappoints, and this installment had me hooked from the very first page. I laughed out loud more than once (okay… several times), and I may or may not have muttered, “Oh no she didn’t,” at least twice. This series just keeps getting better, and I adore spending time in Rose Gardner’s world. It feels like catching up with slightly chaotic friends who somehow always land in the most ridiculous situations. It’s perfect for fans of binge-worthy mystery series with a touch of romance, heart, and sass.

Rose finds herself caught in a seemingly small situation that quickly spirals out of control into one of those classic “only Rose” adventures. With a blend of mystery, danger, secrets, and unexpected twists, the story captures the quirky small-town energy that makes this series so addictive. It’s fast-paced and fun, offering just the right amount of character moments to feel satisfying without ever dragging.

It is hard to believe that this is the same Rose we met in the first book of the series. She has transformed from a sheltered girl with a controlling mother, who had never had a boyfriend and led a life without adventure, into a woman who has found love and is ready for anything, willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s fast-paced, witty, and filled with Denise Grover Swank’s signature humor, which never fails to make me smile and keeps me eager to find out what will happen next. Rose’s character development is impressive, yet she still finds herself in amusing predicaments that keep you eagerly turning the pages to see how she’ll escape this time. It’s the type of story you can’t put down and read way past your bedtime because you simply have to know what happens next.

If you love small-town mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unexpected twists, along with a protagonist you can’t help but root for, then this book is for you. I’m eager to see what adventures await Rose next.

Fiction, Mystery

Picking up the Pieces by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Picking up the Pieces
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #5.5
Location: Henryetta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose Gardner
Other Characters: Violet, Joe, Mason, Bruce Wayne
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 5

I enjoyed this book; it serves as a good bridge between book 5 and book 6. What I liked about it is that we get to see the different perspectives of various characters in the series.

We gain insight into Rose’s perspective, as she is the main character throughout the series. We learn about her thoughts and emotions as she navigates her struggles with her sister, relationships, and her potentially failing business. Throughout this journey, she makes decisions about the direction she wants to take in her life and business.

We also gain insight into Violet’s perspective, allowing us to understand her and her relationship with Rose better. This helps explain her behavior. While I’m still not sure I truly like her, I do have a deeper understanding of her.

From Joe’s point of view, I still find his behavior towards Rose somewhat stalkerish. While I’m not a huge fan of his at the moment, I can at least understand him better.

Next is Mason’s perspective. I really like Mason, and it’s clear that he genuinely loves Rose. This section explores his past and his relationship with his sister Savannah, which helps to clarify the tension he feels with Joe.

Then there’s Bruce Wayne, who I’ve grown to really appreciate. He is loyal to Rose, and their friendship is strong. I look forward to getting to know him better in future books of the series.

I feel like readers will enjoy this book and gain a deeper understanding of the characters. Don’t overlook it; this installment adds significant clarity to their development and is an important addition to the series.

Fiction, Mystery

Thirty-Two and a Half Complications by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Thirty-Two  and a Half Complications
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #5
Location: Henryetta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose
Other Characters: Mason, Joe, Violet, Neely Kate, Bruce Wayne, Jonah, Skeeter
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 5

Okay… I am officially hooked on this series! Thirty-Two and a Half Complications by Denise Grover Swank delivers an engaging mix of drama, mystery, and small-town chaos in the best way.

This installment follows Rose Gardner as she is once again drawn into a mystery involving bank robbery, murder, and some unsavory characters. While trying to determine whom she can trust, juggling her job—which she may be in danger of losing—and her complicated love life, Rose has more than enough on her plate. As always, the story is filled with twists, secrets, and plenty of Southern sass.

I love how Rose continues to grow stronger and more confident, even when everything around her feels like it’s falling apart. She has truly evolved since book one. I love Mason. I really like Rose with him—there’s something steady and genuine about their connection that makes me root for them. Joe, on the other hand… whew. He’s really starting to get on my nerves. His behavior feels a bit too needy and borderline stalkerish at this point, and I just don’t love the vibe. I understand that he cares, but sometimes it feels over-the-top.

The mystery kept me guessing, and the emotional tension continued to build. I found myself flipping pages late into the night, eager to discover what would happen next. There was an unexpected twist at the end, and I can’t wait to see how it will be handled.

If you love small-town mysteries featuring strong female leads, a messy love triangle, and plenty of twists and secrets, this series just keeps getting better. I can’t wait to see what trouble Rose gets into next!

Mystery, Romance

Thirty One and a Half Regrets by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Thirty-one and a half Regrets
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #4
Location: Henryetta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose
Other Characters: Mason, Joe, Violet, Neely Kate, Bruce Wayne, Jonah, Daniel Crocker, Detective Miller, Detective Miller, Detective Geyer, Jeff
ets: Muffy
Rating: 5

The more I read this series, the more I love it—and I especially love Rose. She has truly evolved since we first met her in the first book of the series.  Rose has transformed from a scared young woman who never experienced life because she was controlled by her mother into someone who is discovering her own strength and independence. Even her sister, whom she loves dearly, has sheltered her from the world.

As someone from Rose’s past comes back to haunt her, we see how she has developed into a strong, independent woman with self-confidence and determination. Still reeling from Joe’s betrayal, she must confront her biggest nightmare while also deciding that it is time to move on.

I started this book really disliking Joe. Although I initially liked him, he started to seem weak and overly controlled by his father, unable to stand up to him. I also just didn’t trust him. As a result, I became team Mason all the way. However, despite my newfound love for Mason, I feel a bit torn because Joe surprised me in this installment.

This series has it all: romance, newfound love, relationship drama, stalking, intrigue, betrayal, surprises, and suspense, culminating in an ending that will surprise you with unexpected twists along the way. It truly felt like a roller coaster ride, filled with twists, turns, and ups and downs. And there is a dog that you really can’t help but love.

I have one pet peeve: when someone incorrectly refers to a gun’s magazine as a clip. A magazine is not the same as a clip. I understand that Rose may not be very familiar with guns, so I can overlook this mistake. Nevertheless, it didn’t impact my five-star rating.

This book truly deserves the five stars I gave it.

If you have read this series, share your thoughts in the comments.

Fiction, Mystery

Thirty and a Half Excuses by Denise Grover Swank

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Thirty and a Half Excuses
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #3
Location: Henryetta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose, Violet, Mason, Neely Kate
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 5

I absolutely loved Thirty and a Half Excuses! Denise Grover Swank has done it again with a story that’s funny, heartfelt, and completely addictive. The characters feel so real—you laugh with them, cry with them, and sometimes just shake your head at the chaos they create, especially Rose. I especially enjoyed the witty dialogue and clever twists that kept me turning pages late into the night. Even when I thought I had everything figured out, Swank still managed to surprise me! This book is the perfect mix of humor, heart, friendship, Mystery, and a touch of romance. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good, fun, and emotional read.

The story follows Rose as she juggles her new landscape business, relationships, and the unexpected twists life throws her way, including another murder. It’s about navigating the ups and downs, making tough choices, and finding oneself along the way—all while dealing with situations that are often hilarious, sometimes frustrating, and always entertaining. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile, think, and eagerly anticipate the next situation Rose will find herself in. I especially love Rose’s little dog, Muffy.

If you enjoy a southern small-town mystery filled with heart, humor, and quirky characters, you’ll love this series.

If you have read this series, share your thoughts in the comments

Fiction, Mystery

Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons by Denise Grover Swank

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #2
Location: Henryetta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose
Other Characters: Neely Kate, Joe, Mason, Jimmy, Suzanne, Judge McLarry, Bruce Wayne, Detective Taylor
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 5

I absolutely loved this book! This series remains one of my favorites! The mystery was well-crafted and kept me guessing. I did figure out the culprit before the big reveal, but instead of feeling disappointed, I was proud that I figured it out. Even though I thought I knew who did it, there was still a twist, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

In this installment, Rose has jury duty. There is a mix of humor and suspense as she navigates the rules of serving on a jury. Of course, since we’re talking about Rose, we can expect some drama and her tendency to march to the beat of her own drum, which means she is likely to bend the rules.

I absolutely loved the addition of new characters, especially Rose’s new best friend, Neely Kate, and the stick-in-the-mud Assistant District Attorney, Mason Deveraux. Initially, I didn’t like Mason, but he contributed so much to the story that he ended up being one of my favorites. I loved Neely Kate from the beginning; she fits perfectly as Rose’s friend and adds so much fun to the story.

There were moments of romance and laugh-out-loud humor. Several times, I found myself smiling at the witty banter or shaking my head at the chaos—in the best way possible. This book was fast-paced, entertaining, and truly difficult to put down; I’m sure I lost sleep trying to finish it.

I enjoyed every moment and finished the book eagerly anticipating what comes next. If you love a mystery with heart, humor, and characters you can’t help but fall in love with, you will love this series.  I can’t wait to read the next book to discover what chaos Rose will create.

If you have read this series, please share your thoughts in the comments.

Fiction, Mystery

Falling to Pieces by Denise Grover Swank

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Falling to Pieces
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #3.5
Location: Henryetta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose & Joe
Other Characters: Neely Kate, Hillary, Violet, Brody, Mason, Bruce Wayne, Jonah
Pets: Muff
Rating: 4 stars — emotional and necessary, just a bit much at times.

This will be a brief review, as discussing my feelings about the book in detail would reveal some spoilers, which I’d like to avoid.

Initially, this book confused me because I felt like I was missing something. I later discovered that I had accidentally read it out of order. On Fantastic Fiction, it was listed as book 1.5, positioned between book 1 and book 2. However, after finishing the book and trying to write my review, I found it marked as book 3.5 on GoodReads. This prompted me to search further and realize that Fantastic Fiction was incorrect; it is actually book 3.5. This discrepancy explained why some characters were mentioned without prior introduction. Anyway, I am now back on track with book two. This experience reinforces my recommendation to read most series in order.

Falling to Pieces is an emotionally charged bridge novella in the Rose Gardner series.

What prevented this from being a 5-star read for me was the excessive focus on how deeply Rose and Joe loved each other. Eventually, it became repetitive and felt somewhat teenage-dramatic. While I could overlook this tendency in Rose, since this is her first relationship, it was less excusable in Joe. Given his past relationships, his constant internal monologue about them being “soulmates” felt exaggerated and slowed down the story for me.

I believe this novella is essential to the series. It clarifies Joe’s choices, adds emotional depth, and lays the groundwork for what follows. Despite my minor criticisms, I remained engaged and was glad I didn’t skip it.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #1
Location:
Main Character: Rose
Other Characters: Joe, Violet, Betty, Daniel, Deanna, Suzanne, Agnes
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 4

Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank was a fun and easy read. It seems strange to say ‘fun’ when there is a murder, but it was definitely a fun read. I loved the small-town Southern atmosphere and the blend of mystery with just the right amount of slow-burn romance to keep things engaging. Rose is an interesting main character, with all her naivete, and I enjoyed following her journey as she navigates her life while unexpectedly becoming the main suspect in a murder investigation.

Rose is a naïve twenty-four-year-old who has never truly lived and lacks understanding of life. By this age, most young women have experienced various aspects of adulthood, but Rose has been sheltered by her mother, preventing her from fully engaging with the world. One day, while at work at the DMV, she has a vision of herself dead. She is known to have visions, but this is the first one she has had of herself. This troubles her, but when her mother is the one who is found murdered, Rose becomes the prime suspect in the investigation. After discovering her mother’s lifeless body, she is desperate for help and turns to her neighbor, Joe, whom she has never met until now. But can Joe be trusted, or does he have secrets of his own?

Rose fears ending up in prison or dead, so she creates a list on the back of a Walmart receipt detailing twenty-eight things she has never experienced but wants to do before her vision becomes a reality. When she reaches number twenty-nine, she struggles to think of what to write in that space. As she works on her list, Joe is more than happy to help her complete it, except for number fifteen.

I really enjoyed this book; it was a light, easy read. Although parts of it were predictable, it still featured a surprise ending that I didn’t see coming. I really liked the characters Rose and Joe and their slow-burn romance. I can’t wait to see where their relationship goes in future books.

Overall, this cozy and entertaining mystery is filled with charm and heart. It’s the perfect book for when you want something light and enjoyable. I appreciated the surprise ending, which I didn’t see coming—it always enhances the story. Plus, it features a dog, which, in my opinion, adds to the story. I will definitely continue reading the series.

If you have read this series, please share your opinions in the comments.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Deadly Secret by Tammy L. Grace

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Deadly Secret
Author: Tammy L Grace
Series: Cooper Harrington #7
Location: Washington DC
Main Character: Cooper Harrington, AB
Other Characters: Brooke, Tonya, S enator Beaumont, Mason, Savannah, Suzanne,
Charlotte, Grandma Adelaide, Mirian Thorne, Grandma Adelaide, Aunt Camille, Wyatt, Charlie, Kyle, Wyatt, Aiden, Nathan, Landon, Marlene, Sam
Pets: Coop’s Golden Retriever Gus
Rating: 5

I really loved Deadly Secret by Tammy L. Grace, the seventh installment in the Cooper Harrington Series. I’ve loved this series since the very first book and have become deeply invested in the characters. As with the previous books, this one captured my attention from beginning to end, and I found myself genuinely engaged in both the mystery and the characters’ journeys.

This book follows Cooper as he travels from Nashville to Washington, D.C., to investigate the murder of a young woman. Brooke, the granddaughter of a family friend of Cooper’s aunt, had gone to Washington, D.C., to intern for a Tennessee senator at the Capitol. When she is murdered, the police dismiss it as a mugging. However, Brooke’s family believes there is more to the story and has hired Cooper to uncover the truth behind the death of their daughter and granddaughter.

Coop is a strong lead character. I loved his determination to solve the case, even when it became complicated and messy. His persistence makes him a character you can’t help but root for. I also love AB. She adds depth to the story. Their dynamic was engaging and helped maintain a steady pace throughout.

I love a great story with a compelling family dynamic, and this series checks all the boxes—except for Coop’s mother! She is a total mess, but Coop is managing her. His relationships with his aunt and dad are amazing. He and his associate Abigail (AB for short) have a great connection. I keep hoping for a romance to develop there, but time will tell in future books.

This book is an engaging and well-crafted read, with strong characters, solid suspense, and emotional depth that keep readers captivated. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys mysteries filled with characters you can’t help but be invested in, along with a touch of humor. Coop is known for his T-shirts featuring funny sayings, which I love. AB is always there to keep him in line. Plus, who doesn’t love a story that includes a dog? Gus, Coop’s Golden Retriever, is a great addition to the story.

While this book can be read as a standalone, I suggest starting the series from the beginning to know the characters and fall in love with them, just as I have.

If you have read this series, please share your thoughts in the comments.

Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

What She Saw by Mary Burton

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: What She Saw
Author: Mary Burton
Main Character: Sloan, CJ Taggert
Other Characters: Grant, Rafe Colton, Patty, Laurie, Debra, Tristan, Baily, Paxton, Mayor Briggs, Baily, Kevin, Cassie, Amy
Pets: A golden Retriever named Cody
Rating: 5+

Version 1.0.0

Mary Burton is a ‘new to me’ author, but this won’t be the last book I read by her. I was engrossed from the very first page and found it hard to put down at night.

Four young girls went missing from a music festival and are presumed dead. A man is serving a life sentence for the crime, even though their bodies were never found. He still claims his innocence. Thirty-one years later, a daughter who was a baby at the time is determined to uncover what happened to her mother and the three other girls.

Sloane lost her mother, who was believed to have been murdered, and her father, whom she never knew, was in prison. Raised by a grandmother who was not particularly nurturing, Sloane grew up to be a writer who struggles to express her emotions and is rarely frightened. Driven by a need to uncover the truth behind her mother’s disappearance and the fate of three other missing girls, she seeks closure for herself and their families. This quest requires her to return to the town where the crime occurred-a case that most have forgotten, but one Sloane has never been able to move past. With many of those involved now dead, she must track down families and witnesses from three decades ago who might still remember details that could help bring closure to the case.

This book was an edge-of-your-seat roller coaster ride to uncover the truth. Sloan is a compelling protagonist, and you can’t help but root for her. This book combines suspense, emotion, and just the right amount of romance, all without overshadowing the mystery. I thought I had solved the case, only to be hit with another unexpected twist.

If you love a protagonist with heart and determination, along with a great mystery featuring unexpected twists and a touch of romance, you need to read this book. It definitely checks all the boxes. This may have been the first book I have read by this author, but it definitely won’t be the last.

If you have read this book, please share your thoughts in the comments!