Review: Ghostridden (Ghost Townies Book 1) by E. J. Russell

Rating: 4.5🌈

E.J. Russell begins a new series, Ghost Townies, with Ghostridden, a wonderful paranormal mystery that introduces the delightful denizens, mysteriously quirky history of this remote small town that’s Ghost, Oregon.

It begins when ghostwriter Maz Amani, accompanied by his ginger cat Gilgamesh, arrives at the house he inherited from an Uncle Oren he barely knew.

That house, a gorgeous Queen Anne, is its own character and promptly becomes a magnet as it pulls in neighbors and townsfolk to meet the new owner.

Russell does such a splendid job building a sense of community by way a of a great cast of characters. Each one has a special role and warmth to them, whether it’s Tia Sophia, Saul Pasternak and Jerry McHale and their daughter, Taryn, to the other shop owners, these are folk we want to know and spend time with.

The main characters too. Maz Amani who so desperately wants a home, finds himself in the middle of a mystery. The story of the house he inherited is more than it appears. I love that we discover along with Maz as he learns about the house, the couple (his Uncle included), and the town through research and revelations. Some bittersweet and heartfelt.

There’s a few elements that caught me off guard. In one point in a conversation, Maz says

“Are you taking the piss?”

This is a distinctly UK/English phrase, definitely not one you’d hear an American say. So its appearance in a dialogue, from an American to another, in this context is very jarring and took me out of the moment.

Another is that I felt the “villain” of this book was easily tagged. While the motivation behind the villainy isn’t clear until the end (great dramatic scenes), I feel I knew the “who” straight away.

Not a bad element because we get that wonderful storytelling about Avi and Oren in between, and it’s amazing.

I hope for much more of this going forward. Of the main couple and characters too. I think this will be a great series.

Cover design: L C Chase

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Ghostr…Ghostridden – Russell, E.J.: Kindle Store

Blurb

When ghostwriter Maz Amani inherits a house from an uncle he’s never heard of, he offers heartfelt thanks to the universe, packs up his car, his cat, and his skepticism about mysterious uncles leaving all their worldly goods to unknown nephews, and high-tails it to a small town halfway to the Oregon coast.

Anything would be better than week after week of couch surfing his way around Portland. Even if the alleged house is a rundown shack ridden with termites, spiders, and—shudder—rats, he’ll deal. Because hey, he owns a house!

And when his legacy turns out to be a pristine Queen Anne beauty with nary a termite, spider, or rat in sight, he’s ready to stand the universe unlimited vodka shots.

Except not so fast.

Because instead, his house is ridden with something a little more on-brand for a place called Ghost…

Publisher: Reality Optional Press (September 20, 2024)
Publication date: September 20, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 227 pages

Review: By Rude Strength (Tales from the Tarot story) by K.L. Hiers

Rating: 4.5🌈

“This book is based on the major arcana card Strength.”

By Rude Strength by K. L. Hiers is a terrific read. One of the 22 novels in the multi-author series, Tales from the Tarot, Hiers gives us a young man whose world has fallen apart in one day.

When we begin the story and meet LA Holmes, he’s being fired from a job he’s loved and held for 10 years. It quickly becomes apparent that he’s been working in a toxic environment, and while he’s in anguish over his job, it’s a good thing for him he’s leaving. Then it’s another loss or crushing toxic element of his life after another just piling up on top of him. From being dumped to a narcissist mother’s call, LA’s having the worst day of his life.

Hier’s narrative is so realistic and LA’s situations so relatable that it might be triggering for some. Especially the narcissist mother who refuses to listen and the ex whose behaviors are tagged with red flags.

But The Magic Shop, The Owner, and a positively remarkable imp, Cassie, help LA recover his strength and inner resolve.

Cassie is a marvelous character, gentle, kind, and genuine in how they show LA there’s a different path for LA to take in his life, his relationships , his job, his outlook. And together they build something wonderful.

Hier tackles sensitive topics within the storyline but it’s done with a compassionate approach, using Cassie as the voice of reason and thoughtful dialogue. It works and gives Cassie just another layer of credibility and depth to their personality.

I loved the book and characters and would love to see Hier bring the other imps back into their roles in future stories.

Highly recommended.

Love these covers.

Cover art: Fae Quin

Cover design: Amanda Meuwissen

Tales from the Tarot is a massive multi-author paranormal & fantasy MM romance collaboration. These 22 books, each by a different author, highlight the Major Arcana cards in a traditional Tarot deck – with some liberties taken, such as The Empress card being The Consort, for an all MM or gay romance focus.

Tales from the Tarot- 22 books

🔷 Where Fools Have Tread by Jennifer Cody❤️

🔷The Magician’s Heart by J.P. Jackson

🔷Cleric of Desire by Amanda Meuwissen❤️

🔷The Nephilim’s Touch by Morgan Lysand

🔷King of Hollywood by Fae Quin

🔷My Minotaur Daddy: An MM Romantasy by Laura Lascarso

🔷Across Space and Time by Kit Barrie

🔷Chariot of Souls by Morgan Mason

🔷By Rude Strength by K.L. Hiers

🔷Found in Obscurity by A. M. Rose

🔷Twisted Fates by Adam J. Ridley

🔷No Justice for the Damned by Hellie Heat

🔷The Angel’s Kiss by Nicholas Bella

🔷Death Song by B. Ripley

🔷Arcanum by Ashlyn Drewek

🔷The Devil’s Dilemma by Alex J. Adams

🔷Camelot’s Tower by Brooke Matthews

🔷A Highland Gargoyle’s Lucky Star

by Chloe Archer

🔷Trust in the Moon by Delaney Rain

🔷Raising the Sun by Eryn Hawk

🔷Zero Judgment by Kota Quinn

🔷The End of the World by Drake LaMarque

Buy link

By Rude Strength

Blurb

If you don’t have anything nice to say…

LA Holmes has never had anything nice to say and he’s not starting now.

He’s fought tooth and nail to get where he is and he’s not about to change his wicked ways just because things have gotten a little complicated. It doesn’t matter if his body is a wreck, his career has imploded, or that his love life is in complete shambles. He is not going to give up. He is not going to quit fighting. He is not going to show any weakness…

Except for that random visit to a magic shop when he was feeling a tiny bit desperate, but reallywhat was the worst that could happen?

A magical monster being bound to him for eternity, that’s what.

LA is now stuck with Cass, a snarky gentle giant of a beast who is supposed to be the answer to his problems. All Cass wants to do, however, is cuddle and bake cakes and talk about feelings. His ideas are ridiculous and frustrating, and LA refuses to listen to his stupid plans. LA can’t let himself be distracted by a handsome monster when he has so much at stake and letting his guard down could cost him everything…

Cass promises LA a lifetime of happiness if he’s willing to give in, but can LA find the strength to surrender?

By Rude Strength is a standalone MM romance novel as part of the multi-author collaboration Tales from the Tarot. This book is based on the major arcana card Strength.

Publication date: September 16, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 256 pages

Review: Chariot of Souls (Tales from the Tarot story) by Morgan Mason

Rating: 3.5🌈

Chariot of Souls by Morgan Mason is another in the fascinating multi-author paranormal series, Tales from the Tarot.

I thought Mason’s story and characters had some great ideas and potential but the narrative didn’t really seem to fulfill the expectations that the author has worked so hard to on delivering.

Arit, the reaper who’s been only delivering the brilliant souls of the world, has been following one single soul’s path for thousands of years, and has found him once more.

That’s a great hook.

Nixon is an accident prone young man, having almost lost his life close to 15 times and he’s not yet thirty. Mason built an intriguing foundation for Nixon as the only surviving infant of triplets but then does nothing with it. Same goes for his family and younger brother. It’s interesting enough that the reader thinks that it’s a building block of the mystery of Nixon yet this element goes nowhere.

The buildup to the relationship between Arit and Nixon is another reason why I was involved in the story. It includes background information on the various reapers and their lives that adds to the mystery.

Arit and Nixon together, however, aren’t as promising as a fated soulmate duo. For me, they needed more time to develop their relationship and chemistry, and that odd little bit towards the end felt rushed. All that to call him home?

But what struck me the most was that the theme of the series really wasn’t present. The tarot card here was The Chariot, the vessel of Arit to ferry the souls to their versions of the afterlife. But does that card actually make an appearance? No. It’s just a part of the forward.

The Magic Shop and The Owner , previously a omnipresent, somewhat ominous figure, is in a diminished capacity here, literally and figuratively.

I found that to be disappointing as well.

I did find Chariot of Souls by Morgan Mason to be an enjoyable read. Read it if you’re a fan of the series and author.

Tales from the Tarot- 22 books

🔷 Where Fools Have Tread by Jennifer Cody

🔷The Magician’s Heart by J.P. Jackson

🔷Cleric of Desire by Amanda Meuwissen

🔷The Nephilim’s Touch by Morgan Lysand

🔷King of Hollywood by Fae Quin

🔷My Minotaur Daddy: An MM Romantasy by Laura Lascarso

🔷Across Space and Time by Kit Barrie

🔷Chariot of Souls by Morgan Mason

🔷By Rude Strength by K.L. Hiers

🔷Found in Obscurity by A. M. Rose

🔷Twisted Fates by Adam J. Ridley

🔷No Justice for the Damned by Hellie Heat

🔷The Angel’s Kiss by Nicholas Bella

🔷Death Song by B. Ripley

🔷Arcanum by Ashlyn Drewek

🔷The Devil’s Dilemma by Alex J. Adams

🔷Camelot’s Tower by Brooke Matthews

🔷A Highland Gargoyle’s Lucky Star

by Chloe Archer

🔷Trust in the Moon by Delaney Rain

🔷Raising the Sun by Eryn Hawk

🔷Zero Judgment by Kota Quinn

🔷The End of the World by Drake LaMarque

Buy link

Chariot of Souls

Blurb

Being a reaper, Arit has been around since the dawn of humankind, ferrying souls from one realm to the next. Always separate, always alone, his only connections are with the departed. Some he may have encountered before, but while most are unmemorable, there is one soul Arit would never fail to recognize, for he has been called to carry it more than any other.

Accident prone and clumsy, it’s a miracle Nixon has made it to adulthood. Having survived a dozen near-death experiences, everything changes one night when he manages to escape death’s call, one more time. But who is the hooded figure standing outside Nixon’s apartment window? And why does this beautiful man seem strangely familiar?

When Arit realizes Nixon might be on his last life, never to be ferried again, can he and Nixon make a bargain with Fate in time to save Nixon’s soul? Or are both man and reaper destined to part before they even get a chance at love?

Chariot of Souls is a standalone MM romance novella as part of the multi-author collaboration, Tales from the Tarot. This book is based on the major arcana card, The Chariot.

Review: Strikes Twice (Elementally Yours Book 2) by FN Manning

Review: 4.25🌈

This series is so fascinating and each story enlarges the universe. With Strikes Twice , the story focus’s on characters whose different elements, are air and electricity and the challenges they’re facing.

Manning changes up the characters here in that Marty Russo had already accepted his brand as an air wizard, accomplished in his magic. Additionally, he’s known to the family of ice mages we met in the first story, a neat twist I appreciated. I really loved seeing Mrs. Blanchard again, and in a totally new perspective. She’s wonderful.

Azure “Az” Serrano, isn’t just a cursed person, he’s a dragon. So it’s a whole different element of magic to explore as the mystery unravels.

Manning, in fact, has more narrative strengths written into the book than is explored to the depths we want, simply because they are so intriguing and interesting.

There’s the damaging past history of Marty’s fire element parents and the impact that it left behind. We get some of that but that mother/step father dynamic is heartwarming and would love to see more.

The same goes for dragon history, their magic and Az’s family. A deeper dive would have felt satisfying.

But Manning gives us a romance, terrific chemistry, a stumbling-slow to grow relationship between Marty and Az that’s realistic and relatable. Their interactions, the fears and mounting hopes, it keeps the reader connected to them and the story.

The couple, mystery and journey to a HEA makes this an entertaining and heartfelt story. It’s one I’m recommending.

Elementally Yours:

Frost or The Bite #1

Strikes Twice #2

Bold As Brass #3 – October 13,2024

Buy link

Strikes Twice: M/M Paranormal Romance (Elementally Yours Book 2)

Blurb

When lightning strikes anyone he touches, can love strike back?

Marty Russo doesn’t need wings to fly. The air wizard loves using magic to soar through the sky, yet he lacks a purpose when down on the ground. So Marty tries to help a man plagued by a cruel electrical curse. But solving this impossible hex isn’t nearly as challenging as keeping his hands off Azure “Az” Serrano.

Az is guarded. Understandably so, after six years of his skin zapping anyone who gets too close. Then a determined air wizard strolls into his life and won’t go away. And when he gives the cursed man hope again, it’s hard to resist the attraction between them.

But getting closer puts the wizard in danger; electricity is especially harmful to air casters. And after they’re unable to keep their distance, the curse nearly fries Marty. Can Marty free Az, or will he fall when lightning strikes twice?

Strikes Twice features enemies to lovers, an understandably grumpy shifter, an optimistic wizard, action, steamy scenes, cruel curses, and love triumphing against all odds. This the second novel in the Elementally Yours Series, and each book features different characters and can be read seperately..

Publication date: August 4, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 257 pages

Review: Man Of His Dreams (a Hot Nights in the Big Easy novel) by Kim Fielding

Rating: 4.5🌈

What a delicious treat Kim Fielding’s new book turns out to be. Starting with that fabulously evocative cover by Reese Dante to the historically vibrant setting of New Orleans, Kim Fielding has a winner. The Big Easy of the series title, New Orleans, with its ghosts, the unsettling atmosphere and mixture of peoples, culture, and the history that comes with that is the perfect setting for a unusual love story.

Kim Fielding’s character, writer Flip Devin is a lost man. He’s ended a relationship, can’t finish his novel, left a place, a state, he’s drifting. Now he’s landed in New Orleans for a few months, hoping for inspiration and quiet moments to unblock his creative process. Fielding delivers a most believable Flip in all his stress, his indecision, and his real anxiety at this point in his life. We feel him floundering and we get him.

The beauty of the narrative is the author’s ability to make us feel what Flip is feeling, connecting us to his journey through the streets and history of New Orleans, as he engages with the diverse community the Big Easy has to offer, living and the ghostly.

So many amazing , beautifully crafted elements and characters to be found here , from Scratch himself (I would love to hear more about him and his music), to the nightlife scenes that few others can see. Man of His Dreams just flew by as I was so caught up in the world, relationships, and story. Just love it.

I definitely recommend reading this and can’t wait to see what further joys this series brings.

A Hot Nights in the Big Easy series-7 books:

🔷Man Of His Dreams by Kim Fielding ❤️

🔷Mutual Obsessions by L. A. Kaye 9/15

🔷The Richmond Vampire by Liv Rancourt 9/17/2024

🔷Voodoo Caught by Lynn Michaels 9/18/2025

🔷Banjo by TL Travis 9/20/2024

🔷Tagged by Rachel Langella 9/24/2024

🔷The Bone Doctor by D. K. Sutton 9/27/2024

Buy link

Man of His Dreams: A Hot Nights in the Big Easy Novella

Blurb

Author Flip Devin has arrived in New Orleans with no suitcase, no inspiration to continue his newest novel, and no hope. Then he begins getting dreamtime visits from Scratch, a handsome musician who was murdered a hundred years ago. According to the fortuneteller across the street, Flip has the gift of Seeing.

Soon after, Flip meets Tony Bergeron, a charming local historian… who looks remarkably like Scratch. Both Tony and Scratch have stories to tell, and New Orleans has magic to share. But with the suitcase still in airline limbo, Flip realizes he’ll need to get rid of his baggage to make room for something new.

Publisher: Tin Box Press (September 6, 2024)
Publication date: September 6, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 146 pages

Review: Across Space and Time (Tales from the Tarot novel) by Kit Barrie

Rating: 4🌈

Across Space and Time is Kit Barrie’s historical horror romance thriller. It’s a part of the fabulous multi-author Tales from the Tarot series which includes such elements as a mystical place called The Magic Shop with its eerie ever present, The Owner, covers which have a particular tarot card on them that relates to the story, and definitely forwards and warnings that should be read before diving into each book.

Across Time and Space does a good job in capturing the essence of the times, the disparity of the classes in terms of poverty and the inequality of how people are treated in terms of their racial background. This also applies to the illegality of those who are attracted by the same sex.

Barrie’s villains are especially heinous, their crimes are on page and disturbing. Please read the warnings.

Constable Hugh Danbury feels an emotional connection to the young victims he’s found on the backstreets of London. The “Molly boys”, young male prostitutes, are victims the London’s police aren’t seriously investigating. So he makes it his duty to seek justice and find the truth.

The story involves not only Hugh, a wonderfully layered character, but a different being, Spring-Heeled Jack. Where Hugh is well defined, Jack’s character needs more explanation or depth to really make it feel credible here. Especially with the addition of a “soulmate “ aspect to this relationship.

While the investigation, the setting, the victims, violence, and the secondary characters are all thoughtfully portrayed and vivid, Jack, Jack’s relationship with Hugh, the “insta-love” soulmate element is lacking. I just didn’t feel the chemistry that I have with other couples. A sense of growing friendship, yes, but a commitment to love. That didn’t come across.

While the horrors and grotesque events were depicted as horrifyingly raw and shocking, the aspects of the story, such as The Magic Shop and The Owner, or the Tarot, could have been woven into the narrative in a more effective manner. At least in my opinion.

There are some terrific action sequences and suspense filled scenarios to keep you turning the pages.

I’ll recommend but only for those who have read the warnings and author’s notes to begin with. Take those trigger warnings seriously.

Cover art: Fae Quin

Cover design: Amanda Meuwissen

Tales from the Tarot- 22 books

🔷 Where Fools Have Tread by Jennifer Cody

🔷The Magician’s Heart by J.P. Jackson

🔷Cleric of Desire by Amanda Meuwissen

🔷The Nephilim’s Touch by Morgan Lysand

🔷King of Hollywood by Fae Quin

🔷My Minotaur Daddy: An MM Romantasy by Laura Lascarso

🔷Across Space and Time by Kit Barrie

🔷Chariot of Souls by Morgan Mason

🔷By Rude Strength by K.L. Hiers

🔷Found in Obscurity by A. M. Rose

🔷Twisted Fates by Adam J. Ridley

🔷No Justice for the Damned by Hellie Heat

🔷The Angel’s Kiss by Nicholas Bella

🔷Death Song by B. Ripley

🔷Arcanum by Ashlyn Drewek

🔷The Devil’s Dilemma by Alex J. Adams

🔷Camelot’s Tower by Brooke Matthews

🔷A Highland Gargoyle’s Lucky Star

by Chloe Archer

🔷Trust in the Moon by Delaney Rain

🔷Raising the Sun by Eryn Hawk

🔷Zero Judgment by Kota Quinn

🔷The End of the World by Drake LaMarque

Buy link

Across Space and Time

Blurb:

A monster stalks London’s streets, but is he friend or foe?

Hugh Danbury knows there are monsters in the world; being a constable with London’s police has shown him that. When young homosexual men are found murdered, no one cares enough to investigate except Hugh, who has had to hide his own proclivities toward men in conservative Victorian society. In addition, there are sightings of an ephemeral creature people are calling Spring-Heeled Jack. Is this who has been committing these atrocities?

Upon confronting the mysterious Jack, Hugh learns that sometimes love can be found across space and time and that fate can bring two people together for a reason. But he also learns that there is one thing that can tear love apart: death. And it’s coming for him.

Across Space and Time is a standalone MM gaslamp-mystery romance novel as part of the multi-author collaboration Tales from the Tarot. This book is based on the major arcana card The Lovers.

Publication date: September 9, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 260 pages

Review: Cleric of Desire (Tales from the Tarot) by Amanda Meuwissen

Rating: 5🌈

Amanda Meuwissen is a author I find so fascinating. It’s in her approach to writing and storytelling that is so unique and intimate that makes her books stand out, as does this latest novel.

Cleric of Desire, a story in the fascinating multi-author magical Tales from the Tarot series, is one that’s very personal to Meuwissen. Don’t miss out on the author’s forward. In it the author gives the reader insight into what it means to be a demigendered person because she’s been through it.

This perspective and insight is one of the keys to understanding why Jeffrey’s gay demiboy journey feels so emotionally real. His struggles to find himself are so elusive at times because he feels that he’s seeing so much that doesn’t define him so it’s hard for him to discover himself. That raw frustration and hidden pain is relatable.

Meuwissen’s ability to bring Jeffrey and his journey vividly to life, within the parameters of an extraordinary universe that includes a sucubus seeking love/freedom as well as a historical area and LGBTQIA community finding unity? Just amazing.

This series is unique in that those fabulous covers are part of the story and are also a Tarot card that’s part of a deck.

The characters here are beautifully crafted, they exist within an exquisitely built location of historical significance and events, and the storylines weave together with a sense of wonder and mystery that compels the reader forward.

Highly recommended on every aspect.

I’d have a wall simply of these covers. Outstanding.

Cover art: Fae Quin

Cover design: Amanda Meuwissen

Tales from the Tarot- 22 books

🔷 Where Fools Have Tread by Jennifer Cody

🔷The Magician’s Heart by J.P. Jackson

🔷Cleric of Desire by Amanda Meuwissen

🔷The Nephilim’s Touch by Morgan Lysand

🔷King of Hollywood by Fae Quin

🔷My Minotaur Daddy: An MM Romantasy by Laura Lascarso

🔷Across Space and Time by Kit Barrie

🔷Chariot of Souls by Morgan Mason

🔷By Rude Strength by K.L. Hiers

🔷Found in Obscurity by A. M. Rose

🔷Twisted Fates by Adam J. Ridley

🔷No Justice for the Damned by Hellie Heat

🔷The Angel’s Kiss by Nicholas Bella

🔷Death Song by B. Ripley

🔷Arcanum by Ashlyn Drewek

🔷The Devil’s Dilemma by Alex J. Adams

🔷Camelot’s Tower by Brooke Matthews

🔷A Highland Gargoyle’s Lucky Star

by Chloe Archer

🔷Trust in the Moon by Delaney Rain

🔷Raising the Sun by Eryn Hawk

🔷Zero Judgment by Kota Quinn

🔷The End of the World by Drake LaMarque

Buy link

Cleric of Desire (Tales from the Tarot)

Blurb

Giving tours of the city’s brothel underground while dressed as historical icon, Mad Madame Mattie, is the only time Jeffrey feels close to being in his right skin. It still isn’t his true self—he isn’t sure he knows who that is—but when dwindling sales and expanding gentrification threaten to take his safety net and sanctuary away from him, he will do anything to keep it.

Including making a pact with the incubus he finds chained in the tunnels.

Odai has served many masters and mistresses over the centuries, including Madame Mattie, but never before has one captured his attention so fully or given him hope that maybe, finally, he might have found the one who can free him from his torment. Every wish he grants only grows his desire to grant more and to nourish himself on the desires of the flesh that Jeffrey offers him.

He can only hope that Jeffrey will ask the right questions quickly enough to save himself from the doom that has befallen all masters before him.

Cleric of Desire is a standalone MM romance novel as part of the multi-author collaboration Tales from the Tarot. This book is based on the major arcana card The High Priest(ess).

Publisher: Amanda Meuwissen Books (August 26, 2024)
Publication date: August 26, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 295 pages

Review: Frost or The Bite (Elementally Yours Book 1) by FN Manning

Review: 4.5🌈

F N Manning has quickly become a must read author for me, so I was interested in seeing what this paranormal romance story would hold. It’s the first book in a new series, and it’s got so many of the great qualities that make this author’s work a must for me.

Manning’s characters are relatable, whether they be mages or werewolf, they have depth in the inner struggles they must face and overcome. Personal issues of self determination and self doubt translate well here with both of the main characters.

Manning works within the framework of the story to build a sympathetic narrative so we can make that clear emotional connection with both wizard Jack Blanchard and werewolf Ewan Oakley. They meet, make recognizable frustrating errors of judgment and inner turmoil, then slowly work their way through their own battles to be able to win out together in the end.

There’s some really lovely stuff here. Jack’s parents (no spoilers), a magical thread about choosing a brand and element that I so love, including the idea that the elements are pushing their own agenda.

I did wish we’d gotten more of the Oakley pack and I feel that ending is only loosely resolved because we will see more of that character.

I found I was very enthusiastic about Frost or The Bite (Elementally Yours Book 1) by FN Manning and am looking forward to the next in the series.

Elementally Yours:

Frost or The Bite #1

Strikes Twice #2

Bold As Brass #3 – October 13,2024

Buy link

The Frost or The Bite: M/M Paranormal Romance (Elementally Yours Book 1)

Blurb

Fate brought them together but will frost tear them apart?

Jack Blanchard is almost a real wizard. First, he needs to choose between the potential of earth magic and centuries of icy family tradition. The decision seems impossible until wolf shifter Ewan Oakley stumbles into his garden and starts awakening all his innermost desires.

Ewan Oakley’s pack is on the brink of ruin after a series of frosty magical attacks. Spending one night relaxing with an adorably uptight wizard is the most fun he’s had in ages, but the shifter can’t ask for more, not while his pack struggles to survive.

Ewan opens Jack’s eyes to new possibilities and they create beautiful magic together. But following his heart may put a target on Jack’s back. Will Ewan and Jack’s love have a chance to blossom, or will the frost freeze them first?

The Frost or The Bite is a thrilling gay paranormal romance featuring forbidden romance, a supernatural feud, action, and steam. This is the first novel in the Elementally Yours series, and all novels in this series can be read as standalones.

Publication date: May 19, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 257 pages

Review: What the Hex (Blackhaven Manor #11) by Arden Steele

Rating: 3.5🌈

I’ve always enjoyed Arden Steele’s fated mates series, Blackhaven Manor. They are entertaining, have a fast/instant connection, fated mate romance with a neat twist or two found within the story. The location, Blackhaven Manor, is a safe haven location destination for otherworldly beings run by dragon siblings.

I have my definite favorites here so it’s nice that the author often brings characters/couples back from the previous stories to share in the new couples romance. Which absolutely happens here.

What the Hex as a whole has some wonderful elements and has some things that are problematic. The beginning , that utter rushed mated matchup, left both the reader and the mates, especially one, with no connection to each other, no time for anyone to learn much about the other characters. Just boom and done. Without us even being sure we liked the actor.

It actually takes a crisis, a visit to a family, and a couple of hilarious scenes later in the story where the couple acquire their own depths of personality, growth in character, and honestly, a bit of chemistry, that it feels believable. But much has passed in the narrative to get to that point.

Storm Black (actor) and Kingston Mathers (human) are the fated pair. King has several issues that include self consciousness about his body image, dysfunctional parenting, and basic insecurities. However, these get treated both ways here . Hes a good character, where the author has built a foundation for his underlying issues. But solves them too easily.

I get part of that is the book length but mate bond shouldn’t be a panacea for deep development problems.

The romance between them does become cute as they become more familiar with each other. I liked this aspect of the book.

But the one thing at the end about the semi-villain (nice twist) is odd. Either Steele is going to include him in the next book or this just doesn’t make sense. If there’s no future plans for him, then the way this is handled is plain annoying.

So I’ll wait for the next book to come out and see who the main characters are.

Check out the full list below.

Blackhaven Manor:

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
Pain in the Ice #8
Walking a Tight Rope #9
Royally Flocked #10
What The Hex? #11

Sequel/adjacent series:

Hunter’s Hollow:

Angels and Anarchy #1
Beauty and Bad Blood #2

Buy link

What the Hex (Blackhaven Manor Book 11)

Blurb

Driven and ambitious are not words anyone would use to describe Kingston Mathers, but he’s content with his lot in life. So, of course, fate throws him a curve ball that threatens to wreak havoc on his carefully constructed neutrality. Because there’s no way in heaven or hell that someone like him should end up mated to an internationally beloved actor with legions of adoring fans.

Fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Storm Black can attest to that. Even after years of monitoring his every word, action, and even his facial expressions, the lifestyle doesn’t come naturally. Frankly, he’s still not entirely sure how he stumbled into the limelight in the first place. When his latest role leads him right into the arms of his destiny, however, he’s never been more grateful for the detour.

But strange things are happening at Blackhaven Manor. When Storm suddenly forgets everything about who he is, it’s up to King to find the answers. He just hopes that when the hex is finally lifted, his mate’s newfound obsession with him doesn’t disappear with it.

Publisher: PECCAVI PRESS (August 29, 2024)
Publication date: August 29, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 150 pages

Review: How to Flirt with a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls #1) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4.5🌈

Shannon Mae’s latest book is the first in a new paranormal series, Hellhounds of Paradise Falls, a universe where many of her other characters and series are located in.

I love crossover series when I’m heavily invested in the universe and characters I’ve been following already, so it’s so much fun to see a new group arrive to get their fated mates and HEA. In this case a pack of Hellhounds, starting with Dexter, who’s just fabulous in a bunch of weirdly supernatural and supportive ways.

Dexter’s has a pack of brother hellhounds which are all introduced as well here into How to Flirt with a Hellhound. This is the romance of human author Toby and Dex, the Hellhound who lives next door to him in Paradise Falls.

We get a recap of all the many wonderful elements and otherworldly couples that live in Paradise Falls, why it’s so special. And the fun that begins with Toby speculating on his hot new neighbor as he writes his paranormal novel.

It’s funny, and a great way to bring the characters together. Who are engaging, have amazing chemistry, and are simply a couple we can invest in.

Dex is at times just unaffected with his outlook and straight on personality. The author must have had such fun creating Dex, and his dialogue!

As Dex comes with his intriguing four brother hellhounds so does Toby come with his own group of equally complex friends who I expect will factor into this series. That’s including the new people who are rescued from events that occurred during this story.

Hellhounds of Paradise Falls:

How to Flirt with a Hellhound #1
How to Hack a Hellhound #2 – January 2,2025

Buy link

How to Flirt with a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls Book 1)

Blurb

Toby

Maybe I have an overactive imagination, but the hot guy next door totally gives off serial killer vibes. Why else would he know how long it takes to bleed out from a wound? Yeah, ok, so I asked, but it was research. Being an author definitely makes for some odd questions (someone had better clear my browser history when I die, that’s all I’m saying). It’s not like I’m stalking my hot neighbor or anything—there’s nothing wrong with watching him out my window. Although I might have my own stalker (and not the cute harmless kind), which is kind of terrifying. Even if he isn’t a serial killer, maybe my seriously sexy neighbor whose eyes seem to glow red (a trick of the light, I’m sure) can help me out.

Dexter

How do you tell your cute neighbor that cutting off fingers probably won’t cause a victim to bleed out? I don’t know if trying out Toby’s writing ideas is a good method of flirting, but there’s just something about him that calls to my hellhound. He’s adorable, awkward, and all kinds of clueless. He brings out my protective instincts, and I find myself wanting to please him, even if that means figuring out some of the answers to his rather bloodthirsty questions. When I find out Toby might actually be in danger, nothing will stop my hellhound from protecting him. He’s mine, even if he doesn’t know it, and I’ll tear apart anyone who even thinks of hurting him.

Tags: Socially awkward writer and serial killer(ish) hellhound fall in love; talking about dismemberment totally counts as flirting, right?; there’s death and maiming, but only of really bad people; Dex would literally burn the world down for those he cares about; Toby is adorably clueless; hellhounds have tails, and they know how to use them.

Publication date: September 2, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 237 pages

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