Review:  Possessive Puckboy (Puckboys Book 8) by Eden Finley, Saxon James

Rating: 4.25🌈

Possessive Puckboy is Connor Kikishkin’s redemption story. He’s been a secondary character to his brothers books and a problematic one at that.  One of the four Kiki hockey players, Connor’s the one who has been the most controlling of his brothers lives, personal and professional. He’s come off as a bully and a bit of a homophobe. 

It got to the point in the last book that his brother, Easton and his best friend, Knox, hid their relationship and Easton who plays on the same NHL team, Colorado, now wants a transfer out. 

The beginning of Possessive Puckboy has a man who was horribly bullied in the same high school as the Kiki siblings by the football players buying the hockey team. 

 This is a true enemy to lovers, reformed bully, secret relationship, bi-awakening journey story.  There’s even more elements here packed into dense emotional baggage stated above. Deep family expectations, self awareness and realization, and one thing I thought should have been talked about more clearly, rage management.  

But there was already a lot narratively on the table here for the authors to explore with their characters. 

The relationship between gay IT billionaire/owner Parker Duchene, the man who was horribly bullied in high school, and the straight Connor Kikishkin, the jock who stood by and did nothing, is a very engaging one. It’s tough, hilarious in parts, emotional and smartly executed.

Connor is a mess. So to have him immediately improve is unlikely. And he doesn’t. 

It messes with his head as well as his game. And his other relationships and team dynamics.  As it should.

Parker too is slow to find his way as an owner, making plenty of mistakes. 

 All those aspects of the story really work together to bring a believable sense of a growing relationship. 

What I missed was the authors exploring how Connor reached the stage where he was so rigid in his own life and outlook that he was drowning in it.  That the lack of empathy and communication between him and his family, his parents who pushed him into the role and kept him there, and his siblings who didn’t talk to him enough to make him understand, none of that is really covered.

Instead it’s a quick conversation and done.  Which really removes an entire accountability and aspect of reality to his own redemption arc. 

Anyway I enjoyed this, and it’s onto Stubborn Puckboy , where a certain new Russian character we just met gets his own romance. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him!

Check this one out!

“Cover Illustration Copyright © Story Styling Cover Designs Photography by Wander Aguiar

Puckboys:

  • Egotistical Puckboy #1
  • Irresponsible Puckboy #2
  • Shameless Puckboy #3
  • Foolish Puckboy #4
  • Clueless Puckboy #5
  • Bromantic Puckboy #6
  • Forbidden Puckboy #7
  • Possessive Puckboy #8
  • Stubborn Puckboy #9 – July 31,2025

Buy link

        Possessive Puckboy (Puckboys Book 8)

    

Blurb 

Connor

Finding out those closest to me don’t see me as the great guy I think I am not only kicks me in the gut, it makes me question everything.

Until that happened, I didn’t think I had many regrets in my life. Now, I have nothing but regrets. And when my NHL team is bought out, and the new owner makes his presence known, my existential crisis kicks up a notch. Because he might be my biggest regret of all.

Parker Duchene.

I made his life a living hell in high school, and now he’s inserting himself into my career to repay the favor.

With everything in my personal life already on the line, I can’t risk hockey too. I need to figure out a way to play nice with the new owner.

Parker

I bought Colorado’s NHL team to honor my late father. I did. Only reason.

Emotionally playing with one of my many high school tormentors is a nice bonus though.

Connor Kikishkin may be the one who made me the target for years of name-calling, but I’ve always wondered if my hatred for him bordered too much on the obsessive side to truly be classified as hate.

Infatuation is probably the right word for it.

Now his whole life is in my hands, and I can’t wait to see him beg for my mercy. Seeing Mr. Popular find his humility will definitely ease the grief from losing my dad … right? Because right now, that’s all I have, and I need to hold on to it so I don’t crumble.

  • Publisher: Sadenverse Books (March 27, 2025)
  • Publication date: March 27, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 308 pages

Review:  Star Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Book 1) by Helen Harper

Rating:  4.75⭐️

Star Witch is a deceptively read, a book that looks to be a very quirky paranormal take on the popular tv survivor shows but with witches as contestants.  Throw in a murder mystery or two and a reunion of lovers, and this is a fabulous quick mystery thriller with a romantic couple involved in the investigation. 

That’s not enough? Then the author decides to add in another hidden storyline that darkens the entire aspect of the novel, throwing the whole plot, the future of everything and everyone into jeopardy.  

Then , boom. Gives us a scene that will change everything. For all the characters. Forever.  

Never saw it coming. Just shocking.

It was at 2am in the morning when I finished this. But with that ending I had to go immediately to read the next book, Spirit Witch, to pick up the events that will occur. 

You’re going to want to do the same.  Outstanding series. And the characters are amazing, starting with  Ivy Wilde, a FMC we definitely need more of. She’s fine with her looks, including the fact she’s full figured, her clothes are worn jeans and comfy  shoes, and she’s not the tallest person out there or the most energetic. But she’s perceptive, kind, inventive and good at hiding exactly how intelligent and talented she’s always been.  I adore her. And the characters around her, including her maybe suitor, Raphael Winter.  And her snarky familiar. 

Run to grab up this series and books. Read them in order for character and plot development. Each is about 20 so chapters long but beautifully written and well crafted. They go quickly.

 Highly recommended.

Cover by Yocla Designs. an accurate representation actually . She’s a fantastic character.

The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic:

Slouch Witch #1

Star Witch #2

Spirit Witch #3

Sparkle Witch #4-a holiday novella 

Buy link 

        Star Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Book 2)

    

Blurb 

Lights. Camera. Inaction. Ivy Wilde, the laziest witch in the West, is still entangled with the Hallowed Order of Magical Enlightenment. That’s not a bad thing, however, because it gives her plenty of excuses to spend more time with sapphire eyed Raphael Winter, her supposed nemesis. And when he comes knocking because he needs her to spy on the latest series of Enchantment, she jumps at the chance. Hanging around a film set can’t be hard … or dangerous … right?

  • Publication date: July 10, 2017
  • Language: English’s
  • Print length: 334 pages

Review: Amber Gambler (The Body Shop Book 2) by Hailey Edwards

Rating: 4.75⭐️

Amber Gambler really was a revelation for me. Where I might have been slow to connect with the universe and the relationships here, maybe even understanding the main character of Frankie Mary as much as I should, this story now immediately has me committing to them, and this series. I’m all in. 

It picks up after the shocking events of Fair Market Value.  The Mary’s are dealing with the emotional and physical damage of the deep betrayal of someone who they thought was a friend. Frankie’s recovering, missing Kierce who’s left to heal his wounds as well as trying to find the right mental state to heal herself from the trauma of Lyle and his son, Harrow. 

There’s Carter’s awful storyline left hanging to bring in here, plus Josie and Matty’s own emotional wounds. 

With all that going on, a ghost comes to Frankie in his need. His granddaughter is missing and he needs Frankie’s help to find her.  

Edwards story is so compelling in that it’s complex and emotional nature allows the author to explore the tragedy of those children who were failed by the society, social care system, or even their own families.  Whether it’s the Mary siblings and their horrific experiences in their foster care system or for the missing girls and abandoned kids Frankie finds along the way, this is a raw, tragic and deeply personal element here. 

Frankie is undergoing physical and psychological changes as well, changes she’s not understanding, something she’s hiding from her family.  

Kierse and his companion crow, Badb , a great character who’s both comedic relief and mysterious being, are back as powerful entities. Kierse is also the potential romantic partner and is more multidimensional. I’m absolutely team Kierse, especially considering the events the play out. Harrow continues to be that toxic personality that everyone regrets. 

Carter is a marvel. She’s quickly becoming a great new surprise as a layered individual who can deliver a new facet of her personality when it’s time. 

As Frankie works with Carter and Kierse to find the missing child, the narrative builds a compelling emotional journey with Edwards creating multiple threads that connect murder mysteries , numerous mythological gods and legends , entwined with deeply intimate personal experiences and characters histories. 

Characters now become more flawed, more complex and wounded. Believable because they’re grounded by revealed histories and ,now, shared trauma, that we too have been a part of. Especially that devastating dramatic event that ends  the book. 

Amazing storytelling by Hailey Edwards. A absolute treasure of a story and cast of characters. 

A must read. 

Great cover art both for storytelling and characters. 

Cover by Damonza 

Illustration by Marouane Hs

The Body Shop series:

Fair Market Value #1

Amber Gambler #2

Midnight Auto Parts #3

Cheater Slicks #4 – Dec 25,2025

Other linked series:

The Potentate of Atlanta (6 book series) – this is set within The Potentate apparently 

The Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy (9 book series) in Savannah 

Buy link

        Amber Gambler (The Body Shop Book 2)

    

Blurb 

The other family business at The Body Shop is slow after word gets out that Frankie had clients die—cease to exist?—on her watch. Considering they were dead to begin with, she understands why the news shook the spirit community’s faith in her, but it’s a hard hit to her bottom line.

When a spirit appears in her office, ready to sign a contract, she’s eager to please. Until she learns why he wants to hire her. He heard about her clients’ deaths, yes, but he also learned Frankie was instrumental in bringing their killer to justice.

The spirit’s human granddaughter has gone missing, and he wants Frankie to find her before it’s too late. Frankie’s no detective, but her schedule is wide open. The job is to save the girl, but with so many gods and monsters prowling the streets of Thunderbolt these days, she’ll be lucky if she can save herself.

  • Publisher: Black Dog Books, LLC. (September 19, 2024)
  • Publication date: September 19, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 306 pages

 

Review:  The Wolf Vs The Shifter (The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth Book 3) by Lauretta Hignett

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The Wolf Vs The Shifter (The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth Book 3) by Lauretta Hignett is a great terrifying book.

It simultaneously gives the reader more insight into multiple characters but starts to move all of the major characters into new stages where you can see the ultimate danger and darkness coming for them. 

We learn who Myf, there is a thrilling dramatic scene at the end where several plots crash together into one chaotic mess and battle. 

Great elements here that make this exciting , or disturbing if you think about it, are Dwayne, the goose chaos god and his dalliances with the Fae Princess, and how they have enormous roles here.  Myf, our closet hiding enigma gets her big reveal. And the vile polar bear Alpha gets his comeuppance, finally.

Hignett doesn’t forget to write in the small emotional moments that make the reader remember that there are many children and vulnerable innocent individuals whose lives are at stake in the outcome of the events here. Not just a part of the Hidden City but a small orc child in danger. 

Then the reader sees that the narrative continues to explore all aspects of  Daphne’s life, both as the paranormal child social worker and as that as yet unknown entity that hasn’t been revealed. 

Romeo and gang is here but recovering from the recent events. 

It’s a grand story, scary and serious. Sets the tone for the next one in the series. 

I’m highly recommending this author and series. So creative and well written. 

Book Cover by Atra Luna Graphic Design”

Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth:

The Wolf Vs The Vampire #1

The Wolf Vs The Warlock #2

The Wolf Vs The Shifter #3

The Wolf Vs The Witch #4

The Wolf Vs The Monster #5

The Wolf Vs Santa: A Little Christmas Mystery

Buy link

        The Wolf Vs The Shifter: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth

    

Blurb 

The hunt begins…

I’ve been on lockdown in the Hidden City for weeks now. Everyone thinks I’m hiding from the Alpha because I disobeyed his orders one too many times. And, well… I have. He’s coming for me; I know that.

But he’s also coming for Myf, my mysterious agoraphobic pantry-dwelling Welsh friend, and I can’t let him take her. She’s hiding a dangerous secret — one I need her to share with me so I can protect her.

It might be too late. The Alpha is coming, and I’m not ready to face him.

And the worst part is, he’s not coming alone.

The Wolf Vs The Shifter is book three in the Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth, a hot new Urban Fantasy series by bestselling author Lauretta Hignett.

  • Publication date: January 15, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 263 pages

Review:  Unhinged Little Angel (Mafia Bound Book 3) by K.M. Neuhold

Rating: 4.75🌈

K.M. Neuhold ‘s delightfully murderous romance series ,Mafia Bound,  just got another great new addition in Unhinged Little Angel.

The Moretti Crime family continues to expand as each family member finds their own unique romantic HEA, usually with an equally compelling, twisted personality. 

Mafia Bound has its center in the powerful crime family, the Morettis, run by big brother, Lorenzo Moretti.  The first story, which I loved, featured his enforcer, the Ice Man,  Xaviaro Saviano, and his romance with Sparrow, an assassin with an agenda. They are seen again here in all their loving psychotic glory. Perfection.

Dante is the near feral, violent , extremely popular dancer at the Moretti’s nightclub, Wild, that we know from previous books. He’s also got mad  hacker skills which have come in handy in past events.  

The lustfuf focus of many, it’s Salvador Moretti who’s decided that Dante is more than just a dancer, something Dante has noticed.  And plays into Dante’s plans when he decides he needs help to solve a past situation that arises. In an absolutely hilariously mad scheme, Dante “kidnaps “ Sal  to force him into a Las Vegas style marriage.

This entire storyline is amazing. I laughed, it’s perfect in further developing these incredibly intense complex characters in a situation that’s part sitcom and crime drama. The location, clothes , the way Nuehold flips up between them as the emotionally charged situation changes moment by moment, letting the reader into the thoughts of each of them as the night progresses. 

This series is a favorite of this author’s and this couple quickly became my personal favorite too. Dante is so well written that he’s both able to be realistically vulnerable yet still a raw, violently angry man, striking out like a viper.  And Sal is both a deadly criminal threat as well as an old time romantic, intelligent, capable of deep emotional commitment.  They are a perfect combination. 

And this turns out to be a fantastic story. Funny, violent, romantic and sexy. It adds to the growing Moretti family and moves the narrative forward about the antagonism between the Fitzgerald crime family and theirs. 

And sets up Luca for his own romance next. 

So happy there’s more Moretti’s in need of partners. Loving this series and definitely recommending it.

Cover Design Natasha Snow Cover Photography by Xram

Great covers.

Mafia Bound:

  • Deadly Little Sparrow #1
  • Beautifully Savage Butterfly #2
  • Unhinged Little Angel #3
  • Desperately Delicate Viper #4 – June 6,2025

Buy link

        Unhinged Little Angel (Mafia Bound Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Forcing Salvatore Moretti to marry me at gunpoint isn’t the craziest thing I’ve ever done… 


I hate being desperate, being scared. It’s a filthy, helpless feeling. I’d much rather be enraged, violent… unhinged. 

Salvatore watches me dance and calls me Angioletto, his little angel. He doesn’t know the demons that haunt me. He’s too blinded by my beauty to see the blood on my hands. Then again, he’s a mafia capo, so maybe the blood wouldn’t bother him anyway. 

My past is like fire licking at my heels, ready to consume me. But Sal won’t let that happen, he’ll protect me. He has to. 

I learned a long time ago not to trust anyone but myself. It’s dangerous the way he manages to unravel all of my defenses and turn me from a guarded Dom into the submissive brat I’ve never felt safe enough to be. It’s terrifying the way I’m starting to crave him. 

I wasn’t sure I would live long enough to worry about this marriage starting to feel real, but this well-dressed mafioso might just manage to save my life after all. We can argue about divorce once the threat is neutralized I suppose. And in the meantime, he is my husband, I might as well enjoy the perks…

  • Publication date: April 4, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 255 pages

Review:  The Night Prince (Wolf King #2) A Fantasy Romance by Lauren Palphreyman

Rating: 4⭐️

I was absolutely torn about rating this novel at a 4 when at times I wanted to go lower. It’s primarily due to the character of Callum and the fact that the author seems determined to ask the reader to accept that he’s anything beyond a whiny, substance lacking himbo but actually a main romantic character who should be in a relationship with the female protagonist. 

No. 

At 84 percent in, Callum is still a the wolf shifter equivalent of the entitled ex high school football player who never grew up still expecting everyone to like him and give him what he wants.  Gets a crown? Due to his own efforts? Nope. Support skills? Lacking.  He’s never where he should be. But the author’s storyline wants the reader to believe that this is the guy that Rory is swooning about? Realistically?  That’s not a believable element.

This is me as a reader flipping pages every time Callum starts to make appearances. 

Blake is the terrific character that kept me going. He’s complex, tormented, and dark natured. Duplicitous and unpredictable. And now bonded to Rory. That’s an interesting take on a twisted relationship and compelling plot.  Blake’s damaged, horrific history and his own personal relationship to the dark world around him is what elevates the story and the unwilling bond between himself and Rory.

Its intensity also makes Rory a more interesting character herself through her connection to Blake and their dreams/nightmares and emotions. Without that aspect of her character,her personality is getting a bit one dimensional here.  Without Blake in the picture, she’s then reduced to a reactionary role , just bouncing back and forth between different men instead of becoming a proactive person the author insists she is.

Yes, her circumstances are perilous, but some of these scenes and actions on her part are not as strong or well thought out as the role is asking us to believe her to be. 

What the author has done well is to create an atmosphere of fear and suspense, where anyone can be possessed, where the darkness is rising. The mythology is wonderful and the landscape of the current plot and dramatic scenes is vividly illustrated.

The last quarter of the book is the best , most thrilling part of it.  There is plenty of drama, some surprisingly good twists and one shocking moment at the end that ends on a bit of a cliffhanger that sets up the final novel in this trilogy. 

I’ll be there to finish this trilogy. Fingers crossed that Callum is kicked out to the highest highlands, Blake is ,well , Blake, and Rory becomes a solo Queen.  I can dream can’t I?

We will see.

Another gorgeous cover. 

Cover Design by: Damonza

The Wolf King series:

The Wolf King #1

The Night Prince #2 

Buy link:

        The Night Prince: A Fantasy Romance (The Wolf King)

    

Blurb 

Aurora is caught between powerful alphas as they fight for the Wolf Throne. But darker forces are rising. . .

Aurora may have survived the Wolf King, but his bite marks her skin. In accordance with wolf law, that makes her his property. Now, he wants her back.

To beat him and take his throne, Aurora and Callum must form a dangerous alliance with one of the most feared Wolves in the Kingdom, Blake. He is their enemy, but he has entangled his life with Aurora’s—meaning she cannot harm him without forfeiting her own life.

As she fights to break their connection, she suspects Blake is keeping secrets about a dark power that rises in the north, and the unsettling nature of the bond between them. It seems there is a bigger game at play than who sits on the Wolf Throne—one that threatens both the Kingdom of Wolves, and the Kingdom of Men.

With her wolf awakening, enemies closing in, relationships tested, and secrets revealed—Aurora may be the only one who can stop an ancient evil from rising.

If she can figure out who to trust.

If she can figure out where she, and her heart, belong.

If she can stay alive.

The highly anticipated sequel to The Wolf King. A romantasy for fans of enemies to lovers, shifters, forbidden romance, villains you love to hate (or maybe just love!), and werewolves. Contains strong language and sexual situations.

  • Publication date: March 31, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 499 pages

Review:  Slouch Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Book 1) by Helen Harper

Rating:  4.5 ⭐️

My must read/auto buy list is growing. Put Helen Harper on there right now.  Every series I read from her just makes me appreciate her writing more .

Here’s another. And it’s due to the awesome main female character. 

That is 27 year old Ivy Wilde, someone outside the normal FMC outline in every conceivable way, from her outlook on exercise ( just no, she loves her plumpish short figure), avoidance of healthy habits and binging her favorite series.  She’s got magic but uses it on her terms. 

I love it when someone writes a woman character who’s not a crowd pleaser, an extrovert or someone who’s just wildly gorgeous.  Nope here we get a witch determined to be that kind of girl whose goal is to be an underachiever. Stay on that couch, eat those Cheetos, chat with your cat, be a part time Taxi driver and do the minimum each day to get by. Woohoo. It’s actually all in the title. 

Slouch Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Book 1) by Helen Harper. I so love her. 

Ivy’s life changes when she’s mistaken for her out of town roommate, and ends up magically bound to Adeptus Exemptus Raphael Winter. Winter works for Arcane Branch, an investigative service for the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. None of which holds any real value for Ivy who wishes Winter and them gone.

What follows is a marvelous story about two hugely opposite personalities forced to work together on an epic case until the bond wears off.  It’s a funny, magical, thoughtfully crafted mystery about people, power dynamics, and expectations. 

The humor is everything. There’s scenes where I reread them just before bedtime so I could giggle myself off to sleep. Cats! 

If you’ve consorted with cats, been owned by one, then be prepared to howl at the cats here, especially Ivy’s familiar Brutus. 

But the investigations, especially as they start to let Ivy reveal so much about herself and her own recent experiences, are what power this fantastic novel. 

It finishes with a solid ending to this investigation but an open question as to whether the partnership between Ivy and Winter will resume or be over. 

Luckily there more released books to devour and I’m immediately heading forward.   Highly recommending this fabulous female character and author. 

Don’t miss out on Ivy Wilde and her familiar, Brutus.  They are musts!

Cover by Yocla Designs. Close but a accurate representation would be nicer. She’s a fantastic character. Let’s put her on that cover. 

The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic:

Slouch Witch #1

Star Witch #2

Spirit Witch #3

Sparkle Witch #4

Buy link 

        Slouch Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Hard Work Will Pay Off Later. Laziness Pays Off Now. 

Let’s get one thing straight – Ivy Wilde is not a heroine. In fact, she’s probably the last witch in the world who you’d call if you needed a magical helping hand. If it were down to Ivy, she’d spend all day every day on her sofa where she could watch TV, munch junk food and talk to her feline familiar to her heart’s content.

However, when a bureaucratic disaster ends up with Ivy as the victim of a case of mistaken identity, she’s yanked very unwillingly into Arcane Branch, the investigative department of the Hallowed Order of Magical Enlightenment. Her problems are quadrupled when a valuable object is stolen right from under the Order’s noses. 

It doesn’t exactly help that she’s been magically bound to Adeptus Exemptus Raphael Winter. He might have piercing sapphire eyes and a body which a cover model would be proud of but, as far as Ivy’s concerned, he’s a walking advertisement for the joyless perils of too much witch-work. 

And if he makes her go to the gym again, she’s definitely going to turn him into a frog.

  • Publisher: (June 8, 2017)
  • Publication date: June 8, 2017
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 290 pages

Review:  Dead Weight (Crossroads Queen Book 5) by Annabel Chase

Rating: 5⭐️

I gave 5 ⭐️ to Dead Weight because, while Chase accomplishes so many important and exciting narrative goals in this book, she did two things that absolutely smashed it for me. She demolished a villain I couldn’t stand and set up the next story with a twist I didn’t see coming. 

Fantastic!

Both of those events happened at the end but all the many other things and plots that led to them were outstanding as well. Just as gripping, funny, totally absorbing in detail and weirdness. And it, again, moves more of the various characters and their individual lives forward in some respects.

Usually its relationship dynamics being shuffled around, emotional scenes and characters being truthful about their struggles, all of which allow the reader to feel even closer and deeper connected to each of them.  Because while these characters may be assassins, fae, werewolves, witches, ghosts, vampires and such, the issues that they face are often those that anyone can relate to.  Fear of rejection, abandonment, loss, betrayal , and loneliness. It’s in their stories. We get them. 

So when Chase makes this an absolutely slowest burn ever romance, the characters also will give us their emotional reasons why it’s necessary for it.  Same for any other character’s reactions to whatever happens here. It’s a natural progression from believable way they have been from the beginning to the present. 

Chase has a great sense of humor and depth of character. She builds on her stories, and each character becomes stronger and more interesting as the books continue. Especially those assassins from The Guild, her friends Gun and Cam, as well as Kane’s employees. 

Yes to the series, a definite yes to this story.  The author too. 

Cover by Trif Designs, wish it had a  more an accurate portrayal of this complicated character. One who only wears old t-shirts and jeans, boots, and is in her early 30’s.  Usually worn out by no sleep, no budget and constant physical labor on that money pit of a crumbling house.  Put that on the cover. Please. 

Crossroads Queen series:

Dead to the World #1

Dead of Night #2

Dead Last #3

Dead Wrong #4

Dead Weight #5

Play Dead #6

Dead Heat #7

Half Dead #8

Dead End #9 – April 17,2025

Buy link

        Dead Weight (Crossroads Queen Book 5)

    

Blurb 

Lorelei Clay is determined to put down roots in the small town of Fairhaven no matter what the universe throws at her. After all, she’s invested her entire savings in the rundown monstrosity known as the Castle—and she’s on the verge of investing her heart in a certain prince of hell, if he can overcome his literal internal demon.

Lorelei and Kane aren’t the only ones haunted by their histories. When unfamiliar werewolves cause trouble in town, Arrowhead alpha Weston Davies realizes his tragic past is about to catch up with him and threaten the life he’s managed to build.

As their problems continue to mount, it becomes clear that unless they face their respective pasts—they’ll have no future.

Dead Weight is the fifth book in the Crossroads Queen paranormal andurban fantasy series. For fans of feisty females, found family, romance subplots, tortured demon heroes, and a feel-good vibe.

  • Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC (April 11, 2024)
  • Publication date: April 11, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 284 pages

Review: Crazy as a Loon (Yard Birds Book 1) by Hailey Edwards

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Hailey Edwards has quickly become another author who’s an auto read.  So when I saw this amazing cover ( yes,  an absolute classic) I was hooked. 

Yard Birds is an urban fantasy series about a group of retired coven of witches, once a part of powerful undercover force ,WitchLight Hub. 

Now down to five, Ellie Gleason and what’s left of the coven, Flo, Betty, Joan and Ida, have protected the town of Samford, Alabama for decades. 

I love that Edwards has these wonderful women as both realistically worn down by their lives as past magical agents and by life itself. They are widowed in some cases, had hip replacements, suffering various ailments, hardened by their previous employment, trying to hide their past and get by as old women. Who they are and aren’t, in a community that hasn’t a clue as to what they are. 

Then Elle’s great-nephew comes to her in need of help. And the old coven is reassembled to go investigate and solve the mystery of what is attacking the paranormal youth in a summer camp. 

The author has created many questions within the story and given the readers many curious elements and aspects of certain character histories that require further exploration.  The one that immediately comes to mind is the curse and mystery of Wally, Ellie’s dead husband.  He’s or his soul is been stuffed into one of those mounted talking fish that you see on tv. You know, the talking Bass? 

Why and who has cursed Wally isn’t revealed here. Just what the curse entails, what it takes to break it. A heartbreaking element for this couple. 

It’s one of those things going forward that I hope the author will resolve this for them both. 

The investigation was short but satisfactory. The fight scene involved a walker, which was also amazing. 

And there’s a recipe for a Yard Bird Margarita at the very beginning that I intend to try out this weekend. 

This is a book that keeps on giving. 

Another winner, fantastic content and cover.   More please. Especially of books with main characters of different generations.  Not everyone needs FMC or MMC in their 20’s consistently. 

Cover by Damonza. Great cover design and artwork. 

Yard Birds series:

Crazy as a Loon #1

Dead as a Dodo #2

Free as a Bird #3

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        Crazy as a Loon (Yard Birds Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Ellie Gleason has protected the town of Samford, Alabama for decades. It’s not as glamorous as her glory days as the WitchLight Hub, but it keeps her active during her golden years.

Life is good.

Well, it’s okay.

Fine.

It could be bloodier with a smidge more gore, but retirement is meant to be low-key. It’s not like her fragile bones could handle the strenuous hunt for monsters anymore, even if her current duties are dull as dishwater.

But when her great-nephew shows up on her doorstep in tears—or is he her great-great nephew?—begging for help, Ellie straps on her beloved shotgun, Bam-Bam, and gets the coven back together.

Sure, Betty just had a hip replacement, and Flo would rather flirt than fight, and Ida is busy with her anniversary plans, and Joan is…Joan. But Ellie is certain she can whip the girls into shape in time to defeat the creature preying on kids at a nearby summer camp. She might even have them home in time for dinner.

  • Publisher: Black Dog Books, LLC. (May 5, 2023)
  • Publication date: May 5, 2023
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 133 pages

Review:  Dead Wrong (Crossroads Queen Book 4) by Annabel Chase

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Dead Wrong is another excellent, wonderfully written book in Annabel Chase’s Crossroads Queen series.  The author continues to play with multiple cultures and a variety of mythologies in her work with the result of intriguing characters and storylines that have been explored here. 

Dead Wrong plays with these themes even more.  It opens up after the events of the past book, with Kane, the prince of Hell disappeared after learning Lorelei’s true identity, weeks passing without any explanation. 

Soon Fairhaven’s citizens are under attack by various weird animals, and Lorelei is asked to help find them and answers to why they are there.

Chase is balancing several major plots and character storylines, evolving the overall series thread of Lorelei’s journey from a stance of total isolation from the town and any type of relationship towards multiple connections with other people, ghosts, frenemies, those she’s now regarding as real friends.  

Fairhaven, its portals and many other characters and places is an ever diverse and evolving story of its own. It fits beautifully as a location for Lorelei’s adventures and her base for a home and potential found family. 

The story’s reveal or reveals show that the larger story is going to be even more exciting and darker than imagined. The stakes higher, and the forthcoming storylines full of new characters and potential tragedies. 

I’m so addicted to the story and characters.  

What’s also great is the length. Well written and plotted within a certain length so I can easily read one a night. 

I’m highly recommending this series and author. And will be checking out other books once I’m finished reading this one. 

Cover by Trif Designs, wish it was less a young model and more an accurate portrayal of this complicated character. One who only wears old t-shirts and jeans, boots, and is in her early 30’s.  Usually worn out by no sleep, no budget and constant physical labor on that money pit of a crumbling house.  Put that on the cover. Please. 

Crossroads Queen series:

Dead to the World #1

Dead of Night #2

Dead Last #3

Dead Wrong #4

Dead Weight #5

Play Dead #6

Dead Heat #7

Half Dead #8

Dead End #9 – April 17,2025

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        Dead Wrong (Crossroads Queen Book 4)

    

Blurb

Lorelei Clay has spent a lifetime keeping her secret. Now that Kane has discovered it, the prince of hell has cut her off, but she has no idea why. Not only has he disappeared from her life, he’s also disappeared from Fairhaven, and his cohorts refuse to divulge his whereabouts.

When a series of strange attacks threaten the town, Lorelei is thrust back into the magical spotlight. This time, she isn’t sure she can weather the storm without drawing too much attention to herself and, even worse, endangering the lives of everyone she’s come to care about. 

Dead Wrong is the fourth book in the Crossroads Queen series, featuring a strong female protagonist, a slow burn romance, magic and mayhem, and a coterie of paranormal friends and found family.

  • Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC (January 11, 2024)
  • Publication date: January 11, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 252 pages