Review: Demon House by Mia Monroe

Rating: 2.75🌈

Demon House by Mia Monroe is a quick mildly entertaining Holiday read. It’s a short story with no real drama and , nothing that’s going to ask anything of a reader more then a casual connection to the characters.

There’s some nice elements, and the witch character has real promise but Monroe doesn’t go into any depth of detail in character layering or foundation that would elevate Demon House above the uninspired or just another passable paranormal story.

Issues (Spoilers ahead fyi)

🔹Demon Zeno is sad. He must stay inside the house for breaking demon rules. His prior relationship could have been mined for real depth of character and foundation. Was it? Nope. We get pieces. Nothing on the person. Or them together.

🔹Demon sad. So human ghost hunter thinks let’s have sex asap because, you know. Sexy Demon sad.SMH.

🔹instant love- no depth. No relationship. I wuv you. Let’s have more sex.

🔹 problems solved instantly. While there’s no wands there might as well have been.

So basically. While it is a paranormal romance, there’s ways to bring depth to the characters and layering to any foundation a author is trying to create. Didn’t happen here imo.

If you don’t care, just want to zip through a story, and put it down. This just might be your story.

I’ll leave it up to you.

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Demon-…Demon House – Kindle edition by Monroe, Mia. Romance Kindle eBooks …

Description:

This house has BDE all over it. That is one big… Demon.

Bash:

One night in the most haunted house in the country could be our ticket to fame and fortune. As a group of paranormal investigators, this could be our big break. If the hauntings are real, Peaches, Chaos, and I are expecting to be terrified and catch all of it on video for our fledgling channel.

When the rumors prove to be true, and I come face to face with the resident demon, all bets are off. Turns out, demons have feelings too, and this one is possessive, touchy, and huh, kind of hot. Did I mention he has big… horns?

To make it through this night in one piece, I have to do what I can to keep him happy. Looks like our viewers are going to get way more than they signed up for, but hey, gotta do what you gotta do.

Now the only question is, when the sun comes up, will I want to walk away and will the demon let me.

Demon House is an MM paranormal romance featuring a horny demon with a taste for mortals, a paranormal investigator in over his head, a haunted house that lives up to the rumors, and enough heat to make Hades jealous. It is a standalone novella.

Review: Witchin Warlock (Witchin #1) by Charity Parkerson

Rating: 3.25🌈

Witchin Warlock (Witchin #1) by Charity Parkerson is a cute short romance about a witch who hides his identity and a cop who uses the witch’s help with his cases. While being clueless as to why he solves them so quickly.

Parkerson doesn’t give much attention to background here. Not the backstory between Caspian (the witch) or Brock the cop. It’s a fated soulmates thing but only at the end.

So it’s really rushed, and little relationship has time to gain ground.

We get a murder or several. A hunt for bodies. Some passionate embracing, and hidden magic.

It’s cute. It’s a quick read at 87 pages. But I personally found the lack of layers a little disappointing.

If you’re in the mood for quick, fluffy, magical and hot, this is something you might want to check out.

Witchin series:

🔹Witchin’ Warlock #1

🔹Witchin’ Solstice #2

🔹Witchin’ Moonbeam #3

🔹Witchin’ Fangs

🔹Witchin’ Wildcat #4

https://www.goodreads.com › showWitchin Warlock (Witchin, #1) by Charity Parkerson – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Caspian comes from a long line of witches. Brock is third generation F.B.I. They shouldn’t fit but they do.

A year ago, Caspian moved to a small town in Ohio. He hoped the lack of competition in the area would be good for his psychic business, Futures Untold. The last thing he expected was a sexy F.B.I. agent to show up and treat him like a missing person’s bloodhound. Even though Caspian keeps doing favors for Special Agent Brock Wray, his distrust of authority runs deep. After all, they used to drown witches in this area back in the day, and Caspian has no desire to end up on Brock’s missing persons’ list.

Officially, no one knows how Brock keeps solving so many huge cases. Caspian is Brock’s secret weapon. The man knows things no one should. That’s not why Brock keeps showing up and making excuses to see Caspian. Caspian fascinates Brock. Not only does Brock’s inner detective need to know how Caspian knows so much, but Caspian is also smoking hot. He is the single most gorgeous man to step foot in their tiny town in ages. Brock isn’t dumb. He has to take Caspian off the market as quickly as possible and he’ll use any excuse to get close enough to do it.

When Brock takes Caspian along for the ride on a case, things will get weird. Let’s hope Caspian isn’t forced to show why he’s the most witchin warlock around or Brock might run for the hills.

Witchin Warlock is a fun short story just in time for Halloween.

———-

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

Review: A Very Armitage Christmas (Mismatched Mates #2.5) by Eliot Grayson

Rating: 4🌈

A Very Armitage Christmas is a short holiday story featuring the two mated couples from The Alpha’s Warlock and Captive Mate #2. Both characters are still trying to settle into their relationships , new duties within the pack, and recover from past events.

Plus here come the holidays.

The story is equal parts horror, humor, and romance with all four men working to make each other happy and safe amidst rising revenants and inflatable Santa’s.

I found it entertaining and a smidge poignant when Nate and Arik find a typical Holiday family celebration so very scary and hard to relate to.

It’s a fun break from the angst and full out terror that’s usually part of the storylines in this series.

I’m recommending A Very Armitage Christmas (Mismatched Mates #2.5) by Eliot Grayson. Have a great read!

Mismatched Mates:

🔹The Alpha’s Warlock #1

🔹Captive Mate #2

🔹A Very Armitage Christmas #2.5

🔹First Blood #2.6

🔹The Alpha Experiment #3

🔹Lost and Bound #4

🔹Lost Touch #5

🔹The Alpha Contract #6, only loosely connected to the above series

https://www.goodreads.com › showA Very Armitage Christmas by Eliot Grayson – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Tis the season…for zombies?

It’s two days before Christmas, and the Armitage pack’s getting ready for the holiday. Nate’s decorating the driveway with dozens of light-up candy canes (well, bullying Ian into doing it for him, but details). Matthew’s sitting through yet another endless pack council meeting.

And Arik’s raising revenants in the herb garden.

When a plague of zombies and an infestation of in-laws hits on Christmas Eve, Nate, Ian, Arik and Matthew will need to pick up their machetes, put some Bing Crosby on the record player, and overcome their relationship issues if they want to make it to Christmas morning.

This book follows the same characters and refers to the events of The Alpha’s Warlock and Captive Mate, and really should be read in series. Warning: Contains a modified inflatable Santa, a snowblower put to a really unusual purpose…and knotting. Because of course it does! This series does not contain mpreg.

——-

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

Review: Silent Knight (Blackhaven Manor #7) by Arden Steele

Rating: 4.5🌈

Silent Knight was totally charming. Low angst, sweet, and huge on holiday spirit. It should make everyone’s holiday seasonal reading list.

Simon Russell has been a staple in these stories for a while. But what type of being or who he exactly is has never been stated. He’s always been the sunny guy who hangs around the receptionist desk, or goes off to handle whatever requests have been handed out by the Manor’s guests or it’s Owners. He’s a good natured, gorgeous guy.

As the Manor gets ready for its holiday season, it also prepares for the arrival of its latest employee, Snow leopard shifter,Archer Knight.

Archer was part of the Guardians seen briefly in Grin and Bear it. Now Archer’s been forcibly retired from the Guardians due to physical disabilities caused on the job. He’s been hired by the Maddox siblings to work security at the Manor.

Archer is one of the great characters in this series. A magical attack left him without the ability to verbally communicate and with a heavily scarred visage. Archer communicates with ASL. His background is not a happy one and is best left to the story.

Having his fated mate be Simon Russell , who comes from a large, loving family is perfect. And makes for a romantic relationship you’re going to love to read about.

The reveal about Simon’s true nature is part of their mating bond. One more terrific element.

Silent Knight, a reference to the mute Guardian Archer once was is a lovely book about finding love and family when you least expect it.

Blackhaven Manor is a series of short romances that keeps surprising me with the wonderful stories and great couples.

I’m highly recommending you look into the series if you’re not familiar with them already.

Blackhaven Manor Series:

✓ Purrfect Harmony #1

✓ Night and Fae #2

✓ Dragon It Out #3

✓ Grin and Bear it #4

✓ Pixie Little Liar #5

✓ Dead Over Heals #6

✓ Silent Knight #7

https://www.goodreads.com › showSilent Knight (Blackhaven Manor #7) by Arden Steele – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Being part siren isn’t exactly a secret, but it’s not something Simon Russel likes to advertise, either. He’s not ashamed of who he is or anything so dramatic as that. But people tend to treat him differently once they realize he can manipulate their emotions. Just once, he wishes someone could see him and not the demon within.

Enter Archer Knight, a former Enforcer and the newest guard at Blackhaven Manor.

Forced into retirement after a poorly executed mission leaves him damaged and disfigured, Archer figures he has a right to be a little bitter. With his scarred face and surly attitude, he’s not going to win any popularity contests, which suits him just fine, or so he tells himself.

Until he meets Simon.

Mix one not-so-chance encounter, a heap of holiday cheer, and a dash of misguided but well-meaning intentions in this recipe for Christmas magic. Season with love and serve with a side of awkward family get-togethers.

Don’t forget the marshmallows.

Review: The Fairy Shop by Tara Lain

Rating: 3 🌈

I debated over the rating on this one. A lot. Liked the storyline. The main and one secondary character were charming. Overall holiday message was lovely.

But.

This is a short story that also deals as major elements childhood trauma stemming from domestic violence, where a small child is witness to her drunken mother being beaten (off page) by a large abusive boyfriend. More than once. To the point the father removed her ,got custody, and now the child has nightmares and serious issues with large men in her vicinity.

This child needs therapy. But beyond that. The story develops nicely. Father meets huge stranger. Immediately attracted for both. No intro to daughter for obvious reason. But daughter and father find just the most incredible tiny shop selling handcrafted wands, unicorns etc. This part of the story is excellent. Even the person running the shop , amazing.

The story runs it’s course, including a traumatic event. That’s where I have a issue. Big issue.

Because, spoiler alert. The abusive boyfriend is involved in what is clearly a crime. He’s been involved in domestic violence in the past. So the solution here is :

A. Let him walk free out the door with a drunk/drugged out mother , call him a Uber too , don’t worry about that poor driver.

B. Call the cops, charge him with assault, let him get a criminal record so when it happens again the victim has a support.

What should a responsible author do? Yes, it’s fiction but shouldn’t we start showing that actions have consequences in the stories?

What do you think happened?

One guess, it wasn’t B. Because, hey, it’s Christmas, and even drunks and domestic abusers need to just be sent off. Uh no. Wrong message sent.

One last thing. You leave your child with a caregiver to go out for the evening. The door is busted in by an drunken perhaps drugged out ex of the person you are sitting for, and their abusive boyfriend. You know she doesn’t have custody and are aware of the violence in the past. What do you do? Child is screaming.

A. Call the police.

B. Call the father.

Yup. B. That story just made every wrong choice, not for the child safety but father’s consideration. SMH.

Spoiled this story.

Maybe this hit me wrong. Maybe I’m tired of violence and it not being reported or responsibly handled. But this? Could have been better. Given that the child’s trauma was a major element here.

Read it and decide for yourself. Or not if any of this is a trigger for you.

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Fairy Shop by Tara Lain – Goodreads

A single dad who needs love. A child who needs courage.
Sounds like a job for a fairy.

When Nate Hawthorne meets Asher Dane, the huge, tattooed hunk embodies Nate’s dreams – and his daughter’s nightmares. Delly’s terrified of big men.

Then Nate and Delly find The Fairy Shop, a mysterious store where a unique proprietress sends Delly in search of the wand that will make her brave.

On a snowy Christmas Eve, love and courage meet under the influence of a most unusual fairy and Nate and Delly’s lives change forever.

THE FAIRY SHOP is a single dad, opposites attract, small town, MM holiday romance—wrapped in the magic of love.

Review: O Hell, All Ye Shoppers by Louisa Masters

Rating: 3.5🌈⛄️

A slightly revamped edition of a short story Louisa Masters released in 2017, O Hell, All Ye Shoppers is a meet cute, sexy holiday romance.

Everything happens quickly, from the “meet cute” to the idea that they are ideal for each other to the ending.

A holiday Bonbon you partake of before settling in with a more fulfilling meal of a novel.

If a cute holiday contemporary Is on your menu, this might just be your choice.

See how Ethan Hall plans to fill Saturday….

http://mmgoodbookreviews.com › o…O Hell, All Ye Shoppers by Louisa Masters – MM Good Book Reviews

Ethan Hall plans to fill Saturday, December 23, with junk food and bad TV, a day just for him amid the holiday chaos… until his baby sister calls and begs him to go collect a present for her. At the biggest shopping center in Australia. On the busiest shopping day of the year. Hell no. Right?
Ethan’s soft heart gets the best of him. He battles through the parking lot, and in the main shopping concourse, he’s trampled, elbowed, and bombarded with terrible holiday music. Then he enters hell itself, a specialty store aimed at women… where he meets Ty. They bond in a sea of estrogen and manic shoppers, fighting together to attain freedom, only to find they’re not quite ready go their separate ways.

This novella was originally published in 2017. Some scenes have been revamped and an epilogue has been added.

Review: On A Midnight Clear by Lily Morton

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Gleaming, incredibly lifelike and often haunting sculptures seen in museums worldwide, from The Dying Gaul (my favorite) to Apollo to Rodin’ The Kiss, have the ability to mesmerize upon sight. Their creator’s ability to turn stone into something that goes past magnificent art into something haunting, beautiful, and timeless. And unforgettable

These sculptures also inspire other forms of art, from paintings to songs to movies to books. Especially the idea of one of those statues coming to life .

A local favorite is Edgar Degas’ Little Dancer of Fourteen Years . It’s one of those that resonates with so many.

But when I think of statues and stories, the one that immediately jumps to mind is that of Pygmalion and Galatea, his stature brought to life. It’s a story that’s been told over and over.

Anyway, Lily Morton returns to this magical idea of wish fulfillment and a creator’s sculpture that has so resonated with one young man throughout his life that it’s the one he’s confided in, run to, and hidden behind all his years.

Barnaby Greenwood is a man in desperate need. At Christmas. He’s about to lose everything that’s ever mattered, to himself, his family, his ancestors, and the village.

He needs a miracle.

In true Morton form, we are given a heart wrenching situation, great characters we can connect with, especially Barnaby. A estate full of sculptures and a dark forest green.

Cosmo is a total delight, complete with canine companion. I love the villagers. The fleeting aspect of the very nature of week and the passing of days… makes for a harrowing tale. We are filled with anxiety as the time passes even as we relish the relationship that builds.

It’s a magical romance, with all sorts of grand and small elements. Plenty to delight over, laugh and sniffle as well.

Pygmalion and Galatea would be pleased.

Merry Christmas! Happy Yule!

Highly recommended! So is this author.

For those interested, I’ve a few pictures of both Degas’ dancer and the iconic Dying Gaul below.

https://www.goodreads.com › showOn a Midnight Clear by Lily Morton – Goodreads

Synopsis:

It can safely be said that Lord Barnaby Greenwood is not having the best of Christmases.

He’s penniless, up to his eyeballs in debt, and about to lose his estate. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that when a local property developer offers a lot of money to buy King’s Wood from him, Barnaby is very tempted. But his father had always impressed on him that the green wood was sacred and must be protected at all costs, so he finds himself saying no.

He knows this will result in the loss of his home, but duty comes before everything. However, that fateful decision leads instead to a magical Christmas for Barnaby, complete with an old god who grants him a favour, and a beautiful statue that comes to life.

Cosmo is perfect for him. He’s funny and kind and completely enraptured with Barnaby, and for the first time in his life, Barnaby falls in love. But how can this lead to anything but heartache, when on the last stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, Cosmo will go back to being a statue and take Barnaby’s heart with him?

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a truly magical romantic comedy.

☃️❄️❄️Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Favored Holiday Reads this 2021!❄️❄️☃️

12 Days of Christmas (or Whatever you Celebrate) Reading List!

❄️Tis the season for holiday stories and I’ve read some outstanding ones so far, one’s that made me roar with laughter, some that had me reaching for the tissues, and so many that had me shaking my head at the mad writing skills and imagination of the authors represented on the list here.

⛸❄️Here’s my list of Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 12 Days of the Holidays 2021 Favorites to Read!🎄⛄️

⭐️Merry Measure by Lily Morton

❄️Cosy & Chill by Jackie Keswick

❄️Christmas Wish List (Hartbridge Christmas #2) by N.R. Walker*

❄️A Very Genre Christmas by Kim Fielding

❄️The Christmas Tenor (Laurel Holidays #3) by V. L. Locey

❄️Dreidels & Do Overs by Kim Fielding

❄️Snowed (Boston Rebels #3) by R.J. Scott and V.L. Locey

❄️The Geek Who Saved Christmas by Annabeth Albert

❄️Merry Elf-ing Christmas by Beth Bolden

❄️Gingerbread Mistletoe (Lighthouse Bay #2) by Amy Aislin*

❄️Holigay by K.M. Neuhold

❄️The Wishing Tree by R.J. Scott

⛄️❄️Just Missed the 12 Days of Christmas list…barely…mostly because I wanted 12….

✓ Dearest Malachi Keogh (Dearest Milton James #1.5) by N.R. Walker

✓ Ethan and Jag Destroy the World by Maz Maddox

✓ The Fairy Dance by Tara Lain

✓ The Holiday List (Script Club #4) by Lane Hayes

✓ Tic-Tac Mistletoe Christmas by NR Walker

✓ Christmas Lane (Lighthouse Bay #1) by Amy Aislin

There were a couple of Christmas series above that I loved. They are indicated by a *, so gather up all the books there.

Honestly many authors are listed multiple times because they just rocked the holiday tales! That includes a review to come on the wonderful On A Midnight Clear by Lily Morton so it will be on an updated and expanded End of Year list

Have I left out some of your favorites this season? Let me know! I’m always on the hunt for new authors and stories. Or just plain out stuff I missed.

It’s just me now, and since I’m buying the books I’m reading , I actually have a TBR list that’s growing. 😂🤷‍♀️Help me add to it. **

Happy Holidays whatever you may celebrate from myself and my blog, Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.

** (No DSP or related businesses pls, Ty).

Review: Ethan and Jag Destroy the World by Maz Maddox

Rating: 4.5🌈

I like it when my stories come with a lovely dosing of hilarity. Especially holiday romances. Maz Maddox’s book, Ethan and Jag Destroy the World , is actually two combined holiday stories that manages to present a funny“otherworldly “ perspective at some of our favorite holidays while delivering a terrific romance.

As most things that go south are wont to do, it all starts with a dumping, a rejection taken badly, and a linguistics expert with his hands on a ancient suspect tome. Amirite?

Before you can say forsooth, a recently dumped human named Ethan has Jagmarith, Demon champion of the Blood Wars plunked down in his kitchen. At Christmas.

What follows is a funny, oddly moving , supernatural love story that spans a number of human holidays, giving the author,through Jag, a perfect foil to express a joyous weird perspective on these occasions. Some I found myself nodding in total agreement.

Honestly, Valentine’s Day . Misshapen human ideas of the human hearts ( the author’s words) hung every where surrounded by children with wings and weaponry? Wouldn’t it make more sense if those were the hearts of rivals? Hmmm maybe the demon had it spot on…..

Anyway, there’s great characters, wonderful events to ponder, uh some very sexy hot scenes, some hilarious demon confusion about earth customs, and just a marvelous story overall.

Ethan and Jag really are a remarkable couple! I could have used an entire series. Their love and relationship felt real, inter species or not. Their support group of friends and familiar were just as amazing. Surety there’s more holidays, however obscure, to celebrate.

Hopefully the author is listening.

Until then, check out this wonderful book and settle in for nine months of great fun and warm loving feelings.

I’m highly recommending it.

https://www.goodreads.com › showEthan & Jag Destroy the World by Maz Maddox – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Jagmarith, Demon champion of the Blood Wars, detests festivities.

He’s certainly not a fan of humans or their ridiculous holidays.

Winter festivals. Celebrations of flowers. Misshapen hearts to symbolize love. All pointless and weak.

Unfortunately, his feelings are not taken into consideration when he’s summoned by ancient magic to the human realm.

Stolen from his home in Hell, Jagmarith is now at the mercy of a bumbling, adorable human named Ethan, who has accidentally bound Jagmarith to him. Now, Jag must endure grueling human holidays like Christmas and pretend to be a nice human boyfriend to the man who summoned him.

The fake boyfriend role has been very trying.

But along with the upcoming Halloween party and fuss over finding the perfect ghoulish decorations, not to mention the very odd feelings he’s developing for Ethan, there’s that little matter of the impending Armageddon to deal with.

Jag is not pleased.

***

This book includes short story Demon All the Way and continues Ethan & Jag’s adventure.

Review: The Fairy Dance by Tara Lain

Rating: 4 🌈⛄️

The Fairy Dance by Tara Lain is a sweet Christmas romance. Running at the size of a novella, this is a very quick read which works as it’s one of this author’s love at first sight stories.

She does a great job of making us believe in the instant connection between Henri the dancer and Jed, the head of his own building maintenance business .

Yes, that whole “maintenance man’ thing is a bit of a misdirection in a way as Jed is a very successful business man who’s company just happens to include maintenance as well as electrical work etc among its many services.

That aside, Jed is a wonderful character, with a found family of interesting employees to like and an adorable Lab to throw heart eyes at. Instantly relatable!

So too is Henri, especially the more we learn of his circumstances, his boss, and the pressures he’s under.

He’s beautiful, both a man of personal grace and strength while demonstrating great emotional fragility. I love him.

This is an instant where I thought it worked so well. The characters, the plot, and the length of story. It’s a HFN, as it should be.

I thought the “I love you’s” came about a tad quick but that’s just me.

Otherwise The Fairy Dance by Tara Lain is a lovely Christmas story to add to your holiday reading list. I’m definitely recommending it!

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Fairy Dance by Tara Lain – Goodreads

Synopsis:

What if the man of your dreams dances into your life—and he’s a nutcracker?

Maintenance man, Jed, might yearn for an alpha-femme guy, but where’s he going to find him in his small Oregon town?

New York ballet rising star, Henri, just wants to dance, but his desire for top roles only leads him into the pervy artistic director’s bed.

The chances of these two meeting are less likely than a grand jete. But then they do, one pre-holiday evening in a less-than-one-night stand that leaves them both yearning. Still, one short hookup on a kitchen floor doesn’t turn Jed and Henri into a match made in heaven. Not when all the world sees is a janitor and the ballet boss’s potential boy toy.

Sounds like a job for the Sugarplum Fairy.

The Fairy Dance is an opposites-attract, big city vs small town, holiday MM romance—in tights.

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