This was an enjoyable cozy mystery with a hint of romance. I love Jen and Cletus and it was just enjoyable to be back in their heads. The book does a good job of balancing the mystery, comedic parts, as well as the romance. If you like any of the three, or all three, you'll get a good dose of all of it. Cozy mysteries aren't really my thing, but this one does the job and is entertaining. I don't think this is a genre I'll necessarily go out of my way to reach for, but for anyone looking for a new cozy mystery, this isn't a bad place to start.

This book does a good job of letting us get to know all of the characters and their interpersonal relationships. I appreciated this because they end up all being really likeable because of it. Troy is a decent male lead, but my favorite characters are Paris and Wren. If the book had been about their romantic relationship, it probably would have gone better.

The pacing for the main romance threw me for a loop. The development of the characters and their relationship as acquaintances was fine and felt very natural for the majority of the book. However, once you get farther in their transition into a more serious physical relationship felt way too abrupt and rushed. Even when a book is fast paced I expect it to feel like the relationship developed naturally, and this one didn't. I feltthe sex scenes were brushed over way too quickly for and I actually had to go back and re-read to make sure I didn't miss a transition scene or something. I don't think I'll be continuing the series because it's not the author's best. I recommend reading Just Me by this same author instead. It's also a three books series but with a way better development for the romance that has better pacing. 

Trigger Warning: abusive relationship, domestic violence

This was a good conclusion to this series. Tim got what was coming to him and fortunately Katherine was able to help someone else due to her own experiences with domestic violence. In this last book Katherine shows how much she has grown as a character. She's been through a lot and it's understandable that she did what she thought was right and her care for others shows. Ben is a sweetheart and I like that we got to see the development of their relationship within all three books. The ending didn't feel rushed in terms of their relationship developments and it's very conclusive. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author. A good romance to pick up if you like good character development and a strongly developed romantic relationship.

***SPOILERS PRESENT***

I officially found my favorite character in this series and I like him even more for being a pirate. I highly appreciate any kind of banter between characters and this book was full of it. Nikolai sticks to his values and truly cares about what happens to his kingdom. I really disliked his brother, Vasily, though. Honestly, he had a fitting death. He let his arrogance get the best of him and it put everyone else in jeopardy. I'm glad that the problems that I expected in Mal and Alina's relationship were addressed in this book. It's ironic that Alina used to be the one that felt like she didn't belong, and now Mal and her have completely switched roles. We also got to see how Alina isn't immune to being corrupted by power. By the end of the book there's definitely been a change in her because of the magic. I mean, her hair is white, I assume that is an aesthetic representation of the change. The Darkling has most of what he wants for now. I felt really bad for Genya by the end. She helped Alina and paid the consequences dearly. I'm hoping that now that David and her are reunited we get more of an exploration of how deep their feelings for each other go. Obviously David had been worried about her this whole time and I hope he is able to help her heal emotionally from the trauma she has suffered at the hands of the Darkling. Well have to see in the next book. Can't wait!

Trigger Warning: domestic violence, physical abuse, abusive relationship

 Ben is understandably disappointed at the beginning of this book. Thankfully, Katherine and him are both adults that are able to quickly communicate and clear up their misunderstandings. Ben is a decent human being who is nothing but willing to help Katherine. We got to see a  bit more of Rachel and Will in this second book and Ben has hit the jackpot with his friends. It's not really surprising considering what a kind-hearted person he is. We do get a lot of happy moments among the bad in this book which helps to keep it very balanced. It helps to show that despite so many dark things going on pertaining to Katherine, she can still laugh and have a good time. It really emphasizes the idea that life goes on despite the baggage she carries with her. The pacing of this book continues to be excellent. Again, the main romantic relationship is given time to develop and both parties show an excellent ability to communicate with each other. I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of their relationship develops.
 
 Despite being such hot trash, Tim is an intelligent piece of work. He has the typical characteristics of an abuser whilst not feeling like a caricature. He is someone with a lot of deep-set insecurities sitting behind a narcissistic ego and a large wallet. Thankfully, this book leaves us with hope that Katherine has found the courage and resources to fight back this time. Here is to cheering on anyone like her who has had the valor to stand up to their abuser. Can’t wait until the next installment. 

Trigger warning: abusive relationship, domestic violence, abuse

This book focuses on a strong female lead named Katherine who is on the run from her past and just moved to San Francisco. The author does a great job of leaving implicit hints of what the main character is running from. She does a lot of showing instead of telling, and I appreciate that. I like Ben as a character because despite being stereotypically handsome, charming, and rich, he also feels very human and is very cognizant of boundaries. There are moments in the book where Katherine becomes uncomfortable around him (not that it is his fault at all) and he makes sure to back off the moment he read her discomfort. It shows that no matter how much he likes her, he wants everything they do to be on terms that both parties feel comfortable with. There also isn't any insta-love in the story. Ben likes Katherine and she is attracted to him as well, but they have just started dating and the pacing of the relationship doesn't feel rushed. Ben seems like a very understanding person and I'm hoping that any misunderstanding at the end of this book are cleared up quickly in the next installment. A very good romance to pick up, but be wary of the  trigger warnings above.