Reality tv comes to Starry Hollow and it doesn’t go well. Naturally.
The paranormal version of The Bachelorette’s show, Natural Selection, arrives in Starry Hollow and immediately becomes a nightmare.
Especially as Ember’s hired by the contestant’s grandmother to sabotage the contest. The story turns into a mirror of family images, tightly wrapped expectations, and ridiculously rigid boundaries.
Again it’s also the lovely side characters and moments that make the story, the small important reflections and conversations that allow Ember to become more self aware and able to make better choices.
Welcome to Starry Hollow where spells were made to be broken.
When a television show called Natural Selection decides to film in Starry Hollow, the whole town is abuzz. The paranormal version of The Bachelor is the talk of the nation and the ideal vehicle to show off the town’s charm. Everyone is excited—except the chosen bachelor’s grandmother. The wily old woman doesn’t want him to marry any of those gold-digging floozies and hires Ember to join as a bachelorette and disrupt the competition. Ember’s uneasy about the job—and her unease only grows when one of the bachelorettes ends up dead.
With a television show capturing every move, Sheriff Nash has his work cut out for him, but luckily he has Ember on the inside.
Can Ember and the sheriff find the killer before another bachelorette is eliminated—permanently?
Magic & Marriage is the 15th book in the Starry Hollow Witches humorous paranormal cozy mystery series.
Another excellent book, another unusual mystery and murder investigation!
This murder investigation finds Ember assigned to cover the reemergence of retired Creature Hunter Winston York who comes to Starry Hollow to discover an elusive creature who’s there to lay her egg and then disappear into the ocean.
Things immediately turn dark when York is found murdered and his fame hunters are all in town seeking the same creature.
There’s plenty of storylines here to dive into, from the creature herself and the nature vs exploitation angle, to Ember’s self confidence and the Ivy Rose history/magic aspect of the series that’s getting ever stronger and darker.
Plus the romantic element of Ember’s life is getting more interesting, and coming under a more realistic scrutiny than previously dealt with by Ember.
All done with great dialogue, full on action and lots of magical moments.
Fabulous series and storytelling.
A highly recommended book and series to be read in the order they are written in.
Welcome to Starry Hollow, where spells were made to be broken.
Starry Hollow is abuzz when the famously reclusive Creature Hunter, Winston York, emerges from retirement after a rare sighting of an endangered magical creature and Ember Rose is assigned to cover the story. Florian and Aster are thrilled with this development because a new documentary by York would mean an influx of tourists to the magical seaside town. Excitement quickly turns to horror, however, when York dies during filming. What seems like an unfortunate accident starts to look more like murder to intrepid reporter Ember.
Can Ember solve the crime before the killer renders her extinct?
Magic & Monsters is the twelfth book in the Starry Hollow Witches paranormal cozy mystery series.
Duskbound was a good book but frustrating to read as the potential for a great piece of fantasy adventure was there but never quite reached by the authors.
The positive elements I found in Riftbourne were discarded or replaced by new characters and a less energetic version of the character from book one.
The scrappy, independent character of Fia, passionate, determined and guarded, able to think for herself became a new kind of character here. One who instantly, in many “as told to” scenarios, discards the previous main character, falls into a deep love for a less well written character of Aether, in a short time period, and evolves into another personality.
Even with over 500 pages, this character development doesn’t seem to have a believable or realistic foundation or storyline. No in comparison with the first book.
The magical system and its own powers explanations are the best aspects of the book. Hinted at in Riftbourne, this story continues with the shadow realm and magical elements that are present throughout Fia’s character’s arc.
This book again ends up on a cliffhanger note but, honestly, if you’re a well rounded fantasy or mystery reader, you can anticipate where it’s headed.
I will finish this trilogy just to discover that Fia will get another main character in book three. You never know. The relationship here with Aether absolutely has me disconnected from the plot.
If you are a fan of the authors or engaged by the series arc, I’m recommending you continue reading. I will because I’m curious.
Fia Riftborne thought joining the Sidhe Guard was the hardest choice she’d ever make.
She was wrong.
Taken prisoner by the very shadows she was sworn to fight, Fia uncovers a devastating truth. The wraiths who brought destruction to the Isle’s western border aren’t monsters at all, but a race of people from a dying realm called the Kálfar, and they believe Fia’s growing powers are tied to their survival.
As war looms on two fronts, Fia must navigate a world of shadow magic and political upheaval. A disgraced Kálfar lord builds an army in the south while tensions within Sídhe reach a breaking point. And the Void that gave Fia her power is calling—but answering it means betraying everyone she left behind.
The Guard. Her friends. Laryk.
In a war where nothing is as it seems, choosing the wrong side could cost her everything, including the brooding commander whose darkness seems to recognize her own.
Direbound is the debut fantasy novel by Sable Sorensen, a pen name of two co-authors and friends creating their first fantasy/paranormal series.
Direbound is, for the most part, a very successful romance fantasy thriller. Direbounds narrative is full of giant dire wolves, a horrific physically demanding mountain trial the main characters have to undergo. And for those that survive? They become part of a terrifying murderous academy of bonded pairs ,in a story that includes an enemies to lovers potential love story, missing children, and terror everywhere.
There are many elements I found absolutely fascinating, things that held my attention and kept me riveted to this world and ongoing drama.
I found I was totally involved in the main character of Meryn Cooper, alley cat street fighter of the Eastern Quarter who turns to the army when a family tragedy strikes. Her unexpected journey into a new path than the one she envisioned for herself. She’s tough, well rounded, and credible in every aspect of her journey. Well, except one.
Her character, that of the twins, Isabel and Venna, one of the sisters is hearing impaired being a factor and the use of sign language in their stories, and the Rawbonded brutality of this story is a very well written aspect of Direbound.
Another important aspect of the story is the bonding between the wolves and their human bondmates. It’s unlike other stories, it’s far more complex, pack like and brutal than other similar tales. The raw energy, high emotional intelligence of the wolves and constant tension and conflict between them is a great way to keep the reader engaged and guessing here.
Survival isn’t guaranteed, and some of the characters are more relatable than others.
There’s plenty of mystery and chaos and drama mixed in with the murderous conflicts and bonding events.
The relationships between characters make and break the story for me. Yes to all the wolf/human dynamics. And those relationships between the humans fighting for survival and final bond rights. Those are believable.
But outside of those? It’s that boyfriend aspect that drags everything down.
Things that absolutely irritates me as a reader? A nickname of endearment like Kitten. One it’s has a displaced terminology aspect associated with it for the type of the locations and world foundation the author is creating here. However, more importantly, its usage indicates a different issue for the character, one I believe is telegraphed too soon. See boyfriend that bothers me above. That entire element just isn’t as well written.
But the story is a gripping tale and it keeps me invested in its journey. Especially when the ending is so dramatically shocking.
That’s a great way to end.
Now quickly let’s talk about why I think this book deserves a better reading. The PR should let it stand on its own merits.
What this isn’t is what the PR releases desperately wants it to be “Fourth Wing meets The Hunger Games in dark action-packed fantasy series!” No, and I wish every heavy handed PR group would stop this kind of release approach. It does a disservice to the authors, readers and actually the book by not letting them see it on its own without a preconceived notion.
Direbound: A Dark Romantasy (The Wolves of Ruin Book 1) by Sable Sorensen is a terrific debut novel. It has some fantastic elements that make it stand out on its own right as a paranormal/fantasy thriller. This includes that great wolf bond aspect of the book.
And a woman character that is strong and well developed in Meryn Cooper.
I’m definitely recommending this book and looking forward to reading more in the series.
Only the worthy survive the Bonding Trials. She’ll risk her life—and her heart—to be one of them…
Meryn Cooper has never dreamed of being one of the Bonded, the King’s elite warriors who form mental links with massive, vicious direwolves. She’s made peace with her life scraping by in poverty in the shadows of the castle. But then her younger sister Saela is kidnapped, stolen across the border by the immortal monsters her country has spent centuries fighting.
And Meryn’s world falls apart.
Desperate to cross the front and save her sister, Meryn enlists in the army—only to discover that there are Bonding Trials this year, where all soldiers are forced to risk their lives in an attempt to connect with a direwolf. It’s too late to turn back; Meryn is thrown into the deadly competition against her will.
Now, she’ll need to survive the next four months of training at the castle if she wants a chance of finding Saela. Everything here is a test, from the brutal classes where one mistake means death, to the glittering court parties where every smile hides a knife.
To make things worse, Meryn is bound to a feral direwolf who refuses to communicate. The other trainees would love to spill her common blood. And her gorgeous instructor, Stark Therion, is as malicious as the wolves himself.
Everyone is out to get her—everyone but the dangerously handsome crown prince, Killian Valtiere. But if she loses her heart to him, she may also lose her life.
And the castle is hiding dark secrets…
— Direbound: A Dark Romantasy (The Wolves of Ruin Book 1) by Sable Sorensen
Direbound is set in a dark fantasy world and contains dark subject matter and adult romance. Content warnings for this book include gruesome, explicit on-page violence; self harm; mental health issues including anxiety, depression and psychosis; domestic abuse; parental death; and explicit sexual content including elements of dubcon.
Magical Midlife Mom series is a low heat, high action urban fantasy series that has the first four novels available in a box set for a great binge read. Which, of course, I did, after having given book 1 a try.
A middle aged single mom of a teenage girl, living in the Pacific Northwest, is just trying to get by. Melissa Hartley has worked her way up to become the respected office manager of a IT company, her daughter is doing well in high school, and she owns her own home, small as it is. Then everything changes.
The author, DM Fike, has a great ear for mother/daughter dynamics as well as the ability to create that same energy in a relatable, engaging dialogue that feels realistic.
Listening to Melissa and her daughter, Regan,banter and argue, whether it’s about school or the magic that’s happening in their lives, it’s exactly what you’d expect from that relationship.
Even if in parts I absolutely was frustrated by the choices that Melissa made or how she, as a character, wasn’t ruthless enough, I had to think about if it was the writer or the actions. And I believe it’s the character’s actions, in which makes Melissa real enough but a puts me a little disconnected from her because I’m getting frustrated with her and her character “flaws”.
The otherworldly characters are good but because they’re less well known, they don’t have the same level of character development that Melissa, Regan, their friends and Melissa’s mother have. All those characters? Feel drive by their emotions and life choices.
Very little of the fantasy world does with the exception of the sirens does.
So the Magical Midlife Mom series has 5 books out with what I believe is the finale novel due out shortly, Mom Seals Her Fate.
If you’re looking for a fast paced, humorous, low heat fantasy series, this is one to check out. The main characters are out of the typical fantasy series, the feel believable in their mother/daughter dynamic and their journey together is one to cheer for.
What would a single mom do to protect her only daughter from a hidden world of dangerous, magical fae?
I love my smart, kind, and funny daughter. We may not have much, but we get along without any of the normal teenage drama.
Or at least we did, until my daughter got curious about her biological father.
Now our world is falling apart. A handsome client threatens my employment. A monstrous black wolf shows up on our doorstep. A mysterious masked woman begins stalking us.
And that’s not mentioning the fae.
I didn’t expect to have a midlife crisis involving magic, but it doesn’t matter. I may be just a single mom, but I’ll do anything to protect my daughter.
Even if it kills me.
Join Melissa Hartley as she goes on a magical journey only a mother could take. For readers of Paranormal Women’s Fiction who like strong female protagonists, witty banter, and a hint of romance.
The Magical Midlife Mom Boxed Set contains the following 4 books:
I’m absolutely entranced by Annabel Chase’s completed witchy series Starry Hollow about a widowed woman with a young daughter, struggling to keep them afloat in New Jersey whose life changes forever when her repo job goes wrong.
I’ve read multiple books by Chase but after reading, ok binging ten books here, I can say that no voice is as memorable, as regionally vibrant and hilariously true as this Jersey mom, Ember Rose. And of course, that holds true as well for her anxiety prone, hyper aware and uber intelligent 10 year old daughter, Marley, and her ancient irascible Yorkie , PP3 , the three of them who are make up the small family that’s transported magically into the hidden SC town of Starry Hollow, their new home and future.
Each book is a quick, highly entertaining grand tale! From meeting this widowed New Jersey mom grappling with her mounting bills and a daughter too smart for her public school, a aging terrier and a job that has a lot of risk associated with it as a repo person, we immediately connect with her. And if I could hear that Jersey accent and imagine a bit a Marisa Tomei. The colloquial voice is pretty great as is her sense of humor and physicality.
Can you tell I fell in love here?
Then Chase contrasts this “fish out of water “ Jersey family in every aspect with their new found relatives that are powerfully magical, wealthy and look like the American version of the Targaryens, with all their various dynamics and layers of love and relationships.
The town itself, which expands in every book with new shops, fantastic areas and community citizens, is a fully developed and unique character in its own right.
Ember herself is a woman who has suffered great loss in her life. While she never knew her mother, her father raised her and she was devastated by his death. Then by her husband’s death in a car accident 5 years ago, a man she’d known for her entire life.
These losses are a huge part of her personality and as the story is from her perspective, Chase uses the conversations and insights from other characters to show the readers how much hard it is for Ember to move forward from the tragedy of her past, that she herself isn’t dealing with it.
These losses and Ember’s journey through her new world, that of navigating the new one of magic (often with hilarious moments) and that complex world of coming together with an extended powerful family of expectations and responsibilities you never knew or imagined existed.
These storylines are both light and powerful, funny and poignant. They are full of surprises and unexpected scenes that, while fleeting, make quite the emotional impact and connection.
And they make you think and feel good, especially before going to sleep.
Nothing comes easy, relationships, magic lessons, cooking. It takes time, work and patience.
Turns out 19 books might not be enough for me. Ten definitely was not
Some relationship but not real spicy as they say. More emotional towards working things together.
Highly recommended. I love them , this universe. And read them any way you want. As singular books or as I did , one reading through the box set books 1-10.
Covers are very cute.
This collection includes the first 10 books in the 19-book cozy fantasy series:
Welcome to Starry Hollow, where spells were made to be broken.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being whisked away to a charming town where the stakes are low and the magic is high, this enchanting series is for you.
Ember Rose is a feisty young widow who’s transported to Starry Hollow, along with her teen daughter and ancient Yorkshire terrier, and discovers she’s descended from a long line of powerful witches. She also lands smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation, and the sexy werewolf sheriff isn’t falling for her charms…yet.
This collection includes the first 10 books in the 19-book cozy fantasy series:
This is the way I’m reading my series when at all possible, omnibus or boxed sets. Binge reading right through every single book to the end. Fabulous.
With the exception of Lucy, the Other Wolf, who I’ll never ever buy as a convincing or plausible character, I’ve loved every single other series in the Other World universe that Heather G. Harris is still creating.
Witch Amber DeLea has consistently been a powerful if secondary character in all the other series, a solitary character with a serious grudge against the griffin assassin, Bastion, who features strongly in most of the other characters series and magical paths towards power and romance.
Harris has let fall hints and bits of knowledge of each of these characters history, individually and what has made them such enemies, in previous stories, but here the devastating backstory is finally revealed.
I’m the first to admit I was finding Amber’s continual struggle with Bastion exhausting, especially as Harris’ empathetic scenes are able to show exactly what has been the real result of the events as well. The reader, if not Amber, is able to see both sides of the story.
This excellent storytelling continues throughout the series, the balance between the characters, the personalities and perspectives. Even when the drama and suspense is extraordinary and the thrills are completely out of control, the thoughtful plotting is right there with the magical moments and characters.
There are elements that stem from the last moments of The Other Wolf series that have enormous impact on the events here. But I have tried twice, in 2 different ways to get through that series to no avail.
So they remain cobbled together in my mind from various conversations said in the other series and that is more than enough.
I ended up loving Amber DeLea, the long journey she takes from a self contained existence to one that starts embracing her small group of friends and relationships. The character development and world growth of the series is amazing.
And Harris has yet another addition planned, The Other Detective, which has its beginning here.
I’m loving this. And highly recommending it. Binge it all the way in the box set!
A deadly assassin. A desperate witch. A past that won’t stay buried.
I’m Amber DeLea—ambitious witch, potion mistress extraordinaire, and daughter to a woman slipping further away each day. My life is a constant battle, whether it’s cursed runes, treacherous coven politics, or dark forces closing in. But nothing haunts me more than my mother’s unravelling mind, and I’m running out of time to find a cure.
The last thing I need is Bastion—the deadly griffin assassin who shattered my world—being ordered to protect me. And yet, here he is, my reluctant bodyguard, bound to keep me alive even as old wounds fester between us.
Every whispered incantation could be my undoing. Every shadow hides a threat. And every moment with Bastion blurs the line between hatred and something far more dangerous. I’ll do whatever it takes to save my mother—even if it means risking my heart to the one man I swore to despise until my dying breath.
Devour this witchy series if you love humour, heart, and a strong heroine tangled in a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers fade-to-black romance.
This box sex collects from The Other Witch Series and includes the whole series: Rune of the Witch, prequel 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.
Don’t miss all the books set in the Other Realm! New connected series coming soon.
The Other Realm Series
Glimmer of the Other
Glimmer of Dragons
Glimmer of Hope
Glimmer of Christmas
Glimmer of Death
Glimmer of Deception
Challenge of the Court
Betrayal of the Court
Revival of the Court
The Other Wolf Series
Protection of the Pack
Guardians of the Pack
Saviour of the Pack
The Other Witch Series
Rune of the Witch
Hex of the Witch
Coven of the Witch
Familiar of the Witch
Destiny of the Witch
Written in British English.
For the maximal reader experience, it is recommended that you read The Other Wolf series before you read The Court series, though the events in The Other Wolf series are explained if you prefer to dive right in.
I really thought this was the series finale but was so thrilled to see I was wrong. There’s at least one, perhaps more to this fantastic, compelling series coming before it finished.
This picks up shortly after the cliffhanger ending of Midnight Auto Parts, where Frankie and friends found that Matty’s soul is missing from his body. To discover what happened to his soul, Frankie, boyfriend Kierse, and several otherworldly traveling companions head to New Orleans where souls are going missing too, including another one who is incredibly close to Frankie.
Edwards absolutely brings it here in here narrative. The characters are, throughout this story and events that occur, grow their magical powers, in storylines that build a new depth of emotion as well as a connection to each other. Edwards moves from really complex, stressful situations to hilarious moments and back to heartbreak with each new scenario and often frightening suspense filled scenes.
Yes, there’s another cliffhanger. And all the characters are pulling together, just as the mythology and world building is expanding even further. Totally amazing and highly imaginative elements that grab you!
This is one of my must read series. It’s a series low on sexual content but highly recommended for excellent writing, great characters and fantastic world building.
Matty has lost his soul, and it’s up to Frankie to find it before his body gives up the fight for survival. But soon his isn’t the only life at risk from the soulless condition. The affliction is spreading from Thunderbolt, Georgia, into the beating heart of the French Quarter and right up to Madam Vionette Fontenot’s front door.
When Frankie returns to New Orleans in search of answers, she finds herself at the mercy of a god who covets her newfound powers as the guardian of the Alcheyvāhā. He makes it clear he’s willing to do whatever it takes to wield her for his own benefit. Even if it costs Frankie everyone she loves.
Monochrome is the finale story of Vinni George’s ORCA series about a group of orca whale shifters , the agency they form (ORCA ) to find and return stolen artifacts and artwork and the fated mates the find at each case and investigation.
I really enjoyed this as it tied up the overall series mystery of the missing artwork, brought out the revelations behind several deaths, the last brother, Julius found a mate and a family, and the grandmother finally comes home.
Julius Hunter is the last brother to find his fated mate. When he does, it’s his client, a panda shifter, Ethan Lin , who has guardianship of his young niece and nephew.
It’s a great romance, the children who become part of the growing Hunter family, are absolutely adorable, and Ethan as an overwhelmed, stressed and anxious man is a relatable character.
All the brothers and mates, as well as cousins and mates are here working together on the investigations and mysteries. It’s a fantastic story, pulling together every aspect of all the books and characters to create an absolutely amazing and satisfying finale.
Loved this and it’s one I’m definitely recommending.
I wish the covers were story or character oriented in some form. They honestly could be applied to any other genre or book.
After a career on Wall Street, Julius Hunter is content to live his life as a modern Robin Hood. Getting corrupt corporations to invest with him while he siphons their money into charitable organizations makes his blood pump, so when he’s sent in to find out what the new CEO of a global company knows about money being used to fund the search for a priceless piece of artwork connected to his family, he’s all in.
Ethan Lin never wanted to be CEO of the company his great-great-grandfather founded. He also never wanted to be a parent, but when his sister died in a car accident, he inherited her title and her two adorable children. Balancing life as the head of a corporation and as a new dad is a challenge, and with diminishing returns at home and in the boardroom something has to give.
When Julius shows up, offering help in both areas of Ethan’s life, they learn they have more in common than they think. Including a shared enemy. Whoever is targeting the Hunter family also has their sights set on Ethan, and Julius will stop at nothing to make sure the man he’s falling for and his children stay safe as the final pieces fall into place.
Monochrome is the final book in the Organization for the Return of Criminals and Assets (ORCA) series, featuring an orca shifter financier who had no idea he liked kids, a panda shifter hellbent on making sure his family’s legacy doesn’t end with him, and a final showdown that changes everything.
As what I believe is the penultimate book in the series, The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag is a fantastic story.
The plot takes the characters and readers into a different area of Portlock that hasn’t yet been explored, the Chrome Mines and the dwarves that spend their lives inside.
Of course it starts off with a murder case, an investigation by NOMO’s Sheriff Gunner and Officer Bunny, and an introduction to a great new character, Hag Matilda who lives deep inside the mines.
There’s so much to admire about this book and the beautifully crafted storylines. Bunny’s a person who has consistently shown that she’s able to grow and thrive in her new role and environment, finding a found family and strength in her life. Every one of these characters feature heavily here in the story, as the investigation evolves into unexpected moments and challenges.
Even the enigmatic characters like Shadow and Fluffy, the curses wolfshifter uncomfortable with his human presence, are here in complicated ways.
This ends on a heartbreaking cliffhanger which will lead directly into the final story, The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid, to be released later this summer.
What an amazing story and series. I’m sure when it comes out as a compendium or set I’ll read completely through it again.
Highly recommended and now waiting for the next one to be released.
Cover design by Christian Bentulan. Published by Hellhound Press Limited.
The Portlock Paranormal Detective series:
The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death, a prequel.
The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf, Book 1.
The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren, Book 2.
The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee, Book 3.
The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine, Book 4.
The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergiest, Book 5
The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas, Book #5.5
The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag #6
The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid #7 – July 3,2025
Welcome to Portlock: where the dead don’t always stay that way.
When a human inspector drops dead in the Chrome Mine, things get messy fast. The dwarves are up in arms, swearing the mine is cursed, and when a second body turns up—this time without its head—all fingers point to the local hag.
But I’ve met Matilda. She’s terrifying, sure, but she doesn’t seem like the elaborate crime scene type. More of a ‘crush you under a landslide’ kind of gal. Still, with the dwarves baying for blood and a murderer on the loose, I need answers before this case spirals out of control.
Tracking killers is hard enough without worrying about a cryptid monster lurking beyond the town’s magical barrier, my four-legged best friend struggling with his humanity, and my infuriatingly attractive vampire mate trying to keep me out of trouble (good luck with that, Connor).
With a town full of suspects and secrets, I’ll have to dig deep to unearth the truth. Let’s hope I don’t end up buried—undead.
Dive into this fast-paced urban fantasy series if you love mystery, humour, found family, and a slow-burn romance.
Don’t miss the other Portlock Paranormal adventures!
The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death
The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf
The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren
The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee
The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine
The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag
The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 