Category: Book Reviews

Check out “Song of Howls” by M. D. Grimm (OWL tour and except)

Song of Howls - M.D. Grimm

M.D. Grimm has a new FF fantasy romance out, Sisters of Song book 2: Song of Howls. And there’s a giveaway!

As Alaiya reclaims her life, she never intended to capture the heart of a she-wolf.

Alaiya was trained by her parents to be the perfect wife. Due to her beauty, they knew they could entice a wealthy man to wed her and raise their status. She was a trophy, a prize, brought out to entertain like an obedient dog. Their efforts were rewarded when Lord Salazem claimed her to become his next wife, intent on adding her to his harem. But when two mighty dragons and her sister save her, Alaiya is given a new chance at life.

Determined to stand on her own and discover who she truly is, Alaiya has little interest in relationships. Even when she meets the silver-haired Talla, Alaiya pushes down her desire, unwilling to be caged again.

Talla is the alpha of her large wolf pack in the Firestar Mountains and knows Alaiya is her mate. She is entranced by Alaiya’s strength, courage, and loyalty, and is determined to prove herself as a worthy mate. But first she must overcome Alaiya’s barriers, which might prove to be her greatest challenge.

As Alaiya and her sister adjust to their new lives, they must secure their home from those who would take it from them. Including their parents. As Alaiya struggles to stand on her own, she learns that true strength lies in letting others stand beside her.

ABOUT THE SERIES

Venya and Alaiya are sisters born to greedy and selfish parents. One is neglected and the other exploited. Despite this–or because of it–they cling to each other, best friends as well as family. They find freedom in the mountain range beyond their city of birth… as well as unexpected chances at love with extraordinary beings.

Forging a new future is never easy, but with their unbreakable bond, and lovers and allies at their side, the impossible just might be attainable.

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Giveaway

M.D. is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card with this tour:

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Excerpt

Song of Howls - M.D. Grimm

For a moment, Alaiya forgot her own troubles and lived in the moment. She’d seen many such beautiful places in the Firestar Mountains but this one beat them all.

Wolves watched them descend, and Alaiya tried not to cower under their piercing stares. The valley was filled with adults, adolescents, and pups. No one approached them, and she had a feeling something significant was happening. Though she couldn’t determine what it was.

The mask she’d learned to wear as a child, that of societal pleasantries, slipped on as they stepped off the trail. Alaiya slid off Talla’s back and inclined her head to those nearby.

“Good evening. I am Alaiya. Thank you for watching over my sister, and for welcoming us into your home. We are in your debt.”

A few of the pups ran up as several adults approached. Tails were tucked, heads were down. Talla stayed beside her, watching them but also glancing at her. If Alaiya allowed herself to indulge in fantasy, she would have sworn she saw pride in Talla’s bright gaze.

Of course she stroked the puppies and offered the adults her hands to sniff. Feeling welcomed and trying not to be overwhelmed, Alaiya resisted reliving the recent dangers again. This was an extraordinary moment that shouldn’t be tarnished by the past. If spending her entire life under the thumb of her parents had taught her anything, it was to savor the good and beautiful for as long as possible.

When Alaiya’s stomach grumbled, Talla nudged the others away and jerked her head, wanting her to follow. Clearly, she was the alpha. Or one of the alphas. Didn’t wolf packs usually have a male and a female leader?

Alaiya tried to decipher if any of the others gave off the alpha vibe but she didn’t sense anything. Talla took her to a pile of fruit that appeared to have been recently picked and washed. There were apples, oranges, and grapes. When she hesitated, Talla nudged her forward lightly. She took a grape, and Talla’s mouth dropped open in a lupine grin.

Alaiya couldn’t resist smiling a little. “Thank you.”

Talla huffed and trotted off. Alaiya sat next to the fruit and munched. She curled into herself, feeling a bit chilled. Her clothes had seen better days, they were dirty and torn. She mourned the state of them. They were ones she’d found in the palace, and she liked the style. She was grateful for the variety of clothing for ladies in the palace, and since she was handy with needle and thread, it was a simple thing to make modifications as needed to fit her, and her sister’s, shapes better. Her parents had insisted she be adept at all manner of womanly tasks and pursuits, including how to sew her own clothing. She’d needed to be a prize catch after all.

She scowled at the memories.

The adult wolves left her alone, though a few pups crept closer, curious. She coaxed them nearer and ended up with four pups draped over her lap and cuddled at her sides. Their fluffy, warm bodies and playful squeaks calmed her. But despite her best efforts, recent events wouldn’t let her settle.

“What disturbs you?”

She jerked and looked up. Talla stood there, naked, hair like silver silk draped over her. Alaiya quickly turned away and cleared her throat. She flushed hot when Talla sat beside her. Though she didn’t touch her or draw closer, Alaiya felt her gaze like a touch. It itched. It burned.

“I… I’ve been through a lot.”

“I gathered that from what Venya said. Do you wish to speak about it?”

“No.”

Talla nodded and when one of the pups nuzzled her hand, she plucked him up and rubbed her face against his. Alaiya softened at the adoration.

“Is he yours?”

Talla smiled. “No. All my pups are grown with pups of their own. I have no desire for more.”

Alaiya frowned. “How old…? Never mind.”

Rude. Very rude question. All those weeks away from society had made her social skills rusty. She used to be far better at small talk and charming all she met.

Talla chuckled. The sound danced pleasantly along Alaiya’s skin. Damn.

“We age differently than humans. Though I can still have children, I have chosen to stop. Let the younger, stronger of my pack produce the next generations. This way, I get to enjoy the pups with little burden.”

So saying, she rubbed the pup’s tummy, and he wiggled with delight.

Alaiya grinned.

“Make sure to drink the water from the falls. It will cleanse you and heal you of any injuries or discomforts.”

“How?”

“This place was blessed by the gods long ago. A hint of their divinity remains.”

Their gazes met and held. Alaiya was struck with the directness of Talla’s stare. She exuded calm and confidence, a steadfastness that encouraged trust and dependency.

And that was a problem. Alaiya needed to stand on her own. She’d obeyed her parents for most of her life. Then she’d depended on Venya to rescue her. But now she had the freedom to be whoever she wanted to be. And she had no clue who that was. So she needed to find out and having a liaison with anyone—even this sexy she-wolf—was not part of the plan.

“That’s amazing. I wouldn’t have believed that a month ago. But after meeting the dragons and… This is a good place to live.”

“Yes. These mountains are sacred and must be protected.”

Alaiya sighed. “And our presence brings danger. If my parents hadn’t sold me to that no good—”

“‘Sold’?” Talla’s voice turned low and menacing.

Author Bio

M.D. Grimm Logo

M.D. Grimm has wanted to write stories since second grade (kind of young to make life decisions, but whatever) and nothing has changed since then (well, plenty of things actually, but not that!). Thankfully, she has indulgent parents who let her dream, but also made sure she understood she’d need a steady job to pay the bills (they never let her forget it!).

After graduating from the University of Oregon and majoring in English, (let’s be honest: useless degree, what else was she going to do with it?) she started on her writing career and couldn’t be happier. Working by day and writing by night (or any spare time she can carve out), she enjoys embarking on romantic quests and daring adventures (living vicariously, you could say) and creating characters that always triumph against the villain, (or else what’s the point?) finding their soul mate in the process.

Author Website: https://www.mdgrimmwrites.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/mdgrimmwrites

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdgrimmwrites

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4574220.M_D_Grimm

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-grimm/

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-grimm/

Author Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.D.-Grimm/e/B00I0KZMY6/

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Review: A Tale of Whispers and Rogues: An MM Fantasy Romance (Shadowborn Book 1) by Jordan Lee

Rating: 4🌈

Once again, a glorious cover pulled me to a book and got me to the description and the decision to read the story. See the artist credits below. A Tale of Whispers and Rogues by Jordan Lee is the first in the Shadowborn fantasy series and I was really entertained by the world building and characters.

This is a very much a fast paced action adventure with a slow burn romance thread that builds as a small group of people journey or flee across the country. Why they are running, the political and religious state of the world and countries are revealed as the group flees.

That’s Uncle Amias who works for The Legion. The Legion is the world’s governing body. Next is Colt O’Malley, a former thief, fighter and gambler who’s indebted to Amias, and most importantly, there’s Amias’ nephew, Owen Greene. Owen, who has led a life of temporary homes and caregivers, is finally orphaned fully into his Uncle’s care, only to be left behind again. The truth behind his story becomes clear at the beginning of the journey when Amias and Colt come to collect him. Events force the disclosure that Owen is a Shadowborn.

Lee does a powerful job in showing the tragic events that lead up to Amias abandoning his job and running to gather up Owen. Also the pain of Owen leaving behind the only real home he’s ever had. All to flee for his life.

It’s about religion, magic, interpretation of that religious word and the actual horrors being enacted by fanatical factions in power to keep their beliefs intact. Including acts that have ended up destroying lives, many of which are children.

The storylines and characters are great. I was absolutely invested in this journey because of them and the growth that I saw. And the mysteries being laid out still in the landscape and the mythology.

However, Lee also decided to throw in multiple POVs, beyond that of the expected two main characters of Colt and Owen, and honestly, it weakens the narrative and the suspense that builds upon that singular experience between the one group because if you are experiencing it from just their perspective, then anything else is going to be a surprise to you as well.

I’m not a fan of this format, it rarely makes sense, and for me, it doesn’t here.

It also changes the way the book ends. Not from a HFN but to a cliffhanger.

A Tale of Whispers and Rogues: An MM Fantasy Romance (Shadowborn Book 1) by Jordan Lee is a very good, well crafted, and involved read. I think its sequel is going to be even better. I can’t wait to see where the author takes the story next. A definite recommendation.

Gorgeous covers on both.

Book cover art by Olga Panfilova Book cover design by Selkkiedesigns

Shadowborn series:

✓ A Tale of Whispers and Rogue #1

◦ A Saga of Wielders and Hunters #2

Buy link

A Tale of Whispers and Rogues: An MM Fantasy Romance (Shadowborn)

blurb

Owen Greene must die.

Being Shadowborn, the Essence of a fallen god runs through Owen’s veins. It gives him power, but it comes with a bullseye painted on his back, one the Legion is determined to hit once they learn he exists. Wielding such power comes at the cost of his life, and with the Legion close to finding him, Owen must leave his home to escape their hands.

Charged with protecting Owen, Colt O’Malley knows the dangers that might accompany them. He’s been tasked with protecting Owen on their dangerous journey with the promise that he can go home at the end of it. But what Colt didn’t count on was just how often that dimpled smile and tender-hearted Shadowborn would weaken him.

Fleeing the country to escape the Legion might have been their main goal, but neither Owen nor Colt had planned on falling for each other along the way. And with the Legion on their heels, falling in love couldn’t have happened at a worse time.

A Tale of Whispers and Rogues is an M/M fantasy romance featuring a man gifted with the cursed power of a fallen god, the handsome rogue sworn to protect him, ruthless henchman, a mysterious shadow, a slow burn romance, and a budding romance with a HFN ending

• Publication date: March 19, 2024

• Language: English

• File size: 6871 KB

• Print length: 431 pages

Review: Suddenly Beck (Belong To Me Book 1) by Vawn Cassidy

Rating: 4.5🌈

I’ve read this author’s other paranormal/fantasy books and just love them, so I thought I’d grab up the contemporary romance series written as Wendy Saunders/Vawn Cassidy.

So far I’ve read just the first book but I can see that this is just the beginning of a wonderful new literary journey for me. A accidental one where one runaway Nathan Elliot flips a coin and, after a series of mistakes ends up in the Bay, a small coastal town near Newquay, Cornwall. Literally.

This is a heartwarming, sweet, and captivating story that has a gorgeous location, a memorable large family mourning the loss of its beloved father, a restaurant in need of rescuing, and two wounded men who seem destined for each other.

Suddenly Beck is a book I just immediately sank into, loving the characters, the Bay and all the various relationships that the author has written into this story. There is the growing relationship between Nat and Beck as they maneuver through the present tasks around them, learning slowly about their respective personalities. Then there’s Melanie, Beck’s mother who owns the restaurant and still mourns the loss of Sully her husband and the father of her large family. And all the many other fantastic moments and characters that Cassidy brings so beautifully alive as Nat becomes an integral member of the Bay and Beck’s family.

There’s more, so much more. Nat has a sister with a secret. And that large Ainsley family of Beck’s has many more relationships to share with us.

I can hardly wait.

This coastal town is a place I would love to visit often. I’m not sure the family is large enough! Highly recommended!

Belong To Me:

✓ Suddenly Beck #1

◦ Definitely Deacon #2

◦ Forever Finn #3

◦ Irrevocably Ryan #4

Buy Link

Suddenly Beck: (A Hot & Sweet MM Romance) (Belong to Me)

Blurb:

A surprisingly sweet, sinfully sexy, and deliciously funny romp along the Cornish coast.

Nathan Elliott has run away from home at the age of twenty-six. His teenage rebellion may have come ten years late, but better late than never. Leaving behind a world of wealth and privilege, and a strict patriarchal family that would never except a gay son, he’s ready to embrace life and make up for lost time, but nothing’s ever that simple. A coin toss, a delayed train, and a wrong bus later, and Nat finds himself in a small bay in Cornwall being hauled out of the ocean by a gorgeous stranger and wondering how the hell his life got so off track.

Beck Ainsley lives life by a very simple ethos, don’t get attached, don’t get involved and don’t fall in love. He’s been there, done that and got the t-shirt that reads I’m a gullible idiot. Now, he keeps his life simple; all he needs is his dog, his art, his rambling sea cottage overlooking the bay and a few choice waves to surf. He’s not looking for love or commitment, but when he ends up plucking a posh boy from London with incredible blue eyes from the ocean, Cupid doesn’t just shoot him with an arrow, he decides to club him senseless with the bow too.

One simple agreement. A summer fling, a chance to act on the insane attraction between them with no strings attached, and at the end of the summer they walk away.

There’s just one problem, fate is a fickle and capricious creature, and she has no intention of letting them walk away unscathed. They’re about to discover that sometimes the heart wants, what the heart wants…

From author Wendy Saunders writing as Vawn Cassidy, comes this hot and sweet, first time, MM romance that will leave you laughing out loud and fanning yourself from the heat…

The paperback version of Suddenly Beck contains a bonus short, The Italian Job featuring Nat & Beck

• Publisher: Tangled Heart Press (July 23, 2021)

• Publication date: July 23, 2021

• Language: English

• Print length: 326 pages

Review: Never Darling (Fortune Favors the Fae Book 6) by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes

Rating: 3.5🌈

Never Darling by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes is the sixth book in the terrific multi-author fantasy series and I found that it was a great read about 50 to 75 percent overall. That other percent? Well, the authors as well as their own push to bring in more voices in formatting and concepts were overwhelmed by their complexity. So much so that I felt much of the narrative potential and fascinating character development got lost. That includes the entire fantasy aspect of the book. There just wasn’t enough time or story space to develop it sufficiently.

To start with, it’s a heartbreaking story. And Burns and Fawkes almost scored a perfect formula with how they handled the challenges of moving the narrative forward. They started with the ground zero of the event and introduced the characters so we immediately knew them and loved the location.

Then the heartbreaking event. A child goes missing.

Then each chapter follows the return of one of the grieving fathers back each year to the small town where his child went missing and the Inn where they stayed. He returns there to the Inn and slowly to the chef who co-owns it. The chef is having his own issues being back in his hometown. He’s there with his loving aging grandmother and both are grieving the loss of his grandfather. It’s an alternating pov that’s powerful and realistic.

The story is grounded in love, loss, small town community, cooking, and shared memories. This is where the story shines in its layered characters and beautifully depicted scenes of home and family.

The character of Connor Darling, married wealthy businessman when we first meet him, along with his equally wealthy, successful husband Trevor and 5 year old Jesse, is one who is fully stressed, aware of the strains in his marriage, and that Jesse’s awakening of being gender fluid is something that Trevor is having issues with. We understand this family and hurt for each of them.

Same goes for Mattias Hall, a NYC chef who has returned home to the Inn where he was raised by his loving grandparents because his grandfather has died and his grandmother needs him. Pain, loss, stress and family are all factors here.

Each man is an alternate pov until the shocking happens. And Jesse goes missing. I think all the readers can empathize with the situation. It’s realistic and emotionally compelling.

But then the authors chose to add an additional element and throw in another pov. For me this is where everything starts to go off the rails. Because the format where a year goes by and we see what grief and mourning has done to Connor and his husband. Or to Mattias and his grandmother. How they changed from year to year, that’s broken up when this strange third pov comes into play. I understand why the authors decided to do this but think it undermines the power of the dynamics and emotional story they are building. Plus this element isn’t well developed and just further muddled the plot lines.

Basically Burns and Fawkes have a fantasy and contemporary narrative running side by side and never fully integrate them into each other’s stories. They tried but the lack of development and exploration into the fantasy side or world was just too lacking to make sense. Especially that ending.

That was incredibly nonsensical. Old people disappeared and no one is going to notice? Nothing makes sense or given credibility, magically.

The magical traveling Fae coin is given short shrift here. It’s hardly even worth it as a token element more an afterthought. There’s a note at the end that there another book that continues on in this universe. It includes Peter, a lost child and yes, you’re right in what you are thinking. He appears here as a minor character, to pick up the coin and make sure that he has an introduction into the next book.

Honestly it feels to me as though the coin was inserted into a story that was about ready to be released. And a new series by set to go. One doesn’t seem to relate to the other.

Never Darling is a book that has the potential to be a fantastic story or two, one contemporary and one fantasy. But as it is, it doesn’t do the fantasy side any favors and only the contemporary romance is the main reason for reading the book.

Strange title because it really doesn’t fit in with the story. But looks to connect with the new series/book from the same authors with the title Never Landings. Ah me.

These covers are fantastic , some of my favorites in years.

Fortune Favors the Fae – 15 books:

✓ A Fae Coin Transported Me Into Another World and Now I’m the Gay Holy Maiden by AJ Sherwood #1❤️

✓ The Wolf’s (Un)Lucky Fae by Michele Notaro #2 ❤️

✓ Bound to the Wild Fae by Tavia Lark #3 June 13❤️

✓ The Sorcerer’s Thief by Lee Colgin #4 ❤️🔷

✓ The Fae Menagerie by Edie Montreaux #5

✓ Never Darling by Sam Burns #6

◦ Prince of Poison by Alice Winters #7 – July 11,2024

◦ Grave Misfortune by Nazri Noor #8 – July 18,2024

◦ Fae for Pay by Meaghan Maslow #9 – July 23,2024

◦ Kisses at the Crossroad by Morgan Lysand #10 – August 1,2024

◦ Smoke and Mirrors by Kai Butler #11 – August 8, 2024

◦ Siren in the Rain by Chloe Archer #12 – Aug 15,2024

◦ I Destroyed the Elf Prince’s Harem by Jocelynn Drake #13 – Aug 22,2024

◦ A Fae Called Wylder by Michelle Frost #14 – Aug 29,2024

◦ Lucky or Knot by Eliot Grayson #15 – September 5,2024

Buy link

Never Darling

Blurb

Connor Darling has the perfect life. Beautiful husband, million dollar company, and the most adorable tow-headed kid any man could ask for.

When the worst thing imaginable happens, it all crumbles through his fingers. He’s left revisiting the scene of his real-life nightmare over and over, not sure if he’s coming back to try to fix things or figure out where he went wrong. Or if maybe, this is where he belongs now.

Mattias Hall has come home, because the worst has already happened. His grandfather, the man who raised him, has died, and left his grandmother alone to run the family inn. So Mattias gave up his flashy New York chef life for one he’s perhaps better suited to: small town innkeeper.

When Connor Darling returns year after year, neither is sure what the other is looking for, but in Cider Landing, anything is possible. Maybe they’ll both find just what they needed in each other, and in the magic of the woods outside of town.

Never Darling is a part of the multi-author series, Fortune Favors the Fae. From spicy to sweet, zany romps to epic adventures, there’s something for everyone in this mystical series. Discover destiny and true love and follow the coin on its fickle journey to the next world and a new magical adventure.

Review: Per Sanguinem: A MM Vampire Romance by Ashlyn Drewek

Rating: 4🌈

Another new author and a new paranormal law enforcement vampire romance. A excellent find in both writer and story.

Several things that Drewek created here for her universe that I absolutely found fascinating and wanted more exploration into was the vampire society and creation lore. That its territories are women ruled/dominated definitely needs further development within the story than the fabulous juicy bits offered up by scenes the author gave us here. I was definitely invested.

That feeds in so well into the fact that Chicago PD Det Eric Collins, 250 year old vampire is a solitary male, working his department’s night shift. His heavy caseloads as well as his memories and routines are what mark his days. The author lets Eric’s past stories and losses be revealed only once his solo existence starts to change. However, Eric the detective is a fully formed character as is his place within his department.

Drewek also does a great job in creating the other characters, including Chase Turner, a complicated person with a multitude of issues. He’s a cop who’s the son of cops. His mother is deceased, and his father a bullying alcoholic officer, now retired who’s either revered or hated because of his former position as the head of IA. Chase is also suffering from PTSD, from his tour of duty in the Army. Plus he’s got ex issues too.All that and a tragic case brings him into the same mess as Eric when both are on the scene at the same time.

Drewek has written so many terrific storylines, all ongoing that involve vampires, other investigators, and fully formed characters that interact with each other to keep the reader invested in their relationship and the storylines that emerge.

One element of relationships that I find problematic in a story is where one person will , for whatever reason, takes actions or makes important decisions that affect their relationship without discussing it with their partner, purposely. Effectively it relegates their partner or mate to a lesser or unequal status because they are making decisions for them without their knowledge or permission. Doesn’t matter the trope. This is a familiar element in some couples.

And this aspect of Eric and Chase’s dynamic was an issue that I struggled with throughout the book while enjoying the characters, their interactions and terrific histories created for them by the author. It was minutely addressed towards the end of the novel and I appreciated that but I wish it had been dealt with differently.

As a standalone story, Drewek has developed such a rich environment and cast that I keep thinking that it would make a great series. Aubrey, Eric’s werewolf friend from his past who lives in New Orleans, definitely deserves a sequel.

It’s a terrific universe that needs further exploration and I hope this author will return to it sometime soon.

In the meantime, I’ll be looking into Drewek’s other works and series. If they are as interesting and well written as this, I can’t wait to read them.

This is a great find! And I love the cover.

Buy Link:

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Sangu…Per Sanguinem: A MM Vampire Romance – Kindle edition by Drewek, Ashlyn. …

Blurb

Vampires don’t get a happily ever after. Eric Collins learned that the hard way, which is why he swore off the whole idea and prefers to throw himself into his job as a Chicago PD detective. His plan for a peaceful, solitary existence, however, is disrupted the night he saves Chase Turner—a human and a fellow cop—from being brutally murdered.

With vindictive vampires after them and Chase’s meddling ex around every corner, it’s time for Eric to leave Chicago. But first he has to make a choice—convince Chase to give up everything and come with him, or say goodbye to the love of his life?

PER SANGUINEM is a slow-burn MM paranormal romance with a lot of suspense, police procedures, and sexual tension between two cops on the DL. It features an overprotective vampire, two insanely loyal partners, and a forbidden love story set against a complicated backdrop of murder and vampire politics. It is intended for a mature audience and reader discretion is advised. A full list of triggers can be found in the front matter of the book and at my website under Tropes & Triggers.

• Publisher: Fox Hollow Books (October 24, 2022)

• Publication date: October 24, 2022

• Language: English

• Print length: 494 pages

Review: The Elf Beside Himself (Beyond the Veil Book 6) by KM Avery

Rating: 5🌈

The Elf Beside Himself finishes PI Valentine Hart’s storyline group within the Beyond the Veil series.

This paranormal series has been following a format that sees each wildly different couple, each of whom has been effected by the Arcanavirus in various ways, through the all the travails of their intense relationships. The author creates such a wonderful, culturally diverse group of backgrounds for each character. And then, using mysteries, police cases, and ghosts of the dead, weaves in the expanding series themes of magic, bigotry, speciesism, deep persecution that occurs when something happens to scare people into believing propaganda or giving into their own worst fears. In this case a disease, the Arcanavirus which changes people into paranormal beings, if they live through it.

Avery’s plots has Human Only Rights groups out in the streets, in gangs, working against any nonhuman creature, as well focusing on the neglect that indigenous peoples criminal cases often face from various law enforcement agencies that allow the criminal to go unpunished. Its layers upon layers in believable, heartbreaking detail.

And each book sees this element only increasing in depth and alarm as the groups grow stronger. It all seems so familiar.

In this story, Val Hart, an elf made due to the Arcanavirus and his dog shifter lover, Taavi Camal, are headed back to Val’s hometown of Shawano, Wisconsin. Its land of the cheese, frigid winter weather, small town Community values and memories of when Val was normal and forgettable. But his childhood friend’s father has died, a man Val also considered family. And his best friend has asked him for his help.

Avery builds such gripping narratives because the author starts with creating compelling complex characters, ones who have histories the reader can in some way relate to, and then place them into extraordinary circumstances. Circumstances that require imagination, intelligence and are often difficult for the reader and characters to comprehend or undergo.

Here in The Elf Beside Himself there is a boatload of emotional elements and personal/professional/life issues to unpack and explore. It starts with deep grief for Gregory Crane, father of his best friend Elliot. Both men badger shifters, as well as members of the Ho Chunk and Mamaceqtaw tribes. The heartfelt grieving continues as investigative factors points to persecution and increased violence towards shifters and indigenous peoples.

Hart is also dealing with bringing Taavi home to meet everyone for the first time under extreme pressure and intense conditions. When they’re just 2.5 months into their relationship and unprepared for the situation, winter weather, and family scrutiny.

Hart, who has been a favorite of mine since he appeared on the page, just shows all the vulnerability, the growth, and depth of his character in the various situations that arise here. Especially in the complex relationships between himself, Taavi, and Elliot.

The writing is exceptional, the characters are so memorable, and well plotted storylines will feed into the next group flawlessly as Seth and Elliot are set up to start a new trilogy while enlarging on the anti-magic, human first movement that’s growing.

I’m so invested. If you aren’t already familiar, go back to the first book and begin your journey there. It’s a fabulous read and a series you will love.

Highly recommended!

Beyond the Veil Series which is broken into couples stories, see below (books need to be read in order they are written for relationships and events development):

Ward’s story (1-3):

The Ghost in the Hall

The Boy in the Locked Room

The Skeleton Under the Stairs.

Hart’s story (4-6):

The Dog in the Alley

The Bones in the Yard

The Elf Beside Himself

Seth’s story (7 +):

The Turning of the Tables (2024/2025)

Buy link

The Elf Beside Himself (Beyond the Veil Book 6)

Blurb

Nothing can prepare you for the phone call from your best friend telling you his dad was murdered. Not even if you’re a former homicide cop.

But here I am, getting on a plane to fly halfway across the country to hold his hand and hope to hell that I’m not walking into a complete disaster.

Who am I kidding?

The police think Gregory Crane killed himself, or at least that’s what they’re telling us, but Elliot is sure they’re wrong. And the dead man can’t tell us what happened, either, so I’m going to have to use good old-fashioned detective work to figure this one out. Except I’m not a cop anymore and all my contacts are half a country away.

Add to that the fact that the state I’m in is in the middle of a huge anti-magic movement, and everywhere I turn I have people spitting in my face and calling me a freak.

My mother is going ballistic, my father is threatening to sue the police department, and I’m trying to juggle a brand-new relationship and my falling-apart oldest friend from childhood.

Yeah, you could say I’m beside myself.

Now if only I can hold it together long enough to put together the pieces, maybe, just maybe I can manage to get through this without losing my best friend, my boyfriend, or my life. Whether or not I lose my mind is pretty low on the list of priorities—I’m willing to give that up if only I can keep the rest.

• Publication date: September 29, 2023

• Language: English

• Print length: 427 pages

Review: The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson

Rating: 5🌈

“I’ve been standing by this kettle, making tea for Arthur and me, for sixty-two years. Two different houses, god knows how many different kettles, but always me, always him, always a morning cup of tea. He’s at the kitchen table, pen in hand, tackling the crossword. He’s opened a window and I can hear birds chirruping in the garden. A blackbird, I think, and a robin. A whole conversation going on that means nothing to me.”

How can a book break your heart when you’ve barely begun reading it?

As we drop gently into the opening of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont and the lives of long married couple Mabel (our narrator) and Arthur Beaumont, we will feel as though we are there, with them. It’s intimate, awkward moments that get under the skin, dry yet so very heartfelt.

I saw this on a Pride Month bookstore recommendation page and something about that title and cover had me wondering what the author had created to pull on me so. I hadn’t read anything by Laura Pearson and so I was totally unprepared for the spare, concise eloquence of the language, of the fullness of her characters as this quiet powerful narrative starts.

Nor was I ready for Mabel, 86. A woman who had slowly emotionally removed herself from all around her, unless she was on a bench visiting the graves of her mother and brother. Pearson, in one of the most incredible ,moving novels, ends Mabel’s emotional isolation with one event. It starts with one unfinished note from her Arthur after his death. This eventually sets Mabel on a remarkable journey of lists, community, discovery, reconnection, and life as it begins again. At 86.

“We are silent for a moment, memories spooling between us. There are so many, and perhaps we can live off them.”

— The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson

Even as I traveled through scenes of Arthur Beaumont ,89 ,and his wife, Mabel, 86, lives at the beginning of this book, knowing it was a LGBTQIA novel and that Mabel is to make a search for a person from their past, I made certain assumptions.

Throw out all such things when reading this astonishing story. Simply put, read it, admire the beauty of Pearson’s ability to bring this incredible woman , as well as her companions, indelibly to life, no matter their age or status or lifestyle. They are vividly depicted, raw in their pain or joy, whether deeply loved or grey in their stressful relationships, no matter 17 or 86.

There are very real men here. Equally important. Arthur, briefly alive, always present, even in death. And Bill, William Mansfield, beloved brother and friend. And others who thread through their lives and live on the edges of this community of women.

Mabel goes from a state of grief and self imposed isolation into one of that of a woman stumbling out of an emotional drought, now ready for all the opportunities that come with loving and being alive.

I’m still sitting here thinking about so many different scenes, about the women, their lives and how much of an impact they made on each other, the words they spoke, the imagery that Pearson painted.

I believe a hardback copy of this book is soon coming my way. It’s memorable and one that I’ll be rereading. And recommending.

Don’t pass this incredibly beautiful book by.

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Last-L…The Last List of Mabel Beaumont: THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER eBook

Blurb

The list he left had just one item on it. Or, at least, it did at first…

Mabel Beaumont’s husband Arthur loved lists. He’d leave them for her everywhere. ‘Remember: eggs, butter, sugar’. ‘I love you: today, tomorrow, always’.

But now Arthur is gone. He died: softly, gently, not making a fuss. But he’s still left her a list. This one has just one item on it though: ‘Find D’.

Mabel feels sure she knows what it means. She must track down her best friend Dot, who she hasn’t seen since the fateful day she left more than sixty years ago.

It seems impossible. She doesn’t even know if Dot’s still alive. Also, every person Mabel talks to seems to need help first, with missing husbands, daughters, parents. Mabel finds her list is just getting longer, and she’s still no closer to finding Dot.

What she doesn’t know is that her list isn’t just about finding her old friend. And that if she can admit the secrets of the past, maybe she could even find happiness again…

A completely heartbreaking, beautiful, uplifting story, guaranteed to make you smile but also make you cry. Perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, and The Keeper of Stories.

Review: Deadly Little Sparrow (Mafia Bound Book 1) by K. M. Neuhold

Rating: 4.5🌈

Deadly Little Sparrow is K. M. Neuhold first book in the new Mafia Bound series and it’s one wild, sexy dark ride. It’s a great combination of revenge, romance, and a combustible red hot D/s relationship set in a crime family environment and potential territory fights.

All that and some well crafted, delicious characters made for a strong story that I didn’t put down until it was over.

The basis is the Italian crime family headed by Lorenzo Moretti. I suspect each member will have their own story but we start with their enforcer/assassin, the Angel of Death, Xaviaro Saviano. Deadly, calm, bespoke suits and Italian loafers. He’s extremely efficient and considered a member of the family. Everything in his life is just rote until he runs into trouble in the form of a revenge seeking Sparrow.

I enjoy the dichotomy between them. It’s the vibrating, smaller rage-filled Sparrow who fills the void and energy here, up against the almost rock like calm of the huge assassin. Until they actually clash, and the upheaval begins.

Their relationship is one of extraordinary chemistry, D/s, and it absolutely works. Neuhold weaves together their growing desire for each other, along with Sparrow’s hunt for revenge as well as how it’s impacting Xav’s job and professional dynamics. It’s multilayered and well executed.

The author introduces the readers to the rest of the family, exploring the Moretti universe and encroaching crime families, while also revealing more about Sparrow and Xaviaro’s own histories.

For readers who might be anticipating scenes of extreme violence, read the trigger warnings. However, I will say I believe that this is on the less extreme side of the dark spectrum when it comes to these kinds of fiction. That’s my opinion at any rate.

If I had a small quibble, it was that the end was tied up too tightly and quickly. After all that build up, it felt like the revenge aspect was rushed and reduced to a few moments. Did parts of it ring true? Yes, those responsible probably didn’t know what Sparrow was referring to. Too many crimes had passed. So maybe it did make sense to have it happen that way. You decide what you think.

I’m definitely recommending Deadly Little Sparrow and can’t wait for the next book in the series to be released. A absolute winner.

Great cover too. Definitely drew my attention!

Mafia Bound:

✓ Deadly Little Sparrow #1

◦ Beautifully Savage Butterfly #2 – Sept 6,2024

Buy link

Deadly Little Sparrow (Mafia Bound Book 1)

Blurb

Is there such thing as love at first bar fight?

I may be small and pretty, but what I lack in intimidation factor, I make up for in violence.

I made a vow five years ago that the motorcycle club responsible for my brother’s death would pay the price, and I’m finally ready to collect. May God have mercy on the men who hurt my brother, because I don’t plan to.

Accidentally breaking the nose of the deadliest man in the city wasn’t my best move. Xaviaro Saviano, trigger man for the Moretti Crime Family… and now my own personal stalker. But if I have to go through him to deliver well-deserved justice, so be it.

As strange as it sounds, Xaviaro seems to want to help me more than he wants to hurt me. I can’t shake the man no matter what I do. Threatening him feels like foreplay, tying him up only turns him on… I could play nice, but that’s never been my strong suit.

I’d be lying if I said he wasn’t starting to grow on me, especially when he calls me his Deadly Little Sparrow from his knees. I’ve never met a man who could handle me, let alone one who can’t stop begging me for more.

Can love and revenge live in the same heart? I guess there’s only one way to find out…

• Publication date: June 7, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 293 pages

Review: The Fae Menagerie (Fortune Favors the Fae #5) by Edie Montreaux

Rating: 3.5🌈

The Fae Managerie by Edie Montreaux is the fifth book in this fabulous multi author fantasy series and I found it very entertaining.

While the traveling magical coin is not as much of a character element as it is in the other books, it serves as the item that will bind together two the highly different main characters here.

The concept is interesting if not fully developed or explored or perhaps explained in the story. A fae, Doyle, has been imprisoned by his mother the Queen because of his flippant attitude towards love and romance. Staying in a magical glass prison with viewing hours (actually it’s far worse) until he, Doyle, finds true love. Yes, there’s holes in that. And there’s also a bigger storyline behind that attitude and family dynamics that pops up unexpectedly towards the end of the book. I wish Montreaux had brought this thread into this couple’s storyline earlier along with the other fae drama because it would have made more sense of the dynamic between mother and son.

This sort of choice the author makes for their characters is the same one they make for the other main character of businessman Parker, the one that ends up being imprisoned with the fae Doyle through the nefarious ploy of a ex boyfriend. His background isn’t fully developed, just hinted at in the oddest manner. A shame because the reader isn’t sure if his father is a mobster or monster in a business suit.

Human Parker and fae Doyle go through a ton of trouble, in that prison, where they are often on display for others to view. It’s interesting in the manner that this author makes use of a glass prison plot that’s imaginative but frustrating at the same time. Specifically when it comes to the Warden, an incubus and the fellow prisoners. We just don’t know enough about the situation and prison conditions to make sense of the moment to moment changes or narrative choices.

The relationship between Doyle and Parker feels very real and relatable but everything else keeps impacting on how much we connect with the situation.

A another issue for me is the lack of accountability for the crimes committed against the pair and the lack of any true justice or regret for any of the actions carried out here against a group of characters. I think the author understands that the readers will be uncomfortable with this aspect of the story and tries to insert an explanation into the end of the story. But all it does is serve to highlight further exactly how unsatisfactory this approach is going to remain. This world stays status quo. A penal system that’s not truly explained or understood within the book is allowed to continue with its original warden who committed crimes.

So there’s a really strong romantic element here, with two terrific characters, Parker and Doyle each having their own version of a personal story that ends in a loving relationship. The Fae Menagerie has some interesting ideas and great side characters too, but also quite a few that need further thought, more development, and greater attention to detail.

Did I enjoy this? Yes but also left a bit unsatisfied. Still a recommendation.

These covers are fantastic , some of my favorites in years.

Fortune Favors the Fae – 15 books:

✓ A Fae Coin Transported Me Into Another World and Now I’m the Gay Holy Maiden by AJ Sherwood #1❤️

✓ The Wolf’s (Un)Lucky Fae by Michele Notaro #2 ❤️

✓ Bound to the Wild Fae by Tavia Lark #3 June 13❤️

✓ The Sorcerer’s Thief by Lee Colgin #4 ❤️🔷

✓ The Fae Menagerie by Edie Montreaux #5

◦ Never Darling by Sam Burns #6 – July 4,2024

◦ Prince of Poison by Alice Winters #7 – July 11,2024

◦ Grave Misfortune by Nazri Noor #8 – July 18,2024

◦ Fae for Pay by Meaghan Maslow #9 – July 23,2024

◦ Kisses at the Crossroad by Morgan Lysand #10 – August 1,2024

◦ Smoke and Mirrors by Kai Butler #11 – August 8, 2024

◦ Siren in the Rain by Chloe Archer #12 – Aug 15,2024

◦ I Destroyed the Elf Prince’s Harem by Jocelynn Drake #13 – Aug 22,2024

◦ A Fae Called Wylder by Michelle Frost #14 – Aug 29,2024

◦ Lucky or Knot by Eliot Grayson #15 – September 5,2024

Buy link

The Fae Menagerie

Blurb

“You will remain here until you learn what love is.”

Trapped in the light court’s prison, Doyle will never know the meaning of love. When luck summons him to the human realm to “take care of” Parker, he grasps at the possibility to finally escape.

This isn’t the first attempt on Parker’s life, but it’s the most creative. His ex tried to summon a demon and landed a fae prince instead. Too bad the prince is trapped in a glass cage for eternity. When Doyle drags Parker to prison with him, the death threats don’t stop with the location change. Now everyone in the fae realm wants Parker dead, too!

Parker’s not into Doyle, or anyone for that matter. The coin must have been unlucky-side-up when it paired them together. Still, Doyle is desperate to honor his promise to take care of Parker. Only true love will free them both from the fae menagerie.

The Fae Menagerie is a male/male high romantasy between an imprisoned fae prince playboy and a demisexual human virgin. This forced-proximity slow burn romance features versatile characters, fated mates, lots of hurt/comfort, snark, spice, and a happily ever after!

The Fae Menagerie is a part of the multi-author series, Fortune Favors the Fae. From spicy to sweet, zany romps to epic adventures, there’s something for everyone in this mystical series. Discover destiny and true love and follow the coin on its fickle journey to the next world and a new magical adventure. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order.

• Publication date: June 27, 2024

• Language: English

• File size: 5428 KB

• Print length: 328 pages

Review: Cosmic Husband (Cosmic Romances Book 1) by Mars Quinn

Rating: 4.25🌈

The “I was abducted by aliens “ trope isn’t one I normally read but the reviews for this were good and the author is new to me.

Science fiction can be a tricky subject, especially where the world building and species is concerned. I read other books where the aliens just resemble funny colored humans living in their own humanistic world instead of actually describing what a truly alien world or species might be like.

It does depend upon a specific author’s take on scify but it comes down to the theme. I’ll admit I really enjoyed Mars Quinn’s quirky perspective on this element.

It’s a fated mates science fiction romance, the first book in a new series. So Quinn’s story has to lay out not just the characters, and their respective histories, but establish the series foundation with various worlds, different species, and the entire Crystal religion that sparks young Kalvoxrencol “Kal” on his journey through space to find his fated mate.

That would be Seth, nigh to starved, recently dumped, with his emotional rescue cat, Lucy. The background the author has created for Seth’s adolescence has continued emotional ramifications for his adult life. He has had anxiety or panic attacks since he was young, and a controlling ex left him with further issues and emotional damage. All of this is slowly revealed through the process of his being abducted, then having to deal with this event and communicating with his new companion and those on the ship.

Kal, the alien who was determined to take his fated mate away from Earth and back home, also undergoes his own transformation. Turns out he’s young, prone to mistakes, the younger of all his siblings, and the more the reader and Seth learns about Kal, the more we like and connect with him. Alien, scaled, winged even but with behaviors that make him relatable. Are some of his early misadventures a tad too “human” in this regard? Sure but by this point as a reader, you’ve already made a decision about whether you are invested in this book and characters’ journey or not.

I was and enjoyed how the author was drawing comparisons with the stages of rebelling adolescence, no matter what the species.

This was absolutely true with respect to the character of Ensign Wyn (who I’m sure belongs on Below Decks) who became a good friend of Seth’s. His ongoing experiences, especially with drinking constantly made me laugh out loud. I need his book. Please.

So many special characters that Quinn crafted and made memorable, including NAID, the AI program that gained intelligence and became a being. I really hope that we see more of her. Quinn made sure there’s different species and different worlds that are seen and visited, as well as languages and religions. I appreciate that.

That romance was a very interesting one, built of respect, communication, commitment, and consent. That was upmost importance here so any intimacy didn’t really come until around 75 percent of the book was finished. They had literally covered a lot of space by then and Seth had the choice of returning to Earth.

Of the many siblings, only one other is mated so we get a scene that certainly leads us into the next book and sibling to get their story. It sounds fascinating and I can’t wait. Totally different.

I’m recommending this , it’s quirky, the characters are well done, easy to understand, and invest in their lives. I really enjoyed their journey to HEA. I’m still laughing about Wyn.

Buy link

Cosmic Husband: A Spicy MM Sci-Fi Romance (Cosmic Romances Book 1)

Blurb:

My cat and I have been abducted by aliens…

Seth

One second I’m walking to work, and the next I’m on a spaceship. I have no idea what’s going on, but this scaled alien claims I’m his mate. That’s not going to happen. I have until we reach his planet to accept or reject him. If I don’t want him, I can go back to Earth. But six months is a long time when the alien Kal is determined to woo me.

Kalvoxrencol

The Crystal sent me to the far reaches of the universe for my soulmate, and now that I have him, I will not surrender him. I will do whatever I can to win his love and keep him by my side, where he belongs. I will not let anything from my past or his keep us apart.

This is a standalone sci-fi romance with a socially anxious human, his protective winged alien mate, a black cat companion, a slow burn with a spicy payoff, and a guaranteed HEA. This is an MM romance with explicit content intended for adult readers only. Some of the trigger warnings include: panic attacks, anxiety, swearing, and adult content (Full list inside).

• Publication date: June 3, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 435 pages