Category: Book Reviews

Review: Sanctuary (On The Wind Book 1) by Sam Burns and W. M. Fawkes

Rating: 4.5🌈

It took a short time for me to find my way to really connecting with both of these characters in Sanctuary, Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes’ new book and series.

At first, Paris comes across as a cosseted, naive young nobleman who’s just lost his father, a man who is the hidden lover of the heir to the throne. But quickly, through the means of a political mission, the authors start him towards a journey of astonishing personal growth.

Paris travels to the land of Nemeda, where he’s to make a peace treaty with the unknown southern tribes, who are said to be bird worshippers. This is absolutely where the narrative pulls the reader into this amazing universe, giving us a window into his development as he opens up himself to new cultures, uses his ingenuity and knowledge to create opportunities for himself and to help others.

We get to watch him grow and fall in love with the person he’s becoming.

The same goes for head of the Hawk clan, Brett. Brett was a harder character for me to invest in to start. Part of this is the disconnect between the clan bird/Avatar and what this clan is known for. It also ties into Brett’s personality. They are the Hawk clan. However, instead of being known for their warrior spirit or their fierce nature, this clan is one of farmers and land oriented talents. It absolutely doesn’t match up with the Hawk as a species.

Other clans do match better with their namesake. Cranes, Ducks, Eagles and especially the Crows, all beautifully suited to their clan’s needs and abilities. So why stray so far off from the Hawk’s? As a someone in the field (wildlife biologist) this is an irritating factor, but not the only one. More on this at the end.

Anyway, Brett comes off as clueless or hapless as a clan leader when he first starts making his appearance in the novel. The worst of it involves how he’s handled the wife he was dealt with. This is a important storyline that will thread throughout the novel, especially how it’s handled by him at the beginning of the story. Does Brett improve in character development as the novel continues? Yes, but for me, this is a very weak beginning point.

Burns and Fawkes have just begun with their world building, as the various clans are introduced, along with their histories and the territorial/clan wars reveal themselves. So to the geographical and climate changes that are typical of each region that impacts each clan and kingdom. It’s fascinating, detailed, and gives depth to the characters in ways that makes them relatable.

I enjoyed and was very engaged with many of the other characters here, definitely wanting more of the Crow Clan and their fierce leader. There is so much more of the magical side to be explored. And that’s the spoilers side too that I won’t be going into. Fantastic if not wholly unexpected.

The relationship, slowly growing, the respect for each other’s privacy and culture is something I enjoyed watching unfold and look forward to seeing more of in future stories.

Finally, my last words to the authors (other writers too), please rethink wise owl usage. I can tell you that is absolutely not the case. A alpha predator? Positively. Fierce? Beyond measure. But wise? Nope, I blame Disney and that face! SMH. Let’s try to keep the owl more in tune with its natural behaviors, same as you do with the other birds here. With the exception of that pesky Hawk.

Otherwise, a terrific read and wonderful adventure.

On The Wind:

✓ Sanctuary #1

◦ Guardian #2 – TBD

Buy link

Sanctuary (On the Wind Book 1)

Blurb:

Paris’s path is clear, his future settled. He’s trained his whole life in politics and the running of a kingdom. He’s going to be an adviser to the future king, his beloved prince. But when his father dies unexpectedly, the current king takes the opportunity to get rid of him, sending him to the barbaric southern tribe lands of Nemeda as a diplomat.

No one has ever returned from the tribes alive.

But he won’t give up on true love. If it costs him everything, he’ll bargain his way back to the arms of Prince Tybalt. Only what he finds when he arrives in Nemeda is not what he expected. The tribes aren’t barbaric at all, and their chief is . . . well, Paris can’t be distracted by the man’s rugged beauty that easily. Can he?

• Publication date: June 13, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 340 pages

Review: Johann (Vampire’s Mate Book 4) by Grae Bryan

Rating: 3🌈

I picked up this story because the characters of Jay and Alexei appeared in Wrecking Havoc, the first book in a sequel series about the Koslov brothers (one of which is Alexei). Alexei had found his mate and his part in that story and his family dynamics had me curious as to what happened beforehand.

I have to admit I didn’t enjoy this nearly as much as I did Wrecking Havoc. I find those themes and characters just more interesting in a number of ways. Also, I jumped into the middle of the series here so I missed a lot of the other characters stories and world building. That’s on me.

However, it was the character of Johann/Jay that I had the hardest time connecting to as well as what felt like an under developed romance.

Jay, a tiny vampire who , while 200 years in age, led a life after turning that was basically that of a well trained, beautifully clothed pet of a much older vampire. She treated him well when he did as told, she left him alone and isolated when he didn’t. Circumstances made it necessary for him to escape with some other, less well treated, vampires from the den. Those are the previous novels.

The book or books pick up after their escape from this den to the settlement in Hyde Park where he meets Alexei Koslov, middle son of the American Russian mob family,who is also on the run.

That’s the basics.

Jay is more a 2 dimensional character with potential here. He’s cute, flirty, naive and shy. He’s also treated like a child, who happens to be over 200 years old, clearly traumatized but it’s never stated. There’s potential for development in his history. Definitely in the growth around how Jay is as an actual vampire, which is never much explored outside of the sexual aspects. And that’s why his relationship with Alexei comes up lacking. He’s childlike but without much depth.

Alexei is a man on the run, who immediately becomes obsessed with Jay. Obsession or mate bond? It’s supposed to be mate bond, it’s later stated as such. But again it’s not explained or understood by either of them. The rest of the family just gives each other “looks “ to imply they know. Alexei always feels like the stronger personality even though he’s a human. He’s got a “presence “ missing from his vampire mate.

And that brings me to my last issues.

It revolves around two elements, one character who arrives later in the novel as an introduction to his story (the next book) and non consensual acts. These are important scenes and moments but the author and characters give them an almost flippant treatment.

The ramifications of this new character’s actions are emotionally and physically traumatic and life changing. But how does the author have the characters handle this? With nothing more than an apology, a perceived stamp of a foot. Yes, that’s the aftermath, still it’s basically, a tut tut. Over something hugely significant and morally wrong.

It was enough to disconnect me from the book, characters, and the series.

So while it was fun to see some of the many conversations and a few of the scenes mentioned, by way of conversation, play out here. I enjoyed this the most. Turns out I’m sticking with the second series. Different characters, themes, and honestly, adore those demons!

Vampire’s Mate:

◦ Roman #1

◦ Soran #2

◦ Lucian #3

✓ Johann #4 (Jay and Alexei Koslov from here, Demon Bound 🔷)

◦ Wolfgang #5

◦ Colin #6

Demon Bound- sequel series:

✓ Wrecking Havoc #1 – Sascha and Kai

Buy link:

Johann (Vampire’s Mate Book 4)

Blurb:

Alexei is lost. On the run from his criminal family, hiding out in Hyde Park, he has no idea what the point or purpose of his life is anymore. Until he’s served coffee by a strange young man, one whom Alexei can’t get out of his head. And when Alexei realizes his favorite barista isn’t quite human after all, his obsession only deepens. Can he use this new knowledge to get even closer to the sweet, strange vampire of his dreams?

Jay is lonely. He has his friends (so nice!) and his job at the coffee shop (so fun!) but he knows he doesn’t really belong in Hyde Park, not for keeps. And yet, he can’t help wanting to pretend, especially with his new favorite regular, a handsome human who smells divine and watches Jay like he really matters. Alexei might just be the nicest thing to happen to Jay since he can remember, even more so when the human generously offers himself up for dinner.

But Jay’s past is complicated, and certain promises have been made. Can he and Alexei weather the storm that tracks him down, or will Jay’s new life be taken away from him before it can really begin?

Johann is a heated, fated-mates MM paranormal romance with an HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains a sweet, cinnamon roll vampire and the stoic, obsessed human who will do anything to stay by his side. It also contains steamy scenes between two men, and the moderate violence (and mentions of blood) that one might expect from a vampire romance. While each book focuses on a different couple, the series is best enjoyed in order.

• Publisher: (February 9, 2023)

• Publication date: February 9, 2023

• Language: English

• Print length: 245 pages

Check out the fantastic Cover Reveal for The Death Bringer by J. Scott Coatsworth! Excerpt included!

The Death Bringer - J. Scott Coatsworth

J. Scott Coatsworth has a new queer sci-fantasy book coming out in September, The Tharassas Cycle book four, and we have the cover reveal: The Death Bringer.

AIK WILL NEVER BE THE SAME… AND NEITHER WILL HIS WORLD

War is coming. Aik has become the Progenitor, and the Seed Mother has released him to transform the world for her alien brood. Silya and Raven, Aik’s former friends, are the only ones who can save him and the world. But what if the cure is worse than the invasion?

As Silya rushes to prepare Gullton for the battle to come, she’s determined to save as many people as she can. But new crises emerge that demand her attention.

Raven has his own hands full, keeping the dragon-like verent in line, while helping Silya to save the world. But what if the only way to do so is to sacrifice Aik, the man that he loves?

It’s the end of the world … or could it be the start of something new?

Note: Advance paperback copies will be available at BayCon in Santa Clara in early July.

About the Series:

The Tharassas Cycle is a four book sci-fantasy series set on the recently colonized world of Tharassas. When humans first arrived on planet, they thought they were alone until the hencha mind made itself known. But now a new threat has arisen to challenge both humankind and their new allies on this alien world.

Preorder Now

Excerpt

The Death Bringer meme

Chapter One

Regroup

He floated, weightless and naked, surrounded by a reddish light and suspended in fluid. Something connected to his mouth and wrapped around his head, like a lover’s embrace.

He used to have a name. He searched his mind for some clue to his identity. I exist, so I must be someone. Or something.

That made sense, but got him no closer to an answer. He blinked. Who am I?

There was no immediate reply.

He lifted his hand. It was encased in metal. The gauntlet. That much he remembered, though it meant nothing to him. Except… it seemed different, somehow. Thinner.

He moved his arms in the liquid, and it sparkled around him where his shifting disturbed it. The metal extended down his wrist and along his forearm, like before, but now it went farther, around his elbow and up his bicep. He touched it with his free hand.

I can feel it. It was as if the metal had become a part of him, his nerves growing through it. He held out his metallic hand and flexed his fingers. What is it?

We call it uurcaa. It’s a sacred metal—it will protect you, and if your host dies, it will collect and save your soul.He could feel the emotions she held back from him. It is the last of its kind from our homeworld. Like us.

He blinked. Then what am I?

You are my son, Iihil. The progenitor, the one who has come before and the first of many more like you. The voice was deep and comforting.

Mother. Warmth infused him at her voice, and an eagerness to please her.

Still, something wasn’t right. He was more than that. He searched his mind, running up against that stubborn blankness. Somewhere beyond it were the answers he needed.

He’d been someone else. Before.

Who was I? Memories of a face—dark hair, intense eyes that nevertheless twinkled at him. Raven.

It came flooding back to him. His mother. His life in Gullton. Training to be a guard and meeting Raven for the first time. My name is Aik.

He reached for the mask that covered his face. It was suffocating. Something was stuck in his throat, and he coughed hard, trying to force it out, whipping around and causing the liquid around him to flash red in alarm.

Calm yourself. The voice was as thick and heavy as an ix hide, and just as soft and warm.

Aik pushed back. What are you doing to me? I don’t want this! Let me out! He thrashed about, trying to force his way through the suffocating liquid. The metal crept up his shoulder. If it covered all of him, he would be lost.

Calm yourself! It was more insistent this time.

Aik stiffened as an enforced lethargy settled over him. He lost control of his limbs, falling still in his floating prison. The voice pressed against his mind. You’re safe. Be calm, my little one.

He closed his eyes and thought of Raven, trying to stay fixed on that face. I can’t let myself forget again.

Then the world around him dissolved, and he was swept up in a torrent of memories that weren’t his own.

Author Bio

J. Scott Coatsworth

Scott lives with his husband Mark in a yellow bungalow in Sacramento. He was indoctrinated into fantasy and sci fi by his mother at the tender age of nine. He devoured her library, but as he grew up, he wondered where all the people like him were.

He decided that if there weren’t queer characters in his favorite genres, he would remake them to his own ends.

A Rainbow Award winning author, he runs Queer Sci Fi, QueeRomance Ink, Liminal Fiction, and Other Worlds Ink with Mark, sites that celebrate fiction reflecting queer reality, and was the committee chair for the Indie Authors Committee at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) for almost three years.

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

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

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/jscottcoatsworthauthor

Author Mastodon: https://mastodon.otherworldsink.com/@jscottcoatsworth

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

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8392709.J_Scott_Coatsworth

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/j-scott-coatsworth/

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/j-scott-coatsworth/

Author Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/J.-Scott-Coatsworth/e/B011AFO4OQ

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Review: As the Raven Flies (a Charm City Chronicles novella) by Meghan Maslow

Rating: 4.5🌈

Meghan Maslow’s Charm City Chronicles series is a favorite among favorites. And I’ll be the first to admit it’s due to the setting of the series in Baltimore, a city I’m deeply fond of and live near.

Maslow has turned this old historic seaport city, known as Charm City, into a magical one teeming with paranormal diversity that the bosses, known as Rogers, have divided up into their own unique kingdoms. It’s incredible, and inhabited by characters from all number of species, including humans.

But my favorite? Naturally the ravens or raven shifters, so associated with Baltimore. Demon’s in the Details is a must read as the first book in the series.

As the Raven Flies sees, Abe Williams, friend of his Alpha Raven shifter Poe, on short term bodyguard duty to Poe’s bff and new Roger, Kennedy. But also assigned is dire wolf shifter, Michael Kashto, who has reluctantly pronounced them fated mates. Abe has a lot to say about this, mostly no.

Maslow has beautifully crafted two extremely different personalities, at least on the surface. Abe carries his wounds and scars inside and out that his family and past has inflicted. Michael’s is ongoing, but also family inflicted.

Baltimore, big, historic diverse seaport, has a magical gang war ongoing. The author weaves in all the dockside bars , it’s denizens with their insider’s knowledge that goes along with shipping to make it feel intimate and raw. There’s the snowy streets, and a fated mate’s romance that’s not immediately accepted? This is lively, relatable, poignant, funny, and fabulous.

Even right down to the teenagers caught out in a winter storm read absolutely true, so young, scared and yet so full of an invincible spirit that age seems to carry within them. They maybe be teenage Ravens and a young wolf shifter, but some things are just universal. I adored them.

This is tagged as related to the series but it fits so seamlessly into the books so far. I need more, of everyone and this incredible universe that Maslow is still constructing.

Haven’t been introduced to Charm City Chronicles yet? Now is a fantastic time to start. I linked the author below. She’s an auto buy for me. And the books so far in this series.

The covers are incredible. Have an amazing journey!

Charm City Chronicles:

✓ Demon’s in the Details #1

✓ Cat’s Chance in Hell #2

Related to:

✓ As the Raven Flies

Buy link

Meghan Maslow

Blurb:

“Even though you’re just a bird, I accept you as my mate.”

I, Abraham Williams, raven shifter extraordinaire, am notimpressed. Not with the pronouncement. Not with the fated mates fairy tale. And most definitely not with sinfully sexy Michael Kashto, the arrogant dire wolf shifter in the thousand dollar suit.

I’ve got no time for guys who look down their noses at me or think I should be grateful for scraps. I’ve come a long way from an unwanted, scared kid to a man I can be proud of and others depend on.

When I took this job protecting a friend, I knew it would be dangerous. Accepted the risk. Only I didn’t expect the assault to target my heart instead of my body. And fellow bodyguard Michael Kashto takes no prisoners.

Forced proximity has never been so forced.

As the Raven Flies is a 30k forced proximity, fated mates, standalone romance set in the Charm City Chronicles world with a guaranteed happy ending. Shenanigans include: a raven just trying to do his freaking job, a dire wolf with a lot of groveling to do, a sweet ghost, a trigger-happy boss, and a slightly unhealthy love of Led Zeppelin.

• Publisher: Pun City Pantser (June 21, 2024)

• Publication date: June 21, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 138 pages

Review: My Not-So-Super Blind Date (a Subpar Heroes story) by Allison Temple

Rating: 4.75🌈

I’m such a fan of the multi-author series because it’s a great way to find new writers or rediscover ones that you haven’t read in a while.

There’s been a huge variety in the series themes and authors who have decided to participate so it makes this format even more exciting.

The Subpar Heroes is a terrific theme, the not quite good enough hero, the one who has a power but it’s subpar, does strange stuff, is considered weak.

In the case of this book’s subpar hero character, Morgan Murray, he’s barely able to whip up enough of a current to charge his phone’s battery, but then he might actually start a fire.

He’s not a member of SPAM, that was his famous mother. He works in scientific research to save the world.

Then Morgan is matched by friends to go on a blind date with Jasper, who’s a henchman. And things get interesting. And scary. And maybe romantic. And they do them again and again and again. Over and over again.

The manner in which Temple builds the story, the surprise element of repeating the date, and then the slow revelation of how long it has been happening. Which one recounts the first time he knew what happened, it’s just chilling. And extremely well written.

It down to fantastic characters and a plot that both has to develop yet replicate itself.

Temple’s execution of the circular structure of the narrative, ala Groundhog Day, is just superb. When the date begins, and that’s the triggering point that starts the day again, is due to one factor. A person’s life is ended. Over and over. There’s a warning note at the very beginning of the book.

From there out, the narrative veers from the original, there’s character and relationship growth. The universe explores the present histories of these people and how they got there. Then the author takes us and them on another related journey.

It’s an incredible story, a heartfelt and at times, heartbreaking book. I really wanted more at the end. But then again, maybe just that was probably perfectly fine. A full future ahead.

This is one of the best of this series to date. I’m definitely recommending it.

Great cover.

Subpar Heroes series- 15 books:

🔷The Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt

🔷Behind the 8-Ball by A. E. Wasp

🔷Transparent Is a Color by Kaje Harper❤️

🔷Impossible Things by Alexa Land

🔷My Not-So-Super Blind Date by Allison Temple ❤️❤️

🔷An Ex-Hero’s Guide to Axe Handling by Jenn Burke ❤️❤️

🔷In The Nick of Time by Elle Keaton 7/25/2024

🔷Static/Cling by Jaimie Samms 7/30/2024

🔷Spiritual Guidance Not Required by Jacy Braegan 8/1/2024

🔷What Could Go Wrong? By Toshi Drake 8/6/2024

🔷License to Chill by Chantal Mer 8/8/2024

🔷Code Name Dolittle by Lynn Michaels. 8/22/2024

🔷Signed, I’m Yours! By Rhys Lawless 8/29/2024

🔷A Taste of Danger by Morgan Brice. 9/5/2024

Buy links:

My Not-So-Super Blind Date

Blurb:

I’m Morgan Murray. You probably haven’t heard of me. With a raft of allergies and powers that won’t do more than charge a phone, I never lived up to my super family’s super expectations. It’s okay. I’m used to being overlooked.

But there’s only so much disappointment one man can take, and finding out the cute guy on my blind date is a henchman for the city’s most notorious crime boss? That’s one letdown too many. This date is over before it even starts.

Or is it?

In the meet cute that won’t end, Jasper and I are stuck in a time loop and the only way out is deadly. Good and evil may be relative terms, but if we can’t escape, we may find out that love is forever…and ever.

My Not-So-Super Blind Date is part of the Subpar Heroes multi-author MM romance series.

• Publisher: (June 6, 2024)

• Publication date: June 6, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 254 pages

Review: The Sorcerer’s Thief (Fortune Favors the Fae book 4) by Lee Colgin

Rating: 4.5🌈

Another great book in the Fortune Favors the Fae series, this one by Lee Colgin.

The Sorcerer’s Thief takes place in Colgin’s Luminia series universe, a series I hadn’t read so wasn’t familiar with. Did I feel I was missing a bit of foundation information about the magical political regime’s history? Yes, as the story could only fill in so much. But this is such a terrific tale that those gaps, while important, lessen in comparison to the main characters and their lives.

Here’s where that fae coin interferes again, when the outstanding character Cricket arrives, stealing into the royal household, to make his last appearance as a thief before heading home. He’s been away too long from his village and wants one last great item to sell.

Colgin lets the reader immediately into what’s special about Cricket, as he introduces him stealing what we all know will be that meddlesome coin. Cricket’s partly fae, just enough to have some sort of magic but looks completely human. In a Fae kingdom that’s only just recently been accepting of other species, that hasn’t been a good thing. His family history is one that’s revealed as the story evolves. It’s how we get to know Cricket, his personality and why he’s a thief with trust issues.

That coin brings him to the immediate attention of another player. A would be thief and sorcerer, Julian, who desperately wants that coin. Julian is a damaged, broken being with hidden secrets but both the coin and Cricket keep directing him towards another path.

Throw in a nearly blind pony, a journey of discovery, magic, and misadventure and danger and you have a fantastic tale of romance and found family.

Julian’s last minute story of his real life parentage didn’t make much sense to me and didn’t add anything to a grand finale so it must have been for the series readers. It felt like an addition.

The Sorcerer’s Thief (Fortune Favors the Fae book 4) by Lee Colgin is another winner in this fabulous collection and another book that I’m recommending.

These covers are just spectacular, 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 – June 27,2024

◦ 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

🔷Ties into the author’s Luminia Romances (3 books) for universe foundation

Buy link

The Sorcerer’s Thief

Blurb

The Thief

Cricket thought he’d stolen the ultimate prize: a rare coin rumored to possess magical powers. But when an alluring sorcerer upends his world in a moonlit alley, Cricket discovers the coin is more powerful than he’d ever imagined.

And he’ll risk his life to keep it.

The Sorcerer

Julian needs that stupid coin, and seeing as it’s fallen into the hands of a mortal man—a beguiling, smooth-talking thief, really—it should be easy enough to claim. So why does he continue to fail in his every attempt?

Unstoppable Ancient Magic

For someone who thrives in the shadows, Cricket discovers there’s no hiding from the magic that binds him to the coin, or the infuriatingly seductive Fae sorcerer intent on reclaiming it. Soon, both men find themselves battling volatile magic and a dangerous attraction while desperately holding on to what neither can afford to lose: their hearts.

***

The Sorcerer’s Thief 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.

• Publisher: (June 20, 2024)

• Publication date: June 20, 2024

• Language: English

• File size: 3039 KB

• Simultaneous device usage: Unlimited

• Text-to-Speech: Enabled

• Screen Reader: Supported

• Enhanced typesetting: Enabled

• X-Ray: Not Enabled

• Word Wise: Enabled

• Sticky notes: On Kindle Scribe

• Print length: 252 pages

Review: Wrecking Havoc (Demon Bound Book 1) by Grae Bryan

Rating: 4.5🌈

It’s the cover the drew me to Wrecking Havoc by Grae Bryan, the first in the new Demon Bound series, but it’s the story and characters that make me want to continue reading the entire series. I absolutely found myself invested in this universe and couple.

I love that Bryan created various types of demons here, instead of one type. It’s fascinating as well as that they are bound together by an ancient connection between them, a number of contracts that they had to complete in order to be free. Each book is a different demon.

However, there’s also another connection between the characters. A Russian mob family that’s now down to a group of brothers, each traumatized by their (now deceased) father in their own way. The middle brother, Alexei, got his romance in this author’s series, Vampire’s Mate. I listed it below as I hadn’t read it and put it immediately on my TBR list after reading this one.

The well defined characters, the quick moving storylines, the wonderful chemistry between the characters, everything had me engaged in this universe and the relationships being built.

Sascha Koslov , the youngest son of the American raised Russian crime mob family, is at the center of Wrecking Havoc. Superficially, a spoiled, coddled young man who has , mostly, been kept away from his family’s , as the story reveals, Sascha has been traumatized by his adolescent and upbringing, rather than shielded as his brothers assumed. Sascha is a endearing personality, and the manner in which he accidentally summons a demon is perhaps perfect!

Kai, the warrior demon on his last contract, is another layered character. The world he arrives into, the person who inadvertently summons him, everything surprises him. It’s a fascinating take on this aspect of the story, and these characters just work so well together.

There’s no fated mate bond but one that builds between them, one that makes sense for us the reader and them emotionally as they connect and grow stronger together.

By the end of the book, it’s amazing how much we love them as a couple, and the future we see going forward.

Ivan and Matteo’s books are coming, with Ivan’s book up next. It should be outstanding considering who he’s going to be bonded with. Can’t wait!

I’m highly recommending this. That cover is amazing and drew me right in.

Demon Bound:

✓ Wrecking Havoc #1 – Sascha and Kai

Vampire’s Mate:

◦ Roman #1

◦ Soran #2

◦ Lucian #3

✓ Johann #4 (Jay and Alexei Koslov from here, Demon Bound 🔷)

◦ Wolfgang #5

◦ Colin #6

Buy link

Wreaking Havoc (Demon Bound Book 1)

Blurb

Sascha has always felt powerless, the weak baby of a cruel family. But that’s fine. He has his looks, his ample allowance, and a smattering of one-night stands to keep him busy. But when Sascha’s oldest brother offends the wrong people, Sascha finds himself in hiding with a target on his back. And when poking around in his temporary home leads to accidentally summoning the hottest demon Sascha could ever imagine, he has to ask himself: does he want to feel powerless anymore?

Kai has been waiting centuries for a summons. When he’s at long last brought to the human realm for his final contract, he expects to find another warrior hungry for battle and bloodshed. Instead, he finds himself bound to a saucy, scared mobster princeling who can’t stop looking at Kai like he’s dinner. It isn’t long before Kai decides that—for once—he wouldn’t mind staying exactly where he is, with a certain human for his mate.

But Sascha isn’t used to anyone sticking around, let alone caring for him in any real way. It’s up to Kai to convince Sascha he can give him so much more than protection. He just has to deal with those pesky enemies—and Sascha’s own meddling family—first.

WREAKING HAVOC IS A HEATED MM PARANORMAL ROMANCE WITH A HEA AND NO CLIFFHANGER. IT CONTAINS A SPOILED (OR IS IT TRAUMATIZED?) MAFIA PRINCE WITH TRUST ISSUES, THE COCKY WARRIOR DEMON WHO WANTS NOTHING MORE THAN TO PAMPER HIM FOR ETERNITY, A STIFLING FAMILY, ELUSIVE ENEMIES, AND THE FRUSTRATION OF NEVER GETTING TO FINISH A MANICURE.

• Publication date: June 18, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 255 pages

Review: SOS HOTEL: Sleep With Us #3 by Adam Vex ( Ariana Nash)

Rating: 5🌈

Here we are at the penultimate story in the life of Adam Vex , his companions , ex porn star incubus Zee, and wealthy businessman vampire Reynard. All of them living in their struggling SOS Hotel, with their gremlin filled walls, weirdly scary but wonderful AI bartender Tom Collins, and some personal secrets about to come busting out!

But first, something is wrong with Tom Collins! He’s too nice, his cocktails too boring, he’s not himself.

In this story, sooo many things are happening. In a race to find and bring back their beloved bartender, secrets start to come out. And not in happy moments.

But this is a series on its way to its climactic conclusion and it’s building up to that point by challenging the characters to expose themselves (yes that too), emotionally and on personal terms, revealing their histories they hadn’t before.

So yes, there’s wild rescues, more than a few fight scenes. And one ginormous cliffhanger.

It’s fantastic. I need that final book! If you’re not into cliffhangers, wait until the entire series is out and binge read. Otherwise, read it in order and wait until it’s released in August. I’m highly recommending this book and series. Well thought out and fabulous characters!

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 – August 16, 2024 (finale)

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SOS HOTEL: Great Service from Top to Bottom

Blurb

Something is wrong with Tom Collins. More wrong than usual.

Tom’s being nice.

I should have known trouble was right around the corner. One attempted murder later, and Reynard is forced to disarm Tom (literally).

No bartender, means no bar. Zee is grumpy and avoiding me, and the hotel’s measly profits are dwindling by the day.

Things are not going well. We need our broken, foul-mouthed Tom Collins back.

But don’t worry. Zee says saving Tom should be a walk in the park for us.

Turns out, that walk in the park is more like a road to hell. But I’ve got this…

My name is Adam Vex. I’m your average and mundane, human host. Welcome to another crazy day at the SOS Hotel.

*

Warning: SOS Hotel contains explicit language, situations, and content that some readers may find uncomfortable. For full warnings, please see the author’s website or the paperback “look inside sample”.

• Publisher: Crazy Ace Publishing (June 19, 2024)

• Publication date: June 19, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 214 pages

Review: A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Book 8) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4.25🌈

Cassius, the coffee shop running oracle and the wounded grey angel Kushiel get their romance and journey to HEA finally. It’s full of the other characters we’ve met, a terrifying, heartbreaking mystery, a lovely nosy family ghost, and a plot that is extremely complex in layers.

The best part is the characters here. Cass is a great character, with his well defined personality and deep family history , we get to know him and his Aunt Ro (and all her dresses) in heartwarming ways. Btw, don’t miss out on the author’s notes on flower language at the end of the book. Fantastic touch of knowledge.

Then there’s Kushiel, who we have met in previous books. Such a great light of a angel, giving to the point of hurting himself, wounded and touch deprived, the layers to Kush and the need that finds his answers in Cass makes this book such a beautiful story.

The imaginative elements of the lost souls is one that I wish was better developed. That one we see (sorta) is intriguing so the potential for the plot to further explore this aspect is huge but it does so in a way that takes away from the emotional element rather than boosts it. In its place, other scenes and side trips occur.

When the villain is exposed and the plot mystery resolves into a quick action that takes relatively short amount of time, it feels like a let down of sorts. It’s has some interesting moments and a new character that will drive a sequel series to come. That looks great. But I feel like a tad more something/exploration could have been fit in rather than the villain monologuing about his reasons for the deeds here.

At any rate, we got a heartfelt romantic journey, and a great couple. As well as Aunt Ro.

This is just such a favorite series of mine. Shannon Mae has come up with some really amazing stories and unique and unexpected ideas about love and romance. They aren’t to be missed. Read them all and see who are your favorites!

Fabulous covers.

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures: (Paranormal Romance 🔷 A Beginner’s Guide to Death, Demons, and Other Afterlife Disasters #1

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Mistakenly Summoned Demons and Other Misadventures #2

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades #3

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers #4

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Novellas:

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Christmas Miracles (A Holiday Novella)

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Pet Demons

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic Possessions

Demonic Disasters and

Afterlife Adventures Collections: 🔷Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Collection 1

Hellhounds of Paradise Falls -sequel series:

◦ How to Flirt with a Hellhound #1 – (Coming Soon)

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A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Book 8)

Blurb

Cassius:

Cass has always had the sight. Although his official job may be to run his coffee shop, in reality he deals with grumpy ghosts, troublesome demons, uptight angels, and all sorts of paranormal issues. When the archangel Gabriel gives him a message that he has to help a gray angel, it’s just par for the course for Cassius. But who could predict that Kushiel would be the brightest soul Cassius had ever met, even if the angel can’t see that about himself? Cassius is determined not just to save the afterlife (and possibly the entire universe), but also to save one very sexy angel (who just might be his soulmate) along the way.

Kushiel:

Kushiel’s work is his life, and if angels shun him and he feels like he never quite fits in with demons, at least he has the souls he redeems. That is, until someone steals his entire purpose in the afterlife. Some vague clues from a demon seer send him straight into Cass’s coffee shop, where he learns some surprises about afterlife rules. With a little help from Cass, Kushiel is sure they can solve the mystery, especially since the coffee shop owner is the kindest, sweetest, sexiest human he’s ever met. Now if only he could figure out how to respond to all the compliments Cass keeps sending his way, because surely someone as wonderful as Cassius couldn’t be interested in a gray angel.

Tags: Kushiel is hurting, and Cass is happy to offer comfort and compliments; afterlife rules are more complicated than angels or demons knew; Aunt Ro keeps trying to not-so-subtly send messages through flowers; Cass runs into demons, angels, ghosts, a sea monster, and a hellhound; messages from seers and through oracles are annoyingly mysterious; Kushiel likes being told what to do, and Cass likes taking charge; Kushiel will finally get his own happily-ever-after (Cass will make sure of it).

Note: A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers can be read as a stand alone. However, it is best read after A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades, since Mike and Ari do pop up in this book.

• Publication date: June 19, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 254 pages