Category: Fantasy

Review: Breathe of Life (Godstones Saga #2) by Jocelynn Drake

Rating: 5🌈

As I’ve said before, it’s always the second book in a series that cements the foundation and really establishes the pillars the author’s is resting their epic fantasy storylines upon.

Breathe of Life, the second novel in the Godstones Saga by Jocelynn Drake does all that and more beautifully. It’s here the author lays out the fantasy themes and storylines the main group of characters must strive for. The epic goals and the unbelievable obstacles that lie ahead of them all become clear as well.

All while our intrepid group fights gallantly through enemy battalions, encountering unexpected dangers within and without, and dealing with gods. Who have their own agendas.

To say my time with this book just flew would be an understatement.

I’m so committed to these people and each new event and obstacle raises each man to find within himself some new flaws as well as strengths. The characters develop deeper relationship dynamics between each other that just adds such amazing interest and brings us closer to them. Individually and as they find attractions towards each other.

Drake has such great skills when writing fantasy. It shows in the imaginative Godstones/gods as well as extends towards the battles and internal emotions that Caelan fights within him. Plus the rotating 4-man pov strengthens the narrative and our commitment to each character and their role in this epic journey.

This series has quickly become a must read and I’m hot onto the next book in the series Wake the Dead.

Then I’ll have to wait like every one for the January release. Sigh.

Until then, if you love fantasy romance and fiction, grab up this series. Read it straight through and meet me at the next story!

I’m loving this! And highly recommending it!

https://www.goodreads.com › showBreath of Life (Godstone Saga, #2) by Jocelynn Drake – Goodreads

Godstone Saga Series:

✓ Steal The Wind #1

✓ Breathe of Life #2

◦ Wake the Dead #3

◦ Wings of Fire #4 – coming January 22, 2022

Synopsis:

Caelan wants his throne back.

The bargain has been struck, and it’s time to return home.

But the situation is worse in Erya than he previously suspected. Betrayal runs deep in the streets of Stormbreak, and finding people he can trust will be treacherous.

He has no choice, though. He’s fighting for his birthright, and maybe even a little revenge if he can get it.

Will the gods come between him and the crown?

Or worse, him and Drayce?

Breath of Life is the second book in the six-book Godstone Saga fantasy series and is not a standalone. The story contains explosions, gods with secret plans, hidden romance, a prince set on revenge, magic, and lots of delicious angst..

Review: Steal The Wind (Godstone Saga #1) by Jocelynn Drake

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Again I’ve fallen into a new fantasy epic and new author with Steal The Wind (Godstone Saga #1) by Jocelyn Drake. I’m so happy with both new additions to my reading and author lists.

We meet our important quartet of main characters immediately

Prince Carlen of the Kingdom of Erya, with his royal companion and best friend, Drayce. Also there Royal advisor Lord Rayne Laurent and Royal Bodyguard Lord Eno Bevyn

With Caelan at the pivotal narrative point and the others as his important support, Drake builds a epic fantasy tale, full of tragedy, magic, gods, misfortune, kingdoms lost… and waiting to be won once more. With romance and love woven throughout.

I was absolutely pulled into the first installment and Caelan’s journey. Drake’s ability to make even the smallest of characters memorable as well as the briefest of scenes made me stay connected to the group’s struggles to battle through heartbreak, weariness, deception, and shattering revelations.

Each character is given their own pov which works given each man’s importance to each other and the developing saga storylines.

While it ends on a cliffhanger, it feels right and I’m eagerly moving forward to the next book.

The author intends this to be a six book series. There’s three currently released with the fourth out next month.

I’m happily anticipating some busy nights ahead.

In the meantime, if you love fantasy fiction and romance, put Steal The Wind (Godstone Saga #1) by Jocelyn Drake on your TBR list. It’s a winner!

https://www.goodreads.com › showSteal the Wind (Godstone Saga, #1) by Jocelynn Drake – Goodreads

Godstone Saga Series:

✓ Steal The Wind #1

◦ Breathe of Life #2

◦ Wake the Dead #3

◦ Wings of Fire #4 – coming January 22, 2022

Synopsis:

Everything Caelan knows about his world is a lie.

A war is brewing. As the crown prince of Erya, it’s only natural that Caelan is sent on a secret diplomatic mission to support one of the kingdom’s allies. With his advisor, his bodyguard, and his best friend as traveling companions, what could go wrong?

Everything.

Everything goes wrong.

Now they are on the run, dodging assassins, setting secret meetings, and even making deals with a sleeping god.

So, this is probably a really bad time to cave to feelings he’s been fighting for his best friend. But Drayce has owned his heart for more years than he can count and if he’s going to die, shouldn’t he have just one kiss?

The fate of the world is on the line, and only Caelan holds the power to save them all.

Steal the Wind is the first book in the six-book Godstone Saga fantasy series and is not a standalone. The story contains explosions, secrets, cranky gods, hidden romance, a prince on the run, a possessive ex-boyfriend, magic, and lots of delicious angst.

Review: On A Midnight Clear by Lily Morton

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Gleaming, incredibly lifelike and often haunting sculptures seen in museums worldwide, from The Dying Gaul (my favorite) to Apollo to Rodin’ The Kiss, have the ability to mesmerize upon sight. Their creator’s ability to turn stone into something that goes past magnificent art into something haunting, beautiful, and timeless. And unforgettable

These sculptures also inspire other forms of art, from paintings to songs to movies to books. Especially the idea of one of those statues coming to life .

A local favorite is Edgar Degas’ Little Dancer of Fourteen Years . It’s one of those that resonates with so many.

But when I think of statues and stories, the one that immediately jumps to mind is that of Pygmalion and Galatea, his stature brought to life. It’s a story that’s been told over and over.

Anyway, Lily Morton returns to this magical idea of wish fulfillment and a creator’s sculpture that has so resonated with one young man throughout his life that it’s the one he’s confided in, run to, and hidden behind all his years.

Barnaby Greenwood is a man in desperate need. At Christmas. He’s about to lose everything that’s ever mattered, to himself, his family, his ancestors, and the village.

He needs a miracle.

In true Morton form, we are given a heart wrenching situation, great characters we can connect with, especially Barnaby. A estate full of sculptures and a dark forest green.

Cosmo is a total delight, complete with canine companion. I love the villagers. The fleeting aspect of the very nature of week and the passing of days… makes for a harrowing tale. We are filled with anxiety as the time passes even as we relish the relationship that builds.

It’s a magical romance, with all sorts of grand and small elements. Plenty to delight over, laugh and sniffle as well.

Pygmalion and Galatea would be pleased.

Merry Christmas! Happy Yule!

Highly recommended! So is this author.

For those interested, I’ve a few pictures of both Degas’ dancer and the iconic Dying Gaul below.

https://www.goodreads.com › showOn a Midnight Clear by Lily Morton – Goodreads

Synopsis:

It can safely be said that Lord Barnaby Greenwood is not having the best of Christmases.

He’s penniless, up to his eyeballs in debt, and about to lose his estate. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that when a local property developer offers a lot of money to buy King’s Wood from him, Barnaby is very tempted. But his father had always impressed on him that the green wood was sacred and must be protected at all costs, so he finds himself saying no.

He knows this will result in the loss of his home, but duty comes before everything. However, that fateful decision leads instead to a magical Christmas for Barnaby, complete with an old god who grants him a favour, and a beautiful statue that comes to life.

Cosmo is perfect for him. He’s funny and kind and completely enraptured with Barnaby, and for the first time in his life, Barnaby falls in love. But how can this lead to anything but heartache, when on the last stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, Cosmo will go back to being a statue and take Barnaby’s heart with him?

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a truly magical romantic comedy.

☃️❄️❄️Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Favored Holiday Reads this 2021!❄️❄️☃️

12 Days of Christmas (or Whatever you Celebrate) Reading List!

❄️Tis the season for holiday stories and I’ve read some outstanding ones so far, one’s that made me roar with laughter, some that had me reaching for the tissues, and so many that had me shaking my head at the mad writing skills and imagination of the authors represented on the list here.

⛸❄️Here’s my list of Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 12 Days of the Holidays 2021 Favorites to Read!🎄⛄️

⭐️Merry Measure by Lily Morton

❄️Cosy & Chill by Jackie Keswick

❄️Christmas Wish List (Hartbridge Christmas #2) by N.R. Walker*

❄️A Very Genre Christmas by Kim Fielding

❄️The Christmas Tenor (Laurel Holidays #3) by V. L. Locey

❄️Dreidels & Do Overs by Kim Fielding

❄️Snowed (Boston Rebels #3) by R.J. Scott and V.L. Locey

❄️The Geek Who Saved Christmas by Annabeth Albert

❄️Merry Elf-ing Christmas by Beth Bolden

❄️Gingerbread Mistletoe (Lighthouse Bay #2) by Amy Aislin*

❄️Holigay by K.M. Neuhold

❄️The Wishing Tree by R.J. Scott

⛄️❄️Just Missed the 12 Days of Christmas list…barely…mostly because I wanted 12….

✓ Dearest Malachi Keogh (Dearest Milton James #1.5) by N.R. Walker

✓ Ethan and Jag Destroy the World by Maz Maddox

✓ The Fairy Dance by Tara Lain

✓ The Holiday List (Script Club #4) by Lane Hayes

✓ Tic-Tac Mistletoe Christmas by NR Walker

✓ Christmas Lane (Lighthouse Bay #1) by Amy Aislin

There were a couple of Christmas series above that I loved. They are indicated by a *, so gather up all the books there.

Honestly many authors are listed multiple times because they just rocked the holiday tales! That includes a review to come on the wonderful On A Midnight Clear by Lily Morton so it will be on an updated and expanded End of Year list

Have I left out some of your favorites this season? Let me know! I’m always on the hunt for new authors and stories. Or just plain out stuff I missed.

It’s just me now, and since I’m buying the books I’m reading , I actually have a TBR list that’s growing. 😂🤷‍♀️Help me add to it. **

Happy Holidays whatever you may celebrate from myself and my blog, Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.

** (No DSP or related businesses pls, Ty).

Review: A Veiled & Hallowed Eve (Soulbound #7) by Hailey Turner

Rating: 5 🌈

Well, it’s over. And what an outstanding unexpected and absolutely wild epic fantasy journey that ended up being!

That finale and the arc revelations were everything! When the author shows her total stunning ability to have kept the series masterful raison d’être hidden in plain sight? Even through all seven stories while delivering imaginative slights of hand to coverup the real intent? It left me gobsmacked and hugely content with everything Turner created here. Except my inability to see it coming.

Honestly. I smacked myself with several wet pasta sheets. Because well it’s just so aligned with everything once you look backwards and then really think about what you know of the cast. Brilliant!

A Veiled & Hallowed Eve was a tremendous story that allowed the author to have a series of white knuckle, heart stopping finale battles with all the supernatural beings and gods involved, the entire city of New York as the field of engagement, including the subway system.

Turner also wrote into this tale so many painful , emotional elements of loss and terror still to continue for both Patrick and Jono before the end arrives so we never forgot what was at stake for them as well for Patrick’s soul debt. Every aspect was just so well crafted and written that I stayed thoroughly buried in this book until the end. And then some.

That epilogue also left me extra satisfied with the relationship status of Patrick and Jono. As well as the members of the NYC godpack like Wade that I’d come to love so dearly.

A tour de force finale in every way!

As I said I’m still thinking about so many of the elements here, those gods, that ending!

I’m highly recommending this series to all lovers of fantasy! Read them in the order they were written for character and story development. That’s a must as is putting this on your TBR list!

https://www.goodreads.com › showA Veiled & Hallowed Eve (Soulbound, #7) by Hailey Turner – Goodreads

Soulbound series:

✓ A Ferry of Bones & Gold #1

✓ All Souls Near & Nigh #2

✓ A Crown of Iron & Silver #3

✓ A Vigil in the Mourning #4

✓ On the Wings of War #5

✓ An Echo in the Sorrow #6

✓ A Veiled & Hallowed Eve #7

Synopsis:

Death is the last lover you will ever know.

SOA Special Agent Patrick Collins has lived a life full of lies, and it has finally caught up with him. There’s no denying his past any longer, not after giving up the truth to save himself from a murder charge. But truth alone can’t set Patrick free, and time is running out to stop the Dominion Sect from turning his father into a god.

Jonothon de Vere knows survival isn’t a guarantee, but he’s desperate to keep Patrick safe, even as hope slips through his fingers. With the future unknown, Jono will follow Patrick wherever he goes, even to Salem, where a family reunion reveals a bitter secret that was never going to stay buried.

With New York City under control of their god pack, Patrick and Jono must fall back on every alliance they’ve brokered to fill the front lines of a war coming directly to the city streets. The veil is always thinnest on Samhain, and what awaits them on the other side is the stuff of nightmares. For when it tears, all hell will break loose, and the gods will be summoned to face a reckoning the world isn’t ready for.

The stakes have never been higher, failure has never been so deadly, and the Fates have never been kind to heroes. Patrick knows that better than anyone—because everything has a price, every debt always comes due, and it’s finally time for Patrick to pay his.

Review: An Echo in the Sorrow (Soulbound #6) by Hailey Turner

Rating: 5🌈

Well, that was brutal.

An Echo in the Sorrow, the penultimate book in Turner’s epic Soulbound fantasy series, naturally pushes our small group of characters towards a cataclysmic war by asking even more personal sacrifices of them than ever.

Here we find even more levels of gods, various cultures and mythologies, and demons aligning themselves to fight a war not even the Fates seem able to foresee the outcome of.

And Patrick is a pivotal piece both to launching it and ending it.

The deep pain and price he pays repeatedly for his soul debt is never more plain then what we go through with him during the events here.

Trauma thy name is Patrick.

In this story, the final fight for the title of the sole Godpack of NYC between Jono and Patrick’s pack and Estelle’s is fought with all the expected high losses and ramifications. A mighty battle for the city of New York that sets the atmosphere and type of warfare we can anticipate from the upcoming all encompassing war with Ethan.

Along with the almost unbearable pain and cruelty thrust onto our characters, there’s some tiny relief at the end. A brief respite amidst all the dead bodies, betrayals, and fears for the future.

Here the author tossed in another revelation and new divine “player” in the overall whatever hidden plots the gods have been driving everyone towards. What was incredible was the amazing twists in unseen or unpredictable sides to certain characters or elements we have “known” for six books and now only here have they been revealed.

Imaginative and perfection in the scenes. Had it been a movie, I’d been screaming in the theatre Love it so much even as I was hurting for the characters..

Turner has crafted a stunning epic fantasy series and now it’s headed towards its closure.

I’m on the edge of my seat here because I have no idea what more can be asked of Patrick and Jono but I know whatever is coming for them, it’s going to ask for something agonizing and the cost is going to be more than just a brutal event.

I only hope we all survive with just a few boxes of Tissues demolished, and not my favorite characters.

This is such a stunning, incredible epic journey. I highly recommend it to all lovers of this genre. Make sure you read the books in the order they are written.

Now onto the conclusion!

https://www.goodreads.com › showAn Echo in the Sorrow (Soulbound, #6) by Hailey Turner | Goodreads

Soulbound series:

✓ A Ferry of Bones & Gold #1

✓ All Souls Near & Nigh #2

✓ A Crown of Iron & Silver #3

✓ A Vigil in the Mourning #4

✓ On the Wings of War #5

✓ An Echo in the Sorrow #6

◦ A Veiled & Hallowed Eve #7

Synopsis:

Forgiveness is a hollow prayer you only hear in your dreams.

Patrick Collins has spent years handling cases as a special agent for the Supernatural Operations Agency, even as his secret standing in the preternatural world has changed. He should have confessed to his role as co-leader of the New York City god pack when he and Jonothon de Vere took up the mantle months ago, but he didn’t. Now that split loyalty will cost him at a time when he can least afford it.

Outmaneuvered, framed for murder, and targeted by the Dominion Sect, Patrick has to face a past full of lies to regain his freedom. Revealing the truth means he’ll need to give up the life that has defined him. Everything he’s fought to build with his pack is at stake, and losing them isn’t a price Patrick is willing to pay, but some choices aren’t his to make.

Jono knows they can’t cede any more territory if they want to win the god pack civil war spilling into the streets of New York City. But the souls of werecreatures are free for the taking when demons come to town and angels sing a warning no one can ignore. When Jono’s worst fear comes to life, and he loses the one person he can’t live without, the only option left is to fight.

Facing down the demons of their past and the ones in their present, Patrick and Jono will learn the hard way that some sins never wash away clean.

Review: On the Wings of War (Soulbound #5) by Hailey Turner

Rating: 5🌈

On the Wings of War brings us to the fifth installment of Hailey Turner’s Soulbound series and an ever enlarging canvas of mythology, gods, countries and their treasured heritage sites. As the author’s scope of her arc and

individual story storylines expand exponentially, the events are characters are involved in become more clouded with politics, both human and godly, and therefore, more cruel, costly, and painful.

Here the pack must travel to Europe in search of Morrigan’s staff. It’s not merely an artifact of extreme power but a potential element of imbalance. With its owner looking to reclaim it as well.

This story brought more unexpected surprises and shockers then any of the others yet. That’s as it should be as we’re getting closer to the ending. But these surprises range from the humorous to the emotionally devastating and shocking. What a grand ending!

While the London section was terrific and added to Jono’s history as well as moved their entire pack forward as a unit, it’s the Paris journey that’s such an incredible aspect of this book in every way. From the descriptions of the city and citizens to all the actions that follow…literally a tour de force.

Turner’s murky tapestry of supernatural beings, gods of every pantheon and religious affiliation, demons, witches, power mad humans , and hidden agendas continues to captivate even as the author ramps up the anxiety and fear for all we’ve come to care about.

New gods get added each book and possibly to each Alliance too. I’m keeping a sheet , are you?

What a superb series and book! What a absolutely brilliant journey we are on!

This is one more example of why this is one of the best series I’ve read lately in this genre. Read them in the order they are written. A must read!

Highly recommended!

https://www.goodreads.com › showOn the Wings of War (Soulbound, #5) by Hailey Turner – Goodreads

Soulbound series:

✓ A Ferry of Bones & Gold #1

✓ All Souls Near & Nigh #2

✓ A Crown of Iron & Silver #3

✓ A Vigil in the Mourning #4

✓ On the Wings of War #5

◦ An Echo in the Sorrow #6

◦ A Veiled & Hallowed Eve #7

Synopsis:

Remembering the dead will always give them life.

The coveted Morrígan’s staff is up for sale on the black market to the highest bidder, and SOA Special Agent Patrick Collins will do whatever it takes to ensure the Dominion Sect doesn’t get their hands on it. Returning the weapon to its rightful owner is another step on the long road toward clearing Patrick’s soul debt, but he won’t walk it alone. Jonothon de Vere won’t let him.

Obeying the gods means Patrick must travel to London. For Jono, it means facing a past he thought he’d left behind forever. His return to England isn’t welcome, and neither is their pack, but Jono and Patrick will face the antagonism together. Politics aside, their priority must be the mission, but the bone-chilling secret they uncover in the London god pack will have far-reaching repercussions no one can ignore.

A race against time takes Patrick and Jono from the streets of London to the bright lights of Paris, where hospitality is thin on the ground, the air is filled with whispered prayers for the missing, and the Morrígan’s staff will end up in the one place it should never have gone—a graveyard.

For beneath Paris lie the long-forgotten dead, and when they rise to walk again, the living can only hope to die.

Review: A Vigil in the Mourning (Soulbound #4) by Hailey Turner

Rating: 5🌈

A Vigil in the Mourning, fourth in the Soulbound series, sees Patrick pursuing a case and artifact to Chicago as the divide between factions widens to enormous impact.

It’s a division on every level. From gods of various Pantheons choosing sides to the impending godpack were wars of NYC that Jono and Patrick’s pack will have to fight.

But first, Patrick must go to Chicago, on orders from both the gods and his bosses to find Morrigan’s Staff.

Each installment in this series brings us a new group of gods/immortals to become familiar with and in Chicago we find the Norse court,with one remarkable addition.

Odin, Thor, Frigg, the Valkyries and more are fleshed out , and powerful., weaving their mythological god threads substantially through this section of the arc with great consequence.

The city of Chicago is a perfect setting for both this story and the Norse court . Chicago figures heavily throughout the novel as the sites, restaurants, neighborhoods and politicians play an important role in every aspect of this tale.

Jono and Patrick’s relationship is a constant struggle of trust and balance. Between the new small packs coming to Jono and their pack for protection and new alliances needed to be made, the couple deals daily with trying to maintain the needs of their growing pack responsibilities with that of Patrick’s job as well as the overwhelming demands of the gods with claims on their souls.

All that while coming to grips with their own Soulbound, still new relationship, and Patrick’s traumatic history, which is always a part of everything that occurs.

Turner’s characters, no matter whether they be gods, were, mage, or , human, are complex , believable beings, capable of being right for all the wrong reasons as well as the opposite. In other words everything is grey, nothing can be relied upon to be as it seems. A very stressful existence for all.

Turner does include humor, usually in the being of dragon fledging Wade, a favorite of mine. It’s also within the intimate dialogue between the characters who have deep friendships with each other. I’m thinking of the amazing Nadine here. It’s needed when things go south quickly. As they do often.

The fight scenes are over the top incredible, exciting, and heart stopping. Full of nonstop battles , white knuckle worthy and fantastic! Even as all the combatants lay waste to everything around them, well known locations and objects included.

All this makes for a turbulent , fabulously complicated book full of relationships always teetering on the edge of both hope and absolute disaster. It’s definitely a 5 star ride all the way.

None of these stories can be taken out of sequence. They must be read in the order they were written, especially as the group’s path is taking them towards multiple wars.

I’m onto the next, trying not to run through this fantastic series because I know I’ll be bereft at ending it.

I’m highly recommending this book and series. It’s just an incredible journey I’m on with these characters. I can’t wait to see where the author takes us next.

Soulbound series:

✓ A Ferry of Bones & Gold #1

✓ All Souls Near & Nigh #2

✓ A Crown of Iron & Silver #3

✓ A Vigil in the Mourning #4

◦ On the Wings of War #5

◦ An Echo in the Sorrow #6

◦ A Veiled & Hallowed Eve #7

A Vigil in the Mourning (Soulbound Book 4)by Hailey Turner4.8 out of 5 stars 490

Synopsis:Special Agent Patrick Collins is dispatched to Chicago, chasing a lead on the Morrígan’s staff for the joint task force. Needing a cover for his presence in the Windy City, Patrick is ordered to investigate a politician running for mayor. In the lead up to election day, not everything is what it seems in a city where playing to win means appeasing the gods first and the electorate second.

But Chicago brings its own set of problems outside the case: a stand-offish local god pack, a missing immortal, and Patrick’s twin sister. Fighting Hannah and the Dominion Sect provides Patrick with a sinister reminder that some blood ties can never be cut.

Left behind in New York City, Jonothon de Vere finds himself targeted by hunters who will go through anyone to kill him—including the packs under his protection. With a bounty on his head, Jono is forced to make a choice that Patrick would never approve of. Doing so risks breaking the trust he’s built with the man he loves, but not acting will give the rival New York City god pack leverage Jono can’t afford to give up.

When Patrick and Jono reunite in Chicago, Patrick must confront the fraying of a relationship he’s come to rely on for his own sanity. But fixing their personal problems will have to wait—because Niflheim is clawing at the shores of Lake Michigan and the dead are hungry.

Review: A Very Genre Christmas by Kim Fielding

Rating: 5⛄️🌈

What a wild and crazy and totally merry Christmas tale Kim Fielding has gifted us with this holiday season.

Unlike any story I’ve read and EXACTLY like sooo many I’ve read and adored, A Very Genre Christmas is a bibliophile noir “find that reference “ Christmas romance mystery…and more.

I heart this sooo much.

Told from PI Nick Bozic’s pov he sounds exactly like Sam Spade, his sentences liberally sprinkled with words like “doll” or “sister “. Fielding has 1950s Portland, Oregon down perfect, from the sights to the corrupt politics, and the era is point on from clothing to cars to cinema. We and the characters are authentically submerged in the 50’s. Albeit with just a smidge difference.

There’s a odd Rift that move and allows certain characters and beings to fall through into Portland. It’s one of Nick’s jobs to see they get home, if possible.

Now see, here’s where Fielding must have had a true literary romp because I can see her laughing as she writes these sort of vague ish descriptions for those that have come through the Rift. You might want to whip out and make notes to see how many you get down, how many you can identify…. correctly that is, and what novels/world they came from. Utter bliss! I’m telling you.

I think I missed a few. But it starts with his secretary! How delicious! And I love her… in all her many versions.

As I do the main couple….

Evindal the Christmas Elf is a marvelous character. Never a joke or caricature, his infectious joy over his new experiences and his love of helping others carries such incredible warmth that you can almost feel it. He’s Christmas spirit personified.

Nick Bozic’s slow change of heart , the changes visible first in alterations to his appearance (new brighter shirts) and decorations showing up at his office, are a realistic element. Because the reason Nick’s so resistant to Christmas is only revealed at the end, but the tiny hints are everywhere.

This is a absolutely joyous and celebratory Christmas romance! One where the true spirit of Christmas is found once more and love of two very different people triumphs.

I love Kim Fielding so much because as a author she continues to surprise and enchant me as a reader with her choices and imaginative twists when it comes to characters and plots. There’s always just that something unexpected….

Here there’s a bookstores full. In fact, an entire story. So much to love.

I highly recommend A Very Genre Christmas by Kim Fielding. Grab it up now!

Synopsis:

Very little is merry in a private dick’s world.

Private detective Nick Bozic works the mean streets of 1950s Portland, Oregon, shadowing unfaithful spouses and nabbing thieving employees. He may be lonely, but at least he’s not crooked. Despite the festive season, Christmas simply means less dough in his pocket.

With the holiday only a few days away, a regular client drops a new case on him: yet another being has come through the Rift and needs help finding his way home. Maybe Evindal the elf will help Nick find something too—a bit of cheer and magic amid the usual brew of corruption and betrayal

https://www.goodreads.com › showA Very Genre Christmas by Kim Fielding – Goodreads

Review: A Crown of Iron & Silver ((Soulbound #3) by Hailey Turner

Rating: 5🌈

With A Crown of Iron & Silver, author Hailey Turner continues our journey into the old gods and nigh forgotten pantheons around the world.

It’s an extremely fascinating and often terrifying ride, as these gods are, depending on who they are, turn out to be rage filled, scheming, desperate to hold onto their power and followers. And it’s a weird meshing of countries and Gods that I find I’m absolutely increasingly focused on. Aztec god brothers to ancient Celtic Gods to the more familiar ones of the Greek and Egyptian pantheons to those of Norse and Mexican origin. It’s just incredible the way each is brought vividly to life. And I’m only halfway through.

There’s also werecreatures, vampires, succubus, mages, witches, and of course the Fae.

The last figures largely here as the case that pulls Patrick and therefore Jono away from a quiet Christmas at home is that of a stolen human child and a changeling. The human child that was stolen belongs to a high ranking witch family and that means Patrick is involved.

There is no way to even begin to explain the complicated and many storylines that follow. One plot after another, layering over and through each other until it starts to resemble a painting where the artist has used so much paint that you’re not sure whether to stand back or move closer because you can’t see a subject anymore.

The relationship between Jono and Patrick is moving forward, gaining strength from the very traumatizing events of the last story. Jono’s status a alpha and godhead of his pack is spreading. As is Patrick’s role as co Leader.

As the gods raise their demands on Patrick’s soul and the Dominion Sect as well as Ethan, Patrick’s father continues their drive for godlike power, loyalty, love, and truth seems to be tested at every turn.

Turner does give us humor, usually via Wade, our teenage dragon fledgling. Ever eating, still recovering from the trauma of his abduction and brutal abuse at the hands of a now dead vampire, the safer he feels the younger he feels safer to be. He’s funny, adorable, and for a huge flaming being, very poignant at times. You just want to hug him then turn him loose in a grocery store….on someone else’s credit card of course.

What else surprised me? The great take on the Fae from the Court of the Queen of Air and Darkness. So very imaginative and yes, scary. Love it. I adore it when an author can see the Fae, brings that have been described so many ways in so many media, in a new aspect. Great job.

This story is full of great, relatable characters that you will care about! They have wonderful relationships and storylines within the main book and arc that it’s impossible not to be invested in them and their future.

At the end, we are set up for the next book and job the gods, different ones this time, want Patrick to set out on. That it runs along side one that he’s already pursuing? An occurrence that doesn’t surprise him or Jono.

Everything and everyone is moving closer to a collision.

This series just gets better and more addicting. I recommend them highly. Start at the beginning and work your way through.

Synopsis:

New York City is decked out for the holidays, and Special Agent Patrick Collins is looking forward to a reunion with his old team when he gets assigned a new case. A human child is missing, and the changeling left in her place causes a prominent witch family to demand justice from the fae.

Meanwhile, continued harassment from the New York City god pack forces Jonothon de Vere to formally establish his own with Patrick. Doing so will mean a civil war within the werecreature community—a war they risk losing from the start without alliances. Making bargains with the fae is never wise, but Patrick and Jono have nothing to lose when a fae lord comes asking for their help.

The Summer Lady has been kidnapped from the Seelie Court, and if they can find her, Patrick and Jono will cement an alliance with the fae. But the clues to her disappearance are found in Tír na nÓg, and the Otherworld has never been kind to mortals.

Venturing past the veil, Patrick and Jono risk losing territory, time, and their very lives while searching for answers. Because the Queen of Air and Darkness knows they are coming—and the ruler of the Unseelie Court has an offer for them they can’t possibly refuse.

https://www.goodreads.com › showA Crown of Iron & Silver (Soulbound, #3) by Hailey Turner – Goodreads

Soulbound series:

✓ A Ferry of Bones & Gold #1

✓ All Souls Near & Nigh #2

✓ A Crown of Iron & Silver #3

◦ A Vigil in the Mourning #4

◦ On the Wings of War #5

◦ An Echo in the Sorrow #6

◦ A Veiled & Hallowed Eve #7