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The Fox Point Files #1
Dead and Breakfast
From New York Times bestselling author, Emma Hart, comes an addictive new romcom mystery series that fans of her Holly Woods Files series will adore. It's all the heat, heart, and snark you love—just deadly. Welcome to Fox Point — not everyone leaves this town alive. I remember the first time I ever saw Detective Inspector Noah George.
We were seven, stupid, and he threw sand in my eye. I’m pretty sure that’s when I fell in love with him. Hey—I did say I was stupid.
Summers in Fox Point, my grandfather’s seaside hometown, were all we had together. Then we turned eighteen, life happened, and he never spoke to me again.
Until my grandfather’s death calls me back to the small town, only for his lawyer to tell me he’s left me my family’s dilapidated bed and breakfast that was home to many things—my first sleepover party, where my grandma taught me to cross-stitch, my first kiss with Noah…
And apparently, my first dead body.
My name is Lottie O’Neil, and I’m on the hook for the murder of a man I’ve barely met.
And the one who’ll have to arrest me is the only man I’ve ever loved.
Unless I find the real killer first.
We were seven, stupid, and he threw sand in my eye. I’m pretty sure that’s when I fell in love with him. Hey—I did say I was stupid.
Summers in Fox Point, my grandfather’s seaside hometown, were all we had together. Then we turned eighteen, life happened, and he never spoke to me again.
Until my grandfather’s death calls me back to the small town, only for his lawyer to tell me he’s left me my family’s dilapidated bed and breakfast that was home to many things—my first sleepover party, where my grandma taught me to cross-stitch, my first kiss with Noah…
And apparently, my first dead body.
My name is Lottie O’Neil, and I’m on the hook for the murder of a man I’ve barely met.
And the one who’ll have to arrest me is the only man I’ve ever loved.
Unless I find the real killer first.
356 pages, Paperback
Published July 4, 2023
228 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hart
136 books7,568 followersEmma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels and has been translated into several different languages. She first put fingers to keys at the age of eighteen after her husband told her she read too much and should write her own.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut that's filled with dry wit, snappy, sarcastic comebacks, but lots of heart... And sex. Sometimes, she kills people. (Disclaimer: In books. But if you bug her, she'll use your name for the victims.)
You can find her online at www.emmahart.org, www.facebook.com/emmahartbooks, or join her reader group at http://bit.ly/EmmaHartsHartbreakers.
Four years later, she's still figuring out what he meant when he said she 'read too much.'
She prides herself on writing smart smut that's filled with dry wit, snappy, sarcastic comebacks, but lots of heart... And sex. Sometimes, she kills people. (Disclaimer: In books. But if you bug her, she'll use your name for the victims.)
You can find her online at www.emmahart.org, www.facebook.com/emmahartbooks, or join her reader group at http://bit.ly/EmmaHartsHartbreakers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
July 11, 2023
*4 Stars*
ARC kindly received for an honest review.
It took me a little while to get into this, but I think that's because I've had a bit going on - once I was able to settle down and properly focus on the book and where I was up to, I found I was really getting into it. I was definitely interested in the mystery, but I also really wanted to see what was going to happen between Lottie and Noah. I loved Ash and Granny too. Lots going on in this book, but it was a great mystery and I'm really looking forward to the next instalment. Definitely recommend.
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The Storygraph
ARC kindly received for an honest review.
It took me a little while to get into this, but I think that's because I've had a bit going on - once I was able to settle down and properly focus on the book and where I was up to, I found I was really getting into it. I was definitely interested in the mystery, but I also really wanted to see what was going to happen between Lottie and Noah. I loved Ash and Granny too. Lots going on in this book, but it was a great mystery and I'm really looking forward to the next instalment. Definitely recommend.
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July 6, 2023
Dead & Breakfast what more could you want? I’m a huge fan of Emma Hart and will read anything she writes. This is quirky as expected and has lots of charm.
Lotte is left a Bed and Breakfast in her Grandfathers will. With it comes new and past memories. Can she survive the murders and her past? And what will the future hold?
Lotte is left a Bed and Breakfast in her Grandfathers will. With it comes new and past memories. Can she survive the murders and her past? And what will the future hold?
July 15, 2023
So Emma Hart's rom com mysteries are what hooked me years ago, and you have no idea how excited I was when this series was announced. I absolutely love this combo of rom com and mystery. It has all the fun guessing of who-done-it and twists and turns paired with the light and fun comedy and romance. Emma married it together so well, and it makes for such a fantastic read. I absolutely love Lottie and had so much fun seeing her and Ash trying to solve this crime. Add in this 2nd chance potential with Noah, and it is just *chefs kisses*. I loved the characters, the mystery, the rom-com fun, and just everything about this book. I am so stinkin excited for book 2! I need more Lottie and Noah so so much. They have a hold on my heart like no other. Can't wait to see what trouble everyone gets themselves into next!
August 13, 2023
2.5 stars!@@
July 10, 2023
What an intense read! It's almost like there are two stories in one going on. Such fun and quirky characters that you just can't get enough of. Throw in a murder, mystery and love triangle and it was hard to put this book down. Cannot wait to see what happens next in this crazy little town.
August 3, 2023
That was a fun read
July 16, 2023
Dead & Breakfast is Book 1 in the newest series called "Fox Point Files" by author Emma Hart. In it we meet Lottie O’Neil who is just recently back in town after many years due to a death in family. She's left a Bed and Breakfast that was willed to her from her Grandfather. Lottie was willing to try to make the BnB work, it was going to take some time and Lottie was willing- anything to avoid Noah. That was working until Lottie found a dead body on the BnB property and she was suspended of murder. Noah came personally to question her regarding the murder. Noah has never forgotten Lottie from all those years ago yet he is dating someone else now. There's great chemistry between Noah and Lottie, also between secondary characters. Love how mystery and romance works. Reminds me of Holly Woods Files ... so far like this book and the twists and turns in it. Look forward to more.
My Rating: 4.4 stars **********
My Rating: 4.4 stars **********
July 24, 2023
Okay so I am a fan of Emma Hart and have been for a long time. I went into this hoping it would enrapture me like some of her other series had. I was a bit disappointed and I will tell you why. Lottie is back home to Fox Point because her ailing grandfather has died. Her mum's dad left her a bed and breakfast to renovate and return to its former glory. She hasn't been back to Fox Point in 10 years and is not looking forward to seeing her teenage love, Noah. She blames him for ghosting her all those years ago. I will say that she didn't quite own up to her own communication issues with him. They were both immature, but that was expected for 18 year olds. What is not expected is for her at the age of 28 to still be acting like a toddler. Every time Noah has to speak to her, she lashes out and then claims it's water under the bridge. I did find the mystery to be compelling and was wondering who did it for a while. Noah was doing his job when he first had to interact with Lottie and she did not handle it well at all. I wanted more adult intereactions between Noah and Lottie and less childish behavior. She did spend most of the book whining about how he broke her young heart. She didn't acknowledge her part in running off like a toddler and not telling him how she really felt. Both of them came off as needing to learn how to communicate. Am hoping the next book in this series has them showing more adult interactions.
July 12, 2023
When I read a romance, I expect romance between the leads.. I don't care if it's a duet or a trilogy, every book should have romance between the MCs.. In this, the hero spoiled it entirely.. I disliked him completely.. He didn't even apologize to the heroine after a decade, acted as if things were all roses and sunshine and had a girlfriend for most of the book.. Sorry, but I expect a book to have a love story between the hero and the heroine for the majority of the book and not some other person.. He apologized in the end and that too, after the heroine called him out on his behavior.. Why wait to take action until something dangerous happens? Ugh.. Goodbye, Dead book..
July 13, 2023
I was excited to read this new one from Emma Hart. I’m such a huge fan of the Hollywoods series so I knew this was was going to be good… and I wasn’t wrong.
This first in the series was such a fun read, full of weirdly wonderful characters, mystery and romance. What more could you want?!
Really looking forward to the rest of the series.
This first in the series was such a fun read, full of weirdly wonderful characters, mystery and romance. What more could you want?!
Really looking forward to the rest of the series.
July 4, 2023
***ARC Provided by the Author***
I've read most of the recent ritles by this author, but I haven't read her Holly Woods books, so I went into this one pretty fresh without a bunch of expectations.
That said, it was a delight to read. It had the fun and whimsy I expect from her books (although her romance titles do have fewer dead people) the excellent additional characters and enough going on around the story to leave me fully engaged in it.
Noah and Lottie have a painful history so him showing up at the scene of the murder where she found the body, impressively, allowed the day to go from bad to worse.
I enjoyed the parts of their relationship that was intertwined with the mystery and I'm looking forward to the next title in this series.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
I've read most of the recent ritles by this author, but I haven't read her Holly Woods books, so I went into this one pretty fresh without a bunch of expectations.
That said, it was a delight to read. It had the fun and whimsy I expect from her books (although her romance titles do have fewer dead people) the excellent additional characters and enough going on around the story to leave me fully engaged in it.
Noah and Lottie have a painful history so him showing up at the scene of the murder where she found the body, impressively, allowed the day to go from bad to worse.
I enjoyed the parts of their relationship that was intertwined with the mystery and I'm looking forward to the next title in this series.
I enjoyed and recommend this title.
November 2, 2023
Dead and Breakfast is written in Lottie’s perspective. Her grandpa had just passed away and she found out she inherited the family breakfast that’s been closed for the past four years. At her grandpa’s wake, a man named Declan who runs a construction business approaches her and asks for her to sell it to her. Which is absolutely rude and disrespectful. Anyway, the next day Lottie goes to the B&B and finds Declan dead. Her friend Ashley basically says that she needs to solve who killed him and why because the police were incompetent, which is funny because Ash’s brother Noah is a local detective and is on the case. Lottie and Ash befriend Stephanie who is Declan’s wife and Lottie tries to get information about her and Declan’s relationship and his business.
Ash, Noah and Lottie have been friends since they were seven, but Noah had a crush on her and when they were teenagers began dating, until he told her he loved her, and she ran away because she was scared about her feelings towards him. She texted him and he never texted her back. So, they haven’t seen each other in ten years and now he’s suddenly everywhere she is. She still has feelings towards him and he towards her.
The banter and humor in this is amazing! I laughed out loud so many times! I enjoyed the plot and the mystery! Like any mystery there’s little hints about who it might be. You could feel Lottie’s pain about seeing Noah again and trying to move in from their past. I enjoyed this book so much and can’t wait to see what mystery comes next!
Ash, Noah and Lottie have been friends since they were seven, but Noah had a crush on her and when they were teenagers began dating, until he told her he loved her, and she ran away because she was scared about her feelings towards him. She texted him and he never texted her back. So, they haven’t seen each other in ten years and now he’s suddenly everywhere she is. She still has feelings towards him and he towards her.
The banter and humor in this is amazing! I laughed out loud so many times! I enjoyed the plot and the mystery! Like any mystery there’s little hints about who it might be. You could feel Lottie’s pain about seeing Noah again and trying to move in from their past. I enjoyed this book so much and can’t wait to see what mystery comes next!
January 3, 2024
4.5 stars
Classic Emma Hart storytelling. Funny, FMC is a bit of a hot mess, hot stoic broody MMC, crazy old people, weird animals…and all built on a murder mystery!
Lottie returns to her grandad’s hometown for his funeral. It’s a place where she spent all her summers, but hasn’t returned so for the last ten years after her heart was broken by the one boy she thought would never hurt her.
Her grandad left her his B&B which has been empty for four years. And is in a complete state.
Day 1 she finds a dead badger.
Day 2 she finds a dead human. Bad times all around. And of course she’s suspect number one at first because it’s her property, and she had a public altercation with the dead guy the day before. Super duper bad times.
We all know I’m a sucker for a second chance romance so I kept rooting for these two lovebirds to put their shit aside and just get it together already. But be warned, it is a sllloooooowwwwww burn. Glacial.
This is just the first book in what I believe is going to be a series and I cannot wait for the next book! I need more of these characters already and I 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 Noah and Lottie to get it on! I can’t remember if Emma’s books are usually spicy or not though. Either way, gimme all the lovin’!
Classic Emma Hart storytelling. Funny, FMC is a bit of a hot mess, hot stoic broody MMC, crazy old people, weird animals…and all built on a murder mystery!
Lottie returns to her grandad’s hometown for his funeral. It’s a place where she spent all her summers, but hasn’t returned so for the last ten years after her heart was broken by the one boy she thought would never hurt her.
Her grandad left her his B&B which has been empty for four years. And is in a complete state.
Day 1 she finds a dead badger.
Day 2 she finds a dead human. Bad times all around. And of course she’s suspect number one at first because it’s her property, and she had a public altercation with the dead guy the day before. Super duper bad times.
We all know I’m a sucker for a second chance romance so I kept rooting for these two lovebirds to put their shit aside and just get it together already. But be warned, it is a sllloooooowwwwww burn. Glacial.
This is just the first book in what I believe is going to be a series and I cannot wait for the next book! I need more of these characters already and I 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 Noah and Lottie to get it on! I can’t remember if Emma’s books are usually spicy or not though. Either way, gimme all the lovin’!
August 7, 2023
let's discuss Emma Hart ...i knew i had not read any from her in a long while. so i am trying to recall in mind ...she has pink hair ...but that name didn't stick out. so i had to go back through my books ...and i will say that my kindle reads are plenty ...but i did recall her books ...found this was out so i did grab it. so cute. i have a bit more to go ...but so far ...i can say i loved it. so fun!! if you have KU it is on that service. i gave it up ...due to the increase of cost and less books i wish to read on there. i am over how Amazon works in that ...they tend to recommend books they wanna have you read. i wanna read what i wanna read not what they so desire. make sense??! so this was out July 11, 2023. (which was just last month, i am wondering why i didn't recall that? i have kind of stepped away from the book world a lot ...i had a book blog and that didn't do what i wish for ...but i miss it ...but all the effort was kinda a waste. oh well ...it was fun ...try to keep up with my favorite though.) mystery romance. amateur sleuths. romantic comedy.
July 10, 2023
“Tall. Handsome. Dark haired. Green eyes. Tattooed.
It was a shame he was a heart-reaking bastard, or he’d almost be perfect.”
Welcome to Fox Point. A cozy small town with plenty of locally owned restaurants and shops, a beer garden, nosy locals who enjoy all the gossip, and a bit of murder!
Lottie O’Neil hasn’t been back to Fox Point for ten years. She’s avoided the small town she loved as well as the boy she fell in love with to avoid heartbreak. But, when her grandfather passed away, he left her his beloved bed and breakfast. While it needs a lot of work, Lottie is all in, even if it means avoiding Noah. That is, until she finds a dead body and lands on the suspect list!
Noah George may have ghosted Lottie all those years ago, but he’s never forgotten her even though he’s dating someone new. He also never expected to have to question her for murder either. Can he solve the murder before Lottie and the locals rallying around her get into trouble trying to discover who did it on their own?
Yeah for cozy mysteries! I’m already in love with Fox Point and these characters and cannot wait for more of the series! Lottie is a whole lot of hot mess as she tries to figure out her life while navigating an ex she never stopped loving all while being front and center in a murder investigation. I adored how she just slipped back into the small town she loved without any hesitation. Her wit and humor are so much fun, and I loved her vulnerability when it came to her feelings for Noah.
I need more from Noah in the next book, because I’m totally intrigued. We get some great glimpses, but the story is more told from Lottie’s view point. We do know he isn’t ready to let Lottie go, though, so I’m pretty excited for that.
The town locals are also amazing! The elderly gossip brigade, Noah’s sister and Lottie’s friend Ash and even the dead man’s widow Stephanie add humor and depth as friendships are revitalized and started anew and everyone rallies around Lottie in their quest to solve the murder.
Dead and Breakfast was the perfect mix of small town, cozy mystery, and second chances filled with fabulous characters I want more of! 4.5 stars.
It was a shame he was a heart-reaking bastard, or he’d almost be perfect.”
Welcome to Fox Point. A cozy small town with plenty of locally owned restaurants and shops, a beer garden, nosy locals who enjoy all the gossip, and a bit of murder!
Lottie O’Neil hasn’t been back to Fox Point for ten years. She’s avoided the small town she loved as well as the boy she fell in love with to avoid heartbreak. But, when her grandfather passed away, he left her his beloved bed and breakfast. While it needs a lot of work, Lottie is all in, even if it means avoiding Noah. That is, until she finds a dead body and lands on the suspect list!
Noah George may have ghosted Lottie all those years ago, but he’s never forgotten her even though he’s dating someone new. He also never expected to have to question her for murder either. Can he solve the murder before Lottie and the locals rallying around her get into trouble trying to discover who did it on their own?
Yeah for cozy mysteries! I’m already in love with Fox Point and these characters and cannot wait for more of the series! Lottie is a whole lot of hot mess as she tries to figure out her life while navigating an ex she never stopped loving all while being front and center in a murder investigation. I adored how she just slipped back into the small town she loved without any hesitation. Her wit and humor are so much fun, and I loved her vulnerability when it came to her feelings for Noah.
I need more from Noah in the next book, because I’m totally intrigued. We get some great glimpses, but the story is more told from Lottie’s view point. We do know he isn’t ready to let Lottie go, though, so I’m pretty excited for that.
The town locals are also amazing! The elderly gossip brigade, Noah’s sister and Lottie’s friend Ash and even the dead man’s widow Stephanie add humor and depth as friendships are revitalized and started anew and everyone rallies around Lottie in their quest to solve the murder.
Dead and Breakfast was the perfect mix of small town, cozy mystery, and second chances filled with fabulous characters I want more of! 4.5 stars.
July 16, 2023
I feel like it has been ages since I’ve read an Emma Hart book! I’m thrilled that my dive back in was Dead & Breakfast. I’ve even more excited that this will be a new series and this is book one in the “Fox Point Files”. The book opens with Lottie’s grandfather passing away. She is left the Ivy Bed & Breakfast and some money to fix it up. It’s been vacant for four years now and it’s definitely showing some wear and tear… not to mention the dead body! In walks Noah, Lottie’s ex and the cop there to investigate the dead body. Things get super sticky… not just with the dead body situation but Noah has a girlfriend.
I think what’s really important to note is that this isn’t first a romance, in my opinion. It’s more a mystery first, and then we have some romance sprinkled in. Some might think it wasn’t enough romance but for me, it was just enough. I like my mysteries with LIGHT romance. If I wanted a romance book, I’d grab straight romance. If you scroll up to the top of Goodreads, it lists the genres. Mystery is the first one listed. Anyways, enough of that. I really enjoyed that this book still had Hart’s signature wit and humor. I would still find my self chuckling at her antics. I really enjoyed the book and am excited to read more.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I will leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
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I think what’s really important to note is that this isn’t first a romance, in my opinion. It’s more a mystery first, and then we have some romance sprinkled in. Some might think it wasn’t enough romance but for me, it was just enough. I like my mysteries with LIGHT romance. If I wanted a romance book, I’d grab straight romance. If you scroll up to the top of Goodreads, it lists the genres. Mystery is the first one listed. Anyways, enough of that. I really enjoyed that this book still had Hart’s signature wit and humor. I would still find my self chuckling at her antics. I really enjoyed the book and am excited to read more.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I will leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
July 12, 2023
Vous lisez en anglais?
Vous voulez quelque chose de nouveau, de drôle?
Vous aimez les cosy murder dans les petites villes?
Alors Dead & Breakfast le 1er tome de la série Fox Point files.
Charlotte aka Lotti vient d'hériter du vieux bed & breakfast de son grand-père, elle qui avait quitté la petite ville de fox point ne s'imaginait pas revenir 10 ans après.
L'établissement n'est pas au mieux de sa forme, et surtout que quelqu'un souhaite l'acheter.
Lottie refuse cette proposition et malheureusement elle découvre cet acheteur mort dans son bed & breakfast.
Et celui qui en charge de l'enquête est son 1er petit ami, le 1er qui lui a brisé le coeur.
Mais Noah est intouchable maintenant, il a une petite amie qui se croit tout permis et qui n'est pas une grande fan de Lottie, et qui n'est pas acceptée par la famille de Noah.
Lottie ne veut rien savoir de Noah, c'est trop tard, les excuses arrivent trop tard et puis elle a une enquête à mener avec Ash, la soeur de Noah.
Toutes les deux avec la grand-mère forment un petit clan et leur répartie est à mourir de rire.
Mais qui a bien pu tuer Declan? Son ex-femme?
Tout le monde le détestait, ce n'était pas un saint mais mourir comme ça il ne le méritait pas.
Oui maintenant sa vie n'est pas devenue ce qu'elle esperait. Son travail à Bristol ne lui manque pas, rénover l'établissement n'est pas une partie de plaisir. Or elle peut compter sur sa famille et sur certains membres de la communauté. (le coup de la caméra franchement était très comique, ne jugeons pas ceux qui ne connaissent rien en informatique).
Et cette enquête lui prend du temps, éviter Noah semble la meilleure solution. C'est vraiment dommage par contre qu'on a eu qu'un seul chapitre sur ce qu'il pense.
Mais bon ce chapitre est important.
Au final c'est un bon 1er tome, qui place l'histoire, qui nous présente les personnages et c'est un cosy parfait si vous êtes un afficionado de ce genre.
J'espère lire la suite et voir comment Lottie se débrouille avec le bed & breakfast
Vous voulez quelque chose de nouveau, de drôle?
Vous aimez les cosy murder dans les petites villes?
Alors Dead & Breakfast le 1er tome de la série Fox Point files.
Charlotte aka Lotti vient d'hériter du vieux bed & breakfast de son grand-père, elle qui avait quitté la petite ville de fox point ne s'imaginait pas revenir 10 ans après.
L'établissement n'est pas au mieux de sa forme, et surtout que quelqu'un souhaite l'acheter.
Lottie refuse cette proposition et malheureusement elle découvre cet acheteur mort dans son bed & breakfast.
Et celui qui en charge de l'enquête est son 1er petit ami, le 1er qui lui a brisé le coeur.
Mais Noah est intouchable maintenant, il a une petite amie qui se croit tout permis et qui n'est pas une grande fan de Lottie, et qui n'est pas acceptée par la famille de Noah.
Lottie ne veut rien savoir de Noah, c'est trop tard, les excuses arrivent trop tard et puis elle a une enquête à mener avec Ash, la soeur de Noah.
Toutes les deux avec la grand-mère forment un petit clan et leur répartie est à mourir de rire.
Mais qui a bien pu tuer Declan? Son ex-femme?
Tout le monde le détestait, ce n'était pas un saint mais mourir comme ça il ne le méritait pas.
Oui maintenant sa vie n'est pas devenue ce qu'elle esperait. Son travail à Bristol ne lui manque pas, rénover l'établissement n'est pas une partie de plaisir. Or elle peut compter sur sa famille et sur certains membres de la communauté. (le coup de la caméra franchement était très comique, ne jugeons pas ceux qui ne connaissent rien en informatique).
Et cette enquête lui prend du temps, éviter Noah semble la meilleure solution. C'est vraiment dommage par contre qu'on a eu qu'un seul chapitre sur ce qu'il pense.
Mais bon ce chapitre est important.
Au final c'est un bon 1er tome, qui place l'histoire, qui nous présente les personnages et c'est un cosy parfait si vous êtes un afficionado de ce genre.
J'espère lire la suite et voir comment Lottie se débrouille avec le bed & breakfast
August 16, 2023
Cozy mystery that wasn't too bad. This author's books so far as I've read are set in the UK but there are some things she says that make me think she isn't British, whatever the case may be she does a good job with all the colloquiums that I wasn't put off.
The book was set at a good pace, even if the killer was easy to decipher. Another thing I've noticed in the books by this author she always has some octogenarian granny in the mix, while I'm all about a feisty old person to lighten the mood I can imagine that if it's a constant thing it'll get old quickly.
This is the first in a series and if I'm looking to unplug my brain which I usually do when travelling I'm definitely going to pick up book 2 when it comes out.
The book was set at a good pace, even if the killer was easy to decipher. Another thing I've noticed in the books by this author she always has some octogenarian granny in the mix, while I'm all about a feisty old person to lighten the mood I can imagine that if it's a constant thing it'll get old quickly.
This is the first in a series and if I'm looking to unplug my brain which I usually do when travelling I'm definitely going to pick up book 2 when it comes out.
July 25, 2023
As a child, Charlotte O'Neil spent summers with her grandparents in the small seaside town of Fox Point. That's where she met her first love, Noah George, though they haven't spoken since they were teenagers. The relationship ended awkwardly after Lottie headed off to university in Bristol; Noah stayed behind in Fox Point and eventually ghosted her. Ten years later, Lottie's back in town for her grandfather's funeral when she learns that she's unexpectedly inherited the family bed and breakfast. She decides to stay and try to make a go of the business, though the building will need extensive renovations before it can reopen.
Unfortunately, things take a turn after Lottie has an unpleasant encounter with a property developer, Declan Tierney, who doesn't take it well when she refuses to sell him the property. The next day, she's at the bed and breakfast preparing for an electrician's visit when she stumbles upon Tierney's dead body. Noah, now a police detective, is assigned to investigate the murder, and Lottie is apparently the prime suspect. She's not going down for a crime she didn't commit, however. With a little help from Noah's twin sister Ash, she decides to do her own investigating and clear her name.
It might seem strange to describe a murder mystery as fun, but this one really was. The investigation into Tierney's murder was twisty and kept me guessing, I enjoyed the witty banter between Lottie and Noah as well as the exploration of their romantic history, and the story's secondary characters were truly entertaining, particularly Noah's sister Ash and grandmother Gwen. There is a ton of potential here for future books set in Fox Point, and I can't wait to find out what the author's planning next.
Overall, I highly recommend this story for all fans of cozy mysteries, contemporary romance, and romantic comedy. Hopefully we won't have to wait long for book 2's release!
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Unfortunately, things take a turn after Lottie has an unpleasant encounter with a property developer, Declan Tierney, who doesn't take it well when she refuses to sell him the property. The next day, she's at the bed and breakfast preparing for an electrician's visit when she stumbles upon Tierney's dead body. Noah, now a police detective, is assigned to investigate the murder, and Lottie is apparently the prime suspect. She's not going down for a crime she didn't commit, however. With a little help from Noah's twin sister Ash, she decides to do her own investigating and clear her name.
It might seem strange to describe a murder mystery as fun, but this one really was. The investigation into Tierney's murder was twisty and kept me guessing, I enjoyed the witty banter between Lottie and Noah as well as the exploration of their romantic history, and the story's secondary characters were truly entertaining, particularly Noah's sister Ash and grandmother Gwen. There is a ton of potential here for future books set in Fox Point, and I can't wait to find out what the author's planning next.
Overall, I highly recommend this story for all fans of cozy mysteries, contemporary romance, and romantic comedy. Hopefully we won't have to wait long for book 2's release!
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 25, 2023
I went in thinking it was going to be a quick read.. I lost interest at about 50%… i shelved it and came back to it.. the last 30-40ish% picked up and we moved much quicker. The last part saved the book/rating.
I will say for two of the plot points.. it was a very quick.. “okay this is what happened” it felt rushed. In my opinion they could have shortened some of the beginning stuff and played out the scene where Lottie finds out who the killer is.
I did like the book. There is a book 2 so I am going to give it a shot and see what happens.. I did love the characters and side characters.
Also the cover is GORGEOUS!!!
Kindle unlimited
I will say for two of the plot points.. it was a very quick.. “okay this is what happened” it felt rushed. In my opinion they could have shortened some of the beginning stuff and played out the scene where Lottie finds out who the killer is.
I did like the book. There is a book 2 so I am going to give it a shot and see what happens.. I did love the characters and side characters.
Also the cover is GORGEOUS!!!
Kindle unlimited
May 25, 2024
I was a little hesitant about this book because the last Emma Hart I read was not so great. But I loved the easy readability of this book. It reminds me of the Maddie Baker series by Denise Grover Swank but tamer. The mystery is established early and the crime is not gruesome in itself. And the characters all have chemistry and are fairly developed.
I enjoyed the side characters and it a good writing that brought the mains together. Though I wish Lottie and Noah had been developed a bit more. The mystery isn’t particularly deep but it keeps your attention and you have to do a bit of thinking for the whodunnit.
Nothing steamy, really wholesome all around. Can’t wait for the second book!
I enjoyed the side characters and it a good writing that brought the mains together. Though I wish Lottie and Noah had been developed a bit more. The mystery isn’t particularly deep but it keeps your attention and you have to do a bit of thinking for the whodunnit.
Nothing steamy, really wholesome all around. Can’t wait for the second book!
July 9, 2023
Thank you so much Emma Hart for sending me this ARC!
Dead & Breakfast is the first book on a new rom-com mystery series from Emma Hart and I really loved Lottie’s story and can’t wait to read more!
When her beloved grandfather dies, Charlotte inherits the Bed and Breakfast he always loved and is put in charge of its renovations. What she doesn’t expect is to find a dead body there and become a suspect in a case investigated by Noah, her childhood friend and first love who cut contact with her 10 years ago. With the help of her best friend and Noah’s sister, Lottie decides to investigate the murder herself, which proves difficult when she befriends one of her suspects and her feelings for Noah resurface.
Dead & Breakfast was a completely different read than what I came to expect from Emma and I had so much fun reading this book. Lottie is an amazing FMC, she is strong and often talks before she thinks and I loved her as the main character. While there wasn’t a lot of romance in this book, I really liked the tension between Lottie and Noah and I was curious as to what exactly happened between them in the past. I must say I really like the direction the autor takes the romance in and I can’t wait to read more about them in the second book. That being said, the small amount of romance didn’t bother me because the plot was really interesting and I loved seeing Lottie and her friends trying to solve the murder with close to zero skills, I was laughing out loud in a few scenes, but this book also kept me on the edge of my seat in other scenes, I felt like there was a perfect balance between the mystery part of the book and the rom-com one, I can’t wait for more such books from Emma.
Dead & Breakfast is a really fun read that I absolutely recommend everyone, this book is so good! There is no cliffhanger at the end, but I loved the plot, the romance and the characters and already can’t wait to see what else Emma has in store for them.
Dead & Breakfast is the first book on a new rom-com mystery series from Emma Hart and I really loved Lottie’s story and can’t wait to read more!
When her beloved grandfather dies, Charlotte inherits the Bed and Breakfast he always loved and is put in charge of its renovations. What she doesn’t expect is to find a dead body there and become a suspect in a case investigated by Noah, her childhood friend and first love who cut contact with her 10 years ago. With the help of her best friend and Noah’s sister, Lottie decides to investigate the murder herself, which proves difficult when she befriends one of her suspects and her feelings for Noah resurface.
Dead & Breakfast was a completely different read than what I came to expect from Emma and I had so much fun reading this book. Lottie is an amazing FMC, she is strong and often talks before she thinks and I loved her as the main character. While there wasn’t a lot of romance in this book, I really liked the tension between Lottie and Noah and I was curious as to what exactly happened between them in the past. I must say I really like the direction the autor takes the romance in and I can’t wait to read more about them in the second book. That being said, the small amount of romance didn’t bother me because the plot was really interesting and I loved seeing Lottie and her friends trying to solve the murder with close to zero skills, I was laughing out loud in a few scenes, but this book also kept me on the edge of my seat in other scenes, I felt like there was a perfect balance between the mystery part of the book and the rom-com one, I can’t wait for more such books from Emma.
Dead & Breakfast is a really fun read that I absolutely recommend everyone, this book is so good! There is no cliffhanger at the end, but I loved the plot, the romance and the characters and already can’t wait to see what else Emma has in store for them.
August 18, 2023
This book was so addicting, I kept falling asleep staying up too late to read it 🤣😅🫣 but now that I’ve finished I can’t wait for more of this series! I really enjoyed reading fox point and Emma’s writing is amazing, I was laughing and really enjoying this book period. I highly recommend this for a enjoyable read!
I received an arc for my honest review & I’ve also used kindle unlimited to rent and read this book to support the author. This review is my own personal opinion and I had no influence to write it.
I received an arc for my honest review & I’ve also used kindle unlimited to rent and read this book to support the author. This review is my own personal opinion and I had no influence to write it.
September 2, 2023
I really enjoyed Emma Hart’s other mystery romcom the ‘Holly Woods files’ series so was keen to get into this one.
This was defs different. Compared to the other series this was more ‘cozy’ if you can call a murder mystery that. It was a super slow burn between Lottie and Noah and the story didn’t focus much on their relationship but more of Lottie and Ash digging around for clues to clear Lottie’s name.
I did guess the murderer early on so was chuffed to be right ahah. But yeah still enjoyed it so keen for the next one
This was defs different. Compared to the other series this was more ‘cozy’ if you can call a murder mystery that. It was a super slow burn between Lottie and Noah and the story didn’t focus much on their relationship but more of Lottie and Ash digging around for clues to clear Lottie’s name.
I did guess the murderer early on so was chuffed to be right ahah. But yeah still enjoyed it so keen for the next one
October 16, 2023
Estaba entusiasmada con este porque la premisa es genial, pero sentí que demoró mucho para llegar a las cosas interesantes. No estuvo mal pero perdí interés en la trama en el camino. Hay muy pocas partes buenas que no se compensan con otras cosas que encontré molestas y que se acumularon hasta el final. Fue una lectura llena de baches. La trama es perezosa y los personajes son muy predecibles y nada interesantes. No fue ni romántico ni creíble de ninguna manera. Lo que más me molestó fue el constante ir y venir entre los protagonistas y la falta de comunicación.
January 5, 2024
Theres noone who can quite write a crazy grandparent like Emma Hart and this story is no different.. Gwen made me laugh at so many points throughout reading this book!
Lottie travels home to the family when her beloved grandad passes away and thats just the start of her journey of twists, intrigue and old friendships!
Noah is now a local detective and after Lottie not seeing or speaking to him for many yrars she knows things wont be plain sailing on her return.
Really enjoyed this book.
*Read as part of KU*
Lottie travels home to the family when her beloved grandad passes away and thats just the start of her journey of twists, intrigue and old friendships!
Noah is now a local detective and after Lottie not seeing or speaking to him for many yrars she knows things wont be plain sailing on her return.
Really enjoyed this book.
*Read as part of KU*
January 7, 2025
The cozy mystery part of this was predictable but not terrible, and the romance was pretty nonexistent. I wouldn’t even really consider this a romance. The rest of the series might be, if it actually does get continued. My main issue was with the FMC. I found her to be pretty childish and insufferable. I couldn’t stand that her only way of dealing with Noah was either running away or avoiding him. It’s pretty hard to work your problems out like adults when you don’t actually speak to each other.
July 10, 2023
Seppy's 5-Star Review:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love Emma Hart's books and this one is a tad bit different that her other books but who doesn't love a good mystery?
Lottie return to her hometown after the death of her grandfather who leaves her the bed and breakfast that hasn't been open in 4 yrs in his will. Now she has to decide what she wants to do with it as well as the rest of her life. She loved the bed & breakfast as a young child and has fond memories there. But moving back here now when she has a lot of unresolved emotions to deal with. She is completely overwhelmed. At her grandfathers wake, a man who offered to purchase her newly inherited B&B and wouldn't take no for an answer. 24 hours later, he is found dead in the bed and breakfast and she found him. She is questioned by the police by someone from her past Noah and is a possibile suspect. She is determined to clear her name and decides to investigate it herself.
This is a story full of mystery, fun banter and situations that have you laughing out loud. It is a romcom/ mystery romance. Lottie is a great character that is completely impulsive and her sleuthing shenanigans lead her into trouble. Lottie is a character and I love her so much. She has a lot going on in this book especially dealing with Noah and their past.
This is the first book in a new series and I can't wait to see what will be in the next book. I'm sure will follow Lottie on many shenanigans as she works to get the bed & breakfast up an running. Whatever it is about I will be one clicking it. I love Emma harts books they are always fun, enjoyable, rom/coms that are always swoon worthy reads. This one is different and I can't tell you enough how much I love it.
I love Emma Hart's books and this one is a tad bit different that her other books but who doesn't love a good mystery?
Lottie return to her hometown after the death of her grandfather who leaves her the bed and breakfast that hasn't been open in 4 yrs in his will. Now she has to decide what she wants to do with it as well as the rest of her life. She loved the bed & breakfast as a young child and has fond memories there. But moving back here now when she has a lot of unresolved emotions to deal with. She is completely overwhelmed. At her grandfathers wake, a man who offered to purchase her newly inherited B&B and wouldn't take no for an answer. 24 hours later, he is found dead in the bed and breakfast and she found him. She is questioned by the police by someone from her past Noah and is a possibile suspect. She is determined to clear her name and decides to investigate it herself.
This is a story full of mystery, fun banter and situations that have you laughing out loud. It is a romcom/ mystery romance. Lottie is a great character that is completely impulsive and her sleuthing shenanigans lead her into trouble. Lottie is a character and I love her so much. She has a lot going on in this book especially dealing with Noah and their past.
This is the first book in a new series and I can't wait to see what will be in the next book. I'm sure will follow Lottie on many shenanigans as she works to get the bed & breakfast up an running. Whatever it is about I will be one clicking it. I love Emma harts books they are always fun, enjoyable, rom/coms that are always swoon worthy reads. This one is different and I can't tell you enough how much I love it.
August 6, 2023
This is way less about romance and more about the mystery.
Charlotte inherits a decrepit B&B which sits on a valuable plot of land. A creepy developer makes her a low ball offer at her grandfather's wake and then ends up dead at her new B&B the next day.
Her first love is now a police officer/sheriff and there are the beginnings of something... maybe.
The nice thing is that I didn't guess this right away.
Charlotte inherits a decrepit B&B which sits on a valuable plot of land. A creepy developer makes her a low ball offer at her grandfather's wake and then ends up dead at her new B&B the next day.
Her first love is now a police officer/sheriff and there are the beginnings of something... maybe.
The nice thing is that I didn't guess this right away.
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