Review: Stick Shift (Big Bull Mechanics #3) by K. M. Nuehold

Rating: 4.75🌈

Big Bull Mechanics is a deceptively deep and complex contemporary series. Each installment uses a popular trope as a launching point, then weaves through it, a few other elements that make it stronger and more interesting. And favorite couples/characters from the other stories and preceding series are among the supporting cast that acts as comedic and emotional support.

Stick Shift opens at the shop as members of Big Bull Mechanics discuss the recent romantic developments that have happened, and jokingly make bets on who’s gonna be next to fall in love.

Red, one of our narrators, internally vocalizes it won’t be him as he’s only been in love with one person. His straight best friend of close to thirty years and it’s never going to change.

That’s the clue for a phone call to come from Journey, our other second POV, and Red’s best friend since childhood. He’s returned from abroad because of a family loss, one that changes the trajectory of his life and Red’s.

Nuehold captures so many amazing elements here. The return and reestablishment of a almost cellular deep friendship. The warmth, chemistry, and just personal knowledge that the author is able to write into their dynamics makes them and their relationship, in all its changes, so believable, beautiful, and rare.

The slow knowledge and awareness of Red sexually that slides into Journey’s head and emotions. The small inkling that occurs to Red that gets his hopes up. It’s so real in its awkwardness and stumbles. And fears.

All that surrounded by a wildflower crown wearing mini Highland cow named Angie, a battle scarred barn cat Cornelius, Sanders the Rooster, a herd of alpacas , and the very nosy crew of Big Bull Mechanics.

Plus Stone (“Rome wasn’t built on hay”) and his gang make wonderful appearances too!

I’d say a surfeit of plenty, but it’s not. It all comes together like a most desirable smorgasbord of narrative delights.

One of my favorite stories of the series. It will be hard to beat.

Stick Shift would have been perfect except that Angie and Milkshake disappeared at the end. And worse, while Nigel the smutty mouthed parrot made an appearance at the wedding, neither adorable bovine was to be seen! Unforgivable.

I’m highly recommending that you read this book. The series too. It helps to have read the series but it’s not absolutely necessary.

Big Bull Mechanics:

✓ Crankshaft #1

✓ Stroker #2

✓ Shift Stick #3

For the connected series, see Four Bears Construction 7 books.

Stick Shift (Big Bull Mechanics Book 3)

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showStick Shift (Big Bull Mechanics #3) by K.M. Neuhold

Description:

Is it possible my straight best friend had a sudden stick shift?

I made peace with my hopeless crush on my straight best friend, Journey, years ago. It helps that he’s never in the country long and our relationship consists of sporadic texts and video chats at odd hours.

Now Journey is back. Back in the country, in my space, sharing my bed, and something is changing between us.

Neither of us has a clue how to run the small farm his uncle left him, but I’m willing to be the idiot standing next to him, figuring it out. Learning how to shear an alpaca or keep a rogue mini cow out of the kitchen looks easy compared to navigating the sudden change in Journey.

Is he looking at me differently? Is he touching me more? Straight guys don’t normally kiss other men, right? I don’t know what’s happening between us, but I’ll put things in gear and floor it all the way.

***Stick Shift is a bi-awakening, best friends to lovers story with farm animal shenanigans, nosy mechanics, and all the steam and sweetness you can handle

Review: Violent Mistake (Blackrose Brotherhood #2) by Ariana Nash

Rating: 4.25🌈

We met Kazi, aka Kazimir Skokan, vampire, who’s public face is that of a international internet sensation, a interesting facade for a member of a secretive society of powerful paranormal beings.

That’s the Brotherhood, a group of vampires hunting another equally ancient faction of vampires with a different allegiance towards the gods and the human race. It’s control Vs Chaos basically.

He’s on a kill mission when the story opens. His target a true crime reporter, Felix Quaid, with his Unexplained in Maine podcast, who refuses to stop digging into the affairs of the Brotherhood. Felix has to go.

Only the enemy intervenes.

Nash builds a story much like a traditional Smith Island cake, just one layer after another, until you have a thin, multiple level wonder. You may not be sure of what you’re getting until you’ve cut into it, grabbing that slice of scrumptiousness, finished it, and savoring all the ingredients.

That’s how I feel about all the many, many elements Nash introduces here and in the previous book. It’s like I’m staring at the cake but don’t know how it’s all going to work out yet.

It’s a lot and very ambitious. Here we have Kazi and Felix, their story and relationship. It veers off onto another continent. Picks up Felix’s history with his family. Picks up Kazi’s bloody backstory. What does get sidelined is the manner in which Felix “ lost” everything, his podcast, etc. That’s a fairly important thing to lose track of. But we do get a tiny glimpse into Felix’s family life. Kazi’s journey is rooted in history and location. Nash was outstanding in both.

But Nash has a lot of narrative ground to cover. We have to establish a meaningful relationship between two former enemies, bring about a change of heart within Kazi about humans and their role in the world (as well as with himself). Nash also has the enemy there to expound on their own destiny, mission, you know how a big bad absolutely MUST make speeches about themselves. It’s in the Evil Handbook. All the while, moving the storylines forward with enormous amounts of drama and angst.

There’s several really great twists, one that’s going to bring the sniffles out as well.

But the author isn’t finished. Smith Island Cake remember? There’s genetics, explosions, betrayals (sorry, but everyone will see who the baddie is in this instance), and more loose end mysteries. All that isn’t revealed or relayed in any satisfactory manner in the story other than bare minimum at the end.

At the end, I just had way too many unanswered questions to the unresolved aspects of this story to feel satisfied. I really liked it, but didn’t love it.

And really know one is talking about Mikalis to each other?

There’s no mention yet of the next installment. I’ll be waiting for an update.

I find the elements and promise here fascinating. If you’re a fan of this author and paranormal fiction, you decide whether to wait until more of this series is released to read the stories or read along as they are published.

I’m recommending it because I’m just as curious as the rest of you.

Blackrose Brotherhood series:

✓ Violent Desire #1

✓ Violent Mistake #2

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showViolent Mistake (Blackrose Brotherhood #2) by Ariana Nash

Description:

Internet sensation Kazimir Skokan, is loved around the world for his luxury photoshoots and envious lifestyle. But Felix Quaid has never hated a man more. Ex-investigative journalist turned true-crime podcaster, Felix knows something is off with playboy Kazi. From the late-night back-alley meetings to the people around him who later vanish, behind Kazimir’s flashy smile, he’s rotten to his core. Not to mention rumors of darker, dangerous, some-say supernatural occurrences around Kazimir. Felix even has photos to prove it.

But the last time he tried to expose Kazimir Skokan, his story was inexplicably shut down, taking Felix’s career as a journalist with it. Kazimir owes him the truth. And Felix is going to make sure the whole world knows it.

*

Kazi has new orders. Kill Felix Quaid. The Blackrose brotherhood leader, Mikalis, is never wrong. But in this, Kazi disagrees. Sure, Quaid is a pest, perhaps even a stalker, but no more than any other overzealous fan. Still, what Mikalis wants, Mikalis gets. And what’s another dead meat-bag to Kazi anyway? He stopped caring who lived and who died long ago.

Making Quaid disappear should have been easy. But in Quaid’s final, crucial moments, a pack of cult members kidnap them both, mistaking Quaid for a member of the brotherhood. Now, trapped together, their time running out, Kazi must work with Quaid if they’re to survive the insane Nyx-worshipping acolytes.

But as soon as they escape, Mikalis’s orders will still stand: Quaid must die.

Kazi thought he’d long ago given up on caring who lived and who died. Apparently, he was wrong…

*

Sparks fly in the second book in the all-new gay vampire psychopathic romance. Please note these books contain morally grey characters, unlikable heroes, enemies to lovers, and all the Ariana Nash angst you didn’t know you needed.

Each book in the series follows a new MM couple and ends in a HEA/HFN. This series is fast burn.

Review: Cop vs Capo (Hitman vs Hitman #4) by Cari Z and L.A. Witt

Rating: 4.75🌈

I was absolutely wondering how these authors were going to work this book (Cop Chandler and Mafia Silvia’s romance) into the series structure of the ongoing glorious mayhem that is August and Ricardo’s romance without letting the main characters fade into a secondary storyline.

No worries. Cari Z and Witt managed to juggle the needs furthering the relationship of the series couple with that of this very complex, troubled, enemies to lovers romance beautifully.

Cop vs Capo has all the narrative aspects that are indicative of the series. Fast paced, suspenseful, murderously entertaining multi faceted storylines that are intertwined with a great relationship between fascinating characters. In this case, it’s relationships and four men.

We have gotten the haunting back stories of August and Ricardo. We understand the impact their pasts have had upon their lives. But we haven’t seen the trauma that’s driven David Chandler to become a police detective or been able to dwell on why a mob underboss like Pedro Silva has a obvious attraction to a male cop , especially given that Silva has a connected ex wife. Silvia’s been a great personality, complicated, ex Army, at odds internally with the mafia persona he wields. Chandler, too, has, in the glimpses the authors have given us, demonstrated a wry humor, acceptance to think less rigidly than his companions, and follows his instincts. They were fabulous men we wanted to see more of.

Now , in the midst of a gang war, one this group started, the authors reveal the damage and trauma of each man’s history that surfaces throughout the events here to bring them closer together. Yes, high body count, trigger warnings, death, all of that.

It’s done through the company of August and Ricardo, to great comedy relief, incredible action, and the occasional moments of serious reflection.

If I had a favorite in this series (and I don’t) this would rank among the top. There’s another one coming. August and Ricardo are getting married.

That should be a even higher body count.

No release date yet for In-Laws Vs Outlaws. However, I’ll be waiting.

In the meantime, I’m highly recommending Cop vs Capo but only if you have read the rest of the series first. Read them in the order they are written to understand the men, relationships, and events.

Hitman Vs Hitman series:

✓ Hitman Vs Hitman #1

✓ Sniper vs Spotter #2

✓ Killer vs Kingpin #3

◦ Cop vs Capo #4

◦ In-Laws vs Outlaws #5 – TBD

Buy Link Amazon :

Cop vs. Capo (Hitman vs Hitman Book 4)

Description:

Wherever August Morrison and Ricardo Torralba go, chaos is sure to follow. The authors certainly know this, since their “standalone book” has now turned into a series with no end in sight, because…UGH. These two. We give up.

Anyway.

Detective David Chandler had no clue what he was getting into when he and his partner decided they were going to nail August for murder. They didn’t realize it was one of the few murders August didn’t commit, or that their homicide investigation would lead them into the middle of a mob war.

Cavalcante underboss Pedro Silva knew asking August and Ricardo for help was a terrible idea. Just mentioning their names is bad for Pedro’s blood pressure. Owing them a favor? Oh Lord. He still asked, though, because he was out of options, but he can’t say he didn’t know he’d regret it.

Neither man expected things to blow up this badly.

Now they’re both on the run from the mafia, the cops, and everyone in between… except for August and Ricardo. On one hand, that means they have two expert assassins in their corner. On the other, it means they have the biggest troll on the planet heckling them at every turn. And sticking them in a safehouse together. With only one bed.

And if August or Ricardo make one more comment about how Dave and Pedro should just hook up already…

Cop vs. Capo is 67,500 words long, and is book 4 of the Hitman vs. Hitman series.

CW: combat PTSD, alcoholism, on-page violence, discussion of abuse of a sex worker.

Review: Violent Desire (Blackrose Brotherhood #1) by Ariana Nash

Rating: 4.25🌈

I’m a fan of Ariana Nash’s books. This author’s highly imaginative ability to create exciting stories and interesting , layered characters in urban fantasy or paranormal worlds just captivates me.

Violent Desire sees Nash plunging into the world of chaos and darkness by way of warring factions of vampires, unknown to the human population. It’s a campaign that spreads across the globe and has been ongoing for centuries. Perhaps since the beginning of creation.

Nash starts In immediately with the dark elements. It’s that sort of story that comes with trigger warnings at the beginning.

Everyone here is a murderous sort of person. The body count is extremely high. These aren’t your sparkly vampires. Even the “good guy “ vampires aren’t especially good. All are killers, just with more rules.

Nash threads the world building with more myths and mysteries than actual facts which is a bit frustrating but probably speaks towards the plots coming in the future stories, if I’m picking up on the hints here.

Trust no one. Got it.

Det.Eric Sharpe is a grieving, determined man on a course of revenge when we meet him. That’s the first layer, which when pealed away when a plan goes so wrong, reveals the brutalized, traumatized man his broken mind has tried to forget.

Nash does this type of character so well. Someone who’s undergone immense trauma, undeniable pain and suffering, been brutalized and is still struggling with the mental and emotional effects. In Eric’s case, it’s even more complicated because his is has its origins in something so monstrous no one believed him.

It’s such a great hook. As one of our narrators, it pulls you in emotionally and you stay connected, even as he struggles through the darkness of his past. FYI, trigger warnings.

The other narrator is a vampire. Honestly, I found him less compelling, at least until towards the end. Zaine, one of the Brotherhood. It’s hard for Zaine, even as a vampire, to match up with the pathos and complexity that is Eric. We just get bits and pieces of Zaine’s history, a lot of posturing at Atlas, the headquarters of the Brotherhood, but not a ton of depth.

The hunt is focused around a old vampire named Sebastian, who has ties to Eric. So the story’s narrative “dance” remains in many respects on Eric and Sebastian, not Eric and Zaine. And the boss of the Brotherhood. Hmmmmm.

Plus there’s so many twists that Nash is weaving into the series and story that have no solution here. Fascinating mysteries that will flow all the way through the series and probably other characters, as has happened with other series.

So I’m recommending this book and I’m onto the next.

It features another couple. That should be interesting. I’ll let you know. I always am up for new takes on the paranormal and their origins. Should be quite the ride!

Blackrose Brotherhood series:

✓ Violent Desire #1

◦ Violent Mistake #2

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showViolent Desire (Blackrose Brotherhood #1) by Ariana Nash

Description:

Twelve immortals, twelve outcasts, one mission.
To kill their own kind, before it’s too late.

Detective, killer, vigilante. Eric Sharpe is tired of watching criminals walk free. When a lowlife drug dealer kills his partner and escapes justice, Eric plots his own revenge. His plan is faultless but for one thing: the handsome, mysterious man who arrives moments before Eric’s plan comes to fruition. Not only does the mysterious man know Eric’s an undercover cop, he knows exactly what Eric did fifteen years ago—an event so traumatic Eric has been trying to bury it ever since. And the mysterious man? Fifteen years ago, Eric killed him.

Now he’s back to reclaim what’s his: Detective Eric Sharpe.

Immortal, predator, vampire. After betraying himself and the Blackrose Brotherhood fifty years ago, Zaine can’t afford another mistake. There’s one rule above all others the Brotherhood stand by. One rule that can never be broken. Never, ever care. All Zaine has to do is hunt and kill the savage nyktelios vampires and keep his head down. And he was doing just fine until he saved Detective Eric Sharpe from a vicious vampire attack. He can’t stop thinking about the intelligent, handsome, haunted man. Walking away is the right thing to do, but the detective and Zaine are hunting the same killer—a vampire who knows more about both of them and the Brotherhood than anyone realizes.

A vampire seeking to bring down the Brotherhood for good.

Zaine can’t walk away. Eric won’t walk away. The vampire must be stopped, Brotherhood rules be damned, and they’ll go down fighting together to end him.

***

Violent Desire is the first book in an all-new fast-burn MM paranormal romance series. Each book features a new gay couple ending in a HEA/HFN.

Content notice: These are adult books with dark content. These vampires do not sparkle. They’re relentless in their mission. They do bad things for good reasons, and some do good things for terrible reasons. They DO NOT CARE. The members of the brotherhood have been described as psychopaths with fangs.

For content warning, see the paperback copyright page.

Review: Twice Bitten: A Blood Bonds novella (Mismatched Mates Book 9) by Eliot Grayson

Rating: 4.5🌈

Twice Bitten is a great example why I enjoy the writing of Eliot Grayson. Its well written, snarky, it’s characters have great back stories and layered personalities.

Located in Grayson’s Blood Bonds series universe, Twice Bitten is the story of two bitter Paranormals , one a vampire enforcer with a secret. The other a werewolf Alpha seeking a wayward mate who’s caused unbearable damage in his wake. They cross paths when the Alpha, Jack comes looking for aid outward his own territory in locating his mate and finds Angelo, the high ranking enforcer for the Vampire whose territory he’s in.

Grayson’s tale then starts revealing all the details about the paranormal politics surrounding Jack’s arrival in their territory, Angelo’s past and current emotional struggles with mates and mating, and the secrets that lie behind the scenes.

All that drama, and it’s not without humor. There’s some wonderful moments of comedy.

The two person POV works to give the reader advantage as to the characters secrets and struggles before they reveal them to the other person. So we get a better understanding of their motivations for their actions and emotions.

I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from the other Blood Bond stories but it’s not necessary to read them to understand this.

My only slight regret is that I felt that Angelo’s issue was handled, off page, too quickly and conveniently, for the powerful aspect that it was to his character. I felt it should have been a bigger part of the ending.

That aside, I really enjoyed the story, this couple, and their journey towards a HEA.

I’m highly recommending it. And check out the Mismatched Mates series too if a Paranormal romance is your thing!

Mismatched Mates series:

✓ The Alpha’s Warlock #1

◦ Captive Mate #2

✓ A Very Armitage Christmas #3

✓ First Blood #4

◦ The Alpha Experiment #5

◦ Lost and Bound #6

◦ Lost Touch #7

◦ The Alpha Contract #8

✓ Twice Bitten (A Blood Bonds Novella) #9

Description:

A werewolf walks into a vampire bar… ouch.

Vampire enforcer Angelo has enough problems already, and a tall, dark, and irritating alpha werewolf is the last thing he needs.

With his cheating, murderous mate on the run, Jack’s looking for help from the local authorities—who assign Angelo to solve the problem quickly.

They don’t have anything in common on paper, but sharing magical compatibility, a sense of humor, and a common goal can build a bond—whether mundane or otherwise. Even when another bond’s impossible…

Warning: Contains magical attack scorpions, knotting, and a vampire who’s desperate to avoid ruining his suit, falling in love, or other catastrophes. Spoiler alert: He falls in love. Does he ruin his suit, though? Read and find out! Happy ending guaranteed.

Review: Cat’s Chance in Hell:(Charm City Chronicles Book 2) by Meghan Maslow

Rating: 4.75🌈

It was so easy to fall back into Meghan Maslow’s rich paranormal universe of Charm City Chronicles. Baltimore or if you’re local then it’s “Bawlmer” or “Bawl-ah-mur.” A city so rich in varied cultures, a startling variety of architectural styles, and history that it’s a place to overwhelm your senses. In good and, *cough* bad ways.

Maslow’s setting is both a love letter and an acknowledgment of the reality of life in every aspect and area of that old (by American standards) city. Resting place of Poe, birthplace of the nation’s anthem, with the wildness of the Bay at its side, surely magic must exist there.

As it does in the series. Vampires, werewolves, shifters, and a Demon! Oh my!

In Demon’s In The Details, our initial introduction to the Demon Tommy Tittoti and his mate, the Raven shifter, Poe Dupin, we met Tommy’s assistant, Carter Strike.

Sassy, snarky, sexy Siamese shifter, Carter Strike. Exceptionally gifted when it comes to gathering information about Tommy’s enemies, he’s not afraid to take risks to get what he’s looking for.

We instantly adored him. And wanted more.

We get it when he runs through and smack into Bengal Damon-Cowles, the Roger or head of the South-West Baltimore territory. That starts an explosive relationship between him and Damon-Cowles, a Rakshasa, a powerful being of secretive origins.

Maslow’s story has launched a new storyline with this book that’s full of mystery, packed with potential dread and suspense for all our favorite characters going forward, and yes, there’s a bit of a cliffhanger at the end.

There’s just no way to go into any aspect of this book without giving away some secrets or important information that would spoil something for the reader.

I will say I wasn’t expecting the romance elements and that turned out to be so very satisfying.

Now I need that all important next installment. Asap!

I’m definitely recommending this. But if cliffhangers make you crazy, you decide if you want to wait until the next book is released and then read one after the other.

I’ve listed the books in the order below.

Charm City Chronicles:

✓ Demon’s In The Details

✓ Cat’s Chance In Hell

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Cats-Ch…Cat’s Chance in Hell: An MM Paranormal Romance (Charm City Chronicles Book 2)

Description:

When a feline fatale meets his magical match, Baltimore might just go up in flames.

I, Carter Strike, Siamese shifter extraordinaire and a powerful demon’s right-hand cat . . .er, man, have a job to do. My boss’ boy toy is in the crosshairs of an unknown assassin. And when my boss is unhappy, all of Charm City burns.

That’s where I come in. Intel is my specialty and leads me to the doorstep of one drop-dead gorgeous but annoyingly secretive Rakshasa.

Bengal Damon-Cowles—even his name is obnoxious—runs South-West Baltimore and is nothing if not frustratingly contrary. I don’t care if he is a demi-god among shifters, I don’t need the complications from a sexy as sin Rakshasa with the utter gall to turn down a fine piece of feline-fantasy like myself. Especially when we’re forced to work together. Except, every day we spend in close proximity turns up the heat between us.

A roomful of secrets, a looming Nor’Easter, and friends with questionable—or nonexistent—morals, add gasoline to the blaze. As the stakes climb ever higher, and people start dying, I’ve got a cat’s chance in hell of coming out of this one unscorched.

Cat’s Chance in Hell is a 113k snarktastic, size difference, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, car-careening-out-of-control romance with a guaranteed happy ending and lots of steam. Shenanigans include: a catnapping gone very, very wrong, a hot pot incident that will go down in infamy, and a Rakshasa with more layers than a Smith Island Cake.

Review: Killer vs. Kingpin (Hitman vs Hitman #3) by Cari Z and L.A. Witt

Rating: 4.75🌈

I really love absolute narrative lunacy! That’s Killer vs Kingpin pretty much from start to finish. A murderous Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride that expands on its initial theme of killers for hire into assassins antiheroes thwarting double crossing cartel minions, doing deals/breaking bread/being insane with all sorts of criminals, agencies and with as many weapons as possible.

It’s absolutely glorious fast paced mayhem. With relationships and character growth.

And death, blood, and a poodle. Nothing bad at all happens to the poodle.

If I had a wish though, I sorta wish that Eve and August’s classy, tough as nails sister, Elodie, would get together. Unfortunately, as she’s already married to the doctor, Paschal, also an important character within the series, it’s unlikely. I can dream, can’t I?

Mafia consigliere Pedro Silva and Police Detective Chandler, two fascinating ongoing personalities, come powerfully into action here. The chemistry and dynamics are fantastic. Their book is next.

I love it when a series keeps the original high energy but is able to expand and improve on the original by adding depth and complexity to the relationships and themes.

That’s exactly what the authors are doing here.

And why I’m recommending the book and series.

Read them in the order they are written.

Hitman Vs Hitman series:

✓ Hitman Vs Hitman #1

✓ Sniper vs Spotter #2

✓ Killer vs Kingpin #3

◦ Cop vs Capo #4 – Jan 4, 2023

Buy Link : Amazon

Killer vs. Kingpin (Hitman vs Hitman Book 3)

Description:

August Morrison and Ricardo Torralba would really like to live a quiet life—as quiet as life can be for a couple of eccentric hitmen, anyway. Unfortunately for them, they pushed their luck with the authors and demanded a second book. So now, whether they like it or not, they’re getting a third installment.

Yes, this is a revenge book. Because we’re the authors, that’s why.

This time, August and Ricardo are in way over their heads, because there are few things more dangerous than owing a favor to the mafia. When that favor gets called in, though, it’s not to kill anyone—it’s to save them. Time is running out to find the source of tainted street drugs poisoning innocent people.

Now they’re caught in the middle of a deadly war between rival families, all while trying to dodge suspicious police and merciless drug cartels.

Maybe this time, August and Ricardo will learn their lesson and not demand another book… assuming they survive this one.

Killer vs. Kingpin is book 3 in the Hitman vs. Hitman series that seems to have evolved from an alleged “standalone” to “yeah, we don’t even know.” They’re just too much fun to torture! Err, write. Too much fun to write.

Review: Sniper vs Spotter (Hitman vs Hitman #2) by Cari Z and L.A. Witt

Rating: 4.5🌈

Sniper vs Spotter passes the tough second book hurdle with flying colors, amid explosions, flying debris , and blood splatter!

Cari Z and Witt continues moves the relationship between hitmen August Morrison and Ricardo Torralba forward, opening the novel with the men living together, adjusting to a different lifestyle and emotional state.

It’s that latter that’s really causing the introspection and , glimpses into their pasts.

Which the authors use as the major source for the drama on multiple levels within the storyline with huge success.

Family is key. Or the keys to unlock the history and personalities of August Morrison and Ricardo Torralba. For August, it’s his sister and their shared traumatic experiences. For Ricardo, it’s his ex-wife Eve (an extraordinary woman, real, grounded in her bitterness and love), their complicated relationship, and the person from the past that now connects them.

Eve is someone who’s so well crafted that it’s no wonder the authors couldn’t leave her to just one story (yes, she’s going onto the next book).

Kudos to both authors for not demonizing the ex in a marriage. That’s one of my pet peeves in writing. I acknowledge that there’s unlikable ex problems but too often I read ones where it’s a simplistic, cardboard throwaway approach to a character and story element than a realistic human approach.

Sniper vs Spotter’s plot(s) and character development and relationship growth, which happens between not just the main couple but between other people as well, is just as compelling and interesting to watch unfold as the fast action sequences that accompany it.

The authors says these characters are talking to them? I say they are laughing, shouting, snarking their way through an entire series.

If we’re lucky.

Especially as they keep drawing more fabulously complicated people in around them.

So yes, I’m definitely recommending this series and probably even the ones that follow.

Look for more reviews to come.

The books must be read in the order they were written to understand the events and relationships development.

Hitman Vs Hitman series:

✓ Hitman Vs Hitman #1

✓ Sniper vs Spotter #2

✓ Killer vs Kingpin #3

◦ Cop vs Capo #4 – Jan 4, 2023

Buy Link Amazon

Sniper vs Spotter (Hitman vs Hitman Book 2)

Description:

Mortal-enemies-turned-furniture-breaking-lovers August Morrison and Ricardo Torralba have found a groove that suits them both. They’ve teamed up as hired guns, they live together, and by some miracle, they haven’t killed each other. It’s the closest to normal they’ll ever have, and they love it.

But their guns-and-roses future is thrown into chaos when Ricardo’s past comes crashing into their present. What begins as a favor for an old friend—well, “friend,” but don’t tell August—quickly spirals into something far bigger than they anticipated. Now they’re in way over their heads with powerful people on both sides of the law, and it’s going to take more than snark and explosions to see them through.

Nevertheless, there will be plenty of snark and explosions, because this is August and Ricardo, and no one would expect any less. In between the smoke and sarcasm, though, they are determined to bring an evil operation crashing down… no matter who they have to work with to get the job done.

And no matter who they have to kill.

Sniper vs Spotter is the sequel to the apparently-it-doesn’t-want-to-be-a-standalone Hitman vs Hitman, which absolutely was supposed to be a standalone, but August and Ricardo (predictably) refused to be contained. Our audiobook narrator also shares some of the blame, Michael. So here we are.

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

Rating: 4.5🌈

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I was enthralled.

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

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

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

The Dragons of Serai series:

✓ The Dragon King’s Assassin #1

✓ The Dragon Prince’s Necromancer #2

✓ The Dragon King’s Philosopher #3

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

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

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

Description:

A broken heart sent me running right into his arms.

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

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

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

Rating: 4.5 🌈

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas Sprites:

✓ Nyall #1

✓ Oberon #2

✓ Eldon #3

✓ Linus #4

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

Description:

Never sleigh never.

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

No need to Claus a scene!

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

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

—-

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

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