Category: Books

Review: Iris (A Mike Bravo Ops #1) by Eden Finley

Rating: 4.5🌈

Eden Finley delivers such a wonderfully entertaining story in Iris, a Mike Bravo Ops story! Just what I needed.

Iris, real name Isaac Griffin, but his irrepressible, often over the top personality in the Army got him the nickname “Iris-I require intense supervision” . It’s a name that’s stuck even at his new job at Mike Bravo Ops, a security firm made up of ex military who also happen to be LGBTGIA.

The company and people have appeared in another of Finley’s series but this is the first time I’ve read about them. It’s instant crush time.

The romance is between two men who already have history. So the attraction that arises as well as feelings is counted for by their past. I enjoyed that aspect of their relationship and romance. It’s often so hard to buy into a instant love story but a romance that’s got a firm foundation of a history between the main characters? Yes, please.

And this one aspect is one that has an air of believability about it because of the various issues that stood between them. DADT, family expectations, personal history, and each man’s stance on being queer. That’s a heavy load in that era. This is framed out concisely and as a story thread that will be used to grow their relationship.

Another is the type of work the Mike Bravo Ops Security teams do and how it brings Iris and Brock “Saint” Harlow back together.

Brock “Saint” Harlow is the opposite of Iris. The perfectionist, the CO’s ideal man. Therefore his nickname, “Saint”. He’s the Army’s Golden Boy in every way. Until one mission.

That’s the one which will reunite Iris and Saint, after years apart.

It will also allow Finley’s plot to deepen into those areas that add depth and dimension to a storyline. In this case , it’s a character dealing with the intense aftermath of a mission gone traumatically wrong, casualties, PTSD , and memory loss.

It’s something we have a window into from his perspective.

That he’s not “automatically “ healed is a welcome element here. That it’s a ongoing condition he’s actively dealing with is a fact that’s mentioned well into the next novel . And it’s a substantial factor in making these characters and relationships grounded in reality.

All these things could be easily overlooked in a story that’s full of snarky , fast paced dialogue, things that go boom, lots of crazy action, and sexy times!

They could but just when you think the “heart” has been suppressed by sarcasm and bullets, it comes rushing back to remind you . It’s still about love.

With a fabulously names GSD called Princess Smooshey Face added to make you thoroughly over the moon with them and everything at the end.

Yes, indeed. I really needed this . And I’m running immediately to review Rogue, which I’ve already read. Loved that too.

So I’m highly recommending this series to all fans of hot hunky men , and one woman, of action. Who also show depth and dimension amidst laughter and pain and things that go boom!

Check out the series below!

Mike Bravo Ops series:

✓ Iris #1

✓ Rogue #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showIris (Mike Bravo Ops, #1) by Eden Finley – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Mike Bravo. Knights in shining … camo.

Iris

I live for adrenaline. The thrill of the chase. And because I work for Mike Bravo, a private black-ops firm, it’s my job to go into dangerous situations.

But when we’re called in to extract a military team from a hostile situation, the thrill is so much better. Because one of those men happen to be the golden boy from my basic training days.

Brock “Saint” Harlow was a walking Captain America in the flesh. The perfect soldier.

Now my boss wants to recruit him, and I can’t wait to rub it in his face that he was rescued by me. The class clown.

I’m not called Iris “I require intense supervision” for nothing.


Saint

Military life is all I’ve known since I was born. I was raised to be a soldier.

But when a top-secret mission fails, I find myself suddenly discharged with nowhere to go.

Mike Bravo saved my life, and they want me to join them, but there’s one small problem.

Isaac “Iris” Griffin.

He’s as irresistibly snarky as he always was, only there’s a big difference this time. I’m no longer closeted or scared to live my truth. And the truth is, I’ve always wanted him.

It’s against Mike Bravo’s rules to fraternize with other team members, and I always follow orders.

But something tells me Iris might be worth the insubordination.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Line Drive (Hit and Run Book 2) by E.M. Lindsey

Rating: 4.5🌈

Line Drive is Lindsey’s actual third story in the series about a fictional MLB team, the Denver Vikings and it’s LGBTGIA players.

Line Drive is the romantic story for the Denver Vikings star pitcher, James “Scooter” Harney. A man with an extremely troubled upbringing he’s risen above, James is both a driven ball player and successful businessman. He’s got a group of teammates who are family and a well known bar. Everything but a relationship.

Lindsey crafted Harney as a person who’s abandonment as a adolescent and trials to feed his sister led him to poor decisions and traumatic jail time as a teenager. Thankfully, those experiences are not mentioned but only guessed at by the reader. Those formative years turned him into a person who doesn’t understand relationships.

Until a feisty teen, Phoenix, challenges him on his latest purchase of a bookstore and changes everything.

I have to admit that Phoenix and his interactions with James also further pulled me into the book. I adored these two and honestly wished for more time of them both together. That was some genuine chemistry there.

Phoenix is a stellar character who’s introduction and personality is just so remarkable that I won’t spoil anything about them here other than to say they have CP . How that disease is woven into the storylines and the character of Phoenix is also one of the best things here.

The other half of the romantic equation is Phoenix’ dad, Ridley Holland. A former minor league baseball player who was sidelined by a injury, he’s now a high school baseball coach and divorced dad barely keeping it together.

Sigh.

I really have a issue connecting with characters that have martyr complexes. And Ridley has those in spades. I was right there with Phoenix most of the time frustrated as well with Ridley’s suffocating, helicopter parental controls. So it was quite the effort to see my way to liking that aspect of the story as much as I enjoyed James buying the bookstore, enlarging his view of his future and letting people like Phoenix (and Ridley) into his small group of trusted friends .

I did eventually turn it around but James and Phoenix will remain my favorites of this story. Beautifully written, fully dimensional, and when it came to the end, and , yes, happiness exudes for all , the three of them enjoy a well deserved life together.

Any issues? A few. Some misspelled words that should have been caught. Existing instead of exiting, that sort of thing.

And one more that struck me. If you have a manager, then precisely told that manager to hire someone of a certain age with special needs while disregarding her arguments about duties and age limitations, then you should have followed it up later to help everyone succeed instead of being surprised the person had started. The way this was handled in the story bothered me. A sharp order that was rude and borderline derogatory, that took away this woman’s responsibility without a discussion. I found this small element very disrespectful and odd . And it stands out in a story about respect.

There were a few other minor things but these were my main issues.

Line Drive (Hit and Run Book 2) by E.M. Lindsey was a very enjoyable and rewarding story. I was still thinking about it hours after finishing it and that’s a mark of a wonderful book for me.

The next novel is coming out in December, just in time for the holidays. I can’t wait.

I’m highly recommending this series and the remarkable characters you’ll find within Line Drive!

Hit and Run Series:

✓ Nothing Ordinary #0.5

✓ Switch-Hitter #1

✓ Line Drive #2

◦ Double Play #3 – Dec 5, 2022

https://www.amazon.com › Line-Dri…Line Drive (Hit and Run Book 2) – Kindle edition – Amazon.com

Description:

James “Scooter” Harney is good at two things and two things only:

Pitching…

…and running away from his feelings.

So, when he comes face to face with a high school baseball coach who gets under his skin like no one ever has before, James isn’t quite sure what to do about it. After all, Ridley is smarmy, annoying, ridiculously good looking…

And worst of all, straight.

Then, James’ world is turned upside down one evening when Ridley admits that he’s been having thoughts. Thoughts about James. Thoughts that are making him question his own identity.

James knows he won’t make a good boyfriend, but the way Ridley looks at him, the way Ridley trusts him, makes James realize that maybe—just maybe—there’s something worth fighting for.

Line Drive is the second book in a fictional MLB series featuring a smarmy pitcher good at annoying his teammates and stroking his own ego, a team ready to win no matter what it takes, a lost single dad who just wants to know he’s doing a good job, and an agreement that wraps both of their hearts into a tangle. Each book in the Hit and Run Series stands alone, contains no cheating, and has a happily ever after.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Strut (Style #2) by Jay Hogan

Rating: 4.5🌈:

Style, the high fashion series from Jay Hogan, has as its core elements high fashion, those that work within the industry ,whether it’s designers, models, photographers, fashion bloggers, and, sexual assault.

I’ve finished Strut and Flare, and each of the main characters of those storylines has been the victim of a sexual assault, past as part of the storyline.

I mention this immediately for several reasons. One to let readers know if this would be a potential trigger for them. Another reason that using sexual assault as a element in storylines has become so prevalent that the majority of the last ten recently released books I read used it as part of their plot.

For me that’s a disturbing trend. Whether the author does well by the subject matter, as Hogan does here, or as a disposable element, poorly executed and one dimensional as I’ve seen so often lately.

In Strut it highlights an entire industry’s lack of care towards its models, the very real dangers a young person faces through big contracts, unscrupulous business practices, and a unthinking fashion industry that’s allowed certain practices to go forward until recently. The new rules and #Metoo movement has forced some significant progress .

Hogan’s storylines has handled this, the ramifications of sexual assault, respectfully and with regard to the reality of the situation. I liked the characters, ones we met previously in Flare and very much committed to their relationship.

Alec, the model we met in Flare who modeled for Rhys’ show in Auckland, has now relocated to the powerhouse high fashion world of New York City. He’s in debt but rising up in reputation as a runway model. He’s reunited with Hunter, the extremely talented, well known fashion photographer who’s best friends with Rhys and Kip. Hunter, Alec’s former crush was something that didn’t go well.

They are terrific characters. Alec is especially endearing. Hunter is a bit older and a player, until Alec. Both layered personalities with great chemistry, enough that you can understand them as a couple.

And it’s that foundation that gets them through the trauma that happens to Alec. It’s believable and highly realistic.

Hogan includes all the responsible choices in the aftermath, communication, reporting, therapy. Action to aid recovery, and bravery to aid others.

While I was thinking about the story and manner in which Jay Hogan wrote it, I couldn’t help but remember those other books that used SA in a way that borders on glibness. Quite the contrast to the pain, humiliation ,and trauma Alec feels here. Hogan includes the waves of emotion that wash over friends, family, and Hunter as they deal with their own personal feelings while trying to support Alec.

It’s very believable, which for some people might make it extremely hard to read. Please do not ignore the trigger warnings.

Jay Hogan has written a lovely romance that involves a major sexual assault element, one Hogan handles with responsibility and realism.

I’m recommending the story on the basis of the great characters and writing.

But I hope that the next book focuses on fashion and romance, and the young queer scene in Auckland. And not another sexual assault plot line.

When did this become so common in our stories that it’s a trope itself?

Something to think about.

Style series:

🔹Flare #1

🔹Strut #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showStrut (Style, #2) by Jay Hogan – Goodreads

Synopsis:

New Zealand farm boy turns New York fashion model.


Fairy tale? Maybe. But it hasn’t been easy. A year in this crazy city, working my tail off just to survive in a ruthless industry where sex sells and boundaries are too readily crossed.

A year and a reassuring ocean away from Hunter Donovan—a sexy, humiliating mistake that I’m not about to repeat. Distance is good. Distance is safe.

But now Hunter is back. In New York. In my life. In all those treacherous feelings that haven’t gone anywhere. But when my world suddenly crashes and I have to piece myself back together and fight for my career, will Hunter be there when I need him? Will we have what it takes to make it through this, together?

Note: This book contains themes of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Where There’s a Witch There’s a Way (Cadenbury Town #2) by E. Broom

Rating: 3🌈

Where There’s a Witch There’s a Way dives right into a instant mate situation, albeit between two people who’ve known each other for a while.

One is Titus Compton, of the town’s Witches Council. The other is one of the many werewolf Stone brothers, Kean Stone, brother to the Alpha/Mayor Adhan.

There’s little background, Broom assumes you’ve read the first book in the series, The Crazy Bookshop, where everyone and everything was established.

You really do require that history there because all the drama and mystery coming into play here stems from the events there. You’re going to be pretty much lost without it.

All the characters, the warm-hearted relationships are back! The mystery, the villain and yes, the sex are all on the soft, PG-13 side. The group works together to learn magic, become a found family, and confront what looks to be a deepening series arc piece of villainy.

It’s fun, mostly light hearted, and not really scary.

I did have several issues here. Especially at the end , when the group goes off to discover what and where all the dark magic is coming from, they split up. The reader gets one group’s side of the action. The other more fabulous tale? With waaay more interesting things that occurred? It’s as told to.

I was absolutely dumbfounded. If I’d had the author there, this is how it would have gone.

Me: so there’s was zombies, an apocalypse, flames, ghouls, everything underground. Magical fighting galore?

Author: yup

Me: you gave us two , maybe 3 sentences. Of the best stuff?

Author: yup

Me: *blink blink* huh.

Walks to door, door closes.

Author: you’re coming back, right?

Hmmmm.

So utterly disappointing.

It also introduces a couple of new characters but we get nothing?

So either that going to be a whole new book to describe those happenings or we in the dark but either way, it’s a majorly flawed component here.

And it reduces the impact of that whole event. As does the way the author leaves many of the new and secondary characters.

So for me, Where There’s a Witch There’s a Way keeps adding new characters and new bits to the overall arc but I’m not sure it’s made the series any better. It’s lost some of the original charm, some of the whimsy and goofiness that I enjoyed so.

I’m sure I’ll be continuing on if only to see if it can recapture some of the joy that brought me into it.

If you’re a fan of this author, or of light fantasy, I’ll leave that decision up to you as well.

Cadenbury Town series:

🔹The Crazy Bookshop 1

🔹Where There’s a Witch There’s a Way 2

https://www.goodreads.com › showWhere There’s a Witch There’s a Way by E. Broom – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Who knew letting my walls down would change my life?

Titus Compton works for the Witches’ Council. He has nothing in his life but work with the occasional town witch meeting in Cadenbury thrown in.

However, Titus has a secret. He’s in love with Kean Stone, the sinfully handsome, fun-loving wolf shifter.

What would Kean want with a pompous, workaholic witch?

A phone call from his mother telling him his father is sick leads Titus back home, but no way are his new friends letting him go alone.

With secrets revealed and dark witches causing trouble, Kean is happy to lend his support to Titus and be his safe harbour. But it will take all his family and friends to stop disaster from striking, and along the way, they might just score perfect tens.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Witchin Warlock (Witchin #1) by Charity Parkerson

Rating: 3.25🌈

Witchin Warlock (Witchin #1) by Charity Parkerson is a cute short romance about a witch who hides his identity and a cop who uses the witch’s help with his cases. While being clueless as to why he solves them so quickly.

Parkerson doesn’t give much attention to background here. Not the backstory between Caspian (the witch) or Brock the cop. It’s a fated soulmates thing but only at the end.

So it’s really rushed, and little relationship has time to gain ground.

We get a murder or several. A hunt for bodies. Some passionate embracing, and hidden magic.

It’s cute. It’s a quick read at 87 pages. But I personally found the lack of layers a little disappointing.

If you’re in the mood for quick, fluffy, magical and hot, this is something you might want to check out.

Witchin series:

🔹Witchin’ Warlock #1

🔹Witchin’ Solstice #2

🔹Witchin’ Moonbeam #3

🔹Witchin’ Fangs

🔹Witchin’ Wildcat #4

https://www.goodreads.com › showWitchin Warlock (Witchin, #1) by Charity Parkerson – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Caspian comes from a long line of witches. Brock is third generation F.B.I. They shouldn’t fit but they do.

A year ago, Caspian moved to a small town in Ohio. He hoped the lack of competition in the area would be good for his psychic business, Futures Untold. The last thing he expected was a sexy F.B.I. agent to show up and treat him like a missing person’s bloodhound. Even though Caspian keeps doing favors for Special Agent Brock Wray, his distrust of authority runs deep. After all, they used to drown witches in this area back in the day, and Caspian has no desire to end up on Brock’s missing persons’ list.

Officially, no one knows how Brock keeps solving so many huge cases. Caspian is Brock’s secret weapon. The man knows things no one should. That’s not why Brock keeps showing up and making excuses to see Caspian. Caspian fascinates Brock. Not only does Brock’s inner detective need to know how Caspian knows so much, but Caspian is also smoking hot. He is the single most gorgeous man to step foot in their tiny town in ages. Brock isn’t dumb. He has to take Caspian off the market as quickly as possible and he’ll use any excuse to get close enough to do it.

When Brock takes Caspian along for the ride on a case, things will get weird. Let’s hope Caspian isn’t forced to show why he’s the most witchin warlock around or Brock might run for the hills.

Witchin Warlock is a fun short story just in time for Halloween.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Mighty Quill: An MM Paranormal Shifter Romance (Sanguis Et Fauna Book 1) by Emmaline Strange

Rating: 4 🌈

Emmaline Strange is a new author for me. I just stumbled across her book by glancing at that terrific cover, and realized it represented a new opportunity to see a new author’s take on shifters and a paranormal romance.

I found that Mighty Quill has so many wonderful elements to recommend it. Strange doesn’t go too much into the universe her characters inhabit, except that humans aren’t aware that magical creatures exist along side them. That’s pretty typical.

But what’s unique is how each shifter gets their shifter form or Fauna as it’s identified here is. Instead of being born into a pack of like species, a family of shifters can have any number of species within itself. It depends on what each person’s individual fauna is called to be when they mature, be it bear, wolf, or something totally different.

Strange ‘s interpretation has some new and old elements to it. I’ll get to that in a moment.

The story has, as I said, many aspects that will totally pull a reader in. The characters are wonderful. Cassian Rhodes, the human who’s half the romance, also undergoes a bisexual awakening that’s realistic, and so well written. His confusion is balanced by his ease and openness about the possibility. He’s got a great family, who we meet, so the type of person that comes through makes sense. He’s such a lovely human being.

Thor Ambrose, a shifter who’s been unable to learn his true fauna, and has suffered immensely from that, is another endearing character. He comes from a imminent wealthy shifter family, made up of bears, wolves, panthers , who also have made excellent choices in the human world. So Thor, a small, shy, individual, has been made to feel insignificant and a failure due to a lack of a fauna.

Thor and Cassian Rhodes start off as roommates. Cassian due to the fact that some stupid , out of character behavior cost him his scholarship and Thor because he’s trying to keep his independence from his family.

Here’s where I wish Strange had enlarged on her foundation. She hints that shifters have more recourse when it comes to controlling their childrens future. Something shady or at least, known but never acknowledged among the shifter world. But we don’t exactly get a clear idea what that is. Thor hints at it, his domineering father does, but we don’t get it. Very frustrating.

The slow burn romance between Thor and Cas is absolutely the best part of this book. They are adorable. Each dances around the other, until Cas’ cooking starts a conversation. I love how they each made mistakes and then found a way to apologize. Cute, realistic within a PNR storyline.

There’s a mystery that turns into a murder plot. It’s will lead into a off the page assault. Then the ramifications of that on the person and couple.

That’s one of several choices I question that the author made here .

This is a wonderful PNR that goes off the rails at the end as a horror story. One that seems a bit odd.

On the list of elements I had issues with were:

🔹 Strange continues with the shifter predator idolatry. They are always top rung. But when talking about Alpha pairing, there is a Swan/human bonded pair which she made the human the Alpha. Now either she felt the human was truly the strongest character (not sure) or Strange has not researched or met any swans. So, that struck me as odd.

🔹There’s a grisly scene at the end that involves Thor’s father. As it’s written, it comes across less as a necessary part of the storyline, because imo there’s quite a few holes in the scene, logic wise. But more a reason to have the final confrontation between father and son at the end.

It comes across, once you’ve finished the book, as a narratively petty choice to have made for a character that’s come so far.

Strange had written Thor into a better, stronger person. But couldn’t leave it at that. Had to have a shouting match with a wounded man.

Such a shame.

Strange leaves open ended what happens to several important secondary characters, Leda especially. The police Sargent is going to get his own PNR next. That I’m looking forward to. There’s an. Except at the end of the book.

Mighty Quill: An MM Paranormal Shifter Romance (Sanguis Et Fauna Book 1) by Emmaline Strange was a very good romance that, imo, had just a few too many elements to it. It packed in horror, gore, assault, mystery, a unnecessary and often never used ice hockey element, things that overwhelmed the many wonderful aspects of the book like Cas’ large family and the central romance itself.

I won’t spoil what fauna Thor turned out to be. I guessed from the cover and was wrong. That’s the ranger in me. You all will probably get it right.

Still adorable.

I’m recommending it and will check out more from this author.

Really love the cover.

https://www.goodreads.com › showMighty Quill by Emmaline Strange – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Cassian Rhodes is just a normal guy going through normal college stuff:

Weird roommate? Check.

Panic over grades? Check.

Sexuality Crisis? Uh…

Falling for your roommate? Hold on…

Finding out your new BF’s family is magic? Wait, WTF!?


MIGHTY QUILL is a roommates to idiots to lovers, bi awakening, paranormal shifter romance. Lots of steam, fluff & magic goodness.

Author’s note: Quill is a mystery and it does contain some mentions of gore, body horror, & assault

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: A Scandal for Stratton (The Lords of Bucknall #6) by J.A. Rock and Lisa Henry

Rating: 4.5🌈

I had known that A Scandal for Stratton was going to have it difficult as far as the expectations went as it’s preceding story, An Affair for Aument set the bar so very high for any book that followed it. If I could have given that novel a 10 I would have, it was that magnificent.

In An Affair for Aument, a brilliantly written novel, it captures the best of all the characters of every story, who, for all their vagaries in station and personality, form a odd collective of friends bound by events and relationships. Their stories naturally form the basis and universe for The Lords of Bucknall Club series, one I’m deeply fond of.

This book has its own different elements , focuses, and characters that have existed on the outskirts of that circle. A character like Stratton, earning a meager mention or two as a horse seller in all prior books, is now one of the main characters.

A aspect that makes this more a novel that , like it’s men, something that resides just a bit on the edge of the group. In that universe, but very much it’s own different book.

I have to confess I didn’t enjoy it very much. I appreciated the writing but wasn’t finding the deep joy I had in the others. At least until almost until the end.

All the other books were very much within the Regency Romance format while the authors gave them narratively brilliant twists with a new rule on same sex marriages, all still keeping the same cultural rules, gossiping Ton, adding in mystery, exceptional humor and romance. And each book was centered within keeping a character driven storyline. Amazing.

Honestly those books are on constant replay.

Immediately you notice the missing dry wit and humor the preceding stories are noted for. In its place is sexuality . It’s the scandalous stories, The Maiden Diaries, being written by “Anonymous “ that have been discussed all Season. It’s also the D/s pain kink sexual relationship that’s key to the dynamics between the Earl of Stratton, James and his estate manager, Harold. It’s explicit. From whipping, spanking , the huge list of pain kink is introduced here in a way it’s not in any of the other stories.

If BDSM ,D/s, pain kink relationships aren’t your thing, this is not your story. It’s a major element. That’s most of the book and the characters relationship. Again, a departure from the previous books.

There’s no mystery. A simple case of blackmail stemming from a rather nasty brother back from abroad with a large sense of entitlement ( pun intended) who wants the estate and title of Earl of Stratton.

The fun, wit, and liveliness only enters the story with the entry of The Bucknall Club gang, plus the indomitable Lady Rebecca , who gather together to save the day. That’s about 80 percent in. So a fairly long slog without a glint of lightness.

I really missed them Especially Soulden with his wicked sense of humor.

For me, the story sank into my heart when all the Bucknall Club characters were engaged by Harold to help with the blackmail. From there, we got a balanced storyline with strong character driven plot lines, fabulous dialogue full of humor and wry heartfelt commentary on the Ton and society. All our favorites, with their engaging dynamics were there, encircling James and Harold, with their compassion, kindness, and unique outlook, pulling them into the circle of the group.

Of enormous impact is the compassionate Warry , along with Chant, who endeavor to help James with their social anxiety, their other issues and offers of friendship. How I adore that crew.

The last section helps with my connection to the main couple. It includes a far better understanding of the personality and character of James as they try to recover from the shattering events that free them from their brother. It’s also a far clearer picture into the dynamics between James and Harold as they weigh their future and try to get back to the stability they had enjoyed before everything fell apart.

The main couple themselves fracturing, getting a new, deeper exploration of what has made their relationship work, James trying to resolve the emotional turmoil the painful past that his brother has awakened, as well as all the damaging fallout it’s caused, this section of the story brings everything back into The Lords of Bucknall territory in an amazing way.

However, while all the other couples got their HFN in a satisfying manner, I can’t help but feel that James and Harold were still in recovery, trying to see where they and their relationship went next, if it could handle the next stages of growth Harold needed.

Satisfying? That will depend on the reader.

For me, A Scandal for Stratton is an extremely well written book, one that exists more as an addendum to the series The Lords of Bucknall Club then as strictly a part of it. It’s strongly character driven, with its main relationship bases around a BDSM D/s pain oriented dynamic that’s constantly being explored throughout the storyline.

James’s tortured persona is beautifully done as is Harold’s dominating character. Each is layered with their painful histories driving them together, despite their differences in societal levels.

The structure of a Regency romance, so apparent in the others, is what’s missing here for me. Most of the time, with the few exceptions that James does visit the Club (very few) the book could be lifted into another historical series . That is until we’re almost done.

If you’re a fan of the series, I’m recommending this on several levels. It’s a terrific story. It enlarges on a bit character we only heard about in passing. All those horses that Warry always wanted from Stratton. Now we know who he was referring to.

We also get to see our beloved characters again as they gather to save the day, hilarious solutions not withstanding. Not a goat to be seen however. I was very sad about this. Not that type of book which is telling.

And if you’re a fan of J.A. Rock’s other novels which do have a major BDSM element, then this is exactly the book and couple for you.

I think this does see an end to the series. I’m ok with that. I felt it had a brilliant send off in An Affair for Aument.

There’s nothing indicating the authors will go forward with another story.

So I’m absolutely recommending to all what I consider the foundation series, books 1 through 5, and as a addendum, with a note about the BDSM content, pick up the sixth novel if you’re interested in learning about who was selling those horses and writing The Maiden Diaries!

Series – The Lords of Bucknall Club

✓ A Husband for Hartwell #1

✓ A Case for Christmas #2

✓ A Rival for Rivingdon #3

✓ A Sanctuary for Soulden #4.

✓ A Affair for Aument #5

✓ A Scandal for Stratford

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 2) by Jennifer Cody

Rating: 4.5 🌈

“I pat his knee to comfort him, and then because that is not enough, I pull him into a tight hug, blind-typing, There there, Papa’s here.

“I swear I’m not an idiot,” Bellamy whispers, squeezing my hand.

“We’re a touchy family. And yes, we are a family, even if sometimes Bellamy prefers to pretend we aren’t. He pretends less and less with each week that passes.

Fox reaches past me and flicks Bellamy’s nose. “We don’t disparage ourselves,” he grunts.

We save that for the people we murder.

Fox reads my text and kisses the side of my head. “That’s right.”

— The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 2) by Jennifer Cody

This series started as a lark for Cody but The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin sees a deepening of the relationships within the ever weird found family that Romily is building around him, as well as a complexity to the series arc as the author is adding characters and potential books into the universe.

I love it.

I mean who adopts a full grown enemy assassin as a son? Uh, why Romily did. And gets the assassin, Bellamy , as well as Fox (husband to be) , and Romily’s new family to accept Bellamy as a son, grand baby too? Sheer madcap awesomeness!

The interactions are hilarious. But what’s better is Bellamy’s emotional acceptance of his new status and family. It’s everything.

So when their son is threatened? It’s the family on alert and then to the rescue.

Which gives Cody the ability to enlarge each character’s supernatural elements as well as add the personal growth to their personalities that their new and stable relationships have had on them. Neither Romily or Fox are the same as they were when we met them in the first story. Each has shown measurable growth and revealed more about who they are, as people , and well, species.

I appreciate that element and the changes we see in them separately and together. We have mundane mysteries, that includes Romily’s engagement and missing ring.

Cody? Where’s the ring?

We get several great new additions to the series just as Romily adds to the family. “Edovard Durand Folange.” It’s French.” Who and what he is can be found within this terrific story. Trust me, he’s adorable.

So many wild elements here. Hopefully we will get to dive into them further as the series progresses.

The narrator changes, at least for Book 3, if the teaser at the end here is any indication. Should be wonderful. Can’t wait.

While we are waiting, pick up the preceding stories and get caught up. I’m happily recommending them all.

Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees series to date:

✓ The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer #1

✓ Fox Recruits a Mute Boy (And Falls in Love): A Short Story MSMD #1.5

✓ The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 2)

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin by Jennifer Cody – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Romily:

You know what I’d like to know? Where the hell my romantic, how-we-got-engaged story is. Am I going to get it any time soon? Where is my big ass diamond?

Unfortunately, all that romance-novel level relationship-angst gets put on (indefinite) hold when my beloved son, Bellamy, is targeted by who knows who, poisoned, and then abducted by a wolf-ish person I kinda like. Am I going to get my kid back? You betcha. The question is, how many people does Fox have to kill first?

The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin is a 65k M/M Paranormal Romance with plenty of sass, gore, and questionable decision-making skills (and now there are tiny tables too).

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Fox Recruits a Mute Boy (And Falls in Love): A Short Story MSMD 1.5 (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees) by Jennifer Cody

Rating: 3.5🌈

“Romily asked me to do this, and I would do anything for that cute, fiery ball of optimism and silver linings except share him. He’s mine and I will fight you for him. No exceptions.”

— Fox Recruits a Mute Boy (And Falls in Love): A Short Story MSMD 1.5 (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees) by Jennifer Cody

This cute short story is wonderful to read right after The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer #1. Whereas that story is narrated by Romily, this is narrated by Arlington Fox, with interruptions by Romily. It’s a quick look at their beginning, and soulmate connection, from Fox’ perspective.

If you were wondering why Fox was so quick to go along with Romily on all those occasions? Here’s your answer!

Love it! Recommending it. Need the other book to know what’s going on.

It’s also available free if you subscribe to the author’s mailing list.

Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees series to date:

✓ The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer #1

✓ Fox Recruits a Mute Boy (And Falls in Love): A Short Story MSMD #1.5

✓ The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 2)

https://www.amazon.com › Jennifer-…Jennifer Cody: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle – Amazon.com

Synopsis:

Romily:
Are you wondering what meeting me was like for the love of my life, Arlington Fox? Well, as Fox tells it, it was magical. Obviously.

Fox:
Romily asked me to do this, and I would do anything for that cute, fiery ball of optimism and silver linings except share him. He’s mine and I will fight you for him. No exceptions.

Fox Recruits a Mute Boy is a 5k word short story as told from Fox’s point of view about how he met his soul’s mate. Content Warning: blood, gore, flying limbs, and ridiculous requests from polyamorous fathers.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 1) by Jennifer Cody

Rating: 4🌈

What we have here is a paranormal murderous romance farce as narrated by a snarky mute with a bent for sparkly jewelry and competent killer men so outstanding it brings out the heart eyes.

The author states in her notes she wrote it for fun and it reads that way. It’s absolutely entertaining, a one-sided narrative from a mute character, Romily Butcher, who’s bloody, dark short history absolutely prepares him for the supernatural/ paranormal death fest that’s Arlington Fox.

And it all starts with

“Once upon a time, a mute boy fell in love with an unapologetic murderer.”

— The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 1) by Jennifer Cody

From the beginning of their meeting in the diner, it’s a chaotic bloody romantic snarky funny mess. One that allows the narrator to peal back his own devastatingly awful personal history even as his new one is rolling out before us. It’s full of cherubs, demons, organizations that help with the balance of good and evil, magical agents and agendas galore , all served up with mystery and sarcasm!

Bad things happen. Lots of people die. It’s high action, kidnapping, murder, hijinks, and terror amidst the humor and romance. So while it’s fluffy in parts, it’s hellish fluffy.

Which, depending on how the author executes the story and frames out their characters, I’m a fan of. I really like how it works here. It’s a interesting combination of mythology, crime family dynamics, romance, and farce.

A note, traumatic and semi-traumatic events are given glossy or brief, succinct treatments here in the book and series. Maybe there’s a mention of a few tears but that’s generally it. I’ll let Romily spell it out as he does at the beginning of the book.

A NOTE FROM ROMILY

Dear Reader,

I’m a sassy, brave, beautiful boy who happens to use humor to cope with an unseen disability. If that bothers you, maybe you should consider expanding your horizons about how disabled people make life bearable when we’re surrounded by the oblivious.

Sincerely, Romily Butcher

PS: There’s a dub-con scene in this book. Shhh, it’s ok. I’m fine.”

— The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 1) by Jennifer Cody

Yes. As I said bad things happen. But they’re always happened to him. And they happen repeatedly throughout the book, to others all around him. It’s that series and those types of characters.

You know if you’re the type of reader that this will pose a issue for. Pls take that into consideration.

Meanwhile, I’m recommending The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 1) by Jennifer Cody. There’s 3 stories out now with plenty more planned. That is great incentive for me if I’m enjoying a series so far!

Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees series to date:

✓ The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer #1

✓ Fox Recruits a Mute Boy (And Falls in Love): A Short Story MSMD #1.5

✓ The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 2)

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer by Jennifer Cody | Goodreads

Synopsis:

Romily:

Third time’s the charm, right? At least that’s what I tell myself when I witness the same hot guy commit mass murder three times in a few days. I’m either the luckiest mute boy ever or possibly the unluckiest. Who knows, maybe him kidnapping me will turn into the greatest love story ever told? Hey, it could happen! You never know how these things will turn out. I happen to believe in love and soulmates, and if nothing else, Arlington Fox doesn’t treat my disability like a nuisance. It’s not everyday you find someone who just gets you, and I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth even if the horse in question is a man so good at killing people that I should probably introspect a bit about why that skews my moral compass and possibly my kinks. But c’mon, competence is sexy, amiright?

The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer is an MM Paranormal Romance with lots of sass, humor, a ridiculous 3000 year age-gap, and an inordinate number of tables.

Praise for The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer:

“Arlington Fox is so smexy, but if he accidentally gets blood on one of my suits again, we’re going to have words.” —Romily Butcher, aka the narrator.

“I’d never accidentally get blood on any of his suits.” —Arlington Fox, aka Future Husband

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.