Review: Lighting The Darkness (Carnival of Mysteries 2) by Eden Winters

Rating: 4.5🌈

Lighting The Darkness , a novel in the second Carnival of Mysteries collection, is a sequel to Eden Winters’ marvelous supernatural science fiction thriller, Darkness.

That book wasn’t a part of this series, and that’s very complex universe is the basis for this story and that cast of characters is central to the journey of Lio and Bel here.

Lio and Bel mirror the roles somewhat of the first couple in Darkness, that of Atlanta PD Det. Morrisey James and Farren Austin, all from the dying realm Domus who came to Earth by way of inhabiting the human bodies of those in the process of dying.

Unlike the first couple, for Bel and Lio, this is a separate and highly tragic/traumatic experience. FYI for readers because it happens with Lio on the page.

Winters does an excellent job of weaving in the background information for those who haven’t read the preceding novel. But the characters from that book and the agency they work for is such a substantial part of Lighting the Darkness, I highly suggest you read it.

The author throws in some interesting twists and a great turn with respect to the origin of the world and mystery. Wonderful work.

One of my favorite aspects of the story is how Winters used the Carnival of Mysteries to not only be a central element of the story but to continue to be an emotional component that moves the story forward. Truly one of the best uses of the theme in this collection.

Lighting the Darkness is a terrific story, situated within a complex universe, beautifully plotted, full of fascinating characters and layered storylines. Don’t miss out on it or it’s connected novel, Darkness.

Beautiful covers.

Carnival of Mysteries 2 -2024

🔹Rook’s Time by Kim Fielding (sequel to Crow’s Fate-2023)

🔹The Wrong Familiar by Megan Derr✅

🔹The Villain Who Wasn’t by Liv Rancourt

🔹Blue Lightning by BL Maxwell

🔹Magic Escaping by Kaje Harper (sequel to Magic Burning 2023)

🔹Lighting the Darkness by Eden Winters – sequel to Darkness

🔹You Can Save Me by R L Merrill-Aug 21,2024

🔹Airs Above the Ground by Rachel Langella-Sept 10,2024

🔹Go for the Climate by Ander C. Lark

🔹 Flames of the Arcane by Nicole Dennis

🔹Midnight on the Midway by Morgan Brice

🔹Dust Bowl Magic by Zam Maxfield 🔹Dragonspark by Elizabeth Silver

Buy link

Lighting the Darkness: Carnival of Mysteries

Blurb

Only Light can balance Darkness.

Lio wakes in someone else’s battered body with plenty of questions but no answers. Who is he? Who are the strangers who rescued him? Why do they call him Tenebris and Darkness? And why does everyone treat him like a feral dog about to attack?

Bel Am’I’s home world of Domus died moments after his escape, trapping him in the human realm with a clear mission. As Light, he must prevent Darkness from destroying Terra and the Domusians who’ve escaped there. Failure will doom billions to certain death, but how can he locate and balance a single, hidden being who doesn’t want to be found?

A mysterious carnival unites Lio and Bel, who must work together to uncover Lio’s true identity and stop him from accidentally annihilating the world. Yet someone doesn’t want them to succeed, someone who will stop at nothing to achieve the total destruction of both realms—even pitting Light against Darkness.

The battle for the end begins…

Lighting the Darkness is part of the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries Series and a side story to Eden Winters’ Darkness. Each book includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. This book contains characters from Darkness as well as new ones, alternate realms, a twist on soul mates, and bad guys. I mean, evil, horrible, terrible guys. Definitely the type you wouldn’t bring home to Mother. And one cookie-baking demon.

Publication date: August 14, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 295 pages

Carnival of Mysteries series. 2023 and 2024:

Crow’s Fate by Kim Fielding❤️
Step Right Up by L.A. Witt
Magic Burning by Kaje Harper ❤️
Night-blooming Hearts by Megan Derr
Go For The Company by Ander C. Lark❤️
Roustabout by Morgan Brice❤️
Assassin by Accident by E.J. Russell❤️
Dryad on Fire by Nicole Dennis ❤️
The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray by Kayleigh Sky
Smoke and Mirrors by Elizabeth Silver
You Can Do Magic by R.L. Merrill
Sting in the Tail by TA Moore
Gods and Monsters by Rachel Langella
The Black Robes of Flanders by Sara Ellis

Carnival of Mysteries 2 -2024

🔹Rook’s Time by Kim Fielding (sequel to Crow’s Fate-2023)

🔹The Wrong Familiar by Megan Derr

🔹The Villain Who Wasn’t by Liv Rancourt

🔹Blue Lightning by BL Maxwell

🔹Magic Escaping by Kaje Harper (sequel to Magic Burning 2023)

🔹Lighting the Darkness by Eden Winters – Aug 14,2024

🔹You Can Save Me by R L Merrill-Aug 21,2024

🔹Airs Above the Ground by Rachel Langella-Sept 10,2024

🔹Go for the Climate by Ander C.Lark

🔹Flames of the Arcane by Nicole Dennis

🔹Midnight on the Midway by Morgan Brice

🔹Dust Bowl Magic by Zam Maxfield 🔹Dragonspark by Elizabeth Silver

Review: Unhappy Medium (The Bisbee Batchelors’ Club Book 3) by K Sterling

Rating: 4.75🌈

I’m a big fan of author K Sterling and that includes this fascinating paranormal series, The Bisbee Bachelors’ Club. It takes place in a real, absolutely intriguing historical mining town of Bisbee, Arizona.

Definitely take the time to check into Bisbee, look at the history and pictures, as it’s a great place to go for a trip for its art, ghosts, and history. Don’t miss out on reading the author’s notes as well.

The Bisbee Bachelors’ Club, that group of well known, single men in Bisbee that meet at The Bisbee Bean Company for coffee have slowly each been getting their own stories and romances. Their lives are interwoven with each other’s as well as their stories.

It’s common for ghosts, witches, mediums, and the paranormal to play big roles in the storylines as the town is steeped with haunted houses and historical events that resonate.

This book turned out to be a favorite. The characters, Noah Kennedy, younger brother to Hal, and Kieran, a firefighter, are two souls who are bound together and meeting each other again. This is a great element but a tough one to get right and the author does. We see it happen, the spontaneous, spiritual sparking connection and how that affects both men. If you are thinking instant acceptance, you’re wrong.

So it’s an intense, revelatory dance around this soul connection that’s pulling them together, while a murder case that involves Noah is being investigated. Both threads are beautifully written and executed to pull the reader into the story and make them fully invested in every aspect of this book and these characters journey.

Old familiar characters are here to help them and support the investigation. There are new characters that are also involved that will be established further as towns citizens.

I can’t wait to get further into this series and explore more of the ghostly history and paranormal romance to come.

Highly recommend!

Great cover!

The Bisbee Bachelors’ Club :

Haunted Hearts #1
Moonlight & Madness #2
Unhappy Medium #3

Grave Expectations #4
Riddles & Rivals #5
Shadows & Reservations #6
Heart & Soulless #7
Specters & Sparks # 8

Buy link

Unhappy Medium (The Bisbee Bachelors’ Club)

Blurb

The cards don’t lie… He drew the Two of Cups and the Hierophant. Noah Kennedy might be an unwilling empath but he knows better than to doubt the deck or turn his will against fate. He’s spent his whole life running from his gift and believed he was cursed. Anyone would, after a childhood overshadowed by the afterlife. Knowing too much about the living and the dead can make life nearly impossible. Seeing his brother happily engaged leaves Noah emotionally adrift and tired of being a burden. Noah wonders if he has a purpose, other than holding his brother back and making his eye twitch. The Two of Cups. Kieran Watts is the one. He’s Noah’s soulmate and his future but the otherwise fearless firefighter runs after a meet cute in a hot dog joint reveals a shockingly intense and sensual psychic bond. Kieran has deep emotional scars and does his best to avoid Noah but can’t deny the pull he feels whenever they cross paths. And he certainly can’t resist the heat and the sparks when they touch. The Hierophant. A not-so-chance encounter with a local witch sets Noah on a path our young medium hadn’t foreseen. Or refused to see until a murderer attempts to frame Noah’s new guardian angel and teacher. Noah begrudgingly accepts that he could be a powerful witch and turns to The Bisbee Bachelors’ Club for help finding a killer and learns he’s not as much of a lost cause as he thought he was.

Publisher: Bawdy Books (March 29, 2021)
Publication date: March 29, 2021
Language: English
Print length: 143 pages

Review: SOS HOTEL: No Rest for the Wicked # 5 by Adam Vex ( Ariana Nash)

Rating: 5🌈

Secrets Are Out! Adam, Vee, and Victor are all finally on the same page! They’re all together romantically and in battle! Bad beings beware!

This maniacally wonderful world gets even crazier in a sexy, action packed, “let all the secrets fly “ story. It’s jammed full with our fav bunch of fantastic paranormal characters from the SOS hotel, a mission to save a family that ends up becoming so much more!

In the meantime, there’s explosions, debris, lots of cleaning, Adam’s secrets are out and our favorite triad comes together, finally! With a lot of snark and sexy stuff. Love this narrative so much.

No Rest for the Wicked’s absolutely

yeets the prophecy into forward motion with astonishing speed here, also with some of my favorite scenes and conversations.

The ending is so satisfying and sets up the next installment in the series, Luxury To Die For. I’m hooked so I hope this dramatic finale gets dragged out a bit longer.

If you haven’t been reading the notes that come before and after the novel itself, you’re missing out. Check out the messages and ramblings from Adam and Vee where all the credits are listed at the beginning and the texts at the end. Priceless!

Yes, this is a must read and definitely recommended series and story. But do read the trigger warnings!

SOS Hotel:

For a Supernaturally Safe Stay #1
Friendly Sanctuary for the Fiendishly Fabulous #2
Sleep with Us #3
Great Service from Top to Bottom #4
No Rest for the Wicked #5
Luxury To Die For #6 – September 30,2024

Buy link

SOS HOTEL: No Rest for the Wicked

Blurb:

The fifth book in the whacky SOS HOTEL series…

Closed for gremlin extermination…

Warning: SOS Hotel contains explicit language, situations, and content that some readers may find uncomfortable. And gremlins.

Publisher: Crazy Ace Publishing (August 9, 2024)
Publication date: August 9, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 214 pages

Review: What Could Go Wrong? (A Subpar Superhero story) By Toshi Drake

Rating: 3.25🌈

What Could Go Wrong? By Toshi Drake is another in the multi-author series about a group of people labeled subpar superheroes who work for the secret agency SPAM.

Most of them have abilities that are considered less essential or powerful to society or the agency, hence the label.

In Drake’s book, What Could Go Wrong?, the best elements of this story are the two main characters and their new developing relationship. It starts with Ezra, an awkward records clerk for SPAM. Enthusiastic about his unseen employer, April, naive about exactly SPAM does, and sort of unaware about his own weird powers, Ezra’s attempts to prove himself to himself and his boss powers the events.

And it’s how he accidentally but not really meets Chauncey “Chaz” Adams, retired subpar agent with a weird power of his own.

It’s a case of goofy, enthusiastic , out of his depth employee meets grumpy, bitter retired agent, they have a instant attraction, get ensnared in a muddled investigation involving Big Foot, that further develops into just a narrative plot line quagmire.

What does work here is the dynamic between Ezra and Chaz. It’s built slowly as they get to know each other under adverse conditions, further adjusting to each other’s expectations and differences in sexualities. It’s developed around respect and mutual understanding. They treat each other as responsible adults and with support for each other’s issues, whatever they feel they might be.

It’s a lovely romance and Ezra and Chaz make the story entertaining and sweet.

But the investigation and case they fall into is a narrative bungle. It makes little sense, it’s choppy in execution, and its overall plot is muddled. Even their powers aren’t clearly defined.

So read this if you’re a fan of the author, the series, and for the relationship, which is lovely.

Subpar Heroes series- 15 books:

🔷The Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt

🔷Behind the 8-Ball by A. E. Wasp

🔷Transparent Is a Color by Kaje Harper❤️

🔷Impossible Things by Alexa Land

🔷My Not-So-Super Blind Date by Allison Temple ❤️❤️

🔷An Ex-Hero’s Guide to Axe Handling by Jenn Burke ❤️❤️

🔷In The Nick of Time by Elle Keaton

🔷Static/Cling by Jaimie Samms

🔷Spiritual Guidance Not Required by Jacy Braegan 8/1/2024

🔷What Could Go Wrong? By Toshi Drake

🔷License to Chill by Chantal Mer 8/8/2024

🔷Code Name Dolittle by Lynn Michaels. 8/22/2024

🔷Signed, I’m Yours! By Rhys Lawless 8/29/2024

🔷A Taste of Danger by Morgan Brice. 9/5/2024

Buy link:

What Could Go Wrong?

Blurb

All Ezra has to do is deliver a message to retired clean-up agent, Chauncey Adams, and he’ll become the go-to person for SPAM’s Canadian office. Drive to Chauncey’s, hand off the papers. That’s the mission.

What could go wrong?

Everything. Everything could go wrong. A random phone call, unexpected magic words and a grumpy retired agent are just the beginning. The end? Finding Bigfoot on the Bruce Peninsula.

Between dead bodies popping up and being kidnapped by incompetent bad guys, Ezra and Chaz have to solve the mystery of what happened before they get stomped out for good. These secret agents are more laughable than lethal, but they’ll have to rely on each other–and the growing spark between them–if they want to survive.

What Could Go Wrong? is a part of the multi-author Subparheroes MM romance series.

Publication date: August 6, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 194 pages

Review: Humility (Damned Connections Book 4) by Lark Taylor

Rating: 4.5🌈

Humility is the finale book to Lark Taylor’s Connections series and it’s definitely worth the tissues needed to read it.

While on the surface, it’s about two commitment phobic best friends finally understanding each is the others HEA, the underlying issues, a heart wrenching event, and the backstories are the reasons that will have you reaching almost nonstop for the tissue box.

Riley, human with a history of a human stalker and dysfunctional parenting, is a series staple as he’s a best friend of Matty (Justice #2). Danny, wolf shifter firefighter, is a wounded soul with a broken history that’s revealed in this book. He too has had many scenes throughout the series as a best friend/ co firefighter with Leo (Patience #1). So we’ve been given glimpses of both characters in the preceding novels as they helped their friends through to resolving their problems and getting their mates.

With Riley and Danny , they meet, immediately click before having intense sex. Best ever. But because of various factors, each has resolved to stay commitment free. So it’s buddy only.

Until it’s not.

Taylor skillfully leads the characters through a heart wrenching and life changing event. The aftermath of which forces revelations of the past, old wounds come to light, and they journey back to Scotland where it all began for Danny , in his pack.

Lark creates a number of new and interesting characters to inhabit this new location in Scotland, and perhaps, one that will travel back to England to meet the rest of the paranormal group that resides there. Logan is an amazing shifter.

This ends one series but launches two more. One about the Seraphim and one about the wolf shifter we met in the book.

There was an absolutely wonderful epilogue that I hope gets a follow up in some way to let us see what happened next. With everyone.

Put this series on your list, including the finale. But read them in the order they are written.

Reckless Damn Series – first series

Devil’s Mark #1
Devil May Care #2
Deal with the Devil #3
Luck of the Devil #4

Damned Connections – sequel

Patience #1
Justice #2
Temperance #3
Humility #4 – finale

Hopeless Blessed – Seraphim sequel series

Conflicted #1 -Sept 5,2024

The Wild Edges (wolf shifters sequel series)

Finlay #1 – July 10, 2025

Buy link

Humility (Damned Connections Book 4)

Blurb:

Two commitment-phobes. One ridiculous plan. A decision that changes everything…

Riley

If a no-strings hookup is required, then I’m the perfect guy.

When I meet Danny, I can’t believe my luck. A sexy wolf shifter who’s also a fireman? Who runs from relationships just as fast as I do? Sign me up.

The night that follows is one for the history books, and the best part? Neither of us is looking for a repeat.

That doesn’t mean we don’t see each other again. Without even realising it, we become friends. Friends who do everything together.

Everything with Danny is perfect, but when I start to yearn for more from my hookups, I know something needs to change.

So I come up with a plan. A genius plan. I sign up for an app that arranges anonymous encounters. No names. No faces shown.

No danger of pesky feelings getting involved.

What could possibly go wrong?

Danny

Unlike Riley, my desire to avoid a relationship has nothing to do with commitment issues.

Taking a mate would mean returning to the clan who betrayed me. I’d have to leave behind this life I’ve built, a life I’m very happy with. One where Riley occupies most of my free time.

Everything is going swimmingly until Riley tells me his plan. His genius plan, he calls it. He can’t see it for what it is—an idiotic idea that’ll land him in danger.

I can’t let him go through with it. My wolf won’t allow it. Problem is, Riley’s as stubborn as they come. Once he’s decided on something, there’s no changing his mind.

Not wanting him in danger, I realise there’s only one thing I can do. One thing that’ll keep Riley happy while also keeping him safe.

I can be his anonymous hookup.

It’s idiot-proof. At least, it would be, if I wasn’t an idiot.

Turns out Riley isn’t the only one who should be scared of hooking up and realising you want more.

Humility is the thrilling fourth instalment in the Damned Connections series and can be read as a standalone. Featuring a wolf shifter x human pairing, this spicy MM PNR romance will make you laugh and cry. Each book follows a different couple with a guaranteed HEA.

Publisher: Lark Taylor (July 31, 2024)
Publication date: July 31, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 408 pages

Review: Cats Never Fly (Willow Lake Supernaturals Book 4) by Lori Ames

Rating: 4.5🌈

“Where there is magic, anything is possible!

They’d always suspected there might be something special about Willow Lake, and now there isn’t just magic in the air, but love too!

If only all the jerks in the world would leave them alone, everything would be perfect… “

Cats Never Fly is the fourth book in Lori Ames Willow Lake Supernatural series, where fated mates find each other, but not before they’re involved in the series (and town’s) ongoing conflicts, mysteries, and magical criminal investigations.

I never know who Ames is focusing on next at the end of the last book. All threads lead to a certain individual but that doesn’t seem to be the one who “spoke” to her. So it’s Simon, the cat shifter who made minor appearances that’s getting his story and fated mate here.

Honestly it turns out to be a wonderful choice and a great story in terms of character development, new intriguing elements introduced, and a overall expansion of the series thread and arc mystery.

Simon is a particularly interesting being. When Simon showed up in other books, he wasn’t an appealing figure. A timid creature who looked out for himself. Here where we can hear his voice, its different. Simon’s actions are now hard to determine if he’s being overly cautious, truly fearful, or if something undefined is actually determining the course of his activities. He doesn’t seem cowardly, but his personality maybe stem from ingrained patterns of his family’s beliefs, ones that drive him away from the direction he often knows or feels is the right one to take. It’s frustrating at the beginning but deeply satisfying to be invested in as Simon grows and strengthens as a person and part of a relationship.

Simon is the strongest character here and makes the greatest strides in development. Dragon Ogden Walsh, a singing, passionate, albeit ancient , fated mate is a fascinating character but has less of an emotional journey here. I wished we had more of him with regard to his abilities and personal experiences, especially given the trauma he has to go through. Ames does a really great twist in making Simon, a cat shifter, the physically larger of the two people in human form, while Ogden, the ancient powerful dragon, is the smaller, colorfully dressed man. Yet shifted, it’s the opposite that’s true. That dichotomy impacts their dynamic in interesting ways throughout their relationship and their storyline.

The ongoing supernatural trafficking investigation and storyline introduces several new elements and characters in Cats Never Fly while expanding further into the series arc and villainy. It potentially opens up a new dimension and pairing who I hoped would come next.

Unfortunately, per the author’s note, yet another one has spoken out first. Hayden, the would be Alpha looks to be next.

Either way, I’ll be there to grab up the book. I’m absolutely invested in Willow Lake, its inhabitants, the magic and its fated mates storylines.

Add this to your TBR list! It’s a winner!

Willow Lake Supernaturals :

Hellhounds Never Lie #1

Wolves Always Bite #2

Oracles Always Win #3

Cats Never Fly #4

Buy link

Cats Never Fly (Willow Lake Supernaturals Book 4)

Blurb:

Protect his nine lives. Check. Find a pretty treasure. Check. Summon a dragon. Ch– Wait, what?

Cat shifter Simon refuses to jeopardize any of his nine lives, thank you very much. That saying “curiosity killed the cat” won’t ever apply to him. No way, no how.

Except…

When he’s out hunting for field mice one night, he finds the most wonderful whistle. It’s magical and intriguing and so very, very pretty. He knows he should return it, but what’s the worst that could happen if he blew on it first? Just once.

Months later, he finally has the courage to do just that, and when he does, the craziest thing happens. He summons a dragon, of all things.

Now what is he supposed to do? Particularly when Simon would rather keep the gorgeous dragon shifter than send him back to where he came from…

Tags: MM Fated Mates Paranormal Romance, a scaredy cat who needs to find his inner lion, a flirtatious dragon, more caged supes, gray sweatpants, shiny magical whistles do amazing things, cats don’t fly, having nine lives is the best, are ‘50s songs better than ‘80s songs?

Note: This book will be best enjoyed if you’ve read the first books in the series.

Willow Lake Supernaturals Series

Book 1: Hellhounds Never Lie (Ash and Dillon)

Book 2: Wolves Always Bite (Jeremy and Adrian)

Book 3: Oracles Always Win (Jake and Gage)

Book 4: Cats Never Fly (Simon and Ogden)

• Publication date: August 1, 2024

• Language: English

• File size: 2435 KB

• Print length: 384 pages

Review: The Turning of the Tables (Beyond the Veil Book 7) by KM Avery

Rating: 5🌈

The Turning of the Tables by KM Avery begins Seth Mays connecting trilogy of the Beyond the Veil series, a journey that’s got a perspective on the Arcanavirus we’ve not seen before.

KM Avery ‘s Beyond the Veil universe is a dark, highly complex world. It’s steeped in harsh human fears against those who are different, a divergence that has resulted from the Arcanavirus that’s wiped out a portion of the world’s population, the remaining population that has been exposed and is affected can change in otherworldly ways. Maybe they can hear the dead or maybe they’re a vampire.

In its wake , the world and society roils with bigotry, specism, racism, an increasingly amount of hatred based acts, as well as inflammatory politics that seem so dangerous and familiar these days. Read the author’s Notes on the universe information and trigger warnings before the book begins.

More so than any other books, except for Ward’s, Seth’s story , his beginning, has really moved me. Avery manages to so realistically, and with devastating exquisite clarity, covey a portrait of this gentle, sweet man coming physically, mentally, and emotionally apart in every aspect of his life. Just when he thought he had reached a good and satisfying point about his career, friends and family.

The pain is so intense as Avery does a deep emotional dive into the internal life of Seth Mays . Its from Seth’s point of view that we see his life , the events, the unthinkable aftermath, alongside a complicated, horrifying investigation, and the introduction of Elliot Crane, badger shifter, best friend of Hart, into Seth’s world.

Elliot arrives to craft a summoning table for Ward and an intense relationship is struck up between Seth and Elliot. One that is notably temporary due to their differences in locations and current circumstances, but that’s not how this works.

We know Elliot from Val’s books but we get a deeper understanding of him here even without reading his POV. Avery gives the reader a perfect window into this character, an insight into how the relationship between them is effectively changing him too. And it’s done, part way, through a series of texts. Some sent casually, others during the worst moments of Seth’s life.

The Turning of the Tables (Beyond the Veil Book 7) by KM Avery brilliantly follows Seth as through a journey so moving and engaging that often times, I found myself having to pause in my reading because I was so wrapped up in Seth’s story that I needed a moment to reflect.

Here a life is changed so profoundly it’s shattering, both for the character and for the reader.

The ending? Exactly what it should be. Hopeful. And now I’m exhausted but ready for the next book and step forward for Seth . That’s The Badger in his Burrow, no release date yet.

If you haven’t read this series yet, start reading it. It’s a must read in its entirety. Read them in order to understand the characters, their stories and relationships, the evolution of this world in terms of politics and magic. It’s complex, highly addictive, ingenious, and often dark as well as beautifully written.

And one I highly recommend. Always.

Series couples to date (not standalone):

Ward’s story (1-3):

The Ghost in the Hall

The Boy in the Locked Room

The Skeleton Under the Stairs.

Hart’s story (4-6):

The Dog in the Alley

The Bones in the Yard

The Elf Beside Himself

Seth’s story (7-9):

The Turning of the Tables

The Badger in his Burrow (coming 2024/ 5)

The Past in the Present (coming 2025)

Rayn’s Story (10 +) (coming 2025-2026)

Buy Link

The Turning of the Tables (Beyond the Veil Book 7)

Blurb:

I try to be an easygoing kind of guy, but sometimes things happen that really throw you for a loop. It turns out that meeting a certain badger shifter is one of those things.

I’d agreed to pick him up at the airport to help out a friend, and I had no idea what I’d gotten myself into. I figured I’d pick him up, drop him off at his hotel, and that would be that. Instead, I can’t stop thinking about him—and it doesn’t help that he keeps texting me, asking for my help.

The other problem is… he lives a thousand miles away and is only going to be here for a few weeks. Except that it hasn’t taken long for me to fall hard for those hazel eyes and white-streaked hair. To say nothing of the callouses on those strong hands.

I should be paying attention to work—to the killer using the Arcanavirus as a murder weapon—but I keep getting distracted by thoughts of Elliot Crane. Hopefully that doesn’t come back to bite me in the butt.

Who am I kidding? Everything comes back to bite me in the butt. And not in a fun kind of way, either.

A MM Shifter Romance.

Part one in Seth’s story.

• Publisher: (July 31, 2024)

• Publication date: July 31, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 398 pages

Seth’s story (7-9):

The Turning of the Tables

The Badger in his Burrow (coming 2024/ 5)

The Past in the Present (coming 2025)

Rayn’s Story (10 +) (coming 2025-2026)”

Review: Deadly Lineage: Necromancer Tales Book I by MJ May

Rating: 5🌈

I’ve been desperately waiting for this book since Erasmus Boone , the Necromancer, and Aurelia, the djinn made their first appearances in the fabulous Perfectly Pixie series. Now, tied by past events , and magical connections, Erasmus and Aurelia have their own unique series, along with Erasmus’ human mate/romantic partner, Detective Franklin O’Hare.

Deadly Lineage is a superb introduction to Erasmus and Aurelia if you’re not already familiar with them from the previous series. May beautifully develops the storyline around Boone’s family, Boone’s neighbors and location, the necromancer history, and gives us new well defined characters in terms of the local MS police force where Detective Franklin O’Hare works and the investigations that come into play.

Boone’s complicated family just happens to include Nikodemus Holland , the feared, powerful warlock, father to Erasmus and his mother, Lydia Boone. May’s characterizations are well developed, vividly described and layered with personality. It’s doesn’t matter whether they’re human or paranormal, they’re believable in their love and concern for their son.

The Mississippi location is steeped in Southern sweet tea, wrap around porches with light blue ceilings, fans constantly swirling amidst the summer sweltering heat. The paranormal crimes committed are horrifying. The intense murder investigations are suspense filled and terrifying, and the romance between Erasmus and Franklin slowly burning.

Aurelia is an absolute gem of a character. A djinn who doesn’t act or even speak as anything other than what she is, an immensely powerful being, ones who has lived through the worst of origin stories and centuries of ownership. Each appearance sees more unexpected moments with her. More development, more revelations.

There’s so many great elements in this story. Whether it’s the side cases that Erasmus takes, his incredible neighbor, Mrs. Hart, and her tiny dog, Miss Pattycakes, each are a narrative treasure.

I was ready for book two as soon as this one was over. I love the universe, the characters and crossovers with the Pixies, and everything new May is creating here for Erasmus, Franklin as well as Aurelia.

This is a must read, as it the series before it. Highly recommended!

Another excellent cover design by cheriefox

Related/Preceding Series:

Perfect Pixie Series

🔹Perfectly Imperfect Pixie

🔹Perfectly Perfect Pixie: Peaches’s Story

🔹Perfectly Charmed Pixie: Parsnip’s Story

🔹Perfectly Perplexing Zombie: Wendall’s Story

🔹Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie: Phlox’s Story—End

Necromancer Tales:

Deadly Lineage #1

Buy Link:

Deadly Lineage: Necromancer Tales Book I

Blurb

Shunned by most species and abandoned by their warlock fathers, necromancers are marginalized, feared, and reclusive. Erasmus Boone is different. His warlock father chose love instead of abandonment. Unusually powerful and talented, Boone’s embraced his necromantic abilities and managed to carve out an existence within a world that would rather he not exist at all.

Humans aren’t the most respected species. Hell, they’re just a step above termites in the eyes of most. Detective Franklin O’Hare has never taken derision towards his humanity to heart. Determined to do the best given his human limitations, Detective O’Hare does whatever it takes to right the wrongs of the world—no matter the species concerned—even if that means working with a necromancer. Besides, Erasmus Boone isn’t so bad. In fact, he’s temptingly perfect.

Seeking solace after a difficult case, Boone walks the typically peaceful gravesites of Trinity’s Holy Cross Cemetery. The gentle hum of contented, long-dead souls ease Boone’s mind—until he’s hit with an unearthly cry unlike any he’s heard before. Unfortunately, that first soulful cry isn’t Boone’s last, each wail revealing a disconcerting pattern. There’s a serial killer in the wind, and their murders are resulting in souls with painful, missing pieces, leaving their voices incoherent and

indecipherable.

Boone and O’Hare must work closely together if they’re going to stop the killings. O’Hare learns quickly that keeping Boone safe from disgruntled clients and serial killers is a never-ending and nearly impossible task.

As O’Hare and Boone grow closer, so does the killer. They need to figure out who’s indiscriminately murdering seemingly unrelated species, and why the victims’ souls are devastated beyond repair, before Boone becomes another victim on the ominous list.

Deadly Lineage is the first book in the Necromancer Tales series. This series is a spin-off of the Perfect Pixie series and takes place in the same world but can be read as a stand-alone. Deadly Lineage is a M/M romantic fantasy mystery with an unusually sane necromancer just trying to make a living, a humble human detective attempting to ignore his attraction to the aforementioned necromancer, an arrogant but redeemably overprotective warlock father, a twisted serial killer, a questionably agreeable all-powerful djinn, damaged souls, humans-some redeemable and some not, a steamy Mississippi summer, and far too much sweet tea. Deadly Lineage has a HFN ending.

Mentions of violence, murder, souls bruoght back from the beyond, speciest bigotry, and a few characters of questionable morals and sanity.

• Publication date: July 18, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 359 pages

Review: Static/Cling (Subpar Heroes story) by Jaime Samms

Rating: 4🌈

Static/Cling by Jaime Samms is another in the Subpar Heroes multi-author series about a group of people who have specific abilities that have been deemed just not “super” enough for high level status. They’re subpar heroes or heroes whose abilities are diminished in some respects.

Samms story involves a group of characters, first a pair of friends/lovers that eventually ends up as a triad when they find the third that completes them. Along the way, a team of like minded and powered characters is formed, there’s a scary mission to undertake, and an evil villain to be foiled.

Static/Cling has terrific characters, interesting storylines, and the potential for additional novels, packed as it is with loose ends and underdeveloped plot lines and character elements.

I really enjoyed it.

Characters like Bjorn Bielke, “electricity runs through my body” and Leif, his best friend/lover and personal current discharge unit, who end up working for SPAM (the superhero agency) where all the rest of their future team is working, are great in their respective roles. Also fascinating, if not equally well developed, is Kassian, IT SPAM specialist, but he’s more. What exactly is not delved into.

The developing Bjorn/Leif/Kassian romance is interesting in how the author pulls it off and it makes sense for all the people involved. This could have taken up more of the plot, especially since Leif and Kassian each need more narrative development than is given towards the end.

Sal, Robert (two more intriguing members of this found family) as well as actual family members, contribute to a action packed, emotionally driven story.

Only the fact that Samms had left unexplored or unresolved some major plot lines at the end of the story did I feel unsatisfied with the finish and HFN given to the characters.

Perhaps, like other writers, Samms intends to revisit this universe. At any rate, if you are enjoying the series and are a fan of the author, I recommend reading Static/Cling (Subpar Heroes story) by Jaime Samms. It’s very entertaining.

Subpar Heroes series- 15 books:

🔷The Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt

🔷Behind the 8-Ball by A. E. Wasp

🔷Transparent Is a Color by Kaje Harper❤️

🔷Impossible Things by Alexa Land

🔷My Not-So-Super Blind Date by Allison Temple ❤️❤️

🔷An Ex-Hero’s Guide to Axe Handling by Jenn Burke ❤️❤️

🔷In The Nick of Time by Elle Keaton

🔷Static/Cling by Jaimie Samms

🔷Spiritual Guidance Not Required by Jacy Braegan 8/1/2024

🔷What Could Go Wrong? By Toshi Drake 8/6/2024

🔷License to Chill by Chantal Mer 8/8/2024

🔷Code Name Dolittle by Lynn Michaels. 8/22/2024

🔷Signed, I’m Yours! By Rhys Lawless 8/29/2024

🔷A Taste of Danger by Morgan Brice. 9/5/2024

Buy links:

Static/Cling

Blurb:

Best friends Bjorn and Leif help each other out. Whether it’s blowing off some steam in bed (as friends do), or helping each other find a new job, they’ve always been there for eachother. So when Leif points out an ad for a janitor team at SPAM it’s a perfect fit.

Bjorn will be able to work where his strange ability to gather static electricity won’t be a problem, and Leif will still be by his side to make sure nothing bad happens.

Turns out, Bjorn should have read the fine print.

Working at SPAM is like no other job they’ve ever had, and then there is Kassian. Tacitern. Unfriendly. Half computer geek, half muscle-head, he’s way more appealing than he has any right to be, and maybe the spark between them they’ve often looked for but never found.

But Kassian the computer geek is clear. He doesn’t need any more friends, and he doesn’t need a lover, never mind two. Kassian the muscle head has a different take on the idea.

When they have to track down a missing computer file and stop a madman from ruining the lives of everyone at SPAM, it’ll take the whole team, a multi-layered plan, and no small amount of luck to succeed.

It will also take the three of them combining their skills to stay alive and save, not just the day, but each other.

Static/Cling is a part of the multi-author Subpar Superheroes MM romance series.

• Publisher: Jaime Samms (July 30, 2024)

• Publication date: July 30, 2024

• Language: English

• File size: 3301 KB

• Print length: 237 pages

Review: The Villain Who Wasn’t (Carnival of Mysteries 2) by Liv Rancourt

Rating: 3🌈

The Villain Who Wasn’t by Liv Rancourt was such a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed much of the story and characters, including how Rancourt wove the Carnival of Mysteries into this tale, making it an important part of Micah Jenkins journey to redemption.

Micah, how his relationship with Anders Montgomery developed amid his journey to redemption and finding home, that entire storyline , is the best part about this book. It starts with the characters.

Corbin Blande aka Micah Jenkins is terrific, a wounded being with a great back story. He’s a polymorphic being, a therianthrope, someone who could shift into any form, human or animal. A almost mythic creature who fell into the wrong hands and did terrible things to protect people he loves.

Then there’s Anders Montgomery, a beta werewolf, one of 5 children.The pack is renting the Hidden Glen Resort for a younger sister’s first shift. But it’s never that simple. Again, a great story and character set within a pack and family that cries out for further development.

Part of the main narrative includes Micah’s daughter, who because of the danger involved, doesn’t know him, and a demon that has him trapped by promises and threats. All fascinating stuff and all underdeveloped here.

The decision why is because the author decides to mash up The Carnival of Mysteries series story , and make it a sequel to her book, The Accidental Necromancer from the Subpar Heroes superhero series from a completely different universe and multi-author collection. So now SPAM and superheroes has entered the story and things go completely off the rails, narratively speaking.

Once Livcourt makes the decision to smash (not integrate) one storyline universe into another, it drastically changes tone and direction. An entirely new crew of characters, new locations and the superhero governing agency, SPAM, is the dominant force, leaving the pack and other elements pushed aside.

In fact, instead of exploring Micah’s unique natural history and having him make restitution for his actions in other ways, Livcourt brings in SPAM, takes over the story, hobbling the previous narrative, and making the Subpar Heroes the universe that’s dominating this book.

If a reader isn’t familiar with these series, especially the Subpar Heroes, or a reader of this author’s books, they will find themselves lost in the muddled world that this story has become at the end. Yes, there’s a HFN and a note from Livcourt she intends to continue on with additional stories in this universe. Which one? The subpar heroes is my guess but I’m not sure.

I liked The Villain Who Wasn’t (Carnival of Mysteries 2) by Liv Rancourt because of Micah, Anders, their relationship, and the manner in which the story began. Plus the Carnival of Mysteries was an important part of their journey. But the rest of the book was a mashup that felt forced and confusing. That was mostly the second part of this book.

Read it if you’re a fan of the author.

Again, terrific covers.

Carnival of Mysteries 2 -2024

🔹Rook’s Time by Kim Fielding (sequel to Crow’s Fate-2023)

🔹The Wrong Familiar by Megan Derr✅

🔹The Villain Who Wasn’t by Liv Rancourt ** notes (sequel to other stories/series)

🔹Blue Lightning by BL Maxwell

🔹Magic Escaping by Kaje Harper (sequel to Magic Burning 2023)

🔹Lighting the Darkness by Eden Winters – Aug 14,2024

🔹You Can Save Me by R L Merrill-Aug 21,2024

🔹Airs Above the Ground by Rachel Langella-Sept 10,2024

🔹Go for the Climate by Ander C. Lark

🔹 Flames of the Arcane by Nicole Dennis

🔹Midnight on the Midway by Morgan Brice

🔹Dust Bowl Magic by Zam Maxfield 🔹Dragonspark by Elizabeth Silver

Buy link

The Villain Who Wasn’t: Carnival of Mysteries

Blurb;

Micah is not a nice guy. He can shift into anything with a pulse, a rare talent that caught a demon’s eye. Threatening Micah’s weak spot – his baby daughter – that demon gave Micah seven tasks, each one shittier than the last. It’s taken him almost five years, but now that he’s done, Micah can become a better man.

And he will, as soon as he figures out how.

Anders is a werewolf with a plan. When the time is right, he’ll take over his uncle’s contracting company and later become Alpha of the pack. He never intended to take a mate, even one as hot as Micah.

Who’s not a werewolf and might not be quite trustworthy.

A visit to a mysterious carnival shows Micah what it will take to be the kind of mate Anders deserves. Things get complicated, though, because while Micah thinks he’s done with the demon, the demon’s not done with him.

As Anders comes to terms with the Universe changing his plans, Micah struggles to be a worthy mate. Despite the growing strength of their bond, they need to send a certain demon back to hell, or they’ll never be able to build their future together.

• Publisher: Rancourt Publishing (July 24, 2024)

• Publication date: July 24, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 234 pages

Carnival of Mysteries series. 2023 and 2024:

✓ Crow’s Fate by Kim Fielding❤️

✓ Step Right Up by L.A. Witt

✓ Magic Burning by Kaje Harper ❤️

✓ Night-blooming Hearts by Megan Derr

✓ Go For The Company by Ander C. Lark❤️

✓ Roustabout by Morgan Brice❤️

✓ Assassin by Accident by E.J. Russell❤️

✓ Dryad on Fire by Nicole Dennis ❤️

✓ The Extraordinary Locket of Elijah Gray by Kayleigh Sky

✓ Smoke and Mirrors by Elizabeth Silver

✓ You Can Do Magic by R.L. Merrill

✓ Sting in the Tail by TA Moore

✓ Gods and Monsters by Rachel Langella

✓ The Black Robes of Flanders by Sara Ellis

Carnival of Mysteries 2 -2024

🔹Rook’s Time by Kim Fielding (sequel to Crow’s Fate-2023)

🔹The Wrong Familiar by Megan Derr

🔹The Villain Who Wasn’t by Liv Rancourt

🔹Blue Lightning by BL Maxwell

🔹Magic Escaping by Kaje Harper (sequel to Magic Burning 2023)

🔹Lighting the Darkness by Eden Winters – Aug 14,2024

🔹You Can Save Me by R L Merrill-Aug 21,2024

🔹Airs Above the Ground by Rachel Langella-Sept 10,2024

🔹Go for the Climate by Ander C.Lark

🔹Flames of the Arcane by Nicole Dennis

🔹Midnight on the Midway by Morgan Brice

🔹Dust Bowl Magic by Zam Maxfield 🔹Dragonspark by Elizabeth Silver

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