Category: 5 star Rating

Review: Rivals (Harrisburg Railers #11) by R.J. Scott and V.L. Locey

Rating: 4.75🌈

Our favorite hockey players head to China, well not really, but in a well imagined story, Ten, Jared, Stan, Tate, Ryker, Colorado, Bryan, and Vlad all end up heading to Bejing for the Winter 2022 Olympics.

Thanks to Covid, the NHL players and committee ended up pulling out of this year’s Olympics but in Rivals, all the teams went forward!

The authors mention that the hosting nation is not a one where LBGTQIA+ rights are recognized or welcome . That heavy burden is then worked into the stresses the characters here endure among the obvious ones of Olympic level play, world wide telecast, and the even more… playing against family and teammates who are close friends.

It’s all done realistically and without making any political platform within the story. Honestly so many could have, but they avoided it by using beloved characters as examples of what happens under such conditions, and their ability to go forward with love.

It was great having Colorado use his unique perspective to guide Ten through some worrying moments when Jared, as a Canadian teammate couldn’t help.

It also made me aware, as someone who loves her Caps which is made up of nationalities, how it must feel during international competition to face players who are normally your teammates. And friends.

The hockey was intense and exciting, as I expect from both authors. So amazing. The emotional impact high and lasting. What an incredible group of characters these men are that they remain such long standing favorites! Of mine included.

The ending was lovely and extremely satisfying. But I’m always hoping for more of these couples and series. They are just too wonderful for us to ever say a lasting goodbye.

I’m highly recommending Rivals. Read it and enjoy!

Harrisburg Railers: 15 books

http://vllocey.com › category › rj-sc…RJ Scott – VL Locey

http://vllocey.comV.L. Locey Romance Author

https://www.goodreads.com › showRivals by R.J. Scott – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Playing for their country in the Winter Olympics is the highest of all honors, but when family members are pitted as rivals and a dark specter from the past turns up in Beijing, tensions run high, and abruptly, it’s not all about the hockey.

Jared is torn—assistant coach for Team Canada, with Ryker on the team; he bleeds red and white and wears the maple leaf with pride. Only Ten is now a rival, and not only that, but the country they’re all playing in frowns on his marriage and keeps him and Ten apart. Jared wants to win gold for his country and his son, but he’d be so proud if Ten were to win. He’s confused and concerned, but when a face from their past turns up to play, he’s furious.

Being picked for Team USA is one of the things Tennant dreamed of when he was a little boy. All of his other aspirations have come true through hard work, determination, and pure talent. Now he’s about to represent his country in front of the world, and the pressure is starting to build. He’s also just come face-to-face with a hated rival from a dark period in his past. Add in the burden of squaring off against his husband and stepson, and Ten is feeling the pressure to be perfect.

Family becomes rivals—but love always wins.

Review: Mr. Perfect (Sinister in Savannah #2) by Aimee Nicole Walker

Rating: 5🌈

I wasn’t aware when I started the Sinister in Savannah series that each novel would feature one of the three men and close friends who run the podcast of the same title as this series.

All three books have Savannah as their atmospheric and historic heart. The series also has the formidable and magnificent Miss Marla as its heart, for the men and the community.

After that first book belongs to Jonas St John and his romance with Avery, along with an outstanding murder mystery.

The reverberations from that case carries over into Mr Perfect and Felix Franklin. Felix, an Investigative reporter, is and has been, due to their past history, at fierce odds with news anchor, Jude Arrow.

Another case brings Felix and the Sinister in Savannah team investigating local businesses, including one that brings Felix back into association with Jude.

Walker always points a microscopic lens towards whatever major character is involved in the story, peeling back layers to reveal the heart of the person beneath the facade or walls they’ve established. For Felix , it’s getting to see the damage done growing up extremely destitute with an unstable mother dealing with issues of addiction. A target for bullying, it left him , with no friends or idea of a home life. How he grew into the man he became is told over as their shared history is remembered.

The complicated mysteries, yes more than one, Felix and Jude’s emotionally fraught reunion, … it’s all folded into a tapestry of warm community stories, the main one being Miss Marla.

We are always aware that the clock is ticking down for that glorious person and every time Miss Marla is with us on the page is something to be savored.

That’s how real everyone feels here.

Aimee Nicole Walker doesn’t paint her narratives in black and white but in tones of greys and washes of color throughout the spectrum of the rainbow. It takes into account both life’s fragility and strengths, where people fail and where they struggle to pick themselves back up again.

There’s another connecting series to this so once finished here I’m onto that one.

But I’m not done here yet and neither is the author.

What a wonderful thing.

I’m highly recommending Mr. Perfect and Sinister in Savannah.

Read them in the order they are written.

Sinister in Savannah series:

✓ Ride the Lightning #1

✓ Mr. Perfect #2

◦ Pretty Poison #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showMr. Perfect (Sinister in Savannah, #2) by Aimee Nicole Walker – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Word-slinger. Purveyor of truth. Jaded heart.

By day, Felix Franklin is an investigative journalist. By night, he produces Sinister in Savannah, an investigative podcast, with his two best friends. Felix’s life revolves around three principles: fortune favors the bold, honesty is everything, and love is for schmucks.

The podcast is back to investigate allegations that a local businessman is dabbling in money laundering. On the surface, everything about Cameron Spencer, aka The Auto King, appears to be perfect. The trio of trouble quickly learns all that glitters is not gold. Seeking the truth will challenge Felix’s convictions and put his life in grave danger. The biggest threat to his well-being isn’t an unknown villain; it’s the reappearance of his first and only love.

Jude Arrow had it all: great looks, charming personality, and a lucrative career as Atlanta’s hottest news anchor. So, why had he recently relocated to Savannah? When the two reporters are forced to work together, Felix will get a chance to ask him. The answer will stun Felix until he remembers not to believe anything that comes out of the heartbreaker’s pretty mouth.

Love and hate are two sides of the same coin and just as conflicting as the battle of wills that ensues. Will the chip on Felix’s shoulder save him from trusting Mr. Wrong or ruin his chances with Mr. Perfect?

Sinister in Savannah series is a fictional podcast exploring the city’s most nefarious crimes with Southern-fried snark. The books explore friendship, love, loss, and the irrepressible human spirit. Mr. Perfect is book two of three. While each book is written about a different couple, the series should be read in order due to continuing storylines. Sinister in Savannah is an LGBT romantic suspense series with mature language and sexual content intended for adults eighteen and older.

Review: Ride the Lightning (Sinister in Savannah #1) by Aimee Nicole Walker

Rating: 4.75 🌈

I’ve always found Aimee Nicole Walker to be an excellent author so I was happy to find a series of hers I hadn’t read yet. From just the first book I’m in for an outstanding , exciting journey!

Ride the Lightning is the first novel in Walker’s Sinister in Savannah series and it’s amazing. Located in the historic southern city of Savjannah, Georgia, the author makes full use of Savannah’s well known haunts and southern charm as a solid foundation for her characters and their lives which are as deeply seated within that community.

Sinister in Savannah is a crime podcast run by three friends, one of which is Jonas St Johns , a criminal analyst for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations.

Jonas is truly a mesmerizing character. Tall, scarred , highly intelligent, and haunted by his past, Jonas is half the heart of this story. The other half? That belongs, not to the romantic interest, although he’s quite wonderful, but to Jonas’ neighbor, Marla.

Marla, the magnificent drag queen, who let Jonas into her life and now has some decidedly serious favors to ask of him.

Marla and her pug, Betty (named after the fabulous Betty White of course) are everything! She’s captivating, poignant, flamboyant, and magnificent. It’s her touching, intimate, close relationship with Jonas that immediately connects the reader to them and this story. Within that duo , and then within Jonas’ house, we see a odd but wonderful found family start establishing itself.

There’s Kendall, Jonas’s roommate, Avery, the love interest and Jonas’ intern, Felix and Rocky, the other two men who run the podcast with him. By the time the story has ended , the found family and community has swelled around him, due in part to the murder mystery he was asked to investigate.

The old murder mystery touches off all types of revelations and reverberations. Including ones that bring up old memories that have traumatized Jonas for years.

This story is about growth and healing as it is about leaving and letting go.

And found families and forgiveness.

I’m so happy to have found this novel, new characters and series. It’s such a joy to have been on this first journey with Marla . How I love her.

I can’t wait for you all to meet her and everyone else here. I’m highly recommending this story.

And I’m onto the next!

Sinister in Savannah series:

✓ Ride the Lightning #1

◦ Mr. Perfect #2

◦ Pretty Poison #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showRide the Lightning by Aimee Nicole Walker – Goodreads

Truth seeker. Promise keeper. Guarded heart.

By day, Jonah St. John is a criminal analyst for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. By night, he produces Sinister in Savannah, an investigative podcast, with his two best friends. Jonah’s life revolves around three principles: a man’s word is his oath, friendships are priceless gifts, and love is for other people.

When the Sinister in Savannah team delves into the thirty-eight-year-old murder of a drag queen, they quickly discover that the story doesn’t end with the alleged killer’s confession in 1995. Continuing the investigation could have fatal consequences for Jonah and everyone he holds dear, including his irresistible intern.

To love is to lose: a lesson Jonah has learned the hard way. For a decade, he has embraced solitude as his penance for a past mistake. Then came Avery Bradford, a man whose warmth and sunshine infuses Jonah’s battered soul and challenges his resistance. Over the past eight months, Jonah has soared closer and closer to Avery’s flame until the thing he’s feared the most becomes the one he can’t live without.

The chill of danger merges with the heat of desire, forming a deadly superstorm. Will Jonah seek shelter or ride the lightning?

Sinister in Savannah series is a fictional podcast exploring the city’s most nefarious crimes with Southern-fried snark. The books explore friendship, love, loss, and the irrepressible human spirit. Ride the Lightning is book one of three. While each book is written about a different couple, the series should be read in order. Sinister in Savannah is an LGBT romantic suspense series with mature language and sexual content intended for adults eighteen and older.

Review: Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Alexis Hall’s regency romance, Something Fabulous is indeed totally fabulous. A rollicking tale of two men who end up falling for each other is done via a Regency road trip. Although it’s carriages and a gorgeous pair of bays instead of a car, it’s still a wild madcap road race after a runaway sister and her very close companion!

That the sister is a twin of one man and a betrothed of the other? An enriching of ingredients that only improves the more you get into the story.

Valentine Layton, the Duke of Malvern, the one seeking his runaway betrothed, is perilously straight laced. Valentine’s adherence to societies niceties and his valet’s ideas of the right clothes to wear make him overbearing and rigid, not that he sees it. Or what he’s hiding under his strictness.

His traveling companion is Mr. Bonaventure “Bonny” Tarleton, twin to the runaway betrothed. Bonny is exuberant, sexy, highly adorable, and imaginative! The opposite of Valentine. And Bonny isn’t shy that he likes men. Something Valentine’s having a hard time understanding.

Something Valentine may just be feeling himself but never knew before.

Hall has written a clever, fast paced, at times very moving, story of a man coming to grips with who he is and how he’s to live and love going forward. That’s a lot to pack in but it all works beautifully. Especially when it includes such fascinating characters as Bonny’s twin sister, Bella, Peggy, Miss Evans and Miss Fairfax.

Such a unique and layered group of people. Bella especially, as her last speech to Valentine proves, always had so much more depth to her than anyone gave her credit for, including Bonny. That was a lovely element.

The ending was marvelous, a wonderful blend of humor and romance to the end.

Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall is a fantastic story, one I absolutely recommend. I also highly recommend this author if you’re not already familiar with his books.

Treat yourself to this and anything from his catalog today!

https://www.goodreads.com › showSomething Fabulous #1 – Goodreads

Synopsis:

From the acclaimed author of Boyfriend Material comes a delightfully witty romance featuring a reserved duke who’s betrothed to one twin and hopelessly enamoured of the other.

Valentine Layton, the Duke of Malvern, has twin problems: literally.

It was always his father’s hope that Valentine would marry Miss Arabella Tarleton. But, unfortunately, too many novels at an impressionable age have caused her to grow up…romantic. So romantic that a marriage of convenience will not do and after Valentine’s proposal she flees into the night determined never to set eyes on him again.

Arabella’s twin brother, Mr. Bonaventure “Bonny” Tarleton, has also grown up…romantic. And fully expects Valentine to ride out after Arabella and prove to her that he’s not the cold-hearted cad he seems to be.

Despite copious misgivings, Valentine finds himself on a pell-mell chase to Dover with Bonny by his side. Bonny is unreasonable, overdramatic, annoying, and…beautiful? And being with him makes Valentine question everything he thought he knew. About himself. About love. Even about which Tarleton he should be pursuing.

Review: How to Elude a Vampire (VRC: Vampire Related Crimes #2) by Alice Winters

Rating: 5🌈

Well, this was an exhilarating, heart in your throat ride!

How to Elude a Vampire wraps up Finn and Marcus’ part of the VRC: Vampire Related Crimes series. It does so by scaring the bejezas out of us!

As How to Vex a Vampire ended, things were quiet so far as the villain related occurrences. But here, he and the plot comes roaring back to terrifying life.

Winters makes this villain truly horrifying because his motives behind his actions that have traumatized Finn and continue to haunt him in the present are unknown.

He’s bested every effort to find him and he’s strong.

Usually I’ve an idea who the culprit is partway through but here? Nothing. It was a complete shock as was the motivations.

As with every story, there’s multiple plots to go along with the overlying one and new relationship dynamics developing.

Claude Church , Marcus’ brother, is becoming an integral part of the series and team. He’s a great character. Flamboyant, literary, a vampire who’s outlook is the antithesis of his brother’s.

Alexei Karsynov has been a huge part of this series from the beginning and is now one of Finn’s closest friends at the VRC unit and outside. He’s also being pursued romantically by Claude. It’s a delightful idea and they will make a wonderful couple . Their story is book three. It starts here.

How to Elude a Vampire has a complicated and extremely painful and scary plot that wraps up Finn and Marcus’ thread. It’s incredible. It also sets the foundation for the next book and couple, How to Lure a Hunter, for Claude and Alexei.

Along the way, there will be adorable animals, snappy dialogue, great action scenes, and some smoldering hot moments.

This is another absorbing series with multiple couples to connect with . I just adore it.

Check it out. Finn is a fantastic character. There’s not many double amputee characters out there that realistically handles all aspects of that disability as well as Winters does here without letting it overpower the rest of that person’s personality and the plot.

I’m recommending this book(s) and series. And Finn.

Buy it on Amazon

VRC: Vampire Related Crimes Series:

✓ How to Vex a Vampire #1

✓ How to Elude a Vampire #2

✓ How to Lure a Hunter #3

✓ How to Save a Human #4

Synopsis:

Finn
When the vampire stalking me sent me a letter, I was prepared for my new life with the man I love to get thrown into chaos. But as the days stretch on and nothing happens, I become determined not to allow that monster to rule my life, and decide that Marcus and I will move on. We can’t always allow the past to haunt us. If that includes pestering Marcus and harassing my fellow detectives, they’d better learn to love it, because I’m not going anywhere even if they like to remind me I’m the only human working in a department filled with vampires. But Marcus loves me for who I am, even if he’s not crazy about the cute pet names I call him like McBitey. Being with him is more than I could have dreamed, and even with the trials thrown in our way, he never fails to make me smile.

Marcus
When Finn joined the VRC, I never expected how everything would change. Now that he’s the brightest part of my days, I’m unsure of how I existed without him. Before Finn and I can settle into our new life together, we’re called in as lead detectives when a body is found in the river, and the case soon hits closer to home than we anticipated. I want to be by Finn’s side to keep him safe, but at the same time, Finn’s fighting for the freedom he’s always wanted after being forced to live a life of fear. What I do know is that my future is with Finn, no matter what happens.

How to Elude a Vampire is the second in the VRC series and contains a display of manly prowess that doesn’t go as desired, reluctant bonding with a new pet, interfering with a snarky Russian’s love life, misuse of office supplies, a vampire with a killer fashion sense but very little game, a total lack of ancient kung fu powers, a feisty human who almost always gets his way and the possessive vampire who adores him.

Review: Ride or Die (Food Truck Warriors #6) by Beth Bolden

Rating: 5 🌈

Ride or Die wraps up Beth Bolden’s Food Truck Warriors series. It’s a outstanding way to say goodbye to a great series and group of men and their partners.

Part of a interconnected universe that includes Kitchen Gods and Star Shadow, it’s hard to say if this is a complete goodbye as Bolden’s characters have a way of popping up in future stories. But if we don’t see everyone again, this is a remarkable sendoff.

Ren Moretti, the gorgeous chef of the one night stands, has met his match in Seth Abramson, security and former soldier, who’s looking for a long term relationship, not a hookup. No matter how hot the chemistry between them.

A two person pov means the reader is in Ren’s increasingly frustrated, and stymied head as he’s confronted with someone he wants who obviously wants him back but won’t have sex with him. It’s never happened before.

As the steam builds within him, so does the hurt and questions. Ren’s entire ability is shaken.

I love Bolden’s writing and characters because she’s able to make us feel that we’re there in their world with them. And when things , their perspective is being given a good toss up, we are there looking over their shoulder, a part of every minute of their growth and baby steps forward.

Seth has his own issues to work through. It’s not just how to reach a man seemingly committed only to not being committed to anything but his cooking but there’s something lurking in Seth’s history too.

How these men work through their individual issues to have a relationship that works and is one we all celebrate is a wonderful story, full of romance, laughter, and some angst.

At the end, Bolden pulls everything and everyone together for one huge anniversary party. All our couples. No loose ends. We get a marvelous and fantastic way to see everyone and say our goodbyes.

What a great run this has been. I’ve loved every story, each couple and romance. Hard to believe it’s over.

Ren and Seth are a great couple and their story makes for a fantastic finale.

I’m highly recommending Ride or Die and this series.

Food Truck Warriors:

✓ Drive Me Crazy #1

✓ Kiss & Tell #1.5

✓ Hit the Brakes #2

✓ On A Roll #3

✓ Full Speed Ahead #4

✓ Wheels Down #5

✓ Ride Or Die #6

https://www.goodreads.com › showRide or Die (Food Truck Warriors, #6) by Beth Bolden – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Can Ren’s bad boy heart be wooed and won?

Ren Moretti likes his life—and his hookups—just the way they are: fast and loose.

He only ever hooks up with someone once, and relationships? Forget it. Never gonna happen. No guy has ever persuaded him to bend, break, or alter his one date and one night rule.

Until Seth Abramson.

Seth has always tempted Ren—but it’s not a secret that Seth won’t settle for just one night. A few dates won’t cut it, and he’s not interested in playing around. He wants it all, and he intends to win Ren’s heart.

But that’s the one thing Ren’s never given up. He guards it closely and fiercely, until one day, when he realizes it’s no longer his to protect, it’s belonged to Seth all along.

Review: How To Vex A Vampire (VRC: Vampire Related Crimes #1) by Alice Winters

Rating: 4.5 🌈

As far as I can tell, VRC: Vampire Related Crimes is a four book series with book 1 and 2 centered around Finn and Marcus, book 3 Is another pair, and book four still another.

All members of the VRC: Vampire Related Crimes Unit and with close ties to each other.

How To Vex A Vampire scores high just on the character of Finn alone. Finn has a number of unusual elements to his character you don’t normally find in romances, supernatural or otherwise. He’s a double amputee to start off with. He’s missing a leg and arm. How he came to lose both is part of the story and won’t be gone into here.

However, his issues with self image as a amputee are dealt with here realistically. So are the problems that occur with prosthetics, over use, accidents, and the perceptions held by others about amputees. It’s all here. Inside Finn’s head and outside, in the Department and people he’s associating with.

Winters has written a fascinating character with a physical disability in a way that’s realistic and believable. Even though there’s other aspects with supernatural elements to factor in. Finn asks to be treated as a equal , and we come to regard him as much more.

Marcus, the true vampire, who’s adamant that humans not be a part of the unit, is the one who falls for Finn. After Finn, everyone is less layered, but I like Marcus, and thoroughly enjoy their chemistry and relationship.

Winters has created a horrifying plot and a terrifying villain. Both of which are fully revealed in the next story. Here we are just beginning to get the chills and frightening idea of what’s ahead.

That is the thing, along with your total affection for Finn, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Excellent job!

Winters’ marvelous characters, fantastic plots, and dialogue make VRC: Vampire Related Crimes and How To Vex A Vampire both must reads!

And the dogs? Adorable!

Buy it on Amazon

VRC: Vampire Related Crimes Series:

How to Vex a Vampire #1

How to Elude a Vampire #2

How to Lure a Hunter #3

How to Save a Human #4

Synopsis:

Finn
Getting into the vampire-only detective unit was the easy part; what’s going to be more difficult is dealing with my new partner, an ancient vampire who keeps threatening to eat me. The unit has never had a human in it, and Marcus—or as I like to call him, Fangy McFangface—would really prefer to keep it that way. He’s grumpy, short-tempered, and broody, but I have a way with words and I know he’s starting to like me, even if he swears he’s not. But what he doesn’t know is that I didn’t join the unit because I was tired of being a homicide detective, I joined because there is someone after me. They’ve already taken enough from me and I’m afraid they’re going to take all of me if I don’t find someone to help. That’s all Marcus was supposed to be, but now, he’s so much more and I can’t imagine my life without him.

Marcus
The moment the pesky human walked through that door, I knew I had to get rid of him. He’s charming and almost everyone else instantly loves him, but he doesn’t understand how risky it is being part of this unit as a human. But as I get to know the stubborn man, I learn that perhaps he’s not as naive as I once thought. And maybe he’s what I needed to realize there is more to life than just work and my dog. A group arises who is threatening to disrupt the alliance between the humans and the vampires, but Finn is the one who shows me how strong that alliance can be and reminds me why it’s worth protecting. When threats hit closer to home, I realize I would do anything for Finn because he’s brought so much joy to my life—and because he’s mine.

This 105k word book contains: A creative use for undergarments, unintentional splits, a wolfhound who just wants to be a part of things, a vertically challenged human who still manages to wrap every vampire he meets around his little finger, the best date ever, possessiveness, really awkward dancing, some workplace revenge, and just a bite or two. Or three.

How to Vex a Vampire Blurb

Review: Got Me Looking (Vet Shop Boys #3) by Casey Cox

Rating: 4.75🌈

Vet Shop Boys is a series that I adore. Each vet and their search for their HEA is layered and emotionally satisfying. And I’ve said with each book, it’s my favorite.

Sigh.

Got Me Looking, the third in Casey Cox’s Vet Shop Boys series is my favorite.

Casey turned two characters I wasn’t entirely sure of into two of the characters I can’t get enough of. It’s as though they’ve been kept purposely a tad out of focus for the last two books, just waiting for the author to pull them both into her narrative spotlight and make them heartwarmingly brilliant.

Gus, the owner of Vet Shop Boys Vet Clinic and recently dumped groom, has been a very lovely but secondary personality so far. Here Gus is revealed in all his joyous layers! His love of daytime tv, his dancing, the pain and loss of his first love, everything is finally exposed. The man is a huge wonder but missing someone and incredibly lonely.

Tate is a smart influencer and cammer on 4Fans Only who’s now trying to find a publisher for Gus story. He’s also someone who “sparks” with Gus when they get together with their mutual friends. Tate’s childhood has been one of constant parental marital struggles, leading him to believe that monogamy isn’t the best lifestyle, especially for himself.

Gus is 20 years older and a monogamist. While as someone who’s pan, the age difference isn’t a factor, Tate identifies as poly.

This story of how their romance begins is so sweet, and sexy yet so grounded in the issues that keep people stuck if they don’t communicate. Gus and Tate talk, think, communicating through obstacles big and small, perceived and actual, to find their way to each other.

How wonderful. How adorable and adult.

While I don’t have favorite couples here, no, really, Gus and Tate come close. But really with Fulton wearing a “I shih tzu Not” t-shirt, how could I ignore him and his honey? It was fantastic having everyone involved here, including Tyler the newest Vet.

There’s another story in the works but nothing on title or release date. I’ll be waiting!

Until then, I’m highly recommending Got Me Looking (Vet Shop Boys #3) by Casey Cox. Not familiar with this series? Start at the beginning! I’ve listed them below. Each one is a gem!

Vet Shop Boys series so far:

Got Me Hoping #1

Got Me Wishing #2

Got Me Looking #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showGot Me Looking (Vet Shop Boys, #3) by Casey Cox – Goodreads

Synopsis:

A jilted groom and a guy who doesn’t believe in monogamy fall in love? Yeah. Right.

After getting cheated on at my own goddamn wedding, I’m through with men. I’m approaching fifty, and all I’ve ever wanted is to settle down, get married, and live happily ever after. But yeah, that hasn’t exactly worked out great for me.

The last person I expect to understand me is Tate. Sure, he’s cute, curious, and clever. A firecracker with no filter who somehow manages to stay friendly and genuine at the same time. But he isn’t exactly a settle-down kinda guy. Oh, and did I mention he’s also twenty years younger than me?

There’s no way something could ever happen between the two of us, so how is it possible that Tate has got me looking at love––and him––in a whole new light?

Review: The Lady Under The Lake (Quest Investigations #3) by E.J. Russell

Rating: 4.75🌈

There’s just so much to love about this third installment in Russell’s Quest Investigations series! It’s even more convoluted then ever with all the supernatural laws and politics involved, that’s not even looking at all the individuals who have major parts to play at the drama here.

This is mega supernatural melodrama… with all that entails. Some comedy, usually supplied by the antics of Jordan and his Hellhound Doop. But here there’s also some real tragedy and trauma to digest. The characters who have come to Matt as well as those around him, are dealing with incredibly painful memories and emotionally damaging issues.

Domestic violence and spousal abuse that’s an assumed right due to tradition and species. Child abuse, abandonment, and kidnapping are major elements of this tale.

Note: descriptions of past events for the above.

From one request to find a child, sets off an explosion of old traumatic memories and new repercussions that effects so many Matt has ties with.

The writing is crisp, the action swift paced, characterizations outstanding, and a tale packed full of the full range of emotions.

The humor is there. But so many scenes that will move you. One of a dust filled room, tiny cradle will surely have you in tears.

As always, I’m left wanting more. I’d probably be thrilled if these stories were 300k longer as I’d linger in each room, wanting more dialogue and exposition.

Ah well, guess I’ll have to be satisfied with the next novel coming in March!

I’m happily recommending this story but read the entire series in the order it’s written for relationship development and overall series arc plot line. It’s amazing.

Plus it’s all part of the author’s Mythmatched universe. So it helps to have read those stories beforehand for some background knowledge if possible.

If not, there’s an entire universe to explore as well.

Quest Investigations Series:

✓ Five Dead Herrings #1

✓ The Hound of the Burgervilles #2

✓ The Lady Under The Lake #3

◦ Death on Denial- March 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Lady Under the Lake by E.J. Russell – Goodreads

Synopsis:

This client is all wet…

After receiving a hot tip on the whereabouts of my almost-boyfriend’s nearly-ex-husband (hey, I told you—it’s complicated!), I thought my love life was finally coming up for air. But when we stake out the remote lake, it’s not the ex who surfaces.

It’s the Faerie King’s long-missing mother (and I mean really long, as in double-digit centuries), and she wants to hire Quest Investigations. Since one of my bosses is the king’s brother, he has a tsunami of…feelings about her as a potential client, and refuses to take the case. Instead, he passes it to me.

Yes! However…

Should I be thrilled at the vote of confidence or suspicious that he’s tossing me in the deep end without a life preserver, the better to punish the woman who abandoned her kid all those years ago?

You know what? It doesn’t matter. I may be Quest’s token human, but I’ve proven I can get the job done, so I dive right in. Then the lady explains what she wants me to do: find her missing child.

Seriously? I expected more of a challenge. All I have to do is introduce her to the king and bingo, case closed. But when she says, “Not that one,” this little family drama threatens to send ripples throughout the supernatural community—especially with my boss in over his head as the prime suspect in a fae kidnapping.

As if things weren’t complicated enough… Remember that nearly-ex? When he shows up and muddies the waters, I’m faced with a choice: I can solve this case or I can finally hook my almost-boyfriend.

Dammit.

The Lady Under the Lake is the third in the Quest Investigations M/M mystery series, a spinoff of E.J. Russell’s Mythmatched paranormal rom-com story world. It contains no on-page sex or violence, and although there is a romantic subplot, it is not a romance. The series is best read in order.

Review: The Hitman’s Guide to Tying the Knot Without Getting Shot (The Hitman’s Guide #3) by Alice Winters

Rating: 5 🌈

I have loved this series from the beginning. It’s full of outrageous humor, over-the-top action, and, frankly, just plain hilarious dynamics between two widely different yet charming characters who oddly fit each other perfectly.

Now it’s coming down to their wedding so of course someone wants to murder one of them.

And while the expected zaniness is enthusiastically embraced, narratively speaking , what was less apparent was that this novel was going to be emotionally moving and explore just how damaged Leland’s past has truly left him.

That’s erupts out here in the most traumatic way imaginable.

This aspect of the story allows us to see other depths of characters personalities not yet portrayed as well as bringing another warmth and element of humanity to Leland.

Is this my favorite story. I think so. It’s added Sarge as well. Adore that dog. And that whole out of control element. Hilarious.

We get to delve into Jackson’s past and his character further then before which is another fantastic situation here. Jackson has never had his past history given more than a few mere mentions here and there. Now we get a solid look at Jackson, the complete and complex man who’s the match for Leland.

Outstanding.

The Hitman’s Guide to Tying the Knot Without Getting Shot is a tremendous way to send these two off to get their wedding vows. If there’s not another story, while I’ll be sad, this is still a great way to go out!

I’m highly recommending this story and series. But read them in the order they were written in to understand the progression of relationships development and characters personalities.

Definitely one of my favorite series of this author’s. So well written, great plots, sharp dialogue, humorous, moving, and characters to , well, almost die for.

Love it and them.

The Hitman’s Guide series:

✓ 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

Side Story:

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

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Hitman’s Guide to Tying the Knot Without Getting Shot by Alice Winters

Leland

Is a nice little wedding with Blow-up Randy and Jackson My Love too much to ask for? Clearly, because someone’s trying to kill one of us… again. Generally, this would be my thing and I would jump right in singing my murder song, but they want Jackson dead and I will do anything (and I mean anything) to keep him alive—including and not limited to: ten Dobermans, bulletproof glass, and dragging Cassel in with the promise of more Jerebear. These people have no idea what they’ve done targeting the man I love because I’m coming after them. But when it feels like everything might be lost, I start to understand that I have a family now who will stand by my side and do everything they can to make sure we end this on our terms.

Jackson

When someone attacks me, it’s clear they want something from me. The issue is that I have no idea who they are or what they’re after. And if I don’t figure it out soon, I’m afraid Leland is going to smother me with his overprotectiveness (or put me in a bubble at the top of a tower). The issue is that time is ticking and with the price tag on my head, there’s no telling who is coming for me or when.

Together, Leland and I have to decipher who is telling the truth in this game of life or death because I have plans to marry the man of my dreams and no one is going to stop me—especially with Leland by my side.

This 100k word book contains humor, action, romance, bad behavior on a golf course, sort of abducting a child who lacks kung fu power, enough car chases and shooting to make even Leland happy, and spontaneous singing.