Detective Stratton Bright is a man with many secrets. He came to Grimm Cove on the hunt for a killer who is anything but human. Not only is he duty-bound by birth to protect those who cannot protect themselves, he’s got a personal stake in the matter. So when the trail went cold, his gut told him to remain in the South Carolina town and lay down roots.
Now after years without any leads, the killer has resurfaced with their sights set on a new arrival to town–a woman Stratton finds himself oddly drawn to. When it becomes clear that the killer intends to harm her to teach Stratton a lesson, he digs deep and stops holding back.
NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Mandy M. Roth® loves 80s music and movies and wishes leg warmers would come back into fashion. She also thinks the movie The Breakfast Club should be mandatory viewing for…okay, everyone. When she’s not dancing around her office to the sounds of the 80s, she’s busy writing paranormal operatives and kick-butt urban fantasy heroines. Mandy lives in Oxford, Mississippi with her husband and three boys. She has sold over 2 million books. Mandy has published with Harlequin, Random House/ Virgin Books, numerous small presses, and has had an amazingly successful indie career. She’s had bestselling books in a multitude of categories and genres at Amazon, Nook, Google Play, Apple Books, and Kobo.
What a joy to be back in Grimm Cove once again. This is Stratton's story and one that I've been impatiently waiting to read. This story is complex as it gives great insight into Stratton's history as well as Astria's journey from from childhood to a woman who must now face her past I really enjoyed visiting with Dana and Marcy once again. Marcy always provides the humor when she appears on the page and it helped to lighten this story exactly when it was needed. A perfectly satisfying addition to Ms. Roth's Grimm Cove series.
No lie, I was not a huge fan of book 3 (for reasons that likely had more to do with me than anything, but let's move on, shall we?), but Stratton and Astria's story hit it out of the park for me. I feel like we got STORY this time. So much story. Plus new characters, new ongoing issues (of the slightly non-dead variety), and a whole lot of Grimm Cove shenanigans.
But let's start at the beginning. Stratton and Astria. He's an immortal fae who does a very good job at hiding who and what he is from the locals. She's a woman on the run who's distanced herself from everyone she loves in order to keep them safe.
Hold up. That's not the beginning. That's more the end. When we first meet Stratton, he's tangled up in a gruesome case potentially involving the Frankenstein family. Astria makes him feel wildly protective, but she's barely more than a baby at the time and circumstances have them flung apart (which is good since Astria needed a chance to grow up) and separated for a fair amount of time. Years later, since bad luck (of the paranormal-ish variety) seems to follow Astria around, she's taken the drastic step if going full-loner to keep her family and friends safe.
Things happen, monsters are created, secrets are uncovered, Grimm Cove calls everybody to it when it's time for those secrets to be revealed, Stratton and Astria eventually figure things out, and there are more couples being lined up for the future. After all, Astria had several friends who are on their way to GC!
Solid story, a whole lot of monsters, and a couple who grew into each other. *thumbs up*
Holy crud on a cracker! This series just keeps getting better. The first trio sets up the series then book 4 introduces what I want to call "the next wave". I was glued to this book and didn't want it to end. Semi spoiler... the ending sets up for book 5. I failed to say that I love this book! Yup, I have re read parts of it multiple times already. Stratton is more than he appears and no one is quite sure what he is. He was called to Grimm Cove, and he was there years before. Astria returns to Grimm Cove in order to hopefully put an end to everything that haunts her. Little does she know this is just the beginning and not everything is as it seems. Stratton and Astria met when she was a young child, then again later in life. Neither realized who the other was to them.... fast forward many many years. Both have grown and it has been over 35 years since they first met. This book brings them back together and solves part of a mystery but what is next?
These two just kept being in the right place at the wrong time. Every time I thought they would finally connect, bamm! The world would explode, body parts would fly, and once again the author would prove that she is a master of suspense…..and delayed gratification. I love the quirky characters, the zinging one liners, and the danger edged in humor. This is one of my favorite books from the series, I only have three other favorites so far, and I enjoyed every step toward the HEA. I can’t even imagine where this series is going next, but you can be sure I am going along for the ride
This story dove straight in and was action packed from the very beginning. The recurring characters, as well as Stratton and Astria, created an entertaining story that I highly recommend!
It’s time to return to Grimm Cove once again with some new faces and lots of familiar ones as well with Starry with a Chance of Nightshade. This story jumps around in time periods but I easily fell into the rhythm of it. This is one of those times where I feel it would deliver the best experience if you’ve read the series (in order) so far. Sure, you could read it as a standalone and enjoy the story but you won’t know how some things fit together with the earlier stories, and having that background, knowing those nuances gave me a better chance to simply step back into this world. That’s my opinion, not a set rule. Either way, you’re going to discover a fun story that will give you some giggles, some chills, draw you into this world, and want more by the time this one is finished.
Also, to be blunt, it’s going to be hard to avoid the spoilers and those details you should experience firsthand. So. Astria and Stratton have a bit of history, as we’ll discover during those time jumps I mentioned… but they won’t understand what they are to each other until well into this story. There are some odd and nasty things going on in Grimm Cove and, in many ways, this couple is right at the center of it all. They will face danger, some moments of laughter, fight evil, and in Stratton’s case, avoid slobber, farts, and attitude from Astria’s “dog” guardian, Torid. I loved Torid, and you’ll discover why quite easily.
What I can say with certainty (and no fear of spoilers) is that I absolutely loved Starry with a Chance of Nightshade and being back in this world once again. Come for the giggles, come for the chills, come for the chance of romance, but do come and check this story and series out for yourself. I had a blast here, am looking forward to the next story… and in the meantime, just might do a reread of this series. Yeah, I like it that much – and I’m betting you will, too.
Loved this book lots of action, supence was major, though it was slow leading up to the romance it was well worth it and made it a better read. Even had some great funny moments Got to love how it took three accential/chance meetings for these two to finally figure out that there were mates. Detective Stratton Bright was more than meets the eye, he was Fae and not just any Fae he was a member of the Nightshade clan and a hunter and protect set to regulate the Supernaturals. He protected those that needed it, and hunted those that hurt or done wrong bringing justice...he stuck to the rules always....but once just once his judge was wrong and all went south. Astria Franks had a rough life,a sort past which always seemed to catch up to her just when things were going well and she had some form of normalcy and happiness. However normal was not meant for Astria, she had a deep dark secret make that 2 secrets, she was the daughter of a Frankenstein's. The Frankenstein's were trouble and often cause a lot trouble or went mad,which is why she often went by the last name Franks. Astria second secret was something she never left home without , her own goblin. I mean come on what girl don't want her own goblin...that can change into anything. It sure made for some fun times. The three times these two met there was nothing but chaos that followed leaving nothing but death and destruction and a trail of bodies.However like they saw third time is alway a charm. They finally learn the truth of who Astria really is and Stratton finally admits what he has known along.
The return of Grimm Cove where supernaturals are a real thing. I absolutely love this series. As soon as I picked this book up I just knew I wouldn't be able to put it back down, infact I found myself re-reading it again. This book is part of the Cozy Mystery Romance Series, which really makes for a refreshing change from all the other PNR books I read, I mean, dont get me wrong i really love them all but, i do love a change of scenery every now and again if you catch my drift. And as far as Cozy Mysteries go this book is the best one I have read yet. Mandy m Roth's writing has you rooted to the spot, making you fall under her spell, and making you believe your a part of the story, feeling what the characters feel and seeing what they are seeing. And also Ms Roth's writing has you needing to know what happens next and believe me there is a lot of those moments.
This book is longer than the others in the series and please correct me if im wrong but i think this is the first in the series that has been left with the biggest ever cliffhanger yet. We got to meet some fantastic new characters as well as some old favourites. And i can't wait till the next installment releases. If you like your Cozy Mysteries, PWF, 40+ woman, second chances, then I would suggest you start with Cloudy With a Chance if Witchcraft, and find yourself falling in love with all the characters in this town.
“What’s happening is just the tip of the iceberg, isn’t it?” asked Brett.
Stratton nodded. “I get the feeling we’ve not even scratched the surface yet.” * excerpt
Thirty six years previous, Stratton - a Fae with the Nightshade clan - and his cousin Drest, are responsible for keeping tabs on a family of supernaturals who have a criminal ancestor.
An ancestor who likes to stitch body parts together and get them running.
On a less than routine check-in, Stratton finds out Drest has been taking his duties verrryyy personal with Rachel and in the midst of escaping shambling creatures, feels an incredible urge to protect Rachel's endearing niece; a four year old girl with bright eyes and a pet goblin.
Years later, the events coalesce in Grimm Cove, a supernatural hot spot we've seen before in the first few books.
Things - ie monsters - are afoot and Stratton is on the hunt. Not long after arriving, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to a woman called Astria; who reminds him of ... someone. The book quickly catches up our memories of the previous ones, and Poppy, Dana, and Marcy (with her familiar squirrel Burgess) show up, as well as people named Stoker, Van Helping, Holmes etc.
Facing danger and death, evil, her hidden past and the hot new detective, Astria finds herself equally drawn to Stratton.
We have magic, monsters, witches, werewolves and vampires and Torid, an adorable and funny guardian who sticks to her through thick and thin.
Roth's signature blend of romance, comedy, excellent research and great characters make this a fantastic addition to the Grimm Cove series. I also love the fact the heroines are midlife plus, and kick *** with the best of them.
It has been awhile since I read the first few books in this series so it was almost like reading as new reader in the middle of a series and while it helps to know the backstories of some of the characters, it is not necessary.
Stratton is a cop who really is a Fae Hunter that is taking a break in Grimm Cove. Astria was brought up in the Frankenstein family which does not have the greatest reputation.
They keep meeting but each time they do not recognize who they are and it is not until late in the book that they finally piece together all their encounters.
I love Torid, that dog and his farting added lots of humor to the story and it was so endearing that he would protect her and yuck - eat dead people for her.
Since I don't want to give a way any spoilers, I will just say that there are few secrets that get revealed but more that are not and I am hoping will be revealed in the next couple of books.
It was hard to put this book down as we watch Astria and Stratton dance around their attraction and not realize they were meant to be! Really enjoyed the book and can't wait for the next one to get here.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Welcome back to Grimm Cove, South Carolina, the beautiful town where the unusual is normal. Detective Stratton Bright is a man of many titles, most unknown to the citizens of Grimm Cove. Before settling there he and his cousin traveled where needed to protect innocents and rid the world of man made monsters who meant harm. They are kind of the terminators of the supernatural. Years later he was sent to Grimm Cove tracking some nasties. Little did he know the creatures would lead him to a beautiful woman, Astria Franks, one who holds her own secrets. If you have followed the series then you have a real treat in store for you with this one. It is longer than the others, overflowing with wonderful characters, new and old, and so many laughs. A series that you will want to read over again and anxiously wait for the next one. No one writes like this Author!
I am so glad that we get to return to Grimm Cove! The last book in the series was released in late 2020 and I’ve been looking forward to this next installment in the story.
Starry With a Chance of Nightshade features characters established in the first three books of the series but introduces readers to the next three core heroines. The couple at the center of this story, Stratton and Astria, draw you in and make you root for them.
Minor spoilers ahead…
A couple of notes that might be helpful to readers:
- While the main characters from the first three books appear in this story (except for Poppy who is just mentioned), this story introduces a new trio of focus.
- Based on tidbits in this story, all six central couples will be a part of an end story down the road.
- This book is set in three different times of the heroine’s life and spans ages 4 to 40.
- Astria has a goblin/dog sidekick named Torid that I loved. I’m sure he and Marcy’s animals will be good friends.
As always, the story was over too soon but that is what will keep me looking forward to the next installment in the Grimm Cove adventure.
Oh my! I have waited for a while now for Stratton to have his story told and so many of his mysteries to be revealed! Seriously, the man's name is Stratton Bright and he is described perfectly tp make you dream of him, and now, we get the backstory and the incredible view of him meeting his mate, Astria. This book is in essence the perfect epitome of the "third time lucky or third time's a charm" anecdote. I love this series and the world building and character development is incomparable, it is rare to have such an array of characters that hit everything, witty, charming, snarky, sassy, the grouches, and add to that the variety of paranormal beings and you have hit the jackpot. I pride myself on never giving up any spoilers and I still won't, although I have to say, Chapter 21, if you weren't already laughing or like me getting strangled trying to eat as you read because you multitask, heed my warning, that chapter requires all liquid objects to be far from you! To sum up this book in a sentence or two, I loved it, the jocularity, the angst and intermittent drama made a phenomenal book. Worthy of collecting the series.
At last we get to meet Stratton and find out just what makes him tick! He's been involved in the last few books but we never really knew that much about him, other than he was Fae. But now his past is revealed and Grimm Cove is once again in the crosshairs of monsters and magic!
This is the longest book in the series so far and I really think Stratton and Astria deserved it. This was a story decades in the making and I loved the way it flowed. They are the epitome of the slow boil romance lol.
Astria has a hard life, always on the move from the monsters that haunt her life. She's not seen her only family members in over 20 years and she's even changed her name in an effort to evade those who haunt her. Her only companion is the ever-faithful Torid. I defy you not to love the slobbering beast - his backstory is great and I loved the bond between him and Astria. And OMW their talks are hilarious.
Frankenstein retelling with plenty of comedy and a romance for the ages! Roll on book 5 please!
I usually do a review with all the reasons I like, didn't like or in this case LOVED the book. But if I did that with this book, I would just end up putting a bunch of spoilers in it. SOOO, , , Nothing is as it appears in Grimm Cove! As over nearly 2 decades, Layer upon layer is peeled away, the things revealed are shocking and awesome! This story is the perfect example of what a story needs to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. With just the right amounts of mystery, love, heart-break, hints of passion to come and heaps of laughter plus creepiness that will make you look at hearing a strange noise in a whole new light. Oh yes, "Fae cooties" are flying everywhere and it takes a few of Grimm Cove's colorful locals to help out. The town ladies, oh and my girl Marcy and last but definitely not least, Torid had me holding my sides laughing. I LOVE TORID!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this long awaited addition to the Grimm Cove series, we get Detective Stratton Bright's story, and a better view of the town and residents of Grimm Cove. Astreia Frankenstein has been on the run for most of her life. Her father Henry had been trying to replicate his ancestor's work with horrifying results. Stratton was the detective who helped put him away, but in the process lost track of Astreia and her aunt and cousin. They meet again when she attended Grimm University, but tragedy separated them. Now 40, she is back in town to take back her life and hopefully stop running from her father's creations.
This is a really compelling story that I had a very difficult time putting down, in fact I stayed up to read it in one sittting and went back to reread the rest of the series. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“Starry with a Chance of Nightshade: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Romance Novel” is the fourth book in the Grimm Cove series. Mandy Roth writes amazing Paranormal stories which has us relishing and savoring each story, as the characters overcome many adversities! Detective Stratton Bright is a man of who has done much to protect innocents and rid the world of monsters. He is sent to Grimm Cove while tracking those monsters and reunites with Astria Franks. The attraction is still there and they are electric together. But, the road is not easy for them and one wonders will they be able to overcome the difficulties and find their HEA. Stratton and Astria are enchanting and their story has twists, turns and monsters that you can't help engage with them so quickly! Mandy Roth knows how to deliver a story with great dialogue, strong characters, lots of surprises and steamy, sexy fun to keep it a page turner from the first page!!
I enjoyed reading about Astria and Stratton. The characters were well written and their story flowed really well. I love Grimm Cove and the world building that Mandy has done. This is book 4, and you should really read the first 3 before diving into this one because there are characters and references that only really make sense if you've already enjoyed those. However, if you haven't read them, you won't be totally lost. I felt like the ending was abrupt. There are things mentioned and villains that haven't quite been sorted. I'm sure it will happen in the next books, but until those come out, it just doesn't feel complete to me. I still loved these characters and can't wait to see them again in the next story, which I will be grabbing on release day.
Astria has been running for most of her life. But she has decided to make a stand in Grimm Cove. But will she accept the changes staying in one place may bring? Starry With a Chance of Nightshade is the latest installment in Mandy M. Roth's Grimm Cove series. I enjoyed getting to know Astria and Stratton. Their timing was never quite right until now. But can they see past their fears to acceptance? I loved finding out as missed opportunities and danger abound for these two. I loved seeing both of them learn to trust themselves, each other and their growing circle of friends. And I thoroughly enjoyed returning to the kooky world of Grimm Cove. I loved seeing old friends even as Ms. Roth expanded this world to include new and I cannot wait to see where she will take us next.
This book pulls you right in from the start! I loved that it was a bit longer than some of the previous books in the series, but I still didn't want it to end! This is book 4 in the series. You can certainly read this freestanding, but you will miss out on some of the backstories that Mandy ties together. It definitely alludes to many more books in the series. Mandy is truly skilled at creating fictional worlds and characters that interact with each other in creative and unique ways. I loved how in this book Stratton and Astria cross paths multiple times before realizing they belong with each other. This may sound cliche, but Mandy does a great job of keeping this fresh and interesting.
At last! I was finally able to revisit Grimm Cove!! This time we get to meet Astria and get Stratton's story!! The story follows Astria along three different timelines. I really enjoyed where the author landed on Astria's age. For me this was a slow burn romance with a bit of angst. You will understand, when you grab this book. I loved Torid! He's a goblin/dog and he belongs to Astria and he made me laugh at his antics. It was nice to see most of the gang of Grimm Cove. The narrator, Allyson Voller did a great job with providing unique voices for each character. She used a variety of tones and inflections that elevated the story. If you enjoy reading paranormal romance then this book is for you! Especially if you enjoy when the heroine is over 40+.
Loved this book from start to finish. Pity I had to work and sleep as I would not have put it down. Twists and turns galore, at times funny, including plenty of action and gory monsters along with lots of love make this a truly great read. Enjoyed the build up with Astria & Stratton as they eventually realised who they were to each other. Quite a few characters from earlier books make an appearance and add to the storyline. Excited for the continuation of this series. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I started this book with a slight confusion, as it went from past to present to past but moved on, then present, but once I got the hang of it I was ok, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the fact that Torrid kept trying to eat Stratton, whether in the past or the present was hilarious 😁 add in the fact that everyone else( including me!)but Stratton figured out about Astria, not giving anything away here, was very funny too. Well done Mandy, you have another success on your hands, of that I'm 100% convinced. A great book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So much going on and not much to tell without spoilers. I will say I freakin' loved it!
Stratton's job and many powers were to protect from the bad supernaturals. Doing his job the best he could put him in many places, with many people, including a woman he can't resist. Eventually, he ends up in Grimm Cove with "people" she knows and new friends. There are lots of secrets to be revealed, loves to match up, friends to find again, dangers to overcome, and loves to find--oh, yeah, and lots of steam.
This is an amazing read with unforgettable characters and a storyline that reaches into literary history and more. DON'T MISS THIS AWESOME STORY.
Maybe this book has been delayed a few times over, but it was more than worth it, and not only because it’s a huge chunk of a book! The whole story is compelling, action-packed, and leaves us wanting for much, much more of Astria and Stratton!
There are some references to pop culture that those of us in our 40s will find funny to no end, and that is not counting the times I ended up laughing so hard that my stomach hurt. Torid is a hilarious addition, and seeing some of the characters from previous books was another great, and often funny, treat!
Wow this deserves more than 5 stars.... The characters are amazing and I found myself laughing so much.... Astria and Stratton are so great together I wish their story didn't end...I would have loved to read about Adam more and what happens when he finds out about Astria & Stratton... Who can forget Torid...everyone needs a goblin for protection Mandy M Roth hit this one out of the ballpark! The writing was brilliant and so many characters from the first three books...Nice to see them back... And it was nice to meet new characters Can't wait to read the next one in the series Highly recommend
This is one of my favorite series! The characters are original and the story is fun. The chemistry in the books with all of the characters is spot on and I love the connections. Torrid is awesome! Reminds me of my own dogs. Marcy is a hoot and I hope she keeps popping up in all of the books. If I was going to live in a fictional town for any length of time it would be Grimm Cove for sure.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review but don't let that give you the idea I did love the heck out of this book! This whole series is amazing and fun and you need to read it!
This book spans many years and the characters keep meeting. There are a lot of interesting species in this story that add interest. Most of the characters are unique and interesting. Some are quirky , quite quirky. I feel sorry for Drest and want him to have the happiness that he deserves. Faithful readers of this series will enjoy the interactions of the characters and past storylines. Stratton and Astria seem destined to keep meeting and his need to protect her grows into overwhelming attraction over the years. There's plenty of humor and friendship that enhance this installment of the series.
I’ve read all the books in this series and loved the previous ones, so I was excited to read this. Sadly, it just didn’t really measure up. Not sure if it was because there was just so much crammed in one book, which didn’t allow much character development or that the books spans 35 years but nothing really seems to happen. Felt like things were just getting started, when it ended. Still some funny scenes and interesting characters but I would love feel more connected to them. Still it was a fun, light book and I did t stop reading it, so I liked it well enough to keep reading it.
Book #4 in Grimm Cove. Its one of those places that has many different kinds of supernaturals living alongside humans, who know nothing.
We get lots of background info of the H, Stratton, a Fae of the Nightside Clan, a Police Detective, now working in Grimm Cove.
Astria, is our heroine. She keeps trying to push everyone away, because the Monsters (think Frankenstein's monsters) keep coming after her, no matter that they are being destroyed. So who is making them?
I enjoyed both Stratton & Astria, and the wonderful inhabitants of Grimm Cove, and also Torid the goblin, who likes being a big dog.