If you’re a fan of Lily Morton, especially her Mixed Messages and Finding Home series, this is must reading.
These short stories follow those couples at various stages of their lives and relationships, from the stage after the wedding is over to a marriage proposal we always hoped to read about.
None of these scenes appeared in those stories, cut for various reasons or written for her fans later on. They are now gathered together by couple, and it makes for some very amazing and very rewarding stories.
For myself, it changed my thoughts on a couple and story. That would be Rule Breaker, Dylan and Gabe’s story. Told primarily from Dylan’s pov, It was the romance and relationship I least connected with. The reason was the character of Gabe. For me, without his perspective, he came across as selfish, cold, and his actions often cruel, especially towards Dylan. Who repeatedly took him back.
That missing pov is here. Gabe, his emotional state, and his background, everything that would have made him an emotionally accessible character is here in scenes that never made it into that story. To its detriment, in my opinion. Because after reading this, I look at that novel totally differently.
For the rest of the couples and books? Short Stack just enriches our involvement with them and their relationships. Where we always wanted to know what happened next? This is our answer to that question, and it gives us a often realistic, and emotional satisfying one.
Not read one of the stories? This might make you hold off, stop at a couple. Go get their book. Read it. Then come back for their shorts.
Win on every level.
I got this for my Kindle but I just might need it in a copy for my bookshelf.
I’m recommending it that hard for lovers of these series, this author, and those readers to come.
Drawn together for the first time, this is a collection of Lily’s short stories about the much-loved men from her Mixed Messages and Finding Home series. Follow them through awkward marriage proposals, birthdays, a fraught babysitting job, and a very drunken Eurovision Song Contest party.
It includes stories previously written for her website and readers’ group, along with deleted scenes and four brand new and exclusive short stories – Bad Valentine, Marrying Jude, Babysitting Billy, and House Hunting.
Night and Fae, the second in Arden Steele’s Blackhaven series about fated mates is another sexy, short supernatural romance. This time it’s a fabulously wealthy corporate vampire and an adorable hairdresser Fae getting their fated mate matchup at Blackhaven Manor!
Courtesy of the meddling owner Dragon siblings ,of course .
I enjoyed Night and Fae (terrific name), and the pair. But what I was missing what a sense of history, layerings for either of them.
With the previous story, each character was grounded in a way. Kol in the small town and Manor. Remington had his brother and a backstory.
But in Night and Fae, with the exception of bodyguards (neat ones, I admit), both Fae Leeland Rivers and Master Vampire Sebastian Delgado exist alone without substantial knowledge of their background. I miss that.
Luckily, Leeland’s personality is vibrant, funny, and endearing. He is a wonderful character. Sebastian is everything you would hope a handsome, commanding, wealthy vampire would be. Their mate connection or mis-connection is interesting and makes sense given their species.
There’s a dramatic element, which is swiftly resolved. And then a epilogue.
These are quick, smoothly plotted stories and they’re over before you can blink . I found the characters, the storyline and the ending satisfying.
I’m moving onto the next. I’m also recommending this for anyone who enjoys a HEA supernatural love story.
Colorful and eccentric, Leelan Rivers knows he’s a little too “extra” for some people. Since those people are exceedingly boring, he couldn’t care less about their opinion. Yet, when a night out leads him right into the arms of fate, he never expected the broody vampire to deny the connection between them.
Wealthy and powerful, Sebastian Delgado is used to people wanting things from him. He’s not even surprised at the lies they’ll tell to get them. So, when Leelan claims to be his mate, he’s skeptical to say the least. Leelan might be beautiful and enchanting, but Sebastian has been disappointed too many times in the past not to be suspicious.
All it takes is one bite to reveal the truth but claiming Leelan as his own comes with its own set of problems. Especially when he realizes he’s not the only vampire at Blackhaven Manor interested in the faerie.
Trash and Treasure is a sweet shifter romance by a author I really like. I’m most familiar with Morgan Brice’s interconnected paranormal series which I throughly enjoy and, tbh, am a bit behind on.
But when I saw a shifter story written by Brice, it was an immediate draw. Plus it’s main couple was a raccoon and opossum. That “fated mate” pairing just appealed to me.
They are, as each states, not from the sought after or glamour categories of shifter species. True.
Plus they aren’t the predator/prey hookups that, as a biologist, often has me cringing more than a bit. Nopes, opossums and raccoons occupy the same habitats, same niche …nocturnal. It makes more sense then some other shifter couples so mentally I’m already there.
Brice gives each a poignant backstory without going into too much tragedy. I’m not familiar with this universe but the nature of Fox Hollow as a shiftertown for shifters needing a safe haven is easily and quickly established .
Mico Foley, raccoon-shifter, trash truck driver, and found object artist, is a terrific character. From his treehouse which “acts” as his tree cavity, to his engaging personality, Mico feels larger than this novella allows his story to be.
The same goes for the gentle , baker Jack Hargrave. A possum shifter, who’s a genius in the kitchen, with an enthusiastic outlook, and shy demeanor, Jack is the perfect counterpart to Milo’s outgoing charm, and natural intelligence. Each radiates some of their shifter animals in their “human “ stages, a wonderful element.
There’s a beginning courtship, that swings way too quickly to fated mates and true love. Mostly due to the shortness of the novella.
It ends with after a traumatic event, with them happily together.
This is a sweet tale.
For me, the promise these characters hold within themselves and their relationship, it cries out for a longer book and a more densely plotted journey towards a HEA. But that’s me.
Want a Morgan Brice tale? A sweet shifter romance? Trash and Treasure (A Fox Hollow novella) by Morgan Brice is the thing for you.
A lonely raccoon shifter. A hopeful possum shifter. Awesome donuts–and true love.
Raccoon-shifter Mico Foley drives a garbage truck in Fox Hollow, a job that keeps a roof over his head while he pursues his true passion—creating art with found objects. He fears he might never find a mate—until he falls hard for the sexy new baker in town. But will a hottie like that fall for a guy like him?
Possum-shifter Jack Hargrave is the new night baker at Bare Necessities Cafe, his big opportunity to do what he loves most—creating irresistible confections. He didn’t move to Fox Hollow to find a mate, but the handsome truck driver who empties the cafe’s dumpster has stolen his heart. Could a hunk like him still care when he finds out Jack’s secret?
Trash and Treasure is an MM shifter romance with a flirty baker, a brooding artist, hurt/comfort, unusual art, a fancy tree house, found family, fated mates and seductive donuts.
I debated over the rating on this one. A lot. Liked the storyline. The main and one secondary character were charming. Overall holiday message was lovely.
But.
This is a short story that also deals as major elements childhood trauma stemming from domestic violence, where a small child is witness to her drunken mother being beaten (off page) by a large abusive boyfriend. More than once. To the point the father removed her ,got custody, and now the child has nightmares and serious issues with large men in her vicinity.
This child needs therapy. But beyond that. The story develops nicely. Father meets huge stranger. Immediately attracted for both. No intro to daughter for obvious reason. But daughter and father find just the most incredible tiny shop selling handcrafted wands, unicorns etc. This part of the story is excellent. Even the person running the shop , amazing.
The story runs it’s course, including a traumatic event. That’s where I have a issue. Big issue.
Because, spoiler alert. The abusive boyfriend is involved in what is clearly a crime. He’s been involved in domestic violence in the past. So the solution here is :
A. Let him walk free out the door with a drunk/drugged out mother , call him a Uber too , don’t worry about that poor driver.
B. Call the cops, charge him with assault, let him get a criminal record so when it happens again the victim has a support.
What should a responsible author do? Yes, it’s fiction but shouldn’t we start showing that actions have consequences in the stories?
What do you think happened?
One guess, it wasn’t B. Because, hey, it’s Christmas, and even drunks and domestic abusers need to just be sent off. Uh no. Wrong message sent.
One last thing. You leave your child with a caregiver to go out for the evening. The door is busted in by an drunken perhaps drugged out ex of the person you are sitting for, and their abusive boyfriend. You know she doesn’t have custody and are aware of the violence in the past. What do you do? Child is screaming.
A. Call the police.
B. Call the father.
Yup. B. That story just made every wrong choice, not for the child safety but father’s consideration. SMH.
Spoiled this story.
Maybe this hit me wrong. Maybe I’m tired of violence and it not being reported or responsibly handled. But this? Could have been better. Given that the child’s trauma was a major element here.
Read it and decide for yourself. Or not if any of this is a trigger for you.
I was overjoyed to return to Beth Bolden’s Enchanted Folklore universe once again with her new release, Yours, Everlasting: A Gay Fairytale.
A main character, Evander, is very familiar to those of us who read and love Yours, Forever After. That fantasy fairytale, the romance adventure of Prince Graham , aka Gray, of Ardglass and Prince Emory of Fontaine, bossy unicorn, on a mission to reclaim their kingdoms.
A fabulous book and romance.
There we met a mysterious father figure, Ekvard, who sees Prince Graham to safety. And a unicorn. And other fellows.
Everyone and everything comes full circle here in Yours, Everlasting. We learn about a squabbling pantheon of Guardians, a essential mission, and meet once again our princes, now married Kings of a united people.
Evander is a prickly sort of personality. Not the one I remember but then the story starts hundreds of years prior to my initial introduction. He’s every bit a demi-god. Arrogant, stubborn, impulsive, and hot tempered at first. Luckily, he will , due to circumstances, slowly exhibit personal growth and understanding about himself and others. And be the person who cares deeply about those around him.
Otherwise, I’m not sure we could take an entire story of him.
Marcos is fabulous to start with. I adore him. Sexy, swings a mad sword. Has the patience of the ages. Really. How he just hadn’t just up and given Evander a clue during their thousands of years together is a wonder.
The story has magical events, battles, excitement, angst, more than a few surprises, some sexy scenes, and a very happy ending. For all.
Just as the fairytales I prefer should.
Bolden’s Enchanted Folklore series are seriously awesome. Magical, romantic, well written, and beautifully crafted.
I’m highly recommending them both. Read them together, one after the other.
Evander has gone by many names in the last thousand years. He’s lived almost as many lives, using his immortality and his unique shapeshifting abilities to become anyone and anything.
He’s sacrificed lifetimes in his effort to eradicate the malevolent magic threatening all humankind. He’s ready for a well-deserved rest. But the past never stays buried, and he discovers that it’s been watching him . . .
Marcos, the Guardian of War, has waited, he’s observed, he’s admired, and he’s yearned. But now it’s time for him to step into the light and let Evander see him for who he truly is. An ally, not a foe. Maybe even a lover.
But fate is fickle, destinies aren’t set in stone, and as much as Marcos hopes Evander might be his, it will be the fight of his life to not only win Evander’s heart, but to defeat the evil that once again raises its sinister head.
Yours, Everlasting is a fast-paced, action adventure-packed story about two immortals, and includes shapeshifting, magical swords, flying fire balls, far too much pining, a healthy dose of sarcasm, and an emotional HEA.
For anyone else left wondering. Or not familiar with the appalling situation with this publisher, and the authors she’s left unpaid for years, and the aftermath of that.
Yes, it’s still going on. Shockingly, writers are still there and there’s a call out for new authors. 😱
If anyone sees a DSP author still currently published there getting new reviews on my site, pls let me know. I try to research where the books I’m reading are published, so hopefully that won’t occur.
For more information on the current status, check out the article below.
Somehow I missed both this author and her supernatural romance series , Blackhaven Manor. I’m rectifying that now.
Each story is a quick satisfying read if the first is any indication.
Blackhaven Manor is an enormous castle-like structure settled on an equally humongous wooded estate . Think ginormous 5 star hotel that’s comprised of Otherly niches , each suitable for a certain supernatural species, be it Vampire, Fae, type of were shifter, or anything else in the Other spectrum. And run by a meddling Dragon family.
It’s human concierge is Kol Livingston. Kol is one of the few humans on staff and the first to get his romance. He’s fresh from a bad breakup and currently swearing off any new relationships.
That’s when famous singer and infamous bad boy cheetah shifter, Remington Raines, arrives at Blackhaven Manor . He’s set to perform at the fabulous annual Festival held at the manor, a event so exclusive that it’s sold out far in advance.
Steele’s story is a fated mates romance with a hint of suspense to it. The author crafts her characters with an eye towards detail. Then, with a narrative smack, quickly nails the powerful impact a mate call has on a shifter and the couple.
It makes the fated mate a very believable element. Which I think was made more impressive given the shorter length of the book.
There’s a mystery and suspense aspect to the story that is something I both like and yet wish was given more time to develop. What we have is terrific but could have been so outstanding with a bit more “seasoning buildup“.
There are more characters I hope will will get to know better in the future novels. This universe has the potential for some very dramatic storylines and romances. I look forward to books.
I’m definitely recommending you start your journey here.
Kol Livingston believes in the so-called fairy tales, the clichés—love at first sight, soul mates, and happily-ever-afters. He wants it all, but after a series of failed relationships, he’s beginning to think he’ll never meet Prince Charming. He loves his job at Blackhaven Manor, but with all the gorgeous paranormals strutting around the hotel, why would anyone choose him?
When cheetah shifter and infamous bad boy, Remington Raines, is asked to perform for the Heritage Festival at Blackhaven Manor, he can’t say no. Literally. Still, an all-expenses-paid vacation from tour buses and screaming fans might be just what he needs. Falling for the quirky concierge with big, brown eyes and a smile that melts him, however, wasn’t part of the plan. He’s used to people—men, women, supernatural and human—throwing themselves at him, but Kol doesn’t care about his fame or his money. He’s been hurt, and he’s not about to give his heart to just anyone.Image is everything, but if Remington wants to win over this jaded human, he’ll have to dig deep and show Kol the man behind the reputation.
Got Me Thinking, fourth book in Casey Cox’s terrific Vet Shop Boys series, is a very sweet,low angst, contemporary romance.
Chase Higgins is the vet who’s life has just had a complete life upheaval, after a long period of stress, and a inability to conceive children in a dying marriage. It was finally coming to the realization that he needs to live his truth, even if it hurts people close to him. That means telling his wife he’s gay, divorcing, and starting to live as a gay man. In his 30’s.
Fisher West is a single dad of twin girls. Recently relocated back to his hometown of Brookhaven, Virginia, to raise his girls, get his life settled after a heartbreaking dissolution of a relationship.
Each man has undergone enormous changes in their lives, made mental decisions as to any new romances, and new goals at home. Whether it’s small pigs as pets, houses to redo, or just getting reestablished in a community.
Cox gives us two wonderful, relatable men, puts each into situations the reader will connect to, then starts to push them together in the most delightful way.
As Chase figures out what being a “ out” gay man means , and Fisher helps just by being his friend, the warmth and joy of their growing relationship rises off the page. Whether it’s through interactions with all the kids, animals, Saturday dinners, or many conversations, all very realistic and funny and , thankfully, adult, it’s all so smoothly done, that I’m all in without realizing it.
I’m full all in love with the men, the idea of a combined family, the way they actually talk through the issues bothering them. That alone was masterful because it was so thoughtful and yes, grownup. It lacks drama, and I appreciate that. Sometimes, being a grownup, if there’s respect and intelligence, as well as the idea you communicate your thoughts and issues, that’s a great element in a romance and relationship.
The epilogue shows that they had obstacles to overcome but it’s such a marvelous chapter and we see how the family and men went on. Happy and very much in love.
Got Me Thinking (Vet Shop Boys #4) by Casey Cox is a wonderful contemporary romance, with a man who starts to live his truth and finds love, family, and a happy future. It’s a warm-hearted, loving book that will leave you smiling. What’s better then that?
I’m highly recommending this and this gentle series.
He’s a single dad ready to start dating again. I’m newly divorced and new to…well, everything. This is going to be a disaster… Isn’t it?
When my marriage ends, I decide to buy a run-down house and get a drove of piglets. My friends think I’m having a breakdown, when really, all I’m doing is the one thing I’ve avoided my whole life––figuring out who I am.
One thing I’m quickly learning is that life loves nothing more than to throw you a curveball when you least expect it.
Take Fischer West. From the moment we serendipitously collide on a midnight stroll, he ignites something within me. We have a connection. I want to explore it, even though the timing is all wrong.
There’s no way either one of us is ready for a relationship, so why has Fischer got me thinking it might just work?
I’m not sure exactly where the author intends Nothing Ordinary to fall in their series, except as a prequel perhaps.
It was originally written as a series, then re-edited, new material added, and now re-released just as the first book in the series was arriving. So it acts as a informative lead-in for Pietro’s story. Much of Pietro’s history and his relationship with his brother is relayed here. So if you loved that book like I did, it’s worth it for that alone.
But this is Gabe and Ezra’s story. So the events run almost concurrently to those in Switch – Hitter (Hit and Run #1) . Many scenes will seem familiar if you’ve read the other book.
Gabe, the older brother who, due to a car accident, lost his career in the Major Leagues, his marriage, his self esteem. He’s now a private school high school volleyball coach, angry, and alone. Not a happy man.
Ezra Mandel , the new culinary teacher is many things:
A culinary genius. A first-time teacher. An anxious mess.
He looks the same age as his students and has a deep case of social anxiety, made worse by an
abusive ex. None of those elements make him think his experience as a teacher in high school is going to go well.
It doesn’t. He runs into Gabe in the teachers lounge on his first day who yells at him to get out, thinking Ezra’s a student. It goes downhill quickly from there.
This story of opposites attract, enemies to lovers has a lot of promise. Each man has problematic areas to their character. Gabe is dealing with issues of self esteem, anger, loss of career, and even sibling jealousy/envy. He feels he’s never good enough. Anger is his fall back emotion.
Ezra is full of anxiety, a people pleaser who can’t tolerate loud voices, especially those raised in rage. His low self esteem pounded into him by an abusive ex who enjoyed hurting him. A culinary genius who can’t stand the pressure of the kitchen.
These are all complicated elements and needs it’s equal in storytelling. While Lindsey did a good job dealing with Ezra’s anxiety (therapy, communication, meds) and Gabe’s issues of career loss, low esteem, and envy, I not sure Gabe’s elements got addressed enough. Of all three characters who had emotional issues, (Ezra, Pietro, Gabriel) , Gabe is the only person not seeing a therapist. I kept thinking anger management classes were the least he needed. If you have to continually excuse a teacher’s behavior because he’s “complicated’?
Flags , people, flags.
Which brings me to a couple of major concerns or issues I have here. And spoilers territory ! I like these characters. I do. I find them sympathetic, mostly.
Continuity.
Lindsey has both Pietro and Gabe use their celebrity influence as MLB players, past and present, to make important local changes. Include a trans player on a team against the Administration’s wishes, push rulings, whatever. They use what they’re are , rich and well known, to make changes. Over and over. They are local boys made great. Point made.
Even if Gabe feels like a has been, he’s not.
If Lindsey had just explored all the ramifications of these two polar opposites getting together, it would have made for a fascinating story.
But there’s another ugly element thrown in. One of an attempted sexual assault. It happens, it’s over. And other then a very minimal amount of mentions to the aftermath. Done. Yes, Therapy. Yes. Fired. Yada. Yada. But basically , that’s it for such a serious topic.
To my mind, if you’re going to introduce such a sensitive and horrific situation, (it happens on the page, but is swiftly dealt with), then I think there’s an obligation to make this section as relevant and responsible as possible. Gabe and Pietro have the influence to have this person arrested, he’s a sexual predator, who’s been in a high school.
But there’s no follow through here. On any aspect really of this situation.
It’s pretty much glosses over considering the gravity and scope of the scene.
I just didn’t get it. The story flies quickly to the end, and Gabe and Ezra’s HEA.
I didn’t read the serial so I have no idea which sections were added and what’s original. But if the assault scenes were added afterwards, it makes sense, because they don’t feel as thoughtfully written as Ezra’s anxiety or Gabe’s relationship with Pietro.
So it’s worth reading if you want to read the entire Hit and Run series and want all the background. This is great for that.
Read it for Ezra, and yes Gabe. I’m sure we will be seeing them again later on in the series, not just in Pietro’s story, which I highly recommend.
A culinary genius. A first-time teacher. An anxious mess.
And helplessly attracted to the rudest, most grumpy man he has ever had the misfortune of meeting.
Ezra knows his first semester ever teaching at a private school is going to be a disaster. What he doesn’t expect is to get into a rivalry with the volleyball coach who can’t stand him. But the more he gets to know Gabriel Bassani, the more he starts to realize his pain is a lot deeper than the surface of his skin.
And Gabriel is a complicated man. He’s lived in the shadow of his MLB star brother for most of his life, his past marriage was a disaster, and he’s long-since stopped believing in love. But Ezra—persistent, beautiful, irritating Ezra—is the kind of man who refuses to give up, and Gabriel isn’t sure if he wants to beg him to stop, or beg him to keep going.
Whatever they have isn’t ordinary, but then again, ordinary isn’t something either of them has ever wanted.
This book features a low-angst, slow burn, enemies to lovers romance with a nervous sunshine culinary professor in his first year of teaching, a grumpy ex MLB player with a chip on his shoulder the size of Wrigley Field, a gaggle of students who enjoy making bets on the teacher’s lives, and a happily ever after that just might feel like a world record breaking home run.
Nothing Ordinary is a previously released serial novel in the Hit and Run series, now with 15,000 words of revised and additional content.
The Stable Boy is a short, sweet fantasy romance from my must have author, Megan Derr.
A tale of curses, betrayal, and princely love, The Stable Boy is a lovely story about Diggory, a Prince who’s betrayed by his bodyguard on his way to his wedding to Prince Adalwin. Diggory is stabbed, cursed, and left for dead as his bodyguard switches identities and proceeds to the palace in his place.
The story tells how Diggory regains his identity and fiancé by becoming his Stable Boy while working to undo the curse and get his HEA.
It’s simple, satisfying, and quick. A sweet fantasy Bon Bon for lovers of romance and happy endings!
On a journey to meet his fiancé and begin wedding preparations, Prince Diggory is betrayed by his bodyguard, who intends to steal Diggory’s life. Left for dead in a river, the last thing Diggory expects is to live.
But surviving is only half the battle, and Diggory will have to figure out how to work around the constraints of a terrible curse if he hopes to stop the man who betrayed him and gain back his life.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 