Review: High Stakes and Soulmates (Fanged Mistakes Book 3) by Alice Winters

Rating: 3.75🌈

Honestly, as much as I was anticipating this book, I’m surprised at that I didn’t find it as enjoyable as I hoped it would be.

The characters of Ezio, a vampire who’s been a outsized character in the previous novels, and Cyrus, the human detective who has been circling the inner group here and the object of Ezio’s desire, are both terrific in each way.

I’ve loved how they both have figured into the weird dynamic between the main couple of Casimir and Julian, as well as dealing with their own personalities and quirks.

But in their own story, certain aspects either have been completely changed or in one element, or say twist, overwhelmed the whole story. And for me, the twist just doesn’t work.

It was to convoluted, taking the series, story and character into unexpected territory and creating a “as told to” narrative that bogged down the action and flow of the whole story.

At some parts, it was just page flipping time.

The best part for me? That entire absolutely hilarious dog show scenes. I out right laughed and laughed. I’d recommend it just for those moments alone. Just fantastic writing and comedic humor.

So for me, this was a mixed bag after loving the previous books in the series. As I said, read it because of the series, the author, and some hilarious moments not to be missed.

But what happened between Cyrus and Ezio? I couldn’t really get into it.

Fanged Mistakes:

Fake Dates and Fanged Mistakes #1

Dire Straits and Entwined Fates #2

High Stakes and Soulmates #3

Buy link

High Stakes and Soulmates (Fanged Mistakes Book 3)

Blurb

Ezio

One would think that being over two hundred years old would at least give me some skill at wooing the man of my dreams, though oddly, I seem to be fumbling around more than wooing.

But that’s alright, I will fumble my way right into Cyrus’s life if he lets me. After a rocky start, Cyrus is finally starting to open up to me as he realizes that vampires might not be all bad.

When Cyrus pulls me into a case, he discovers how much he needs me… and my werewolf friend disguised as a detection dog.

My past haunts my every step, but there’s nothing I want more than to leave my mistakes behind and focus on my future with the man I adore.

Cyrus

Death after death draws Ezio and me deeper into a mystery that is tearing through the city. My fear is that whoever is killing these people is toying with us, and I know I can’t figure it out alone.

Thankfully, Ezio is prepared to help me with anything I need (and then some), and he doesn’t come alone. He has Casimir (who is happy as long as Steve isn’t around), Julian (when he’s not naked), and Yorick (why is Yorick here?), who are determined to end this. But what we find is unlike anything we ever imagined.

Though it can’t possibly be worse than the delivery lady walking in on Julian naked again.

Ezio is ready to help me through it (the murder bit, not the Julian bit), if only I can leave my fears behind me long enough to accept the man I want more than anything.

Publication date: July 24, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 354 pages
Book 3 of 3: Fanged Mistakes

Review: Pack of Dawn and Destiny: The Complete Trilogy by  K. M. Shea

Rating: 4.5⭐️✨

Hunter Pip and Alpha Greyson are a great couple here. The dynamic between them and the fact that a hunter was adopted by a werewolf pack is a wonderful way to frame out their relationship and story.

There’s several mysteries that come up during this series that must be investigated even as Pip develops her role within the pack and grows stronger as an individual who must learn what and where she belongs.

Shea’s excellent work in crafting beloved characters and relatable stories shines here as Pip struggles with her perception of her weaknesses among the group of werewolves and her battles with her own ability to accept her role as pack member. It’s believable and she’s engaging as she figures things out. Including her relationship with Alpha Greyson.

Other important characters make appearances here, which is a true joy. Including several who have upcoming series. Watch out for a small black cat!

Shea can write a cook blog or whatever she wants . I’ll buy it. I’m that enamored. One note, if you’re looking for spicy romance, this isn’t for you.

Wonderful mysteries, fantastic characters and world building awaits within!

Highly recommended.

Cover Art by MoorBooks Design

Pack of Dawn and Destiny:

Hunted

United

Fated

Magiford Supernatural City is a registered trademark of K. M. Shea LLC.

The series in order of reading: All Magiford Supernatural City Universe.

Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy ❤️5

Court of Midnight and Deception: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)❤️5

Pack of Dawn and Destiny: The Complete Trilogy❤️ 4.5

Gate of Myth and Power: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City) ❤️5

Magic on Main Street: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City) 5❤️

Buy link

Part of: Magiford Supernatural City (5 books)

Blurb

Ever feel like you don’t belong? Try being a hunter living with werewolves. I’m the definition of “doesn’t fit in”. I’m not Pack, but I’m not the enemy, either.

I struggle to survive among werewolves who are stronger and faster than me, and are competitive enough to break a bone or two for the sake of “fun.”

Greyson, their alpha, is the worst of them all.

Endlessly relentless and twice as deadly, Greyson rules the Pack and expands its territory even though it’s already the largest in the region. I just wish he’d stop interfering with my life. He’s got enough trouble of his own with his incomplete mate bond, but he’s made it his hobby to tease and test me at every opportunity.

Doesn’t my life sound fun?

When wolves from surrounding packs start mindlessly attacking the innocent humans in our city, Timber Ridge, everything changes.

Werewolves don’t turn feral without reason. Which means someone is making this happen, and they’re targeting our Pack.

I don’t like where this is going, but how am I supposed to stop a feral wolf outbreak when I’m just one hunter? Can Greyson and I set aside our differences to see the Pack through this?

With over 38,000 ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, this completed urban fantasy series is packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance that will have you laughing out loud.

The Magiford Supernatural City universe features vampires, wizards, fae, and werewolves! Start reading this bingeable series now!

This bundle includes all three books in the Pack of Dawn and Destiny Trilogy: Hunted, United, and Fated.

Publication date: September 21, 2023
Language: English
Print length: 968 pages

Review: Court of Midnight and Deception: The Complete Trilogy by  K. M. Shea

Rating: 5✨⭐️🌙

If I thought I loved the first series, this is the one that made me laugh out louder, read passages multiple times, snort giggles, and decide , yup chef’s kiss.

I’m keeping it.

Truthfully, I’m binging all the trilogies that Shea has written for the Magiford Supernatural City Universe and while all are fantastic, this remains my all time favorite.

In fact, when the hilarious characters from this Night Court make their unforgettable appearances in the other series, it’s in scenes that make me laugh out loud and want to immediately start reading this trilogy all over again.

Leila, half human, half fae, is the gift that keeps on giving. Her voice and character development here is exceptional. And every single element that I thought I’d was waffling about turns into something marvelous and magical here in her journey towards finding her own way in the supernatural realm.

That means turning the Night Court into something totally new, eventually.

Hall of Blood and Mercy is full of memorable characters, exploring new magical creatures and areas where this Universe has a mysterious darkness that’s threatening all magic and those who are associated with it.

Honestly, I’m so in love with K.M. Shea and her Magiford Supernatural City Universe, this great number of trilogies that I hope will have future episodes to bring to life all the areas we haven’t explored yet.

Highly recommended for all lovers of urban fantasy stories.

This series:

Crown of Shadows

Crown of Moonlight

The Queen’s Crown

The series in order of reading: All Magiford Supernatural City Universe.

Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy ❤️

Court of Midnight and Deception: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)❤️5

Pack of Dawn and Destiny: The Complete Trilogy

Gate of Myth and Power: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)

Magic on Main Street: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)

Cover Art by Covers by Christian

Magiford Supernatural City is a registered trademark of K. M. Shea LLC.

Buy link

Part of: Magiford Supernatural City (5 books)

Blurb

The fae of the Night Court are desperate to find and crown their new monarch before the Court collapses.

I couldn’t care less.

I’ve done everything I can to bury my fae blood and embrace my human half. That changes when some fae nobles show up on my doorstep and announce that I’m the next Queen of the Night Court.

Becoming an unwilling fae queen? Check. Inheriting a terrible mess? Double check.

The Court is almost bankrupt, my citizens’ favorite hobby is backstabbing one another, and I don’t know who I can trust since someone keeps trying to assassinate me.

Speaking of assassins, I get introduced to the best in the business—a fae lord nicknamed the Wraith. His deadly profession means he fears No. One.

The only reason he doesn’t kill me on the spot is he’s a member of the Night Court and the Court’s magic protects me. But that doesn’t prevent him from trading verbal barbs with me whenever we meet.

And if cat herding uncooperative fae while chatting with assassins wasn’t enough, I’m required to get married as part of some archaic Court law. This “queen” gig is the worst!

Supposedly I can choose anyone to marry, but with all the infighting I need someone who is unaffiliated and won’t cause political power struggles.

So, why do I keep thinking of a certain assassin?

Court of Midnight and Deception is a completed urban fantasy trilogy that takes place in the Magiford Supernatural City universe. It features fae, werewolves, vampires, and wizards!

With over 28,000 ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, and millions of pages read this trilogy is packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a reluctant fae queen and the assassin who tried to kill her.

This bundle includes all three books in the series: Crown of Shadows, Crown of Moonlight, and the Queen’s Crown.

Publication date: September 30, 2022
Language: English
Print length: 1084 pages
Part of series: Magiford Supernatural City

Review: The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

The description for this book was the draw for me, as well as another new author to read.

I’ve always thought of books as gateways to adventure and the way to immerse myself in worlds and places I’ll never get to explore outside of their pages. They are compelling, comforting, revelatory, and magical.

So are the bookstores that are still my refuge. So you can imagine I find the idea that a bookshop is actually a fabulous magical place is one o can readily accept. And want to read about.

“Long ago, a bookshop was born – the beating heart of all those who find hope within the pages of a book. With the words penned upon the echo of old forests, new worlds are created. “

The Midnight Bookshop is centered around, yes the mystical bookstore The Midnight Bookshop, and its mysterious bookshop keeper, Fay Livre that appears when 3 complete strangers arrive at a time in their lives when each person is most desperate for a change.

It’s a three person narrative, as we see what dire circumstances each one is facing and how they will meet up, and eventually find themselves at The Midnight Bookshop.

This is an incredibly complex and often dark story as Jo, Adelaide, and Kye have some stark, dangerous and disturbing elements in each of their lives to overcome and heartbreaking moments ahead.

Their road to healing and recovery begins through the words of books that choose them through a highly emotional and personal journey in a magical world of books and small group of souls who will be forever friends.

If I had a small issue, it was that I wish I knew more about Fay and her role but then I guess, she wouldn’t be that mysterious mythic benefactor that she’s so clearly meant to be here.

I’d love to see another story with her reappearance and a new group of people who need her help.

This is for all of us who have lost ourselves in our books, who gave our hearts away to characters and worlds of endless pages and found endless solace and joy amongst them.

Highly recommended.

Love that cover.

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThe Midnight Bookshop: Your next favourite magical realism book – for fans of cosy, small- …

Blurb

You don’t choose the book. The book chooses you…

‘A book I was sorry to finish.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A timeless story that emphasizes the healing and transformative power of books.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

–

Long ago, a bookshop was born – the beating heart of all those who find hope within the pages of a book. With the words penned upon the echo of old forests, new worlds are created.

It’s ready and waiting to welcome all those who know where to find it…

Strangers Jo, Adelaide and Kye are the least likely people to find themselves across the threshold of a bookshop.

But as their midnight book club shows them that a single book can change everything, all three realise that their own stories can be rewritten.

Publisher: One More Chapter
Publication date: May 16, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 385 pages

Review: The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth Book 6 by Lauretta Hignett

Rating: 4⭐️

The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae picks up right after the cliffhanger ending of the last book where Prince Romeo had been kidnapped by the fae back to their Realm. Purposes unknown.

There’s elements I enjoyed here and others I find that are either getting annoying, underdeveloped, or left dangling, without any explanation.

Let’s take the things that are working against the storytelling for me. This is the sixth book and it’s very “talky” as opposed to action driven. Things are talked about endlessly. Especially when it’s the main character of wolf shifter Daphne. Daphne’s been through years of time traveling abusive experiences as an adolescent to adulthood, slavery etc. Through alien worlds and realms. What she did to survive has shattered her personality into two parts, brain and heart. They are constantly talking or arguing about everything. Every single situation. Plus she’s got a Pandora’s box or world of evil inside of her.

But it’s mainly the two voices. They talk so much she gets nothing accomplished. Which is the point made here. But it’s just as annoying to read. Because while she’s not actively going forward, the whole narrative is standing still too. While it’s talking.

There’s good points made about how they should have recombined into one a while ago, but still not happening.

Then there’s a really great case that opens the book. One where Daphne rescues two young kids. And it’s centered around one coven and family of powerful witches. A big event happens at the end of the case that’s dropped. We have no mention about it and the ramifications of the case. Nothing. Sigh.

Last big issue I’ll bring up is that Daphne’s horrific history in the Fae realm isn’t consistent with her current experiences here. I understand parts of the Fae situation changed, still there should be more representation of that dark history than what is seen here.

Positives. The cases and revelations concerning Romeo’s background. Daphne’s interactions with the other participants in the Bride races as well as the brutal races themselves.

Those were exciting moments.

Still enjoyable but I’m not as engaged as I was at the beginning.

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 The Shadow Fae #6

The Wolf Vs The Dragon #7 – Sept 15,2025

The Wolf Vs Santa: A Little Christmas Mystery

Buy link

Book 6 of 7: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth

Blurb

I never thought I’d find myself back here.

At least, I hoped I’d never have to leave the mortal realm ever again. But Romeo is missing, and I have to find him. I know who took him, and I know why.

And I know how hard this fight is going to be.

I survived this wild-magic place once before, and I’ll do it again. But this time, I’m not a scared little girl.

This time, I know exactly what I’m doing.

Let the games begin.

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

Publication date: July 15, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 358 pages
Book 6 of 7: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth

Review: Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy by K. M. Shea

Rating: 5⭐️✨

I’m finished with two of these series and seriously considering a wall of shelves devoted just to K. M. Shea ‘s Magiford Supernatural City Universe series. I’m that addicted to these characters, their stories, and relationship dynamics that keep me reading until way too long into the early morning hours.

Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy by K. M. Shea begins it all with the journey of Hazel Medeis. She’s a wizard with a tragic past, fighting against those who have taken over her house. A remarkable woman who develops with the unexpected power and help of Killian Drake, Vampire Lord . Vampire Lord and Wizard. What a tale over three books!

And it includes the vampires of Drake house and the wizards of House Medeis, all of which we get to know and love in the coming battles. And intertwined relationships.

I laughed out loud at the dialogue and conversations. The action scenes are swift and engaging and magical.

This is where we start to see exactly what and where all the elements of Magiford come together.

And other characters that will have their stories told appear as well.

Imaginative, hugely powerful, funny, romantic and full of characters that I will revisit over and over.

A new urban fantasy must author and universe for me to love and rec!

Hall of Blood and Mystery:

Magic Forged #1

Magic Redeemed #2

Magic Unleashed #3

Connected Sequel series in order of reading: All Magiford Supernatural City Universe.

Court of Midnight and Deception: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)❤️5

Pack of Dawn and Destiny: The Complete Trilogy

Gate of Myth and Power: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)

Magic on Main Street: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)

Cover Art by Natasha Snow Designs Edited by Deborah Grace White

Magiford Supernatural City is a registered trademark of K. M. Shea LLC.

Buy link

Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)

Blurb

I’m one scrappy wizard.

As someone with barely a flicker of magic, I’ve spent my life being mocked and surviving fights with bullies. But when my parents die in an accident, and I find myself responsible for our whole wizard house and family, I know my usual tactics aren’t going to cut it.

The situation veers from bad to catastrophic when my backstabbing cousin stages a coup and takes my family hostage.

I barely manage to flee, but the only supernatural willing to help me is Killian Drake–the most feared vampire in the region, and a far more deadly villain than the jerk threatening me.

Is Killian sexy and charismatic? Heck yeah.

He’s also so powerful that my flight or fight instincts kick in every time our eyes meet.

But he is also the first person to believe I might have more than just a scrap of magic. And if I can convince him to train me, I might get strong enough to free my family and get my house back.

I’m not sure what happens when a scrappy wizard is taught how to fight by a hall of deadly vampires, but I’m about to find out.

With over 30,000 ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, and millions of pages read, this completed urban fantasy trilogy is packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a vertically challenged wizard and the most lethal vampire in town.

The Magiford Supernatural City universe features vampires, wizards, fae, and werewolves! Start reading this bingeable series now!

This bundle includes all three books in the Hall of Blood and Mercy Trilogy: Magic Forged, Magic Redeemed, and Magic Unleashed.

Publication date: September 26, 2022
Language: English
File size: 3.4 MB
Simultaneous device usage: Unlimited
Screen Reader: Supported
Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Word Wise: Enabled
Print length: 879 pages
Page Flip: Enabled
Part of series: Magiford Supernatural City

Review: How to Find a Nameless Fae by A J Lancaster

Rating: 4.5⭐️✨

“On her fortieth birthday, Princess Gisele of Isshia realised she was going to have to save herself.”

This is how I wish all fairy tales started. And the Princess saved herself! Awesome!

How to Find a Nameless Fae by A J Lancaster is an imaginative retelling of the Rumplestiltskin fairytale, this story is beautifully written and richly filled with fantasy characters that leap from the classic fairytale world and twist themselves into versions, dare I say it, are ones I find more compelling and more long lasting than the original.

Princess Gisele was the baby bargained for as the price for turning the ability to spin straw into gold by her mother. A complication was that she was never claimed by the evil sorcerer and her life has been one of decades cursed by waiting and loneliness and moments of misery.

So she decides, after one disastrous experience, to take matters into her own hands. She’s going to find the sorcerer, break the curse, and make her own way. At a middle age with creaking knees and broken magic.

Gisele is a fantastic character and so relatable. And the growth she slowly experiences and the development of her own personality and magic is richly satisfying and deserved.

But the “evil sorcerer” who isn’t what’s expected, nor is his sentient house and fabulous cat, add the wonder, empathy and compassion to her story and their relationship with this fantasy universe is absolutely stunning.

A little drawn out at times, How to Find a Nameless Fae by A J Lancaster is so well written and that ending is so good that I want more fairytales from this author.

Highly recommended! A really great book.

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comHow to Find a Nameless Fae eBook : Lancaster, AJ: Kindle Store

Blurb

What happens when a first-born bargain goes wrong?

Princess Gisele has spent her life preparing for an evil fae sorcerer to claim her. That was the bargain her mother was tricked into: one royal first-born in exchange for spinning straw into gold.

But it’s been decades, and he still hasn’t shown up.

The unfulfilled fairytale-debt, however, is refusing to lie quietly. When its chaotic magic reaches unbearable levels, Gisele takes matters into her own hands. Terrifying fae sorcerer or not, she’ll hunt him down and force him to stop ruining her life.

But instead of an evil mastermind, she finds the scholarly, nameless lord of a magical house. He wants nothing to do with the angry knife-wielding spinster on his doorstep.

Unfortunately, the fairytale-debt has other ideas.

Now magically bound to her lifelong nemesis, the only way to break the magic between them is to work together to find the nameless fae’s lost name. Assuming they don’t strangle each other first.

HOW TO FIND A NAMELESS FAE is a cozy fantasy romance retelling of Rumplestiltskin with spice, featuring a middle-aged heroine, a buttoned-up hero, and an interfering sentient house.

Publisher: Camberion Press
Publication date: June 26, 2025
Language: English
Print length: 390 pages

Review: Dark Whispers (The Firebrand Series Book 5) by Helen Harper

Rating: 4⭐️

Dark Whispers is one of the longest books in the series and a little drawn out for the investigation and cases involved. But it’s ultimately, an entertaining story that makes a statement about bigotry, prejudice and intolerance and its impact , on a large and more personal scale.

Parts of this book aren’t as believable, especially as it’s the fifth in the series, so the actions, both of the police officers and actually the other supernaturals should have been more “tightly” controlled or just better suited for their roles than was otherwise written here in the dramatic scenes.

And some supporting characters like Emma’s new DC is little more than a cardboard image at the moment but with the potential for more.

Enjoyed it.

BOOK COVER DESIGN BY YOCLA DESIGNS

The Firebrand Series

Brimstone Bound
Infernal Enchantment
Midnight Smoke
Scorched Heart
Dark Whispers
A Killer’s Kiss
Fortune’s Ashes

The Wolfbrand Series

The Noose Of A New Moon
Licence to Howl

Buy link

Dark Whispers (The Firebrand Series Book 5)

Blurb

The Supernatural Summit is about to start at the DeVane Hotel in London. Vampires and werewolves, ghouls and gremlins, and pixies and druids have all come together to find better ways to get along with the human community and address the strict laws which govern their existence. It’s a real opportunity to change the world for the better and I’m proud to be a part of it.

But there are protestors camped outside the hotel and dangerous rumours circling about one of the delegates. When a dead body is discovered, I know it’s only a matter of time before all hell breaks loose.

I have to find the murderer. And I have to find them quickly.

Dark Whispers is the fifth book in the action-packed urban fantasy Firebrand series.

Publication date: December 2, 2021
Language: English
Print length: 258 pages
Book 5 of 7: The Firebrand Series

Review: Scorched Heart (The Firebrand Series Book 4) by Helen Harper

Rating: 4.25⭐️

Scorched Heart is a terrific story in that the author answers the reader and main female character’s questions about her phoenix origins. Harper’s best elements here are those dealing with Emma’s emotional return to the small village of her parents brutal murdered and the beginnings of her own life of traumatic experiences.

The small details of that community and how, years later, that tragedy still lingers was so vivid portrayed that it was remarkably raw.

The investigation and true “evil” character behind the events here was imaginative and horrifying. It would have been better if there had been some foundation laid out for this aspect of the story somewhere in the series but as it was it revealed as a complete surprise twist.

Same goes for exactly how Emma became a Phoenix. New powers, brand new characters that have entered into the story with enormous impact on Emma and her past. But they’re without any magical legs or previous knowledge to make them a real force here.

Scorched Heart (The Firebrand Series Book 4) by Helen Harper is a terrific read but the writing and character development is beginning to show some strange signs of having issues being solved by “surprise elements “ rather than well written and well conceived aspects of a deeply rooted framework.

Still recommended but each is a short read which is helps when deciding whether to read or not.

BOOK COVER DESIGN BY YOCLA DESIGNS

The Firebrand Series

Brimstone Bound
Infernal Enchantment
Midnight Smoke
Scorched Heart
Dark Whispers
A Killer’s Kiss
Fortune’s Ashes

The Wolfbrand Series

The Noose Of A New Moon
Licence to Howl

Buy link

Scorched Heart (The Firebrand Series Book 4)

Blurb

My parents were brutally murdered when I was five years old. Their killer has spent the last twenty five years in prison for his terrible crimes – but I still have unanswered questions. After all, I am the phoenix. When I die, I am reborn in fire and brimstone. It happens again and again and again.

I have no idea where my strange ability came from and nobody to ask. Now another shocking murder has been committed in the small village where my parents died and there is evidence which suggests the killer is supernatural. The crime gives me the perfect reason to return to my childhood home. I can offer my expertise as a Supe Squad detective – and seek the truth behind what I really am.

The trouble is that I might not like what I find.

Scorched Heart is the fourth book in the action-packed urban fantasy Firebrand series. Events occur at the same time as The Noose Of A New Moon in the Wolfbrand series, although the books do not have to be read together to be enjoyed.

Review: Better the Demon You Know (Bedeviled AF, #3) by Deborah Wilde

Rating: 4⭐️

There are things that I really like about this book and elements that are starting to feel a bit drawn out.

Aviva’s hidden infernal identity is a huge factor in her life, from her own personal experiences with her mother, a high ranking officer of the Maccabees, to her complicated, often rancorous relationships between herself and members of the organization that she works for, including her team.

Now her struggles involve her demon father and vampire ex-boyfriend, both of which are powerful in their own right and with their own agendas.

How all these various conflicts and constantly changing dynamics work within their respective storylines are some of my favorite aspects of Aviva’s character and journey. Especially the dangers of the having a father such as demon lord, Delacroix constantly inferring into her life, the real reasons why he’s so insistent are hidden. And that Ezra, who’s co running The Copper Hell with Delacroix, still had his own plans in place for himself.

Sachi, the best friend and agency teammate is character who has been, if not one dimensional, then maybe formatted. Aggressive, childish, and often with little thoughtful thinking to her personality, she’s been more a reactive individual than not.

Here, towards the end, Wilde appears to allow her some emotional growth. I’m not sure it’s believable given the strength of her personality, and absolute beliefs about demons and where she falls as a Maccabee agent.

And then there’s Michael, Aviva’s mother. Their strained relationship and odd working relationship finally got a change in their pattern. That was a good aspect of the story.

But it’s Aviva’s belief in ,as well as that of others like Silas, the agency of the Maccabees which is straining my belief in their characters , both as agents of extraordinary experience and as people who have seen the extent to which this organization has become a morally grey authority.

It’s an interesting concept but having these characters either so naive or blind to their own agency’s agendas takes away from their credibility.

At least for me. I’m sure it will make for great drama scenes later on but it’s not an enough of a well written element here.

The entire manner in which the Jewish community, their religious beliefs and culture is woven into this series and characters is a huge factor and great reason to read this author and series.

It’s just amazing.

A winner and headed to the next book.

Cover by: Covers By Christian.

Bedeviled:

Big Demon Energy #1

Demon on Deck #2

Better the Demon You Know #3

Demon in Disguise #4

The Demon’s Due #5 – Aug 18,2025

Buy link

Better the Demon You Know: An Enemies-To-Lovers Urban Fantasy (Bedeviled Book 3)

Blurb

Evil has a scent: lemon.

It was supposed to be a routine drug bust. Arrest some magic jerks and move on, but then a fellow operative is murdered, and Aviva is thrust into a perilous black ops mission to disprove corruption charges.

Meanwhile, her half-sister is being blackmailed for being an infernal, and as Avi struggles to protect her, she’s set on a collision course with the one person she hoped to never meet.

And just when she thought things couldn’t get any crazier, her ex drops a bomb about second chances.

Aviva must navigate a minefield of love, betrayal, and powerful Maccabees gunning for her, to expose her enemies—and keep her secrets hidden. But hey, running for your life is good cardio, right?

Featuring a smart, funny heroine and a banter-fueled vampire romance, this wickedly addictive urban fantasy will keep you reading way past bedtime.

Dive in now for a fiendishly good time!

Publisher: Te Da Media Inc.
Publication date: September 15, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 368 pages
Book 3 of 5: Bedeviled

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