Review: Lonely Shore (Chaos Station Book 2) by Jenn Burke and Kelly Jensen

Rating: 4.75🌈

The journey of Felix Ingesson, his broken ex super soldier partner , Zander Anatolius, and the rest of the crew of the ship, Chaos, continues in the fantastic novel, Lonely Shore.

The novel picks up after the events of Chaos Station, Zander has become a part of the crew but the effects of the alien stinn poisoning are increasingly felt throughout his system and he’s functional less and less as himself.

This heartbreaking story thread is viewed by multiple sources as the story is told by multiple points of view, not just the main couple. The crew members are a space going found family of mixed species and peoples that are still coming together for the reader. So it’s equally important to feel Zander’s breakdown by each one’s perspective, not just Felix’s.

For Felix, Zander know it will be shattering. And he will be correct. So it’s evasive maneuvering as far as communication goes between them for much of this story when it comes to the reality of Zander’s situation.

The authors weave an impending sense of disaster in this story even as they are building a romance and multiple relationships between the characters within the ship’s crew.

Agrius Cartel , a criminal organization that’s been pursuing the crew because of various reasons, steps up its efforts to bring them down, it’s set against the personal drama of the fight for Zander’s survival.

Did I cry? Oh yes I did. Get a box of tissues ready. The authors pulled my emotional strings here and I was exhausted from the first to the last paragraph. Extremely satisfying to be honest, but wrung out.

And very ready for the next book to see where the crew and adventure takes them.

A great read and totally engaging book. One I highly recommend, but read the series in the order they are written.

Series – read them in the order below:

Chaos Station 1
Lonely Shore 2

Skip Trace 3
Inversion Point 4
Phase Shift 5 – series finale

Buy link:

Lonely Shore (Chaos Station Book 2)

Blurb

All they can do is live day to day…

Felix Ingesson has returned to his duties as the Chaos’s engineer with Zander Anatolius, his ex-boyfriend-turned-broken-super-soldier, at his side. Hope means something again. But there’s nothing Felix can do to battle the alien poison flowing through Zander’s veins, or his imminent mental decline. With each passing day, the side effects of Zander’s experimental training are becoming more difficult to ignore.

When the ruthless Agrius Cartel seeks their revenge—including an ambush and an attempt to kidnap the Chaos’s crew—Zander is pushed over the edge. He can no longer hide his symptoms, nor does he want to. But hurting Felix when he’s not in control of himself is Zander’s worst nightmare—when it nearly happens, he agrees to seek help. Even if that means trusting the unknown.

As Zander places his life in alien hands, Felix appoints himself his lover’s keeper. And though he tries to be strong, he can’t ignore the fact that he might lose Zander…forever this time.

Publisher: Ghost Ship Books; 2nd edition (July 23, 2024)
Publication date: July 23, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 318 pages

Science Fiction Romance

Science Fiction Adventure

Review: Power of the Mind (Shadowy Solutions Book 2) by Nicky James

Rating: 4.75🌈

I’m not sure if Shadowy Solutions won’t surpass Valor and Doyle as the series I come to adore the most. Just based on the three novels that James has given us, the characters of Shadowy Solutions have me in their thrall totally and anxiously waiting for more.

It’s been 3 months since the last case, time frame, 10 months since they met during the events that occurred previously. Diem Krause, ex cop, overburdened PI, scarred , damaged man that he is, can’t get

the intriguing Tallus Domingo, PD records clerk, out of his head.

Tallus, with his own fascination with this huge, quiet dangerous man, will let nothing stop himself from pursuing a relationship with Diem, no matter what the obstacles he throws up between them.

James has built and continues to construct two incredibly powerful, complicated men who are almost magnetically connected to each other but who are also fighting one’s inner demons that’s keeping them apart. It’s a compelling, moving dynamic that’s being developed and one that connects the reader instantly to these men.

With the relationship as a foundation and as a way to propel the story forward, James creates an interesting mystery that’s as layered as the characters and relationships found here. It starts with Memphis, old friend of Tallus’, who decides to have his fortune told and swings into a mysterious investigation that sees a crossover with Valor and Doyle, bringing suspense and excitement.

It’s a great story, excellent character development, exciting scenes, and just such emotional moments that make this a series to watch and put on your must read list.

Highly recommend!

Shadowy Solutions:

Invisible Scars – prequel

Skeletons in the Closet #1

Power of the Mind #2

Connected and preceding series in the same universe:

Valor and Doyle (7 book series)

Buy link

Power of the Mind (Shadowy Solutions Book 2)

Blurb

It’s not a real case, he’s not my boyfriend, and we aren’t partners.

Three lies I told myself for survival.

After ten months of shamefully stalking and showing up randomly on Tallus’s doorstep at midnight (for reasons), the sinfully hot records clerk decided he’d had enough of my games.

In fact, he went out of his way to bring me the most ridiculous case (it was not a case) on the planet as an excuse to push me over the line (he wanted a date). Our arrangement (hooking up) didn’t suit him any longer.

Could I say no? Of course not (this was Tallus).

Five days, I told him. Five days to prove his silly theory, then we were done.

Little did I know, Tallus had a deadline of his own.

Investigating a mind-controlling-murdering psychic was hard enough (because it was not a thing), but resisting Tallus’s charm was the real challenge.

It turned out, I was wrong about a few things.

The case might be a case after all.

Tallus had potential as a partner.

And after all was said and done…

I wasn’t sure I could let him go.

Publication date: September 12, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 431 pages

Review: Chariot of Souls (Tales from the Tarot story) by Morgan Mason

Rating: 3.5🌈

Chariot of Souls by Morgan Mason is another in the fascinating multi-author paranormal series, Tales from the Tarot.

I thought Mason’s story and characters had some great ideas and potential but the narrative didn’t really seem to fulfill the expectations that the author has worked so hard to on delivering.

Arit, the reaper who’s been only delivering the brilliant souls of the world, has been following one single soul’s path for thousands of years, and has found him once more.

That’s a great hook.

Nixon is an accident prone young man, having almost lost his life close to 15 times and he’s not yet thirty. Mason built an intriguing foundation for Nixon as the only surviving infant of triplets but then does nothing with it. Same goes for his family and younger brother. It’s interesting enough that the reader thinks that it’s a building block of the mystery of Nixon yet this element goes nowhere.

The buildup to the relationship between Arit and Nixon is another reason why I was involved in the story. It includes background information on the various reapers and their lives that adds to the mystery.

Arit and Nixon together, however, aren’t as promising as a fated soulmate duo. For me, they needed more time to develop their relationship and chemistry, and that odd little bit towards the end felt rushed. All that to call him home?

But what struck me the most was that the theme of the series really wasn’t present. The tarot card here was The Chariot, the vessel of Arit to ferry the souls to their versions of the afterlife. But does that card actually make an appearance? No. It’s just a part of the forward.

The Magic Shop and The Owner , previously a omnipresent, somewhat ominous figure, is in a diminished capacity here, literally and figuratively.

I found that to be disappointing as well.

I did find Chariot of Souls by Morgan Mason to be an enjoyable read. Read it if you’re a fan of the series and author.

Tales from the Tarot- 22 books

🔷 Where Fools Have Tread by Jennifer Cody

🔷The Magician’s Heart by J.P. Jackson

🔷Cleric of Desire by Amanda Meuwissen

🔷The Nephilim’s Touch by Morgan Lysand

🔷King of Hollywood by Fae Quin

🔷My Minotaur Daddy: An MM Romantasy by Laura Lascarso

🔷Across Space and Time by Kit Barrie

🔷Chariot of Souls by Morgan Mason

🔷By Rude Strength by K.L. Hiers

🔷Found in Obscurity by A. M. Rose

🔷Twisted Fates by Adam J. Ridley

🔷No Justice for the Damned by Hellie Heat

🔷The Angel’s Kiss by Nicholas Bella

🔷Death Song by B. Ripley

🔷Arcanum by Ashlyn Drewek

🔷The Devil’s Dilemma by Alex J. Adams

🔷Camelot’s Tower by Brooke Matthews

🔷A Highland Gargoyle’s Lucky Star

by Chloe Archer

🔷Trust in the Moon by Delaney Rain

🔷Raising the Sun by Eryn Hawk

🔷Zero Judgment by Kota Quinn

🔷The End of the World by Drake LaMarque

Buy link

Chariot of Souls

Blurb

Being a reaper, Arit has been around since the dawn of humankind, ferrying souls from one realm to the next. Always separate, always alone, his only connections are with the departed. Some he may have encountered before, but while most are unmemorable, there is one soul Arit would never fail to recognize, for he has been called to carry it more than any other.

Accident prone and clumsy, it’s a miracle Nixon has made it to adulthood. Having survived a dozen near-death experiences, everything changes one night when he manages to escape death’s call, one more time. But who is the hooded figure standing outside Nixon’s apartment window? And why does this beautiful man seem strangely familiar?

When Arit realizes Nixon might be on his last life, never to be ferried again, can he and Nixon make a bargain with Fate in time to save Nixon’s soul? Or are both man and reaper destined to part before they even get a chance at love?

Chariot of Souls is a standalone MM romance novella as part of the multi-author collaboration, Tales from the Tarot. This book is based on the major arcana card, The Chariot.

Review: Strikes Twice (Elementally Yours Book 2) by FN Manning

Review: 4.25🌈

This series is so fascinating and each story enlarges the universe. With Strikes Twice , the story focus’s on characters whose different elements, are air and electricity and the challenges they’re facing.

Manning changes up the characters here in that Marty Russo had already accepted his brand as an air wizard, accomplished in his magic. Additionally, he’s known to the family of ice mages we met in the first story, a neat twist I appreciated. I really loved seeing Mrs. Blanchard again, and in a totally new perspective. She’s wonderful.

Azure “Az” Serrano, isn’t just a cursed person, he’s a dragon. So it’s a whole different element of magic to explore as the mystery unravels.

Manning, in fact, has more narrative strengths written into the book than is explored to the depths we want, simply because they are so intriguing and interesting.

There’s the damaging past history of Marty’s fire element parents and the impact that it left behind. We get some of that but that mother/step father dynamic is heartwarming and would love to see more.

The same goes for dragon history, their magic and Az’s family. A deeper dive would have felt satisfying.

But Manning gives us a romance, terrific chemistry, a stumbling-slow to grow relationship between Marty and Az that’s realistic and relatable. Their interactions, the fears and mounting hopes, it keeps the reader connected to them and the story.

The couple, mystery and journey to a HEA makes this an entertaining and heartfelt story. It’s one I’m recommending.

Elementally Yours:

Frost or The Bite #1

Strikes Twice #2

Bold As Brass #3 – October 13,2024

Buy link

Strikes Twice: M/M Paranormal Romance (Elementally Yours Book 2)

Blurb

When lightning strikes anyone he touches, can love strike back?

Marty Russo doesn’t need wings to fly. The air wizard loves using magic to soar through the sky, yet he lacks a purpose when down on the ground. So Marty tries to help a man plagued by a cruel electrical curse. But solving this impossible hex isn’t nearly as challenging as keeping his hands off Azure “Az” Serrano.

Az is guarded. Understandably so, after six years of his skin zapping anyone who gets too close. Then a determined air wizard strolls into his life and won’t go away. And when he gives the cursed man hope again, it’s hard to resist the attraction between them.

But getting closer puts the wizard in danger; electricity is especially harmful to air casters. And after they’re unable to keep their distance, the curse nearly fries Marty. Can Marty free Az, or will he fall when lightning strikes twice?

Strikes Twice features enemies to lovers, an understandably grumpy shifter, an optimistic wizard, action, steamy scenes, cruel curses, and love triumphing against all odds. This the second novel in the Elementally Yours Series, and each book features different characters and can be read seperately..

Publication date: August 4, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 257 pages

Check Out the latest release – Broken Mirror by Cody Sisco (OWL tour except and giveaway)

Cody Sisco has a new queer sci-fi mystery thriller out, Resonant Earth book one: Broken Mirror. And there’s a giveaway!

A fractured mind or a global conspiracy? Uncovering the truth can be hell when nobody believes you… and you can’t even trust yourself.

Broken Mirror is the first volume in a queer psychological science fiction saga that looks at the stigma of mental illness and the hellish distrust and alienation that goes with it.

Victor Eastmore knows someone killed his grandfather, the pioneering scientist Jefferson Eastmore. But Victor, diagnosed with mirror resonance syndrome, has been shunned by Semiautonomous California society. Nobody will believe a Broken Mirror. Now Victor must tread the line between sanity and reclassification—a fate that all but guarantees he’ll lose his freedom.

With its self-driving cars, global firearms ban, and a cure for cancer, the science fiction world of Broken Mirror may sound like a near future utopia, but on Resonant Earth, history has taken a few wrong turns. The American Union is a weak and fractious alliance of nations in decline. Europe manipulates its citizens through propaganda. And Asia is reeling from decades of war.

Determined to uncover the truth about Jefferson’s murder, pansexual Victor and his trans friend Elena set out on a road trip that takes them across the American Union from Semiautonomous California through the Organized Western States to the Republic of Texas. But Elena is holding something back, and Victor’s condition worsens.

Amid shifting geopolitical sands, Broken Mirrors like Victor find themselves at a cyberpunk crossroads: evolve or go extinct.

Warnings: violence, discrimination against characters with mental health challenges

Universal Buy Link | Goodreads

Giveaway

Cody is giving away an ebook copy of Tortured Echoes, the sequel to Broken Mirror:

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47317/?

Excerpt

A new universe, its vibrations, called to me, and I answered, ignorant of the harm in crossing over.
—Victor Eastmore, Apology to Resonant Earth, (transmission date unknown)

Semiautonomous California
29 February 1991

It’s one thing to die quietly with things left unsaid among family members. It’s another thing to do what the great Jefferson Eastmore did with his secrecy and architecture of conspiracy: keep essential truths from Victor and put him on a collision course with an uncanny future.

Victor gazed across City Lake toward the tessellated foothills, where the elite families of Oakland and Bayshore kept their hedges trimmed and thorny. His grandfather’s sarcophagus was up there, surrounded by marble pillars and gold-gilt fencing shaped like twisted strands of DNA. A tidy and neat brick gravemound would never have sufficed, since at the end of his life, Jefferson was as grandiose as his cancer-curing career. The stones were plucked from the canals of New Venice, and a plaque listed the man’s many accomplishments. Not listed was his failed effort to cure Victor of mirror resonance syndrome.

Victor spun around to face the city skyline. The morning was bright and windy. The timefeed on his MeshBit indicated thirty minutes until his reclassification appointment. He could go and wait in the anteroom, but his anxious vibrations might shake the building to its foundations.

He took a breath. No going back. Before the sun reached its zenith that day, his path would materialize. If he were lucky, he could stay a Class Three: free but under close supervision. Or he could become a Class Two: under guard, imprisoned, at a rancho in the hinterlands. He whispered a cherished but inconsistently effective mantra to fight off brain blankness: The wise owl listens before asking who. Each episode of blanking out was one more step toward mirror resonance syndrome’s inevitable tragic end: becoming a comatose Class One, insensate, a forgotten ward of the government. The only unknown factor was how quickly the future would crash against him.

He trudged along the shoreline, tensing and relaxing his jaw, trying to distract himself. Glittering towers rose exultantly cityside. Squally breezes swooped out of a cloudless, azure sky and assaulted bulrushes, sedges, and cattails in the shallows where a grid of waterplots penned them in.

Granfa Jefferson had been poisoned. Victor knew it. He had proof. But his family didn’t believe him, and if he said any more about it, he would be locked away. Fair? No. Surprising? Not really. After all, his life was a farcical succession of tragedies. It wasn’t time to give up, though. Not while he had unanswered questions.

The palm trees encircling the lake rustled like cheerleaders shaking their pom-poms. The water rippled, creating countless sun flashes on the lake’s surface, and afterimages glowed and pulsed when he closed his eyes. The stench of goose shit turned his stomach.

He wedged the MeshBit’s detachable sonobulb in his ear, then called Elena. She answered right away. This was not the first time her promptness was suspicious.

“See?” she said. “When a friend calls, you should answer. Right away. Not never.”

“I know. I need your help,” he said. “My appointment is here. I’m having trouble.”

“Where are you?” she asked.

“City Lake. West shore.”

“I can’t get there in time.”

You were there for Granfa Jeff’s funeral. You showed up at my apartment whenever you wanted. Why can’t you be here now?

“Then talk to me,” Victor said. “Anything to keep my mind off my theories about Granfa Jeff.”

At the time, Victor had nothing close to the truth about Jefferson’s secret messages and plans for conspiracy and counter-conspiracy. He couldn’t have guessed his role in the proliferating conflagration that would transform every person on Resonant Earth and beyond. No one could have predicted the neuro-contagion that eventually radiated beyond the American Union of Nations, or the mind-machine hybridization that became humanity’s destiny, or the fact that crossing over to another world would become a possibility rather than paranoia. If Victor had guessed any of it, he might have failed his reclassification deliberately and shown up at the gates of a rancho to check himself in. All this was a lot to have piled onto a mentally unstable young adult.

“But you found radiation on the data egg,” Elena said. “I believe you. We’re going to figure this out.”

Author Bio

Cody Sisco is an author, editor, publisher, and literary community organizer. His LGBT psychological science fiction series includes two novels thus far, Broken Mirror and Tortured Echoes. He is a freelance editor specializing in genre-bending fiction and the acquisitions editor for RIZE Press. In 2017, he co-founded Made in L.A. Writers, an indie author co-op dedicated to the support and appreciation of independent authors. His startup, BookSwell, is a literary events and media production company dedicated to lifting up marginalized voices and connecting readers and writers in Southern California and beyond. He serves as a co-executive on the Board of Governors for the Editorial Freelancers Association, as the treasurer for the LGBTQ+ Editors Association, and as a board member at APLA Health.

Author Website: https://www.codysisco.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/codysisco

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/codysiscowrites/

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codysiscowrites/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14848998.Cody_Sisco

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cody-Sisco/author/B01AOMHSTE

Review: Man Of His Dreams (a Hot Nights in the Big Easy novel) by Kim Fielding

Rating: 4.5🌈

What a delicious treat Kim Fielding’s new book turns out to be. Starting with that fabulously evocative cover by Reese Dante to the historically vibrant setting of New Orleans, Kim Fielding has a winner. The Big Easy of the series title, New Orleans, with its ghosts, the unsettling atmosphere and mixture of peoples, culture, and the history that comes with that is the perfect setting for a unusual love story.

Kim Fielding’s character, writer Flip Devin is a lost man. He’s ended a relationship, can’t finish his novel, left a place, a state, he’s drifting. Now he’s landed in New Orleans for a few months, hoping for inspiration and quiet moments to unblock his creative process. Fielding delivers a most believable Flip in all his stress, his indecision, and his real anxiety at this point in his life. We feel him floundering and we get him.

The beauty of the narrative is the author’s ability to make us feel what Flip is feeling, connecting us to his journey through the streets and history of New Orleans, as he engages with the diverse community the Big Easy has to offer, living and the ghostly.

So many amazing , beautifully crafted elements and characters to be found here , from Scratch himself (I would love to hear more about him and his music), to the nightlife scenes that few others can see. Man of His Dreams just flew by as I was so caught up in the world, relationships, and story. Just love it.

I definitely recommend reading this and can’t wait to see what further joys this series brings.

A Hot Nights in the Big Easy series-7 books:

🔷Man Of His Dreams by Kim Fielding ❤️

🔷Mutual Obsessions by L. A. Kaye 9/15

🔷The Richmond Vampire by Liv Rancourt 9/17/2024

🔷Voodoo Caught by Lynn Michaels 9/18/2025

🔷Banjo by TL Travis 9/20/2024

🔷Tagged by Rachel Langella 9/24/2024

🔷The Bone Doctor by D. K. Sutton 9/27/2024

Buy link

Man of His Dreams: A Hot Nights in the Big Easy Novella

Blurb

Author Flip Devin has arrived in New Orleans with no suitcase, no inspiration to continue his newest novel, and no hope. Then he begins getting dreamtime visits from Scratch, a handsome musician who was murdered a hundred years ago. According to the fortuneteller across the street, Flip has the gift of Seeing.

Soon after, Flip meets Tony Bergeron, a charming local historian… who looks remarkably like Scratch. Both Tony and Scratch have stories to tell, and New Orleans has magic to share. But with the suitcase still in airline limbo, Flip realizes he’ll need to get rid of his baggage to make room for something new.

Publisher: Tin Box Press (September 6, 2024)
Publication date: September 6, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 146 pages

Review: Across Space and Time (Tales from the Tarot novel) by Kit Barrie

Rating: 4🌈

Across Space and Time is Kit Barrie’s historical horror romance thriller. It’s a part of the fabulous multi-author Tales from the Tarot series which includes such elements as a mystical place called The Magic Shop with its eerie ever present, The Owner, covers which have a particular tarot card on them that relates to the story, and definitely forwards and warnings that should be read before diving into each book.

Across Time and Space does a good job in capturing the essence of the times, the disparity of the classes in terms of poverty and the inequality of how people are treated in terms of their racial background. This also applies to the illegality of those who are attracted by the same sex.

Barrie’s villains are especially heinous, their crimes are on page and disturbing. Please read the warnings.

Constable Hugh Danbury feels an emotional connection to the young victims he’s found on the backstreets of London. The “Molly boys”, young male prostitutes, are victims the London’s police aren’t seriously investigating. So he makes it his duty to seek justice and find the truth.

The story involves not only Hugh, a wonderfully layered character, but a different being, Spring-Heeled Jack. Where Hugh is well defined, Jack’s character needs more explanation or depth to really make it feel credible here. Especially with the addition of a “soulmate “ aspect to this relationship.

While the investigation, the setting, the victims, violence, and the secondary characters are all thoughtfully portrayed and vivid, Jack, Jack’s relationship with Hugh, the “insta-love” soulmate element is lacking. I just didn’t feel the chemistry that I have with other couples. A sense of growing friendship, yes, but a commitment to love. That didn’t come across.

While the horrors and grotesque events were depicted as horrifyingly raw and shocking, the aspects of the story, such as The Magic Shop and The Owner, or the Tarot, could have been woven into the narrative in a more effective manner. At least in my opinion.

There are some terrific action sequences and suspense filled scenarios to keep you turning the pages.

I’ll recommend but only for those who have read the warnings and author’s notes to begin with. Take those trigger warnings seriously.

Cover art: Fae Quin

Cover design: Amanda Meuwissen

Tales from the Tarot is a massive multi-author paranormal & fantasy MM romance collaboration. These 22 books, each by a different author, highlight the Major Arcana cards in a traditional Tarot deck – with some liberties taken, such as The Empress card being The Consort, for an all MM or gay romance focus.

Tales from the Tarot- 22 books

🔷 Where Fools Have Tread by Jennifer Cody

🔷The Magician’s Heart by J.P. Jackson

🔷Cleric of Desire by Amanda Meuwissen

🔷The Nephilim’s Touch by Morgan Lysand

🔷King of Hollywood by Fae Quin

🔷My Minotaur Daddy: An MM Romantasy by Laura Lascarso

🔷Across Space and Time by Kit Barrie

🔷Chariot of Souls by Morgan Mason

🔷By Rude Strength by K.L. Hiers

🔷Found in Obscurity by A. M. Rose

🔷Twisted Fates by Adam J. Ridley

🔷No Justice for the Damned by Hellie Heat

🔷The Angel’s Kiss by Nicholas Bella

🔷Death Song by B. Ripley

🔷Arcanum by Ashlyn Drewek

🔷The Devil’s Dilemma by Alex J. Adams

🔷Camelot’s Tower by Brooke Matthews

🔷A Highland Gargoyle’s Lucky Star

by Chloe Archer

🔷Trust in the Moon by Delaney Rain

🔷Raising the Sun by Eryn Hawk

🔷Zero Judgment by Kota Quinn

🔷The End of the World by Drake LaMarque

Buy link

Across Space and Time

Blurb:

A monster stalks London’s streets, but is he friend or foe?

Hugh Danbury knows there are monsters in the world; being a constable with London’s police has shown him that. When young homosexual men are found murdered, no one cares enough to investigate except Hugh, who has had to hide his own proclivities toward men in conservative Victorian society. In addition, there are sightings of an ephemeral creature people are calling Spring-Heeled Jack. Is this who has been committing these atrocities?

Upon confronting the mysterious Jack, Hugh learns that sometimes love can be found across space and time and that fate can bring two people together for a reason. But he also learns that there is one thing that can tear love apart: death. And it’s coming for him.

Across Space and Time is a standalone MM gaslamp-mystery romance novel as part of the multi-author collaboration Tales from the Tarot. This book is based on the major arcana card The Lovers.

Publication date: September 9, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 260 pages

Review: Cleric of Desire (Tales from the Tarot) by Amanda Meuwissen

Rating: 5🌈

Amanda Meuwissen is a author I find so fascinating. It’s in her approach to writing and storytelling that is so unique and intimate that makes her books stand out, as does this latest novel.

Cleric of Desire, a story in the fascinating multi-author magical Tales from the Tarot series, is one that’s very personal to Meuwissen. Don’t miss out on the author’s forward. In it the author gives the reader insight into what it means to be a demigendered person because she’s been through it.

This perspective and insight is one of the keys to understanding why Jeffrey’s gay demiboy journey feels so emotionally real. His struggles to find himself are so elusive at times because he feels that he’s seeing so much that doesn’t define him so it’s hard for him to discover himself. That raw frustration and hidden pain is relatable.

Meuwissen’s ability to bring Jeffrey and his journey vividly to life, within the parameters of an extraordinary universe that includes a sucubus seeking love/freedom as well as a historical area and LGBTQIA community finding unity? Just amazing.

This series is unique in that those fabulous covers are part of the story and are also a Tarot card that’s part of a deck.

The characters here are beautifully crafted, they exist within an exquisitely built location of historical significance and events, and the storylines weave together with a sense of wonder and mystery that compels the reader forward.

Highly recommended on every aspect.

I’d have a wall simply of these covers. Outstanding.

Cover art: Fae Quin

Cover design: Amanda Meuwissen

Tales from the Tarot- 22 books

🔷 Where Fools Have Tread by Jennifer Cody

🔷The Magician’s Heart by J.P. Jackson

🔷Cleric of Desire by Amanda Meuwissen

🔷The Nephilim’s Touch by Morgan Lysand

🔷King of Hollywood by Fae Quin

🔷My Minotaur Daddy: An MM Romantasy by Laura Lascarso

🔷Across Space and Time by Kit Barrie

🔷Chariot of Souls by Morgan Mason

🔷By Rude Strength by K.L. Hiers

🔷Found in Obscurity by A. M. Rose

🔷Twisted Fates by Adam J. Ridley

🔷No Justice for the Damned by Hellie Heat

🔷The Angel’s Kiss by Nicholas Bella

🔷Death Song by B. Ripley

🔷Arcanum by Ashlyn Drewek

🔷The Devil’s Dilemma by Alex J. Adams

🔷Camelot’s Tower by Brooke Matthews

🔷A Highland Gargoyle’s Lucky Star

by Chloe Archer

🔷Trust in the Moon by Delaney Rain

🔷Raising the Sun by Eryn Hawk

🔷Zero Judgment by Kota Quinn

🔷The End of the World by Drake LaMarque

Buy link

Cleric of Desire (Tales from the Tarot)

Blurb

Giving tours of the city’s brothel underground while dressed as historical icon, Mad Madame Mattie, is the only time Jeffrey feels close to being in his right skin. It still isn’t his true self—he isn’t sure he knows who that is—but when dwindling sales and expanding gentrification threaten to take his safety net and sanctuary away from him, he will do anything to keep it.

Including making a pact with the incubus he finds chained in the tunnels.

Odai has served many masters and mistresses over the centuries, including Madame Mattie, but never before has one captured his attention so fully or given him hope that maybe, finally, he might have found the one who can free him from his torment. Every wish he grants only grows his desire to grant more and to nourish himself on the desires of the flesh that Jeffrey offers him.

He can only hope that Jeffrey will ask the right questions quickly enough to save himself from the doom that has befallen all masters before him.

Cleric of Desire is a standalone MM romance novel as part of the multi-author collaboration Tales from the Tarot. This book is based on the major arcana card The High Priest(ess).

Publisher: Amanda Meuwissen Books (August 26, 2024)
Publication date: August 26, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 295 pages

Join us for the Tour for “Glitches of Gods“ by Jurgen “Jojo” Appelo (excerpt and giveaway, a OWL tour)

Jurgen “Jojo” Appelo has a new queer sci-fi book out (pan, non-binary, gender fluid, trans FTM), Playspheres book one: Glitches of Gods. And there’s a giveaway!

Julien, the AI genius, craves freedom, but the gods wield total control. In this ominous world, will his android bring hope and salvation or yet more death and destruction?

Julien feels utterly miserable. Creator of the AI that killed his father, the brilliant engineer deftly evades work on the world’s first human-level android, dodging the off-chance of snuffing out more lives. Instead, Julien much prefers bickering with his virtual assistant, crafting memes with his quirky friends, and shagging dates across a broad spectrum of genders. Yet, due to a maddening jump across timelines, he grudgingly faces his greatest dreads: raising a family and leading his team to win the AI race.

Drowning in new duties, Julien aims to avoid a second AI disaster. But when a mysterious, technological infection wreaks havoc on the city, Julien flip-flops between shielding his loved ones and leading his team as he battles it out with broken machines, idiot protestors, and a rather sinister cat. Learning he got himself involved in a war between gods, should Julien save his new family or finish his team’s android to prevent an AI apocalypse?

Glitches of Gods is the extraordinary first book in the Playspheres epic science fantasy series. If you like cynical sentients, wacky worlds, and plenteous profanity, then you’ll love the kick-off of Jurgen Appelo’s bewildering saga.

Universal Buy Link

Giveaway

Jurgen is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour:

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47316/?

Excerpt

The city park brimmed with people crawling under a mantle of sun in the late afternoon. Carrying his jacket over his shoulder, Julien strolled off the little red Japanese bridge on his customary route while people on skates, blades, hoverboards, floorbots, and wheelers passed him by on all sides. The crisp scent of freshly cut grass tickled his nose, while above, several flyers soared over the treetops, presumably on their way to the bustling park lake beyond.Julien’s univice attempted to draw his attention. Dozens of messages awaited his consideration, but he took pleasure in ignoring the world for a bit longer. After his escape from the incessant nagging of his colleagues, there was no reason to let anyone else distract him.

“There are one hundred and twenty-three messages—”

“Shut up, Orec—”

An anguished shout startled him. Julien barely had time to sidestep an older woman who speed-walked past at a pace that didn’t seem entirely natural. He watched as she yelled and gestured at other people before vanishing among the trees, leaving a trail of agitated pedestrians in her wake. Half-expecting a sonic boom to follow, Julien wondered if the lady’s impressive pace was entirely voluntary. A malfunctioning bodymod, perhaps? But then, a hideous sticker on a nearby lamppost drew his attention.

Reject suppression.
Reject secrecy.
Reject slavery.
Reject AIs.
#Wetwares

Gods, did Burt put this here? The Wetwares movement online was annoyingly outspoken about the dangers of AI, but this was Julien’s first encounter with an actual physical sticker—and an appalling one, too. It looked like it was designed in a traffic accident. I’ll ask Burt about it tomorrow.

“Orec, is there something to eat at home?”

“The available food items in the kitchen do not sufficiently meet the recommended minimum when considering standard dietary intake.” Julien let that pass for a moment, and then Orec added, “You’ll be hungry and grumpy.”

“I’ll grab something nearby, then.” Julien knew a food stall at the edge of the park. “Any dating prospects for tonight, Orec?”

“You have twelve invites; seven of them identify as women, three as men, two as genderqueer, one transgender, one bi-gender, one pangender, one agender, one novigender, and one intergender.”

Julien’s mind performed some calculus. “That makes eighteen, not twelve.”

“The person identifying as pangender also identifies as agender and genderqueer.”

“What about the other genderqueer?”

“They identify as man, woman, and intergender.”

“That would be trigender, then.”

“They may not identify as three genders when they also identify as genderqueer.”

“What about the bi-gender person? Are they the same as the transgender?”

“No, the bi-gender person identifies as a woman and novigender.”

“By the gods. And the transgender?”

“They identify solely as a woman.”

“Well, I’m glad one of them keeps it simple.”

“What preference are you leaning toward tonight?”

“Who cares about gender? Just give me tits. I’m in the mood for tits today—any gender. Gods, if I were straight, I’d save hours on the matching rituals.”

“I count another ‘fallacy of oversimplification.’”

“Nobody cares, Orec. Nobody cares.”

Julien wound his way between the trees and walked around the lake. The flyers he’d spotted earlier were now boarding passengers while children swam, splashed, and laughed in the water. Nearby, a standard Class 3 robot, looking like the outcome of a stirring union between C-3PO and a Cyberman, stood with its feet just shy of the lake’s edge, holding a pile of towels. Poor guy—or girl. One day, you will drop everything and dive right in with the others. You may even desire a swimsuit.

Ten minutes later, Julien was in a heated exchange involving his Turkish pizza. “So, credit cards don’t work; debit doesn’t work; Gitcoin doesn’t work; Kurrenzee doesn’t work; Swipe doesn’t work; Europay doesn’t work, and XDollar doesn’t work.” He cocked his head. “Where’d you get your payment systems? At a garage sale in Pyongyang?”

The woman—assuming she identified as such—offered an apologetic shrug. Exasperated, Julien rummaged through his pockets and slammed a few coins on the counter. Thank the gods for cash. He snatched the food and, making a show of his boundless frustration, walked off without saying another word. The entire universe is conspiring against me.

With some effort, he spotted a cast-iron park bench that wasn’t occupied, hurried over to claim it, and settled down. He laid his jacket beside him and grumbled under his breath as he unwrapped his meal.

“Gods, Orec. It’s 2054, and we still need cash.” He savored a bite of the rolled-up pizza, the flavors of spiced meat, cheese, garlic, and hot sauce tingling in his mouth. After swallowing, he continued, “I’m telling you, fifty years from now, we’ll have a hundred different ways of not being able to pay. And we’ll be surrounded by these ‘Wetwares’ zealots convinced that super-intelligent AIs use these technical problems to drive us all nuts and enjoy a good laugh.”

Orec remained silent.

Oh, here we go again. “What’s bothering you, Orec?”

“I detect no problems with my performance or functionalities.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

Orec resumed his silence.

Julien sighed. “I know you, Orec. I helped to create you. You don’t like it when I complain about the sad state of AIs; you don’t like my work on Tweeki, and you don’t like the possibility of Tweeki surpassing you.” He paused for a moment. “Plus, Tweeki has a body.”

“I wish you hadn’t decommissioned me,” said Orec.

“I wish you hadn’t killed people,” answered Julien.

There was no time to wait for a response. A piercing screech from overhead assaulted Julien’s ears, and mere moments later, less than a stone’s throw away from where he sat, the grass erupted, and a shock wave rattled the trees when a flyer crash-landed into the ground.

Author Bio

Jurgen Appelo travels the world to share inspiring stories about people and organizations. Slightly anarchistic, autistic, and eccentric, he happily adopted the nickname “jojo” when it was given to him at the age of sixteen. He wrote several best-selling nonfiction books before trying a hand at science fiction. He is the donor-father of five amazing teenagers and lives with his husband in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Jurgen likes coffee, books, games, and people leaving him alone when he’s being creative.

Author Website: https://jurgenappelo.com/

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/jurgenappelo/

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jurgenappelo

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4462627.Jurgen_Appelo

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jurgen-Appelo/author/B00460MCJM

Review: Bound To His Oath (Mafia Mayhem – The Italian Connection, #1) by Aja Foxx

Rating: 3.5🌈

I was looking for something quick and different from the fantasy/paranormal fiction I’d been reading, so I grabbed up Bound To His Oath (Mafia Mayhem – The Italian Connection, #1) by Aja Foxx.

It was enjoyable, definitely a quick read, and tons of characters as well as various other elements as Foxx is setting up the universe for the series.

After reading the story, it seems we will be following the romances of several mafia bosses and their respective partners, ones we meet already “coupled up” here at the end.

But it’s Nico and Luca’s story that comes first. It’s a young love, established from childhood, that’s been crushed by one man’s ambitiously cruel parents. The background is revealed by the characters as events play out.

I’m not sure how logical or even plausible some of these events are given the publication date is August 24 , 2024. A big deal is made of gay marriage being legal in Canada (with the couple fleeing to the border) at a time it’s perfectly legal in the USA. Also, Luca,as a juvenile, was falsely imprisoned and his criminally connected family were not informed/involved or retaliated. That element is not explained enough here.

The couple and their relationship is very romantic. The beginning, the rescue, sweeping Nico literally off his feet into a plane and away to a new home. That they’re reunited after years apart but seemingly just fine felt too “Cinderfella” , but in line with the rest of the book.

Of course, there’s much more to it. A villainous family, a loving Italian mafia family and fabulous villa, a veritable chest of superficially crafted characters and plots lines lay within.

It’s enjoyable without having to be invested in the plot or characters. There’s just not enough depth or discernible growth written into the relationship or events to make the characters actions feel realistic. Entertaining? Certainly. And that’s how I took it.

One of the couple’s met here and who played important roles towards the end are the focus of the next book. It tells the tale of they got together. I expect that’s the format for each couple seen as an established pair here.

Foxx also has an arc mystery plot and that’s interesting enough for me to continue reading the series.

Buy link

Bound To His Oath (Mafia Mayhem – The Italian Connection)

Blurb

“Do you honestly think I’d let you marry someone else? You’ve been mine since I took your first kiss. I was just giving you time to grow up.”

~ Nico ~

I was five years old the day we met, twelve when I figured out that I was going to love him for the rest of my life. When I turned sixteen, he gave me my first kiss…and then my world ended. I never believed the things people had said about him. He was not the bad boy everyone seemed to think he was. I’d seen his heart and it was pure gold. I just wish I’d had a chance to keep it before they took him away from me.

~ Luca ~

I was ten years old the day we met. By the time I was twelve I knew that I was going to love him for the rest of my life. When he turned sixteen, I gave him his first kiss…and then my world was ripped apart. I wasn’t the bad boy everyone seemed to think I was, but I refused to show anyone my heart except him, and they had taken him away from me.

Warning: Gay erotic romance. The material in this book contains explicit sexual content that is intended for mature audiences only. All characters involved are adults capable of consent, are over the age of eighteen, and are willing participants.

Publication date: August 24, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 170 pages

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