Category: Fantasy

Review: The Dragon King’s Philosopher (The Dragons of Serai Book 3) by Amy Sumida

Rating: 4.5🌈

With The Dragon King’s Philosopher , Amy Sumida expands her universe and basic foundation knowledge her readers understood for The Dragons of Serai series. That new depth alone makes this a fascinating book.

Each book picks up directly from the events of the last, the narrative backtracking a scene or two to refresh the reader’s memory on every aspect of the novel’s story.

So we’re ready to jump into Prince Thais’ life, knowing the humiliation and pain his twin sister has caused him and his family in the aftermath of The Dragon Prince’s Necromancer (#2).

He’s sworn off his crushes on warriors, and needs an immediate diversion, preferably away from family, home, and sister. He’s answered by a official missive from The Kingdom of Ha’tezan asking for his help on a archaeological project of great significance.

It’s yes and he’s off to a place few have made voyages to.

By traveling to the country (an island) and kingdom of Ha’tezan, Sumida creates an entire new continent of different niche environments along with new races, cultures, and histories that inhabit it. Ones that both challenge and entrance Prince Thais.

Lord Thas Thorncal, family enclave Fyrehollde, of Zaru, scholar, linguist, philosopher, but not warrior, isn’t exactly ready for the King or Kingdom he’s flying into.

It’s one of remarkable ancient traditions and architecture, wonders and marvels that rival nothing Thas has ever seen. Yet the culture he’s meeting is steeped in mistrust, a lack of scientific vision, as well as superstitious, beliefs passed down through generations until they’ve become so rigidly accepted as non-refutable.

It’s also built upon the notion that power and fear rules. A society hard for a non-warrior to understand and find a place to fit in.

I found myself really thinking about the layers Sumida is adding in here to her world building. Ones that not only layers over prior foundation knowledge, but new ones that can substantially change , enhance, or even twist that she’s already given us.

So that our minds are occupied with all this rich tapestry of knowledge when we are also involved in other equally complex storylines involving our characters , their lives, and potential relationship.

I wasn’t a complete fan of King Xa’din of Ha’tezan. I found myself thinking there’s at least one other candidate I prefer for Thas here over a superstitious brute of a King with the communication skills of a toddler. Honestly, that never went completely away. And is the reason this story didn’t get a 5 star review.

Because Sumida handles so many other issues and tricky elements of the story with a deft narrative hand. The format, the amazing imagery, the fantastic storytelling and new characters!

I was enthralled.

Thas Thorncal, and the new characters (which I absolutely cannot speak of without giving away huge spoilers) are beautifully written, captivating in their portrayal of men in a momentous moment in their lives, and a yet , in a fantasy world, made believable by their circumstances and choices.

I can’t wait for the next installment and this journey to unfold.

I’m highly recommending that you read these book in the order that they are written to understand the history, characters, relationships, and world building.

The Dragons of Serai series:

✓ The Dragon King’s Assassin #1

✓ The Dragon Prince’s Necromancer #2

✓ The Dragon King’s Philosopher #3

◦ The Dragon God’s Sacrifice #4 – Jan 30, 2023

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Dragon-…A Gay Fantasy Romance (The Dragons of Serai Book 3) – Kindle edition by Sumida …

Amy Sumidahttps://www.amysumida.com › the-…The Dragon King’s Philosopher → New Book Release by Amy Sumida

Description:

A broken heart sent me running right into his arms.

I live in a world of magic, but I’m a man of science. Nothing thrills me more than learning, be it a new language, culture, or the way something works. That is, until I fell for the Dragon Prince of Zaru. After he mated another man, I found myself listless, searching for something to ease the heartache. So when the offer of an archaeological job in Ha’tezan came to me, I accepted it instantly. I didn’t ask what it paid or who was hiring me; I didn’t care. I just needed to get out of Zaru.

My employer is a king—King Xa’din of Ha’tezan. At first, he seemed brutal, ruling his kingdom with an iron claw and a pair of cursed, mismatched eyes. But I sense there’s something magnificent waiting behind his hard exterior, just as there is behind the ancient doors he’s unearthed. And as intriguing as King Xa’din is, so is his island kingdom. It’s full of exotic creatures and people I’ve never seen before. I intend to uncover all the secrets of Ha’tezan, especially those of its King. I just pray that I haven’t traded heartbreak for something more fatal.

Review: Linus (Christmas Sprites #4) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Linus finishes out Blakes’ heartwarming Christmas Sprites series and it’s a magical end I’d hoped for.

Linus, the last of the Christmas sprite cousins to find a mate, has always thought he’d be the first one to find the perfect one to love and spend the rest of his life with.

Instead, the fumbling, large-hearted innkeeper has stood by and watched, a tad jealously, as the other three found their mates, and got their magical “glow up”.

So Linus makes a plan to change his luck. And Colby, Tate’s best friend (and Eldon’s mate) comes to town, looking for Tate, and to check out the mysterious village he’s living in.

With all the other couples and inhabitants of Mistletoe Falls involved in the growing relationship between Colby and Linus, mischief and magical hijinks soon abound! From tiny “borrowed “ goats to Easter eggs and bunnies out of season, this is a heartwarming story, full of charming moments, happy memories, and a couple fated for HEA!

I totally recommend this no angst, heartwarming holiday quartet of magical tales!

Christmas Sprites:

✓ Nyall #1

✓ Oberon #2

✓ Eldon #3

✓ Linus #4

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showLinus (Christmas Sprites #4) by Macy Blake

Description:

Never sleigh never.

Linus is having a Christ-massive problem. His cousins have all found their fated mates and their sprite magic is making beautiful things happen in the small town of Mistletoe Falls they call home. His magic? Well, it’s making a fa-la-la-la-lasting impression…and not in a good way.

No need to Claus a scene!

When Colby’s best friend runs away to Mistletoe Falls, Colby follows. From the moment he arrives, things are an elf-ing mess. Strange things keep occurring in and around the Tinseled Inn, all involving its bewitching owner, Linus. Colby is determined to find out Linus’s secret, and if he doesn’t end up getting his chestnuts roasted, he may discover that Linus will make more than his Christmas bright.

If you love fated mates, Christmas hijinks, and magical elves, er, sprites, who make the season bright, this holiday romance will help you have a tree-mendous holiday season.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: How I Stole The Princess’s White Knight and Turned Him to Villainy: The Coronation: The Complete Works Bonus Short Story by A. J. Sherwood

Rating: 4🌈

The drama is over, the evil princess (and her father) is so so dead. So what’s a handsome knight and his newly wed sorcerer to do? Why be crowned King of course!

Here the party , all the hijinks, the kitties, and the HFN’s because, luckily, A.J. Sherwood isn’t done with Tan and Devan yet!

So enjoy! And wait for the shenanigans to begin again.

Part of: How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy

Special short bonus story to the following, now a boxed set.

How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy by AJ Sherwood Miracles 1-6

Review: How I Stole The Princess’s White Knight and Turned Him to Villainy: The Coronation: The Complete Works Bonus Short Story by A. J. Sherwood

Rating: 4🌈

The drama is over, the evil princess (and her father) is so so dead. So what’s a handsome knight and his newly wed sorcerer to do? Why be crowned King of course!

Here the party , all the hijinks, the kitties, and the HFN’s because, luckily, A.J. Sherwood isn’t done with Tan and Devan yet!

So enjoy! And wait for the shenanigans to begin again.

Part of: How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy

Special short bonus story to the following, now a boxed set.

How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy by AJ Sherwood Miracles 1-6

Review: Devil May Care ( The Reckless Damned Book 2) by Lark Taylor

Rating: 4.5🌈

I enjoyed the first book, but it didn’t really prepare me for the layered narrative and twists I found in Devil May Care, the second book in the Reckless Damned series.

Moving onto the tiny, vicious Harlow, the brother often underestimated for his small size and flamboyance, Harlow has moved through lovers like a true commitment phobe until he meets the huge human Bailey.

Bailey, best friend of Oscar, brother Cal’s mate, is an enormous man, a complex personality with baggage that includes body image issues, huge insecurities and self worth problems, deep emotional wounds that have plagued him and kept him from any meaningful connections and relationships.

They are what make him run from the sparks that fly when the soul/mate connections hit between Harlow and himself.

Harlow, another great turn, is equally stunned and on the run.

Taylor has the story work to put these beings, with all their secrets and baggage, together.

There’s other plot threads running simultaneously to the tortured path of Harlow and Bailey’s romance. They are of equal importance even as they weave in and out of the couple’s lives.

It’s all part of the twists that will come roaring at you. I really didn’t see it coming.

I suspect the twists also include hints about the other brother’s mate to come and background.

This series just upped its game. And now I can’t wait for the next installment.

I’m highly recommending this story but read the first book before reading this one. Each lays down the groundwork for the next.

The Reckless Damned series:

✓ Devil’s Mark #1

✓ Devil May Care #2

◦ Deal With the Devil #3 – March 1,2023

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showDevil May Care (The Reckless Damned #2) by Lark Taylor

Description:

One life-altering kiss sets our whole world on fire.

Harlow

I’ll tell you what isn’t on my agenda for this century: finding my fated mate only to have him reject me.

In fact, having a mate and tying myself down for eternity isn’t even a blip on my radar. But the moment I meet Bailey, there’s no denying he’s meant to be mine. Everything about the gentle Welsh giant calls to me, consuming my thoughts.

The problem? He doesn’t feel the same way. One life-altering kiss has him running in the other direction, leaving me to watch over him from the shadows.

When the opportunity arises to build a friendship, I grab it with both hands. Surely being his friend is better than nothing, right?

It will have to be, especially with a clan of mages sniffing around and looking for trouble. Not unusual since I am an estranged son of Lucifer. But now that I have my mate to consider, things are a lot more serious. How can I truly protect Bailey when he doesn’t even know I’m a demon?

Bailey

I learned a long time ago that relationships aren’t for me. Nobody wants to commit to a bigger guy, especially one who craves a different role in the bedroom.

When Harlow sashays into my life, I can’t help but wish things could be different. Sure, he seems interested, but history has proven that eventually, everyone leaves me.

There’s no way a vibrant firecracker like Harlow wants to be anything more than friends.

But the closer we get, the harder it is to keep him at arm’s length. He tells me he wants a relationship, but how can I believe him when I know he’s hiding something from me?

Devil May Care is an exciting, high-heat, friends-to-lovers paranormal romance with a guaranteed HEA. It is the second book in The Reckless Damned series, and although it can be read as a standalone, more enjoyment would be gained from reading the series in order. Each book focuses on a different couple and will have an HEA.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: Eldon (Christmas Sprites #3) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Oh those fabulous Christmas sprites! Eldon, the serious one, gets his mate, in a story that runs almost concurrently with all the others. So we get mentions of events we know happened in the other Sprites romances.

Here in a not really “frenemies to lovers “ trope, it’s Tatum William Bixby III , new owner of the Snowda Shoppe, that has Eldon in a snit.

Tate won’t tell Eldon his plans for the shop and the mystery is making Eldon nuts, along with all the magical drama his cousins are causing.

Tate has his own personal reasons for fleeing to Mistletoe Falls. Tate grows on the reader as he wanders about town, falling into the charm of the town and its inhabitants, learning to love it and Eldon.

Once more, Blake has built on the previous books and storylines, and made this story and characters stronger. It’s a lovely romance and it’s leading up to the very last cousin, Linus, and his romantic partner. He’s here too.

Can’t wait for the finale.

I’m highly recommending this and the series.

Christmas Sprites:

✓ Nyall #1

✓ Oberon #2

✓ Eldon #3

◦ Linus #4 – Dec 22, 2022

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showEldon (Christmas Sprites #3) by Macy Blake

Description:

Yule be sorry.

Eldon doesn’t care what Tatum William Bixby the third thinks, he absolutely will not allow the Snowda Shoppe to become some corporate monstrosity. Mistletoe Falls is Eldon’s home, his life’s work, and some stuck-up, irritating, rich grinch will not ruin their small town spirit—no matter how gorgeous and intriguing Eldon finds the annoying newcomer.

Baby it’s cold outside. Frigid even, if the adorable Eldon’s reaction to Tate’s arrival in Mistletoe Falls is anything to go by. His plan to secretly escape to the small town for a much needed break has turned into a challenge to drive Eldon over the edge.

Sweet Eldon has a bite to him, though, and when Tate’s secret emerges, he and Eldon reach a holiday crisis of their own. Will the magic of Mistletoe Falls finally miss its mark, or did Eldon and Tate find love at frost sight?

If you love fated mates, enemies to lovers, and magical elves, er, sprites, who make the season bright, this holiday romance will leave you in pepper-mint condition.

Review: Naughty Neil ( A Hidden Species Novella) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 4🌈🌲

Naughty Neil is a short holiday story that takes place in Masters’ Hidden Species universe.

Neil is a young guy working as an exotic dancer, happy with his life until a guy knocks on his door, claiming to be some kind of government agent, only from a agency he’s never heard of.

Mark Mikakos, Hellhound and CBG investigator ( Community of Species Government ) has come to tell Neil Diaz that he’s a incubus, that there’s a whole hidden world of supernatural beings the he’s a part of , and Mark’s life is about to change forever.

No problem.

What follows is a short, cute story that allows us to see the very start of a relationship and new romance. We meet Mark’s team of investigators and see Neil start to fit into his new world.

It’s over way too soon.

I wish we could have a follow up story to see what happens next. They are a genuinely lovely and fun couple.

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showNaughty Neil (A Hidden Species Novella) by Louisa Masters

Description:

I’m just an ordinary guy… who feeds on sexual energy.

I never knew my dad. Mom said he was a nice enough guy, fun for a night, but she never did get his name. I didn’t miss him, and my life is good.

Then a government agent shows up at my door and announces that I’m not really human. Dear old Dad was actually an incubus, a being that needs sexual energy to survive, and apparently that means I am too. Gotta be a scam, right?

Or so I think… until Agent Cutie changes into a canine (not a werewolf) in my living room and then eats half a dozen Christmas cookies while making orgasm sounds. Turns out, other species do exist.

On the plus side, being a stripper means that all my incubus needs are being met without me even trying. And now that I know the situation in my pants is normal for an incubus, I don’t feel self-conscious… so a fling with Agent Mark is definitely on the table.

Between being sexy Santa at work, supplying a team of hellhounds with Christmas cookies, and learning what stamina in the bedroom really is, I’m discovering that my old life was kind of empty. Maybe I’m not such an ordinary guy after all.

This novella was previously available free to newsletter subscribers. Only the cover has changed.

Review: Oberon (Christmas Sprites #2) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Oberon , the second in Blake’s Christmas Sprite’s series, is an even more enjoyable and engaging story than the the first. We’ve had our introduction to magical Mistletoe Falls, the family of four Sprites on course to find their forever mates, and the fantastic experience that awaits us and their mates as the romance begins.

Here is it’s a family of three, each one captivating and lively in their own way. There’s Dr. Miles Lane who has come to Mistletoe Falls to take over the veterinary clinic of Paws and Claus from it’s retired owner, a certain Nickolas Claus and wife 👀. He’s brought his adorable young daughter, Holly, and their Saint Bernard, Ivy. It’s a match made for the town and the spritely handyman, Oberon, who’s there to welcome them and make sure their new home is everything they envisioned for their new life.

This is a heartwarming story, full of family moments and charming scenes as Holly, Ivy and the Doc find themselves adopted by the sprites as part of their family and the town itself. Eldon especially finds himself in a situation where he adopts the entire Lane family and we get to see new sides to his personality.

Which sets him up nicely for the next installment, Eldon. His romance.

Christmas Sprites are low angst, full on magical romance holiday glow storylines. They are warm-hearted and full of cuteness and mysteries that aren’t very mysterious.

They are fast reads and a wonderful holiday Bon Bon to treat yourself to , especially if you’re a fan of Macy Blake.

Christmas Sprites:

✓ Nyall #1

✓ Oberon #2

◦ Eldon #3 – Dec 15, 2022

◦ Linus #4 – Dec 22, 2022

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showOberon (Christmas Sprites #2) by Macy Blake

Description:

Santa Paws is coming to town.

When Dr. Miles Lane purchases Paws and Claus, a veterinary clinic in the quirky town of Mistletoe Falls, he doesn’t quite know what he’s in for.

The small town offers a fresh start for Miles, his seven year old daughter, Holly, and their rambunctious Saint Bernard. What Miles doesn’t count on is his immediate attraction to the local handyman, Oberon, who he hires to do some work on their new home and clinic.

Oberon finds himself falling hard for the town’s new vet and his adorable family. There’s only one problem: Oberon is a sprite, a magical being tasked with bringing holiday spirit to the human realm. Every time he’s around Miles and Holly, his chemis-tree goes a bit haywire.

But when a pet-tastrophe strikes Mistletoe Falls, Miles and Oberon must team up to make sure the town and all of it’s furry residents have the ulti-mutt holiday.

If you love fated mates, pets who like to play matchmaker, and magical elves, er, sprites, who make the season bright, you’ll have a pawsitively wonderful Christmas time with this holiday romance.

Review: Nyall (Christmas Sprites Book 1) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4🌈

Nyall is a sweet holiday romance, an adorable beginning to a new Christmas series about a holiday village, Mistletoe Falls, and a special magical family of sprites looking for their HEA’s.

First up is the village baker, Nyall, who meets reporter Aaron Newton, banished to the village to write holiday fluff by his father for a past byline mistake. It becomes a delightful romance as Nyall , and his cousins, show Aaron the Christmas experience by way of all the events and the festivities that happen in Mistletoe Falls.

Of course, there’s a certain magical charm and glamour that occurs to spice things up. There’s a tiny mystery (not much of one) as well as a itty bitty drama about their relationship.

This is pretty much angst free, and a quick easy holiday read. It also sets up the next story which is cousin Oberon’s romance. There’s four books in total. I’m looking forward to reading them all.

Christmas Sprites:

Nyall #1

Oberon #2

Eldon #3 – Dec 15, 2022

Linus #4 – Dec 22, 2022

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showNyall (Christmas Sprites #1) by Macy Blake

Description:

Good things come to those who bake.

At least that’s what the sign hanging in Mistledough, the bakery owned by the gorgeous and mysterious Nyall claims.

When reporter Aaron Newton is banished to Mistletoe Falls for the holidays and forced to provide fluffy and lighthearted stories without a hint of scandal, or else, he finds himself drawn to both the bakery and the sweet taste of the man who runs it.

Aaron may not have come to the small Christmas town for love, but a little holiday magic is in the air, and the season may bring Aaron everything he’s ever wanted… if he’s willing to get whisked away by the handsome baker whose family has a secret to rival Santa Claus himself.

If you love opposites attract, small towns with holiday traditions galore, and magical elves, er, sprites, who make the season bright, you’ll fall head-over-mixing bowl for this feel good Christmas romance.

Author’s Note: Although this series takes place in the Chosen Universe, it is completely stand-alone.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: Unholy Trifecta X The Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA: Common Sense Deserts Once Again by A.J. Sherwood

Rating: 4.5🌈

For me, a fan of both series, Unholy Trifecta and Ross Young, Supernatural PA, this crossover was a howling success. In fact, I’m already crying for more. Assassins, dwarfs get yeeted, werewolves and vampires in battle, grenades, magic, and all our fabulous characters present and accounted for! That includes an almost grownup Remi aka Widow, 17, charismatic, and someone I very much need to see more of.

The plot itself is almost negligible, we just need an excuse to bring everyone together and have an explosive blast of craziness. Which is exactly what occurs.

If you haven’t read either series, this won’t make any sense to you. There’s too much missing background and depth of information that only available if you’ve read the series and know all the complicated relationships involved.

Do yourself a favor, and if you’re a fan of sarcastic humor, action, and hilarious characters and plots of snarky stuff with occasional depth into serious issues, grab both up.

Then head back here for a rollicking fun story.

Unholy Trifecta X The Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA: Common Sense Deserts Once Againby AJ Sherwood

Description:

Remi steals something she shouldn’t. Oops?
In her defense, Ivan thought it was a good idea.

Tags:

Ivan, cause Ivan is his own tag, Remi is all grown up, cursed objects, Kyou wonders how this is now his life, Glenn is amused, Ross has no fucks to give, this is just pure crack okay, don’t take it seriously, Remi stole something she should not have, everyone blames Ivan, ruby necklaces should not float and give off lightshows, Glenn owes Ivan a favor and he’s calling it in, dwarven mead, warlocks, Remi is adopted by dwarves, Ari gets to shoot something so he’s happy, Ross refuses to be in charge of a warlock’s inventory, because no.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer