A Killer Romance by Maggie Blackburn is the third book in the beach Reads cozy mysteries Summer Meriwether is busy running her beach reads bookstore with the help of her loving family it is the first time she’s having a book event with a celebrity guest but when someone gets murdered Summer and Cash try to figure out who did it. Let me just say I usually give most of my rating to the end of the book and the end of this book was awesome I loved it I thought summer and her family were great characters although I wasn’t that clear on why she was poisoned I still really enjoyed the book and am definitely going to look for the fourth one what a grand idea to have a bookstore called beet treats on a beach. I also love the fact that summer has come to love her community so much there’s something really great about small towns knowing each other‘s secrets and having people to depend on in times of need and in times of greate celebrations. I also want to say the recipes at the end of the book especially the honey cake made me so hungry I had to get up and go find something sweet to eat when I was finished reading them. Had I seen them before I would’ve ate cake while reading lol! this was a great book I have read books by this author before and she never seems to disappoint a truly great read. I want to thank crooked Lane books for my free arc copy via NetGalley please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

This was my first book written by Maggie Blackburn. Overall, it was a good book. I enjoyed the main characters and setting- a bookstore in a beach town. Summer returned to St. Brigid, NC, after the death of her mom, took over her mom’s bookstore, and now is surrounded by family - her aunt, cousin, and niece - as well as an old flame. In A Killer Romance, the author who comes to the Valentines event at the bookstore is found dead the following morning and one of Summer’s friends is accused of murder. I enjoyed the story, and look forward to trying out the recipes at the end of the book.

A delightful mix of romance, suspense, and quirky characters. The vivid descriptions of Seaside Cove made me wish I could visit this town.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I'm guessing by the epilogue that this was the end to this series. I'm sad to see it end but I loved the ending the author gave us. The story was great. I did figure out the killer a little before the reveal, but I was still at a loss to figure out the why.

This book wasn’t for me it didn’t keep my attention but I did like the story line and I will pick up another book by this author.

Summer Merriweather becomes the owner of her deceased mother’s romance bookstore, Beach Reads, in a coastal island in North Carolina. You see, Summer is a Shakespearan professor and romance books wasn’t her genre of choice, So after her mother died she intended to sell the bookstore and return back to her home in Virginia.

Every year on Valentine’s Day, St. Brigid was filled with excitement for the festivities from all the businesses on the island. Tourists and the people on the island looked forward to this Valentine themed event. Beach Reads Bookstore hosts a “Romance By the Sea” event with Lana Livingston, author of a modern day Romeo and Juliet.

Of course this is a cozy murder mystery so you know someone dies. That happens fairly early in the book, which is a good thing. The story does move quickly in the beginning, drawing me into the characters and the murder investigation, but it begins to lag halfway into the book as some parts became repetitive. I felt Summer to be boring and somewhat sarcastic with not much manners.

A Killer Romance is the third installment in the Beach Reads mystery series. I didn’t read the first two installments, but I felt I was able to understand the way the author portrays each character. However, it’s best to read the first in the series of a cozy mystery..

Thanks NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advanced readers copy (ARC)

This was my first read and I didn’t realize it was a series, but it was a fun book and fast read, although I wish I had read them in order because I felt like it referred back a bit.

A great cozy mystery with likable characters (although my favorite character by far was the parrot). The ending felt a bit rushed but it was an enjoyable read.

Thank you to #CrookedLaneBook and #NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Killer Romance: A Book Reads Mystery
By Maggie Blackburn
Crooked Lane Books
2024

Review by Cynthia Chow

A Shakespearean scholar, Summer Merriweather had always been embarrassed by her mother’s romance bookstore located on St. Brigid Island, North Carolina. But inheriting Beach Reads Bookstore after Hildy Merriweather’s death unexpectedly led to Summer falling in love with both the island and the bookshop, eventually causing her to (mostly) retire early from her teaching job to take over the store full-time. As much as Summer hates Valentine’s Day she knows that it’s a boon for the bookstore and local businesses, with one of the events being the first booksigning she’s hosted since taking ownership. Lana Livingston is a bestselling NYT author, with her latest romance being an updated “happy” version of Romeo and Juliet. And as much as Summer detests turning a classic tragedy into a romance, she definitely did not wish for the author to experience her own premature death. The handsome visiting detective Liam Connor suspects that a member of the Mermaid Pie Book Club poisoned the famous author and when not attempting to flirt warns Summer away from being friends with the culprit. But Summer isn’t about to let Glads be railroaded into prison, especially after she discovers that Lana may have been involved in a narcotics-linked crime.

Summer herself is still attempting to find her bearings in her former childhood home, especially now that she has been reunited with the man she left at the altar decades ago. While Summer believes that she made the right decision in running away from Cash Singer and an early marriage, she also can’t justify hurting his feelings now that they are once again becoming friends. She’s mostly overcome her debilitating arachnophobia, but a fall and the resulting use of crutches has her depending on her friends now more than ever. Learning of her mother’s own heartbreak and discovering the new family of the father Summer never met has helped her to understand her mother’s love of the bookstore dedicated to idealized love. The characters in this third of the series are the reason readers will want to return to this series, as they have evolved and become genuinely likable and sympathetic island residents. The author, who has also written an abundance of series under the name Mollie Cox Bryan, is skilled at crafting humor-filled, witty cozy mysteries with plots that always deliver satisfying endings.

This was my first time reading a book by this author. I wasn't impressed with the book at all it didn't hold my attention. It could've possibly been because the book is a part of a series and I haven't read any of the other books. Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books.

I'm giving this 2.5 stars rounded up to 3. This book didn't grab my attention. I hadn't read the other books in the series, so maybe if I had, I would have liked this one more.

The mystery was decent but not compelling, and the characters were a little annoying. My favorite part of the book ended up being Mr. Darcy the bird.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Book Review: A Killer Romance by Maggie Blackburn

Rating: 3 Stars

In Maggie Blackburn's "A Killer Romance," love and murder collide in a cozy mystery set during a Valentine's Day event at the Beach Reads bookshop. As bookseller Summer Merriweather delves into the mysterious death of a guest author, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that lead her on a thrilling quest for the truth.

One of the standout features of this novel is its charming setting by the sea, providing a picturesque backdrop for the unfolding drama. Blackburn's portrayal of Summer as a Shakespeare scholar adds depth to her character, making her not just a sleuth but a relatable and intriguing protagonist.

While the mystery itself is well-crafted and keeps readers guessing until the end, the book could have benefitted from tighter editing. Some readers may find the repetitive mentions of Summer's ankle pain and drug choices to be excessive, detracting from the overall flow of the story.

Despite these minor flaws, "A Killer Romance" offers an engaging plot with likable characters that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries. Blackburn successfully weaves together treachery, heartbreak, and unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final reveal.

Overall, "A Killer Romance" is a solid addition to the Beach Reads mystery series, perfect for those looking for a light-hearted yet suspenseful read to enjoy on a cozy evening.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Maggie Blackburn

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

Valentine time at “Beach Read” book store, and what is better then inviting the author of a modern-day book about Romeo and Julliet. This is the first in person event since the pandemic and sure to draw a crowd.
Summer Merriweather, who owns the bookstore, is just doing last minute touches when she slips and falls, spraining her ankle. Now what? She is told to keep her weight of her foot …. Her assistant, friends and cousin are taking a charge, while she watches the event online.
All is well until the next day, when the author is found dead at the B&B.
For some reason her effects are forwarded to Summer’s house, and as she is stuck, she might as well go through it, and from there things go in many different directions.
This was my first “Beach Read” and it was fine to read it out of order, but I am going to double back to book 1 and 2

I enjoyed this mystery. I really liked Summer, Mia, Aunt Agatha and Mia. I love that the story is based in a bookstore. I enjoyed the clean romance and the murder mystery. I loved the twist at the end. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This has been a fun series. I like the characters and the town and mysteries set in bookstore/libraries are my favorite. The mystery kept me guessing.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review

This third installment was a disappointment. After book two the series looked like it was on the upswing, but unfortunately this book didn’t continue that trend. Summer came across as whiny and often rude. There was so much unnecessary focus on her ankle injury and there was so much repetition, that the actual mystery got lost. So much potential not realized.

I finished this yesterday [2.10.2024] and decided to wait on the review because I HAD FEELINGS. Woke up today [2.11.2024] and realized I just didn't have the bandwidth to go into all that bugged me about this book [unfortunately, this outweighed ALL the good that did happen at the beginning of the book] and have decided to just write this instead.

Full disclosure - I disliked book 1 for many reasons [judgy much?] and was just going to not read this, but I also know that book 2 and book 3 in a series are often MUCH better than the initial offering, so away we went. I skipped book 2 [and never felt I missed anything in book 3 because of it] and just went into book 3 and was pleasantly surprised at just how good it was, until it just...wasn't [after the murder]. It felt about 50 - 75 pages too long [I may or may not have yelled "JUST GET ON WITH IT ALREADY], there was SO. MUCH. REPETITION [full chapters of rehashing], and it took a really amazing premise and just threw it away so to speak. It had a very anticlimactic ending and the epilogue was just so....and I ended up being so disappointed. This could have been a great read and instead it left me knowing I will not read anymore and will skip the authors alter-ego as well.

I was also granted a audiobook ARC for this book and unfortunately, I was also disappointed by this. I am just not a fan of this narrator reading this book [I have listened to her before and had enjoyed her, hence the requesting of this one]. There were many times I just wanted her to READ THE BOOK instead of getting wrapped up in so many different voices [there were a ton of characters in this book - I cannot even imagine how difficult it was for her to even keep track, much less come up with voices for them all] I am afraid it added to my disappointment over this whole book experience. Like I said, I have listened to her before and enjoyed her, so I will continue to look for her narration, but in this case, the narration just did not work for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Maggie Blackburn, Christa Lewis - Narrator, Crooked Lane Books, and Dreamscape Media for providing both the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

ARC Review ~ A Killer Romance~

*******************************************

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I came in a little late to this series as this is the third installment but thankfully I didn’t feel like couldn’t follow it. The mystery was fun, plus the sprinkle of romance as well. I enjoyed the fun mystery and I look forward to going back and reading the first two in the series

Features:
*Second Chance Romance
*Fun cozy Mystery

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC!

I saw A Killer Romance on NetGalley, and having read the prior two books in the series, I decided to pick it up. Then, the request for a review for a book tour came through, and I knew I was meant to read it.

The last Beach Reads Mystery book by author Maggie Blackburn came out in 2021, so it’s been a couple of years, and I’ll admit that it took me a few chapters into A Killer Romance to refresh my memory of Summer and her bookstore. If I hadn’t read the earlier books, I don’t think I’d have that same bout of confusion as the book does stand on its own. But it was nice to be back on Brigid’s Island, reconnecting with Summer and her friends and family.

Summer’s attitude has much improved since the first book. I almost didn’t recognize her, but it was a change for the better since she was so snobbish, and now she’s embracing the bookstore she inherited and the types of books they sell. She’s also hosting a romance author book signing for Valentine’s Day. But when the author dies following the signing and one of Summer’s friends is arrested, she jumps into investigating the murder.

Within the first chapter or two, Summer sprains her ankle and is primarily homebound for most of the book. This was a nice twist to have her focus and actively work on solving the mystery. I knew pretty early on who the murderer was. I didn’t get the motive immediately but was somewhat disappointed in the reveal. Not so much how the reveal occurred, but more Summer’s role in it.

A Killer Romance has an interesting epilogue, which almost made me feel that this might be the final book in the series. Usually, there’s a teaser that makes the reader think that something is coming, but this one didn’t have one.

A Killer Romance was a commendable read. It was my favorite in this series and stands on its own. It was an enjoyable day’s read, and I’d recommend it to cozy mystery fans.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. A Killer Romance is the third book in the Beach Reads Mystery series. This time, Summer, the owner of the bookstore, investigates during Valentine's Day celebrations. The mystery is interesting, and Summer's investigation uncovers many secrets. The pace of the book is good, and the storyline is enjoyable.