Category: Books

Review: A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic (Adenashire, #1) by J. Penner 

Rating: 4⭐️

“A human, a dwarf and an elf walk into a bake-off…”

It had me at the tag line. 

A sweet, no spice fated soulmate fantasy romance, A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic 

follows the journey of orphaned human baker, Arleta Starstone who lives in a small village called Adenashire next door to the two orcs who raised her after her parents died. Her passion is baking, it’s how she supports herself and she’s fantastic at it. But she’s insecure because she’s human and without magic.

The Langheim Baking Battle, a famous baking contest, is the path that sees Arleta on her way to becoming a person of confidence in her abilities as a baker and as a strong kind woman. One able to make friends, achieve her goals and accept a HEA. 

Penner’s storyline brings in several characters that turn into important figures in Arleta’s life and the series. They’re characters who have strong back histories relayed here and future books in the series. I look forward to each one.

I found A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic (Adenashire, #1) by J. Penner very entertaining, the characters are engaging and fun.  

There’s issues with this that stick out. One is an element that bugs me whenever I see it. That of the “disappearing animal character “, the one character where the author has made a point about in the narrative, pages and descriptions. And it’s importance to one of the main characters. Then it vanishes from the story. Gone. 

As it does here. 

What happened to Theo’s magical Forest  Lynx cat with horns , one he rescued btw and needs to be fed? Did it go with Theo? What happened to it? No mention about it. Authors need to include the necessary details to wrap it up into the finished piece. 

And what about the difference in lifespan? That’s never addressed either.  

Those are major holes in the story.

But I will end up with huge positives. All the recipes at the end.  Some of the contest recipes are included there.  Be prepared to drool and bake, of course. 

Gorgeous Book Cover by Clara Fang

Adenashire (5 book series)

A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic #1 

A Fellowship of Librarians & Dragons #2

A Fellowship of Games & Fables #3

A Fellowship of Curses & Cats #4

A Fellowship of Academics & Arts #5

Buy link

        A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic: Adenashire, A Cozy Fantasy Book Series

    

Blurb 

A human, a dwarf and an elf walk into a bake-off…

In the heart of Adenashire, where elvish enchantments and dwarven delights rule, human baker Arleta Starstone works twice as hard at perfecting her unique blend of baking with apothecary herbs. So, when her orc neighbor (and biggest fan) secretly enters her creations into the prestigious Langheim Baking Battle, Arleta faces a dilemma. Being magicless, her participation in the competition could draw more scowls than smiles. And if Arleta wants to prove her talent and establish her culinary reputation, she’ll need more than just her pastry craft to sweeten the odds.

Though Arleta may not yet believe in herself, she makes her way to Langheim―with the help of a very attractive woodland elf―and competes. While on a journey of mouthwatering pastries, self-discovery, heartwarming friendships, and potential romance, Arleta will have to decide whether winning the Baking Battle is the true prize after all. But win or lose, her adventure is only beginning…

Although this book is part of a series it can only be read as a standalone. Escape to Adenashire for a delightful cozy fantasy where every twist is a treat and every turn a step closer to home.

Review: Enticing the Elf (Elf Magic #2) by Louisa Masters 

Rating: 4.5🌈

The second book in Masters’ Elf Magic series, Enticing the Elf was a romantic joyride, a comedic urban fantasy journey of love. That’s a phrase I’m sure those bros would appreciate!

This is Dáithí and Eoin’s story, characters we’ve grown to love and appreciate throughout this series and stories from the Hidden Species universe.  It’s a couple that have been seeing each other, so no insta-love but realistic obstacles and struggles that they face that are keeping them from a committed relationship. 

Immediately I like the story better than the first. The groundwork is there, the characters are well defined, and Masters’ plot hilariously allows for many of our favorite characters to shine in supporting roles to bring Dáithí and Eoin to their HEA. 

It’s got comedy, romance, realistic relationship discussions and heartwarming moments. And bunnies!

Plus we get a setup for the next book and couple to watch for.

Dáithí and Eoin turn out to be #relationshipgoals. What a happy ending and fabulous story.

Highly recommended. 

Cover Photo: Wander Aguiar 

Model: Ryan 

Cover Design: Booksmith Design

Elf Magic:

Wooing the Elf #1

Enticing the Elf #2

Buy link 

        Enticing the Elf (Elf Magic Book 2)

    

Blurb 

There’s nothing I want more than a life with him… but my past is the world’s worst wingman.

For a big chunk of my life, I expected to die along with the rest of my species. Nobody thought we’d make it, and I did my best to live in the now and enjoy every second of precious life.

Now that’s coming back to bite me in the ass.

Because the impossible happened, and we got our second chance. A safe home. A tomorrow worth planning for. And a future I want to spend with Dáithí.

He’s amazing—sassy, clever, the kind of guy who can cut you down with one eyebrow and still make you laugh. We’ve known each other a long time, and convincing him to date me was one of the best wins of my long life. Convincing him to be my boyfriend? That’s a fight I might not win.

Because the reputation I earned when I was living life to the fullest has stuck, and Dáithí’s convinced I’m only in this for a good time, not a long time. He’s protecting his heart from future damage by keeping things casual between us… even though they’re not.

How do I prove I want him forever?

Review:  Shifting Winds (Shifter Lords #4) by S.E. Babin 

Rating: 4.75⭐️

This was an excellent read. The fourth book in what I believe is a seven book series, Babin packs so many important series elements and shocking moments into this book, jamming a multitude of various character’s storylines, relationship dynamics, and unexpected events together to make this story a memorable, explosive dramatic and extremely compelling book. 

Evie and Caelin’s relationship is one that still stands out as one of powerfully compelling fragility.  Each of them has their own unique powers as well as responsibilities and deeply rooted secrets that make any type of permanent connection between them almost untenable. Never more is this made clear than here as events escalate. 

But Evie’s friends are ongoing challenges and their own personal relationship issues. Ones that her choices are making an impact.

It’s one thing after another. One dramatic moment that arises when you least expect it.  And the author folds every single piece of information and plot effortlessly into the whole, using mythology and fantasy and the richness of the location to bring the characters and wildness of this story to life. 

That ending was so satisfying and intense. Which makes me want more immediately!

There’s a bit of a mystery left unanswered that will be carried over to the next book.  I can wait for it to be released. 

Highly recommended. Grab them up and read in the order they were written. 

This is a series that I find absolutely amazing. A winner!

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords series:

Shift of Heart #1

Shift of Morals #2

Power Shift #3

Shifting Winds #4

Shifting Resolve #5

Shift of Rule #6

Shift of the Wild #7

Buy link 

        Shifting Winds (Shifter Lords Book 4)

    

Blurb 

Everything’s a mess. The gods won’t stay out of her business. And Evie? All she wants is a little peace or drowning by bottomless margaritas.

Evie should be basking in the afterglow after her romp with the Shifter Lord. Instead, she’s dodging his increasingly aggressive courtship rituals like a runaway bride carrying dynamite. Not because she doesn’t care about him, but because she’s keeping big secrets.

Cernunnos has decided to retire. On the surface, totally fine. Except … Daddy Dearest wants to hand Evie the keys to the fae kingdom, and he’s been dropping in with divine homework and cryptic warnings about the future.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, Caelan is hinting at forever, the Council is sniffing around, searching for answers about Donovan’s untimely demise, and Cliona keeps dropping by, hinting she wants a mother-daughter relationship, while conveniently forgetting she tried to kill Evie a few months ago.

The cherry on top? After a split-second decision to swallow the World Tree seed to keep it out of Chimera hands, Evie is now a bridge to other worlds—a power she has no idea how to use, but one that everyone covets, leaving her to ask the most important question of all…

Who can she trust?

And who wants to take her out for good?

Publisher

Oliver Heber Books

Publication date

November 4, 2025

‎English

Print length

264 pages

Review: A Coup Of Tea (Tea Princess Chronicles: Book 1 ) by Casey Blair

Rating: 4⭐️

I will admit that I’ve struggled with this book and rating because I’ve enjoyed so much of this story and characters. It’s got really interesting elements and the makings of a terrific fantasy tale of a young woman who is trying to find her way of service in a tumultuous magical world. 

And in many cases it does work.  The writing is descriptively detailed, rich in elements and emotional imagery. It’s magical in many respects. 

Author Blair sets out a terrific foundation of a kingdom of rulers that’s based around service, an intriguing idea. And it opens up as the fourth daughter of the ruling family is about to enter the ceremony to determine the course of her career and life’s path of service to her family and people of Istalam. 

Let’s just say the ceremony doesn’t go as planned. And Princess Miyara finds herself with another life journey in store for her. 

One that ends in a small tea shop in the city of Sayorsen which sits on the edge of a cataclysmic event that separates an entire realm of unstable magic. Here Miyara finds her way to her true self, and it’s a beautiful thoughtful and deeply caring journey. 

Miyara’s new life involves her working with people of various backgrounds, cultures and traditions, all new to someone of her previous status. As she grows stronger and adapts to her new life, finding new friends of all kinds, witches included, political and social changes start to happen.

Casey Blair’s story incorporates important such elements such as the need for societal change, highlighting the impact of racism, exploitation, environmental degradation, and the importance of service.  All that through Miyara, her development, her role in the community and with the family. And her dedication to becoming a Tea Master with the beautiful magical tea ceremony, dragons , and more. 

Is it perfect? No there a few odd phrases that don’t make sense here, especially when spoken by a Princess who for most of the story has trouble remembering that “court language “ isn’t common for the type of person she’s trying to portray now.  

Here’s a quick example. 

“I laugh, a little hysterically. “Thank you for not telling me I’m batty.”

In a strange mystical magical kingdom that sentence and use of batty, especially from a palace princess, feels so much very out of place. 

Strange bits of narrative weirdness that jar the reader out of the story. 

However, the whole plot and character is marvelous. And as someone who has read ahead, I can say that book 2 is even better. 

A definite winner. And another recommendation! A cozy fantasy adventure with a complete set!

Love these covers. 

Cover design by Hampton Lamoureux of TS95 Studios

Tea Princess Chronicles:

A Coup Of Tea #1

Tea Set and Match #2

Royal Tea Service #3

Short story sequel:

Saiyana’s Challenge: A Story of the Tea Princess Chronicles

Tales from a Magical Teashop: Stories of the Tea Princess Chronicles

Buy Link

 Book 1 of 3: Tea Princess Chronicles 

Description 

A complete, bestselling cozy fantasy series available to binge now!

“There will always be work for those who know how to listen.”

When the fourth princess of Istalam is due to dedicate herself to a path serving the crown, she makes a choice that shocks everyone, herself most of all: She leaves.

In hiding and exiled from power, Miyara finds her place running a tea shop in a struggling community that sits on the edge of a magical disaster zone. But there’s more brewing under the surface of this city—hidden magic, and hidden machinations—that threaten all the people who’ve helped her make her own way.

Miyara may not be a princess anymore, but with a teapot in hand she’ll risk her newfound freedom to discover a more meaningful kind of power.

A Coup of Tea is the first book of the Tea Princess Chronicles, a cozy fantasy series full of magic tea, found family, and lifting people up even when the odds seem impossible.

Review:  Little Bean: A Paranormal Comedy with Heart (Maya’s Blogs Book 5) by Lara MacKenzie

Rating: 5⭐️

Little Bean brings Maya’s Blog to a close, with tears, drama and, yes, more growth and more hopeful happiness  in the future for her and her growing family and friends. 

Maya’s undergone so many dramatic changes from the broken abused human who started a blog she wasn’t sure anyone would want to read to a paranormal being herself with readers in the millions from many realms (it’s listed at the top of every chapter).   She’s documented her journey, her fears and the challenges, every milestone and every step backwards. Her successes and her failures. 

And each one has been one that’s had resonated with me, deeply, with this remarkable character that the author has framed out in this great blog format. 

There’s side stories about women who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. And the organization that offers them and their children more than just food and shelter. 

It’s about recovery, healing, and the ability to accept help to move forward when needed. It’s emotional magic and it’s honestly so hard to put into words, what it means to read this series and reach the end. 

I’m not ready.  Truly I’m not.

So I’ll leave you with this small piece at the end. 

From Maya to her readers as she writes as she thinks about what comes next, just one tiny bit.  

“You’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to want more than survival. 

You’re allowed to fall apart and rebuild yourself into something new. 

You’re allowed to be scared and brave at the same time.”

I can’t even get past the rest without going back and starting over. With tissues. 

Given the current state of our world, especially for women, this character and series hits hard. An emotional gut punch, book by book. 

Laughing, crying, recovery, loss, and renewed strength to move forward. 

It’s a series I never expected when I first started reading. New author and format. But it’s one that’s stuck with me and it’s been a great read and source of comfort. 

Now I’m passing it along to you.  It a special kind of treasure, something to share with the next person who you think might be want a special voice in their lives. 

The cover has a tag, An Umbrafore novel, which might possibly promise more novels to come in this chaotic universe. I can always hope. 

Cover Illustration Main image by Manuka Madushan, Digital Illustrator.

MAYA’S BLOGS:

Espresso Yourself #1

Brew Diligence #2

Uncharted Grounds #3

Flat White Flag #4

Little Bean #5 – series finale 

Buy link

        Little Bean: A Paranormal Comedy with Heart (Maya’s Blogs Book 5)

    

Blurb 

Maya Draven thought marrying a shadow demon warlord was the craziest thing she’d ever do. She was wrong.

As she faces escalating attacks from hate groups, Maya discovers that having a hybrid baby doesn’t make her vulnerable—it makes her dangerous.

And Maya is about to face her biggest challenges yet.

This is the explosive conclusion to Maya’s journey from anxious barista to fierce mother, where she proves that sometimes the best response to people trying to silence you is to speak even louder.

  • Publication date: November 2, 2025
  • Language: English
  • File size: 2.6 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage: Unlimited
  • Screen Reader: Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Not Enabled
  • Word Wise: Enabled
  • Print length: 322 pages
  • Page Flip: Enabled
  • Book 5 of 5: Maya’s Blogs

Review:  Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher 

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Selena ,with her dog, Copper, has fled an abusive relationship after the death of her mother. Broken and desperate with dollars to her name, she’s bought a train ticket and traveled days to a small desert town of Quartz Creek in search of an aunt she barely knows. 

Kingfisher’s novel pulls us immediately into the character of Selena, as it’s her voice that’s telling her story.  Quietly contained, tense, and worried as we watch through her eyes, her journey to a town so dry , so small that there’s nothing to see when she’s deposited at her final destination with her few belongings and gentle old lab, Copper. 

We’ve no idea exactly how broken Selena is or how horrific a relationship and past she’s fled. That is slowly revealed throughout the narrative as she starts to find her own way and new foundation in this quirky community. 

Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher is a richly woven, beautifully written tale of a broken woman who finds in small dusty desert town full of secrets, small Gods both frightening and dangerous and some benign a refuge and home, along with a found family. People who are ready to support her, give her comfort and the space she needs to recover and develop her own strengths. 

It’s a remarkable journey. Full of humor, compassion, joy and yes, horror.  

All the characters are remarkable in their design and detail, human and otherwise.  The mythology and mystical elements are incredible. 

And I appreciate that even in the “horror “ aspect of this tale, there is a grey area attached to the “villain” here. Yes, its actions now are wrong but all the characters can see their origin came from a very different place.  I really like having a broader perspective on subjects like this. Nothing is ever black and white. 

T. Kingfisher  or author Ursula Vernon is a writer whose work is quietly thoughtful and insightful. Her love for this desert and its beauty is apparent here, it flows through the landscape of the narrative in every sentence. 

As does her approach to life and wildlife. Roadrunners are indeed far more than the cartoon characters would have you believe. Authors notes are a delight. Check them out. 

Highly recommended. Both author and book. 

Exquisite cover that carries major themes of the story.

Cover design by Logan Matthews Cover illustration by Tristan Elwell

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comSnake-Eater: Kingfisher, T.: 9781662525094

Blurb 

From New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award–winning author T. Kingfisher comes an enthralling contemporary fantasy seeped in horror about a woman trying to escape her past by moving to the remote US desert—only to find herself beholden to the wrath of a vengeful god.

With only a few dollars to her name and her beloved dog Copper by her side, Selena flees her past in the city to claim her late aunt’s house in the desert town of Quartz Creek. The scorpions and spiders are better than what she left behind.

Because in Quartz Creek, there’s a strange beauty to everything, from the landscape to new friends, and more blue sky than Selena’s ever seen. But something lurks beneath the surface. Like the desert gods and spirits lingering outside Selena’s house at night, keeping watch. Mostly benevolent, says her neighbor Grandma Billy. That doesn’t ease the prickly sense that one of them watches too closely and wants something from Selena she can’t begin to imagine. And when Selena’s search for answers leads her to journal entries that her aunt left behind, she discovers a sinister truth about her new home: It’s the haunting grounds of an ancient god known simply as “Snake-Eater,” who her late aunt made a promise to that remains unfulfilled.

Snake-Eater has taken a liking to Selena, an obsession of sorts that turns sinister. And now that Selena is the new owner of his home, he’s hell-bent on collecting everything he’s owed.

Review: I Ran Away to Evil: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com by Mystic Neptune

Rating: 4.25⭐️

I Ran Away to Evil: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com by Mystic Neptune, which was an absolute delight to read, is among a small handful of books and series where the heroine decides to either be the villain or Big Bad herself or go over to the villain’s side of the story. 

It usually happens early on and because being a hero isn’t particularly a “good” or has been a happy experience for her. In some cases, it’s been enormously traumatic and damaging. 

As is the case with Henrietta Doryn, Warrior Princess, who, just before her 18 birthday, is told by her ruling parents she must go off to the Dark Enchanted Forest and infiltrate the castle and kill the Dark Lord.  Or die trying preferably. 

Of course, the Dark Lord isn’t all that evil. He runs a very excellent kingdom, would rather be tinkering in his workshop and avoiding any kind of paperwork. He’s a great multi dimensional character who continues to grow as the story progresses.

This is a story written in the LitRPG Rom-Com trope which, if you’re not a gamer, means that the story and or series has a LitRPG, or Literary Role-Playing Game incorporated into its format. It’s characters can go on quests, check their stats as far as their various levels and abilities anywhere during the narrative.

So certain expected fantasy elements are meshed together with LitRPG aspects of the story to create a different experience for the reader. 

It can work well, as it does here. Although I’ve found it can also be a bit more challenging in some other novels. Really depends on the author and reader tastes. 

For another fun element, there’s a “Bridgeton” type announcement that’s anonymously written that makes several serious and not so serious statements about ongoing events. 

Who is writing this is a mystery to be solved in the final book!

But first it’s the romance of the Dark Lord who isn’t really and the Warrior Princess who would rather be baking than battling (although she’s rather amazing at it). 

There’s some dark aspects that allow for each character to have a different and surprising depth to them and their journey to HEA. 

I love it when I’m reading and the characters and story continues to evolve and surprise me. Happily. 

I look forward to reading the next book in this series. 

Wonderful story! 

Cover design by MsArtsy and Jenny Zemanek 

Interior illustrations by Arturo Gómez Martínez and Leah Zink

I Ran Away to Evil: A Cozy LitRPG Rom-Com, books 1-3

Each with a different main couple and storyline that fits within the series arc

Buy Link:

 Book 1 of 3: I Ran Away to Evil 

Blurb 

A reluctant heroine finds unexpected love when she’s sent to assassinate a lonely dark lord in the first book of this cozy romantasy series.

Henrietta Doryn has never enjoyed fighting. She’d rather be in the kitchen baking cookies. But it’s her duty as Warrior Princess to face off against the forces of evil. As such, she’s unceremoniously shooed from her kingdom to go eliminate the all-powerful Dark Lord next door. 

Keith Monfort has never enjoyed ruling with an iron fist. He’d prefer to be in his workroom tinkering with practical magic. But it’s his duty to lead the Dark Enchanted Forest and the forces of evil. So when Henrietta shows up at his door, he’s only too happy to invite her in for tea to talk it out instead.

Can this unlikely pair prevent war between their two kingdoms? Where do their true loyalties lie? And when will they finally confess their growing feelings for each other?

Blending the best of love stories, fairy tales, and whimsy—with just a dash of mystery provided by the soothsaying Madame Potts’s enigmatic announcements—I Ran Away to Evil is a deliciously delightful start to a charming romantic-comedy LitRPG series.

The first volume of the hit LitRPG romantasy series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

  • Publisher: Podium Publishing
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: April 23, 2024
  • Language: English
  • File size: 8.0 MB
  • Screen Reader: Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Not Enabled
  • Word Wise: Enabled
  • Print length: 435 pages
  • ISBN-13: 978-1039454248
  • Page Flip: Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3: I Ran Away to Evil

Review:  Shadow Throne King (Emperor’s Assassin Book 3) by Kai Butler 

Rating: 4🌈

Shadow Throne King is the third novel in Kai Butler’s Emperor’s Assassin series and I thought this is where the series would be wrapped up. 

But there’s more to come and I’ll be honest, I’m struggling a bit here. 

Butler has written about a complex political situation, with an equally strong layered world upon which the author made its foundation. Kingdoms at war, subtly and magically. Ice and fire, ancient blood magicians, and monstrosities abound. 

And dragons as well as things that lurk in the dark. 

That’s all pretty exciting. Love the ravens. And the characters are, individually, intriguing and given strong backgrounds. 

Based on its elements alone, it’s a 4.5, as a series and story. Solidly crafted and executed so well that I really enjoyed it.  

Especially that last section of dramatic fights and flight from the mountain. So excellent and moving. I was with those mountain badgers and their families every single step. And that song at that moment? Heartbreaking. 

What I’m struggling with? And shouldn’t be is the relationship between the two main characters. I feel absolutely no connection with them. Individually yes. Together no. 

I just don’t find them credible as a pair. No real chemistry between them. And Kai Butler can write chemistry like crazy. Just read Butler’s The Empty Throne Trilogy. But, at least for me, I’m not feeling it here.

I enjoy Airon, the northern assassin/Prince Consort, although at times I feel that he’s not consistent enough in his character for me here. He’s a trained assassin. Yet he doesn’t know to trust his instincts here in the story? Particularly regarding a certain character whose actions are screaming don’t trust me?  

Things like that in a character and storyline just will take a reader right out of a narrative quickly.  As it did me several times here. 

For me, it just highlights that you can have all the “pretty things “ like great world building and details but you need to get the actual substance, the core , the relationship right for a story to feel complete. And at book three it’s not happening. 

But could be that’s it’s just me. So for all the great execution of the plot and characters, 4 stars. 

Cover by Hannah Latham at oexasart 

Emperor’s Assassin series:

Betrothed to the Emperor #1

Emperor’s Wrath #2

Shadow Throne King #3

Dragon Blood Curse #4 – March 16,2026

Buy link

 Book 3 of 4: Emperor’s Assassin 

Blurb 

As the Imperium crumbles beneath our feet, will I be able to keep hold of Tallu?

The imperial generals who so loyally served Tallu’s monstrous father have declared war on us and fled the capital. The enemy nation of Krustau claims to have Empress Koque and Prince Hallu, the second son of Emperor Millu. If that is true, Krustau would have claim to the Imperium’s throne. 

Unable to risk the possibility that Tallu’s brother could fall into the wrong hands, Tallu and I must confront a greater threat than either of us could dream of. Will Tallu’s secrets lead to our loss or will he finally trust me with the truth he can barely whisper in the dark?

  • Publication date: October 27, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 394 pages
  • Book 3 of 4: Emperor’s Assassin

CW: Animal death (temporary), dismemberment, death.

Review:  The House Witch (The House Witch, #1 by Delemhach

Rating: 5⭐️

When I find a new author and a series that makes me swoon as a reader, well, let me tell you, it can keep me up at night thinking about all the amazing stories in my future!

And there are many, many stories ahead of me. I’m so happy.

But first let’s talk about Delemhach’s The House Witch.  It’s a no spice , richly crafted humorous fantasy romance.  The author’s has an amazing ability to bring this fantasy kingdom to life, with all it’s meriad variety of beings , human and otherwise , pand, as we find out, very compelling problems while simultaneously creating a magical world that has such a unique and wonderful character like Finlay Ashowan in it, was incredible. I was so captivated immediately by everything that was happening. 

Fin arrives at the royal castle of the King and Queen of Daxaria. He’s the new head cook. However, he’s hiding the secret that he’s a kitchen witch, perhaps the only known one in the world. And the situation he’s coming into is a tumultuous one. A perilous political time of potential warfare, a royal beloved couple facing a heartbreaking time they’ve faced before, and hidden enemies lurking around in their shadows.

Fin is, also, a prickly personality, but one who, in every sense, fights for those who need him while trying to keep his powers hidden. 

What’s truly remarkable is this story deals with topics that require sensitivity and understanding. Women who are being harassed and targeted, miscarriages, horrific physical parental abuse, and even widespread species violence. But the author, instead of focusing on the raw material or specific details, instead uses these storylines as subtly important parts of each character‘a development or another facet of the entire story. 

And when it’s revealed, it’s as an impactful moment for the characters and readers. I can’t stress enough how fantastic this element is here. 

Not only for Fin but also for many other characters. Ones that end up being characters that the reader will hold just as close to their heart as the main characters, Fin and Annika. And Kraken the Kitchen Cat. 

This is witty, hilarious, heartbreaking, beautifully written and a fantastic read. It captures your imagination and heart. 

I’m immediately headed to book 2. Read this and follow me there. 

One of my finds of the year. 

These richly detailed covers! I love them!

Cover design by Podium Publishing

The House Witch series:

All three books of the same title!

Plus semi sequel :

The Princess of Potential series 

The Burning Witch trilogy

The Ether Witch trilogy that is due to release it’s final volume in 2026

Buy link 

 Book 1 of 3: The House Witch 

Blurb 

A heartwarming and humorous blend of fantasy, romance, and mystery featuring a witch with domestic powers and the royal household he serves . . . dinner.

When Finlay Ashowan joins the staff of the King and Queen of Daxaria, he’s an enigma. No one knows where he comes from or how he came to be where he is, which suits Fin just fine. He’s satisfied simply serving as the royal cook, keeping nosy passersby out of his kitchen, and concocting some truly uncanny meals.

But Fin’s secret identity doesn’t stay hidden for long. After all, it’s not every day a house witch and his kitten familiar, Kraken, take to meddling in imperial affairs. As his powers are gradually discovered by the court, Fin finds himself involved in a slew of intrigues: going head-to-head with knights with less-than-chivalrous intentions, helping to protect the pregnant queen, fending off the ire of the royal mage, and uncovering a spy in the castle. And that’s only the beginning—because Fin’s past is catching up with him just as his love life is getting complicated . . .

Filled with fascinating characters, courtly intrigue, political machinations, delicious cuisines, cuddly companions, magical hijinks, and will-they-won’t-they romance, The House Witch is the first in a captivating new series, guaranteed to satisfy the tastes of any reader.

  • Publisher: Podium Publishing
  • Publication date: June 21, 2022
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 474 pages
  • Book 1 of 3: The House Witch

Review:  Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs

Rating: 5⭐️

Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs has been described as a terrific novel written in as several short stories. I absolutely agree and I loved it. 

The premise of the stories centers around an ancient werewolf, Asil, one who lost his beloved mate in a long past traumatic event that has continued to haunt him.  His current pack mates in Montana have decided to take him on a series of 5 blind dates, via various dating apps, at Christmas time, to pull him out of his increasingly violent behavior and depression. 

He’s even a Muslim who doesn’t celebrate Christmas as Asil will often remind his friends. So each short story is one of Asil’s dates. It begins with a open email, or text, that starts with 

Dear Asil. It then outlines the date, the app they choose from, the parameters of the date and sign it Merry Christmas, Your Concerned Friends .

The dates have a huge range from floral arrangements to kitties to ghostbusters and more. But that doesn’t even touch the surface of what the author has in store for Asil and the reader. 

It’s actually startling complex, often horrifying, well written and beautifully played out, with each story constantly evolving and reflecting back into Asil’s life. 

By the time we reach the end tale, the pieces are falling into place, the drama is charged full of suspense and chaos, and that epilogue is so satisfying and heartwarming that I read it twice. 

This is why Patricia Briggs is a highly recommended author. Grab up this new book and enjoy!

Contents:

Asil’s first date:

“Unappreciated Gifts”

Asil’s Second Date:

 “Must Love Cats: Aftermath”

Asil’s Third Date:

“Asil and the Not-Date”

Asil’s Fourth Date:

“Dating Terrors”

Asil’s Fifth Date:

“Scheherazade”

“Epilogue”

Except from 

“Alpha and Omega” by Patricia Briggs

Cover illustration Daniel dos Santos Cover and endpapers designed by Judith Lagerman

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › shop › dealsBlind Date With A Werewolf

Blurb 

When the deadly werewolf Asil is gifted five blind dates by some anonymous “friends,” his reclusive life will never be the same, in this enthralling novel in stories from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson series.

Includes two all-new stories as well as three previously published stories.

Dear Asil:

We are worried about you. A werewolf alone is a sad thing, especially at Christmastime. So we have a challenge for you: five dates in three weeks. We have taken the work out of it and connected you with five people from online dating sites. You should also know that we have informed the whole pack and instigated a betting pool. Have fun!

Sincerely,

Your Concerned Friends

  • Publisher: Ace
  • Publication date: October 21, 2025
  • Language: English