Review: Skeleton Crew (Psycop 14) by Jordan Castillo Price

Rating: 4.5🌈

It’s been a while since I’d read any novels in this series but this author is one I automatically read so it seems like a good time to get back into the universe.

It’s recommended that you be familiar with the characters, their unique histories and backgrounds as well as the series as a foundation for the knowledge required here.

This is a complicated story that involves a layered plot, hidden secrets, beautifully developed mysteries, and an agonizing twist that puts all the cast in all types of imminent danger.

This along with the storyline of a escalating anxiety from main characters, Vic and Jacob, about Jacob’s nephew home alone during a violent storm while the couple who were his caregivers for the weekend find themselves in a increasingly dangerous situation. Without access to WiFi and phones.

Price does a realistic portrayal of the fears and distress both men are experiencing, for the boy and themselves because of the newness of the situation. Then there’s the horrific reality they currently face, of the dark basement and its own extreme dangers.

The scenes in the basement are some of the best in the book. Descriptively, the author is able to bring us down into that scary environment, continuing to elevate the horror and obstacles every one faces and then finally turning it into one poignant but terrifying scenario.

So well written.

And if that ending leaves you with a few chills, it should. That’s the playground for Psycop. Check out the full series to date below.

Psycop:

#1 Among the Living

#2 Criss Cross

#3 Body & Soul

#4 Secrets

#5 Camp Hell

#6 GhosTV

#7 Spook Squad

#8 Skin After Skin

#9 Agent Bayne

#10 Murder House

#11 Bitter Pill

#12 Other Half

#13 Subtle Bodies

#14 Skeleton Crew

Buy Link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Skelet…Skeleton Crew: PsyCop 14: Price, Jordan Castillo

Blurb

Although Victor Bayne is a valued asset of the FPMP, he still vividly recalls his PsyCop days: the eye rolls, the nasty looks, and the occasional utterance of the words “Spook Squad” whenever he showed up on a scene. So he really should empathize with Howard Jibben, the weekend lab manager known as Heebie Jeebie.

But does the guy really need to be so darn annoying?

Thanks to the researcher’s OCD tendencies, when a mysterious shipment arrives, what should be a routine ghost-check turns into an excruciating ordeal…made even worse by a freak incident that leaves them stranded in the FPMP’s basement.

Jacob may be the ranking agent on site, but even he can’t control the weather. Yet given the pressure he puts on himself to master his newfound ability, it’s as if he thinks the burden to free everyone is his alone.

Vic has never put much stock in luck, but the sheer number of disasters raining down on them can’t possibly be pure chance—and things are only getting worse. Is it a curse? Telekinesis? Sabotage?

Or is there something more sinister lurking in the shadows?

PsyCop is an ongoing series filled with supernatural action and delightfully awkward humor–with a steady undercurrent of gay romance. It’s best read in order, so if you’re new to the series, start with PsyCop #1, Among the Living…and prepare for a hauntingly good read.

• Publisher: JCP Books (May 20, 2024)

• Publication date: May 20, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 302 pages

PSYCOP SERIES
#1: Among the Living
What good is being a psychic detective if your murder victims aren’t talking?

#2: Criss Cross
Mysterious messages from Lisa lead Vic on a wild ride.

#3: Body & Soul
Three missing people. No bodies. No ghosts. At least the case gets Vic out of an awkward family dinner.

#4: Secrets
Is someone watching Vic’s every move, or is he imagining things? Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.

#5: Camp Hell
Vic delves into his repressed memories of Camp Hell and dredges up more than he bargained for.

#6: GhosTV
Lisa’s gone missing, and Vic and Jacob head to PsyTrain for some answers.

#7: Spook Squad
Victor has been avoiding the exorcism he owes the FPMP. Now it’s time to pay up.

#8: Skin After Skin
A sweeping look at the PsyCop series from Crash’s empathic point of view

#9: Agent Bayne
Victor might be through with the Chicago PD, but is he ready for the FPMP?

#10 Murder House
An undercover gig turns up more than Vic ever imagined.

#11 Bitter Pill
There’s a deadly new drug in town called Kick…and psychs find it irresistible

#12 Other Half
A wedding is stressful enough without a psychic investigation to power through

#13 Subtle Bodies (PsyCop Book 13)

#14 Skeleton Crew

Review: A Tale of Whispers and Rogues: An MM Fantasy Romance (Shadowborn Book 1) by Jordan Lee

Rating: 4🌈

Once again, a glorious cover pulled me to a book and got me to the description and the decision to read the story. See the artist credits below. A Tale of Whispers and Rogues by Jordan Lee is the first in the Shadowborn fantasy series and I was really entertained by the world building and characters.

This is a very much a fast paced action adventure with a slow burn romance thread that builds as a small group of people journey or flee across the country. Why they are running, the political and religious state of the world and countries are revealed as the group flees.

That’s Uncle Amias who works for The Legion. The Legion is the world’s governing body. Next is Colt O’Malley, a former thief, fighter and gambler who’s indebted to Amias, and most importantly, there’s Amias’ nephew, Owen Greene. Owen, who has led a life of temporary homes and caregivers, is finally orphaned fully into his Uncle’s care, only to be left behind again. The truth behind his story becomes clear at the beginning of the journey when Amias and Colt come to collect him. Events force the disclosure that Owen is a Shadowborn.

Lee does a powerful job in showing the tragic events that lead up to Amias abandoning his job and running to gather up Owen. Also the pain of Owen leaving behind the only real home he’s ever had. All to flee for his life.

It’s about religion, magic, interpretation of that religious word and the actual horrors being enacted by fanatical factions in power to keep their beliefs intact. Including acts that have ended up destroying lives, many of which are children.

The storylines and characters are great. I was absolutely invested in this journey because of them and the growth that I saw. And the mysteries being laid out still in the landscape and the mythology.

However, Lee also decided to throw in multiple POVs, beyond that of the expected two main characters of Colt and Owen, and honestly, it weakens the narrative and the suspense that builds upon that singular experience between the one group because if you are experiencing it from just their perspective, then anything else is going to be a surprise to you as well.

I’m not a fan of this format, it rarely makes sense, and for me, it doesn’t here.

It also changes the way the book ends. Not from a HFN but to a cliffhanger.

A Tale of Whispers and Rogues: An MM Fantasy Romance (Shadowborn Book 1) by Jordan Lee is a very good, well crafted, and involved read. I think its sequel is going to be even better. I can’t wait to see where the author takes the story next. A definite recommendation.

Gorgeous covers on both.

Book cover art by Olga Panfilova Book cover design by Selkkiedesigns

Shadowborn series:

✓ A Tale of Whispers and Rogue #1

◦ A Saga of Wielders and Hunters #2

Buy link

A Tale of Whispers and Rogues: An MM Fantasy Romance (Shadowborn)

blurb

Owen Greene must die.

Being Shadowborn, the Essence of a fallen god runs through Owen’s veins. It gives him power, but it comes with a bullseye painted on his back, one the Legion is determined to hit once they learn he exists. Wielding such power comes at the cost of his life, and with the Legion close to finding him, Owen must leave his home to escape their hands.

Charged with protecting Owen, Colt O’Malley knows the dangers that might accompany them. He’s been tasked with protecting Owen on their dangerous journey with the promise that he can go home at the end of it. But what Colt didn’t count on was just how often that dimpled smile and tender-hearted Shadowborn would weaken him.

Fleeing the country to escape the Legion might have been their main goal, but neither Owen nor Colt had planned on falling for each other along the way. And with the Legion on their heels, falling in love couldn’t have happened at a worse time.

A Tale of Whispers and Rogues is an M/M fantasy romance featuring a man gifted with the cursed power of a fallen god, the handsome rogue sworn to protect him, ruthless henchman, a mysterious shadow, a slow burn romance, and a budding romance with a HFN ending

• Publication date: March 19, 2024

• Language: English

• File size: 6871 KB

• Print length: 431 pages

Review: Suddenly Beck (Belong To Me Book 1) by Vawn Cassidy

Rating: 4.5🌈

I’ve read this author’s other paranormal/fantasy books and just love them, so I thought I’d grab up the contemporary romance series written as Wendy Saunders/Vawn Cassidy.

So far I’ve read just the first book but I can see that this is just the beginning of a wonderful new literary journey for me. A accidental one where one runaway Nathan Elliot flips a coin and, after a series of mistakes ends up in the Bay, a small coastal town near Newquay, Cornwall. Literally.

This is a heartwarming, sweet, and captivating story that has a gorgeous location, a memorable large family mourning the loss of its beloved father, a restaurant in need of rescuing, and two wounded men who seem destined for each other.

Suddenly Beck is a book I just immediately sank into, loving the characters, the Bay and all the various relationships that the author has written into this story. There is the growing relationship between Nat and Beck as they maneuver through the present tasks around them, learning slowly about their respective personalities. Then there’s Melanie, Beck’s mother who owns the restaurant and still mourns the loss of Sully her husband and the father of her large family. And all the many other fantastic moments and characters that Cassidy brings so beautifully alive as Nat becomes an integral member of the Bay and Beck’s family.

There’s more, so much more. Nat has a sister with a secret. And that large Ainsley family of Beck’s has many more relationships to share with us.

I can hardly wait.

This coastal town is a place I would love to visit often. I’m not sure the family is large enough! Highly recommended!

Belong To Me:

✓ Suddenly Beck #1

◦ Definitely Deacon #2

◦ Forever Finn #3

◦ Irrevocably Ryan #4

Buy Link

Suddenly Beck: (A Hot & Sweet MM Romance) (Belong to Me)

Blurb:

A surprisingly sweet, sinfully sexy, and deliciously funny romp along the Cornish coast.

Nathan Elliott has run away from home at the age of twenty-six. His teenage rebellion may have come ten years late, but better late than never. Leaving behind a world of wealth and privilege, and a strict patriarchal family that would never except a gay son, he’s ready to embrace life and make up for lost time, but nothing’s ever that simple. A coin toss, a delayed train, and a wrong bus later, and Nat finds himself in a small bay in Cornwall being hauled out of the ocean by a gorgeous stranger and wondering how the hell his life got so off track.

Beck Ainsley lives life by a very simple ethos, don’t get attached, don’t get involved and don’t fall in love. He’s been there, done that and got the t-shirt that reads I’m a gullible idiot. Now, he keeps his life simple; all he needs is his dog, his art, his rambling sea cottage overlooking the bay and a few choice waves to surf. He’s not looking for love or commitment, but when he ends up plucking a posh boy from London with incredible blue eyes from the ocean, Cupid doesn’t just shoot him with an arrow, he decides to club him senseless with the bow too.

One simple agreement. A summer fling, a chance to act on the insane attraction between them with no strings attached, and at the end of the summer they walk away.

There’s just one problem, fate is a fickle and capricious creature, and she has no intention of letting them walk away unscathed. They’re about to discover that sometimes the heart wants, what the heart wants…

From author Wendy Saunders writing as Vawn Cassidy, comes this hot and sweet, first time, MM romance that will leave you laughing out loud and fanning yourself from the heat…

The paperback version of Suddenly Beck contains a bonus short, The Italian Job featuring Nat & Beck

• Publisher: Tangled Heart Press (July 23, 2021)

• Publication date: July 23, 2021

• Language: English

• Print length: 326 pages

Review: Never Darling (Fortune Favors the Fae Book 6) by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes

Rating: 3.5🌈

Never Darling by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes is the sixth book in the terrific multi-author fantasy series and I found that it was a great read about 50 to 75 percent overall. That other percent? Well, the authors as well as their own push to bring in more voices in formatting and concepts were overwhelmed by their complexity. So much so that I felt much of the narrative potential and fascinating character development got lost. That includes the entire fantasy aspect of the book. There just wasn’t enough time or story space to develop it sufficiently.

To start with, it’s a heartbreaking story. And Burns and Fawkes almost scored a perfect formula with how they handled the challenges of moving the narrative forward. They started with the ground zero of the event and introduced the characters so we immediately knew them and loved the location.

Then the heartbreaking event. A child goes missing.

Then each chapter follows the return of one of the grieving fathers back each year to the small town where his child went missing and the Inn where they stayed. He returns there to the Inn and slowly to the chef who co-owns it. The chef is having his own issues being back in his hometown. He’s there with his loving aging grandmother and both are grieving the loss of his grandfather. It’s an alternating pov that’s powerful and realistic.

The story is grounded in love, loss, small town community, cooking, and shared memories. This is where the story shines in its layered characters and beautifully depicted scenes of home and family.

The character of Connor Darling, married wealthy businessman when we first meet him, along with his equally wealthy, successful husband Trevor and 5 year old Jesse, is one who is fully stressed, aware of the strains in his marriage, and that Jesse’s awakening of being gender fluid is something that Trevor is having issues with. We understand this family and hurt for each of them.

Same goes for Mattias Hall, a NYC chef who has returned home to the Inn where he was raised by his loving grandparents because his grandfather has died and his grandmother needs him. Pain, loss, stress and family are all factors here.

Each man is an alternate pov until the shocking happens. And Jesse goes missing. I think all the readers can empathize with the situation. It’s realistic and emotionally compelling.

But then the authors chose to add an additional element and throw in another pov. For me this is where everything starts to go off the rails. Because the format where a year goes by and we see what grief and mourning has done to Connor and his husband. Or to Mattias and his grandmother. How they changed from year to year, that’s broken up when this strange third pov comes into play. I understand why the authors decided to do this but think it undermines the power of the dynamics and emotional story they are building. Plus this element isn’t well developed and just further muddled the plot lines.

Basically Burns and Fawkes have a fantasy and contemporary narrative running side by side and never fully integrate them into each other’s stories. They tried but the lack of development and exploration into the fantasy side or world was just too lacking to make sense. Especially that ending.

That was incredibly nonsensical. Old people disappeared and no one is going to notice? Nothing makes sense or given credibility, magically.

The magical traveling Fae coin is given short shrift here. It’s hardly even worth it as a token element more an afterthought. There’s a note at the end that there another book that continues on in this universe. It includes Peter, a lost child and yes, you’re right in what you are thinking. He appears here as a minor character, to pick up the coin and make sure that he has an introduction into the next book.

Honestly it feels to me as though the coin was inserted into a story that was about ready to be released. And a new series by set to go. One doesn’t seem to relate to the other.

Never Darling is a book that has the potential to be a fantastic story or two, one contemporary and one fantasy. But as it is, it doesn’t do the fantasy side any favors and only the contemporary romance is the main reason for reading the book.

Strange title because it really doesn’t fit in with the story. But looks to connect with the new series/book from the same authors with the title Never Landings. Ah me.

These covers are fantastic , some of my favorites in years.

Fortune Favors the Fae – 15 books:

✓ A Fae Coin Transported Me Into Another World and Now I’m the Gay Holy Maiden by AJ Sherwood #1❤️

✓ The Wolf’s (Un)Lucky Fae by Michele Notaro #2 ❤️

✓ Bound to the Wild Fae by Tavia Lark #3 June 13❤️

✓ The Sorcerer’s Thief by Lee Colgin #4 ❤️🔷

✓ The Fae Menagerie by Edie Montreaux #5

✓ Never Darling by Sam Burns #6

◦ Prince of Poison by Alice Winters #7 – July 11,2024

◦ Grave Misfortune by Nazri Noor #8 – July 18,2024

◦ Fae for Pay by Meaghan Maslow #9 – July 23,2024

◦ Kisses at the Crossroad by Morgan Lysand #10 – August 1,2024

◦ Smoke and Mirrors by Kai Butler #11 – August 8, 2024

◦ Siren in the Rain by Chloe Archer #12 – Aug 15,2024

◦ I Destroyed the Elf Prince’s Harem by Jocelynn Drake #13 – Aug 22,2024

◦ A Fae Called Wylder by Michelle Frost #14 – Aug 29,2024

◦ Lucky or Knot by Eliot Grayson #15 – September 5,2024

Buy link

Never Darling

Blurb

Connor Darling has the perfect life. Beautiful husband, million dollar company, and the most adorable tow-headed kid any man could ask for.

When the worst thing imaginable happens, it all crumbles through his fingers. He’s left revisiting the scene of his real-life nightmare over and over, not sure if he’s coming back to try to fix things or figure out where he went wrong. Or if maybe, this is where he belongs now.

Mattias Hall has come home, because the worst has already happened. His grandfather, the man who raised him, has died, and left his grandmother alone to run the family inn. So Mattias gave up his flashy New York chef life for one he’s perhaps better suited to: small town innkeeper.

When Connor Darling returns year after year, neither is sure what the other is looking for, but in Cider Landing, anything is possible. Maybe they’ll both find just what they needed in each other, and in the magic of the woods outside of town.

Never Darling is a part of the multi-author series, Fortune Favors the Fae. From spicy to sweet, zany romps to epic adventures, there’s something for everyone in this mystical series. Discover destiny and true love and follow the coin on its fickle journey to the next world and a new magical adventure.

Review: Per Sanguinem: A MM Vampire Romance by Ashlyn Drewek

Rating: 4🌈

Another new author and a new paranormal law enforcement vampire romance. A excellent find in both writer and story.

Several things that Drewek created here for her universe that I absolutely found fascinating and wanted more exploration into was the vampire society and creation lore. That its territories are women ruled/dominated definitely needs further development within the story than the fabulous juicy bits offered up by scenes the author gave us here. I was definitely invested.

That feeds in so well into the fact that Chicago PD Det Eric Collins, 250 year old vampire is a solitary male, working his department’s night shift. His heavy caseloads as well as his memories and routines are what mark his days. The author lets Eric’s past stories and losses be revealed only once his solo existence starts to change. However, Eric the detective is a fully formed character as is his place within his department.

Drewek also does a great job in creating the other characters, including Chase Turner, a complicated person with a multitude of issues. He’s a cop who’s the son of cops. His mother is deceased, and his father a bullying alcoholic officer, now retired who’s either revered or hated because of his former position as the head of IA. Chase is also suffering from PTSD, from his tour of duty in the Army. Plus he’s got ex issues too.All that and a tragic case brings him into the same mess as Eric when both are on the scene at the same time.

Drewek has written so many terrific storylines, all ongoing that involve vampires, other investigators, and fully formed characters that interact with each other to keep the reader invested in their relationship and the storylines that emerge.

One element of relationships that I find problematic in a story is where one person will , for whatever reason, takes actions or makes important decisions that affect their relationship without discussing it with their partner, purposely. Effectively it relegates their partner or mate to a lesser or unequal status because they are making decisions for them without their knowledge or permission. Doesn’t matter the trope. This is a familiar element in some couples.

And this aspect of Eric and Chase’s dynamic was an issue that I struggled with throughout the book while enjoying the characters, their interactions and terrific histories created for them by the author. It was minutely addressed towards the end of the novel and I appreciated that but I wish it had been dealt with differently.

As a standalone story, Drewek has developed such a rich environment and cast that I keep thinking that it would make a great series. Aubrey, Eric’s werewolf friend from his past who lives in New Orleans, definitely deserves a sequel.

It’s a terrific universe that needs further exploration and I hope this author will return to it sometime soon.

In the meantime, I’ll be looking into Drewek’s other works and series. If they are as interesting and well written as this, I can’t wait to read them.

This is a great find! And I love the cover.

Buy Link:

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Sangu…Per Sanguinem: A MM Vampire Romance – Kindle edition by Drewek, Ashlyn. …

Blurb

Vampires don’t get a happily ever after. Eric Collins learned that the hard way, which is why he swore off the whole idea and prefers to throw himself into his job as a Chicago PD detective. His plan for a peaceful, solitary existence, however, is disrupted the night he saves Chase Turner—a human and a fellow cop—from being brutally murdered.

With vindictive vampires after them and Chase’s meddling ex around every corner, it’s time for Eric to leave Chicago. But first he has to make a choice—convince Chase to give up everything and come with him, or say goodbye to the love of his life?

PER SANGUINEM is a slow-burn MM paranormal romance with a lot of suspense, police procedures, and sexual tension between two cops on the DL. It features an overprotective vampire, two insanely loyal partners, and a forbidden love story set against a complicated backdrop of murder and vampire politics. It is intended for a mature audience and reader discretion is advised. A full list of triggers can be found in the front matter of the book and at my website under Tropes & Triggers.

• Publisher: Fox Hollow Books (October 24, 2022)

• Publication date: October 24, 2022

• Language: English

• Print length: 494 pages

Review: The Elf Beside Himself (Beyond the Veil Book 6) by KM Avery

Rating: 5🌈

The Elf Beside Himself finishes PI Valentine Hart’s storyline group within the Beyond the Veil series.

This paranormal series has been following a format that sees each wildly different couple, each of whom has been effected by the Arcanavirus in various ways, through the all the travails of their intense relationships. The author creates such a wonderful, culturally diverse group of backgrounds for each character. And then, using mysteries, police cases, and ghosts of the dead, weaves in the expanding series themes of magic, bigotry, speciesism, deep persecution that occurs when something happens to scare people into believing propaganda or giving into their own worst fears. In this case a disease, the Arcanavirus which changes people into paranormal beings, if they live through it.

Avery’s plots has Human Only Rights groups out in the streets, in gangs, working against any nonhuman creature, as well focusing on the neglect that indigenous peoples criminal cases often face from various law enforcement agencies that allow the criminal to go unpunished. Its layers upon layers in believable, heartbreaking detail.

And each book sees this element only increasing in depth and alarm as the groups grow stronger. It all seems so familiar.

In this story, Val Hart, an elf made due to the Arcanavirus and his dog shifter lover, Taavi Camal, are headed back to Val’s hometown of Shawano, Wisconsin. Its land of the cheese, frigid winter weather, small town Community values and memories of when Val was normal and forgettable. But his childhood friend’s father has died, a man Val also considered family. And his best friend has asked him for his help.

Avery builds such gripping narratives because the author starts with creating compelling complex characters, ones who have histories the reader can in some way relate to, and then place them into extraordinary circumstances. Circumstances that require imagination, intelligence and are often difficult for the reader and characters to comprehend or undergo.

Here in The Elf Beside Himself there is a boatload of emotional elements and personal/professional/life issues to unpack and explore. It starts with deep grief for Gregory Crane, father of his best friend Elliot. Both men badger shifters, as well as members of the Ho Chunk and Mamaceqtaw tribes. The heartfelt grieving continues as investigative factors points to persecution and increased violence towards shifters and indigenous peoples.

Hart is also dealing with bringing Taavi home to meet everyone for the first time under extreme pressure and intense conditions. When they’re just 2.5 months into their relationship and unprepared for the situation, winter weather, and family scrutiny.

Hart, who has been a favorite of mine since he appeared on the page, just shows all the vulnerability, the growth, and depth of his character in the various situations that arise here. Especially in the complex relationships between himself, Taavi, and Elliot.

The writing is exceptional, the characters are so memorable, and well plotted storylines will feed into the next group flawlessly as Seth and Elliot are set up to start a new trilogy while enlarging on the anti-magic, human first movement that’s growing.

I’m so invested. If you aren’t already familiar, go back to the first book and begin your journey there. It’s a fabulous read and a series you will love.

Highly recommended!

Beyond the Veil Series which is broken into couples stories, see below (books need to be read in order they are written for relationships and events development):

Ward’s story (1-3):

The Ghost in the Hall

The Boy in the Locked Room

The Skeleton Under the Stairs.

Hart’s story (4-6):

The Dog in the Alley

The Bones in the Yard

The Elf Beside Himself

Seth’s story (7 +):

The Turning of the Tables (2024/2025)

Buy link

The Elf Beside Himself (Beyond the Veil Book 6)

Blurb

Nothing can prepare you for the phone call from your best friend telling you his dad was murdered. Not even if you’re a former homicide cop.

But here I am, getting on a plane to fly halfway across the country to hold his hand and hope to hell that I’m not walking into a complete disaster.

Who am I kidding?

The police think Gregory Crane killed himself, or at least that’s what they’re telling us, but Elliot is sure they’re wrong. And the dead man can’t tell us what happened, either, so I’m going to have to use good old-fashioned detective work to figure this one out. Except I’m not a cop anymore and all my contacts are half a country away.

Add to that the fact that the state I’m in is in the middle of a huge anti-magic movement, and everywhere I turn I have people spitting in my face and calling me a freak.

My mother is going ballistic, my father is threatening to sue the police department, and I’m trying to juggle a brand-new relationship and my falling-apart oldest friend from childhood.

Yeah, you could say I’m beside myself.

Now if only I can hold it together long enough to put together the pieces, maybe, just maybe I can manage to get through this without losing my best friend, my boyfriend, or my life. Whether or not I lose my mind is pretty low on the list of priorities—I’m willing to give that up if only I can keep the rest.

• Publication date: September 29, 2023

• Language: English

• Print length: 427 pages

Review: Deadly Little Sparrow (Mafia Bound Book 1) by K. M. Neuhold

Rating: 4.5🌈

Deadly Little Sparrow is K. M. Neuhold first book in the new Mafia Bound series and it’s one wild, sexy dark ride. It’s a great combination of revenge, romance, and a combustible red hot D/s relationship set in a crime family environment and potential territory fights.

All that and some well crafted, delicious characters made for a strong story that I didn’t put down until it was over.

The basis is the Italian crime family headed by Lorenzo Moretti. I suspect each member will have their own story but we start with their enforcer/assassin, the Angel of Death, Xaviaro Saviano. Deadly, calm, bespoke suits and Italian loafers. He’s extremely efficient and considered a member of the family. Everything in his life is just rote until he runs into trouble in the form of a revenge seeking Sparrow.

I enjoy the dichotomy between them. It’s the vibrating, smaller rage-filled Sparrow who fills the void and energy here, up against the almost rock like calm of the huge assassin. Until they actually clash, and the upheaval begins.

Their relationship is one of extraordinary chemistry, D/s, and it absolutely works. Neuhold weaves together their growing desire for each other, along with Sparrow’s hunt for revenge as well as how it’s impacting Xav’s job and professional dynamics. It’s multilayered and well executed.

The author introduces the readers to the rest of the family, exploring the Moretti universe and encroaching crime families, while also revealing more about Sparrow and Xaviaro’s own histories.

For readers who might be anticipating scenes of extreme violence, read the trigger warnings. However, I will say I believe that this is on the less extreme side of the dark spectrum when it comes to these kinds of fiction. That’s my opinion at any rate.

If I had a small quibble, it was that the end was tied up too tightly and quickly. After all that build up, it felt like the revenge aspect was rushed and reduced to a few moments. Did parts of it ring true? Yes, those responsible probably didn’t know what Sparrow was referring to. Too many crimes had passed. So maybe it did make sense to have it happen that way. You decide what you think.

I’m definitely recommending Deadly Little Sparrow and can’t wait for the next book in the series to be released. A absolute winner.

Great cover too. Definitely drew my attention!

Mafia Bound:

✓ Deadly Little Sparrow #1

◦ Beautifully Savage Butterfly #2 – Sept 6,2024

Buy link

Deadly Little Sparrow (Mafia Bound Book 1)

Blurb

Is there such thing as love at first bar fight?

I may be small and pretty, but what I lack in intimidation factor, I make up for in violence.

I made a vow five years ago that the motorcycle club responsible for my brother’s death would pay the price, and I’m finally ready to collect. May God have mercy on the men who hurt my brother, because I don’t plan to.

Accidentally breaking the nose of the deadliest man in the city wasn’t my best move. Xaviaro Saviano, trigger man for the Moretti Crime Family… and now my own personal stalker. But if I have to go through him to deliver well-deserved justice, so be it.

As strange as it sounds, Xaviaro seems to want to help me more than he wants to hurt me. I can’t shake the man no matter what I do. Threatening him feels like foreplay, tying him up only turns him on… I could play nice, but that’s never been my strong suit.

I’d be lying if I said he wasn’t starting to grow on me, especially when he calls me his Deadly Little Sparrow from his knees. I’ve never met a man who could handle me, let alone one who can’t stop begging me for more.

Can love and revenge live in the same heart? I guess there’s only one way to find out…

• Publication date: June 7, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 293 pages

Review: The Fae Menagerie (Fortune Favors the Fae #5) by Edie Montreaux

Rating: 3.5🌈

The Fae Managerie by Edie Montreaux is the fifth book in this fabulous multi author fantasy series and I found it very entertaining.

While the traveling magical coin is not as much of a character element as it is in the other books, it serves as the item that will bind together two the highly different main characters here.

The concept is interesting if not fully developed or explored or perhaps explained in the story. A fae, Doyle, has been imprisoned by his mother the Queen because of his flippant attitude towards love and romance. Staying in a magical glass prison with viewing hours (actually it’s far worse) until he, Doyle, finds true love. Yes, there’s holes in that. And there’s also a bigger storyline behind that attitude and family dynamics that pops up unexpectedly towards the end of the book. I wish Montreaux had brought this thread into this couple’s storyline earlier along with the other fae drama because it would have made more sense of the dynamic between mother and son.

This sort of choice the author makes for their characters is the same one they make for the other main character of businessman Parker, the one that ends up being imprisoned with the fae Doyle through the nefarious ploy of a ex boyfriend. His background isn’t fully developed, just hinted at in the oddest manner. A shame because the reader isn’t sure if his father is a mobster or monster in a business suit.

Human Parker and fae Doyle go through a ton of trouble, in that prison, where they are often on display for others to view. It’s interesting in the manner that this author makes use of a glass prison plot that’s imaginative but frustrating at the same time. Specifically when it comes to the Warden, an incubus and the fellow prisoners. We just don’t know enough about the situation and prison conditions to make sense of the moment to moment changes or narrative choices.

The relationship between Doyle and Parker feels very real and relatable but everything else keeps impacting on how much we connect with the situation.

A another issue for me is the lack of accountability for the crimes committed against the pair and the lack of any true justice or regret for any of the actions carried out here against a group of characters. I think the author understands that the readers will be uncomfortable with this aspect of the story and tries to insert an explanation into the end of the story. But all it does is serve to highlight further exactly how unsatisfactory this approach is going to remain. This world stays status quo. A penal system that’s not truly explained or understood within the book is allowed to continue with its original warden who committed crimes.

So there’s a really strong romantic element here, with two terrific characters, Parker and Doyle each having their own version of a personal story that ends in a loving relationship. The Fae Menagerie has some interesting ideas and great side characters too, but also quite a few that need further thought, more development, and greater attention to detail.

Did I enjoy this? Yes but also left a bit unsatisfied. Still a recommendation.

These covers are fantastic , some of my favorites in years.

Fortune Favors the Fae – 15 books:

✓ A Fae Coin Transported Me Into Another World and Now I’m the Gay Holy Maiden by AJ Sherwood #1❤️

✓ The Wolf’s (Un)Lucky Fae by Michele Notaro #2 ❤️

✓ Bound to the Wild Fae by Tavia Lark #3 June 13❤️

✓ The Sorcerer’s Thief by Lee Colgin #4 ❤️🔷

✓ The Fae Menagerie by Edie Montreaux #5

◦ Never Darling by Sam Burns #6 – July 4,2024

◦ Prince of Poison by Alice Winters #7 – July 11,2024

◦ Grave Misfortune by Nazri Noor #8 – July 18,2024

◦ Fae for Pay by Meaghan Maslow #9 – July 23,2024

◦ Kisses at the Crossroad by Morgan Lysand #10 – August 1,2024

◦ Smoke and Mirrors by Kai Butler #11 – August 8, 2024

◦ Siren in the Rain by Chloe Archer #12 – Aug 15,2024

◦ I Destroyed the Elf Prince’s Harem by Jocelynn Drake #13 – Aug 22,2024

◦ A Fae Called Wylder by Michelle Frost #14 – Aug 29,2024

◦ Lucky or Knot by Eliot Grayson #15 – September 5,2024

Buy link

The Fae Menagerie

Blurb

“You will remain here until you learn what love is.”

Trapped in the light court’s prison, Doyle will never know the meaning of love. When luck summons him to the human realm to “take care of” Parker, he grasps at the possibility to finally escape.

This isn’t the first attempt on Parker’s life, but it’s the most creative. His ex tried to summon a demon and landed a fae prince instead. Too bad the prince is trapped in a glass cage for eternity. When Doyle drags Parker to prison with him, the death threats don’t stop with the location change. Now everyone in the fae realm wants Parker dead, too!

Parker’s not into Doyle, or anyone for that matter. The coin must have been unlucky-side-up when it paired them together. Still, Doyle is desperate to honor his promise to take care of Parker. Only true love will free them both from the fae menagerie.

The Fae Menagerie is a male/male high romantasy between an imprisoned fae prince playboy and a demisexual human virgin. This forced-proximity slow burn romance features versatile characters, fated mates, lots of hurt/comfort, snark, spice, and a happily ever after!

The Fae Menagerie is a part of the multi-author series, Fortune Favors the Fae. From spicy to sweet, zany romps to epic adventures, there’s something for everyone in this mystical series. Discover destiny and true love and follow the coin on its fickle journey to the next world and a new magical adventure. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order.

• Publication date: June 27, 2024

• Language: English

• File size: 5428 KB

• Print length: 328 pages

Review: Cosmic Husband (Cosmic Romances Book 1) by Mars Quinn

Rating: 4.25🌈

The “I was abducted by aliens “ trope isn’t one I normally read but the reviews for this were good and the author is new to me.

Science fiction can be a tricky subject, especially where the world building and species is concerned. I read other books where the aliens just resemble funny colored humans living in their own humanistic world instead of actually describing what a truly alien world or species might be like.

It does depend upon a specific author’s take on scify but it comes down to the theme. I’ll admit I really enjoyed Mars Quinn’s quirky perspective on this element.

It’s a fated mates science fiction romance, the first book in a new series. So Quinn’s story has to lay out not just the characters, and their respective histories, but establish the series foundation with various worlds, different species, and the entire Crystal religion that sparks young Kalvoxrencol “Kal” on his journey through space to find his fated mate.

That would be Seth, nigh to starved, recently dumped, with his emotional rescue cat, Lucy. The background the author has created for Seth’s adolescence has continued emotional ramifications for his adult life. He has had anxiety or panic attacks since he was young, and a controlling ex left him with further issues and emotional damage. All of this is slowly revealed through the process of his being abducted, then having to deal with this event and communicating with his new companion and those on the ship.

Kal, the alien who was determined to take his fated mate away from Earth and back home, also undergoes his own transformation. Turns out he’s young, prone to mistakes, the younger of all his siblings, and the more the reader and Seth learns about Kal, the more we like and connect with him. Alien, scaled, winged even but with behaviors that make him relatable. Are some of his early misadventures a tad too “human” in this regard? Sure but by this point as a reader, you’ve already made a decision about whether you are invested in this book and characters’ journey or not.

I was and enjoyed how the author was drawing comparisons with the stages of rebelling adolescence, no matter what the species.

This was absolutely true with respect to the character of Ensign Wyn (who I’m sure belongs on Below Decks) who became a good friend of Seth’s. His ongoing experiences, especially with drinking constantly made me laugh out loud. I need his book. Please.

So many special characters that Quinn crafted and made memorable, including NAID, the AI program that gained intelligence and became a being. I really hope that we see more of her. Quinn made sure there’s different species and different worlds that are seen and visited, as well as languages and religions. I appreciate that.

That romance was a very interesting one, built of respect, communication, commitment, and consent. That was upmost importance here so any intimacy didn’t really come until around 75 percent of the book was finished. They had literally covered a lot of space by then and Seth had the choice of returning to Earth.

Of the many siblings, only one other is mated so we get a scene that certainly leads us into the next book and sibling to get their story. It sounds fascinating and I can’t wait. Totally different.

I’m recommending this , it’s quirky, the characters are well done, easy to understand, and invest in their lives. I really enjoyed their journey to HEA. I’m still laughing about Wyn.

Buy link

Cosmic Husband: A Spicy MM Sci-Fi Romance (Cosmic Romances Book 1)

Blurb:

My cat and I have been abducted by aliens…

Seth

One second I’m walking to work, and the next I’m on a spaceship. I have no idea what’s going on, but this scaled alien claims I’m his mate. That’s not going to happen. I have until we reach his planet to accept or reject him. If I don’t want him, I can go back to Earth. But six months is a long time when the alien Kal is determined to woo me.

Kalvoxrencol

The Crystal sent me to the far reaches of the universe for my soulmate, and now that I have him, I will not surrender him. I will do whatever I can to win his love and keep him by my side, where he belongs. I will not let anything from my past or his keep us apart.

This is a standalone sci-fi romance with a socially anxious human, his protective winged alien mate, a black cat companion, a slow burn with a spicy payoff, and a guaranteed HEA. This is an MM romance with explicit content intended for adult readers only. Some of the trigger warnings include: panic attacks, anxiety, swearing, and adult content (Full list inside).

• Publication date: June 3, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 435 pages

Review: Sanctuary (On The Wind Book 1) by Sam Burns and W. M. Fawkes

Rating: 4.5🌈

It took a short time for me to find my way to really connecting with both of these characters in Sanctuary, Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes’ new book and series.

At first, Paris comes across as a cosseted, naive young nobleman who’s just lost his father, a man who is the hidden lover of the heir to the throne. But quickly, through the means of a political mission, the authors start him towards a journey of astonishing personal growth.

Paris travels to the land of Nemeda, where he’s to make a peace treaty with the unknown southern tribes, who are said to be bird worshippers. This is absolutely where the narrative pulls the reader into this amazing universe, giving us a window into his development as he opens up himself to new cultures, uses his ingenuity and knowledge to create opportunities for himself and to help others.

We get to watch him grow and fall in love with the person he’s becoming.

The same goes for head of the Hawk clan, Brett. Brett was a harder character for me to invest in to start. Part of this is the disconnect between the clan bird/Avatar and what this clan is known for. It also ties into Brett’s personality. They are the Hawk clan. However, instead of being known for their warrior spirit or their fierce nature, this clan is one of farmers and land oriented talents. It absolutely doesn’t match up with the Hawk as a species.

Other clans do match better with their namesake. Cranes, Ducks, Eagles and especially the Crows, all beautifully suited to their clan’s needs and abilities. So why stray so far off from the Hawk’s? As a someone in the field (wildlife biologist) this is an irritating factor, but not the only one. More on this at the end.

Anyway, Brett comes off as clueless or hapless as a clan leader when he first starts making his appearance in the novel. The worst of it involves how he’s handled the wife he was dealt with. This is a important storyline that will thread throughout the novel, especially how it’s handled by him at the beginning of the story. Does Brett improve in character development as the novel continues? Yes, but for me, this is a very weak beginning point.

Burns and Fawkes have just begun with their world building, as the various clans are introduced, along with their histories and the territorial/clan wars reveal themselves. So to the geographical and climate changes that are typical of each region that impacts each clan and kingdom. It’s fascinating, detailed, and gives depth to the characters in ways that makes them relatable.

I enjoyed and was very engaged with many of the other characters here, definitely wanting more of the Crow Clan and their fierce leader. There is so much more of the magical side to be explored. And that’s the spoilers side too that I won’t be going into. Fantastic if not wholly unexpected.

The relationship, slowly growing, the respect for each other’s privacy and culture is something I enjoyed watching unfold and look forward to seeing more of in future stories.

Finally, my last words to the authors (other writers too), please rethink wise owl usage. I can tell you that is absolutely not the case. A alpha predator? Positively. Fierce? Beyond measure. But wise? Nope, I blame Disney and that face! SMH. Let’s try to keep the owl more in tune with its natural behaviors, same as you do with the other birds here. With the exception of that pesky Hawk.

Otherwise, a terrific read and wonderful adventure.

On The Wind:

✓ Sanctuary #1

◦ Guardian #2 – TBD

Buy link

Sanctuary (On the Wind Book 1)

Blurb:

Paris’s path is clear, his future settled. He’s trained his whole life in politics and the running of a kingdom. He’s going to be an adviser to the future king, his beloved prince. But when his father dies unexpectedly, the current king takes the opportunity to get rid of him, sending him to the barbaric southern tribe lands of Nemeda as a diplomat.

No one has ever returned from the tribes alive.

But he won’t give up on true love. If it costs him everything, he’ll bargain his way back to the arms of Prince Tybalt. Only what he finds when he arrives in Nemeda is not what he expected. The tribes aren’t barbaric at all, and their chief is . . . well, Paris can’t be distracted by the man’s rugged beauty that easily. Can he?

• Publication date: June 13, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 340 pages

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