A delightful collection of short stories that pick up the lives of various characters from the books and series of Lily Morton. I quickly finished this, looking for my favorite coupleās stories first, then going back through the others.
A absolutely joy to revisit each one of these characters and see them once again, in various places in their relationships. Moving, funny and always beautifully written.
A must read for lovers of the books and author.
āThese short stories catch up with the men in my books after their stories have ended. Therefore, there are a lot of spoilers. Please donāt read the shorts until youāve read the original books.ā-Lily Morton
Drawn together for the first time, this is a collection of Lilyās short stories about some of the much-loved men from her books. Follow them through meeting the parents, a disastrous camping weekend, and a rather eventful school trip.
It includes stories previously written for her website, newsletter, and readersā group, along with five brand new and exclusive short storiesāThe School Trip, A Honeysuckle Interlude, A Family Affair, Beeās Amsterdam, and Gone Camping.
Demon (Mystic Guardians Book 3) by Rinda Elliott is a series that started out strong but has wobbled narratively with each following story.
Details and drama surrounding this couple isnāt clearly defined or well established. And unfortunately the ending is very unsatisfactory.
Which is sad because Demon has the potential to be a good paranormal romance and this couple is extremely engaging.
This series and novel is a fated mates, instant love romance/relationship between a human being who can see preternatural beings and the other beings whoāre their fated mate.
Lonnie Russell, a professor of writing, has a scary stalker so his sister, a successful author,has hired the otherworldly agency to supply a bodyguard for him. That bodyguard happens to be the demon, Demon Callan Ambrose, whoās desperate for a mate.
Cute aspects to the story and relationship? Lonnie collects anime figurines, including demons, from his favorite shows and comics. And introduces Callan to anime, a great element which was underutilized.
They were sweet and really had the potential for a better romance here. The author gave Lonnieās character some serious issues that instead of being addressed were lightly touched on. He has ADHD admittedly, body image issues (although Callan finds him sexy), and a writerās block that has been around for a while. Then a stalker who has been watching him 24/7 that he didnāt take seriously at first so more than just body image issues. None of this is actually well defined or explored in the storyline or the relationship.
If as a author you donāt have that much page time to authentically talk about the serious elements that you have used to help create a character, then perhaps it better not to use them in this book at all. Save it for a longer novel and different character.
The same lack of development goes for the dramatic element of the story. It comes out of nowhere. No foundation for it.
Spoiler.
But as the villain is, even excluding the main aspect of his character, highly obsessive and delusional, to end this with him able to recover , remaining just as cemented in his delusion, and ready to go forward makes zero sense.
The excuses the head of the agency makes are just as bad. It throws the reader out of any plausible connection thatās remaining to the story and this scenario.
I doubt Iām going forward with any further books in the series.
Too bad because thereās some good things here but nothing is carried through to the any of its full potential.
Demon Callan Ambrose wants a soulmate more than anything but is sure heāll never find his. One of his brothers is mated and soulmates are rare, so the odds are against him. Then he takes a job protecting Lonnie Russell, a creative writing professor who is quirky, and sweet, and justā¦perfect. But someone is terrorizing Lonnie with threatening notes.
Lonnie has always been able to see the preternaturals in the world and heās always been fascinated with them. Especially demons. He even has an entire room dedicated to them. So heās thrilled when his new bodyguard turns out to be one. Callan is big and gruff, his grumpy exterior a mask for someone whoās really a cuddle monster. And the gifts? He sure would like to know what thatās all about.
What started out as vague threats quickly escalates and when they realize what theyāre up against, Callan is determined to keep his newfound treasure safe.
Demon is a long MM paranormal romance novella with a grumpy/sunshine pairing, traditional demon courting, and plenty of steam. Itās the third in the Mystic Guardians series, but can be read as a standalone
Tavia Lark is an author I enjoy reading, so I immediately grabbed up this paranormal romance. Itās got vampires in trouble, lone wolf werewolves in need of mates and stability, and an old fashioned murder mystery that plays out along with the romance.
The 400 ish year old vampire,Simon, is an engaging character with a new magical ability that would be fun if better explored. And werewolf bodyguard, Cody, quickly became my favorite character of the story.
A few lines fed the reader his background, and the reasoning behind his instability as a werewolf also had a brevity of explanation in this narrative. The majority of the story was turned over to the mystery of the threats to Simon, the perpetrators behind the attacks, and the growing relationship between Simon and Cody.
For me , their dynamic and personal relationship made the story. They had chemistry as a couple. And Lark gave them each personal stakes to make a relationship problematic enough going forward for them if they wanted it too.
The world building was non existent. Had no real idea of what the other storylines meant or referenced, which removed any impact that they could have had on the plot.
If this book fits within a known universe, itās not set down here.
So the best part of this is the main couple and their relationship. Itās a chosen mates, forced proximity vampire/werewolf relationship and an enjoyable one.
I recommend it for everyone who likes the author and this trope.
Adapted from a novella originally published as The Vampireās Werewolf Bodyguard by Liv Rider.
Simon doesnāt want protection. Especially not from a werewolf.
Too bad the reclusive vampire doesnāt have a choice. Simon barely survived an assassinās strike, and he isnāt safe yet. The attack left him weak and vulnerable, which is why his meddling sire hires him a bodyguard.
A big, burly werewolf bodyguard.
Codyās instincts make him a formidable guardāif he can control his wolf. Living without a pack or mate makes him unstable. Dangerous. After accidentally shifting on his previous assignment, he has one chance to prove himself:
Protecting a bratty vampire who does not want his protection.
Keeping things professional is Codyās only hope. Simon may have four centuriesā worth of defensive habits, but Cody can handle difficult clients. Except as Cody digs up the hurt behind Simonās prickly exterior, and Simon starts to enjoy being cared forā¦
Staying professional might be impossible. Just like controlling Codyās wolf.
The Vampireās Werewolf Bodyguard is an MM paranormal romance with forced proximity, chosen mates, and bickering to lovers.
Icy Reception is another grand slam adventure in the epic fantasy series of the SOS HOTEL characters and their journey through life, horrifying scenarios, looking for their HEA or whatever suits them.
Thereās so much to quote, hilarious scenes and fabulous moments here. LARPing in the extreme, which is saying something.
Iāll never think about conciergeās and desk bells āding, ding, ding ding, dingā without a certain delightfully chaotic demon in mind. Heās needs one, yes, he does.
I find this hilarious, absolutely entertaining and need the finale in the worst bestest possible way.
Love this world and characters.
Eye-watering cover design by Ariana Nash All rights reserved.
Cover design by Ariana Nash
SOS Hotel:
For a Supernaturally Safe Stay #1
Friendly Sanctuary for the Fiendishly Fabulous #2
Sleep with Us #3Ā
Great Service from Top to Bottom #4
No Rest for the Wicked #5Ā
Ho, Ho, No #5.5
Luxury To Die For #6
Your Final Resting Place #7 -ends this sequence of events.
On The Road #8 – starts a mini-trilogyĀ
Icy Reception #9Ā
End of the Road #10 – finale / coming May 30,2025
Holiday release!
SOS HOTEL: Ho, Ho, No by Adam Vex, Ariana Nashā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
What happens when you throw a whole bunch of Lost Ones in a posh hotel, sprinkle in some grown humans who like to play dress-up, add a twist of sinister vibes, a quirky treasure hunt, a spooky riddle, and some yummy sandwiches?
Wait. You donāt know? F*ck, me neither. I guess weāre gonna find out.
Some folks will probably get unalivedānot our fault. Adam will want to help, because heās nice like that. And Fancy Fangs is gonna sleep through itāor get his fine ass kidnapped. Because heās ancient and mostly useless.
Anyway, if folks are dying, why we gotta be heroes? Itās not like weāre famous for saving people. Oh waitā¦ f*ck. Then thereās the whole magic snowstorm that rolls in, and now weāre stuck with Mr. Creepy Concierge, cameras in inappropriate places, and have I mentioned the axe murderer?
Just another day on the roadā¦ But so weāre all clear, weāre definitely not on the run.
SOS HOTEL: Icy Reception is the second book in a three part mini-series that takes place AFTER the main eight books in the SOS HOTEL series. If you haven’t read the main books, don’t start here. If you have read all previous books, then buckle up, babycakes. Sh*t’s about to get real.
Iām not familiar with the series but really enjoyed the book. Devilish did a great job setting up the world building and establishing the series characters.
Thereās a strong sense of world building and the intensity of the characters and sexual elements are vividly captured, without being graphic or otherwise exaggerated.
I enjoyed the relationship that was slowly built up between Lucien and Kai. From one of fear to that of safety and finding the right balance between being able to trust and express yourself in a positive and loving manner. Both men are great characters and I love them both.
Devilish has what Iād consider a soft D/s sexual preference to the relationship between Lucien and Kai. The relationship is in its infancy, they are establishing their own boundaries and learning about each otherās preferences within this dynamic. Safe word, the use of āsirā, expectations, are all well defined. So if BDSM or a well established D/s relationship might make you uncomfortable, I think this would work for you.
Another winner. And a recommendation for those who enjoy spicy intense contemporary LGBTQIA romance with a kink. Can absolutely be read as a stand alone, unlike other books that have come with the same note.
In a world where everything is within his grasp, love is the only thing thatās ever eluded him.
Lucien Vale is temptation incarnate. Devilishly charming, wickedly confident, and sinfully sexy, he rules Manhattanās most elite clubs, indulging the cityās darkest desires with a knowing smirk and a whisper of seduction. Heās built an empire, played the game to perfection, and isnāt afraid to get his hands dirty when it serves the greater good.
But love? Thatās always been just out of reach.
Then he sees Kai Danielsāa man too raw, too vulnerable, and too damn captivating to ignoreābeing used by someone who doesnāt deserve him. And Lucien doesnāt hesitate. He steps in, knowing full well that some things arenāt meant to be owned.
But Kaiās past isnāt ready to let him go. His tormentor is powerful, relentless, and determined to make them both pay. As the stakes rise, Lucien is forced to become the man heās kept buriedāthe one who doesnāt just play the game but makes sure his enemies never play again.
Now, with danger closing in and their connection burning hotter than ever, Lucien and Kai must decide if theyāre willing to risk everything for a love that was never part of the plan.
* * * * * * Devilish can be read as a standalone novel in the Park Avenue Kings world, but for maximum enjoyment, read after Savage.
Possessive Puckboy is Connor Kikishkinās redemption story. Heās been a secondary character to his brothers books and a problematic one at that. One of the four Kiki hockey players, Connorās the one who has been the most controlling of his brothers lives, personal and professional. Heās come off as a bully and a bit of a homophobe.
It got to the point in the last book that his brother, Easton and his best friend, Knox, hid their relationship and Easton who plays on the same NHL team, Colorado, now wants a transfer out.
The beginning of Possessive Puckboy has a man who was horribly bullied in the same high school as the Kiki siblings by the football players buying the hockey team.
This is a true enemy to lovers, reformed bully, secret relationship, bi-awakening journey story. Thereās even more elements here packed into dense emotional baggage stated above. Deep family expectations, self awareness and realization, and one thing I thought should have been talked about more clearly, rage management.
But there was already a lot narratively on the table here for the authors to explore with their characters.
The relationship between gay IT billionaire/owner Parker Duchene, the man who was horribly bullied in high school, and the straight Connor Kikishkin, the jock who stood by and did nothing, is a very engaging one. Itās tough, hilarious in parts, emotional and smartly executed.
Connor is a mess. So to have him immediately improve is unlikely. And he doesnāt.
It messes with his head as well as his game. And his other relationships and team dynamics. As it should.
Parker too is slow to find his way as an owner, making plenty of mistakes.
All those aspects of the story really work together to bring a believable sense of a growing relationship.
What I missed was the authors exploring how Connor reached the stage where he was so rigid in his own life and outlook that he was drowning in it. That the lack of empathy and communication between him and his family, his parents who pushed him into the role and kept him there, and his siblings who didnāt talk to him enough to make him understand, none of that is really covered.
Instead itās a quick conversation and done. Which really removes an entire accountability and aspect of reality to his own redemption arc.
Anyway I enjoyed this, and itās onto Stubborn Puckboy , where a certain new Russian character we just met gets his own romance. Iām looking forward to seeing more of him!
Finding out those closest to me donāt see me as the great guy I think I am not only kicks me in the gut, it makes me question everything.
Until that happened, I didnāt think I had many regrets in my life. Now, I have nothing but regrets. And when my NHL team is bought out, and the new owner makes his presence known, my existential crisis kicks up a notch. Because he might be my biggest regret of all.
Parker Duchene.
I made his life a living hell in high school, and now heās inserting himself into my career to repay the favor.
With everything in my personal life already on the line, I canāt risk hockey too. I need to figure out a way to play nice with the new owner.
Parker
I bought Coloradoās NHL team to honor my late father. I did. Only reason.
Emotionally playing with one of my many high school tormentors is a nice bonus though.
Connor Kikishkin may be the one who made me the target for years of name-calling, but Iāve always wondered if my hatred for him bordered too much on the obsessive side to truly be classified as hate.
Infatuation is probably the right word for it.
Now his whole life is in my hands, and I canāt wait to see him beg for my mercy. Seeing Mr. Popular find his humility will definitely ease the grief from losing my dad ā¦ right? Because right now, thatās all I have, and I need to hold on to it so I donāt crumble.
K.M. Neuhold ās delightfully murderous romance series ,Mafia Bound, just got another great new addition in Unhinged Little Angel.
The Moretti Crime family continues to expand as each family member finds their own unique romantic HEA, usually with an equally compelling, twisted personality.
Mafia Bound has its center in the powerful crime family, the Morettis, run by big brother, Lorenzo Moretti. The first story, which I loved, featured his enforcer, the Ice Man, Xaviaro Saviano, and his romance with Sparrow, an assassin with an agenda. They are seen again here in all their loving psychotic glory. Perfection.
Dante is the near feral, violent , extremely popular dancer at the Morettiās nightclub, Wild, that we know from previous books. Heās also got mad hacker skills which have come in handy in past events.
The lustfuf focus of many, itās Salvador Moretti whoās decided that Dante is more than just a dancer, something Dante has noticed. And plays into Danteās plans when he decides he needs help to solve a past situation that arises. In an absolutely hilariously mad scheme, Dante ākidnaps ā Sal to force him into a Las Vegas style marriage.
This entire storyline is amazing. I laughed, itās perfect in further developing these incredibly intense complex characters in a situation thatās part sitcom and crime drama. The location, clothes , the way Nuehold flips up between them as the emotionally charged situation changes moment by moment, letting the reader into the thoughts of each of them as the night progresses.
This series is a favorite of this authorās and this couple quickly became my personal favorite too. Dante is so well written that heās both able to be realistically vulnerable yet still a raw, violently angry man, striking out like a viper. And Sal is both a deadly criminal threat as well as an old time romantic, intelligent, capable of deep emotional commitment. They are a perfect combination.
And this turns out to be a fantastic story. Funny, violent, romantic and sexy. It adds to the growing Moretti family and moves the narrative forward about the antagonism between the Fitzgerald crime family and theirs.
And sets up Luca for his own romance next.
So happy thereās more Morettiās in need of partners. Loving this series and definitely recommending it.
Cover Design Natasha Snow Cover Photography by Xram
Forcing Salvatore Moretti to marry me at gunpoint isnāt the craziest thing I’ve ever done…
I hate being desperate, being scared. It’s a filthy, helpless feeling. I’d much rather be enraged, violentā¦ unhinged.
Salvatore watches me dance and calls me Angioletto, his little angel. He doesn’t know the demons that haunt me. He’s too blinded by my beauty to see the blood on my hands. Then again, he’s a mafia capo, so maybe the blood wouldn’t bother him anyway.
My past is like fire licking at my heels, ready to consume me. But Sal won’t let that happen, heāll protect me. He has to.
I learned a long time ago not to trust anyone but myself. It’s dangerous the way he manages to unravel all of my defenses and turn me from a guarded Dom into the submissive brat I’ve never felt safe enough to be. It’s terrifying the way I’m starting to crave him.
I wasn’t sure I would live long enough to worry about this marriage starting to feel real, but this well-dressed mafioso might just manage to save my life after all. We can argue about divorce once the threat is neutralized I suppose. And in the meantime, he is my husband, I might as well enjoy the perksā¦
What an excellent read! Iām always happy when Sherwood returns to some of my favorite universes and characters. So when I see a crossover story, Iām thrilled.
Adopt a Vampire (a Ross Young & Unholy Trifecta Crossover ) by AJ Sherwood is an entertaining and highly recommended read, especially if youāre a fan of both series like me.
Vampire Jessie Hunt is clueless about vampire life, just trying to get by not hunting or hurting anyone. Itās not going well for him. Until he runs into the local pack of werewolves who decides heās in need of some serious care and support.
And itās Alpha Barrett Walker sees in Jesse something more.
This is a delightful, sweet and funny crossover romance. Full of great new characters and old faces stopping in as support and laughter.
I absolutely love this , and if youāre a fan of these series and the author, you will too.
Newly turned vampire Jesse Hunt has been spotted by two werewolves! Should he:
-Run
-Fight
-Ask for noms
Barrett Walker, alpha of the local pack, has two options upon meeting the starving but sweet Jesse! Should he:
-Hand him over to the local vampire clan
-Adopt him
Barrettās in favor of adoption but can adoption include smexy bite bite times too?
Tags:
Whoās on ship building duty this time?, Coconut water is banned, eating shouldnāt be this complicated, Jesse.exe is constantly crashing, werewolves court differently than vampires, who knew, Unholy Trifecta crossover, Ross crossover, Cinnamon rolls deserve all the love, Hacker besties, Full moon shenanigans, Found family for the win, Pillow gifts make me squeeee
Sam Burns fantastic series, The Summertide Chronicles, comes to an end, not with a bang but with wedding, which is attended by all the other characters and couples.
Was it a great finale? Yes. Sticking with the theme and incredible complexity of this series and characters, it is. Burns may not have written a story that explosively dynamic in its entirety but its narrative is still powerful in its own way, deeply satisfying and compelling to the end.
Mt. Slate is shaking the earth, threatening to destroy the entire world, unless the four families gathering together there can find a way to make it stop.
Kit Moonstrikerās entire life has revolved around The Plan, one he and his crystal, Nikka, have made/foreseen to keep Mt Slateās from shaking apart and the world saved. It all comes down now to Aubrey, an orphan raised apart from the families.
Everything about the story is so different and beautifully written. Kitās story is further explained and more importantly, why all those decisions were made by himself are now revealed. And Aubreyās history comes into full view, for himself too. His lack of bonding with a crystal, his family connections, and his emotional perspective on life and family.
Having the two men working together, discussing their own lives and their misconceptions about each other, it really lets the reader into their growing relationship and intimacy.
Itās also a slow melding of big moments and storylines as another huge aspect of this story emerges during this journey of theirs.
Burnsā fantastic story swells to a close with a sense of wonder, many āah haā moments and scenes of love and joy.
It makes sense when you have a series where the characters are not just magical people but beings who are sentient crystals and even shifters. What an incredible series this has been. I truly love it and could have stayed for many more stories.
Itās fitting that we end on a wedding. A great satisfying sendoff.
If you are looking for a beautifully crafted, outstanding piece of fantasy fiction, grab up The Summertide Chronicles by Sam Burns. Itās one of my favorite series and one Iām highly recommending!
Iāve spent the better part of a decade trying to save the world. Twice a century, Mount Slate threatens to erupt, and for my entire life, the four families in charge havenāt seemed to care about their impending doom.
So it fell to me to try to fix things.
To make peace.
Me, a man whose greatest skill is pissing people off so much that they challenge me to a duel, and then killing them in that duel.
Now the moment is here, and my clever stone is telling me that one manāa sweet, innocent, infuriating judgmental bastardāis the only one whoās capable of saving the world. And I have to help him do it.
Iām starting to wonder if the world is even worth saving.
Moonstriker is the last in a series of four books, starring one cynical not-quite-assassin, one ray of sunshine, and one very grumpy mountain. It both Aubrey and Kitās HEA, as well as the conclusion of the overall series arc.
I absolutely enjoyed this fantasy romance of miscommunication resolved between an ancient vampire and a green fae, both of which have their own families to share.
Itās a sort of fantasy With Eight You Get Eggrolls, but with drama, plants, and mate bonds.
Anton and Keryth were both very great characters and wonderful together, quickly figuring out why they were so drawn together (fated mates). It wasnāt the normal fast paced relationship I expected in a fated mate story. I loved the way Notaro let them go down a slower path than an immediate step into a full blown love match. Each has a family to consider and those kids (young and old) were part of the bigger picture (and discussions) as they grew together.
Kerās children are a more well known group (from previous stories) than Antonās with the exception of Jed, Antonās youngest.
The full found family Ker and Kerythās young sisters Alsira, Gemma, Saranor, and Zellya, and Anton has his fledglings Phaeron, Beshiro, Katja, Jedediah. Then thereās one more youngster who becomes a major character and storyline here.
All played out while a series or universe drama /mysteries is going on around them, including them in its horror.
There is one book left in this trilogy and I canāt see how the huge overall plot is tied together within that book. Itās just that big.
But the author already has another series coming to follow this one, about the vampires. Which makes sense because vampires are the focus of the ongoing mystery and arc plot.
So I expect a switch in locations and characters. What fun! And more crossovers as well.
Looking forward to the final book in this series and the next series.
I hate vampires. Well, just one in particular. But I do kinda love how his eyes follow me whenever heās aroundā¦ Sigh.
Step One: Find a hot vampire. Check.
Step Two: Get the hot vamp to drink from me. Check.
Step Three: Try to forget his stupid face. Ugh. This oneās impossible to check. F my life. Sigh.
Anton is beyond frustrating. He was so sweet when we first met, and Iād thought we had a real connection. But then he had to ruin everything with his big mouth and jerky face. Ugh.
I canāt get him out of my head. Even when Iām beyond angry at him, I still feel a pull to be near him. A pull I canāt seem to ignore.
And when my entire world gets turned upside-down, I canāt help but reach for the ancient vampire and hope that together, we can conquer anything thatās thrown at usā¦ anything thatās coming for us.
The Vampireās Delicious Fae is Book 2 of the MM urban fantasy series, Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala. It follows a new couple in each book with a guaranteed HEA. It takes place in the Brinnswick world in the far away country of Gauhala and brings a whole new cast of characters, so you donāt need to read the other series first. But don’t worry, there will absolutely be some cameos along the way.
