🐊 Fake Dating
🔍 Murder mystery 
🐊 Corrupt town politics 
​
If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I encourage you to grab this one! I loved playing who done it with Maggie and Jack. 
Maggie recently moved back to Florida to take over her late father's Gator trapping business and help her twin sister Vera open a romance-only bookstore. Jack is renting a cabin from the twins to write a book about serial killers.
Maggie gets called out to trap a Gator and instead finds the other trapper in town has been killed. Dun dun. (See what I did there)
Together, Maggie and Jack do some detective work of their own to find the culprit. 
This was so fun. The characters are refreshing, and I loved the slight undertone of romance. 
I solved this pretty early on, but it didn't make me enjoy the book any less. 

I would like to know what happened to Chubbs though. Seemed that storyline just kinda went poof.

Maggie has only been back in her hometown of Wahoo, Florida after deciding to take over her father's gator trapping business for a few weeks but she's already knee deep in a whole lot of chaos and a plot that's far bigger than just her. And when the rival gator trapper ends up dead and shot with her twin sister's gun, she pairs up with an incredibly hot criminology professor who is in town writing a book about serial killers, to solve the murder and prove her sister innocent.
I found the concept of this book to be great fun, from the small town Florida setting to the framed for murder storyline. The execution however was rough at best. This book read like a low-budget hallmark but without the Christmas setting to make up for the cringe-factor. I think I could have enjoyed the book more if the main character and her criminology professor love interest had an ounce of common sense in how they investigated. This pair had the investigative subtlety of a kick in the shins. Not even the police detective himself felt like he was in any way qualified to do his job.
Maggie rolled her eyes entirely too much to be a full-grown adult and the love interest called a woman he wants to sleep with "tater-tot" which i personally find unforgivable.
One thing I will give the story is that I was so engaging while trying to explain the storyline to a friend that a complete stranger stopped me to ask if I was talking about someone I knew because she was 100% invested. Which just proves that anything can be believable if you set it Florida.

Can we talk about how awesome this cover is??? 🐊 🐾 🌴

When I saw Tara Lush was releasing a new cozy mystery series I jumped at the chance to read it early! I’m obsessed with her Crescent Moon Mystery series and absolutely loved the premise of her new Critters & Criminals series!

This is 100% Florida and I’m so here for it! Gator Relocation Services, Gator Sanctuary, swamplands, shady real estate deals, murder mystery, fake dating, an adorable kitten, quirky characters and a romance bookstore?? Cozy mystery perfection!

🐊 Gators
🌴 Florida
💖 Romance Bookstore
🫶Family
📚 Series Debut
🔍Cozy Mystery
🐾 Adorable Kitten
😹 Hoot & a Half
♥️ Budding Romance

This was such a fun series debut that kept me guessing and laughing until the last page! I can’t wait to see where Tara Lush will take the series from here!! 10/10 recommend!

Method Read: 📖

Thank you Tara Lush & 8th Note Press for the advanced copy!

I received this eARC from NetGalley and 8th Note Press in exchange for an honest review.

📚THE PLOT:
Maggie Andrews decides to return to her hometown of Wahoo, Florida, to take over her deceased father's gator trapping business and assist her sister Vera in opening a bookstore. However, Maggie Andrews finds herself caught up in the investigation of a murder involving her local rival trapper who was shot by Vera's gun.

💭MY THOUGHTS:
This was a really enjoyable read, quite cozy! The plot flowed smoothly, and I couldn't put the book down. The dynamic between Maggie and Jack, a criminology professor, added an extra layer of intrigue with some building tension. However, I found myself frustrated with Vera at times. Overall, it was a fun mix of fake dating, sexual tension, murder investigation, and gator trapping.

🚩We Get:
Fake dating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
sexual tension : 🌶
murder investigation :⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
gator trapping :⭐️⭐️⭐️

I thought this would be slightly cringey and give me secondhand embarasment, and I was correct. However, it was also a fun anc cute time with a character that is as delusional as I am! I will be putting it on my store shelves!

A quick little cozy mystery read with a dash of romance. I don't usually read cozy mysteries but this one was cute and I loved that it was based in Florida and that the main character and her sister were starting a romance bookstore.

At first, I thought that there might be a love triangle going on in this book, but alas, there is no love triangle. The romance in the book is very sweet and steamy - with kisses and thoughts but not a lot of real action.

I loved the animals in this book - from Catsy the kitten to Harry the iguana. They have so much personality.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, 8th Note Press, and Tara Lush for an ARC of this book!

Maggie Andrews leaves her job at the Boston Zoo to return home after her dad, known as the Gator King, passes away. She's determined to keep up the family business, rebranding under "Gator Queen." She'll follow in her father's footsteps of catch-and-release. Maggie's twin sister Vera has a plan of her own - a Romance genre bookshop in the downtown.

As both sisters start their new plans, their town nemesis, and an enemy to animals, turns up dead. When Vera ends up a suspect, Maggie is determined to prove her sister has been framed by finding the real killer. Enter criminology professor, Jack Bianchi, up for an in-person investigation, and a handsome new detective in town.

This fun an sassy cozy mystery is a fun Florida romp, leaning into the "Florida Man" trope.

When Maggie decides to move back to Wahoo, Florida to continue the family legacy of Gator Trapping while helping her sister open a romance bookstore, she doesn't expect to be thrown in the middle of a murder investigation. When rival gator trapper, Gene, ends up dead, her sister is the number one suspect. Now Maggie must find out who wanted Gene dead while dealing with the hot new detective and the handsome new tenant.

Gator Queen was everything I want in a cozy mystery. The investigation was equally parts hilarious and strange but was more in depth than I was expecting. I also enjoyed the romance between Maggie and Jack. I am curious to see how the relationship will evolve in the next book which I will be reading as soon as it is available.

Gator Queen comes out on March 26th.

Thank you NetGalley and 8th Note Press for the opportunity to review Gator Queen.

"Gator Queen" delivers a refreshing twist on the cozy mystery genre, blending elements of suspense, romance, and humor in an engaging narrative. The dynamic between the main characters, Jack, Maggie, and Vera, adds depth to the story, although Vera's character may pose a challenge for some readers. However, there's hope for her evolution in future installments.

While the final act reveal may not have packed as much punch as expected, the journey to get there is filled with enough twists and turns to keep readers hooked until the very end. Despite its minor flaws, "Gator Queen" offers an entertaining read that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the sequel.

Overall, "Gator Queen" is a modern cozy mystery that delivers on its promises of intrigue, romance, and humor, making it a worthwhile addition to any mystery lover's bookshelf.

This book was a pleasant surprise! Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC. I was skeptical of this book, the title and cover, threw me off. But there is a reason why you don't judge a book by its cover (it's OK). But this book is fun, quirky, and humorous with a mystery and some romance. What a great combination. I love how the author embraces the Florida vibe (just google Florida man), and leans into the fake boyfriend romance trope, as do the characters, which makes the story even more likable. Our heroine has returned home to continue the family business of gator trapping, and also to help her fraternal twin open her romance book store (so cute!). When a rival gator trapper is murdered, her twin becomes one of the suspects. Enter handsome newcomer to town! He decides to help our heroine solve this mystery, do sparks also fly???
Murder, local political drama, gossip, romance, Oh My! It's a fun ride, funny, and thoroughly enjoyable! And a kick-butt lady gator trapper!

Thank you Netgalley, Tara Lush, and 8th note press for granting me access to this book for an honest review.
This book was a wonderful experience. Right from the start, it drew me in- between the timely placed comedy, fast pace of the plot, and loveable characters, it was adorable. So charming and a wholesome read, I would definitely recommend people read this. The only critique I do have is that she placed “probably” at the beginning of half the sentences in her book. Overall it was really entertaining and cute and I enjoy her style of writing, I would love to read more of her books in the future.

I love a good murder mystery and this did not disappoint. I was suspicious of everyone, and trusted no one and I think that's because Tara wrote the story and the characters so well that anyone truly could have been the murderer. The story flowed really well, it was easy to read and I loved the quirkiness of the town, including Cheesy does it, and loved that Vera was opening a romance bookstore (we love that).

Now, I loved the story it was great, but I will say that Maggie and Jack's romance didn't really work for me, maybe because he was too nice (what is wrong with me). But I kept half expecting him to be the killer, and then it turned out he was just a nice guy. I also felt the ending was super rushed, from the moment you found out who the killer was, there was like one chapter and then it went straight into the epilogue, it just didn't 100% end right for me, we could have drawn it out a little bit more.

Otherwise really enjoyed this story, also loved that the protagonist was a gator catcher, that is so hilarious and also so Florida.

*Also important to note I did receive an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review :)

I recently read the book 'Gator Queen' by Tara Lush and I have to say, it was an entertaining and unique read. Set in the quirky town of Wahoo, Florida, the story follows the life of Maggie Andrews, a twenty-five-year-old gator trapper who is not afraid to get her hands dirty.

Maggie is a strong and determined character, and her love for her family business and the Florida wilderness is evident throughout the book. Her relationship with her twin sister Vera is also a key aspect of the story, and it was refreshing to see a strong bond between two sisters in a romance novel.



Enter Jack Bianchi, a handsome and intelligent criminology professor who is renting a room from the twins. Sparks fly between Maggie and Jack, but with Vera's recent troubles, Maggie doesn't have time for a steamy fling. However, when Vera becomes the prime suspect in a murder case, Maggie and Jack team up to investigate, pretending to be a couple to keep Vera's sketchy boyfriend at bay.



The mystery aspect of the story was well-written and kept me engaged until the very end. I loved how the author weaved in details about gator trapping and the Florida landscape, giving the book an authentic and unique feel.

One of the things I loved most about this book was the humor. The dialogue between the characters was witty and had me laughing out loud at times. It was a perfect balance of romance, mystery, and humor.



This was a fun and lighthearted read that will have you hooked from the very beginning. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance with a touch of mystery and a unique setting. Tara Lush has created a charming world filled with interesting characters and an entertaining plot that will keep you flipping through the pages until the end. I can't wait to read more from this talented author.

Animal Lovers Cozy-ish Mystery in which a woman returns home to Florida to take over her father's gator trapping business turns sleuth after her twin's implicated in a rival's death.

4/5 stars: This is the first entry in Lush's Critters and Criminals series, which is a Animal Lovers Cozy Mystery that takes place in Florida and features a woman who leaves her job at the Boston Zoo to return home to take over the family gator trapping business and reunite with her non-identical twin sister and help her with her new romance bookstore. With plenty of twists and turns, Lush has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Additionally, Lush's writing and character work is stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Maggie's one tough customer and I really liked her. Vera, her twin, is having a tough time in this book and I found it hard to connect to her. I really liked seeing Maggie and Jack, the Miami criminology professor, working together. I look forward to seeing what comes of their relationship which had some pretty steamy romantic moments in the book. And I have to say I love the name of Maggie's kitten, Casty Cline. I do wish there was a bit more of the gator / reptile wrangling as I found that fascinating. Otherwise, this is a nice start to a new series and I look forward to reading the next installment.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and 8th Note Press in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Gator Queen by Tara Lush offers a delightful blend of Southern charm, mystery, and romance that keeps you hooked till the very end. Set in the quirky town of Wahoo, Florida, the story follows the determined Maggie Andrews, a gator trapper with a heart of gold. While the backstory might start slow, it quickly captivates with its engaging characters and intriguing plot twists. Lush's vivid descriptions bring the swampy landscape to life, making you feel like you're right there alongside Maggie and Jack as they navigate the murky waters of murder and romance. With its feisty protagonist, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of twists and turns, Gator Queen is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries with a Southern flair.

This one was quite fun to read! I initially wasn't sure what to expect when I saw the title and the cover but was pleasantly surprised!

The way this book is a mystery and has a romance plot made my heart so happy.

If you're a fan of cozy mysteries you will enjoy this book.

Maggie returns to Florida from Boston after the death of her father to take over the family business of alligator pest removal (it's a thing!)

Her and her sister Vera are reunited and, as Vera gets her romance book store open, the two of them reconnect after some time apart.

There is a murder and Maggie, along with a writer who is staying with them, Jack, try to solve it and save the family name.

I really enjoyed some of this book - especially the information on alligators and Florida. The mystery was solid.

I just didn't feel myself drawn in by the characters or their relationships with each other. I think Jack's involvement came in too late in the story.

A fast-paced book, but a series that I probably won't continue to read.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and 8th Note Press. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thank you to 8th Note Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC!

I received an email from the publisher highlighting this book and I decided to try it, I am so glad I did! This book was so much fun. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down and it had the perfect blend of romance, mystery and humor with a dash of zany Florida flavor. Maggie is relatable and fun and I absolutely loved the simmering romance between her and Jack. The characters that we run into in Wahoo, Florida are true characters and I loved the ways separate plot points twined together at the end. I absolutely cannot wait til another book comes out! Perfect for those looking for a good mystery, a book to make them smile with a side of suspense. I plan to pick up more of Tara Lush's back list in the meantime!

This one was quite fun to read! I initially wasn't sure what to expect when I saw the title and the cover but was pleasantly surprised!

The way this book is a mystery and has a romance plot made my heart so happy.

I read this one while recovering and I just could not put it down even though I was supposed to be getting a lot of sleep (oops)!

It is a very quick book to read so if you are looking for an easy-to-read mystery this is the book for you!

Thank you very much to NetGalley and 8th Note Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

MARVELOUS!!! Thank you NetGalley, Tara Lush and 8th Note Press for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

This irresistibly cute and delightfully hilarious cozy mystery, sprinkled with romance, instantly captured my attention!! With its charming cover, catchy title, and the familiar setting of sunny Florida, my hometown and current abode, had me eagerly anticipating this read. Upon receiving the ARC, I held my breath, hoping it would live up to the hype, especially since I hadn't explored this author's work before. To my joyous surprise, it not only met but far exceeded my expectations, leaving me thoroughly entertained and eagerly awaiting more! The Gator Queen, the debut novel in the captivating "Critters and Criminals" series, intricately portrays the atmospherically rich culture of Florida. From the sweltering humidity to the treacherous swamps teeming with alligators 🐊, and the mischievous antics of various critters, to the quaint back of the woods town of Wahoo, Florida, the story exudes charm and authenticity through its evocative landscapes. The main characters are incredibly authentic, relatable, and endearing, drawing readers in with their genuine struggles and triumphs. Rooting for them becomes second nature as they navigate the complexities of family dynamics and self-worth while running not only a gator-catching business but also a charming romance bookstore. The addition of a fake dating trope injected into a murder investigation adds an exciting layer of intrigue to the story. Amidst the hilarious shenanigans and gossipy small-town atmosphere, readers will find themselves laughing until they cry, all while being fascinated by the riveting suspense and heartwarming moments of familial support. And of course, "Casey," the sweetest kitten 🐈 ever!! I absolutely loved this book so much and all the emotions it stirred within me!! 💛💛💛💛💛

In the eccentric town of Wahoo, Florida, twenty-five year old Maggie Andrews stands out as the girl who traps gators, defying stereotypes with her petite stature and unwavering determination. Following her father's last wish, Maggie leaves her job at the Boston Zoo to run the family business and reconnect with her twin sister, Vera. Enter Jack Bianchi, a Miami criminology professor renting a room from the twins. Jack is intelligent, great with Maggie's kitten, and undeniably attractive. As Maggie debates the possibility of a steamy fling, Vera finds herself in hot water when a rival gator trapper is found dead with bullets from Vera's stolen gun. With Vera as the prime suspect, Maggie and Jack team up to investigate. To avoid raising suspicions, they pretend to be romantically involved. Yet, navigating the complexities of fake dating and uncovering a killer proves more perilous than trapping gators. Despite the risks, Maggie is determined to protect her family's legacy, Vera's budding romance bookstore, and her own developing feelings for Jack.

In summary, Gator Queen is a fun, hilarious and heartwarming blend of mystery and romance that is sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. I highly recommend it and believe it deserves all the stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️