Review:  The Vacuum of Space (Space Janitor #1 ) by Julia Huni

Rating: 2.5⭐️

This is the first of Julia Huni’s Space Janitor novels and introduces both the universe of Space Janitor (and its many series) and its main character of  Triana, a space janitor, bot maintenance operator.  

The rating is really more for the book’s storyline’s potential than the author’s actual execution of the plot. I love the idea of a story and series based around a space station janitor. That’s such a great point for a character to see how a space station functions, the various cultures and societies that make up the station as well as how it physically functions. 

And it seems to start off this way. Triana is monitoring the bots as they clear various paths, she eats junk food, and is clearly a “sub level” employee who enjoys her world and odd work. 

Then she finds a body.  Or her bot does. 

And the author abandons her , imo, clever approach, and does an entire storyline/series twist that shakes this character and her own ingenuity upside down. She’s not who we’ve come to expect at all. 

Instead, Huni turns Triana into a person who is the complete opposite of the character we meet at the beginning of the story. And this one, is self pitying, whiny, and more than a bit irresponsible.  That’s a huge leap and a loss. 

Then there’s her instant boyfriend, Ty, a law enforcement agent, whose credibility is largely missing, and a friend who doesn’t seem very reliable. No relationships between her and the other characters feel like they had any believable connection or emotional depth. The closest the author came was with her mother’s old servant/assistant. That’s not enough.

 The Vacuum of Space (Space Janitor #1 ) by Julia Huni is also listed as humorous science fiction but I find it with almost no resemblance to comedic fiction. It’s not funny, imo. And worse, there’s no satisfaction with the ending. So I was left wondering why I finished it. 

I’m not going further into this series or universe. But the potential for a really interesting story was here. And that’s a shame. 

Previously published as Murder is Messy, 2018 

Cover designed by German Creative 

Space Janitor Series: 

The Vacuum of Space 

The Dust of Kaku 

The Trouble with Tinsel

 Orbital Operations 

Glitter in the Stars 

Sweeping S’Ride 

Triana Moore, Space Janitor (the complete series) 

Tales of a Former Space Janitor 

The Rings of Grissom 

Planetary Spin Cycle 

Waxing the Moon of Lewei 

Tales of a Former Space Janitor (books 1-3) 

Changing the Speed of Light Bulbs Sun Spot Remover Warp, Rinse, Repeat (late 2025) 

Friends of a Former Space Janitor Dark Quasar Rising 

Dark Quasar Ignites 

Dark Quasar Reckoning (Fall 2025) 

Buy link

 Book 1 of 4: Space Janitor 

Blurb 

It’s a dirty galaxy and someone has to clean it.
Avoiding the wealthy inhabitants on the upper levels of Station Kelly Kornienko is bot-programmer Triana’s number one rule. Well, number two, right after “eat all the chocolate.”

But when one of her cleaning bots finds a dead body, all the rules go out the airlock. A highly connected security agent interrupts her routine with stories of missing bodies, and Triana can’t ignore him; it’s cooperate or find a new job. A girl has to pay the rent, even on a crappy studio compartment.

Working with a shiny detective beats a shuttle dirt-side, so Triana lends her programming skills to Agent O’Neill’s investigation. Together, they find more victims and evidence of a major cover-up.

It will take all Triana’s technical talents, most of O’Neill’s connections, and some really excellent croissants to stop the murders, save her job, and ultimately, her life.

The Vacuum of Space is the first book in a completed series.

This book was previously published as Murder is Messy

IPH Media

Publication date

August 1, 2019

Language

‎English

Print length

231 pages

Book 1 of 4

Space Janitor

Review: Witch At Last (The Jinx Hamilton Series Book 3) by Juliette Harper 

Rating: 3.75⭐️

Witch At Last, the third book in The Jinx Hamilton Series by Juliette Harper, resolves several of the issues I mentioned about this series in the previous stories. 

Having a character or two main characters who are both consistently lied to about deeply important matters and elements about themselves from those closest to them is highly toxic. Especially when the excuse is because “it’s for their own good “, “they aren’t ready”, or whatever that means when someone takes control or consent away from an adult(s) for important decisions in their lives.

It needed to be rectified by the author for me to go forward with the series, and in a way that makes sense for all the characters involved here. 

I’m not sure if they have addressed it throughly but I can see this being a part of the plot and series . 

The mothers of Jinx Hamilton and her best friend/cousin, Tori, play important roles with their daughter’s future magic powers and in the process of making the town safe.  And Harper somewhat addresses part of the drama behind the neglect of the friends’ lack of understanding and knowledge. 

Chase and his father, Festus, along with the magical gang from the sentient house/shop herself are all involved from a story that carries over from the previous drama of book 2.

While the characters are enjoyable, the plot overall seems a bit flimsy, especially when given the ages of the characters, the details revealed by the plot, and some of the most memorable elements. Where is the real planning? Heavy duty wards or anything that would make sense for something on the scale that’s represented here? 

Aside from some narrative plot holes here and there, I noticed a few things that weren’t caught by the author or editor. Harper has Jinx telling Tori how happy she is they opened up the shop early at 7, with people flooding in at 6 filling the tables with their papers and tablets.  Uh, what? Things like that. 

Plus she barely knows Chase but they love each other? With no realistic relationship having been established between them other than one of lies? That’s not credible. 

I think there’s some terrific things here but the foundation for all of it needs to be better layered. Give the relationships, other than Tori and Jinx, a depth of dynamic that is missing. Chase and Festus come the closest to a real father and son interaction here. 

As a cozy witch and warlock mystery, it’s good. I’ll eventually pick up another one in the series. But I’m in no rush.

The Jinx Hamilton Series (16 book series): complete and all released. 

Witch At Heart #1

Witch At Odds #2

Witch At Last #3

 Buy link

        Witch At Last (The Jinx Hamilton Series Book 3)

    

Blurb 

A lot has changed for Jinx Hamilton in just a few months. After the mishaps that befell her in Witch At Odds, Jinx just wants to enjoy the rest of the summer, but she’s not going to be that lucky. Just as she’s poised to tell her friends she’s a witch, secrets start popping out all over the place. Between old foes and new locations, Jinx isn’t going to get her peaceful summer, but she may just get an entirely different world.

*Note: This is a republished version of Witch At Last.

Cabot Publishing Group

Publication date

September 8, 2025

Edition

2nd

Accessibility

Learn more

Language

‎English

Book 3 of 16

The Jinx Hamilton Ser

Review: Smite the Soil: A Retired Paladin’s Guide to Magical Agriculture (A Cozy LitRPG Adventure) (The Green Sanctuary Book 1) by Beatrix Penrose

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Smite the Soil, the first book in The Green Sanctuary fantasy series by Beatrix Penrose, is a heartwarming, well written novella. It’s a story that beautifully lays out the characters, unique universe and is a perfect introduction to any reader unfamiliar with LitRPG storytelling.

The tale of Sir Alaric Thorne, of the many celestial titles is wonderfully detailed and heartfelt. Al, as he decides to be known, doesn’t want to Ascend and become a minor deity after defeating all the quests. He’s tired. Wants to put down his sword. 

So he decides to find a different path. The Green Hearth. And starts a new journey. 

As a farmer and level 1 Celestial Husbandman. That comes with a rundown farm, land that doesn’t grow anything and a decidedly ornery goat named Goliath.

There’s also a community full of good people nearby that’s in dire straits. 

Step by step, Al and the village of Oakhaven come together as a community. It’s leveling up by means of heartfelt support and encouragement by goat, small children and a variety of other otherworldly friends. 

It is a quick read and sets the story for the next book and events to follow. 

A terrific read and recommendation!

Love the cover and wish I knew more about the artist. 

The Green Sanctuary (8 book series)

Smite the Soil #1

The Amber Hops #2

The Wandering Grove #3

The Winter of the Void #4

Smite the Soil: The Seed of Generations #5

Smite the Soil: The Roots of Rebellion #6

Smite the Soil: The Ashen Harvest #7

Smite the Soil: The Sky-High Vineyard #8

Buy link 

 Book 1 of 8: The Green Sanctuary 

Blurb 

He was the Shield of the Empire. Now, he’s just trying to grow a decent tomato.

Sir Alaric Thorne is tired. After twenty years of smiting demons and saving the world, his back hurts, his armor is heavy, and he’s forgotten the smell of fresh air that isn’t tainted by sulfur. So, when the System offers him a “Hidden Path” to retirement, he takes it.

He trades his Holy Avenger sword for a rusty hoe.

But Oakhaven Farm isn’t the paradise he imagined. The soil is cursed, the local village is starving, and his only companion is a Level 3 Chaos Goat named Goliath who has a taste for legal documents.

To save his new home, Alaric must level up his [Husbandman] class, navigate a “System” that rewards [Caprine Diplomacy] over [Combat Prowess], and protect a World-Tree sapling from an Empire that wants its taxes in blood.

In Oakhaven, the weeds are the real monsters, and the greatest quest of all is finding the perfect fertilizer.

What to expect:

  • No Harem/No Stress: A wholesome, “warm blanket” of a story.
  • Crunchy Stats: Watch the numbers go up in Soil Quality, Crop Resilience, and Animal Kinship.
  • Zero-to-Hero (Again): A powerful protagonist learning that growing a life is harder than taking one.
  • Stardew Valley Vibes: Farming, crafting, and building a community from the ground up.

January 30, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

102 pages

Book 1 of 8

The Green Sanctuary

Review:  Goddess Shifting (Shifter Lords Book 8) by S. E. Babin

Rating:4.75 ⭐️

Babin has done it again and written yet another new favorite in this fabulous series! With each new book and additional storylines, this character of Evie develops into someone who is stronger, more confident in her own abilities, and able to move forward with a future that’s full of potential for love and happiness.

A very hard fought battle, one that’s still ongoing here. 

Goddess Shifting sees Evie, with enormous support from her family and friends, make huge strides forward in healing the wounds and trauma from her past experiences, including her toxic relationship with Caelan. 

Rowan, her father and mother, Moira ( who honestly needs a side story or two), and now an adoptive Chimera baby who plays a new emotional element between Evie’s trauma and in the ongoing battles with other species targeting Evie. 

Rowan and Evie will go further in their journey, and this ends on a happy note. Love this story! It’s so well written.

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords (11 book series):

Shift of Heart #1

Shift of Morals #2

Power Shift #3

Shifting Winds #4

Shifting Resolve #5

Shift of Rule #6

Shift of the Wild #7 

Goddess Shifting #8 – April 14, 2026

Final Shift #9 – Aug 26,2036

Shift Happens #10 – 8/26

Shifting Allegiance #11 – Oct 6,2026

Buy link 

        Goddess Shifting (Shifter Lords Book 8)

    

Blurb 

When you strike a deal with the fae, make sure you read all the fine print…

After nearly draining herself to save Rowan, Evie has called off all training to get some much-needed rest. Once again, the universe has a field day with her plans.

Evie thought she was the last living female Chimera.

She’s wrong.

When a baby is dropped off at the shop, Evie has no idea how to react. As she searches for the parents, it quickly becomes evident the child is no human or fae. She’s full-blooded Chimera, meaning there are at least two others out there like her.

But why would they give her their baby? And why is Evie thinking about keeping her?

Talk about throwing a wrench into her already complicated life.

As Evie and her friends search to uncover the mystery surrounding the child, other forces swirl around them, attempting to unbalance Evie and derail everything she’s worked so hard for.

Once again, everything is changing, but Evie finally knows who and what she wants.

It’s time for a fae bargain, one Evie hopes will finally bring her into her destiny.

Will it be a happy ever after, or is this just the start of Evie’s final downfall?

Oliver Heber Books

Publication date

April 14, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

267 pages

Book 8 of 11

Shifter Lords

Review: Ghostly Force (Ghostly #10 by E.M. Leya

Rating: 4🌈

Ghostly Force was interesting for several reasons, the first being it let many of the other terrific characters play the main roles in the murder mystery investigations, allowing for character development and more independence of character exploration for each of these people. 

 

Our series main couple, Lance and Angus, end up sidelined due to a horrific event at the beginning of the story.  It basically takes both out of the plot for most of the time, especially Lance. Although there’s a very interesting dramatic side aspect to this that involves Angus and Betty that’s threaded throughout the plot. I wonder if that will have further impact going forward.

 

Lance’s brother, Jackson returns from his deployment with his ghostly friend, Kel. A new addition to the ongoing series since he’s here permanently as is Kel. 

The mystery is sad, and not very complicated. Two murders actually. Each has a realistic plot, and an unfortunate ending for the families that feels believable . 

Ghostly Force has Lance and Angus taking an important step forward in their relationship. And, indeed, Leya seems to be setting in motion so many elements for new aspects of the series, that I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next. 

This isn’t your typical high suspense plot but one based on character driven development and overall community dynamics, even though some characters are ghostly. 

Definitely recommend reading this!

 Cover Art by: Annabella Stone

 

Ghostly series:

Ghostly Awakening 

Ghostly Findings

Ghostly Envy

Ghostly Claus

Ghostly Target 

Ghostly Hostage 

Ghostly Death 

Ghostly Dilemma 

Ghostly Bother 

Ghostly Force 

Ghostly Grandma (coming soon) Ghostly Wedding (coming soon) Ghostly Canine (coming soon)

Buy link 

 Book 10 of 10: Ghostly 

Blurb 

When life explodes for Lance and Angus it’s up to Detectives Franks and Burns to find answers.

What started off as a celebration ends in an explosion that will change lives. Lance and Angus just wanted to welcome Jackson back to town, but the night is a catastrophic failure when everything goes wrong, leaving everyone wondering what happened.

With people dead and many others injured, it’s up to Detectives Franks and Burns to put the shattered pieces back together and figure out how an evening out ended in tragedy for so many of Fairway’s residents.

This case is personal, and Franks will do all he can to find answers and bring justice for those he is closest to.

E.L. Publishing

Publication date

April 12, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

262 pages

Book 10 of 10

Ghostly

Review: Magical Midlife Madness (Leveling Up #1) by K. F. Breene 

Rating: 4.5⭐️

“A woman starting over. A new house with an unexpected twist. A cape wearing butler acting as the world’s worst life coach.”

I found this urban fantasy tale totally charming, with its laugh-out loud moments, endearing characters, and wonderfully mysterious plot.

Breene’s series about a divorced woman who takes a chance on a new life by accepting a job in a place she vaguely remembers from her childhood is a brashly funny, often revealing tale of a woman remaking her life, even as her own world view of what’s real is turned inside out. 

Jessie is a marvelous character, believable, relatable in her emotions as she navigates the challenges she faces after her divorce from a cheating husband, with no real plans for her life or a place to go. And the job she finds herself doing places her back in a small town where she visited as a child, one with fuzzy fond memories and dreams of strange things.

How I love everything about her, the other characters and the many strange situations Jessie finds herself in.  Ivy House, the magical weird structure that’s revealing its secrets reluctantly, is richly detailed and mysterious. As is its inhabitants, Mr Tom, or intriguing members of the community like the alpha Arden, who’s constantly being told to reevaluate his position on women by Jessie, each one has staying power both within the narrative and with the reader.

Jessie and all the others demonstrate personal growth and self development as she discovers what the town and Ivy House is about, as her potential role, if she decides to accept it.

A fantastic story, great characters, and a journey I’m happy to follow. 

A winner!

Leveling Up (13 book series):

Magical Midlife Madness #1

Magical Midlife Dating #2

Magical Midlife Invasion #3

Magical Midlife Love #4

Magical Midlife Meeting #5

Magical Midlife Challenge #6

Magical Midlife Alliance #7

Magical Midlife Flowers #8

Magical Midlife Battle #9

Magical Midlife Awakening #10

Magical Midlife Rescue #11

Magical Midlife Rogue #12

Magical Midlife Conclave #13 – Nov 12,2026

Buy link

 Book 1 of 13: Leveling Up 

Blurb 

A woman starting over. A new house with an unexpected twist. A cape wearing butler acting as the world’s worst life coach.

“Happily Ever After” wasn’t supposed to come with a do-over option. But when my husband of twenty years packs up and heads for greener pastures and my son leaves for college, that’s exactly what my life becomes.

Do-over.

This time, though, I plan to do things differently. Age is just a number, after all, and at forty I’m ready to carve my own path.

Eager for a fresh start, I make a somewhat unorthodox decision and move to a tiny town in the Sierra foothills. I’ll be taking care of a centuries old house that called to me when I was a kid. It’s just temporary, I tell myself. It’ll just be for a while.

That is, until I learn what the house really is, something I never could’ve imagined.

Thankfully forty isn’t too old to start an adventure, because that’s exactly what I do. A very dangerous adventure that will change my life forever. I have a chance to start again, and this time, I make the rules.

February 16, 2020

Language

‎English

Print length

316 pages

Book 1 of 13

Leveling Up

Review: A Blacksmith’s Guide to Dragon-Rearing (Dragons of Safe Haven #2) by Julia Huni

Rating: 4⭐️

Not quite sure how you would categorize this, a cozy dragon fantasy? With a no spice romance aspect to it?

It has many interesting and well thought out elements to it, ones I really found intriguing but somehow got lost in the narrative here. 

The first book revealed the existence of this mysterious island where multiple species coexisted peacefully between warring magical countries, hidden by fae magic behind barriers none could penetrate unless they were fated to. Like a dying “retired” war witch from one country and an equally retired dragon rider soldier from the opposing side, whose life he feels is over, betrayed by his king. Both of whom find themselves on the island, and eventually become friends then wedded partners. From enemies to lovers.

It’s was a great tale that was made better by the discovery of sea dragons. 

Huni’s story contains a great deal of detailed backstory on the countries at war, war witches, dragon riders, the new king, the island’s political system, and the other beings who make up the community there . And the rules   I mean it’s a lot. Mostly in the first book.

But here it’s Nevan and Franisa Hearthwell’s story. Each one was a secondary character before, but they are, primarily due to Nevan becoming a dragon rider, into the forefront. It’s a romantic story but they don’t have much time for that to develop. It’s the community and friends who are telling each of them about how the other is feeling. Plus there’s an entire “fake engagement “ aspect to this story that launches their romance. 

It’s too much “as told to” to be believable. Where the first relationship between William and Cala was and is remains totally credible. They are so well established and intriguing people. 

The dragons element is reduced down to one important one and that’s Starlight. She’s developing into an amazing character. There appears to be a new element, the wounded fire dragon from William’s country and with one of his former unit squadron members. Unfortunately right now, that person is just a one dimensional character. Hopefully, he’ll grow some or this aspect of the series will end up very one note coded. 

I’m looking forward to seeing where this author goes next with all these characters and storylines. A definite recommendation. 

Cover designed by Mariah Sinclair Designs 

Dragons of Safe Haven (3 book series):

A Dragon Rider’s Guide to Retirement #1

A Blacksmith’s Guide to Dragon-Rearing #2

A Rider’s Guide to Dragon Healing #3 – Sept 30,2026

Buy link

 Book 2 of 3: Dragons of Safe Haven 

Blurb 

Raising dragons is easier than raising a five-year-old. Probably.

Nevan never planned on becoming a dragon rider. He was perfectly content swinging a hammer in the forge—until an injured dragon rider retired to Safe Haven. Now paired with the runt of the clutch, Nevan is supposed to help train the island’s brand new sea dragon fire brigade. That means long days, soaked clothing, and a growing suspicion that dragons like to play matchmaker.

Franisa Hearthwell has enough on her plate. Widowed at an early age, she’s running the island bakery, raising two children, and fending off a meddlesome dwarven in-law who thinks her son belongs in the mine. When desperation strikes, she blurts out a solution that’s equal parts brilliant and ridiculous: she’s betrothed to Nevan.

But Nevan has adored Franisa since childhood. And fake betrothals have a way of attracting real feelings, curious neighbors, and dragons who seem very invested in romantic outcomes.

As fire threatens the village, an injured war dragon seeks refuge, and Safe Haven rallies around its own, Nevan and Franisa discover that bravery comes in many forms—and that family can be forged as surely as iron.

Dragons, fresh bread, found family, and a seaside village full of heart—welcome back to Safe Haven.

A cozy fantasy with a reverse-age-gap, fake engagement, friends-to-lovers romance that won’t steam your glasses. Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes, A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic, and Jane Austen’s Dragons—a cozy fantasy that smells faintly of woodsmoke, sea spray, and warm cinnamon rolls.

IPH Media, LLC

Publication date

March 31, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

324 pages

Book 2 of 3

Dragons of Safe Haven

Review: Vision & Venture: The Glyphwright Chronicles – Book 4 by Jeremy Fabiano

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Reading Jeremy Fabiano’s The Glyphwright Chronicles is like coming home, to a cosy warm village that feels like a somewhere you feel safe and comfortable, happy and wanted. Where the people are those you’ve gotten to know, the shops are now familiar, and when the carriages spot the turning wheel of the mill and the lights of the town on the return road home, your heart is just as filled with joy as that of the characters. 

The author rarely makes a single error in his series of two journeymen glyphwrights as they’ve become first friends, now partners, who have found themselves together with their fiancé or wives, friends and family members in a community that values them and their contributions. 

Vision & Venture picks up right after the events of the last story. Marcus and Felix are buying the building that will house their families, sister Rose, visitors, their businesses and warehouse as well as sales front. 

It’s a heartfelt narrative that brings both sides together, the science behind all the various aspects of the magic or technology each character has and the real power of community that Fabiano continues to grow here. We meet new people and shops, get ingenious new ideas and devices, and, of course, a dramatic challenge that each person here must face in their own way.   It’s realistic, engaging and the engineering and technology is incredibly interesting. And it’s always fiercely connected with the people who are working on it and with it. 

That’s what’s really exciting. There’s no separation of human elements from the technology or magical aspects of their work. They make mistakes, recognize when they need to go in another direction. 

In other words, this feels so relatable and we can really connect with each of them. 

The only misstep I could see was with Felix’s mother, who has been deeply abusive emotionally to him for years. His father has been reconnecting with him, without saying anything to his mother. But there’s an entire dramatic scene here where his mother changes her “attitude “ about his future wife, job, partner, in an emotional outburst. It’s very nice to see and have that happen. But is it realistic to think that after years of mental cruelty and emotional abuse she’s immediately going to be a different woman? I don’t think so.  That’s a child’s wish for everything to be okay, for things to be normal. A golden fairytale glow. 

But maybe that’s what the author is going for. The golden glow of the hearth, the warmth of the fire and the joy of friendship at the end of the day. A cozy little town at the end of the road. 

We will leave it there. And enjoy Vision & Venture: The Glyphwright Chronicles – Book 4 by Jeremy Fabiano for the heartwarming tale it is. 

Two more books to go. I’m there for all of them. 

 Cover design by Jacqueline Sweet Design

 Glyphwright Chronicles (4 book series):

  • Ashes & Anchors #0.5 (Erasmus’s backstory)
  • Ink & Intent  #1
  • Wards & Measures #2
  • Trades & Treaties #3 
  • Vision & Venture #4
  • Glyphs & Merit #5 – 
  • Legacy & Succession #6

Buy link

 Book 4 of 6: The Glyphwright Chronicles 

Blurb 

Marcus and Felix have a building to fix up, a best friend preparing for his Master certification, and a wedding that’s already taking on a life of its own. For the first time, everything feels like it’s falling into place.

Then the Guild rejects all four of their advancement applications. Instead of explanations, the Guild throws them into a public test against a real food shortage with real consequences.

Millbrook bets their food supply on them anyway.

Now they have to prove their methods work at scale, under full Guild scrutiny. Everything they’ve built depends on what happens next.

A cozy fantasy with LitRPG progression, found family, community trust, and the discovery that sometimes the people who believe in you are the ones you didn’t know were watching.

Pour yourself something warm, settle into your favorite reading spot, and discover that building a future is harder than saving a kingdom.

April 8, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

394 pages

Book 4 of 6

The Glyphwright Chronicles

Review: Penny For Your Thoughts (Shadowy Solutions #5) by Nicky James

Rating: 4.75🌈

Penny For Your Thoughts is the fifth book in Nicky James fantastic series , Shadowy Solutions. It’s a series that quickly became a hit with me, surpassing the original series it’s connected with, that of Valor and Doyle.  I feel parts of Valor and Doyle became repetitive, although Aslan is a huge hit with me.

But the complexity of the dynamic between Tallus Domingo and deeply damaged PI Diem Krause, each with a legacy of parental violence, family domestic abuse, and childhood trauma. But one who carries the deepest visible scars as well as the emotional traumatic memories. Ongoing pain and PTSD.  That’s Diem, who has tremendous anger issues and anxieties as well as substance abuse problems. 

Over the course of 5 novels, James has built up, albeit slowly and realistically, a hard won relationship between these two very different men. It’s been compelling to watch and read about as Diem fights with his demons, and both have to devise ways to make their lives work for themselves. 

Even here, Diem has to make the decisions about his use of alcohol and cigarettes, even as his father and family life has the greatest impact on his life. 

I’m not sure if James is finishing the series with the story or not. I would be happy if this was the finale.

It’s got a terrific storyline. All the crossover characters are here from Valor and Doyle in meaningful scenes. Aslan, Fox, Quaid, Costa and Kitty Lavender.

Then there’s Darcy Gingrick, Echo, and Baby the snake, that actually gives both Tallus and Diem as touching family, of sorts. Especially, Darcy, what an incredible element he turns out to be. 

This is one of my favorites of the series. And if it’s the finale, I’m absolutely satisfied with how everyone is left at the end. 

There’s an extra bonus story, The Baby Visit, linked at the end of the book.  Don’t miss out on this one. Sweet bonus and intimate window into a favorite side character. 

Highly recommended. 

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow Designs

Same Universe:

Valor and Doyle (8 book series)

 Shadowy Solutions (5 book series):

Skeletons in the Closet #1

Power of the Mind #2

Reading Between the Lines #3

A Breath of Life #4

Penny For Your Thoughts #5

Buy link

 Book 5 of 5: Shadowy Solutions 

Blurb 

Diem never thought he would have a steady boyfriend and enough cases to keep his business in the green. He never thought his nana would live to be ninety-three.

Life is, dare he say, good?

He could do to drink less, and he still needs to quit smoking, but he’s getting there.

He’s happy.

In love.

If he could manage his stress, life might even turn out to be… great?

But then Tallus arranges dinner with his parents, where Diem faces questions about commitment and weddings and a weekend bonding trip with a stepfather he doesn’t know.

And a resident of Nana’s nursing home ends up involved in a twisted version of a grandparent scheme, so Diem agrees to investigate. The police clearly aren’t doing their job.

It’s all downhill from there.

The case somehow leads to Diem figuratively adopting the most obnoxious teenager imaginable. A boy whose troubled life reflects Diem’s past. A boy who is deeply entwined in a con far more complex than he realizes.

One misstep tips their hand. The hunter becomes the hunted. Diem and Tallus—and their unfortunate sidekick—are in a race against the clock, desperate to nail the person responsible before he skips the country… or seeks revenge.

So much for reducing stress.

Amidst the chaos, Diem finds himself bonding with his petulant rescue-teen. Diem is nobody’s role model, but the boy’s incessant questions open Diem’s mind and heart to things he never thought possible.

Things that make him think that maybe life could be… amazing.

*This is the fifth installment in the Shadowy Solution series. It is a same-couple mystery series with mental health rep, size difference, and a sassy vs surly dynamic. The series should be read in order for full enjoyment*

March 26, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

461 pages

Book 5 of 5

Shadowy Solutions

Review:  This Guy (Wood Hollow Book 1) by Lane Hayes 

Rating: 4.5🌈

Lane Hayes has written narrative gold with her Vermont based Four Forest town’s universe, and I’m not talking maple syrup, although I won’t be surprised if this factors in eventually. 

First off, there was the 6 book fabulous series, The Elmwood Stories, which was written about NHL hockey players who found themselves in the small town of Elmwood, where they found love, happiness and established a hockey base for kids and players for the summer. It built slowly but surely over 6 novels and we started meeting people outside of town, including those from Wood Hollow, and the mill. 

Well, it’s Wood Hollow’s time! The town has begun its own restoration and become a great charming place to live, with the mill’s prosperity being a huge part of this.

Silas, a veteran NFL player who has come to the end of his career, is facing a difficult time in his life. Divorced, a career that has ended, and no idea how to go forward, the pressure sends him to his friend’s rental property in Wood Hollow, Vermont, for a break. 

His next door neighbor is Cooper, who is a bisexual divorced father of two children, and the manager of the Wood Hollow lumber mill. Cooper is a hometown man, who loves his community and his family. And isn’t prepared for the handsome football player he rescues from a snowstorm.

This Guy is an excellent romance and start into a new series in this universe. The men are relatable, their struggles are written in a way that makes them feel real and understandable. The pressures each of them are facing, whether it’s Silas from his ex-wife’s new publicity with her own relationship or, perhaps even more realistic, Cooper’s personal struggles with his dynamics with his ex-wife and the way they both feel about their separation from their children. 

Here’s what I find so well written by Hayes. There’s no demonizing of anyone’s ex’s here. Any potential for a traumatic event? It’s handled by communication, like adults, without involving the children. Thank you.  Same goes for Silas and his ex wife. They remain friends and understand why they didn’t work out as marriage partners. 

I know I shouldn’t have to point this out, but honestly, it’s rare enough that I see it in my stories that I point it out when I see it.

The children are beautifully animated and feel true to their ages. Adore them. 

That dramatic moment? Fabulous! Heartwarming and perfect for the couple and as a family we have come to love. 

I can’t wait for the next story to come out. I love this entire world that Hayes is creating! 

Highly recommended!

Cover Design by Sleepy Fox Studio

Four Forest towns  of Vermont Universe – see note below 

The Elmwood Stories (6 book series)- I love this series ❤️ it mentions the lumber mill and introduces the Four Forest towns. It’s hockey meets Vermont small town ❤️.

Wood Hollow Series:

This Guy #1

Sweet Something #2 – TBR summer 2026

Four Forest area of Vermont are : Wood Hollow, Elmwood, Pinecrest, and Fallbrook. The Elmwood Stories ❤️ series is complete

Buy link 

 Book 1 of 1: Wood Hollow Stories 

Blurb 

The football star, the lumberjack, and a small-town love story…

Silas

Not to sound dramatic, but I can’t decide if I’m a hot mess, a has-been…or both.

There’s nothing quite like being in the spotlight at my lowest point. I could use a break from LA and my agent—just for a little while.

But Vermont in the middle of a blizzard? Probably not a great idea. However, the sexy lumberjack who lives next door is a sweet surprise. And so are his kids and the town.

I like this place. I could be happy here…at least till my new season begins.

Cooper

My time is split between work and fatherhood. That’s it. Boss and Dad. Maybe that’s why the football star is a breath of fresh air. Silas is funny, charismatic, and cool.

My kids love having a celebrity living next door. And me? I can’t remember the last time I felt quite so alive.

Yes, I’m well aware this isn’t going anywhere. Our worlds are just too different.

Too bad, ’cause this guy feels like the real thing.

This Guy is an MM bisexual, single dad, small-town romance featuring a football hero, a sexy lumberjack, and some neighbor-friendly shenanigans.

date

March 25, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

304 pages

Book 1 of 1

Wood Hollow Stories