Cat and Gilley return from their European trip and both have surprises. Cat’s meets here back home and Gilley brings his one with him. Cat’s surprise leads her to run straight to Gilley in Texas, where he’s spending time with his new boyfriend.

In typical Cat and Gilley fashion, they find themselves in the middle of another murder investigation. If it didn’t impact Gilley’s new love, they wouldn’t even get involved, most likely. But the duo brings their brand of sleuthing to Texas and try to find out who is trying to sabotage Stuart and the Rose Festival. Can they find whodunit or will they be just another rose bud or two nipped in the bud.?

I have always enjoyed this series. Having a strong female protagonist that is self sufficient and doesn’t need anyone to support her financially, makes her a strong character. Gilley and Cat’s friendship is strong and we could all use a friend like these two have in each other. A solid mystery in each book, which always reads fine as a stand alone.

Once again Victoria Laurie has kept me awake until the wee small hours as I could not put the book down and go to sleep. She is one of the less than a handful of authors who I would read their grocery list if they printed it.

I loved this book. I laughed, I cried and I was outraged on behalf of the characters at some of the truths regarding police actions towards African Americans. This is not just a US thing - but should not happen anywhere.

But I digress. Coaching Fire is the fifth book in the “Life Coach Mysteries” series. The story opens with Cat arriving back in New York from her European trip alone. Gilley fell in love over there and returned ahead with his new beau Stuart to Texas for a festival. Stuart is the creative director of the Texas Rose Festival that includes artistic displays, exquisite gowns and millions of dollars worth of jewels being worn by the Rose Queen. As Cat walk through the arrivals section her long time boyfriend, Detective Shepherd, gets down on one knee with an engagement ring in his hand. She panics and turns around and hops straight back on a plane to Texas leaving Shep still on his knee. Even though she new it was coming, she is not ready to make a decision.

Within hours of her arrival there is a murder - one of Stuart’s designers. The sister is brutally arrested by the local police purely because she is African American so has to be guilty. Cat and Gilley swing into action to try and find the real killer. Then after more deaths, a huge warehouse fire and some stolen jewellery Cat calls Shep to fly down and help them, and she agrees to make a decision.

I was dragged in from the very first page. There were quite a few potential murderers and lots of twist and turns, and Gilley and Cat in peril, before the culprit was revealed. And, more importantly the decision was made. Cat, Gilley and Shep are an amazing team - I have loved Gilley ever since I first met him in the “Ghost Hunter” series and his best friend Cat became a new friend in this series. If you have read this series yet - do yourself a favour and get your hands on it - and if you’re waiting for this one, then put this book on pre-order

With thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for my copy to review

A big thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is part of a series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. This one I found super interesting, and a little surprising. A different view of Shepherd. I really like Stuart and Gilley and Cat is of course is as usual. 4 stars Nice cozy mystery

The latest Cat and Gilley mystery/adventure is as delightful as the previous books in this series. A solid mystery, personal drama, and unlimited funds all add to the who-dun-it murder of an up and coming fashion stylist. Will they solve it before their time is up?

The fifth and possibly final entry in this series delivers an intriguing mystery with many twists and turns. It can work as a stand alone, but for readers of the series, it is a welcome visit with beloved characters. Protagonists Cat and Gilley are at their best when working together to sort out the issues in their personal lives while putting their crime solving talents to the test.. Filled with fun, humor and a bit of danger, this is a recommended read.

Good book! This book was kind of like a cutesy mystery! It still had light suspense, intrigue, murder, mystery, a great who done it and some crazy twists and turns! It was more like a PG rated book , no horror, blood and guts type more a feel good mystery! It was a nice read! The storyline was interesting and flowed nicely! I will recommend reading this book as its worth reading! Thank you netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Cat and Gilley are at it again working to solve another murder. Overall not a bad story, but dragged a bit at times for me, as opposed to others in the series. Not sure why. Would still recommend though, especially if you have read others in the series. Really like this author's works.

#CoachingFire #NetGalley is a fabulous addition to this series!
Cat and Gilley are on vacation and decide to head off to Texas, to support Gilley's new love interest, during the Rose Parade.
It's an honor for Stuart to be the designer for the event, but it seems like someone wants to see him fail.
Cat and Gilley get caught up in the event and soon find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation.
This duo really knows how to get it done, and I loved this book from beginning to end.
I was on pins and needles for both of them, hoping their love lives would spark up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I'm looking forward to recommending it to my cozy mystery friends.