Review: Hand of Glory (Arcane Hearts #5) by Nazri Noor

Rating: 4.75🌈

Hand of Glory is the penultimate book in Nazri Noor’s fantastic Arcane Hearts fantasy series. I’ve been sitting here thinking about the story, all the incredibly imaginative elements, and wide range of engaging characters that Hand of Glory alone showcases.

It’s made me realize, not for the first time, how limiting our rating system is. Especially for novel’s outside the contemporary spectrum. I wish I could have a list for rating some truly outstanding aspects of fantasy/Other storytelling. And now for Best IA Characters, Best Use of Loki, Best Special Effects, Best Universe…you get my drift. Just too limited.

Like other marvelous authors of fantasy or genres of fiction that allows a writer create unique universes, build cultures and characters of their own, Noor has built something spectacular with his Arcane Hearts series. And with each new installment, he expands and exponentially gives his readers even more character growth , new imaginative elements and key new characters to think about as the series arc moves forward.

Bees. Candles. Wax. All in a way I’ve never thought about before. I loved that! A major element here . It also brings more depth to a character who’s part of the found family that Jackson Pryde and Xander Wright have been bringing together, friends from the the various Guilds, helping to rebuild the artificers guild hall. Each person within their circle is getting more layers to their personalities and more powerful.

Which is to be expected, as after the disastrous battle in the Black Market, and at the Ball, the new dangers they face from the purple crystal and the Fae becomes even more perilous.

What I look forward to in these stories, is, in between all the battles, the investigations, the sexy scenes, the fantastical mythology lie the heartwarming ones. The small bits , the tiny moments when Jackson, often when Xander is present, is reunited with his deceased parents, through the remarkable capabilities of Lore and his parents foresight to put a series of memories inside Lore for Jackson, to access just when he needs them. It’s unbelievably poignant and emotional.

It’s just one more amazing aspect of this story that makes me happy just when I know everything will be falling apart fast in the next novel. A moment to treasure.

Just like this series. And the bees.

I’m highly recommending this novel and series. Read them in the order they are written for story and characters relationships development.

I’ve listed them below. Now to wait until July for A Clap of Thunder to be released!

Arcane Hearts series, 6 of 6 books:

✓ A Touch of Fever #1

✓ A Stroke of Brilliance #2

✓ An Iron Fist #3

✓ A Velvet Glove #4

✓ Hand of Glory #5

◦ A Clap of Thunder #6 – July 29, 2022 (finale)

https://www.goodreads.com › seriesArcane Hearts Series by Nazri Noor – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Glamor, glitter, and gold.

Jackson Pryde and the great guilds of the Black Market are recovering in the aftermath of the fae attacks. With Xander Wright at his side, Jackson finds the strength and spellpower to rebuild.

Yet the fae keep coming, infiltrating under cover of illusions and glamor. And then there’s the upcoming Grayhaven gala, a gathering that’s sure to attract their destructive appetites.

Whispers speak of a strange and powerful candle, one that will help Jackson find the source of the fae and stop their attacks forever. Where are the fae coming from? Who is sending them to spread chaos?

And most important of all: where will Jackson find the time and courage to propose?

Hand of Glory is a 77,000-word M/M urban fantasy romance with a HFN ending. Join a fast-talking artificer and a snarky sorcerer, childhood friends who become bitter enemies, then lovers, as they explore a world filled with strange flora, mythical fauna, and magical murders. If you like your urban fantasy with humor, horror, and a whole lot of heart, you’ve come to the right place. Experience Hand of Glory today.

Review: Chosen One Universe: Volume One by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.75🌈

Books:

Sweet Nothings

All or Nothing

Nothing Ventured

I am all in on these series collections. It allows me to read straight through a series of books without stopping, something every binge reader dreams of.

As I said in my review of Hell On Earth (Hellhound Champions #1) , I’m in the process of reading all the Chosen One novels. What better way than Chosen One bundles?

This bundle takes me back to the origin of all the series and relationships.

It begins with Sweet Nothings, the prequel novel, that’s the foundation . Here we meet human Sam Baker, alpha Vaughn Jerrick, and some of the most engaging supernatural children ever. The plot, which is heartwarming, romantic, funny, and and totally captivating. It’s also extremely moving. And not without its moments of heartbreak.

Many of the young beings are people that play important roles throughout the overall Chosen Ones series. So this is indeed where it all starts.

The next two stories are completely different. The first couple of Sam and Vaughn are completely monogamous, as you would expect a werepack Alpha mated couple to be.

But All or Nothing and Nothing Ventured are focused on the group of Guardians as they slowly find each other, adjusting to what they are to their roles and new relationships. And what that might mean to the Chosen One when it’s located,the one they are committed to, via a prophecy.

Hint, the Chosen is found but not all the Guardians are counted for as yet.

These are incredibly sexy stories. Also high action and adventure. We are talking Vampire, Dragon, Griffon, …ummm nope. The rest will need to be read.

But the relationship between all of them? It’s only of polyamory. And it’s not only extremely sexy but it works beautifully in as far as the need for their tightly crafted relationships with each other.

Blake has a huge overall series plot thread being crafted that started with Sweet Nothing and continues to build with deadly suspense with each book.

The black magic and villain is hidden to great effect, truly chilling.

I loved both books. It was outstanding seeing Henry, a grownup 21, and well into his powers. Although wasn’t quite ready for his Daddy kink.

That was a issue reading those stories together. For me, he was just the haunted, traumatized orphan I left behind in Sweet Nothings. Oops!

Now he’s 21. I felt like his parent.

Hmmm , yeah, that took a while. Sawyer yes, Henry, too soon. Not anything more than reading the books right after each other.

By Nothing Ventured, I was fine. And loving the polyamory relationship of the Guardians.

Anyway I’m onto the second volume of Chosen novels.

And if you’re a fan of supernatural beings, mythological creatures, magic, Macy Blake, and the Chosen One Universe, here’s a collection for you.

I’m highly recommending it.

https://www.amazon.com › Chosen-…The Chosen One Universe Volume One: An MM Paranormal Fantasy Shifters Series …

❤️Chosen Universe Multi-series Reading Order:

1. Sweet Nothings- Prequel
– The Chosen One

2. The Trouble With Love
– Nothing But Trouble, Book 1

3. Santa Trouble
– Nothing But Trouble, Book 2

4. All or Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 1

5. Nothing Ventured
– The Chosen One, Book 2

6. Hell on Earth
– Hellhound Champions, Book 1

7. Double or Nothing

8. Next to Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 3

9. Hell To Pay
– Hellhound Champions, Book 2

10. Give Him Hell
– Hellhound Champions, Book 3

11. Nothing Gained
– The Chosen One, Book 4

12. Stop at Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 5

13. Sweet Spot

14. All Kidding Aside
– Magical Mates, Book 1

15. Stop Kidding Around
– Magical Mates, Book 2

16. Hell Breaks Loose
– Hellhound Champions, Book 4

17. Logan
– Chosen Champions, Book 1

18. Gideon
– Chosen Champions, Book 2

19. Jamal
– Chosen Champions

20. Cosmo and the King

21. Aleron
– Chosen Champions, Book 3

Review: Mist and Marrow (Breaking Tradition #2) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 4.75🌈

It’s been a while since I read the first installment in this series about Omegas and their search for HEA.

Finding a HEA is a extremely difficult situation, given the fact that in both books 1 and 2, Omegas are basically property, with little to no rights as a being , within their own species laws and human legal system as well.

First they belong to their fathers, then to whoever their fathers sell them to, regardless of gender and age. It’s a contract between father and whatever Alpha he sells them to. To do whatever they like with.

Linden Van Doren, a omega we met in the first story, had been sexually abused by his father and those his father had sold him to for years before being rescued by the Cyan Alpha of the previous book and his mate.

Much of that abuse is recounted here, in conversations held with his therapist and others. It’s those conversations that account for the trigger warning at the beginning of the novel. It’s warranted. While it happens off page, some of it occurs while he’s just a child and it’s brutal and raw hearing it. So if this is a trigger for you, please think about if you can read these scenes or if this is a story for you.

This is not one of the established Calmes “golden boy type“ character we could expect here. While Linny certainly has golden hair , he’s a wolf who’s lead such a traumatic life that he’s more a wounded soul than anything else. The omega charismatic personality is clear as is the need to establish a home but Linden is also a fighter in ways subtle and witty. I adored him.

Wade Massey, homicide detective and partner to the omega of the first book, is a very neat character. He’s got all the characteristics of a wolf alpha while being a human detective. It’s a mystery that has its answers at the end, although hints are sprinkled throughout the story.

Calmes has included a horrific mystery, with a investigation that will have Lindsey and Wade on a dangerous journey to find the villain behind it.

Calmes has a smoothly flowing, well written supernatural mystery romance that has some very raw and brutal elements to it. I think it is far darker and better than it’s predecessor, Muscle and Bone.

I wonder what the final book will bring to this trilogy. Can’t wait to find out.

I’m highly recommending Mist and Marrow.

Breaking Tradition trilogy:

🔹Muscle and Bone #1

🔹Mist and Marrow #2

🔹TBA#3

https://www.goodreads.com › showMist and Marrow (Breaking Tradition #2) by Mary Calmes – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Trigger Warning: Discussions of repeated sexual abuse of a main character, including when he was a minor. No abuse occurs on page

Linden Van Doren is in a strange position. He’s an emancipated omega holding down two jobs, so he should be out from under anyone’s thumb but in reality, there are still weird lupine rules to follow. For instance, if an alpha wants to court him, he’s not allowed to say no. If that same alpha asks for his hand in bonding, however, as there’s no contract that anyone holds but him, he can certainly say no to that. And would. He trusts no alpha to keep their word even though they’re the only ones who could make his dreams come true. It’s all very confusing and a bit ridiculous but until all omegas are free to do whatever they want with their lives, his odd circumstances are the norm. He’s also doing his very small part to help others—and that just became a problem.

Wade Massey is a homicide detective with the Chicago PD. He’s partners with Avery Davenport, which puts him in close, continual contact with Avery’s friend, Linden Van Doren. Wade isn’t sure what it is about Linden that drives him nuts. And annoying the hell out of the stunning omega should make Wade want to stay away from him. The problem is, he can’t seem to do that. Besides, Linden needs a keeper. Wade has never actually met anyone who needs someone looking out for them more and really, no one but Wade can be trusted to do it and keep their hands off the tantalizing man.

When the FBI comes knocking because omegas have gone missing, Wade finds out that Linden has been far more active in the fight to help other omegas than he imagined. When both men are drafted to help, they are suddenly thrown together in a situation where, for once, neither of them can walk away. Wade’s been great at making excuses and Linny’s been fantastic about hiding his feelings. None of that works anymore.

Linden knows he wants Wade—he knew the night the possessive human carried him out of hell—but loving someone who can never return his feelings is stupid and Linden’s finished with that. Wade’s never been attracted to a man before and perhaps it’s not desire or lust, but simply his protective instincts gone wild. If neither of them can be brave, there’s no hope for the future. But perhaps just winnowing through the mist of confusion down to the marrow where the truth lies will set them both free.

Review: Hell On Earth (Hellhound Champions #1) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.25🌈

I’m on a journey to read all of Macy Blake’s series in the Champions universe as I sort of backed into it from the latest series written. I wanted to get a full foundation and a better understanding of all the characters and their interlocking relationships.

I meant to start at the beginning but Hellhounds! I can’t resist a Hellhound story, doesn’t matter the author. So here I am. At the start of the Hellhound Champions series.

Hell On Earth (Hellhound Champions #1) by Macy Blake is a terrific story. I was immediately pulled into this universe and the characters situations.

This is mid-range the overall multi series arc, so I had an idea of where I was in the interconnected universe timeframe.

We first get a feel for the bar, employees, and Meshaq, the alpha Hellhound, who runs it as a safe haven for unknowing humans and supernaturals alike, as long as all abide by his rules. He’s been slowly gathering a small pack of odd beings who needed sanctuary and found it with his walls and protection. All under the guidance of his Goddess.

Then a hunted human , Drew Metcalf, arrives to change everything.

Blake does a great job of creating sympathetic characters, especially Drew, who draw us to them. But it’s not just Drew. But Cody, Walt, and others there who are vulnerable in different aspects that will make us care for them too. This pack , a special found family, that will continue to grow, quickly establishes a place in a reader’s heart.

Surrounding them is Shaq and the other Hellhounds. Those are equally strong and fascinating. Introduced in the previous novels, which are still on my TBR list, some will be getting their mates in this series. Shaq is a strong personality. His romance with Drew is sweet and sexy , as well as falling into the fated mate category.

There’s a few suspenseful elements here to the storyline and some questions about their relationship as they are really the first of the mated couples to appear. So much of the history of what they are to each other , and to the pack is lost.

I get the idea that may change in the future stories.

I was entertained and enjoyed this story. I’m quickly onto the next! As my journey continues, I’m recommending this book and the series I’ve read to date.

Happy reading!

Hellhound Champions series:

1. Hell on Earth – Hellhound Champions, Book 1

2. Hell To Pay – Hellhound Champions, Book 2

3. Give Him Hell – Hellhound Champions, Book 3

https://www.goodreads.com › showHell on Earth (Hellhound Champions, #1) by Macy Blake – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Hell Hath No Fury…

Protector. Boogeyman. Hellhound. Meshaq has been called it all. As alpha of the hellhounds, his goddess has tasked him with protecting the secrets of the supernatural world. He’s the police of other creatures and the enforcer of the goddess’s rules. If his duty leaves him lonely and longing for a mate and a larger pack, well, the goddess knows the secrets of his heart and she will grant them if it is her will.

Drew Metcalf is a man on the run. When he finds himself in a biker bar surrounded by leather wearing giants, he thinks he’s a goner. But there’s something different about the man slinging drinks. He makes Drew feel safe, something he hasn’t felt in a long time.

When Drew and Shaq’s worlds collide, a different kind of magic happens. Shaq doesn’t understand why he’s so drawn to the human whose life is shrouded in mystery and danger. What Shaq does know is that Drew needs his protection. Magical forces are at work, beginning a battle that will require all of Shaq’s skill as the goddess’s champion. With a terrifying threat looming, Shaq and Drew are in danger of losing more than their hearts.

❤️Chosen Universe Multi-series Reading Order:

1. Sweet Nothings- Prequel
– The Chosen One

2. The Trouble With Love
– Nothing But Trouble, Book 1

3. Santa Trouble
– Nothing But Trouble, Book 2

4. All or Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 1

5. Nothing Ventured
– The Chosen One, Book 2

6. Hell on Earth
– Hellhound Champions, Book 1

7. Double or Nothing

8. Next to Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 3

9. Hell To Pay
– Hellhound Champions, Book 2

10. Give Him Hell
– Hellhound Champions, Book 3

11. Nothing Gained
– The Chosen One, Book 4

12. Stop at Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 5

13. Sweet Spot

14. All Kidding Aside
– Magical Mates, Book 1

15. Stop Kidding Around
– Magical Mates, Book 2

16. Hell Breaks Loose
– Hellhound Champions, Book 4

17. Logan
– Chosen Champions, Book 1

18. Gideon
– Chosen Champions, Book 2

19. Jamal
– Chosen Champions

20. Cosmo and the King

21. Aleron
– Chosen Champions, Book 3

Review: Short Stack (a short story collection) by Lily Morton

Rating: 5🌈

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.

Short Stack by Lily Morton – Goodreads

Synopsis:

What happens after the happy ending?

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.

Mixed Messages:

Rule Breaker #1

Deal Maker #2

Risk Taker#3

Finding Home:

Oz #1

Milo #2

Gideon #3

Review: Night and Fae (Blackhaven Manor #2) by Arden Steele

Rating: 3.75🌈

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.

Blackhaven Manor Series:

✓ Purrfect Harmony #1

✓ Night and Fae #2

◦ Dragon It Out #3

◦ Grin and Bear it #4

◦ Pixie Little Liar #5

◦ Dead Over Heals #6

◦ Silent Knight #7

https://www.goodreads.com › showNight and Fae (Blackhaven Manor #2) by Arden Steele – Goodreads

Synopsis:

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.

Review: Trash and Treasure (A Fox Hollow novella) by Morgan Brice

Rating: 3.75🌈

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.

https://www.goodreads.com › showTrash and Treasure (Fox Hollow Zodiac #3.5) by Morgan Brice – Goodreads

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.

Review: The Fairy Shop by Tara Lain

Rating: 3 🌈

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.

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Fairy Shop by Tara Lain – Goodreads

A single dad who needs love. A child who needs courage.
Sounds like a job for a fairy.

When Nate Hawthorne meets Asher Dane, the huge, tattooed hunk embodies Nate’s dreams – and his daughter’s nightmares. Delly’s terrified of big men.

Then Nate and Delly find The Fairy Shop, a mysterious store where a unique proprietress sends Delly in search of the wand that will make her brave.

On a snowy Christmas Eve, love and courage meet under the influence of a most unusual fairy and Nate and Delly’s lives change forever.

THE FAIRY SHOP is a single dad, opposites attract, small town, MM holiday romance—wrapped in the magic of love.

Review: Yours, Everlasting: A Gay Fairytale (Enchanted Folklore) by Beth Bolden

Rating: 4.5

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.

Enchanted Folklore:

Yours, Forever After #1

Yours, Everlasting #2

PREORDER on amazon

ADD TO GOODREADS

Evrard . . .Rhys . . .Evander . . .

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.

Why I Don’t Review Dreamspinner Press Titles! or It’s My Book Party and I Read who I Want To!🎉🎈🙌

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.

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/82199-dreamspinner-press-restructures-as-authors-cry-foul.html