Category: 5 star Rating

Review: A Heart To Revitalize Me: The Magic Accounts 4.5 (The Magi Accounts Companion Stories) by Michele Notaro

Rating: 4.75🌈

A Heart To Revitalize Me is the penultimate book in Michele Notaro’s fantastic dark fantasy series, The Magi Accounts. In between the main novels, Notaro has been writing companion stories, narrative side journeys through different characters lives or scenarios from the series . Each companion piece has been so distinct. One looks back on previous happenings, but seen from another important character’s perspective, giving the reader insights into those horrifying moments from his POV. Others take ongoing events of the current timeline and revolve around developing certain characters relationships further.

That happens here in A Heart To Revitalize Me, where mage Logan and tiger shifter, Haiden, finally get their story and the romance the readers have been waiting for.

In this dark, torturous dystopian world that Notaro has been creating, not even a long awaited journey to first love is going to happen without the harsh realities of that world crashing into the sweetness and light of love discovered.

And that’s both the horror and the beauty of this series (and story). The author has crafted characters we have grown to love, watched them develop and change, moving through the trauma and grief of their lives as they age and became family, some bonded mates.

Logan and Haiden have been two of the younger members of the Ono-Nai tribe, each has been through unbelievably torturous, traumatic and tragic experiences. Especially Logan, as a compound-raised mage.

Notaro frames out their path to a new romantic relationship , giving it all the gestures and scenes that make it utterly sweet, realistically halting and funny, perfect for their age and yet taking into account, their horrifying backgrounds.

However, we can never forget that there’s something larger looming ahead. All around the , Ono-Nai tribe home, and everywhere in the country, the violence against non-humans is escalating. New attacks from the Rift are rising as well. Everyone is under siege, from humans and aliens alike.

Horrors lie just outside the gate or even doorway.

A Heart To Revitalize Me: The Magic Accounts 4.5 (The Magi Accounts Companion Stories) by Michele Notaro reminds the reader that there is darkness next to the light. For every high, there is a deep lower point awaiting. This is a roller coaster of emotions and a great read.

But the hints the author has left behind are very clear that perhaps the darkest elements are yet to come in the finale.

See you all there.

All the stories, see the lists below, are highly recommended. But they must be read in the order they were written.

The Magi Accounts:

✓ The Scars That Bind Us #1

✓ The Shackles That Hold Us #2

✓ A Purpose That Restores Us #3

✓ A Ruse To Unchain Us #4

◦ Only Unity Will Spare Us #5 – Series Finale on Sept. 20, 2024

The Magi Accounts Companion stories:

✓ Our Hearts That Tie Us: The Magi Accounts Prequel

✓ A Kiss To Revive Me: The Magi Accounts 1.5

✓ A Date to Impress Him: The Magi Accounts 2.5

✓ A Holiday to Sustain Us: A Magi Accounts Holiday

✓ An Embrace To Hearten Me: The Magi Accounts 3.5

✓ A Heart To Revitalize Me: The Magi Accounts 4.5

Buy Link:

A Heart To Revitalize Me: The Magic Accounts 4.5 (The Magi Accounts Companion Stories)

Blurb:

Lately my straight best friend has been very… handsy, which is killing me because I’ve been in love with the idiot for years.

I love my best friend, I always have, but I never wanted him to realize just how much. He’s never seemed to notice before, but since he broke up with his girlfriend, he’s been really clingy. Like way more than I’ve ever seen.

I love it. And it’s killing me.

What I really want is all those cuddles and sweet touches to mean more than they do. I have to keep reminding my heart that everything Haiden is doing is platonic, even if it feels like it isn’t. Unfortunately for me, my stupid heart doesn’t stop hoping for more.

A Heart To Revitalize Me is a MM urban fantasy romance companion novel meant to be read AFTER A Ruse To Unchain Us (The Magi Accounts 4). This is Logan and Haiden’s story and takes place between books 4 and 5 of the main series. It’s the last Magi Accounts Companion Stories novel and is meant to be read as part of the series, not by itself, although the love story is resolved in this book.

The Magi Accounts Companion stories:

✓ Our Hearts That Tie Us: The Magi Accounts Prequel

✓ A Kiss To Revive Me: The Magi Accounts 1.5

✓ A Date to Impress Him: The Magi Accounts 2.5

✓ A Holiday to Sustain Us: A Magi Accounts Holiday

✓ An Embrace To Hearten Me: The Magi Accounts 3.5

✓ A Heart To Revitalize Me: The Magi Accounts 4.5

The Magi Accounts:

✓ The Scars That Bind Us #1

✓ The Shackles That Hold Us #2

✓ A Purpose That Restores Us #3

✓ A Ruse To Unchain Us #4

◦ Only Unity Will Spare Us #5 – Series Finale on Sept. 20, 2024

• Publisher: (December 27, 2023)

• Publication date: December 27, 2023

• Print length: 308 pages

Trigger Warning:

Violence, gore, mentions of past abuse, mentions of past sexual assault (nothing on-page).

— A Heart To Revitalize Me: The Magi Accounts 4.5 (The Magi Accounts Companion Stories) by Michele Notaro

Review: Perfectly Perplexing Zombie (Perfect Pixie, #4) by M. J. May

Rating: 5🌈

Honestly, I finish each story thinking this is the best yet of the series. Then the next surpasses it, building on the complex storylines and characters relationships the author is creating and linking together in an epic as yet unfinished fantasy tapestry.

Each new couple incorporates a deeply unique perspective on love and relationships. While May has bright humor , magical wonder, and so much lively personality floating through the narrative, the darker side is never far away.

There’s so many serious elements included with each being, most to do with their history but not always. With Phil, it’s his outsize physique as a pixie, or Parsnip, whose horrific past of capture and permanent damage adds a dark series thread, as well as a dramatic well developed emotional plot for his book. Each character’s aspect of their life that has caused them pain and or sorrow has to be revealed, investigated, emotionally developed , and, fully explored in every possible aspect before the ending.

So many serious themes and topics. Slavery, addiction, low self esteem, bullying, self harm, the list goes on as to what May has narratively tackled in this series. And done a spectacular job of it.

Now comes Wendell. A lovely, kind, warmhearted human being who was cold heartedly murdered and turned into a zombie. Only Muriel, a powerful witch intervened, and Wendell became conscious, still a zombie but himself still. Unique in many ways.

A incredibly special way. Which brings Hellfire Rayburn, Fairy Queen Silvidia’s most trusted and feared warrior, into the role of main character after being a wildly popular secondary character in the preceding books.

The zombie and the fiery fairy warrior walk into the bar. It would be a joke if it wasn’t a tragedy in itself. May makes the reader feel every bit of the emotional pain and suffering every character is undergoing here.

The author has managed to make Wendell such a bright, engaging, and vulnerable young man, however dead he may be. As he’s falling apart, the reader is provided a window into his thoughts and feelings, which not only serves to connect us further but breaks our hearts. Wendell feels alive inside but is very much aware he isn’t. He wants to cry but can’t, he wants to blush, but a dead, rotting body betrays him. May quietly makes the reader cry when Wendell can’t.

Then comes Hellfire Rayburn, or Ray, who himself undergoes a huge mental and emotional transformation . Exposure to Wendell does that. Listening to Ray’s ancient inner voice, his arguments about Wendell with himself, then his growing sense of affection for the zombie, then mounting fear and anguish, it mirrors our own thoughts and feelings.

This author’s has such a superb gift for writing highly emotional scenes that escalates the anguish that the reader and the characters are feeling, as bit by bit, necrotic patch of skin by skin, Wendall’s time to a final death approaches.

She encapsulates all the details of the deteriorating flesh, Wendell’s emotional state, and his friends hope and horror as they scramble for some means to stop it.

What May also does so extraordinarily well is subtly continue to run darker plot threads through the current storylines. So that as you’re reading and totally aware of the scenes before you, lurking on the edges are the barest of mentions of what the author has to come.

The pixie dust addiction and slavery thread is there as a small topic. A hint of something that needs to be addressed in the near future. The most evil villain I’ve encountered is suddenly invigorated by events here. Please someone help get his comeuppance.

There’s no listed title for the next story but I have a guess which I’ll keep to myself.

It says in the descriptions these books can be read as standalones No they cannot. They are absolutely narrative building bricks for each other, which eventually leads to the next one, and finally a magical whole.

This series and each book is at the top of my TB recommended list. A must read/must have if you will.

Wendell and Ray gave me so many heartbreaking moments but so many more beautiful ones. What a special gift.

Again, another gorgeous cover in a series of them.

Buy Link:

Perfectly Perplexing Zombie: Wendall’s Story (Perfect Pixie Series Book 4)

Blurb:

Blessed with eternal fire, Hellfire Rayburn is Fairy Queen Silvidia’s most trusted and feared warrior. In a world living under fairy rule, Ray’s accustomed to serving his queen by upholding the law. Now, Queen Silvidia wants more.

Wendall Galen never expected to wake up reanimated as a zombie. Then again, he never expected to be murdered either. Wendall’s second life is far better than his past human life. Unfortunately, the diluted bit of fairy DNA he didn’t know existed interferes with his reanimation. With his body deteriorating, Wendall’s second life is destined to be a short one.

Queen Silvidia might have discovered Wendall’s living life too late, but she won’t let the last remaining descendant of her beloved, deceased brother perish. A fairy bond is needed to preserve Wendall, and Hellfire Rayburn still has his to give away. Wendall just needs to accept the eternal bond. Too bad he’s a zombie with a conscience.

Wendall won’t condemn Ray to an eternity bonded to someone Ray doesn’t care for, let alone love. He would rather perish than do that. Despite Wendall’s refusal, or perhaps because of it, Ray’s smitten with the human-turned-zombie and can’t imagine a life without him.

But Wendall’s deteriorating body isn’t the only threat. His murderer is still out there and fearful Wendall will reveal his secret. Power breeds paranoia, and Wendall’s murderer is oozing with one and being taken over by the other. Having awakened one of the most dangerous and feared creatures alive, Wendall’s murderer is willing to wield that power no matter the cost.

Wendall’s good nature calls to Ray, but that same sacrificial nature threatens to steal him away. Hellfire Rayburn never dreamed a day could come when his eternal fire failed him, his queen, and his love.

Perfectly Perplexing Zombie is the forth book in the Perfect Pixie Series. Each book relates to previous installments but can be read as a stand alone. They are more enjoyable if read in order. This book follows Hellfire Rayburn and Wendall Galen’s paths to their HEA

Perfectly Perplexing Zombie contains a zombie that didn’t follow the rulebook for creation, a millennia old fairy warrior, a human with delusions of grandeur, a powerful djinn that just wants to be left alone, a power hungry alpha werewolf, witches, priestesses, warlocks, vampires, a faun, and good old fashioned interspecies teamwork. It is a slow burn novel that focuses on finding and acknowledging love in unexpected places.

• Publisher: (December 22, 2023)

• Publication date: December 22, 2023

• Print length: 334 pages

Review: Taste of Fear (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 2) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 5🌈

Before getting into the review, two things. One, these books definitely need to be read in the order they are written in. Secondly, heed the author’s trigger warnings. If you’re familiar with the series or author, then as a reader the content won’t necessarily be as much of a surprise but emotionally it’s still powerful and moving. Especially as it’s got extreme torture, mental, physical and traumatic moments at its core. On page scenes. So read the notes.

This isn’t to dissuade a reader from diving into the story but to inform those who will have issues with those elements in advance so informed choices can be made.

Now as to Taste of Fear. Its excellent. Heartbreaking and a stunning story that will stick with you for some time after you have finished reading it.

Possibly because the manner in which Rhodes does two things simultaneously. The relationship between vampire Foxx Honeywell and scarred human hunter Harlow is progressing uniquely, given each of their respective personalities and histories. Harlow is the one that’s the most perplexed about his odd behavior and feelings towards his vampire partner. Foxx represents so many new aspects to his life he never thought he would have. First sexual encounter with a man, then lots of sexual encounters. Now he’s living with him. And thinking about the vampire, a lot. A stunning reversal of his previous life. The growth and development of the dynamic of this weirdly complex duo is compelling and powerful.

While Rhodes, through scenes both humorous and murderous, give the reader a sense of deepening affection between Foxx and Harlow, a case arises that, adjacent to everything else that has been going on, starts to build a sense of high anxiety and suspense. That something truly horrific is coming.

And it’s target is Foxx.

I can’t begin to tell you how effective Rhodes narrative is here, as chapter by chapter, like a disastrous tragedy we see coming but are unable to stop, the horror slowly creeps in, deathly clues dropping. The reader is deeply apprehensive but still needing to read onward.

I won’t go further into the story line or the reasons for the trigger warnings. Yes, they are necessary for the situation, the plot, and for readers because it’s so real, the emotional connection between us and the characters are very impactful and profound. It will hurt.

I won’t say I enjoyed this. But I did love it on another level. Such outstanding work. It changes the characters fundamentally. It’s shattering. And now I’ll have to wait for the next one for the ramifications to set in.

If you love Shelby Rhodes, dark paranormal fiction. This is the series and story for you. I’m highly recommending this.

If you love paranormal romance but in a lighter vein ( real pun intended), there are other equally terrific books to explore.

Happy reading!

The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx:

✓ At First Irritation #1

✓ Taste of Fear #2

◦ Unusual Emotions #3 – April 12,2024

◦ Thirst Quenched #4 – June 24,2024

Buy Link:

Taste of Fear (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 2)

Blurb:

Foxx Honeywell here. You know those fun stories where nothing goes wrong and everything is happy and joyful…yeah, that is not this book. This book is where everything goes wrong—multiple times. Horribly wrong. Because sadly, there are people out there who hate others simply for existing. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Our story picks up a few months after the whole crazy cult thing, right before the horrible, terrifyingly awful holiday called…Christmas. Because, of course, why wouldn’t we end up back on the job right when not only is it bloody cold outside, but when the ho-ho-hoing menace is plaguing poor innocent vampires everywhere?

Anyway, we go on one hunt, and things are relatively normal-ish. It’s not until the next one where…well, I maybe almost die. What follows is some resurfacing trauma…and a fair few meltdowns. No doubt terrifying my psycho of a partner, Harlow. Who, by the way, through all this seems okay…maybe. A big maybe. So, yeah, that happens. And you know, if that was all that happened, it would have been fine. Really, it would—mostly. It’s just that what followed…really drove home all those years of no therapy. Like a blast in the face from my past nightmare-inducing trauma. I’m sure it will be fine?

CONTENT WARNING: This is a slow burn M/M paranormal romance series with heat. This book ends on a soft cliffhanger. There will be blood, violence, death, trauma induced panic attacks, and mentions of SA (no on page details). PLEASE SEE INSIDE OR CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE FOR THE FULL CONTENT WARNING!

• Publisher: (December 15, 2023)

• Publication date: December 15, 2023

• Print length: 369 pages

Review: Uriel: Yule Lads Book Two by Macy Blake

Rating: 5🌈

Frosted Gingersnaps! Macy Blake outdid herself! Uriel: Yule Lads Book Two by Macy Blake is fabulous, just another fabulous fantasy Christmas read.

I loved last year’s Sprites finding their mates and reclaiming their magic in Mistletoe Falls but Macy Blake is being extra spicy with her Yule Lads!

The Yule Lads are that tiny bit of naughty to balance out the outstanding “nice” of the Sprites, the naughty falling more to playful pranks than anything else, with a twinkle in their eyes. Definitely up to “snow good”.

But with Uriel, Blake has fun not only with the pranks but with naughty book titles (Uriel owns Ornamentary Books and More). So we get hilarious Riding Rudolf, amongst others, that are shared with fellow book lover, Joe Watson. Joe, who loves his books, also runs the Snowda Shoppe, dispensing seasonal coffees and treats alike. But unlike the Yule Lads, Joe is very human with a human problem. One that comes to town.

Blake brings Uriel and his Joe together in a funny, magical way. It’s got puns galore, a mutual love of books and a slightly naughty perspective on things. Also fabulously , there’s red sparkles of magic coating everything as Uriel realizes he’s found himself a mate in Joe and got his magic back.

This is such a heartwarming romance and punny path to a magical HEA that’s it’s really going to keep a smile on the reader’s face and make them feel like they’re part of the whole Mistletoe Falls Christmas magic.

I hope Blake keeps this going past the Yule Lads, it’s a fantastic place to keep coming home to at Christmas time.

Love the covers.

Highly recommended.

Yule Lads:

✓ York #1

✓ Uriel #2

◦ Leif #3 TBD

◦ Edgar #4

Buy Link :

Uriel: Yule Lads Book Two

Blurb:

His holiday is about to go off-book…

Uriel Lad is single all the way. He enjoys his quiet life in the small town of Mistletoe Falls, running Ornamentary Books and More. This holiday, though, Uriel’s Yule Lad magic is back, which means making mischief throughout the season. It should be a perfect Christmas, until his new friend Joe begs for help with a problem.

Joe Watson loves his new life in the quaint little holiday town he’s come to call home. His happiness is threatened when his ex-boyfriend shows up unexpectedly. In a panic, Joe claims that his closest friend in Mistletoe Falls is his boyfriend—his fake boyfriend who has snow interest in love or romance.

Uriel’s magic is causing havoc in his life, and his pretend relationship with Joe is complicating matters even further. He’ll have to use every trick in the book to save his heart and make sure Joe gets the happily ever after he’s always wanted.

If you love fake boyfriends, magical mischief, and friends to lovers, you’ll want lots myrrh of this sweet holiday romance

Review: York: Yule Lads Book One by Macy Blake

Rating: 5🌈

“Frosted snickerdoodle antlers!”

And it’s back to Mistletoe Falls after last year’s terrific Christmas Sprites Series, but this time it’s the Sprites counterparts, the Yule Lads getting back their magic and mates.

York, the first Yule Lad we meet, is Christmas Falls mechanic. A mixture of grumbly mischief with a deep love for his cousins, and an appreciation for the weirdness of his town, he’s just perfect. I adore him and all the quirky little elements that Blake layered into him, carrot fondness included.

He’s balanced with the relatable human Gabriel Baum and his adorable corgi, Bogie, who has come to Christmas Falls to sell his beautiful hand crafted gifts and ornaments at the annual Christmas fair. Gabe is in desperate need of some help and maybe even some magic. He’s got a sad backstory but he’s landed in a town that is warm and welcoming.

Love this town and its inhabitants. More please.

Macy Blake has written a delightful, heartwarming story that has all the holiday charm and great elements woven into a perfect fantasy romance. It sparkles with magical moments and scenes of comfort as well as ones of comedy.

What a great start in a short Christmas present! I can’t wait to see what Uriel’s story brings.

Highly recommended.

Yule Lads:

✓ York #1

◦ Uriel #2 – December 7,2023

Buy Link:

York: Yule Lads Book One

Blurb:

Naughty but nice…

York Lad is stunned when his magic unexpectedly returns, but he’s ready to bring a little mischief to the small town of Mistletoe Falls. Along with his cousins, the other Yule Lads, York has spent the last year planning pranks to add their version of holiday cheer to the season.

Gabriel Baum needs to succeed at Mistletoe Falls annual craft fair. He doesn’t expect for the town’s quirky residents to embrace him with open arms, especially York, the town’s mechanic. When his beloved vehicle breaks down, Gabriel is stranded unless York can save him from certain doom.

York may not have been expecting to lose his heart over the holidays, but with his magic sparkling in the air and the man of his dreams at his side, he has a few new reasons to love the season…if his Yule Lad magic doesn’t get up to snow good.

If you love small towns, mischief makers, and holiday magic, your heart will melt over this feel-good Christmas romance.

The Chosen Universe is a group of interconnected series set in one universe. There is some overlap to the series, so it’s recommended to read the books in order. You can download a FREE reading order guide by clicking here

Sweet Nothings: The Chosen One Prequel–When Sam Baker discovers a small child at his backdoor, he learns that a world of magic and shifters exists all around him—including the alpha werewolf he had a one night stand with years before.

The Chosen One Series–The mythical Chosen One is set to return with his eight guardians and correct the magical wrongs done centuries before.

Hellhound Champions Series–As the champions of the fire goddess, the hellhounds have one task: keep the secret of the supernatural world safe.

Magical Mates Series–After the Chosen One returns, magic is in the air, and shifters are finally finding their fated mates… with a little help on the side.

Chosen Champions Series–With the magical realm in chaos, a new set of champions emerges to keep the human world secure.

Cosmo and the King–Cosmo never told any of his friends in the human realm that he ran away on his wedding day, leaving his king at the alter. Now Silenus has to track down Cosmo and convince him that they are meant for each other, even though his stubborn fiancé seems determined to challenge him at every turn.

Christmas Sprites Series–With magic in the human realm on the fritz, four Christmas Sprites find themselves trying to keep the Christmas spirit alive in Mistletoe Falls… and finding love along the way.

Yule Lads Series–You better watch out… the Yule Lads are coming to Mistletoe Falls this holiday season! A follow up to the pun-filled Christmas Sprites series, prepare for mischief, mayhem, and maybe a little love in time for Yule. If you prefer to read in chronological order, check out the Chosen Universe Box Sets

— York: Yule Lads Book One by Macy Blake

Review: I Went on an Adventure and All I Got Was This Barbarian Orc: Crack Fantasy Adventure Chapter Four by Jennifer Cody

Rating: 4.75🌈

Heading towards the end of this crack fantasy adventure and I find it hard to believe Cody will be able to wrap it all up in the next chapter.

There’s a lot here to take in, more information and plain ol magical stuff about the mystery of the evil miasma that’s threatening Fasgard and the Underthyr, the darkness that started the quest and the gang out on their journey.

Cody gives us more road trip puzzles to solve , entertaining dwarven family dynamics, the emotional ramifications of the deepening new bond between Lawton and Berklak, and revelations of what might be behind the female animosity that’s causing such suffering and chaos across the land. It’s one wild roll of the dice after another as the group interpersonal relationships form new romances and hopes for future adventures.

I can’t wait to see what happens next. And just a note! I love the names here, especially the towns. This is a fabulous example of otherworldly names done right! They fit, they sound astoundingly familiar yet not, and as though they fit in this world. Love them.

Highly recommend this and the series.

Covers are so cute.

Buy Link:

I Went on an Adventure and All I Got Was This Barbarian Orc: Crack Fantasy Adventure Chapter Four

Blurb:

Lawton:

I don’t know if I appreciate learning new things about myself. Bonding with Berklak has been eye-opening, but I might be a tiny bit terrified by it, because suddenly I have more magic than I’m supposed to, and now I kind of understand why other necromancers have rampaged across thyr. I’m not saying I’m going to start leaving a trail of bodies behind me, but I’m not saying I’m incapable of it either. And that might have me a tiny bit worried.

Berklak:

My necromancer is worried. I don’t know what’s going on in that beautiful head of his, but his heart beats in the bond between us, and something is stressing him. I’ll get him to talk it out, and then we’ll make a plan, and somehow we’ll figure out what is happening in Fasgard and the Underthyr. But first, I’m going to make sure Lawton relaxes for at least a minute and takes a few deep breaths. Nothing is so bad that we don’t have time for a little self-care.

I Went on an Adventure and All I Got Was This Barbarian Orc is a five chapter serial fantasy adventure with a light-hearted, fun TTRPG vibe. Expect big magic, lots of cuddles, plenty of steam, and a team of characters that might not get a natural 20 on every roll, but they make up for it with creative solutions to both magical and mundane problems

Review: The Hitman’s Guide to Codenames and Ill-Gotten Gains (The Hitman’s Guide, #5) by Alice Winters

Rating: 5🌈

I believe this is the last in The Hitman’s Guide series and if it is, it’s a fantastic way to see this series off. I laughed out loud, and at the end, I may have sniffled a bit, because Winters layered in some moving, emotional scenes of deep love and growth for retired hitman Leland and his now husband, Jackson, along with those of outrageous hilarity.

But before we get to those moments, there’s high action, mystery, hilarious murderous hijinks, car chases, explosions, a young teenager in need of help, and, of course, that evil monster, Lukas, still trying to manipulate Leland from behind bars. In short, it’s got all the narrative bells and whistles we expect from this series and characters and more!

It delivers on all our expectations and then goes further into high emotional gear!

What I especially loved about this story was how Winters created her tale, starting with a small time holdup by amateurs, a seemingly throwaway scene. But with this author, the smallest of details , like a barely there character, that threads throughout the many storylines , to end up being a big part of the plot and eventual found family. It’s beautiful fabrication and imaginative storytelling.

And not to be lost among the fireworks and gunfire is the emotional turmoil and toll that exists within Leland, Cassel, and everyone else who is involved with Lukas. That monster manipulator behind bars but still causing emotional damage to Leland’s peace of mind. That’s as well written as the high pitched action and suspense that comes with the comedic timing and moments here that had me in stitches.

Winters balances the moving moments where Leland’s heart and vulnerability shows through with the flat out bad jokes and nonstop violence that’s associated with this former hitman and gang of found family. Yes, Winters has everyone back together here, dogs and mother in law included.

With that combination, this becomes a fabulous narrative ballet of bullets and comedic verbal poetry that absolutely kills it in every aspect!

I’m so sorry to see this series and group of characters go but what a book to end on. It’s a great finale. One I’m highly recommending, along with the series.

Hitman’s Guide:

✓ The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love #1

✓ The Hitman’s Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes #2

✓ The Hitman’s Guide to Tying the Knot Without Getting Shot #3

✓ The Hitman’s Guide to Righting Wrongs While Causing Mayhem #4

✓ The Hitman’s Guide to Codenames and Ill-Gotten Gains #5 – finale

Related side story: Cassel’s romance:

✓ The Former Assassin’s Guide to Snagging a Reluctant Boyfriend

Buy Link:

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

Blurb:

Leland

Stopping a robbery was only the beginning—to fun, action-filled mayhem. Jackson’s afraid that I’m running headfirst into trouble (again), but I’m not… I’m running gun-first into it. When one of the robbers who’s really just a kid comes begging for my help, I definitely have no choice but to help him.

The kid is convinced his brother has been wrongly accused, and while Jackson My Love might be over there going, “You were hired to look into it, not to go undercover, sink a boat, and hunt down a gang,” I feel like he’s simply confused… because I’m gonna hunt down TWO gangs (and is that a car chase I see?).

Jackson

A simple “Whodunnit” turns into us being targeted by multiple bad guys as we run after them instead of away from them, dragging Cassel and Henry—and some others—along for the ride. I really can’t be the only one who sees the issue here, but… as I watch them race into danger, I’m starting to think I am.

Loving Leland comes easy, but keeping him safe doesn’t because there’s someone trailing Leland who might want to hurt him. The problem is that as Lucas strings us along and tales begin to become tangled, it’s hard to tell who is right and who is wrong.

Contains: Lifejackets used to protect all the wrong things (Leland: all the RIGHT things), the greatest tragedy of ALL TIME (involving The Fence)(even if Jackson doesn’t think so), and the kind of friends that make you realize you don’t need enemies.

Review: Holiday Heart Strings (Hartbridge Christmas, #4) by N. R. Walker

Rating: 5 🌈

I love this series so much and it just keeps getting better with each story. Holiday Heart Strings sees Hartbridge, Montana getting a new elementary school teacher in the form of newly arrived Englishman, Braithe Branson.

Braithe has a temporary position as a kindergarten teacher until the permanent one comes back from maternity leave. Just enough time for the legendary Hartbridge Christmas Cupid connection to kick in.

Walker’s series is that Christmas gift that keeps on giving, and now we get a new couple and emotionally charged romance. While Braithe is a English spot of delightful positivity and optimism, the story belongs to Deputy Colson Price, a wounded man in need of healing and help so he can find his way forward to a real family and community within the place where he calls home.

I found myself in tears more than once, at the pain and suffering that Walker realistically wrote into Colson’s fear over being gay and the abusive homophobic history that led to it. But Walker balances it with the joy of Braithe’s compassion and understanding as well as love showed Colson he could be safe in his sexuality as their relationship progresses.

I love all the Hartbridge couples but this may be my favorite story. It’s so moving and deeply rooted in the feelings of the community and characters.

With each release there’s always a bit of apprehension that this is the last of Walker’s Hartbridge Christmas novels but there’s a new gay firefighter in town in need of his own HEA so, delightfully, we can look forward to another narrative gift next Christmas! I’ll be waiting! And rereading this amazingly beautiful series to celebrate!

Don’t miss out on the Hartbridge map so you know just where everything is in this fabulous town!

Hartbridge Christmas:

✓ Tic-Tac-Mistletoe #1

✓ Christmas Wish List #2

✓ Merry Christmas Cupid #3

✓ Holiday Heart Strings #4

Buy Link:

Holiday Heart Strings (Hartbridge Christmas Series Book 4)

Blurb:

Hartbridge Christmas Series – Book Four

Englishman Braithe Branson arrives in Hartbridge, Montana, to take on a brief substitute kindergarten teacher position. His introduction to the sleepy town is being pulled over for speeding. Not an ideal start, but at least the deputy was cute.

Colson Price takes being a deputy very seriously. After all, his job is all he has. Disowned by his family ten years ago, he’s vowed to stay closeted so it won’t cost him everything all over again.

But the holidays are tough for Colson, and the new guy in town is far too tempting. With a promise of some very private no-strings encounters on the downlow, he can’t resist.

Braithe is charmed by the handsome deputy, the gorgeous town, and the great group of friends he meets. But as the countdown to leaving gets closer, the more tangled the ‘no strings’ becomes.

Braithe and Colson have to hope that Hartbridge will find a way for this Christmas wish to come true.

• Publisher: BlueHeart Press (November 21, 2023)

• Publication date: November 21, 2023

• Print length: 319 pages

Review: The Christmas Extra (Laurel Holidays #5) by V.L. Locey

Rating: 5🌈

If you look forward to reading warmhearted Christmas stories, then V. L. Locey’s Laurel Holidays series is a fabulous place to start. Full of small town charm and great characters, each tale is full of the holiday spirit and special moments that this season brings to mind.

The Christmas Extra, the latest in the series, is a great example of why I love the series and this author’s work.

It starts with Stillman King. Rockmount, Pennsylvania’s small-town sheriff whose life has settled into a quiet, small town pace. Whether he’s helping round up pigs, deliver babies, or just keep the locals stay within the law, Stillman and his old cat, Ellery, are content with their lives.

Locey makes us feel like we know him, how the years have aged him, and how much the town’s people count on him as one of them. He’s real and grounded within Rockmount.

The second chance at love and lovers reunited has to be two of my favorite tropes and they are combined here as the Mayor has managed to make their small town a cable show location for a popular tv soap series. It’s the holidays and the town is decorated with the beautiful trappings of the holiday season drawing in the locals and the tourists alike. Perfect for the show. Which is also bringing in a ex boyfriend of Stillman’s.

Tony Gugliotti, popular tv actor, has come to Rockmount with the series crew to film his new movie. And maybe see his ex boyfriend from college, the man he loved and left behind.

Both men, now older, both living very different lives at different coasts. But even with all the years and anger, the scenes between them and the intimacy that Locey is able to bring about through her images makes the reader understand the chemistry and feelings that the men still share.

I was absolutely invested in this romance and relationship. Watching the men reconnect, through memories and experiences was heartwarming and wonderful. Especially as the author wove the town and its inhabitants into their growing relationship as well. We got a feel of community pulling together as well as the love rebuilding.

The ending was perfect. There was a dramatic , suspenseful moment and then a lovely epilogue that tied up the storyline. What made this perfect was an element I’ve found missing in other books recently , and that’s the author has paid attention to the important animal character . At the end, Ellery, the cat, was not forgotten but followed his beloved owners to their HEA, as it should be. So happy about this.

I was left with a happy ending, feeling totally satisfied, and a great book to rec for the holidays.

And don’t forget to check out the others in this series if you haven’t found them already.

The Laurel Holidays Series:

✓ The Christmas Oaks—Laurel Holidays #1

✓ The Christmas Pundit—Laurel Holidays #2

✓ The Christmas Tenor—Laurel Holidays #3

✓ The Christmas Rescue—Laurel Holidays #4

✓ The Christmas Extra—Laurel Holidays #5

◦ The Easter Redemption—A Laurel Holidays Spring Romance Novella

Buy Link:

The Christmas Extra (Laurel Holidays #5)4Kindle Edition$4.99

Blurb:

’Tis the season for a second chance at love.

Stillman King likes his life in the small rural farming community of Rockmount, Pennsylvania. It’s a different pace of life than Philly, but Philadelphia was where his heart was broken, and he was happy to leave. He might be lonely, but he’s settled and has even managed to win over his snooping neighbors. Overall, his days as a small-town sheriff are peaceful with only the occasional traffic accident, drunk and disorderly conduct, or a random meandering cow to deal with. That was until the day the mayor announced that Rockmount was going to be the filming location for a Christmas romance movie starring the popular soap opera star, Tony Gugliotti. The same Tony who’d left him right after college graduation and headed west to the bright lights of Los Angeles without even a goodbye.

Hearing his former lover’s name shatters all the merry bucolic vibes that usually fill Rockmount, at least for Stillman. He’d not seen or spoken to Tony for over twenty years and had no wish to ever again. But, suddenly, here Tony was, looking just as good as he did way back when with his killer smile and movie star jawline. Hollywood descended on Rockmount and Stillman did his best to balance keeping the peace while maintaining a polite distance from his ex. Pity it’s such a small town packed with incredibly meddlesome people. All it takes is one stake out, a night stuck in the courthouse’s basement, and one kiss wound in a lighted pine tree to reignite the passion both men thought they’d left far behind.

The Christmas Extra is a standalone small town, forced proximity, gay second chance Christmas romance with all the glitter of Hollywood, two mature men who never really got over each other, a village packed with holiday cheer as well as inquisitive neighbors, a well-meaning cast and crew, and a tinselly happy-ever-after.

Review: We Only Kiss At Christmas (Con Riley’s Christmas Collection) by Con Riley

Rating: 5 🌈

Con Riley regularly makes me cry at Christmas. Actually at Riley’s Christmas Collection stories. This year’s new edition to the series was a great sodden Kleenex wads worth of heartwarming moments and absolutely stunning moments of love and family.

Riley’s shared universe, between London and Cornwall, never disappoints in bringing us closer together with the characters and investing us deeply into their lives and journey.

Flatmates Sebastian Street (that heartbreaking name) and his best friend, Patrick, are heading into the holidays, a season fraught with emotional minefields. Their flat is freezing, they have one roommate less to help with the bills, and a stressful scene is upon them.

That’s the moment we open up the story. Emotions are high, exams are coming, rent is due. And while we have met Seb and Pat before, the intimacy is new. The hopes and fears is real.

Seb especially is so raw in his prickly voice that I could feel him emerging off the page, all past pain, and anger and rage against those who have hurt him and others. And made him afraid to have hope. And Pat, so gentle and mindful and patient. Pat is as believable as Seb however opposite of him he is emotionally.

Riley has done such a beautiful job with not only the characters but their backgrounds, weaving in the various interpersonal dynamics to the storyline unfolding throughout to become a richer emotional tapestry for all involved. From Seb to Patrick to Patrick’s family to Jack, a young man who has his own journey ahead, and the readers, who have been heavily invested into this story from the beginning.

This is what I think of when I look forward to my Christmas stories. It encapsulates all that good will, warmth, and love that stays with you after the book is over.

And it’s the reason I’m highly recommending not just this but all of Con Riley’s Christmas Collection. Enjoy!

Outstanding cover art .

Con Riley’s Christmas Collection:

✓ His Last Christmas In London #1

✓ We Only Kiss At Christmas #2

◦ His Until Christmas- Nov 12, 2024

Buy Link:

We Only Kiss at Christmas (Con Riley’s Christmas Collection)

Blurb:

Prepare for another snow-dusted, super-romantic and heart-clenching holiday gay romance from Con Riley.


All Sebastian Street wants for Christmas is justice. Oh, and some privacy to kiss his flatmate.

Heat shouldn’t sizzle between best friends like it does between me and Patrick. He’s my flatmate, not my boyfriend, a gym-bro powered by peace, love, and understanding. In comparison, I’m a yappy terrier fuelled by rage and sugary baked goods.

Expect a third flatmate to understand our opposites-attract dynamic?

No.

This could be our last December together. Our first alone in this flat.

I can’t share it. Or Patrick.

Not when we only kiss at Christmas.


Perfect for fans of friends to lovers and found families, visit London and Cornwall in We Only Kiss at Christmas, or double your festive enjoyment with His Last Christmas in London, the first standalone romance in this shared-world series.