Review: The Little Shop of Curiosities Cursed Object 1 The Music Box – Part 1. (Crawshanks Guide to the Occult) by Vawn Cassidy)

Rating: 4🌈

With this crossover series in the The Dead Serious Universe, two previously supporting characters are finally getting their own story and relationship series.

That’s which Harrison Ames, recently relocated to town to look for his mother. And former DI, now PI Sam Stone, with his own connections to Danny and Tris, and magical powers of his own.

Both characters have figured largely in prior stories, and author Cassidy takes many of these impactful moments and dramatic events from these novels and repurposes them here. The reader gets to see certain scenes again, only this time from either Harrison’s or Sam’s perspective.

I have to admit I loved (spoiler alert) seeing Chan meet Death all over again. I can’t get enough of this couple, so this was an enormous surprise and plus for me.

I think Sam turned out to be my favorite character, more mature and better defined character of the pair.

Or maybe it’s because Harrison spends the entire story lying to everyone around him. Sam, Tristan, Danny. Even as the mystery and investigation surrounding the magical bookstore, the portal, and other aspects of that storyline, Harrison, knowing full well he had important information and details about the events surrounding the ongoing crisis, kept quiet.

He’s not a teenager. He’s in his thirties. Not communicating highly needed information to people who consider him a friend in a time of crisis.

No, I long ago learned that I’d had enough of this type of character. Whether the author needed him to be incommunicative due too plot purposes or considered it a necessary part of his personality, either way it led to a disconnect for me.

Yes to Sam, no to Harrison. And there are things I do like about him. Like his dynamic with his dads. So funny. But everything else? No.

I’ll continue to read because all the wonderful crossover characters and scenes. Maybe Harrison will win me back over. Who knows.

A definite winner otherwise.

Cover design by Natasha Snow

Crawshanks Guide to the Occult:

The Little Shop of Curiosities Cursed Object 1 The Music Box

Connected series:

The Dead Serious Universe,

Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed (6 book series)

Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits(2 book series)

The Grim Adventures of Death & Chan Vol 1-3 (on the author’s website)

Buy link

Book 1 of 1: Crawshanks Guide to the Occult

Blurb

The Music Box – Part 1.

Despite being raised and well loved by his two adoptive fathers Harrison Ames has always felt alone. As an incredibly powerful witch he’s never come across anyone else who can do the things he can. Moving to London from Devon, he’d hoped that if he finally gathered the courage to confront the biological mother who’d given him up as a baby, he might finally have some answers.

Sam Stone, carries scars of his own, both physical and otherwise, but he’s determined to ignore them and get on with his life. But when fate drops a gorgeous prickly red haired witch in his life, he figures his luck is finally changing.

With mediums, dead drag queens, and supernatural beings as his new friends Harrison finds himself drawn into a world of magic and chaos. But amidst all the insanity that is his life, there’s Sam, his anchor when the secrets of his biological family begin to tear his life apart…

Underside Press

Publication date

December 25, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

320 pages

Book 1 of 1

Crawshanks Guide to the Occult

Book 1 of 1: Crawshanks Guide to the Occult

Review: Wards & Measures: The Glyphwright Chronicles Book 2 by Jeremy Fabiano

Rating: 5⭐️+

If I could give this book and series a higher rating, I would. It’s just phenomenal.

I’m just upset that I have to wait for the third book to be released for my journey with these incredible characters to continue.

Marcus Fairwind and his now partner/friend, Felix Penwright are set to take their journeyman exams after winning through the events of the last novel. Each has gained new levels, acquiring new skills, abilities and magical knowledge that will help them achieve their goals as Wardmakers. Along with their new friends Sarah, Katherine, Ben, and now brilliant 14 year old Rose, Marcus’ young sister who has her own unique skills and talents to bring into play.

Fabiano shows off a wonderful talent for creating fully realized characters of both genders and ages here. Whether it’s Marcus or Felix, Sarah or Rose, Erasmus (their enigmatic Master) or any of the parents scrambling to understand and support their children, each of these people are believable, breathing, layered beings. People we can connect with and invest in emotionally.

And we will. For here some of their biggest achievements, problems and adventures lies ahead.

For what started as a two Grandmasters waging war, now the horrific ramifications are left to those who have to use innovative methods to solve them or all may be lost.

What follows is a completely absorbing story. There’s so much to this. The magical systems alone is incredible and throughly detailed and minutely executed. FYI, if you’re someone who likes magic done with a ‘wave of a wand’, and then everything explodes. Well, this might not be the thing for you.

Here different magical applications and approaches are imaginatively and clearly defined and detailed in scenarios by scenarios. It’s fascinating, gripping, sometimes scary, often suspense filled, and life threatening. I couldn’t tear myself away from the book. And the characters in whatever situation they were in.

The RPG aspect of the story is present as levels that each character obtains but it’s woven into the story in a manner that makes sense and doesn’t require any special attention from non-gamers.

The sense of found family, community and friends that builds here, especially at the end is so heartwarming. It feels real and satisfying. And even after such a long journey, I wasn’t ready for it to end.

A fantastic experience and grand adventure. Love this series and group of characters.

A highly recommended read. Just amazing work by the author.

Cover design by Jacqueline Sweet Design

The Glyphwright Chronicles (4 book series):

Ink & Intent #1
Wards & Measures #2

Trades & Treaties #3 – Feb 8,2026
Vision & Venture #4 – April 8,2026

Buy link:

Wards & Measures: The Glyphwright Chronicles – Book 2

Blurb

The journeyman exam was supposed to be the hardest thing Marcus and Felix faced this year. Then Erasmus sent for help.

After passing their journeyman examination, Marcus and Felix expected to settle into their new partnership. Instead, Erasmus sends word from the capital: he needs their help in the Eastern provinces. War disrupted the region’s magical infrastructure, and he needs glyphwrights who know how to adapt when traditional solutions won’t work.

The ward networks are failing. Dungeon containment is corrupted. Preservation systems are breaking down. It’s the kind of widespread repair work that hasn’t been needed in five hundred years.

Their royal escort, Prince Adrian, spent years training in combat and protocol to earn his abilities. Marcus’s fourteen-year-old sister can see magical patterns the Prince never will. The resentment is immediate. And somehow, Marcus has to get them all working together before minor failures cascade into disaster.

The Glyphwright Chronicles continues with infrastructure crises, unlikely allies, and the lesson that sometimes the most important work isn’t glamorous—it’s the foundation that keeps everything else standing.

December 12, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

450 pages

Book 2 of 4

The Glyphwright Chronicles

Review: Monster Mayhem (A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery Book 1) by Amanda M. Lee

Rating: 3.5⭐️

Monster Mayhem (A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery Book 1) by Amanda M. Lee was an interesting read for me. The first book in Lee’s Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery series, I wasn’t aware when I picked it up that it was a part of an interconnected universe of series. Sometimes that’s not an issue but here the characters and recent impactful events come from those series and not having the knowledge of them leaves serious gaps for the new reader here.

A Pan (god) led invasion and huge battles?Not a clue but many references are made here to this. Same for the Grimlocks, the Reaper family the main character was “adopted” by. They too have a series. See below.

Here we have no idea what their full abilities or duties are. It’s an incomplete picture while putting this family in a huge position in the narrative and MFC’s life.

Author Lee has created many terrific elements for this character of Luna Thorn and the mystery that is her life’s story. Her shocking arrival in a blast of pink explosive power, as a tiny teenager-looking being. Her enigmatic one sentence statement and then complete amnesia. For five years.

I enjoyed the found family aspect of the story, the surrounding personalities were a lively group of not fully developed characters. Each either had a history I wasn’t aware of or required further foundation here to be fully fleshed out.

The Greek mythology included involving some different aspects of the pantheon that other similar fantasy stories haven’t explored so that’s a plus here. And that battle was fast paced and entertaining. But over way too quickly for all its buildup.

If you’re hearing a “but” or hesitation coming about an element here, you’re correct. I think that the lack of foundation is a real stumble here but can certainly be dealt with by a note saying this is not a standalone and part of a connected narrative.

My main issue is with Luna. In many aspects of her character. She’s “tiny” to the extent of often being mistaken for someone minor in age. 🚩. A abnormal hair color (bright white) made her decide to dye her hair pink. Which also makes her look younger in appearance. Despite being a building owner and running a lifestyle commune. Too many dichotomies have been written into her to maintain a believable/credible character.

“I think I’m a little old to be chastised like a teenager,” I complained when we were alone. “Can you not do that?” Reid looked caught between annoyance and embarrassment. “I’m sorry,” he said after several seconds. “I wasn’t trying to infantilize you.”

Immediately after, she’s treated like a child. As well as accepting that she’s been acting less responsibly. Then does an about face.

She’s surrounded by people who treat her like a child or at least like a younger teenager while she’s constantly insisting that she’s an adult. A repetitive behavior that gets old quickly.

Although, and this is a issue I have with the author’s crafting of the character, she’s a magical badass then someone who’s crying before her “adoptive father “ then proceeds to go in a different direction altogether script wise in the next scenario with a different pair of characters. She’s consistently inconsistent. And the dynamic carries over into every aspect here and all relationships. I just couldn’t connect.

Again, this seems to be a very popular connected universe. Just not one I’m familiar with. Perhaps if I’d started with another series I’d have a different opinion and reading experience.

Maybe I’ll try again with another series and circle back to this.

Connected series:

A Death Gate Grim Reapers Thriller (9 book series)

Aisling Grimlock (9 book series)

An Elemental Witches of Eternal Springs Cozy Mystery (4 book series)

A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery (7 book series):

Monster Mayhem #1

Perilous Portions #2

Undead Urges #3

Hexy Hijinks #4

Karma Killer #5

Sinister Séance #6

Vexing Vampires #7

Buy link

Book 1 of 7: A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery

Blurb

Welcome to the Cathedral!

Luna Thorn’s past is a mystery … even to herself.

She arrived in Detroit amidst a swirl of lights and magic. She had no memory of where she came from. No idea why she was there.

Years later, she’s established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the Detroit magical scene. She ingratiated herself with the local reapers. She set up a community called the Cathedral to help those who had been displaced from their homes and families, declaring that nobody would fall through the cracks.

Still, doubt remains. Luna is determined to figure out why she’s in Detroit. She needs to know what she’s supposed to accomplish within the city’s crumbling boundaries. Her story is nowhere near finished.

When a body shows up on the grounds of the Cathedral, her quest kicks into overdrive. Ritual murders aren’t her forte, but this one is going to haunt Luna. Also haunting her is Jesse Wilder, a young detective who has been paired with an old friend. He has specific beliefs about what’s happening. Luna’s opinion doesn’t match up in the least.

He’s a “by the rules” guy. Luna likes to fly by the seat of her pants. She’s never met a problem she didn’t want to improvise.

It’s going to take both of them to solve this case. Even then, it will only be the beginning of their tale.

Settle in for excitement. Luna Thorn is about to change everything you know about the magical world.

There’s no going back … for any of them.

WinchesterShaw Publications

Publication date

April 4, 2023

Language

‎English

Print length

292 pages

Book 1 of 7

A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery

Review: Ink & Intent: The Glyphwright Chronicles Book 1 by Jeremy Fabiano

Rating: 5⭐️

This is such a fabulous read. Jeremy Fabiano is a new author and I’m so excited to share his book and amazing series.

After finishing Ink & Intent, the first novel in his fantasy The Glyphwright Chronicles, I can say not only that I absolutely committed to this universe and characters but also to the author as well. (Yes, I’ve read ahead)

I’ve read literally thousands of books in all genres and more authors than I can count. And lately, I’m just not finishing the stories I find lacking.

But Book 1, Ink & Intent, is incredible on multiple levels. Fabiano is, with great attention to detail and craftsmanship, creating many important pieces of his series at once. And doing so beautifully, believably, and imaginatively.

The author gives us the characters, all extremely multi dimensional, deeply faceted by their own unique personalities, magical abilities and grounded in their environment ,business or family or any combination thereof. And then allows each of them room to develop and grow into fuller, more complex people as their own lives and relationships dynamics change.

And an important aspect of this is the location of Millbrook, a town so real and lively and well conceived that it acts as its own character. From the many geographical points, the mill and river to the town’s shops and shopkeepers, the reader becomes intimately acquainted and fond of each of them. And their importance to each other storylines and connections to the main characters.

It’s a tapestry of magical characters as a weaving of magical systems that is constantly evolving in complexity and delightful design. It’s pragmatic, surprisingly intuitive and unlike any I’ve encountered.

There’s a slight RPG element as the characters have skills and journals that show them as they level up as journeyman. But the adventure(s) and magical abilities are acquired as they are asked to solve various challenges and a multitude of problems. One of such variety that I couldn’t stop thinking about each one and didn’t put the story down until the wee hours.

Then picked up the next at 3 am. Oh no.

There’s a no spice romance developing but it’s really all about the friendship and partnership between the two young men, and their older mentors and the Guide who’s fighting innovation. At the moment.

I can see me adding more to my groaning bookshelf.

What a fantastic find. A highly recommended read. Just amazing work by the author.

Cover design by Jacqueline Sweet Design

The Glyphwright Chronicles (4 book series):

Ink & Intent #1

Wards & Measures #2
Trades & Treaties #3 – Feb 8,2026
Vision & Venture #4 – April 8,2026

Buy link:

Book 1 of 4: The Glyphwright Chronicles

Blurb

Marcus Fairwind remembers every symbol he’s ever seen. Too bad that talent is useless for a merchant’s son—until he starts treating magic like a supply chain problem.

After disappointing his father one too many times, Marcus begs Millbrook’s irritable glyphwright for an apprenticeship. Erasmus reluctantly takes him on, teaching him glyphwriting—magic through written symbols.

His perfectionist rival Felix thinks Marcus doesn’t belong. The Guild fears what happens when apprentice innovations make master traditions obsolete.

When their experimental ward network actually works, the Guild decides to make an example of them. The challenge: protect the entire Harvest Festival or both apprentices and their masters lose their right to practice. Forever.

Now Marcus and his former rival must save three days of festival chaos—escaping livestock, spoiling goods, and traditions gone sideways. But when the Guild rigs the game against them, the apprentice Marcus once couldn’t stand might be the only person worth trusting.

A cozy fantasy with LitRPG progression elements, first romance, found family, and the revolutionary idea that sometimes your worst enemy is exactly the partner you need.

Pour yourself something warm, settle into your favorite reading spot, and discover why sometimes the most magical thing isn’t saving the world—it’s finding where you belong.

November 7, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

401 pages

Book 1 of 4

The Glyphwright Chronicles

Review: Arcane Justice (The Other Detective Series Book 1) by Heather G Harris

Rating: 5⭐️

Of the many interconnected series in The Other Realm Universe, The Other Detective has definitely become my favorite, which is amazing because this is a great universe full of complex characters and richly crafted storylines.

Arcane Justice is the penultimate book, which sort of breaks my heart, in the story of magical Inspector Stacy Wise and her ongoing romance with Robbie Krieg, the Ogre King.

I’m really not ready for this series to come to an end.

Harris uses Arcane Justice to cement and celebrate certain bonds and relationships. Loki the caladrius has an important storyline as well as a resolution to his previous issues. Robbie and Stacy’s relationship is deeply affected by the events of this story. And a bigger villainous plot is revealed behind the many of the horrific incidents and murders that have happened.

Amber and Bastion appear to add additional drama and weight to the new development of the overall storyline. And tie it into previous series.

And while the main plot of the book ends happily. There’s an ominous epilogue that follows.

So Harris manages to make me as a reader incredibly happy then crushing me simultaneously with that epilogue. Got it.

Arcane Justice (The Other Detective Series Book 1) by Heather G Harris is superb. Highly suspenseful, full of action packed scenes, beautifully crafted characters, emotionally laden moments and satisfying scenes.

I do not want this series to end.

I’ve listed all the connected series below. It’s an absolute wealth of entertainment and reading enjoyment.

All recommended.

Cover design by Christian Bentulan. Published by Hellhound Press Limited.

The Other Realm Universe: Should be read in order to understand the world and characters .Events and relationships build upon each other.

The Other Realm series

⭐️Glimmer of Dragons- Book 0.5 (a prequel story),

Glimmer of The Other- Book 1, Glimmer of Hope- Book 2,

Glimmer of Christmas – Book 2.5 (a Christmas tale),

Glimmer of Death – Book 3,

Glimmer of Deception – Book 4,

*It is recommended that you read The Other Wolf books 1 to 3 before continuing with

Challenge of the Court– Book 5,

Betrayal of the Court– Book 6

Revival of the Court– Book 7.

⭐️The Other Wolf Series

Defender of The Pack– Book 0.5 (a prequel story),

Protection of the Pack– Book 1, Guardians of the Pack– Book 2, Saviour of The Pack– Book 3, Awakening of the Pack – Book 4, Resurgence of the Pack – Book 5; and Ascension of the Pack – Book 6.

⭐️The Other Witch Series

Rune of the Witch – Book 0.5 (a prequel story),

Hex of the Witch– Book 1,

Coven of the Witch;– Book 2,

Familiar of the Witch– Book 3; and Destiny of the Witch – Book 4.

⭐️The Other Detective Series❤️

Frustrated Justice – Book 0.5 (a prequel story),
Veiled Justice – Book 1
Mystic Justice – Book 2
Arcane Justice – Book 3
Brutal Justice – Book 4 -March 5,2026

Buy link

Arcane Justice: A Supernatural Crime Thriller (The Other Detective Series Book 3)

Blurb

When I find a powerful political figure dead in his home, I know the pressure is going to be on. His death was brutal, and anything but swift. The brass want answers yesterday, so it’s going to take the combined might of Unit 13 to bring the killer to justice.

In the meantime, things are heating up with Robbie Krieg, King of the Ogres, my fated mate, and general pain in my ass. He’s been keeping secrets, and they may be inextricably linked to the corpse I’ve just found.

And what the hell is up with my damned bird?

Some days, it’s better just to stay in bed.

Immerse yourself in The Other Detective Series – perfect for fans of supernatural crime, complete with a fierce heroine, gritty murder investigations, and a slow-burn romance.

Written in British English.

The Other Detective Series

Frustrated Justice, a prequel story,

Veiled Justice – Book 1

Mystic Justice – Book 2

Arcane Justice – Book 3

Brutal Justice – Book 4

Hellhound Press Limited

Publication date

December 26, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

234 pages

Book 3 of 4

The Other Detective Series

Review: How Not To Woo Your Human Warrior (Falling for Demons #3) by Laura Winters

Rating: 3.75⭐️

I had seen this series before but not read any of the books. But the description of How Not To Woo Your Human Warrior included a rage filled main woman character, one who when kidnapped by demons used her anger to fight to reach her sister.

That sounded promising and it also stated it could be read as a standalone, so I picked it up.

I mostly enjoyed the story. Not having read the preceding novels, I don’t know how much of the missing world building is to be found there. What I did find was a story that dealt with some sensitive issues (parental abuse,DV,control issues and anger issues) yet framed them with some comedic humor that is a bit jarring. Or perhaps just odd that it feels out of place.

At least to me.

The storyline is good. A pair of sisters, already at odds, are kidnapped by slavers. And then rescued. By demons.

Kalypso or Kaly, the older sister has lived a tough life. Her history is slowly revealed over the course of the book, the reason she’s so excellent at fighting, so filled with rage, so quick with her anger. With her younger sister as her only focus. As one can imagine, none of those reasons are good.

Her sister, Kat, is an enigma for the most part, separated from Kaly, used as to keep Kaly compliant with the rules of the place they are living in.

That damaged dynamic is a realistic twist of the book.

Ozirax, the demon warrior in charge of Kaly getting settled into her new environment is an interesting character. This is the first time I’ve seen dyslexia written into a demon in this manner, and it’s a very successful element. Same for how it’s a part of Kaly’s story. This bridge is just one that makes their journey to a relationship work.

Other aspects of the story I think are well written are the various paranormal creatures that are battled or just met as part of this new world. The teams and political factions are very similar to an earth similar system and/or structure so there’s nothing new to explore.

What I find irksome about this and any other book is where the author has given a element of their series a name that’s either silly or odd enough that just seeing it, throws you out of the narrative. Example. The current storyline is dealing with a serious issue, then one of the characters mentions that they are living in Heck.

SMH. Demons in Heck.

Which would be funny if this was a comedy. And not a book dealing with child abuse, rage, anger management, and other sensitive topics.

Yes, I took rating points away because of that.

And because that wasn’t well written. You can have humor and traumatic experiences within the same novel but the writing has to be exceptional. This isn’t it.

It’s engaging at times. Downright awkward reading at times. Oz calls Kaly spicy immediately because she’s filled with rage over being kidnapped and drugged by slavers and separated from her sister. Anyone see a problem here?

It’s that sort of thing that occurs regularly throughout that makes this a ok read but not one where I’ll seek out the other books.

Falling for Demons-6 books:

“Six human women, betrayed by their own only to be rescued by the very demons they were taught to fear, find themselves trapped in a harrowing, magical city.

But the cautionary tales were wrong, and they’re quick to learn demons don’t inspire terror but temptation…”

▪️How Not to Court Your Human Captive #1 by A. K. Caggiano

▪️How Not to Charm Your Human Colleague #2 by Laura Winters

▪️How Not To Woo Your Human Warrior #3 by Laura Winters

▪️How Not to Tame Your Human Tease #4 by A. K. Caggiano

▪️How Not to Pursue Your Human Perfectionist #5 by Laura Winters

▪️How Not to Mesmerize Your Human Muse #6 by A. K. Caggiano

Buy link

Book 3 of 6: Falling for Demons

Blurb

Eyes forward, sword up, heart true.

Kalypso has a long list of things to be angry about, starting and ending with a spiky purple demon who reluctantly rescued her and five other women from the Dreadmoor. Trapped in the demon realm, Ozirax is the final barrier standing between her and her sister, so she’ll play nice for now. The only issue is… she’s never been nice, and when she drives away the one person she’s dedicated her life to, Kalypso is left without a purpose. Until she finds a demon warrior whose simmering anger calls to her own.

On the cusp of promotion in the demon guard, it must be a cruel joke from the gods that Ozirax ends up saddled with the rage-filled human woman. Kalypso is stubborn, vicious, and unafraid—the kind of distraction he doesn’t need—but she holds the key to his rise in rank. Work together, keep her in line, and the captain’s position is his. But there’s a cunning mind behind the spicy human fighting him at every turn with fists and blunt teeth, and with danger lurking in the Dreadmoor, she might be the very warrior their realm needs.

They’ve found their match, a mirror to the anger burning within. Kalypso has shown her colors, sharpened her defenses, but Ozirax is filling in the cracks of her broken pieces, and she’s not sure how to separate them again. Love has always been her weakness, but loving a demon? It might very well be her downfall.

The world has taught them to flare their spikes, but when passion blurs the lines of fury, can they walk away with their hearts intact?

For fans of fantasy monster romance, cozier fantasy, and queer stories, join Laura Winter and AK Caggiano in the Falling for Demons series of interconnected standalones, set in the same fantasy world. Follow six humans and their budding romances with the demons they once feared in a cozy, spicy setting.

December 4, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

350 pages

Book 3 of 6

Falling for Demons

Review: The Wizard’s Butler by Nathan Lowell

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I stumbled across this story by accident and I’m absolutely thrilled I did because I love both the story and finding a new prolific author to explore.

This highly entertaining and gently immersive series is one that builds slowly, pulling us into the magical world along with the non-magical ex soldier Roger Mulligan.

Desperately searching for a new start, after 3 tours of duty with the military in Afghanistan and as a EMT once home, a ad for a butler sends Roger upon a new path.

That the author is himself a former military veteran is telling in the crafting of Roger Mulligan. He is absolutely believable in this book, his appreciation for the uniform, the manner in which his role as a butler has similarities with his previous duties, without the hazards and risks. He’s a good man, a guardian. Which as it turns out is exactly what is needed most.

Told from Roger’s perspective, we meet the house, his “employers”, the elderly owner of the house and the magical situation he’s entering into.

I think what I love about this the most is Roger’s ability to adapt to ideas and concepts that would shatter others and, in how Lowell has written him and this story, I found him and how everything flows together totally credible.

We don’t “see” the pixies or fairies because Roger can’t. He’s not talented. A element that turns into an unlikely strength for all.

This isn’t a romance. But a terrific book full of fascinating characters and found family, as well as a magical place.

The sequel, the recently released, The Wizard’s Cat, is an excellent read and I’ll review it shortly.

I really hope that Lowell has several more books planned for this series. I’m definitely hooked.

A winner and one I’m happy to share.

Cover Art: Alexandre Rio

The Wizard’s Butler:

The Wizard’s Butler #1

The Wizard’s Cat #2

Buy link

Book 1 of 2: The Wizard’s Butler

Blurb

“He thinks he’s a wizard,” they said.

For five grand a month and a million dollar chaser, Roger Mulligan didn’t care how crazy the old geezer was. All he had to do was keep Joseph Perry Shackleford alive and keep him from squandering the estate for a year.

They didn’t tell him about the pixies.

Publisher

Durandus, Ltd.

Publication date

March 19, 2020

Language

‎English

Print length

350 pages

Book 1 of 2

The Wizard’s Butler

Review: Shifting Resolve (Shifter Lords Book 5) by S.E. Babin

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Shifting Resolve basically undoes all the forward movement of the preceding novel for the characters in terms of their relationships.

And this was to be expected given the twisted plots and various natures of the characters involved with the main character of Evie Quinn.

With her growing powers exposed, during the climatic events with the Life Tree, multiple threats and challenges are leveled against her. And her un-acknowledged partner, lord of shifters, Caelan as well.

There’s so many complex storylines woven into the narrative to keep track of. Various Lords with their own agendas, Evie’s father and mother whose hidden secrets and paths for Evie are also unknown.

Those secrets the reader has been told and know they are explosive in their own ways, are elements that have storylines that haven’t been factored in yet. It’s labyrinthine structure that makes this series so gripping and compelling.

That’s the case here where stress and anxiety are the common theme, secrets are key, and everyone is trying to control Evie and claim a part of her . When she doesn’t want to be claimed or controlled.

And everyone around her has an hidden or not so secret agenda.

It’s high action, high suspense, high mystery and it ends in a cliffhanger of sorts. But one that the reader honestly will expecting. Because we saw it coming.

I love the characters and this very layered, complex story. And I’m rooting for Evie and her small group of friends.

Highly recommended and I can’t wait for the next one in this series.

So well written and beautifully executed.

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords series:

Shift of Heart #1

Shift of Morals #2

Power Shift #3

Shifting Winds #4

Shifting Resolve #5

Shift of Rule #6

Shift of the Wild #7

Buy link

Book 5 of 8: Shifter Lords

Blurb

Evie Quinn is a survivor, but she’s tired of being a pawn in everyone else’s game.

She never asked to be the heir to the fae throne, a walking, otherworldly bridge for the gods, or the hottest bachelorette in the supernatural realms. But here she is—dodging dozens of random marriage proposals and doing her best to keep Caelan from committing paranormal genocide.

Everyone wants a piece of Evie these days. The Council’s patience has worn off, and they’re ready to marry her off to the highest bidder. The gods want to use her for their own gain, and Caelan is growing ever frustrated with her attempts to keep things between them paused. But Evie still isn’t ready to be a queen or a bride or a bridge, or anything forcing her to give up her autonomy.

But time has run out, and her only hope might be to do the one thing no one expects—finally taking control of her world-shaking power, her fate, and most important of all, her heart.

Oliver Heber Books

Publication date

December 23, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

272 pages

Book 5 of 8

Shifter Lords

Review: Deadly Arrogance: Necromancer Tales #4 by M.J. May

Rating: 5🌈

Deadly Arrogance is the series finale that brings the journey of Necromancer Erasmus Boone to an exciting and happy conclusion.

I’ve been absolutely thrilled by this fantasy/paranormal universe of May’s since the first Perfect Pixie novel, a series which introduced necromancer Erasmus Boone.

So it’s fitting that many of those characters play roles here in Boone and Franklin’s battle against a terrifying enemy. It’s emotional and wonderful to see each one, settled into their own lives and relationships, as they come together to fight and support their friends and own communities.

And May, who has created throughly villainous characters in the past, has exceeded herself here in crafting shadow bourne Tenzen Huxley, a seemingly unbeatable and immortal being. Huxley is an ominous figure whose role is one that’s always in the game, even when absent from the current situation. The enormous threat he brings to the couple and those around them is a real concern, no matter what else they are dealing with.

They are mentally, emotionally and spiritually under pressure and attack all the time and the reader, who’s intimately connected with them, feels that same overwhelming stress and suspense.

On top of Huxley’s magical threat to everyone, there’s a multiple murder investigation that requires the attention of both Franklin and Boone. It’s highly unusual, incredibly rare in its sheer scope of detail and complexity.

I won’t elaborate further because there’s many twists here that spin beautifully within the plot. The story is highly suspenseful, compelling emotionally, and has some truly heartbreaking scenes.

And yes, it does end happily with everyone in attendance. I absolutely love it.

And there’s a new connected series on the horizon. Thrilled about that too!

Check out all the books below if you’re new to this universe. Read them in the order they are written. Enjoy them! Highly recommended!

Cover design by cheriefox.

Perfect Pixie Series

Perfectly Imperfect Pixie

Perfectly Perfect Pixie: Peaches’s Story

Perfectly Charmed Pixie: Parsnip’s Story

Perfectly Perplexing Zombie: Wendall’s Story

Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie: Phlox’s Story—finale

Perfectly Petite Shorts: Short Stories from the Perfect Pixie Series M/M

Necromancer Tales Series: Spin-Off from the Perfect Pixie Series

Deadly Lineage: Necromancer Tales Book I

Deadly Deception: Necromancer Tales Book II

Deadly Avarice: Necromancer Tales Book III

Deadly Arrogance: Necromancer Tales Book IV—End

Warlock Nikodemus Holland’s Book—Coming Spring 2026

Buy link

Book 4 of 4: Necromancer Tales

Blurb

Necromancer Erasmus Boone’s life is on hold—every shadow suspect, every trip outside his warded home a gamble. Afraid of bringing more attention to already wary necromancers, Erasmus has stopped hunting for his own kind. Unwilling to place an even larger target on his back, Erasmus has even delayed his own wedding.

Human homicide detective Franklin O’Hare wants nothing more than to be there for the necromancer he loves. Unfortunately, he’s neck-deep in not one but two separate multiple-body dump scenes. With little more than skeletal remains to go on, Franklin’s days are consumed with work, and his sleepless nights are spent wishing he had more time for his fiancé.

Waiting and wondering when Tenzen Huxley will make his move is physically exhausting and emotionally draining. Information regarding shadow borne is slim and little more than hearsay, and what is known is horrifying.

Will Erasmus and Franklin be ready when Tenzen finally makes his move? Is there truly any way to be prepared for the hell a shadow borne can unleash? Despite the support of powerful friends and family, Erasmus and Franklin desperately need to find a shadow borne’s weakness.

Sometimes, weakness comes from within, not without, and often, arrogance is the deadliest flaw of all.

Deadly Arrogance is the fourth book in the Necromancer Tales series and should be read in order. This series is a spin-off of the Perfect Pixie series and takes place in the same world but can be read as a stand-alone series. Deadly Arrogance is a m/m romantic fantasy mystery with an unusually sane necromancer just trying to make a living, a humble human detective attempting to keep his necromancer fiancé alive, an arrogant but redeemably overprotective warlock father, a questionably moral all-powerful djinn who may just get her scuttlebutt wish, a welcome Mississippi spring, and an ancient being who desires more power than any creature should wield and has decided a certain necromancer is key to satisfying that greed.

Review: A Beginner’s Guide to Sea Monsters, Messenger Angels, and Other Management Mishaps (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures #5) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4🌈

The penultimate (so the author says) book in this delightful paranormal romance series, Mae is looking towards tying up several important series storylines by bringing back secondary characters from previous stories. The purpose of which is to connect them together with their soulmate by way of elevating them into main character roles.

Gabriel,the tightly wrapped, overly worked, stressed out Divine Herald, the messenger of the Lord, the Angel of Revelation we’ve known before is now ready for a new path. Mae’s charted a sexy, joyful story for Gabriel here. It’s one of discovery and insight for himself and his afterlife. We feel so happy for him. And his partner.

That’s the demon Leviathan aka Levi , a sea demon/monster who has also made appearances in preceding books. Levi is a sexy tentacled delight of a demon and his development along side his relationship with Gabriel is wonderful to read.

The story also brings in important elements and characters that will help finish off the series in the concluding storylines. I’m really excited to see what this will entail.

Shannon Mae has written a highly entertaining, happy and sexy story. It’s a terrific read and one I’m happy to recommend.

Cover artwork by, Grimm Kat Cover assembly by, Tammy, Aspen Tree E.A.S.

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures:

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures: (Paranormal Romance ):

🔷 A Beginner’s Guide to Death, Demons, and Other Afterlife Disasters #1

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Mistakenly Summoned Demons and Other Misadventures #2

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades #3

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers #4

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Sea Monsters, Messenger Angels, and Other Management Mishaps (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures #5)

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Novellas:

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Christmas Miracles (A Holiday Novella)

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Pet Demons

🔷A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic Possessions

Demonic Disasters and

Afterlife Adventures Collections: 🔷Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Collection 1

Hellhounds of Paradise Falls -sequel series:

How to Flirt with a Hellhound #1 – (Coming Soon)

Buy link

A Beginner’s Guide to Sea Monsters, Messenger Angels, and Other Management Mishaps (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Book 8)

Blurb

Gabriel:

Gabriel is the Divine Herald, the messenger of the Lord, the Angel of Revelation… and he’s currently losing ground to social media. (Really, how is he supposed to compete with that ticking app?) When the afterlife’s management team forces him into a “professional development partnership” with a demon, Gabriel is horrified—until he meets Leviathan, a sea monster with tattoos, tentacles, and a knack for helping him connect with mortals.

Levi:

Leviathan has no interest in going back to the underworld. He’d much rather spend his time topside with his octopus sidekick and now, apparently, one very uptight angel. Teaching Gabriel about mortal pleasures—food, coffee, books, and other things (that require less clothes)—is the best adventure Levi’s had in centuries.

But as they both start to enjoy their unexpected partnership, one problem remains: what happens when the leadership team decides the partnership is over? Levi isn’t about to give up his angel, and Gabriel isn’t sure he wants to return to Heaven without his demon.

Tags: Featuring one grumpy angel and one cheery sea monster demon; accidental stroke of genius from the leadership team (very accidental); Mt. Everest is overrated, but mortal coffee is divine; even angels enjoy a good book; Gabriel discovers the joys of food, and other mortal pleasures (wink, wink); Levi has tentacles, and Gabriel definitely approves.

December 1, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

262 pages

Book 8 of 8

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures

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