Category: 5 star Rating

Review:  A Little Waif Justice (Merlin’s Waif Book 1) by Renée Jaggér and Michael Anderle

Rating:  4.75⭐️

I am absolutely in love with this series and the main character of Merritt Vale.  While Merlin’s Waif exists within an established mythology and multi-series universe, this is one that can easily be read on its own entirety.  

Authors Renée Jaggér and Michael Anderle have done a fantastic job in creating the universe, and when necessary, supplying the information that is needed from the preceding series so that the reader feels comfortable with the events and characters of the story. 

How to describe exactly incredible Merritt Vale is, the details, the absolute devastating background of her story and the beauty and believable growth of character she shows here throughout this book. 

She’s the last of her kind. And she’s lost her memory of her species, her family. And this traumatic loss pops up here in unexpected and heartbreaking moments .  It brings Merritt’s pain and loss closer to the reader and our connection to her becomes stronger and deeper. 

A misplaced orphan who has been rehomed multiple times, never fitting in. Little Avalon, a community in Brooklyn, of likewise misplaced otherworldly beings, becomes her last refuge. 

 This has great elements to the story. She is ignorant of technology so that is a journey, she’s got prejudices left over from the war, and so much to learn about her own life and powers as well as her ability to make decisions and become part of the community. 

Each element and aspect of this narrative is rich in emotion, imagery and colorful details. And don’t get me started here on the food. 

There’s no romance. But adventure, mystery and found family. 

I’m so happy I found this book and series. 

Highly recommended! 

Outstanding covers and artwork. One of the things that drew me to this book. 

Cover by Mihaela Voicu

Merlin’s Waif (4 book series):

Little Waif Justice #1

Bet on the Waif #2

Waif Too Much #3

No Waif Out #4

Related/preceding series:

Valerie Stonehold (9 book series)

Buy link 

        A Little Waif Justice (Merlin’s Waif Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Blood doesn’t recognize magic. Earth magic doesn’t recognize rules.

Merritt Vale guards a devastating secret: she’s the last of a legendary species, with powers that could get her killed—or enslaved.

When she stumbles into Little Avalon, a hidden sanctuary thrumming with ancient magic, the earth itself responds to her presence. Roses burst through concrete. Trees bend to her whispers.

For the first time, Merritt dares to hope she’s found a home among its extraordinary residents.

As vicious gangsters terrorize nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park, Merritt discovers her uncontrollable earth magic might be exactly what the city needs.

She prowls the shadowy paths as something ancient and terrifying—a protector the likes of which neither world has seen. Yet every transformation risks exposing her true nature to her newfound family, and the darker truth of why she’s really the last Leshbolg alive.

Can Merritt protect both worlds without losing control of her devastating powers? Or will saving innocent lives mean sacrificing the first place that’s ever felt like home—and the chosen family she’s always dreamed of?

Don’t miss this spellbinding new urban fantasy series that readers are calling “a fresh voice in supernatural fiction.” MERLIN’S WAIF introduces a bold new heroine who must learn that true belonging means embracing every wild, untamed part of yourself—even the parts that terrify you.

DISCLAIMER: If you’ve started the Valerie Stonehold series but haven’t finished it, this contains spoilers. However, it can be read as a stand-alone series.

  • Publisher: LMBPN Publishing; 1st edition (February 20, 2025)
  • Publication date: February 20, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 340 pages

Review:  The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series Book 6) by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare

Rating: 5⭐️

As what I believe is the penultimate book in the series, The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag is a fantastic story.  

The plot takes the characters and readers into a different area of Portlock that hasn’t yet been explored, the Chrome Mines and the dwarves that spend their lives inside. 

Of course it starts off with a murder case, an investigation by NOMO’s Sheriff Gunner and Officer Bunny, and an introduction to a great new character, Hag Matilda who lives deep inside the mines. 

There’s so much to admire about this book and the beautifully crafted storylines.  Bunny’s a person who has consistently shown that she’s able to grow and thrive in her new role and environment, finding a found family and strength in her life. Every one of these characters feature heavily here in the story, as the investigation evolves into unexpected moments and challenges. 

Even the enigmatic characters like Shadow and Fluffy, the curses wolfshifter uncomfortable with his human presence, are here in complicated ways. 

This ends on a heartbreaking cliffhanger which will lead directly into the final story, The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid, to be released later this summer. 

What an amazing story and series. I’m sure when it comes out as a compendium or set  I’ll read completely through it again. 

Highly recommended and now waiting for the next one to be released. 

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

The Portlock Paranormal Detective series:

The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death, a prequel.

The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf, Book 1.

The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren, Book 2.

The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee, Book 3.

The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine, Book 4.

The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergiest, Book 5

The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas, Book #5.5

The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag #6

The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid #7 – July 3,2025

Buy link

        The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series Book 6)

    

Blurb 

Welcome to Portlock: where the dead don’t always stay that way.

When a human inspector drops dead in the Chrome Mine, things get messy fast. The dwarves are up in arms, swearing the mine is cursed, and when a second body turns up—this time without its head—all fingers point to the local hag.

But I’ve met Matilda. She’s terrifying, sure, but she doesn’t seem like the elaborate crime scene type. More of a ‘crush you under a landslide’ kind of gal. Still, with the dwarves baying for blood and a murderer on the loose, I need answers before this case spirals out of control.

Tracking killers is hard enough without worrying about a cryptid monster lurking beyond the town’s magical barrier, my four-legged best friend struggling with his humanity, and my infuriatingly attractive vampire mate trying to keep me out of trouble (good luck with that, Connor).

With a town full of suspects and secrets, I’ll have to dig deep to unearth the truth. Let’s hope I don’t end up buried—undead.

Dive into this fast-paced urban fantasy series if you love mystery, humour, found family, and a slow-burn romance.

Don’t miss the other Portlock Paranormal adventures!

The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death

The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf

The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren

The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee

The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine

The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag

The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid

  • Publisher: Hellhound Press Limited (March 7, 2025)
  • Publication date: March 7, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 403 pages

Review: SOS Hotel: End of the Road (SOS Hotel #10) by Adam Vex and Ariana Nash

Rating: 5🌈

Welp, it’s finally here! The end of the road and the insane finale for our beloved triad of paranormal lovers, Adam, Fancy Fangs aka Victor , and the ever fabulous Zee! 

This story has everything! Road trips gone wrong, supernatural mobsters, Miami because, you know, Florida, sex, music, crazed family stuff, Florida, frogs, drama, dragons, frogs!  

Florida. 

And of course, finally, very importantly, a happy ending for our beloved otherworldly throuple. 

It’s a veritable kitchen sink of storylines, events, weirdly funny characters and makes for a celebration of a send off. 

Love it and them! Been a great ride!

Cover design by Ariana Nash 

SOS Hotel:

  • For a Supernaturally Safe Stay #1
  • Friendly Sanctuary for the Fiendishly Fabulous #2
  • Sleep with Us #3 
  • Great Service from Top to Bottom #4
  • No Rest for the Wicked #5 
  • Ho, Ho, No #5.5
  • Luxury To Die For #6
  • Your Final Resting Place #7 -ends this sequence of events.
  • On The Road #8 – starts a mini-trilogy 
  • Icy Reception #9 
  • End of the Road #10 – finale 

Holiday release!

 SOS HOTEL: Ho, Ho, No by Adam Vex, Ariana Nash❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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        SOS HOTEL: End of the Road

    

Blurb 

It’s the end! Again.

Being on the road has been fun an’ all (no, it hasn’t). Van life is awesome (it sucks, there’s no room for my fabulousness). But all good things must end, according to Fancy Fangs. He’s wrong. Good things should last forever.

Just so long as me, Victor and Adam don’t end, right?

So after we solved a burly werewolf murder, got ourselves mixed up with an evil luxury hotel, we’re now in Florida! Sun, sea, and… the troll mafia, a trap we walked right into, and did I mention… THERE’S F*CKING FROGS HERE?!

We all gonna die.

SOS HOTEL 10: End of the Road, is the end of the road for our hotel threesome. If you’ve read all nine previous books, you’d be silly not to read this one, the last ever one – for real this time. Our terrible trio are more powerful than ever, but so is Adam’s wicked brother. The epic showdown is here.

  • Publisher: Crazy Ace Publishing
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: May 23, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 212 pages
  • Book 10 of 10: SOS Hotel

Review:  The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergeist: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series Book 5) by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare

Rating:  5⭐️

In The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergeist authors take Bunny and her best friend, Sidnee outside of Portlock to the Alaska State Trooper training academy for training and certification. 

It’s a mixture of hidden paranormal cadets and normal human beings with all the same bigotry and prejudice that people face in social situations. Except that the paranormal recruits are expected to hide their abilities from their classmates and staff and still get their certificates. A difficulty in dealing with some bullying recruits.

I really loved this story and appreciated the many well developed storylines that further broadened the series arc mystery and allowed many of these characters to deepen their relationships and potential for their own powers. 

Bunny’s character is growing stronger with each case. She’s discovering new powers, allowing herself to become closer to the people she is now considering her “found family “, and her own powers are being expanded into a new level of magic.  Sidnee, the shifter whose friendship and trauma has been so much a part of Bunny’s story, is a big part of the story too. She’s struggling still with past events but trying hard to find her way through. 

Without specific details, Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare use a poltergeist, a truly poignant piece of work here, to bring another bit of this series back into play. Outstanding storytelling!

And of course, I have to mention Fluffy and his own personal struggles with his transformation ability or lack thereof. Love Fluffy and that enigma Shadow. 

Another fantastic book! I’m so addicted to these characters and world.  

Highly recommended!

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

The Portlock Paranormal Detective series:

The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death, a prequel.

The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf, Book 1.

The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren, Book 2.

The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee, Book 3.

The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine, Book 4.

The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergiest, Book 5.

The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas, Book 5.5.

The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag #6

The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid #7 – July 3,2025

Buy link

        The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergeist: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series Book 5)

    

Blurb 

This academy’s secrets could get you killed – if the poltergeist doesn’t get you first…

I thought going back to school would be fun. After all, we’re adults now – no angst-ridden teen dramas here – and we’re all law-enforcement recruits training to become State Troopers. Surely we’ll work together like professionals, right? Wrong.

One of my fellow recruits has it in for me. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I’d peed in his cereal or corrected his grammar in public, but I swear I’ve done nothing to deserve the daggers he’s throwing my way.

The problem is that he’s not the only one giving me grief.

The academy has a unique resident, a poltergeist who loves nothing more than causing havoc. What starts as harmless pranks quickly turns sinister and I’m left wondering just how far the spirit will go.

The deeper I dig the more I realise this academy isn’t just haunted, it’s hiding something far worse than ghosts and ghouls. And if I don’t uncover the truth soon, I might not make it to graduation…

Dive into this fast-paced urban fantasy series if you love mystery, humour, found family and a slow-burn romance.

  • Publisher: Hellhound Press Limited (December 6, 2024)
  • Publication date: December 6, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 257 pages

Review: The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series Book 4) by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare

Rating: 5⭐️

The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine: An Urban Fantasy Novel is a story I’ve been anticipating but sort of dreading. Because it’s focused on Fluffy, that endearing, remarkable German Shepherd who Bunny rescued in London, and has been a huge emotional support and absolute love for her here. 

Well, it doesn’t start out as being a Fluffy centric story but as an investigation into who is hexing people around town with increasingly complex and dangerous curses. Really  mysterious cases lead into ones that are closely linked to the people Bunny holds dear and are getting curses that are highly dangerous, even deadly.

The new elements introduced a fabulous magical black market and intriguing sides to established characters. 

But the biggest issue and surprise is that Fluffy carries a curses that no one knew about and has no idea what it entails.

 Again, this is such a completely layered and beautifully crafted story that I’m not throwing in any spoilers. Just that it’s wrenching emotionally, funny, but mostly poignant and sad. It’s gives Bunny and the reader even greater insight into her traumatic childhood and recent horrible events that led her to Alaska. 

This book is full of scenes and characters that have reverberations that will carry forward for the rest of the series. 

Amazing stuff and fantastic writing.

Highly recommended, a reader’s choice for me. Read the series in the order written. 

Again, love Fluffy and the covers. 

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

The Portlock Paranormal Detective series:

The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death, a prequel.

The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf, Book 1.

The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren, Book 2.

The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee, Book 3.

The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine, Book 4.

The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergiest, Book 5.

The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas, Book 5.5.

The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag #6

The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid #7 – July 3,2025

Buy link

        The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series Book 4)

    

Blurb 

Spells, hexes and curses.

Curses are falling on this town like rain in London. Just when I think I’ve found a link between the hexed victims, someone else shows up who’s been jinxed. It feels like the devil is playing darts with my paranormal town and if the dart hits you, you get whammied with a curse.

To be honest, I haven’t a clue how to find the perpetrator. My sole lead is pointing at the travelling black market that has just arrived in Portlock. That would be all fine and dandy —ifI could find it. Weirdly, no one is willing to direct the cops to a highly illegal market. I’m obviously persona non grata – though being a slightly-less-than-undead vampire, I’m kind of used to that.

On top of everything, my overbearing British mother has come to visit. Stuck in my shoebox of a house together, we might actually have to deal with some of our issues. Thank goodness I have Connor Mackenzie, vampire leader and sexy lumberjack, to run to when the going gets tough.

I’m juggling things—badly—when I discover my dog is cursed. What am I willing to do to save my hound? Anything and everything.

The world can burn for all I care, as long as I can save my pup…

Dive into this fast-paced urban fantasy series if you love mystery, humour, found family and a slow-burn romance.

  • Publisher: Hellhound Press Limited (June 28, 2024)
  • Publication date: June 28, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 471 pages

Review:  False Morality (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 5) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 5🌈

A cliffhanger ending from the last book delivers , via Shelby Rhodes incredible story, several heartbreaking moments, a great comeuppance for a villain, and , wait, another heart stopping cliffhanger. 

What a hair raising, pulse pumping, white knuckle ride this book is.  It’s everything we’ve come to expect from this series and author and then piled on with a mountain of narrative cherries.  Fabulous!

Rhodes’ has the story five further into the dynamic between Harlow and Foxx, what the ongoing trauma of events is doing to them each and separately. It’s a needed exploration, with these characters, and their dark histories and damaging stories. 

The other characters, the ones we’ve come to love too are focused on here, in ways that will have lasting impact on everyone. And Gavin? Love Gavin. I really needed him here. IYKYK. 

And as if there aren’t already enough words of caution, I’ll add mine. This is probably the most bloody, violent and potentially disturbing book of the bunch. Just Fyi.  Read the warning but these novels have to be read in the order they are written. And honestly, it’s Shelby Rhodes. 

Highly recommended for sheer excitement, sheer excellence, and utter mayhem and madness.  I’m a fan. 

Cover Artist: Beefbeff Art Editor: Emma Luna

The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx:

  • At First Irritation #1
  • Taste of Fear #2
  • Unusual Emotions #3 
  • Thirst Quenched #4 
  • False Morality #5

Buy link

        False Morality (The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx Book 5)

    

Blurb 

Foxx Honeywell here and holding on. You all know where we left off. I suppose I always knew that life often has moments—painful moments—that have you questioning every choice you’ve made that led up to it. Questioning if you had done something a little different, moved just a bit faster, delayed a little less, would the outcome have changed. I’m here to tell you, those questions are bloody pointless! The only question that matters is: how are you going to make it right?!

Well, you know me, I’m sure as hell not going to forget or forgive, and Harlow would laugh at even the suggestion. So, with every fiber of my being, I say, bring on the bloodshed!

Author Note: False Morality is the fifth book in the MM paranormal romance series, The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx, a series that is meant to be read in order. Please see inside or my website for content warnings.

  • Publisher: (April 19, 2025)
  • Publication date: April 19, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 432 pages

Review: Short Stack #3 by Lily Morton 

Rating: 5🌈

A delightful collection of short stories that pick up the lives of various characters from the books and series of Lily Morton.  I quickly finished this, looking for my favorite couple’s stories first, then going back through the others. 

A absolutely joy to revisit each one of these characters and see them once again, in various places in their relationships. Moving, funny and always beautifully written. 

A must read for lovers of the books and author. 

“These short stories catch up with the men in my books after their stories have ended. Therefore, there are a lot of spoilers. Please don’t read the shorts until you’ve read the original books.”-Lily Morton 

Short Story Contents :

Gabe and Dylan 

Skating 

The School Trip 

Tricky 

Jude and Asa 

Old Acquaintance 

Henry and Ivo 

Gone Camping 

Oz and Silas 

Three Dozen Red Roses and a Werewolf 

Freddie and Darcy 

The Prize 

Barnaby and Cosmo 

A Honeysuckle Interlude 

The Wishing Tree 

Joe and Lachlan 

Hobbies 

Rafferty and Stan 

A Mystery Tour 

Jed and Artie 

Afternoon Delight 

Bee and Tom 

Sunday Football 

Bee’s Amsterdam 

Mags and Laurie 

It’s a Family Affair 

Short Stacks: 1,2, and 3

Buy link 

 Book 3 of 3: Short Stack 

Blurb 

What happens after the happy ending?

Drawn together for the first time, this is a collection of Lily’s short stories about some of the much-loved men from her books. Follow them through meeting the parents, a disastrous camping weekend, and a rather eventful school trip.

It includes stories previously written for her website, newsletter, and readers’ group, along with five brand new and exclusive short stories—The School Trip, A Honeysuckle Interlude, A Family Affair, Bee’s Amsterdam, and Gone Camping.

  • Publication date: April 20, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 298 pages

Review: Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Rating: 5⭐️

In a recent group of highly anticipated and majorly media-hyped romance releases, Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry is one that lives up to its promise and excitement.

I’m unfamiliar with the author and wary or is it weary now of the various books being “super pushed , highly gushed about “ on many media platforms, especially prior to release.

These books are often compared to other books and series that are well established , very well written and already have enormous fan support, rightly or wrongly.  Maybe the soon to be published books fit in the genre, maybe they don’t. But pre-slotting them into a category does the book or author any favors. 

Rant over.  Onto this amazing book. 

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry does a fantastic job of capturing a unique world of fantasy and horror, of Kingdoms and magical beasts, of princesses marrying to maintain a balance that’s not exactly what it seems. 

And princes to die for. 

The only thing I’m upset about is I don’t have the sequel in my hands already. 

Devney Perry’s world building is extraordinary, from the perilous waters their ships sail over and the creatures that lurk underneath to the realistic, harsh and beautiful nature of the Kingdom most of the novel takes place in. 

Perry’s descriptions and locations are visually stunning, imaginative and beautifully written. They capture our imagination and its people our hearts moment by moment, as Odessa learns more about her new life and the people around her. 

The characters, especially the main character of Odessa, is engaging and wonderfully layered, leaving her fully aware of her struggles and able to develop her strengths as she grows more aware of the challenges and realities of her situation. 

Less said due to spoilers about the male characters the better as they figure greatly in the narrative plot elements and twists. I’m sure many readers will see the surprises coming but it’s still a very real moment for the story and characters. And worked through with a terrific backstory. 

Is this “spicy” romance? That’s a term I feel is being used now for a wide range of sexual content in a romance novel, including some I find offensive like SA. This story is a long novel that features a true slow burn romance with a kiss and finally some sexual romance towards the end. That’s it. 

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry has left plenty of room for the magical elements and mythology to expand with the next novel. I can’t wait to see what the author has planned for the characters and their journey. 

Highly recommended!

Cover design by LJ Anderson Edge design by Bree Archer

Buy link 

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comShield of Sparrows (Deluxe Limited Edition): Perry, Devney

Blurb 

 Now in development as a feature film with Amazon MGM Studios, with John Wick screenwriter Derek Kolstad attached to write the script!

Don’t miss out on the stunning DELUXE LIMITED EDITION while supplies last. This breathtaking collectible is only available on a limited first print run in the U.S. and Canada, a must-have for any book lover.

Shield of Sparrows is a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros―where enemies become lovers, monsters stalk a cursed realm, and a forgotten princess finds the strength to tear off her crown and become the warrior she was never meant to be.

The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel.

I’ve spent my life kneeling―to their will and to my father’s. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king.

I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood.

But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life.

Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him―bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know.

Everyone wants me to be something I’m not―a queen, a spy, a sacrifice.

But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated?

And what if―for the first time―I reached for it?

  • Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books (May 6, 2025)
  • Publication date: May 6, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 666 pages

— Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Entangled Publishing LLC

Review:  Dead Weight (Crossroads Queen Book 5) by Annabel Chase

Rating: 5⭐️

I gave 5 ⭐️ to Dead Weight because, while Chase accomplishes so many important and exciting narrative goals in this book, she did two things that absolutely smashed it for me. She demolished a villain I couldn’t stand and set up the next story with a twist I didn’t see coming. 

Fantastic!

Both of those events happened at the end but all the many other things and plots that led to them were outstanding as well. Just as gripping, funny, totally absorbing in detail and weirdness. And it, again, moves more of the various characters and their individual lives forward in some respects.

Usually its relationship dynamics being shuffled around, emotional scenes and characters being truthful about their struggles, all of which allow the reader to feel even closer and deeper connected to each of them.  Because while these characters may be assassins, fae, werewolves, witches, ghosts, vampires and such, the issues that they face are often those that anyone can relate to.  Fear of rejection, abandonment, loss, betrayal , and loneliness. It’s in their stories. We get them. 

So when Chase makes this an absolutely slowest burn ever romance, the characters also will give us their emotional reasons why it’s necessary for it.  Same for any other character’s reactions to whatever happens here. It’s a natural progression from believable way they have been from the beginning to the present. 

Chase has a great sense of humor and depth of character. She builds on her stories, and each character becomes stronger and more interesting as the books continue. Especially those assassins from The Guild, her friends Gun and Cam, as well as Kane’s employees. 

Yes to the series, a definite yes to this story.  The author too. 

Cover by Trif Designs, wish it had a  more an accurate portrayal of this complicated character. One who only wears old t-shirts and jeans, boots, and is in her early 30’s.  Usually worn out by no sleep, no budget and constant physical labor on that money pit of a crumbling house.  Put that on the cover. Please. 

Crossroads Queen series:

Dead to the World #1

Dead of Night #2

Dead Last #3

Dead Wrong #4

Dead Weight #5

Play Dead #6

Dead Heat #7

Half Dead #8

Dead End #9 – April 17,2025

Buy link

        Dead Weight (Crossroads Queen Book 5)

    

Blurb 

Lorelei Clay is determined to put down roots in the small town of Fairhaven no matter what the universe throws at her. After all, she’s invested her entire savings in the rundown monstrosity known as the Castle—and she’s on the verge of investing her heart in a certain prince of hell, if he can overcome his literal internal demon.

Lorelei and Kane aren’t the only ones haunted by their histories. When unfamiliar werewolves cause trouble in town, Arrowhead alpha Weston Davies realizes his tragic past is about to catch up with him and threaten the life he’s managed to build.

As their problems continue to mount, it becomes clear that unless they face their respective pasts—they’ll have no future.

Dead Weight is the fifth book in the Crossroads Queen paranormal andurban fantasy series. For fans of feisty females, found family, romance subplots, tortured demon heroes, and a feel-good vibe.

  • Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC (April 11, 2024)
  • Publication date: April 11, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 284 pages

Review:  Moonstriker (The Summertide Chronicles #4) by Sam Burns 

Rating: 4.75🌈

Sam Burns fantastic series, The Summertide Chronicles, comes to an end, not with a bang but with wedding, which is attended by all the other characters and couples. 

Was it a great finale? Yes.  Sticking with the theme and incredible complexity of this series and characters, it is.  Burns may not have written a story that explosively dynamic in its entirety but its narrative is still powerful in its own way, deeply satisfying and compelling to the end.

Mt. Slate is shaking the earth, threatening to destroy the entire world, unless the four families gathering together there can find a way to make it stop.

Kit Moonstriker’s entire life has revolved around The Plan, one he and his crystal, Nikka, have made/foreseen to keep Mt Slate’s from shaking apart and the world saved.  It all comes down now to Aubrey, an orphan raised apart from the families. 

Everything about the story is so different and beautifully written. Kit’s story is further explained and more importantly, why all those decisions were made by himself are now revealed. And Aubrey’s history comes into full view, for himself too. His lack of bonding with a crystal, his family connections, and his emotional perspective on life and family. 

Having the two men working together, discussing their own lives and their misconceptions about each other, it really lets the reader into their growing relationship and intimacy. 

It’s also a slow melding of big moments and storylines as another huge aspect of this story emerges during this journey of theirs. 

Burns’ fantastic story swells to a close with a sense of wonder, many “ah ha” moments and scenes of love and joy. 

It makes sense when you have a series where the characters are not just magical people but beings who are sentient crystals and even shifters.  What an incredible series this has been.  I truly love it and could have stayed for many more stories.

It’s fitting that we end on a wedding.  A great satisfying sendoff. 

If you are looking for a beautifully crafted, outstanding piece of fantasy fiction, grab up The Summertide Chronicles by Sam Burns.  It’s one of my favorite series and one I’m highly recommending!

Love these covers too. 

The Summertide Chronicles:

  • Gloombringer #1
  • Dawnchaser #2 
  • Sunrunner #3 
  • Moonstriker #4 – finale 

Buy Link

        Moonstriker (The Summertide Chronicles Book 4)

    

Blurb 

I’ve spent the better part of a decade trying to save the world. Twice a century, Mount Slate threatens to erupt, and for my entire life, the four families in charge haven’t seemed to care about their impending doom.

So it fell to me to try to fix things.

To make peace.

Me, a man whose greatest skill is pissing people off so much that they challenge me to a duel, and then killing them in that duel.

Now the moment is here, and my clever stone is telling me that one man—a sweet, innocent, infuriating judgmental bastard—is the only one who’s capable of saving the world. And I have to help him do it.

I’m starting to wonder if the world is even worth saving.

Moonstriker is the last in a series of four books, starring one cynical not-quite-assassin, one ray of sunshine, and one very grumpy mountain. It both Aubrey and Kit’s HEA, as well as the conclusion of the overall series arc.