Category: M/M Fiction

Review: Two Thousand Dreams (Kings of Chaos Book 1) by Jocelynn Drake

Rating: 4.75🌈

Two Thousand Dreams Is the first in Jocelynn Drake’s new Kings of Chaos series. This is the third connected series with overlapping characters within the same universe.

The main character, Moon Mullins, is a blood witch, a rarity among all witches. Moon is a member of a small all male coven that consists of two earth witches and a necromancer. Readers following the author met this coven in the series, Princes of Mayhem, which focuses on the powerful necromancer’s adventures in love and the group’s support. They are best friends after all.

Now it’s Moon’s turn and, much like the other series, a major crossover event is coming. Once every 100 years, a portal opens up between the Fae realm and the earthly kingdom, and the Fae come through. The consequences of Coming Day are never good, especially for earth witches.

But it’s the new characters Drake is introducing that’s going to bring the biggest impact on the universe in expanding it beyond its current form.

It’s a clan of two thousand year old Chinese vampires who’ve come from their native homeland on a rescue mission. Both their backstory and current lives are threaded through with loss and grief. It’s a fantastic new element and I can’t wait for more of their stories to come forward.

The first book combines Moon with the frustrated, tense Chen, whose character is searching wildly for answers in an unfamiliar setting. Moon and Chen are a great example of chemistry in an opposites attract trope. The way in which Moon maneuvers himself through the inner circle of the clan, assessing the situation, and his new emotions about Chen just kept this reader connected at all times.

Also that, as we stayed focused on the core group of Moon and Chen and the clan, all the other important characters, like Moon’s best friends/coven weren’t forgotten. Instead, they were brought into the narrative as needed as well as in dramatic moments that highlighted their role in Moon’s life.

If I had a small quibble, it would have been that Drake allow more of Moon’s extraordinary powers as a blood witch to be evident throughout the story as opposed to sacrificing them to Chen’s role.

The end of the story is as dramatic and heartbreaking as any one could imagine. And it sets up the next book perfectly. No cliffhanger. Just the frustration of having to wait until next March for the release date.

Until then, I’m highly recommending Two Thousand Dreams (Kings of Chaos Book 1) by Jocelynn Drake. It’s a fast paced, incredibly detailed, fabulous read.

And if you’re not familiar with the other series, I’ve listed them for you below. Check them out!

Buy Link:

Two Thousand Dreams (Kings of Chaos Book 1)

Kings of Chaos:

✓ Two Thousand Dreams #1

◦ Two Thousand Tears #2 – March 22,2024

Blurb:

The Blood Witch Has Changed Everything.

Chen traveled to the US with his clan, hoping to rescue his kidnapped brother from the fae.

They just need a witch to find the exact location of where the door between the human world and the fae world will open.

The one thing Moon can’t do.

Chen grabbed the wrong type of witch.

That’s not stopping Moon from clinging to Chen as he guides them through a new territory, introducing them to the witches, shifters, and vampires who can help them.

The longer Moon remains at Chen’s side, the more he hopes the witch might consider staying with him always.

Except that the king of the fae might have other deadly plans for Chen.

Two Thousand Dreams is the first novel in the Kings of Chaos series, which is a spin-off from the Lords of Discord series. This book contains one very grumpy vampire falling in love with a very perky blood witch, shifters, overprotective witches, other non-human surprises, snark, angst, found family, brotherly bickering, magic, chaos, vampire cuddles, and an endless love that grows stronger with each kiss.

—————

The Kings of Chaos is a spin-off series from the Lords of Discord and Princes of Mayhem series. Binge both series and get your fill of vampires, witches, and the adorable men they love!

Lords of Discord:

Claiming Marcus

Saving Rafe

Waking Bel

Embracing Winter

Healing Aiden

Visiting the Variks: A Short Story Collection

Princes of Mayhem

How the Necromancer in the Gold Vest Ruined Saved My Life :

Disaster #1: Fun with Family

Disaster #2: Pet Problems

Disaster #3: Date Night

Disaster #4: Who Woke the Dead?”

The Kings of Chaos:

Two Thousand Dreams #1

Two Thousand Tears #2

— Two Thousand Dreams (Kings of Chaos Book 1) by Jocelynn Drake

Review: Ghostly Target (Ghostly Book 5) by E M Laya

Rating: 4🌈

The Ghostly series continues with Ghostly Target, a book about a killer targeting police officers. This plot switches the focus from the normal plots where the bodies have been found to the detective team of Angus and Franks, and a suspenseful investigation.

One officer down, that’s the first body but the killer is shooting at officers, randomly it seems picking targets. So immediately Laya has a strong narrative full of fear, anger, and frustration from all the characters involved. This is not just Angus and Franks, the officers fearing for their own lives but dealing with the death of one of their own, but Lance, and the co workers, and all the ghosts who make up their found families .

It is also the ghost of the first officer who was shot, and dealing with the aftermath of his death. This element is always such a great aspect of this series and is a strong one here. The author is very good as portraying a person’s confusion and frustration at being dead and denied access to the life and people they love.

All the ghosts are so memorable and their roles in the investigation and events just make them more interesting.

Lance and Angus’s relationship is gotten more committed, obviously as they are talking about moving forward with one house. But so much of the story, naturally, has to be about this killer and their investigation, that I felt their relationship development was lost.

I need more of Frank actually. Frank’s a fascinating character and deserving of his new life, maybe a dog or something. His personality is crying out for another storyline.

There’s no indication if there’s to be a new book or if the author considers this a finale. It doesn’t read like one to me.

I enjoy the series and this new novel. Wonderful investigative plot and use of the ghosts!

Ghostly series:

✓ Ghostly Awakening #1

✓ Ghostly Findings #2

✓ Ghostly Envy #3

✓ Ghostly Claus #4

✓ Ghostly Target #5

Buy Link:

Ghostly Target

Blurb:

When someone starts killing police officers in the city, Detective Angus Young prioritizes finding out who’s attacking those he works with. He’s determined to take down the killer before any more officers are targeted.

Having the skill to speak to the ghosts of the dead is usually helpful to a medical examiner, but not when the ghosts can’t identify who killed them. Keeping Angus safe is Lance’s first priority as he does everything he can to try and help fit the clues together and bring peace to those who have died.

Working together, Angus and Lance put everything else on hold as they follow the leads to find a cop killer. With the help of friends both living and dead, the puzzle slowly starts to fit together, but once they have all the pieces, can they find the killer before another officer is shot?

Review: Exiled Heir (Empty Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Kai Butler

Rating: 4.75🌈

After finishing the absolutely stunning San Amara Investigations series by Butler, I was almost hesitant to start with this because that other series set the bar so high in every aspect. There’s other factors too. San Amaro, a complex, almost labyrinthine tapestry of fantasy storytelling ended up involving ten books total, including prequels and a few adjacent/side stories. That depth of storytelling in terms of themes explored, and overall development (characters, plots, elements) that the larger story narrative gives an author versus a three book trilogy can’t be overlooked.

So while I was excited to read Exiled Heir, I was apprehensive about approaching a narrative that wasn’t going to have the time and length for the exploration and expansion I was used to from a Butler experience.

This is a first person perspective, told from the POV of werewolf Miles Castillo, who is a great emotional pathway into the deadly situation the story opens up with . Miles is a believable, damaged character who becomes even stronger as the story develops.

I’m a definite fan of a two person pov because having both characters thoughts on the events that occur and foundation of the narrative often supplies the reader with a greater sense of the world building of the story/series. But this format is certainly a familiar one to readers of Butler’s novels.

It a dire situation for Miles that opens up the story. The reader only gets a partial picture and explanation for Miles situation, how he arrived in such a state. It’s instant high drama, magical suspense, other main character introduced , and the game is on!

In a way , the reader, along with Miles, is being given the Cliff Notes version of why he is wanted, what’s happening, by Cade Bartlett, the

mage prince. The fuller details slowly emerge as they tentatively set parameters within the contract , and the strained dynamics when they enter the Bartlett Estate.

Cade is a lot to unpack. He’s a morass of emotions and magic. A tattooed mage swamped by feelings of survivor guilt, PTSD, grief, fear, trauma, anger, and dealing with a host of damaging family issues, it would have been interesting to have heard his voice but it’s also intriguing to compile a portrait of this mage from Miles’ observations alone.

I’m a bit fuzzy on the world building here, especially the mage/werewolves dynamics. That’s probably intentional. There’s an “old school “ version that’s been outlawed and a new shiny one that’s got some flaws. The entire werewolf community/werewolf aspect of this story feels like a driving force of the narrative. It’s where many of the most powerful and the mysterious plot twists emerge from.

There’s quite a lot of characters to explore as shifting pack and family loyalties set off the swiftly changing dramatic events of this novel. I love how Butler keeps the suspense high and the emotional tension between the all the characters stretched tight because of the many different storylines, hidden and known.

The mysteries continue to change in complexity , evolving with the narrative and relationships, for good and bad.

I throughly entertained and absolutely invested in these characters and this world they are fighting for. I only wish I didn’t have to wait as long for the next book to be released.

I’m highly recommending Exiled Heir (Empty Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Kai Butler . It’s going to be a fabulous trilogy as this is an amazing read. It’s up to you whether you want to read it now or wait and binge all three together. They are listed below with release dates.

The Empty Throne Trilogy:

✓ Exiled Heir #1

◦ Contested Crown #2 – Feb 26,2024

◦ Ascendant King #3 – June 17,2024

Buy Link:

Exiled Heir (The Empty Throne Trilogy)

Blurb:

Without him, I’m a dead man, but if he knew who I was, he would kill me himself.

Miles Castillo has spent his entire life running from the crime his parents committed. He’s an alpha without a pack, and a son whose very name is poisoned. When two werewolf hunters catch him, he has to choose between a man who wants his head mounted on a wall and Cade Bartlett, the mage prince who doesn’t realize who Miles is.

The icy prince has a job for Miles, one that will keep Miles’s head on his shoulders: become Prince Cade’s consort and find out who is trying to kill him.

As Miles delves deeper into Cade’s court, he begins seeing the truth beneath Cade’s chilly exterior. The more the prince trusts him, the closer he gets to seeing under Miles’s mask as well.

What will happen when Cade realizes the secret Miles holds puts both of their lives at risk?

• Publisher: (October 23, 2023)

• Publication date: October 23, 2023

• Print length: 473 pages

Review: Coming Out at Crofton Hall (Modern Crofton Book 6) by Rebecca Cohen

Rating: 3.5🌈

Per the author’s note, Coming Out was originally intended to be a finale story, putting an end to the Crofton series. But instead it’s seems to have become a bridge to at least 2 to 3 additional tales in the modern universe of Crofton Hall.

It sort of shows. Because other couples wander into the center of this book and their relationship dynamics often become more central to the story than the supposed main characters. One of the couples is Ben and Ashley, the original Crofton romance, now struggling parents of the new baby heir apparent. Well, one, Ashley , is really struggling in his new role. Ben is his usual casual , non confrontational, or perhaps , dare I say entitled self ? Six books on and they still haven’t figured out how to communicate with each other.

The Ben/Ashley pair for me has become a bit of an irritant. They seem to show zero growth in their dynamics from one book to the next. Same arguments, same jealousy elements, same patterns. Stale and frustrating when they pop up.

Then there’s Robin Flint, heir to billions, and his copper boyfriend, Simon. Simon being a favorite character frankly of the four just mentioned. They are still having some issues within their own relationship and need to resolve them. We’ve been watching them work on themselves for a book or so. Simon and Robin are, at least, interesting, and Simon, in his personality and character, has the most depth and ability to communicate.

Then there’s the couple du jour. The reader, if they have been following the series, has watched this main character behave badly and immaturely for books. That’s the closeted movie star Dorian Marsten, who was a ex bf of Robin’s, ex lover of Ben’s. So much drama and jealousy there. Books in fact. Most of the issues stemmed from Dorian’s staying firmly in the closet and his selfishness.

The other new addition to this group is the new secretary of Ben’s, Alex Reynolds. I like this character and his personality immensely. But he gets lost among the people who are mixed up with the other characters.

As written, for Cohen’s Crofton’s modern series, the personalities seem to be divided along class lines as far as those who are, at least from the perspective of this American, between those with the most relationship skills, who feel the most relatable, as well as depth of character (see historian to police officer) to the men who are in the peerage and money. The latter who quintessentially feel out of touch with their partners (in the storylines as written), unorganized, ambivalent about important issues, or just plain oblivious.

These traits occur so frequently throughout this story and other books in the Modern series that it’s not surprising that’s it’s become a regular feature in the narratives.

It overtakes the romance even of Alex and Dorian, such as it is. Too much of the other couples issues are involved or woven into the romance/relationship of the “main characters “ for it to actually work.

Examples:

Ashley has long disliked Dorian and the drama he brings with him because Dorian’s a man who expects others to shoulder his responsibilities.

So naturally Ben ignores, as he always does , Ashley’s wishes, and moves his ex into a house already overwhelmed with stress.

Robin, wealthy and titled, ignores Simon’s fears about committing and wishes for stability, spending time away with his ex Dorian and Ben. Ben, who originally left Ashley with everything, to fly to New York to “rescue” Dorian and Robin from any potential awkwardness.

There’s so much more. But the pattern is clear enough and not new. And while, later on, there are a few apologies for not being attentive, it doesn’t last long.

Meanwhile, the story is still trying to find a path forward for a Dorian , who still can’t do anything for himself, and a lovely Alex, who I want to yank out of the novel and save for a completely different future.

If you’re getting a feeling this book might not have been the best book of the series in my opinion, you might be right .

There’s an entire dramatic element that makes little sense to me. Honestly, does paparazzi not hound people in England? Would those Daily Mail reporters/photogs not have been camped out at Crofton as soon as they knew Dorian was there? All his fans knew. So many holes in the plot here.

So add this to the elements that either distracted me, or frustrated me, or aspects that overshadowed the main romance.

There’s another book, Unfinished Business at Crofton Hall: Robin & Simon (Modern Crofton) to be published in January. Poor Simon. I thought they were done with the uncertainty but apparently not. I’d be having second thoughts myself about Robin at this point.

I’m close to done myself.

I really enjoyed the series earlier but now it’s just a little bit frustrating and long. Maybe the next is the last one.

Read this because it’s part of the series if you will or because you’re a fan of Rebecca Cohen.

The Crofton Universe :

🔷The Crofton Chronicles–Historical (Elizabethan/ Early Stuart):

✓ The Actor and the Earl

✓ Duty to the Crown

✓ Forever Hold His Peace

✓ The Love and the Anger Historical (Elizabethan/ Early Stuart)–Sebastian/ Anthony 10 years together

🔷The Earls of Crofton–Historical: (Different eras–can be read as individual standalone novels):

✓ Anthony, Earl of Crofton (Early Stuart)

✓ James, Earl of Crofton (Restoration)

✓ Charles, Earl of Crofton (Regency)

✓ Samuel, Earl of Crofton (Regency)

🔷The Modern Crofton–Contemporary:

✓ Saving Crofton Hall

✓ Making History at Crofton Hall

✓ Below Stairs at Crofton Hall

✓ Getting Married at Crofton Hall

✓ Starting Again at Crofton Hall

✓ Coming Out at Crofton Hall

◦ Unfinished Business at Crofton Hall: Robin & Simon (Modern Crofton) – January 18,2024

🔷Standalones in the Crofton Universe

◦ Much Ado About Lady Macbeth Note: Sebastian Hewel is a minor character

Something extra for Crofton! Modern Crofton Short Story:

◦ Ben and the Mistletoe (set the Christmas after Saving Crofton Hall)

Buy Link:

Coming Out at Crofton Hall (Modern Crofton Book 6)

Blurb:

After years of hiding who he is, Hollywood A-lister Dorian Marsten has come out. The chaos and unplanned events that follow lead him to Crofton Hall to stay with his friend, Ben Redbourn, Earl of Crofton.

A near tragic incident leaves Dorian needing a boyfriend, and Alex Reynolds, Ben’s new secretary, agrees to play the part. Alex will not put up with any prima donna actions from Dorian, and Dorian may have finally met his match.

Meanwhile, there is a new baby at Crofton Hall. The arrival of the Viscount of Crofton has left his parents, Ben and Ashley, run ragged and life will never be the same again.

Book six in the Modern Crofton series.

Review: Coming Out at Crofton Hall (Modern Crofton Book 6) by Rebecca Cohen

Rating: 3.5🌈

Per the author’s note, Coming Out was originally intended to be a finale story, putting an end to the Crofton series. But instead it’s seems to have become a bridge to at least 2 to 3 additional tales in the modern universe of Crofton Hall.

It sort of shows. Because other couples wander into the center of this book and their relationship dynamics often become more central to the story than the supposed main characters. One of the couples is Ben and Ashley, the original Crofton romance, now struggling parents of the new baby heir apparent. Well, one, Ashley , is really struggling in his new role. Ben is his usual casual , non confrontational, or perhaps , dare I say entitled self ? Six books on and they still haven’t figured out how to communicate with each other.

The Ben/Ashley pair for me has become a bit of an irritant. They seem to show zero growth in their dynamics from one book to the next. Same arguments, same jealousy elements, same patterns. Stale and frustrating when they pop up.

Then there’s Robin Flint, heir to billions, and his copper boyfriend, Simon. Simon being a favorite character frankly of the four just mentioned. They are still having some issues within their own relationship and need to resolve them. We’ve been watching them work on themselves for a book or so. Simon and Robin are, at least, interesting, and Simon, in his personality and character, has the most depth and ability to communicate.

Then there’s the couple du jour. The reader, if they have been following the series, has watched this main character behave badly and immaturely for books. That’s the closeted movie star Dorian Marsten, who was a ex bf of Robin’s, ex lover of Ben’s. So much drama and jealousy there. Books in fact. Most of the issues stemmed from Dorian’s staying firmly in the closet and his selfishness.

The other new addition to this group is the new secretary of Ben’s, Alex Reynolds. I like this character and his personality immensely. But he gets lost among the people who are mixed up with the other characters.

As written, for Cohen’s Crofton’s modern series, the personalities seem to be divided along class lines as far as those who are, at least from the perspective of this American, between those with the most relationship skills, who feel the most relatable, as well as depth of character (see historian to police officer) to the men who are in the peerage and money. The latter who quintessentially feel out of touch with their partners (in the storylines as written), unorganized, ambivalent about important issues, or just plain oblivious.

These traits occur so frequently throughout this story and other books in the Modern series that it’s not surprising that’s it’s become a regular feature in the narratives.

It overtakes the romance even of Alex and Dorian, such as it is. Too much of the other couples issues are involved or woven into the romance/relationship of the “main characters “ for it to actually work.

Examples:

Ashley has long disliked Dorian and the drama he brings with him because Dorian’s a man who expects others to shoulder his responsibilities.

So naturally Ben ignores, as he always does , Ashley’s wishes, and moves his ex into a house already overwhelmed with stress.

Robin, wealthy and titled, ignores Simon’s fears about committing and wishes for stability, spending time away with his ex Dorian and Ben. Ben, who originally left Ashley with everything, to fly to New York to “rescue” Dorian and Robin from any potential awkwardness.

There’s so much more. But the pattern is clear enough and not new. And while, later on, there are a few apologies for not being attentive, it doesn’t last long.

Meanwhile, the story is still trying to find a path forward for a Dorian , who still can’t do anything for himself, and a lovely Alex, who I want to yank out of the novel and save for a completely different future.

If you’re getting a feeling this book might not have been the best book of the series in my opinion, you might be right .

There’s an entire dramatic element that makes little sense to me. Honestly, does paparazzi not hound people in England? Would those Daily Mail reporters/photogs not have been camped out at Crofton as soon as they knew Dorian was there? All his fans knew. So many holes in the plot here.

So add this to the elements that either distracted me, or frustrated me, or aspects that overshadowed the main romance.

There’s another book, Unfinished Business at Crofton Hall: Robin & Simon (Modern Crofton) to be published in January. Poor Simon. I thought they were done with the uncertainty but apparently not. I’d be having second thoughts myself about Robin at this point.

I’m close to done myself.

I really enjoyed the series earlier but now it’s just a little bit frustrating and long. Maybe the next is the last one.

Read this because it’s part of the series if you will or because you’re a fan of Rebecca Cohen.

The Crofton Universe :

🔷The Crofton Chronicles–Historical (Elizabethan/ Early Stuart):

✓ The Actor and the Earl

✓ Duty to the Crown

✓ Forever Hold His Peace

✓ The Love and the Anger Historical (Elizabethan/ Early Stuart)–Sebastian/ Anthony 10 years together

🔷The Earls of Crofton–Historical: (Different eras–can be read as individual standalone novels):

✓ Anthony, Earl of Crofton (Early Stuart)

✓ James, Earl of Crofton (Restoration)

✓ Charles, Earl of Crofton (Regency)

✓ Samuel, Earl of Crofton (Regency)

🔷The Modern Crofton–Contemporary:

✓ Saving Crofton Hall

✓ Making History at Crofton Hall

✓ Below Stairs at Crofton Hall

✓ Getting Married at Crofton Hall

✓ Starting Again at Crofton Hall

✓ Coming Out at Crofton Hall

◦ Unfinished Business at Crofton Hall: Robin & Simon (Modern Crofton) – January 18,2024

🔷Standalones in the Crofton Universe

◦ Much Ado About Lady Macbeth Note: Sebastian Hewel is a minor character

Something extra for Crofton! Modern Crofton Short Story:

◦ Ben and the Mistletoe (set the Christmas after Saving Crofton Hall)

Buy Link:

Coming Out at Crofton Hall (Modern Crofton Book 6)

Blurb:

After years of hiding who he is, Hollywood A-lister Dorian Marsten has come out. The chaos and unplanned events that follow lead him to Crofton Hall to stay with his friend, Ben Redbourn, Earl of Crofton.

A near tragic incident leaves Dorian needing a boyfriend, and Alex Reynolds, Ben’s new secretary, agrees to play the part. Alex will not put up with any prima donna actions from Dorian, and Dorian may have finally met his match.

Meanwhile, there is a new baby at Crofton Hall. The arrival of the Viscount of Crofton has left his parents, Ben and Ashley, run ragged and life will never be the same again.

Book six in the Modern Crofton series.

Review: Fated Mates and Where to Find Them (Fated Mates #2) by A J Sherwood

Rating: 3.75🌈

Fated Mates and Where to Find Them is sort of odd to begin with in that it’s book two of Sherwood’s Fated Mates series but book one hasn’t been released yet. And we get the couple from that first book in this novel in an interesting manner but what it does is highlight how much of the series world building is actually missing.

I did enjoy Fated Mates and Where to Find Them. I liked the couple, several of the secondary characters, and how fast paced the plot was. This story just flew by.

But it wasn’t supported by a strong foundation. I didn’t get anything as to the world structure. Vampire ruling class system? Human secondary status? Blood slaves? Where’d that come from? I’d have wanted more an idea of an overall portrait of the world in terms of paranormal development. I even knew who the villain was and what the dramatic event would be. How it would play out, no. But the general idea? Yes.

So really a just a tighter overall plan. Maybe that’s coming in the next book, which is book one. Normally it’s where we get a series foundation. I’m looking forward to seeing what Sherwood has in store for the characters we’ve already seen and how the author is going to handle a world where we’ve already been a visitor to.

Live fated mates, and vampires and humans as couples, this is a series you should check out.

Fated Mates:

◦ Fated Mates and How to Woo Them #1 – Dec 8,2023

✓ Fated Mates and Where to Find Them #2

Buy Link:

Fated Mates and Where to Find Them

Blurb:

Zander is in an auction house for the sole purpose of getting someone to sign a contract. He doesn’t have any interest in owning a blood slave—until he lays eyes on Max. That, he must have.

Max is there for reasons of his own, mostly desperate reasons, and he’s braced himself for a year of hell. Which doesn’t seem to be forthcoming.

Someone needs to explain to this vampire that he’s supposed to use Max, not spoil him. Zander doesn’t seem to get it.

Tags:

Paranormal romance, blood slave contract thing, except Zander doesn’t actually know how to own someone, I’m pretty sure he’d break out into hives if he couldn’t spoil Max, Max has no idea what just hit him, he just knows he’s somehow the responsible one, it’s definitely not Zander, sexy times incoming!, Zander is a walking green flag, sass, so much sass incoming, light angst, mostly as an excuse for cuddles, stubborn to lovers, part time soulmates, full time problem, whole story is just mindless violence and fluff, the summary really doesn’t get across how much sex is in this but it’s also not wrong, cinnamon protection squad, assemble!

Review: Next Season (The Elmwood Stories, #2) by Lane Hayes

Rating: 4.75🌈

I’m not sure how I missed this series because it’s from a must read author and it’s a mm hockey romance. The last is a trope that is definitely a grab and devour read for me.

So even diving into the utterly delightful and charming world of Elmwood, Vermont , via the second novel, has me hooked. Yes, small town Vermont in the fall, check off another box in my romantic fiction lists of things that works for me.

Hayes begins our journey with these characters brutally enough. It’s with a realistic but devastating play on ice that sends Riley Thoreau of the Seattle Seattle Slammers to the hospital. He’s 35, teetering at the end of a long career with a new team that’s not playing so well. And now a potentially career ending injury if he’s not careful about his recovery.

Lane’s emotionally charged scenes and exceptional descriptions bring the reader quickly into Riley’s life and mindset, turning this story into a journey we are on with him.

The choice to recover in Elmwood makes sense in though I haven’t read that first book with the characters that extend the invitation. The need for quiet and a certain environment has already been made.

Elmwood brings not only our second main character but all of the other major characters in this series as well as the heartwarming and charming locations.

JC or Jean-Claude Bouchard, the French Canadian chef at the diner owned by Nolan (half of the first book’s couple), is a fantastic character. He’s too easily portrayed as that “grumpy guy “ because Lane has given Jean-Claude so much dimension to his personality and background.

Together with Riley, this quickly became a romance to invest my heart in. Riley’s story is not only about his struggle to recover but also about his future, and with his attraction to Jean-Claude. The last, he acknowledges is the least he finds he’s having issues with. This is a bisexual awareness for Riley and it’s a good one, not high on angst. But with realistic communications and feelings involved as both men find themselves in a relationship and unexpected situation .

I love this story and these men. For me, it wasn’t long enough. I wanted more of their in between life before that epilogue. I found them and their lives rich in emotion and vibrant in joy.

I hope we see them again in book three. And now I’m going back to pick up book 1.

It’s a must for all lovers of contemporary romance and hockey fans. And this author as well!

The Elmwood Stories:

◦ You, Again #1

✓ Next Season #2

◦ Holiday Crush #3 – Dec 10, 2023

Buy Link:

Next Season: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 2)

Blurb:

The injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…

Riley

My time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the rumors: he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.

Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion. It’s a doozy too—the kind that’s going to keep me off skates for a while.

Which is how I end up in a small New England town in the middle of nowhere Vermont, eating every meal at a diner where a grumpy chef from Quebec makes haute cuisine…and burgers. Jean-Claude is funny and charming and—

Okay, I have a crush on a gay man.

This is a new one.

Jean-Claude

Confused straight men are entertaining. But Riley is…fascinating, sexy, and curiously vulnerable. His injury has rocked his confidence a bit, so perhaps he’s in need of a friend. Any friend. Even moi.

I’m an unlikely choice, but maybe he just likes my tuna salad.

No…I think it’s me.

And though I’m happy to help him explore his bisexual curious side, I have career concerns of my own. See, the things I love most about Elmwood seem shaky and uncertain, but not Riley. He’s solid and genuine. Suddenly, this temporary secret liaison feels more real than anything in my life.

I need more than this season. I want it all. With Riley.

Next Season is an MM bisexual-awakening romance featuring a grumpy chef, an injured hockey player, and a big HEA in a small town where anything can happen.

Review: Wolves Always Bite (Willow Lake Supernaturals Book 2) by Lori Ames

Rating: 4.5🌈

Lori Ames has a definite hit with her Willow Lake Supernaturals, a series that just got better with the release of the second novel, Wolves Always Bite.

Most of the winsome nature and endearing qualities of this story are embedded in the character of human Jeremy. BFF to fire mage Ash of Hellhounds Never Lie, Jeremy isn’t aware of the paranormal world or his bestie’s real identity. Instead, he’s a wannabe writer trying to finish his first M/M book, keep a job, and try not to feel like a failure. He’s adorable and the person who draws the reader immediately into the storyline and his perspective on the events as they happen.

Currently, he’s an assistant to a grumbling ill-tempered owner of an antiques/odds and ends shop that mostly sells at open markets. That new job is where we find him at the start of the book. An oblivious human surrounded by supernatural beings, including his shady goblin boss.

Jeremy’s Etch a Sketch sort of mind is a wonderful place to be. Curious, self deprecating, full of book plots he’s jotting notes for, every moment the reader spends with him just makes connect to him even more fully.

While Jeremy’s life is becoming more complicated, Ames introduces a new group of beings that includes the other main character. It’s a traveling supernatural police force that’s got a hot werewolf, Adrian, on the trail of lost artifacts.

This is why reading the books in a series in the order that they are written is so important. Because we know or have an inkling where these artifacts came from because of that introductory book that laid out the foundation for the series.

Now Ames starts her expansions of the series arc and mysteries as well as cast of characters. All roads continue to lead back into Willow Lake, that multi paranormal species town that oozes magical powers.

Jeremy is outright hilarious in his own introductory series of scenes with Adrian and his Supernatural Council law enforcement team of mixed beings that include a demon boss. Wannabe writer needs to know things if he’s going to write MM PNR romances !

Ames does a great job of weaving poignancy along with the humor into her narrative. So there’s Adrian’s traumatic family history to go along with the effervescent questioning and acceptance by Jeremy.

Wolves Always Bite has other wonderful elements. Fated mates, magical mysteries, high suspense, and a author who does a terrific job of continuing the overall arc themes and storytelling from one book to the next, weaving the plots together without necessarily lessening one for the other.

If there’s a quibble, it’s in the “bargain” aspect between Adrian and his boss, demon Gage. While there’s a built in consent clause to the contract, it’s not as valid I find when the person finds a mate. That means to some extent that the initial agreement or its parameters have been altered. At least to my mind.

That’s not addressed in the plot. Maybe it will in the future storylines as Jeremy and Adrian are fully mated with a new path ahead, but uncertain as to what that will be.

The mystery is still evolving, the new group of characters is a great addition, and Willow Lake is looking better than ever.

On to Oracles Always Win in the start of next year. Can’t wait. I’m highly recommending this book and series. It’s exciting, hilarious, and quirky. A definite winner.

Willow Lake Supernaturals:

✓ Hellhounds Never Lie #1

✓ Wolves Always Bite #2

◦ Oracles Always Win #3 – Feb 15,2024

Buy Link:

Wolves Always Bite (Willow Lake Supernaturals Book 2)

Blurb:

What’s a simple human to do when he discovers supernatural beings are real?

Ask a lot of questions, take a lot of notes, and try to seduce a werewolf, of course.

Jeremy has always wanted to befriend mythical creatures, play with forbidden magic, and meet his fated mate. Okay, okay. He knows the difference between fiction and real life; he is an author after all… Or he would be if he ever got to “The End” on one of his stories. So he realizes his desire to live inside a fantasy romance novel is a touch unrealistic, but where is the joy in living a life that is boring and predictable and overwhelmingly blah?

At least that’s what he thinks until a hot AF werewolf saves him from his freaky boss and turns his whole life upside down. And his boss? She isn’t the weird old lady he thought she was, but how could he have guessed she is a grumpy goblin with a reputation for selling black-market magical artifacts? Now Jeremy is determined to know everything about the supernatural world, and Adrian, his swoon-worthy werewolf hero, is willing to answer all his questions, even when they make the big guy blush.

But when his former goblin boss kidnaps his cat to convince Jeremy to return the items she thinks he stole, things get serious fast. Now in between plotting his next MM romance and seducing the beautiful werewolf (and not just for research purposes), he needs to stage a cat rescue. Life is definitely not boring now.

Tags: MM Paranormal Romance with Fated Mates! Jeremy has sooo many questions, Adrian tries to answer them even when they make him blush, no cats were hurt in the writing of this book, an obscene number of ‘80s music references, his best friend is a lying liar who lies, his book bag is his weapon of choice, don’t touch the demon’s dimples, supernaturals have magical everything, small towns aren’t so bad, especially when they are full of supes.

No arcs as I paid for my books.

Review: Forever Together (The Undead Detective Agency book 4) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 4.75🌈

Forever Together, the book in which Shelby Rhodes emotionally glitter bombs the readers with a roller coaster of a finale plot for vampire Octavius Evander and his now zombified hunny bunny love, Turney, and the rest of the Undead Detective Agency family.

I was wondering how Rhodes was going to pull all the wandering plot threads together and give this series and couple the finale they deserve. Especially after all they’ve been through to get to this point in their undead lives. Does it come together? Absolutely, in a well written and exciting manner!

It’s Halloween in the story (and date of release), so naturally Octavius has gone completely over-the-top batty in planning out his Halloween party for the house, his family and his love. It’s an extravaganza of glitter, exuberance and shocking horror. Not surprisingly, and to Octavius’ dismay, most of his crew isn’t happy about the results. That includes Turney.

Imagine a toddler on about a 18-wheeler’s worth of sugar high, and that’s a realistic description of Rhodes’ Octavius. It would be easy to get irritated by this character if not for his traumatic past history and death which is absolutely terrifying. That darkness and the psychopath who killed him has been a black thread throughout the narrative. That knowledge has balanced the childishness and chaos that Octavius sometimes brings to this storyline. It’s his way of dealing with that trauma and part of his life that’s never left him and what happened to parts of his family. And that aspect of his personality allows us a better understanding of him as a whole complex individual.

Turney, an excellent character, is still reeling from all the changes he’s undergone as well as the guilt he feels about surviving when others have been lost. The trauma of his death, being brought back to life by Scarlett, adjusting to his new status, it’s so much emotionally and physically for Turney at the moment. And Octavius isn’t aware of his issues.

I think if I do have any quibbles about this, it’s Octavius’ lack of awareness about Turney’ feelings. Whether it’s to his new status as a zombie or that he really dislikes being scared by the tricks laid out by his vampire partner, it takes someone else to make Octavius look at what he’s doing or not noticing about Turney. That wasn’t a satisfying aspect of this relationship for me. It’s their own type of relationship that’s unchanged since the beginning but certain events here have highlighted that more.

The side relationships for Scarlett, Henry, and the others are just as important and well done. Especially Scarlett who’s been through so much and who’s independence means more to her than anything.

Honestly, Rhodes has written more than one heartbreaking scenes here, amidst some fast paced action packed sequences. With glitter!

Gots to have glitter.

Did I wish the villain , Dayan, had gotten an even better or say worse send off? Perhaps. Honestly, he was so awful Rhodes could have dedicated a page to his death scene to make it really gory.

But dead he is, happy we are.

And per Rhodes, there will be more stories for the side characters and Agency as well to come. Be still my heart.

So Forever Together (The Undead Detective Agency book 4) by Shelby Rhodes gives us a great finale and launching point for more stories to come. I’m extremely satisfied and looking forward for more mysteries and murderous glittering mayhem.

Not familiar with this series and characters? Start at the beginning and read all the way through for the complete journey of Octavius and Turney. It’s one wild and wonderful adventure.

The Undead Detective Agency:

✓ Get It Together #1

✓ Keep It Together #2

✓ In Death Together #3

✓ Forever Together #4 – finale

More stories to come in other related series!

Buy Link:

Forever Together (The Undead Detective Agency Book 4)

Blurb:

Octavius Evander here. I suppose you have come to see how it all ends. Well, ‘ends’, as in, we’ve reached the end of this part of my story. It wouldn’t be proper of me to move on until we finish it all off, right?

As this is the last book in this series, I feel it is my duty, to end things with a bang! A glittery bang. By bang, I mean, a giant, super cool, Halloween party. And what a party it was… Costumes, decorations, family, frenemies, scares, Turney screaming and clinging on to me—fun times! Not so fun was the interruption to said party. It really was unfair to me. I was on vacation from real murder and mayhem—case related mayhem only—yet somehow, someone had the audacity to be murdered. Inconsiderate people all around!

But you didn’t all come here just for the Halloween party. I know that. There is a certain someone you are waiting to hear about, I’m sure. A certain horrible, maggot of a person. Well…you won’t be disappointed. That issue will be solved, once and for all. The question you may be asking yourselves now is, how will it be solved? All I’m willing to say is, it happened in an unusual and extremely unprepared way. While, you shouldn’t worry too much, as my story, my precious Turney’s story, has a happy ending…it may be good to keep in mind that happiness sometimes shines brightest right after despair.

CONTENT WARNING: This is an M/M paranormal romance book. There will be blood, violence, gore, mention of SA (no on-page details), and death. Please do not read if you find any of the previous situations triggering.

Review: Prince and Betrothed (Perilous Courts #5) by Tavia Lark

Rating: 4.75🌈

Prince and Betrothed is the penultimate book in the second group of stories about three princes from a specific Kingdom. The beginning three books centered around the three Sandrelle Princes of Silaise, and the second trilogy focusing on the Dire Princes of Draskora (which has the dragons and Scalestone).

In all those novels, other important Kingdoms, like Fellrin with its mystical enormous Fellcats and home of the guild that trains the powerful human vessels known as grails. Various characters from other countries have interacted with the Kingdoms and their characters .

But these two Kingdoms have been portrayed as the most powerful and politically influential. Mostly due to their unique geography which affords them their magical resources, whether it’s the coveted Scalestone, or dragons which need the Scalestone, or some resources equally elusive or hidden.

Prince and Betrothed is a standout in many aspects of this series. One I absolutely adore the couple. Forced engagement/marriage isn’t a favorite trope of mine but it really does work here with Sei and Marek. They are thrown together immediately by needs of transport (fantastic), and then by necessity as dramatic events warrant new arrangements.

Those events were Vana’s , Prince Marek’s brother, in Prince and Bodyguard #4, and like all the novels here, a must for background information as well as the couple.

But this is far better. Because Lark goes for depth and development in Prince and Betrothed , filling in plot gaps that the previous novels left open.

Marek and his bond with his dragon, Loska, their history, as well as ability to communicate with each other, it’s all well developed within the story and Marek’s relationship with Sei. Loska himself becomes a vivid personality, a distinctive character with a voice that’s sounds old and otherworldly, yet whimsical in some ways.

Osric, the Fellcat is also a great character, and I could not have enough of his presence.

Lark has a dark storyline that’s getting progressively darker with the ruling King Dire. Each book hints at his and his wife’s horrific magical powers and secret plans. This book moves that arc smartly forward.

However, it’s the wonderful romance and growth that we see between Sri and Marek that makes the story. Combine that with the sort of heartbreaking fragility that comes off that last brother and the poisonous plotting of their King father, and this novel is one fabulous bit of storytelling.

One last brother to go in this Kingdom. That’s the hardest one and probably the most broken, Kazia Dire.

I can’t wait to see how this plays out.

If you love fantasy romance, I’m sure you have found this series. But if not, read them in the order that they are written for characters and events that develop.

I highly recommend them ! Especially this one.

Perilous Courts:

🔷Prince and Assassin #1❤️

🔷Prince in Disguise #2

🔷Prince and Pawn #3

🔷Prince and Bodyguard #4 ❤️

🔷Prince and Betrothed #5 ❤️

🔷Prince of Agony #6 – Feb 29,2024

Buy Link:

Prince and Betrothed (Perilous Courts Book 5)

Blurb:

Being claimed shouldn’t feel so lonely.

Sei’s power isn’t truly his. As a grail, his role is to serve a mage by augmenting their magic. He’s equally nervous and excited about his arranged betrothal. After a life without intimacy, Sei will finally fulfill his true purpose as a treasured, valuable grail.

There’s only one problem: Sei’s new betrothed is the legendary Marek Dire.

The dragonrider prince is powerful, intimidating, and larger than life—or at least larger than Sei. Prince Marek doesn’t want a husband, especially one like this. Sei might be captivating, but he’s also too delicate and obedient. Marek vows to break the betrothal, and he refuses to use Sei as a grail.

No matter how much Sei wants to be used.

But Marek underestimates Sei. Wielding kindness as a weapon, Sei discovers unexpected tenderness in Marek—and new fierceness in himself. But being a grail in power-hungry Draskora is dangerous, and Marek still fears two things. That someone else might hurt Sei…

…or that Marek himself will.

Prince and Betrothed is a high fantasy gay romance, with an arranged marriage, dragons, and shameless displays of affection. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, and Prince and Betrothed continues the three-book arc about the princes of Draskora.