Reviews

BOOK TESTIMONIALS (Updated 11/11/25)

The GRUMPY Lifeguard

***** The Grumpy Lifeguard - Book 2

A sweet Christian romance about enemies to more and second chances. This was a really interesting story. I enjoyed the writing style as well as the characters. Fantastic character growth throughout the book. It's hard to put down once you start. I’m definitely going to read the entire series.

***** cute and sweet love story

This is a sweet and interesting love story that starts from an enemies to lovers trope but then develops into a relationship based on respect, confidence, understanding and a mutual realization about themselves and each other, Trace is the grumpy lifeguard, he had an accident in the past that defined him, and there is a secret he is holding dear. Enter Sarah, a marine biologist, who comes near a seal pup and is rescued by Trace, hence they start as enemies. But as she keeps coming back and they start to talk (banter that leads to conversation and insights), but the suspense will also start to work against them as they get closer together, so be ready for a fun read

***** The Grumpy Lifeguard

I enjoyed reading this book. This was an enjoyable escape with great characters. I will be watching for more books by this author.

***** Trace and Sarah

The second book in the Grumpy Series. Lifeguard Trace Richardson and marine biologist Dr. Sarah Blake, meet when Trace has to rescue Sarah from a protective mother seal on his beach. It is a well-written story with a compelling plot and great character development. Despite some ups and downs, the storyline delivers a satisfying happy ending.

The GRUMPY Carpenter

***** Sweet, Funny, and Totally Heart-Melting
The Grumpy Carpenter was such a delightful surprise. I loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic from the start; the banter, the tension, and the little moments where the grumpiness cracks just enough to let some warmth shine through. The characters felt lovable and genuine, and their chemistry made the whole story fly by. It’s the kind of romance that puts a smile on your face without even trying. The pacing was smooth, the humor hit just right, and the emotional bits landed perfectly without ever feeling heavy. I adored the small-town vibes and the way their relationship unfolded with both sweetness and spark. This is one of those feel-good reads that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and stay in their world a little longer. A solid 5-star romance.

Private feedback I really enjoyed this book; the grumpy/sunshine dynamic was so fun, and the characters felt warm, real, and easy to root for. Your pacing and humor kept the story really engaging, and I loved the balance between sweet moments and romantic tension. If anything, I would’ve happily taken even more scenes between the main characters because their chemistry was so enjoyable. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review, this was such a charming, uplifting story!

Reply by author: I wrote an expanded second edition called The GRUMPY Carpenter II.

***** Sweet and simple read
Sweet and short love story. Definitely could use more of a backstory helping to develop both the characters past and present lives. Wish it was more in depth with their stories with May and how they came together. More spice would also be appreciated.

Reply by author : Please see the Expanded Second Edition. But sorry, but I just don't do spicy romances.

***** Clean wholesome romance

Such a sweet love story for your next reading break. Grumpy meets sunshine with the help of meddling family. Claire is back to the small town to claim her inheritance, but needs to fix the property in order to sell it. Enter Levi the grumpy carpenter who has been hired by her aunt to help with the reno. They have to work together, and between construction and moments they proximity starts to feel closer and closer to forever. This is a short book (you are going to wish it was a bit longer) with a great plot and the cutest couple!

***** Storyline divine

You catch somebody falling from a ladder while trying not to fall in love… not happening is it Levi? And what about the guy ? Cause he’s cute too isn’t he Claire ? It’s really not fair that they’re put together to fix up the house but at least he’s not a louse…Aunt May and her friend got their heads together to fix a meet up because not only did she love her niece but Levi too knowing that these two are perfect for one another and that he would love her. Levi Richardson and Claire Taylor are not brought together by circumstances as they might surmise but two wile old dears who are turning the gears to put together a plan for her niece to have a good man..Surprise! She should know ,taking him under her wing when he was a young man in the foster system and again when she is certain that he’s the best man for her niece and she asks him to help with fixing up her house …Well of course things go swimmingly because even though he’s grumpy he’s not a louse. But this is not all she wrote as they say because there is a twist in the tail too ….he’s not on his uppers as she first thought and a couple more surprises as well has her fraught and lost in her own thought. A well put together ( I know couldn’t resist) book of fixing up love and the way to happy ever after with some works and a few quirks. Mia Cross has developed this story of hers so well with the twist and the turns as well as the yearns . Two people in love but heavens above they needed a helping hand but it’s grand the way it’s written and of your great characters ms Cross I’m smitten. Great story

***** A Sweet Small-Town Romance with Heart and Humor

The Grumpy Carpenter by Mia Cross was such a pleasant surprise for me. This was my first time reading a book by this author, and I really enjoyed her unique writing style. I also appreciated how clean the romance was, which made the story even more refreshing. Levi, a gruff but lovable carpenter, is a single dad carrying a major secret. Claire comes to town to handle her aunt’s estate, and her first encounter with Levi doesn’t go smoothly. But as the two spend more time together working on repairs to the house, their romance slowly blossoms into something truly heartwarming. The characters felt real and engaging, and I especially adored Geneva—she had me laughing out loud more than once. This story has just the right mix of humor, tenderness, and small-town charm. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and can’t wait to see Trace’s happily ever after.

Murder by AI:

***** The first cruise ship on its maiden voyage controlled by Artificial Intelligence. What can go wrong? This story is told mostly by Clare's point of view and I find her engaging. She's an ex-convict trying to make her way back into the world she lost when she meets famous singer/musician Wolff Price. Then things get interesting. The only real criticism concerns a contentious period between Claire and Wolff's relationship. I was happy to "see" into Wolff's point of view; however, he didn't address why he was angry at Claire for a period of time nor why he get over the anger. All in all a great mystery and a enjoyable adventure.

***** A short story that, to me, is not a cozy mystery. However, it is a clean, somewhat romantic, very interesting story that flows smoothly. I liked that the interaction between Wolff and Clare was not all at one level. Sometimes she didn't like him other times she did. I enjoyed the book and think young adults would like this very much.

Murder on the Deep

****Wolf Price and his fiance Claire Romero board the King of the Deep cruise ship employed as singers to provide entertainment as well as to have their on board wedding. Excited and looking forward to a relaxing and enjoyable trip, they soon sense that something is not right and that they are being followed. People begin to disappear and some members of the crew are acting suspicious as well. Determined to find out what is happening, Claire and Wolf proceed to cautiously investigate. Will they find the truth before someone is hurt or worse? Will there be a wedding or have the couple become a dangerous liability that needs to be addressed? This is the second book in a series. While the history of the two main characters is mentioned, I would suggest reading the first book to get a deeper understanding of what happened on a previous cruise and how that impacts their current situation. While this works as a standalone, I prefer reading a series in order. At times, I felt confused and a bit lost. However, the last half of the story really picked up and I was enthralled by the plot twists. There are some shocking reveals that I did not expect and I was pleased with the ending. I received an ARC from, the author and this review is my honest opinion.

***** I have travelled on cruise ships before. It is amazing how smoothly a ship's crew works behind the scene considering how many guests are onboard and the number of activities available. Claire and Wolff sing aboard the cruise ship King of the Deep. Their wedding plans are interrupted with disappearing guests who are later found to be mysteriously murdered while the ship is in transit at sea. The ship's captain recruits the two singers to help find a killer. In the end, the killer is discovered, the wedding proceeds, and Claire and Wolff are the entertainment hit of the cruise. I will continue to cruise and most likely will never learn about or have an experience author Ana Rey has given Claire and Wolff. I enjoyed this story and look forward to future adventures of this singing couple.

**** Murder on the Deep by Ana Rey is about a mystery at sea aboard the cruise ship King of the Deep. Claire Romano & her fiance Wolf Price are unwittingly pulled into an investigation to find a killer & foil an art thieves plot before their marriage. Will they be able to flush out the secrets of the ship before it's too late or will they be the King's next victims? Read this gripping & entertaining page-turner to experience the danger that lurks behind every corner of the ship & see if the two lovebirds even get to say, 'I do.'

***** Very subtle way of leading the reader by misdirection, making one think they know the direction of the story and it turns out quite different. Never would have suspected one of the culprits to be a culprit, played the role very well! Loved the Hawaiian islands description, made me wish to travel there.

**** After spending years in prison for a murder she did not commit, Claire Romero and fiance Wolff Price are now headliners on the large ship, The King of the Deep. When they find that their friend, magician Marcus Menlo, is missing they are worried for him. When they begin receiving odd messages seemingly related to their missing friend they begin to wonder if they are being pranked, or if Menlo is alive and messing with them. When the newly hired magician is found unresponsive Claire and Wolff don't know what is going on and wonder if the two of them must solve the mystery of the strange notes and underlying tension on the ship. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

**** A missing magician and other curious happenings on a large cruise ship.
After spending years in prison for a murder she did not commit, Claire Romero and fiance Wolff Price are now headliners on the large ship, The King of the Deep. When they find that their friend, magician Marcus Menlo, is missing they are worried for him. When they begin receiving odd messages seemingly related to their missing friend they begin to wonder if they are being pranked, or if Menlo is alive and messing with them. When the newly hired magician is found unresponsive Claire and Wolff don't know what is going on and wonder if the two of them must solve the mystery of the strange notes and underlying tension on the ship. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

***** She did it again! Her characters are fun to follow, her plot twists surprising. I thoroughly enjoy this author.

**** Ha, ha. This would make me question to take a cruise. It was a mystery unlike any other I've read to date. It was well written and made you want to keep going to see where the fun took us. I was so happy to see that it all worked out and the matrimony happened. With all the different angles this will be sure to keep you reading and helping to solve this mystery.

***** This continues the adventures of Claire and Wolff. As they board the ship (now 2nd largest) they begin to feel the dangerous atmosphere building. This mystery is told entirely from Claire's point of view and as scared as she is she still follows through on her promises. Very enjoyable.

**** Murder on the Deep is a good mystery that keeps you guessing. It is set on a cruise ship with a crew that is acting very odd. You'll have to read it to find out what's up on the water especially if you like a bit of intrigue.

**** Claire, who has been in prison for five years for a murder she did not commit, and Wolff, a mega rock star, are engaged to be married and are entertainers on a cruise ship. A friend has gone missing, then others also become missing. Who is the villain, and what is his/her motive? There is lots of intense drama to this story. Some faith in God is exhibited as well as a belief in chastity before marriage. I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

***** I really enjoyed it. Well written, page turner, great characters. Love it. Good job. I received a copy and voluntary leaving a review.

***** Delightful. Love the building tension! Fun read! I look forward to more books by this author.

**** This chilling story finds Emily Harper, broke and alone and burdened by her sister's unsolved murder. When she is offered the job of housekeeper at Hawthorne Mansion, she is thrilled with the knowledge that she will have a place to stay and a steady income as she continues to search for her sister's killer. She soon discovers that her new job may not be as safe and secure as Emily thought. This terrific mystery kept me reading until late into the night. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

*** (Thomas) Emily Harper is hired as a housekeeper for the Hawthorne Manor. Emily is an unemployed private investigator, who is also heavily in debt and uses this opportunity to investigate the death of her sister who died on these premises. Her employers obviously know who she is and her connection to her sister as they help her investigation. During the investigation, Emily comes across information that causes her to mistrust her employers. Pro's: Developed characters and a good plotline. Con's: While Emily is hired as a housekeeper, it was never really clear if she was also hired as an investigator.
(I fixed that. Wanted to be suspenseful. She's not. Ana)

***** Full of remarkable characters with delicious drama. Story was full of angst and tension as Emily struggled to find answers to her sister's death. The characters were remarkably developed and the plot was intriguing, addictive, and perfectly paced. I fully enjoyed reading this quick and thought provoking read. I received this story as a gift from author Ana Ray and voluntarily provided this review.