From the sharp dialogue to the layered plotting and fabulous characters, I think this is my favorite of the series. I absolutely fell in love with each man Harmon created here, whether it is the warmhearted NFL tight end Andrew McAdams or the emotionally wounded Jesse Fox, who helps to run Rainbow Harbor for LGBTGIA youth. These men have such dimensions that they vividly come alive on these pages. We see them with their own issues, support systems, and emotional capacity to move forward with their relationship, even when it scares them.
And Harmon, with her excellent work, gives us scenes of intimacy, emotional trauma, family drama, great personal joy and humor as Andrew and Jesse work together to create a relationship as well as a family of two for themselves.
I was so invested in every part of this story. Whether it was the kids, teenagers of Rainbow Harbor , the McAdams family members or those of the Outlaws teams, or even the people like Joshua, who worked at Rainbow Harbor , an exceptional group of people. Honestly, I could see a series about them and the people who are working there and the kids who are part of it. Itās such an amazing, heartfelt element.
Itās also the only aspect of the story where I felt that we didnāt get closure. What happened to Harper? Im so into that teenagerās story. Forget about Trace King, give me Harper.
Thereās some small things with editing but the fantastic narrative just connected me so much to these men and their journey that it just felt insignificant.
I could just use a bit more. Of them, of Rainbow Harbor, of those great boys.
Which is why Iām highly recommending this series and story. They do leave a wonderful impression.
NFL tight end Andrew McAdams isnāt thrilled to be sidelined with an injury. Heās even less thrilled about his legal troubles. Community service is the only thing standing between him and jail so…yeah. Thatās a no-brainer. It’s not all bad news, though. He gets to work with Jesse Fox, who is as gorgeous as he is guarded. And there’s no rule saying he can’t do his hours and have a little fun. Right?
Wrong. Jesse may have to put up an athlete using his center as a “get out of jail free” card, but that’s where he draws the line. And who cares if Andrew is unexpectedly sweet and thoughtful? The people in Jesseās life think he should get a life outside of charity work and find love. And maybe he will. But it won’t be with a playboy NFL player wearing an ankle monitor as an accessory. Besides, anyone who dated someone like that would be thrust into the public eye. Jesse has worked hard to become someone elseāsomeone betterāand he’s not about to dig up the past.
That’s just not a game he’s willing to play.
Too bad itās not in Andrewās nature to give up on something he wants. It may have started as simple attraction, but now itās much more than that. He doesnāt just want Jesse for nowā¦he wants Jesse for always.
Spell It Out is less a prequel but more a side story to the wonderful Mages and Matea series by Andy Gallo. This dives into a great couple of teachers at a interspecies high school connected to the university central to the series. Here mage Dylan Jurgenson, cousin to Bart Hollen (Break The Spell), has found out that heās one of the teacher chaperones on the high school camping trip this year. Each year heās managed to evade the duty by passing it off to another, like his cousin. But this time, Bartās busy, so he has no other option. And math teacher , Minotaur shifter Xavier Tollis, is going as well.
Those are the basic facts. With the characters in place, Gallo begins to give us a lovely romantic story, filled with all the details that come with new relationship building, the discovery and discussions, and the joy. That Xavier and Dylan have young teenagers in their charge too adds a wonderful dimension. Gallo allows the kids a youthful energy and enthusiasm that makes the adults feel even more connected.
There are some fantastic teens here with their own issues, some of which coincide with that of Dylanās poor self esteem. And there are other storylines about family, child neglect, and pack culture. All woven together into a story that has romances, humor, teenage angst , adult drama , mate bonding, and HEA.
Im hoping to see more of this couple together in the series, especially as Bart makes an appearance here. They are both really great characters and have such warmth about them. Actually Iād love to see the students too.
Novellas like Spell It Out ( Mages and Mates Prequel) by Andy Gallo just wet my imagination and enthusiasm for the series and characters I meet. It makes me want to go back to the beginning and start reading again.
This is a definite recommendation. So is the series. Itās listed below.
Dylan Jurgenson hates camping but is stuck chaperoning his practical magic class on their fieldtrip. Worse, heās bunking with sexy math teacher Xavier Tollis. You know, the hot Minotaur shifter who barely knows Dylan exists. Not that Xavierās lack of interest comes as any surprise. Whoād be interested in a mediocre mage, anyway?
Xavier can handle crazy teens and camping. Who heād like to handle is the cute mage giving him morning wood so often he could build a house. Unfortunately, even in human form Xavier scares Dylan. Minotaurs have terrible reputations and even worse track records in love. Whoād be crazy enough to take a chance on a big guy like him, anyway?
Just when Dylan and Xavier are finally moving beyond their insecurities and misunderstandings, two students disappear under mysterious circumstances. Working together, they put their newfound feelings and lives on the line to save their wayward charges.
Failure is not an option but playing hero can sure have unintended consequences.
Dryad on Fire by Nicole Dennis is a terrific, densely layered piece of storytelling. One of the novels that makes the most of the series central theme of the Carnival of Mysteries, that immortal circus is a major element. So itās a delightful experience that Dennis delivers many of the main Carnival attractions weāve already visited and performers featured in books previously released.
However, the Carnival arrives at a place and location where Dennis has created in depth a world of unique magic. Itās a university that encompasses a wealth of magically detailed elements that will be used throughout the story, including the investigation into whatās sickening the Male dryad, Professor Julian Scarlett and his majestic Scarlett Oak, the protector of the Grove, and more. All on the eve of the most important event in the universityās and communityās history, an event it turns out the worldās survival depends on.
With a great deal of emphasis on the importance of the magical science needed for the investigation, and building a ever widening foundation for this world and network of beings, the author has done a fantastic job of bringing this story vividly to life.
Each character, the university, the forest and the grove (separate entities) jump to life under the great characterizations here.
In a way, so many spectacular elements and beings , the density of the investigation, hampered the romance between male dryad Julian and Druid Emrys Cadogan, newly appointed Professor of Botany, whoās fighting his own horrendous battles.
As the events play out, by necessity Julian is sidelined, and with that , so is the relationship, to concentrate on others matters that do impact him and everything else.
But it makes this less a romance and more a fantasy thriller with a side romance. Which is fine. Itās grand at that.
When Julian does reappear, itās to a real high emotional level and dramatic effect. It works.
In fact, this entire book contains enough elements, characters, and themes to jumpstart a fabulous series. Including new couples.
Dryad on Fire (Carnival of Mysteries novel) by Nicole Dennis is a densely packed, highly entertaining, fantasy thriller, with a small side order of HFN. It can get a bit slow at times but then the intense horror and investigation scenes grab at you and you are committed.
Fabulous plotting, vivid imagery and great characters. Love it. And highly recommending it.
Carnival of Mysteries series:
ā Crow’s Fate by Kim Fieldingā¤ļø
ā Step Right Up by L.A. Witt
ā Magic Burning by Kaje Harper ā¤ļø
ā Night-blooming Hearts by Megan Derr
ā Go For The Company by Ander C. Larkā¤ļø
ā Roustabout by Morgan Briceā¤ļø
ā Assassin by Accident by E.J. Russellā¤ļø
ā Dryad on Fire by Nicole Dennis ā¤ļø
ā The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray by Kayleigh Sky
ā¦ Smoke and Mirrors by Elizabeth Silver – September 20
ā¦ You Can Do Magic by R.L. Merrill – September 27
ā¦ Sting in the Tail by TA Moore – October 4
ā¦ Gods and Monsters by Rachel Langella – October 25
Welcome, Traveler, to Errante Ameās Carnival of Mysteries!
What you see before you is no mere vagabond circus. Indeed, our show is full of wonders and delights that will leave you breathless, but whether that is with amazement or dread depends entirely upon you. We are unlike any other band of creatures you have ever encountered — and you few brave souls who choose to step beyond your mundane expectations and join us may witness sights beyond your wildest imaginings.
So sit back, relax, and let us entertain you. For time and worlds are fleeting, but each soul has a tale to tell.
Male dryad, Professor Julian Scarlett lands a protected position at the Lunore Academy of the Arcane. Caretaker of his grove, he senses trouble brewing underneath his oak and grove.
A mysterious traveling carnival offers distraction and fun. For Julian, a tarot card reading sparks off fears and heightens hopes.
Brought in mid-semester to replace an ailing Professor of Botany, Emrys Cadogan tries to prevent a potential disaster. A druid, he gets lost in the overwhelming work. Until the carnival offers him a brief distraction and pause.
Sparks strike away from the midway lights. Dark magic flickers and threatens. From games and shows, to life and survival, a druid and a dryad need to survive and fight together to save more than trees.
Dryad on Fire is part of the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries Series. Each book stands alone, but each one includes at least one visit to Errante Ameās Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world itās on, so each visit is unique and special. This book contains a mysterious hero, a lonely wanderer, a vengeful god, and a guaranteed HEA.
Micah is such a great story. Masters pulls together so many important pieces of her foundation elements in bringing the romance of fascinating puzzle creator incubus Camden Torrence and demon architect Micah Bailey.
Just the idea of that particular humongous, thousands of years old door of a puzzle, buried in a cave beneath a mountain and needing, no, wanting to be solved, is a fabulous idea. And that itās Cam whoās got the superior knowledge, and bubbling excitement as well to solve it? Amazing. Heās a grand character who gets better, funnier, deeper as we and Micah, get to understand him.
Micah himself, with his family connections to Gideon, Asher , and the family (grandmother) who basically runs things , is another gem of a character. Through Micah, the demons are explored as a species, their dense physique due to teleportation. Even learning the subtle facial expressions are readdressed through the relationship between Micah and Cam, and even Camās interactions with Micahās family.
Camās not without his own personal issues to deal with, and they are dealt with by being able to communicate and by understanding each otherās personalities and needs. I love it when an author does this, instead of letting the main characters flounder about, they communicate and share what theyāre thinking and feeling, like mature beings.
Not to say there isnāt some absolutely spew worthy sentences and moments here. Because there totally are. Made my day! And this book so giggle snort gold āļø! And no will not quote them. Read them and enjoy them in context.
There be dragons here! Appearances by Brandt, Wil, Steffen and others were wonderful. And will send me back to their series , Here Be Dragons, which is one of the linked series to the original Hidden Species.
We get Hortplatz, now becoming as real a town as any character, with its high mountains, townspeople, and places we can recognize. Cold, and with itās own charm.
If I have a small quibble, itās that after all the buildup and intricate details of that puzzle door, it ended too abruptly. Perhaps it will be continued in book three, but it feels incomplete here as far as Cam goes and his ānew lifeā which we donāt get. We need a chapter or at least several pages to bridge the gap between the ending and the new future town scenes to feel grounded imo.
But thatās a quibble in a book I very much adore. From the plot to the characters, this story had me from the beginning, perfect Louisa Masters.
Now onto book three.
And yes, Iām highly recommending this and all the connected series:
Wanted: Demon assistant for incubus genius. Personal services requiredā¦
Nobody ever expected to find a secret cave protected by a giant puzzle door in the mountains near our village. Even more surprising was the knowledge that itās been there for thousands of years and was created by a dragon. Iām not the only one whoās dying to find out whatās inside.
Itās no hardship to assist the puzzle expert whoās coming to solve the door. That thing is an incredible feat of engineering, and the man whoāll solve it is bound to be intelligent and interesting. But from the moment I meet Camden Torrence, Iām forced to reassessā¦ everything.
Heās intelligent and interesting, sure. But heās also scattered. Clumsy. And I want to bury my face in his mop of curls and stay there forever.
A relationship wasnāt on my agenda, no matter what my matchmaking family wants. But as the weeks go by and we get closer to discovering what the secret treasure is, Cam becomes an integral, undeniable part of my life. How can I not fall for a man who, despite past hurts, is the living embodiment of sunshine in our snow-laden village?
I never thought the love of my life would turn out to be an adorable, absent-minded incubus, but now I canāt imagine existing without him. The challenge? Convincing him to stay even after the puzzle is solved.
Anthologies are always a great place to find a new author, get reacquainted with a writer you havenāt read in a while, or just plain enjoy a story from a favorite author of yours. All centered around one theme so a reader can see if they take a different or similar approach to the topic.
In this case , itās the popular theme of fated mates in paranormal romance.
Fated Mates, a charity anthology, offers 20 stories by 20 authors, on the subject of fated mates. Clearly, a reader will be able to find a story to enjoy out of such a wide variety.
Story Format Key:
š¦Authors who wrote standalone stories, no connection to another series
š¹True Mates and Where to Find Them by AJ Sherwoodš¦
āāā-
1. Aether and the Elements by Louisa Masters – this story, which is a prequel, has a nice twist and interesting premise. Ends abruptly but as the author intends to go into a series with these characters, itās fine.
2. How to Survive a Summoning by Nikole Knight-Demon Lyn and human Jamie are #couplegoals and this is a fabulous tale w/ great depth and characters. Love this Demon, they are adorable.ā¤ļø
4. A Squirrel Gets His Nut by Kelex- terrific little story about a squirrel shifter finding his mate. Prequel to a new series. Fantastic.
5. Fated Kiss by Mia Monroe-instant mate/love vampire story that was one dimensional, plot holes.
6. Inferno by Kiki Clark- a prequel to the authorās new Silver Oak Pack series, itās a quick best friends to fated mates tale, via mixed up curse. Cute.
7. Black and White by Vinni George- this is another prequel to a new paranormal series, Orcas. Itās pretty terrific in that it sets out the characters, a great storyline, and foundation arc. Need more!
8. Violent Secret by Ariana Nash- part of the authorās Blackrose Brotherhood series, including the character. Well done. Terrific piece.ā¤ļø
9. Wounded Mate by Lee Colgin , set in Colginās Outcast Mates series, an incubus and a werewolf find true love (hurt/comfort, found family) in a well done story.
10. Shiny Things by Kelly Fox is a great read, complete with well crafted location, terrific characters and story line. Poe the Raven shifter with his avian characteristics is perfect.ā„ļø
11. The Crow Kingās Mate by Jennifer Cody is an excellent paranormal love story about a raven shifter and a wolf shifter dealing with past bad romantic experiences finding out that they are fated mates. Wonderful characters and plot.ā¤ļø
12. Fateās Treasure by Grae Bryan is a story I wish the author would expand into a larger novel. Itās so well written with excellent plotting and terrifically detailed characters that the ending pops way up too soon. Gentle , sweet storytelling.ā¤ļø
13. Deader Than Dead by H.L Day, great elements but together they added up to a story that just didnāt work for me. Others might feel differently. Trigger warnings about death and suicide.
14. Words Not Necessary by Lisa Oliver -prequel to established series, Magic Users of Greenford Trilogy, knowledge of that is useful but not necessary. Neo the anchor and Rocky the High Magic User find themselves on a magical murder mystery case as well as fated mates in a terrific short story that will send me looking into the series.ā¤ļø
15. As the Raven Flies by Meghan Maslow . Forced proximity/fated mates and two of my favorite shifters Raven/wolf combos or dire wolf. Part of the Charm City series/universe, excellent tale in every aspect. Storytelling, hot chemistry, fabulous characters, and location. More !ā„ļø
16. Curse of Silver & Blood by Sheena Jolie is part of the Infinite Arcana Universe by SJ Himes/Sheena Jolie. Werewolf and wounded Fae fated mate pairing thatās a prequel to a story coming out in 2024. Iāll be waiting to read it as I love this romance and need more about what happens next. ā¤ļø
17. Thereās A Bat in My Room! By Michele Notaro. This is part of the Ellwood and Brinnswood world series for those who are familiar with the universe. Thereās an adorable bat shifter in trouble and his human fated mate who will help him, once he gets over his fear of bats and idea that the bat isnāt a vampire. Cute story with familiar characters showing up as support.
18. The Demon and the Librarian by Chloe Archer. Archer had me at the librarian but just continued to seal the deal with great elements that had me snort giggling at places. Fabulous characters and storylines. Part of the Monsters Hollow series, this is a favorite story and one I wish was at novel length. ā„ļø
19. A Scent Like No Other by JP Sayle, Enchanted Ink tattoo shop, Salem, Massachusetts, and three beings in search of their fated mates, one of whom of is a skunk shifter. Prequel and same universe as the story in the beginning of the anthology from Kelex.
20. True Mates and Where to Find Them by AJ Sherwood is a fantastic way to end this grand anthology. Itās a fated mates vampire romance with all the writing aspects associated with Sherwoodās storytelling. Thereās poignant moments, humorous scenes, sexy intimacy and great characters. I seriously needed more than just the shortened ending. Love the universe and couple.ā¤ļø
All in all, a fabulous anthology, full of a wonderful selection of authors and stories to read and even new series to enjoy. And a charity that will be able to provide for the LGBTQIA community too with the readers help.
Fated Mates is a Paranormal Romance Charity Anthology from some of your favorite MM authors!
It features new, exclusive stories from Kiki Clark, Mia Monroe, Louisa Masters, Kelly Fox, Sheena Jolie, Jennifer Cody, Nikole Knight, Vinni George, Chloe Archer, Meghan Maslow, Lee Colgin, Kelex, H.L Day, Grae Bryan, AJ Sherwood, Michele Notaro, Lisa Oliver, Ariana Nash, Michelle Frost, and JP Sayle.
All royalties will be donated to the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund and the ACLU’s Drag Defense Fund.
Hellhounds Never Lie is the first in a new series, Willow Lake Supernaturals, by Lori Ames, an author Iām not really familiar with. I really enjoyed getting acquainted with her writing with Hellhounds Never Lie. Itās location is the town of
Willow Lake, a mixture of humans and supernaturals living together, albeit unknowingly by the small group of humans. Itās considered a haven for supernaturals, a safe sanctuary for all , regardless of pack or political affiliation.
Into this comes a badly wounded fire mage looking for a new home. This is Ash, whose escape from a criminal ex, and a DV and DA situation , has left him with scars inside and out. Ash is a lovely character and one easily invested in.
Ames has created an entire community of characters here to carry over from book to book. Alpha werewolf without a pack thatās part of the entire series arc, a Hellhound police captain, a cat whose supernatural identity isnāt revealed, and on it goes. So many magical hijinks afoot here, especially in the bar thatās the watering hole and gathering place for the town.
Some of the elements here by Ames just telegraph their intentions too easily. As in certain characters might as well have narrative red arrows above them pointing downward saying ābad guy, something wrong hereā. So when at the point in the storyline they , gasp, show up as , well, bad, youāre not surprised. Thatās why the ratings not higher.
But Ames is able to make a reader feel connected to the town and enough of the characters that, even with the predictable aspects of the plot and some minor characters, the enjoyment isnāt lost. Plus Iām curious about Ashās best friend on the other side of those texts and he gets the next novel! And there is the ongoing mystery left to solve.
So Iām definitely invested in this series and author going forward. The DV/DA (off page) was handled with sensitivity and the mystery is good. I like the characters and the relationships as they develop. So onward to the next!
A mage without magic. A hellhound without a home. A greedy wolf pack in the hills.
Ash is technically a fire mage, but he canāt do much. Turning his bedroom lights on and off without having to get out of bed isnāt exactly awe inspiring, not when anyone with the right gadget could clap and do the same thing.
Worse, sometimes he senses something bigger and brighter lurking under his skin, and it feels so familiar he knows it has to be his magic, but then he burps or sneezes, and the feeling passes. So itās probably just allergiesā¦ or gas.
Yeahā¦ Not exactly brimming with magical oomph. Not anymore.
It sucks.
But things start to change when he finds Dillon, a hellhound, being chased through the woods by an angry wolf pack. He is instantly smitten and itās like something inside him unlocks. Whatās even crazier is Dillon seems to think Ash still has magicā¦ and now Ash isnāt sure what to believe.
What he does know is heāll do what needs to be done to protect his friends and the little supernatural town of Willow Lake from the dirtbag wolves in the hills. Even with his magic on the fritz he can help, right? And, with Dillon at his side, what could possibly go wrong?
Tags: a hellhound looking for a home, a fire mage without magic, a talking cat, a small town full of supernatural beings, size difference (BIG hellhound, small mage), fated mates, Ash has scars inside and out, Dillon wants to hurt people who hurt Ash, Ash is always cold (hello, big fluffy pink sweaters even in summer), and a curious human BFF who knows nothing about supes but has a very active imagination.
I love Turnerās Soulbound series and so wanted to see the author revisit this universe. I am thrilled itās the complicated Spencer Bailey, a favorite in that series, whoās been chosen to get a new story.
The complexity that is mage Spencer Bailey and his relationship with his companion, Psychopomp ocelot , Fatima is a difficult task to describe in one story because readers of the series have gotten to know him over seven books. That goes for Fatima, the Psychopomp too, another layered character.
Not quite a necromancer that raises the dead but a soul breaker, that magical difference being the thing keeping Spencer from the death penalty in the worldās governmentās opinions. His type of magic is considered so powerful and rare, so little understood, that most agencies would rather lock him away or kill him than take the chance on his magic working against them.
As with the other government agencies who donāt come off well in Turnerās series, filled with bureaucratic cliques, peopleās willingness to take things at face value, itās no surprise we immediately fall into Spencerās side of things here as he starts his investigation into a missing artifact. Heās gone from one agency, the PIA (Paranormal Investigations Agency) who handles international investigations and doesnāt want him after that last big battle, to Supernatural Operations Agency, which is the agency that handles the investigations within the countryās boundaries. In other words, donāt leave the country after helping save the world.
Does it help to have read the Soulbound series. Yes. I really donāt consider this a standalone. You need to understand the relationships, events, and even the smallest of references to have a deep appreciation of this story and what happens to Spencer here. That includes the people that show up from the Soulbound series.
Even Spencerās relationship with Takoma, the Master Vampire of Seattle, has a prior basis in his prior experiences with Lucian, a Master Vampire from Soulbound, unlike any other , and referred to here.
Hailey Turner took her foundational elements from Soulbound and used them as a launching point for an intriguing new story about a mysterious artifact that has gone missing from the federal vault with potential catastrophic consequences . Spencer is the one of the few people whoās had experience with this type of object and operation. The reasons why soon become clear.
The investigation, the events are suspenseful , dangerous, and vastly complicated. Takoma and Spencer have a great chemistry and a hot sexual relationship that makes them a fantastic couple. I would love to see one more story about them with Takoma,working with the New York God pack , removing Spencer altogether from all the federal agencies rosters completely and getting his new life outside of that one. What a tale that would be!
Until then, Iām ready to dive happily back into the Soulbound series, and start over again. Remembering the first time I met everyone, was astonished at the mythology, the labyrinthine storytelling, and the characters I still canāt get enough of.
Soulbound is fabulous stuff, absolutely always on my to be recommended list. Adding this to it.
Spencer Bailey has spent his entire life under government oversight for something he canāt change: his magicās affinity for breaking souls. After surviving the end of the world, Spencer joins the Supernatural Operations Agency with the intention of keeping his head down and his hands clean.
Tasked with tracking down a stolen artifact, Spencer wants to run his first case with the SOA by the book. The master vampire of the Seattle Night Court wonāt make that easy. Takoma is demanding and possessive, used to getting what he wants, and he lures Spencer into his Night Court with the seductive promise of freedom.
In the Pacific Northwest, ghosts are crawling out of the woodwork, demons are on the rise, and Spencer canāt afford to make a mistake. Torn between the life he should lead and the one Takoma is offering, Spencer has to make a choice that wonāt break his soul, but it might just shatter his heart.
Resurrection Reprise is an exciting new standalone novel set in Hailey Turner’s best-selling Soulbound Universe.
I fell in love with this universe and characters when I read M. J. Mayās Perfectly Imperfect Pixie, which was the first book in this series. It was a richly detailed, vibrant tale, full of beautifully crafted with fantastic characters a reader could easily imagine and commit to. Vampires, pixies, werewolves, elves, sprites, zombies, witches and more in a lively landscape with a unique foundation and framework that was so solid it just felt right.
Now weāre back for Peaches story. We pick up shortly after the events at the end of Perfectly Imperfect Pixie, so yes, read this series in the order that itās written.
Peaches, a nature pixie, has found his home in an orchard owned by a human couple. This is a complicated process, as pixies are actually a part of the life of the land itself that they call home. It was a big element in the last story and it remains one here. So well portrayed by May emotionally and descriptively. As is Peaches.
Peaches is golden. Golden pixie dust, gold like the sun. He shines so brightly in the narrative both physically and by his personality that he is almost warm when he appears on the page. Thatās amazing writing.
So the reader can understand why a vampire would be so drawn to Peaches, a bit of sunlight they havenāt been able to see in hundreds of years or more. No matter what the mythology says.
The vampire being Lucroy Moony, King of the Southeastern nest in the United States, and owner of the bar, Dusk where Peachesā friend, Phil, used to work. Heās also the being who saved Peaches life at the trial in book one. They have a starting point of a strange relationship. Lucroy is as dark as Peaches is bright. And just as well defined by his vampire powers , intellect, and age as Peaches is by his charm , bravery, and loving nature. In other words, they oddly match.
May builds a fantastic story here full of mystery, with our characters from the first story (and fast friends with Peaches), elements that have carried over that look to be a arc storyline, and new characters that will be revealed later on to have their own romances and roles within this arc expansion .
I was so enthralled that it was a 3am ending for me. Couldnāt put it down. May gave us sprites, a new ancient vampire I need to see more of, and a new take on social pixies that will make me stay up late again, Iām sure, in the upcoming book three.
And villains. Crazy, awful, and sometimes pathetic villains. I really love these books.
Iām highly recommending them but read them in them in the order that they are written.
Peaches is a nature pixie. Fully bonded to his orchard, he can only leave his land for a finite time. Plants, soil, daylight, and every living thing Mother Nature has on tap flows like liquid sunshine through Peachesās lively veins.
Lucroy Moony was born into his vampiric second life over six hundred years ago. King of the Southeastern nest in the United States, Lucroy is responsible for more than his bar, Dusk. Lucroy only comes alive when the sun goes down. The moon and stars are his backdropāthe sun the quickest path to a pile of ash. Death and darkness fill Lucroyās body with borrowed blood.
Pixies and vampires couldnāt be more different, and yet, Lucroy and Peaches find themselves drawn together time and again. But vampire myth cautions that pixie blood is deadly, and Lucroyās willing to put that tale to the test. Nothing that smells as temptingly delicious as Peachesās blood can be toxic. Right?
Lucroy wants nothing more than to court fate with his pixie, but someoneās been whispering in the vampire councilās ears, and they arenāt pleased to learn Lucroy killed a werewolf to save a pixie. If the council decides Lucroy was in the wrong, his life is forfeit, and the nest heās tried so hard to protect could be left in sadistic hands.
Lucroy needs to convince the council pixies arenāt toxic but precious creatures. And, more importantly, one pixie, in particular, is his belovedāhis Perfectly Perfect Pixie, Peaches.
Perfectly Perfect Pixie has a HEA ending and contains a willful nature pixie, a smitten vampire bar owner, pixie dust eating sprites, and a smattering of dwarf, werewolf, and fairy intrigue. Other species come along for the ride, popping up here and there. Be warned, there is vampire violence and a few heads will roll. If that is offensive or triggering, this may not be your cup of tea.
Dealing Him In is the start of a new Kings universe series by Charlie Cochet and itās a terrific one. So easy to dive into the high action and sexy romance between retiring Fire Chief Valentino āValā Serrano and Kings bodyguard Santos āSaintā Cavallero that my time with the book just slid merrily by.
Thereās age gap, bi-sexual awakening ,a mystery, bombs, adrenaline rush, and real chemistry between two men so this romance really ignites and makes me feel as though this relationship has a firm grounding to it.
While you donāt have to be familiar with the other series and characters, it certainly makes it easier when they appear to support Val and Saint in their tentative romance and baby steps toward a HEA, and through the entire events that will occur during the storyline.
Thereās plenty of drama to be found here, and various types of support needed.
Each man has realistic doubts about the relationship, the age gap and barriers raised due to personal issues and their own struggles. Cochet did a balanced job in creating a healthy relationship with the men, and advice from friends that carefully helped them understand the stumbling blocks they had raised between each other.
Have to admit I loved the use of the Malinois, but thatās on me. Iām such a sucker for dogs , especially when theyāre used appropriately as the author does here with Chip.
Wonderful work all the way up to and through that adrenaline rush of an ending! Fabulous first book of a new series and addition to the Kings Security universe.
Now to wait on the release of book two next year!
Until then Iām highly recommending Dealing Him In (The Kings: Royal Flush Book 1) by Charlie Cochet !
Santos āSaintā Cavallero had his life all figured out when he married his high school sweetheart, joined the Navy, and became a SEAL. After years of being deployed, Saint comes home for good, only to discover his wife has fallen for another man. Now divorced and a bodyguard for Four Kings Security, Saint loves his job and his found family. His dating life? A hot mess, until the spark of an unexpected attraction strikes him like lightning, leaving Saint confused. Why is he feeling hot and bothered over the ruggedly handsome Fire Chief?
After twenty years of service, Valentino āValā Serrano is passing his fire ax on to the next Fire Chief. His retirement starts off with a bang, literally. Val is saved by the young, hot bodyguard heās been dreaming of for longer than he cares to admit, but Saint is straight, isnāt he?
Val and Saint get roped into working on Valās tavern, but Val is determined not to let Saint get under his skin. Heās been here before, and heās not about to risk his heart, no matter how hot and flirty Saint is. When a killer sets his sights on Val and puts everyone he cares about in harmās way, thereās suddenly more at risk than their hearts. If Val and Saint donāt stop the killer, their whole world could burn to the ground, and the possibility of a future together will go up in smoke.
FOUR KINGS SECURITY UNIVERSE
STANDALONES
Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts-Standalone (Spencer and Quinn. Quinn is Ace and Luckyās cousin.) Can be read any time before In the Cards.
FOUR KINGS SECURITY
š¹Love in Spades-Book 1 (Ace and Colton)
š¹Ante Up-Book 1.5 (Seth and Kit)
Free short story
š¹Be Still My Heart-Book 2 (Red and Laz)
š¹Join the Club-Book 3 (Lucky and Mason)
š¹Diamond in the Rough-Book 4 (King and Leo)
š¹In the Cards-Book 4.5 (Spencer and Quinnās wedding.)
FOUR KINGS SECURITY BOXED SET
Boxed Set includes all 4 main Four Kings Security novels: Love in Spades, Be Still My Heart, Join the Club, and Diamond in the Rough.
BLACK OPS: OPERATION ORIONāS BELT
š¹Kept in the Dark-Book 1 (Standalone series can be read anytime)
THE KINGS: WILD CARDS
š¹Stacking the Deck-Book 1 (Jack and Fitz).
š¹Raising the Ante-Book 2 (Frank and Joshua)
š¹Sleight of Hand-Book 3 (Joker and Gio)
THE KINGS: WILD CARDS BOXED SET Boxed Set includes all 3 main The Kings: Wild Cards books: Stacking the Deck, Raising the Ante, Sleight of Hand, and bonus story In the Cards.
I was excited about this story and follow up series to The Reckless Damned . Ferry, aka Ferryman, The Grim Reaper, Charon, the being who ferried the dead souls across the River Styx was last seen leaving Hell on his way topside to the human realm.
Patience goes into Ferryās tortured backstory, how he ended up as the Grim Reaper, and what he is doing back on Earth. Patience is a wonderful title for him and his ill- fated romance.
The other voice and half of this couple belongs to Leo, a human firefighter. Leo is a very good, very confused man. Heās aware that something has been missing from all his relationships but canāt pinpoint what it is exactly. He believes heās straight but he struggles with feelings he doesnāt understand.
All with good reason. Leo has a history heās not allowed to remember until he dies. And then only for one hour.
Lark has done a wonderful job with these characters and their poignant love story. One who remembers everything and one who remembers nothing. Itās a setup guaranteed to usher in huge emotions and a flood of memories and tears.
And it does, scenes upon scenes.
This series follows The Reckless Damned, which is its foundation. So those characters are important here as supporting players and suppliers of knowledge to Leo, as he navigates his way back to Ferry.
Plus thereās always a dramatic element above that of the personal challenges to the mate bond relationship. A outside force that needs to be overcome.
Here that aspect was a little bit easily figured out. But the rest of the story, which was ,in turn, humorous, poignant, sexy, heartbreaking, horrifying , and finally, incredibly beautiful, well, that was fantastic.
It made Ferenc (Ferry) and Leof (Leoās) longtime love story one of my favorites. And the setup for the next with Leoās younger brother and a certain enigmatic vampire has me really hooked for more. Need Justice now! But Iāll have to wait until next year.
In the meantime, Iām definitely recommending Patience. And The Reckless Damned if you havenāt already read those as well.
I paid the ultimate price when I took the gamble to save my mateās soul.
Ferry
Ferryman. The Grim Reaper. La Muerte. La Pelona. Shinigami. Charon.
Iāve been called many names over the millennia, all thanks to my role in Hell.
Ferrying dead souls over the river Styx.
But few know the demon behind the legend, how I came to be here, or the freedom I sacrificed to save the man I love.
Now Iām free to find him again. The problem? He doesnāt remember me.
And heās straight.
Leo fell madly in love with me once before. Will he fall again before itās too late?
Leo
All my life, Iāve felt like something is missing. Neither my job as a firefighter, my brother Matty, nor my ex-girlfriends have been able to fill that hole.
When a mysterious stranger approaches me in a bar, I find myself captivated.
Iāve never been attracted to men before, but I canāt seem to resist him.
Why is it that spending time with Ferry feels soā¦right? So familiar?
Patience is a fated-mates, second-chance PNR romance. The first in the Damned Connections series, each book will follow a different couple as they find their HEA. Although better read in order, these books can stand alone.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 