Review: Deadly Night (Ageless Mysteries Book 1) by Vanessa Nelson

Rating: 4.75⭐️

“Can she serve justice in an unjust world?”

Vanessa Nelson, a prolific writer, was an unknown author to me before this book. But by the time I was done, at 3:33 am this morning, after reading through nonstop, she’s now gone directly to the front of my list of TBR authors.

What an incredible story and woman character Nelson serves up in Deadly Night, the first book in her Ageless Mysteries.

It’s been described as fantasy horror, or perhaps dark fantasy mystery, and it’s all that.

From page one, the writer drops us into a magical world of swords, carriages, and a very stratified society where a group of beings, the magical, flighted Ageless, rule over the world with the same sort of perception of a god looking upon lesser creatures. Then there’s the Ageless born, who have mixed human-Ageless heritage, who live in fear of being discovered and brought to The Citadel, the Ageless city, where they will be conscripted by the Ageless Society for whatever reason they want.

Then there’s the rest of the population, the humans and the other species, considered oddities by the Ageless. Most of the people leave their lives in abject poverty or in survival conditions.

Each small village has a Town Watch , a weapon-less law enforcement branch, to help police the community. Watch Officer Thea March has been newly promoted and sent to a new location and given a murder mystery to solve. The brutal slaughter of a young woman.

Nelson is laying down all her foundation while subtly building up her the world for her series, as Thea and her group of colleagues investigate the murder and move around the countryside and surrounding towns. We travel by carriage, move by foot to the docks, as each person does solid research into each case and their investigation. And while we are throughly invested in this aspect of the story, and we are because it’s suspense filled, tension laden, and compelling, there’s so much more happening.

Tiny personal moments and deep mysteries are appearing, mostly focused on Thea, but not all. And they look like tragic scenes and traumatic moments from her family’s past. This thread is likely one that will be continued throughout the series.

There’s no romance or hint of one. At least not in this novel. Too many other storylines and elements to introduce (and extremely well) and areas to explore. Even Thea’s difficulties with her bullying boss in her new job, how she manages to handle it realistically without making her feel weak but turning it into a positive experience for her job feels believable and very true.

It was extremely hard for me not to start on the second book right after this one. Even as an adult, I had to tell myself to wait for a couple of hours of sleep. Sigh.

Yes, it’s incredible. Yes, I’m absolutely recommending this. And best of all? It’s completely finished. You know I’m already binging it. My shelves are groaning.

Ageless Mysteries (6 book series):

Deadly Night #1

False Dawn #2

Morning Trap #3

Assassin’s Noon #4

Flightless Afternoon #5

Ascension Day #6

Buy link

Book 1 of 6: Ageless Mysteries

Blurb

Can she serve justice in an unjust world?

Newly-promoted Watch Officer Thea March is assigned her very first death investigation. Someone has brutally killed a young woman and dumped her body in an empty warehouse. The only real clue left at the scene points to one of the elite – the Ageless – as being involved.

The Watch might ignore one anonymous woman’s death, but when more bodies appear, killed in the same way, the deaths attract the attention of the ruling elite, and Mage Niath is assigned to work with Thea to hunt down the killer.

Having spent most of her life trying to avoid attracting the attention of the elite, the last thing that Thea wants is a prominent mage shadowing her every move.

But they will have to depend on each other, and all the skills at their disposal, to hunt down and stop the killer.

Deadly Night is the first book in the now-complete Ageless Mysteries series by Vanessa Nelson.

If you like your fantasy full of mystery and magic, then you will love this series. Get your copy now to start Thea’s story.

May 13, 2021

Edition

2nd

Language

‎English

Print length

271 pages

Book 1 of 6

Ageless Mysteries

Review: Once Bitten (Cursebreakers, Inc. Book 4) by A.M. Rose

Rating: 4.75🌈

Once Bitten (Cursebreakers, Inc. Book 4) by A.M. Rose just continues to show what an absolutely fantastic series Cursebreakers is. Dark, heartbreaking at times, and thrilling in its weirdly beautiful, damaged characters, Once Bitten is up there among my favorites so far.

It’s been a while since the series has had an update but it doesn’t take long to dive back deep into this dark landscape of brilliant psych damaged children, then men, brought up in a government institution and then put in a forced family setting that would “balance” their talents while using their abilities for government missions. No matter what age they were.

Here we get two family houses of talents , one for each city, who will have to work together because of the sheer size of the cursed problem and organization that they are facing.

It’s also the element that will bring Wren, whose talent is that of talking to animals, removing their curses from them, and Teddy, a cursebreaker who loved Wren when they were young together. Forced apart by NEXUS, that government agency that had control over them, both Wren and the readers finally get the truth about the secret to Wren’s history and the heartbreak he’s endured.

We get new fantastic characters from Teddy’s family. The twins, Saint and the scary Eerie especially to the fragile Echo, I loved Teddy’s family as much as Wren’s. That includes Wren’s animals like Blu and Sable.

Once Bitten is the best yet. Horrifying, devastatingly cruel and tragic, multiple intriguing storylines and Wren and Teddy’s story, interwoven with heartbreaking handwritten letters that span the years they were separated.

I think the authors wrote something extraordinary special here. In the characters and the multiple plots, one of which is ongoing.

I can’t wait for this to continue.

Fantastic work by the team that is A.M. Rose. Highly recommended!

Cover designed by BCJ Art & Design

Cursebreakers, Inc:

Like a House on Fire #1

Fool Me Twice #2

A Thousand Cuts #3

Once Bitten #4

Buy link

Once Bitten (Cursebreakers, Inc. Book 4)

Blurb

“He’s never met a rule he liked.”

Defiant. Rebellious. Disobedient.

Wren had been called that and worse since the moment he could openly express his hatred of Nexus and everything it stood for. But he played along. Not for them. But for the animals he helped along the way and the one boy who made those words sound like compliments instead of insults. Until they took him away.

Loveable. Inspiring. Exemplary.

Teddy had been seen as perfect since the moment he started training. He wasn’t perfect, though. He had broken only one rule, but it was the biggest one of them all. He fell for another cursebreaker. He gave his heart to the one he wasn’t allowed to. And they both paid the price for it.

Forced apart, they spent a decade loving the memory of each other, until a shocking case brings them back together. Will their love prevail, or will the Little Bird be forced to leave his Teddy Bear behind?

March 16, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

393 pages

Book 4 of 4

Cursebreakers, Inc.

Review: Jade City (The Green Bone Saga Book 1) by Fonda Lee

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Jade City is the first book I’ve read by Fonda Lee, a book and series very well known for being so remarkable in its wonderfully detailed world building and raw, yet powerful characters of the Kaul family.

I came across it by accident, as someone who was recommending it in their all time top fantasy series. Then it looked at the types of recommendations it had received.

Remarkable for a series and book that is hard to quantify. Here it’s called a fantasy novel, but alternative reality or universe, that works as well.

This is about a solitary island, Kekon, that has fought for independence from an outside country (white) and finally won, at a high cost. Its main source of wealth is jade, which can for certain individuals increase their human strength and abilities to something incredibly inhumane and frighteningly dangerous and powerful. Those people, the Green Bones, named after the Jade which gives them power, is now divided into two warring clans who control the island.

One of them is the Kaul family, the focal points of all the books.

This is an epic story, Asia-inspired tale of two crime dynasties, the Kauls and the Ayts. Its constant political manipulation and maneuvering, as well as traumatic physical, emotional, and psychological mental battles over Jade and territory. Often leading to death.

Added to this main fight between the clan giants are the smaller groups and those who covet the power they are physically unable to have. Those now trading in a new drug that has a high that gives the user Jade like ability.

All of this threatens to destabilize the Kaul family’s base of power and business. And each sibling will have to deal with their plans and place within the clan to see if and how they can make the Kaul clan survive.

It’s bloody, realistic, political, magical with the Jade being the basic element of the system that boosts their power.

And the characters are so strong, each well defined and beautifully developed.

This is only the first one and it’s so compelling and heartbreaking.

It deserves all the accolades.

It’s a World Fantasy Award winner and has been named one of TIME’s Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time.

The Green Bone Saga

Jade City

Jade War

Jade Legacy

Buy link

Book 1 of 3: The Green Bone Saga

Blurb

In this World Fantasy Award-winning novel of magic and kungfu, four siblings battle rival clans for honor and power in an Asia-inspired fantasy metropolis.

*Named one of TIME’s Top 100 Fantasy Books Of All Time*

Jade is the lifeblood of the island of Kekon. It has been mined, traded, stolen, and killed for—and for centuries, honorable Green Bone warriors like the Kaul family have used it to enhance their magical abilities and defend the island from foreign invasion.

Now, the war is over and a new generation of Kauls vies for control of Kekon’s bustling capital city. They care about nothing but protecting their own, cornering the jade market, and defending the districts under their protection. Ancient tradition has little place in this rapidly changing nation.

When a powerful new drug emerges that lets anyone—even foreigners—wield jade, the simmering tension between the Kauls and the rival Ayt family erupts into open violence. The outcome of this clan war will determine the fate of all Green Bones—and of Kekon itself.

Praise for Jade City:

“An epic drama reminiscent of the best classic Hong Kong gangster films but set in a fantasy metropolis so gritty and well-imagined that you’ll forget you’re reading a book.” —Ken Liu, Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award-winning author

“A beautifully realized setting, a great cast of characters, and dramatic action scenes. What a fun, gripping read!” —Ann Leckie, Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author

“An instantly absorbing tale of blood, honor, family and magic, spiced with unexpectedly tender character beats.” —NPR

The Green Bone Saga

Jade City

Review: Brutal Justice (The Other Detective Series Book 4) by Heather G. Harris

Rating: 5⭐️

Just outstanding. According to Harris, the author had originally intended Brutal Justice to become the finale for the series but this amazing character’s journey has become so complex and layered that one last novel was needed.

Harris with her goal of making this the penultimate narrative, fills this incredible story with so many shocking moments, absolutely stunning twists to the plot that makes sense once you see it but still makes the reader gasp in appreciation and shock that we didn’t see it coming.

This storyline brings Evie back to the trauma that set her on the path she’s taken in life, back to her kidnapping and torture.

Now she’s supported by Robbie, her fiancée and King of Orcs, her staff (and friends) through this journey.

It’s several investigations, and includes one of the most heinous criminals created, Jude Jingo.

The relationship between Robbie and Evie continues to be a very strong one, building on acknowledgement of their roles as well as their commitment towards each other. I love their dynamic.

Other crossover characters play important roles here as well, Amber and Bastion for example.

There’s thrilling, heartbreaking moments, scary battles, and shocking twists. None of which I’ll spoil. I hope no one else will either.

This and the characters are my favorites in this universe. I’ll be so sad when it’s over. But I still have one more novel to go.

What a thrilling read this is! Five stars!

Cover design by Christian Bentulan. Published by Hellhound Press Limited.

The Other Realm Universe: Should be read in order to understand the world and characters .Events and relationships build upon each other.

The Other Realm series

⭐️Glimmer of Dragons- Book 0.5 (a prequel story),

Glimmer of The Other- Book 1, Glimmer of Hope- Book 2,

Glimmer of Christmas – Book 2.5 (a Christmas tale),

Glimmer of Death – Book 3,

Glimmer of Deception – Book 4,

*It is recommended that you read The Other Wolf books 1 to 3 before continuing with

Challenge of the Court– Book 5,

Betrayal of the Court– Book 6

Revival of the Court– Book 7.

⭐️The Other Wolf Series

Defender of The Pack– Book 0.5 (a prequel story),

Protection of the Pack– Book 1, Guardians of the Pack– Book 2, Saviour of The Pack– Book 3, Awakening of the Pack – Book 4, Resurgence of the Pack – Book 5; and Ascension of the Pack – Book 6.

⭐️The Other Witch Series

Rune of the Witch – Book 0.5 (a prequel story),

Hex of the Witch– Book 1,

Coven of the Witch;– Book 2,

Familiar of the Witch– Book 3; and Destiny of the Witch – Book 4.

⭐️The Other Detective Series❤️

Frustrated Justice – Book 0.5 (a prequel story),
Veiled Justice – Book 1
Mystic Justice – Book 2
Arcane Justice – Book 3
Brutal Justice – Book 4
Ruthless Justice-Book 5 , Oct 14,2026 (finale)

Buy link

Brutal Justice: A Supernatural Crime Thriller (The Other Detective Series Book 4)

Blurb

Death has changed bodies… and justice is about to get personal.

A dead dryad on my medical examiner’s lawn wasn’t how this week was supposed to start. But when I discover the victim was merely the latest body worn by the Other realm’s most notorious criminal, I realise this isn’t just murder.

It’s a possession.

Jude Jingo doesn’t kill the usual way. He steals lives from the inside out, jumping from body to body and leaving corpses in his wake. And now he’s wearing a face I recognise.

A face that’s getting dangerously close to someone I care about.

Officially, I’ve been ordered to close the case. Unofficially? I’m digging deeper. Because when a vampyr tries to gut me in the street and whispers about “orders”, I know this goes far beyond one dead dryad. Someone powerful wants this buried.

But I don’t bury murder.

With my rookie partner covering my back, my bonded bird raising hell, and an ogre king who takes threats against me very personally, I’m stepping off the books to hunt a body-stealing killer hiding in plain sight.

If I’m wrong, I’ll destroy an innocent man.

If I’m right, I’ll have to stop a monster wearing borrowed skin… without killing the man trapped inside.

No pressure.

Immerse yourself in The Other Detective Series – perfect for fans of supernatural crime, featuring a fierce heroine, political intrigue, brutal magic, and a slow-burn romance.

Written in British English.

The Other Detective Series

Frustrated Justice – a prequel story

Veiled Justice – Book 1

Mystic Justice – Book 2

Arcane Justice – Book 3

Brutal Justice – Book 4

Ruthless Justice – Book 5

Publisher

Hellhound Press Limited

Publication date

March 5, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

324 pages

Book 4 of 5

The Other Detective Series

Review: Review: Shifting of the Wild (Shifter Lords Book 7) by S.E. Babin

Rating: 4.75⭐️

“In-hiding hedgewitch florist by day. Powerful demigoddess by blood. Shapeshifting immortal by accident.”- book 1 hook

Well, it’s taken seven books to get here but Shifting of the Wild is the story I’ve been waiting for and so, so satisfying.

In all my reviews I’ve made it clear that the character of Caelan has been one I consider a being I’m absolutely not a fan of, especially in the toxic relationship he’s had with Evie. He’s been the epitome of a controlling, dangerous, narcissistic personality who’s only interested in power and dominance.

And the sad, damaging nature of this relationship has been one of the worst aspects of the series. Domestic violence and abuse are front and center here. Cheating and humiliation as well in the previous story.

So this book is where Evie begins with her healing, her understanding of her past relationships , of Caelan, their abusive dynamic , and slowly starting to change and move happily forward.

Shes in Rowan’s territory after the last battles and ordeals suffered in the previous story. The damage incurred is devastating. Physically and emotionally. She’s needed space and time to heal and recover.

And yes, Rowan has been a great favorite of mine. What a great and well balanced character, including his own secrets and powers.

This narrative has multiple layers, including a new huge threat to the world from unknown sources. And Cernunnos and Moira are setting up a new plot and role for Moira with her new powers.

I just love this story, and really want the trajectory of Evie’s new relationship to continue. Fantastic work and series.

Highly recommended!

So well written and beautifully executed.

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

Shift of the Wild (Shifter Lords Book 7)

Blurb

When Mother Earth comes calling, you’d better answer the door…

Evie has asked for sanctuary with Rowan, and he’s accepted, allowing her into his territory to lick her wounds and heal. Things are good for a while, until strange occurrences start happening when Rowan and Evie are together.

With similar magic, Evie feels like she’s found a kindred soul in the Shifter Lord, but other forces are about to shatter her rest and respite time and plunge them both into a type of danger they’ve never experienced before.

Someone is poisoning Rowan’s land and attempting to wrest his territory away from him. This time, the Lord isn’t powerful enough to win. But the enemy never counted on the fae heir and Floromancer’s visit, and one thing Evie is very good at is fighting for her friends.

Complications arise when Caelan figures out where she is and attempts to bring her home. But Evie never abandons a friend, and certainly not for a man who wouldn’t fight for her when she needed him to. Between fighting Caelan and fighting for Rowan, Evie is mentally and physically exhausted, something the enemy jumps on.

When the chips are down and the future looks grim, Evie will have to muster all her strength and power to fight back for Rowan, for herself, and to save Mother Earth from total annihilation.

Even if she loses herself in the process.

Oliver Heber Books

Publication date

March 3, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

249 pages

Book 7 of 11

Shifter Lords

Review: There Be Dragons Here: A Cozy Fantasy Adventure (Tales of Aedrea) by S.L. Rowland

Rating:5⭐️

My reading stars have been aligned lately because There Be Dragons Here by S.L. Rowland is the third stellar book by an undiscovered author in a fantasy genre that I’ve read in a row and I’m just overjoyed to with my reading lucky stars.

This is a side story to the Tales of Aedrea series of four fantasy novels, so I also have an additional world to meander through. I’m so excited.

But let’s start with this book, an amazing emotional journey of friendship, loyalty, and rediscovery of one’s inner fire.

Hilda Rockfall, 182 years old, grandmother, mother, beloved wife. But once, for 70 years she was renowned throughout the world as a Ranger in the Stone & Splendor adventurer group, a tight found family of four beings, who fought and explored together. Until she retired and married, putting that life behind her.

Now a funeral calls her away from home and leaves her the last remaining member of her group.

I love this book and Hilda so much. Her grief in losing her old friend, the journey his last quest takes her on. The stories that she tells, the people who she meets, and the inner person she rediscovers along this tortuous path, so inspiring.

And yes, there be dragons.

So many fantastic stories here. Memorable scenes, heartbreaking moments. And there’s war goats. Amazing!

This is one that’s both shiny and beautiful, a gem to treasure.

I’m highly recommending it.

Beautiful cover and stunning maps!

Cover design by Brent Minehan

Map by CartographyBird Maps

Tales of Aedrea (4 books):

Cursed Cocktails

Sword & Thistle

The Halfling’s Harvest

There Be Dragons Here

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThere Be Dragons Here: A Cozy Fantasy Adventure (Tales of Aedrea) eBook

Blurb

At 182 years old, Hilda Rockfall thought her adventuring days were long behind her.

For over seventy years, she roamed the realm as a ranger with the adventuring party Stone & Splendor—taking quests, slaying beasts, and collecting monster teeth like trophies from the boundless sea to the edge of the wilds. But for the past eight decades, she’s traded her sword for slippers, living the quiet life of a proud grandmother nestled in the mountains, telling tales no one quite believes and baking a mean honey crumble.

That peace is shattered when an old friend—and former party member—passes on and leaves Hilda one final quest: scatter his ashes at a secret location marked on a map they looted back in their glory days.

Hilda figures it’ll be a nice little hike. Maybe a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

But then she opens the map.

And scrawled across the bottom in faded ink are four unsettling words:

There be dragons here.

About the Series: Welcome to the enchanting world of Tales of Aedrea, where small-scale stories, low-stakes adventure, and cozy fantasy come to life within an epic, high-fantasy realm. Each tale can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

There Be Dragons Here is a cozy, low-stakes fantasy of family dynamics, friendship, and proving that it’s never too late to find adventure. Perfect for fans of The Hobbit and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

Publisher

Aethervale Publishing

Publication date

January 20, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

290 pages

Part of series

Tales of Aedrea

Review: The Inn Side Shop: A Cozy LitRPG Adventure (The Inn Side Shop Series Book 1) by Gil Hess

Rating: 4.75⭐️

Well, this book is just so outstanding. I’m still thinking about it.

You never know when you pick up a book from an author you’re not familiar with based on the cover (love it) and story description. But what a fabulously magical and compelling journey Gil Hess sent me and his character, Wren Alder, into for the first book in this series.

What do I deeply love and admire about this book and Hess’s writing? Its subtlety and simplicity of language, beautifully crafted in a way that’s both remarkable, poetic and yet able to convey the essence of the characters and situations. The awe of a magical moment to the sublimely silly scenes of a found family letting of their emotions. We are there with them, especially Wren, as he struggles with his new life and sense of duty. As a very special young man.

That’s another element here. A feeling of historic accuracy in a magical world. Where teenagers and preteens were already in “adult mode” because that’s how that life drew on people. Grow up fast, used up fast, die faster. So having a character like Stella, as bookkeeper, at the old age of 18? Perfect because she’s been learning that trade since she was much younger. It feels believable and Stella feels real, older than her age, worn, and layered in her knowledge and reliability. All the characters have this same energy, this deep sense of realism that makes them so relatable and emotionally able to relate to the world and story.

The plot is compelling in itself, has multiple storylines that makes it interesting, emotionally intriguing and suspenseful. Especially when you consider how the author started his story. With a daunting prologue that puts a shadow over the rest of the story.

Do not let this slow you down! Proceed immediately through!

Categorized, accurately, as a cozy fantasy LitRPG adventure story, the LitRPG aspect of the novel is minimal at best. And that will help for those readers who aren’t familiar with LitRPG stories (Literary Role-Playing Game where a character can level up, see stats, have quests is fused with a fantasy or scify storyline) can happily be engaged in this remarkable narrative and enjoy that aspect without relying too heavily on gamer knowledge.

What makes The Inn Side Shop a great success, and truly riveting fantasy adventure is Wren, his story, his ability to create a found family among his new community’s struggles and and how he’s stays true to himself and the values that he brings with him. This is an absolute gem. Honestly I found myself in tears in places, so raw in the moment and emotional scenes that I was caught up in the moment.

There is mention of a sequel but I can’t find it anywhere. Perhaps it in progress. This was a long book although it doesn’t seem like it.

Among my top findings this year. One I think should find a place next to the bed if people ask you to read to them. Choose this!

Highly recommended!

Buy link

Book 1 of 1: The Inn Side Shop Series

Blurb

The Inn Side Shop

A Cozy LitRPG Adventure by Gil Hess

Fourteen-year-old Wren Alder never planned to be an adventurer. He just wanted a place to tinker in peace. But when his great-aunt hands him the key to a forgotten supply room at the Crossroads—a sleepy outpost perched between dungeons, cities, and the deep wild—Wren inherits more than a dusty shop.

Because this shop… levels up.

Each sale unlocks new features. Each discovery stirs old magic. A ledger learns to write back. A dungeon wakes beneath the roots. And a boy who thought he wanted quiet finds purpose in the chaos of travelers, quests, and growing friendships.

Heartfelt, clever, and brimming with quiet wonder, The Inn Side Shop blends cozy fantasy with the satisfying progression of a LitRPG—perfect for readers who love slow-burn worldbuilding, endearing characters, and magic that feels just within reach.

Tide Pool Storyworks

Publication date

October 15, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

762 pages

Book 1 of 1

The Inn Side Shop Series

Review: Seeing Red in Gretna Green (Midlife Recorder Book 4) by Linzi Day

Rating: 5⭐️

“Allow the fire that drives you to burn brighter than any flames around you. Many fear getting their wings for the first time. But consider the butterfly. If it had remained a caterpillar, would it not grieve when all its peers flew away, so free and elegant? The struggle is brief, but your rewards are infinite. “

-Finding your Inner Fire: How to Claim your True Self by Peggy Hwybon (Warmly recommended by His Majesty Mabon ap Modron)

I’ve been remiss in forgetting to include memorable passages from the all important “texts” that drive each new book and characters as they journey into new areas of growth, revelation, and new relationships.

Seeing Red , naturally we’re diving into the Red Celt realm and dragons, is such an important and compelling story.

It starts off with Niki going to visit Dai, Prince Dafydd ap Modron, heir to Mabon, the king of the Red Celts, a man who was once her childhood friend.

I won’t say anything more. Only that the events of this story have ramifications for the rest of the series and the characters. Ones that continue to play out.

Day’s plots are labyrinthine. They hold the keys to the fabric of each character’s lives and personalities, their back histories and the damage that’s been inflicted on them. And how all of that has come together to create the situation and events that are in place now.

It’s an ever changing narrative masterpiece, subtly designed, beautifully crafted, heartfelt and deeply emotional.

And we’re engaged with every single character as they are hurt, involved in the process of growing into their own power, and potentially something stronger.

I want to spoil this so badly. But I’ll leave you with the pleasure of reading it and then wanting to reread this book again.

Highly recommended. It’s a must read! And it does end on a heavy cliffhanger. But no worries. The next book is ready to read! It only gets better.

Gorgeous Covers that absolutely drew me in. With the ever changing Recorder Star and Gateway in the center that’s pertinent to each book

Cover Design: Axe Designs

Midlife Recorder series:

Midlife in Gretna Green #1

Painting the Blues in Gretna Green #2

Ties That Bond in Gretna Green #3

House Party in Gretna Green #3.5

Seeing Red in Gretna Green #4

Code Yellow in Gretna Green #5

Market Forces in Gretna Green #6

Coming next

Spilling The Tea in Gretna Green #7

Half An Orange in Gretna Greene #8-Oct 30,2026

Buy link

Book 4 of 7: Midlife Recorder

Blurb

Have you ever agreed to something and, when the time came, wondered what planet your mouth had been on when it accepted the invitation?

Welcome to my freaking world.

A warning from a Fae seer didn’t help Tilly and me get into the right mood for our break in Prince Dai ap Modron’s ‘lovely mountain home’ for the St. David’s Day festival.

What was supposed to be a well-earned holiday quickly turned into a nightmare.

Did I mention the unbelievable cold? The snowstorm? The complete absence of drinkable coffee?

As if that wasn’t enough, King Troels of the Vikings launched a surprise attack on the Gateway, leaving us scrambling to fend off the invaders. But then the power took a liking to Prince Rollo … nope, enough. No spoilers!

You just need to read the book.

“The best new series I’ve read this year.”

Revisit the bizarre mix of Celtic realms trapped in history when Niki—with the help of her sentient house, Dola—discovers not everyone can be trusted. Join all your favourite characters as they reunite in the Red Celt realm for a gruesome and hilarious sentencing hearing. And Niki learns more about dragon politics than she ever wanted to know.

Seeing Red introduces new faces while rekindling the magic and humour with old favourites. This cosy contemporary fantasy novel will keep you enthralled, laughing, and craving doughnuts from beginning to end.

Don’t miss out on this fun new adventure with the Midlife Recorder – grab your copy today!

September 28, 2023

Language

‎English

File size

3.5 MB

Print length

634 pages

Book 4 of 7

Midlife Recorder

Rating: 5⭐️

-Finding your Inner Fire: How to Claim your True Self by Peggy Hwybon (Warmly recommended by His Majesty Mabon ap Modron)

Seeing Red , naturally we’re diving into the Red Celt realm and dragons, is such an important and compelling story.

It starts off with Niki going to visit Dai, Prince Dafydd ap Modron, heir to Mabon, the king of the Red Celts, a man who was once her childhood friend.

I won’t say anything more. Only that the events of this story have ramifications for the rest of the series and the characters. Ones that continue to play out.

It’s an ever changing narrative masterpiece, subtly designed, beautifully crafted, heartfelt and deeply emotional.

And we’re engaged with every single character as they are hurt, involved in the process of growing into their own power, and potentially something stronger.

I want to spoil this so badly. But I’ll leave you with the pleasure of reading it and then wanting to reread this book again.

Highly recommended.

Gorgeous Covers that absolutely drew me in. With the ever changing Recorder Star and Gateway in the center that’s pertinent to each book

Cover Design: Axe Designs

Midlife Recorder series:

Midlife in Gretna Green #1

Painting the Blues in Gretna Green #2

Ties That Bond in Gretna Green #3

House Party in Gretna Green #3.5

Seeing Red in Gretna Green #4

Code Yellow in Gretna Green #5

Market Forces in Gretna Green #6

Coming next

Spilling The Tea in Gretna Green #7

Half An Orange in Gretna Greene #8-Oct 30,2026

Buy link

Book 4 of 7: Midlife Recorder

Blurb

Have you ever agreed to something and, when the time came, wondered what planet your mouth had been on when it accepted the invitation?

Welcome to my freaking world.

A warning from a Fae seer didn’t help Tilly and me get into the right mood for our break in Prince Dai ap Modron’s ‘lovely mountain home’ for the St. David’s Day festival.

What was supposed to be a well-earned holiday quickly turned into a nightmare.

Did I mention the unbelievable cold? The snowstorm? The complete absence of drinkable coffee?

You just need to read the book.

“The best new series I’ve read this year.”

Don’t miss out on this fun new adventure with the Midlife Recorder – grab your copy today!

September 28, 2023

Language

‎English

File size

3.5 MB

Print length

634 pages

Book 4 of 7

Midlife Recorder

Review: The Hitman’s Guide to Stately Fences and Killer Defenses (The Hitman’s Guide Book 8) by Alice Winters

Rating: 4.75🌈

The Hitman’s Guide to Stately Fences and Killer Defenses is the eighth book in the suspense filled , violent, and often hilarious series by Alice Winters.

It’s followed the tumultuous path that Leland “The Sandman”, a lonely contract hitman, finds himself on when he meets an equally lonely PI named Jackson who’s caught on a backyard fence while on a job. Book after book, they find themselves together, working through deep issues (and criminal investigations) towards a complex relationship. One that brings them a strange wonderful future of odd mixture of friends, found family, scary happenings and hilariously funny stories. It’s found them engaged then happily married, with dogs and an illegally adopted teenage son.

Book eight brings in all the many characters from their multiple stories when Waylon, 15 yr old illegally adopted son of Jackson and Leland, is threatened along with his new best friend.

Who is behind the newest danger to Leland and Jackson’s family and life is one of the best elements of this story. There’s so much to it. It’s all the various characters, their partners coming to help. And a new police officer who’s highly suspicious of Leland and his past to add additional tension and drama to the already established growing suspense and anxiety about the situation.

Winters has written a fantastic novel. It’s a fast paced, white knuckle roller coaster narrative ride that keeps the reader on the edge of the seat. With her dialogue that has elements of pain, hilarity and life’s deepest realities. Guns, dogs, friends , love and family. Maybe blow up dolls. And a car. And now a cat.

And with those final reminiscences from Jackson as he watches his “boys” walking ahead, if this is where Winters leaves them, I’m happy.

There’s no indication that this is the finale but somehow it feels like it. While there’s a few things where the author could return to this universe to open up a new chapter, that last sentence feels like a closing scene.

I’m good with that. They are in a wonderful place.

A great story in a highly recommended series.

Cover by Natasha Snow Designs

The Hitman’s Guide series:

The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love

The Hitman’s Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes

The Hitman’s Guide to Tying the Knot Without Getting Shot

The Former Assassin’s Guide to Snagging a Reluctant Boyfriend

The Hitman’s Guide to Righting Wrongs While Causing Mayhem

The Hitman’s Guide to Codenames and Ill-Gotten Gains

The Mercenary’s Guide to Mishaps and Romance

The Hitman’s Guide to Stately Fences and Killer Defenses #8

Buy link

Book 8 of 8: The Hitman’s Guide

Blurb

Leland

Life is normal… suspiciously normal.

During my long, lonely years as a hitman, I never realized that one day, I would have a family to call my own.

Now, instead of stalking my targets and taking down people with a flick of my wrist, my specialties lie in things like planning sleepovers (why does Waylon look terrified?), The Fence hour (those are screams of joy), and involving others to help our child succeed (no, of course I didn’t abduct anyone).

But for a guy like me, things can’t stay good for too long. Someone seems to think that I should still be the ruthless hitman I used to be. They want to draw me back into the limelight and prove to me that what I’m living now is a lie.

But they don’t realize how much they’re going to regret meeting the Sandman–especially once they threatened my family.

Jackson

This person seems to be obsessed with an image of Leland from the past, and because of it, we now have a crime boss on our tail and a bounty on Leland’s head. The stalker has no idea that Leland comes with multiple ex-assassins, a sketchy Scotsman, and the chief of police who likes to pretend he doesn’t want to be involved.

I adore my life with Leland just the way it is (someone, please burn down The Fence), and no one is going to ruin that (I will pay well).

They’d better be afraid to sleep because the Sandman is coming (and if they took down The Fence while they were at it, I wouldn’t mind).

January 20, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

355 pages

Book 8 of 8

The Hitman’s Guide

Review: Ties that Bond in Gretna Green: Paranormal Women’s Cozy Contemporary Fantasy (Midlife Recorder Book 3) by Linzi Day

Rating: 5⭐️

“And the little girl realised that just because things were going to be different, it didn’t mean they had to be scary. Different could be fun, and new things could be exciting, and she thanked the Recorder and admitted that perhaps her mother had been right all along.”

-The Recorder Always Knows Best: Cautionary Tales for Incautious Children by Margarita Encimera

Yes! We’re back in Gateway Cottage, Gretna Green, Scotland. It’s book 3 and yes, there’s another fictional tome to give Day’s characters guidance within the fantasy novel! Be still my heart!

Another extraordinary story that brings in multiple new characters, allows the ones we’ve met important new developments in their own lives and storylines, and layers in powerful elements that will impact them individually and the realms . It’s a series of revelations, a story of compelling surprises and mysteries that hit emotionally.

One aspect of Linzi Day’s writing that I find most intriguing and beautifully crafted is the depth of her character development. Each character may appear to have a specific personality and arc but that’s too superficial. For Day often has plotted, supremely I’ll add, far ahead in this character’s journey. There’s hidden information, surprising history and damaging events that will be revealed, novels later, if then, to make the character and their storyline an integral part of the entire plot.

The Hobs, Katy, her ever growing conflicted memories of her grandmother, the bonds, the Kings that factored heavily into her childhood and now as a Recorder, Dola, the sentient being that’s the Gateway House! Each has huge storylines here.

It is difficult to separate out individual aspects of the book because it’s a magnificent magical tapestry of tightly woven narrative threads. Linzi Day’s stories and this series has become my favorite of the year, and I’m predicting that it will land in my top ten of series once completed.

It’s a must read!

Gorgeous Covers that absolutely drew me in.

Cover Design: Axe Designs

Midlife Recorder series:

Midlife in Gretna Green #1

Painting the Blues in Gretna Green #2

Ties That Bond in Gretna Green #3

Seeing Red in Gretna Green #4

Code Yellow in Gretna Green #5

Market Forces in Gretna Green #6

Coming next

Spilling The Tea in Gretna Green #7

Half An Orange in Gretna Greene #8-Oct 30,2026

Buy link

Ties that Bond in Gretna Green: Paranormal Women’s Cozy Contemporary Fantasy (Midlife Recorder Book 3)

Blurb

It’s Valentine’s week in the Gateway, and Niki McKnight is preparing to conduct her first bondings for the fated, soul-bonded mates of the Kingdoms.

She was a registrar who married thousands of people in her former job—this will be a breeze … Right?

Wrong!
The bondings don’t quite go to plan. Cue hilarity, heartbreak and mysterious magical prophecies for some of our favourite characters.

Niki’s goddaughter Autumn is visiting, and her heart’s desires are to ride a unicorn and be a bridesmaid for the first time. So no pressure then!

And there are mysteries to solve:

Why is the Recorder forbidden from bonding the members of an entire race?
Why is Prince Charming Dai, her childhood crush, suddenly avoiding her?
Why were so many bondmates trying to deceive her gran?
Why is Dola sending everyone gifts?
Why are there no doughnuts, brownies or other sugary goodness?

But in what’s supposed to be the busiest week of the Gateway’s year, Niki finally has some time on her hands to sort her own life out. Even if she still can’t manage to get her hair cut.

In this full-length, light-hearted addition to the Midlife Recorder series, you’ll find humour, tension and magical food as the Recorder confirms the soul bonds for Celts, Galicians, Vikings, Hobs, Picts and Fae.

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