A Vampire Called Leander wraps up Michelle Frostās trilogy about a Paranormal Councilās arranged matings between paranormal beings and humans in order to unify their world.
Itās been a while since I read this series but it was easy to fall back into the universe and characters. At only 90 pages, Frost gets immediately into the storyline, the first meeting and mating of the two characters.
The short length doesnāt allow for much background or depth of culture, but the characters are engaging and the nature of their mating process intriguing.
Itās a fated mates without the buildup of anticipating or the recognition by one that normally occurs. Thereās an ongoing conflict by a Human only faction thatās a series element and a fabulous side character, Ammon, whoās a bodyguard of both Leander and his human mate, Merrick.
The ending sets the stage for a sequel series to come. I can only hope that one of those characters that gets a story will be Ammon.
Vampire Called Leander (Mated to a Human Book 3) by Michelle Frost is highly entertaining and I recommend it and the series. Read them in the order they are written to understand the events and characters.
Can an uptight vampire and a free-spirited human find some common ground?
Merrickās family name is one of the oldest and most influential in Solston, but maintaining an empire has never interested him. He prefers his books, the company of his cat, and to his surprise, his new prickly vampire mate.
Leander refuses to take part in the Councilās arranged matings until the most alluring scent catches his nose. Once their mating is finalized though, he finds he has no idea how to meld their two lives together.
A Vampire Called Leander is the third and final book in this fast-paced novella series where the paranormals are all deliciously protective of their humansā¦no matter what type of trouble they get into. Series is best read in order.
Itās hard to rate exactly which of Sherwoodās many series are my favorites, but The Sorcererās Grimoire is, even at two books, among those I hold dear.
Itās in the universe sheās created, so recognizable and yet not, magical, imaginative and with our histories carefully bound together. Itās in the beautifully crafted, multidimensional characters sheās created and then given such emotional histories that, as readers we canāt help but attach ourselves to them, investing in their lives and stories.
Whether itās the boys, Julian and MacMallin, and their horrific start on the streets before Adrienās rescue or Adrien himself and his abysmal family life, thereās so many backstories to these characters. The strength and wonder of this dynamic that builds between the three of them is such a heartwarming element. The boys each develop into young men with their own unique powers and interests while gaining confidence in themselves. The same goes for Adrien and his new relationship with Hugh.
Thatās Sir Hugh Quartermain, a businessman, engineer extraordinaire, and someone whoās coming to love Adrien, despite all the barriers heās raised. And in a time and land when homosexuality isnāt legal.
The tapestry on which these relationships play out is a magical trip to Brazil to a manganese mine. Thereās jungle monsters holding up the mining, killing the workers, and Hugh needs their help.
Itās everyone off to an epic adventure! The first one abroad for the boys and an old enemy and a meeting with even older friends for Adrien.
Sherwood even gives us some major drama on the home front which will lead into the next book.
I will say that I was surprised but happy to see that Adrien and Hugh were able to move forward with their relationship. I thought Sherwood was going to stretch out the romance into a really slow burn. But it makes sense given the context.
The boys are such an amazing aspect of this series. They show such growth in their personalities and interests, yet retain the same fears still that the horrors of the street instilled in them. Julian and MacMallin are truly unforgettable young men. So are their Masters, Adrien and Hugh. I need more of all four plus their dog, Darby.
Iām highly recommending this book but read the series in order to understand the universe and the relationships.
The Sorcererās Grimoire:
ā A (Non) Comprehensive Guide to Sea Serpents #1
ā Dealing With Mapinguari and Dogged Engineers #2
As Shakespeare once said, the course of true love never did run smooth.
Since parting with Adrien after their first case, Hugh Quartermain has committed himself to one fact: he wants Adrien. With the monthsā long trip to Brazil ahead of them, Hugh should have no problem confessing, right?
The problem is the universe seems determined to thwart Hugh. Between creatures terrorizing his worksite, bothersome Americans, and not having any alone time with Adrien, Hughās foiled at every turn. When Hugh does get Adrien one-on-one, his advances always hit the wall Adrien refuses to lower, but the rare flare of desire in Adrienās gaze motivates him to keep trying.
Come hell or highwater, Hugh will confess to Adrien. He just has to figure out how first. Tags:
Adventures in Brazil, commence!, magical AU, friends to lovers, healthy communication, Hughās genius saves the day, confessions in unusual locations, apprentices being awesome, Prince Henry to the rescue, and yes he quite enjoyed that, portals, fights, and shenanigans, oh my!, monsters are always in the most inconvenient locations, romantic getaway in Thailand, oh look relationship development, pesky Americans, romantic getaway, cheeky apprentices, minor home renovations as a romantic gift, Darby is best girl.
One of these days by Ofelia GrƤnd is going to surprise me and deliver a full length novel and I wonāt know what to do. Iāll be overwhelmed and overjoyed, of course, but still. Someone will have to pick me off the floor first.
Until then, Iāll settle for these short tales of whimsical romance or whatever she decides to call them. Her mind is a decidedly different and wonderful place.
Here it has created a bar on an unknown world, The Ruby Tooth, a place where all the species can have a drink and mix, but under the most rigid rules that only the doorkeepers understand.
How I love how weirdly quirky Grandās imagination is. The Ruby Tooth is divided into two bars, a good side and those that belong on the bad side. The veritas, the doorkeepers, with their intense glaze that see into the soul, say left or right, good or bad. And thatās where the beings go for their side of the bar, unable to switch for the night. The veritas give no clues or rationale for their actions, just the words. Left or Right.
Which is all the more intriguing when two widely different beings, one human (Iām assuming) and one a werewolf bounty hunter, each end up on the wrong side of the bar. Thats approximately where the authorās short story begins.
But itās full of boundless possibilities, wild elements , fanciful ideas, and great characters. Honestly, why is Ilya Lewis the only one in an Elf costume and why does that bring immediate dislike? I need to know!
And donāt get me started on his friend who ends up with two bear shifters. Nope.
But even better is the new fated mateās romance thatās a ātake it slowā road romance. What a great change of pace.
Thereās even more going on. Fast paced action, heart stopping fights, and a happy ending. All well done in 45 pages.
Sigh. I need a full length book so badly!
Read this quirky, imaginative paranormal romance and enjoy!
I highly recommend this author in all her flights of narrative fancy.
Ilya Lewis is gonna kill his best friend Vera. She not only persuaded him off his couch and into the creepiest nightclub in the city, she also didnāt show. When Ilya learns the bar is split into two halves, and heās been let into the wrong side, it doesnāt make things any better. Once the doorman determines which half to let you into, he won’t let you into the other.
Ulric Moon hates the Ruby Tooth. But as a bounty hunter, he must go where the trails lead him, and tonight itās landed him in the worst nightclub in the universe. All he wants is to catch the vampire heās hunting, but despite trying to convince the veritas doorman examining his soul that he needs to be let into the good side of the club, heās shown to the bad. As if that wasnāt enough, his destined mate somehow manages to sneak into the bad side where he doesnāt belong.Ilya finds a way to the other side of the bar, but one look at the patrons there has him regretting ever leaving his apartment. When he tries to leave, a scary-looking man who does nothing but growl follows him.
Ulric knows heās freaking Ilya out, but Ilya has inadvertently caught the interest of the vampire Ulric is hunting, and he has to protect him. How will Ulric keep Ilya safe when he doesn’t believe Ulric is a bounty hunter? And how do you tell someone theyāre your mate when they donāt believe youāre a werewolf?
āWelcome to the Vampire Guard, where legend and myth meet science and technology.ā
Code Name Jack Rabbit is a book the starts a new chapter in the lives of the couples and characters from Anne Barwell and Elizabeth Nobleās excellent paranormal series, The Sleepless City.
There, along the banks of Lake Erie in the town of Boggslake, Ohio, there was a haunted mansion called Boggās Castle. Home to a werewolf, several ancient vampires, a human, a dog, and the ghostly original owner, they solved murders, had many found family dramatic perilous moments, and found their mates.
Code Name Jack Rabbit picks up from the end of tumultuous events in Shifting Chaos. While recovered, each is dealing with the aftermath.
I enjoyed this and was somewhat sorry to see that the intriguing town and full found family is going to be left behind for the trilogy.
Two couples, Jonas Forge and Blair Turner (both vampires) and Henri de Fluer aka Declan and Lucas Coate (vampire and werewolf) are recruited by an ancient agency. And moved, along with Moose the dog, to another location.
Left behind in Boggās Castle is Simon and Ben (vampire and human). And the ghost of course. And while Nobleās storyline and the characters discussions themselves have this separation make perfect sense, they are after all extremely long lived, if not eternal species, itās not as easy for the reader who loves them as family.
So itās a major adjustment to have a new crew of people and players. They also are a foundation of their own, like those of Boggās Castle.
The mystery plays well against the type of paranormal creatures and murders they have already faced prior. And Iām sensing a link that may be forming between the series villains.
Anyway, itās shaping up to be another exciting new series and a fast paced new group of characters.
Iām definitely recommending it. And read The Sleepless City too. It a much needed foundation for this.
Itās a rec for me. It a good lead in to a terrific sequel series. Read them in the order they are written.
The Sleepless City:
ā Shades of Sepia #1 by Elizabeth Noble
ā Electric Candle #2 by Elizabeth Noble
ā Family and Reflection #3 by Anne Barwell
ā¦ Shifting Chaos #4 by Anne Barwell
Sequel Series:
The Vampire Guard by Elizabeth Noble:
The Vampire Guard:
ā Code Name Jack Rabbit #1
ā¦ Quarry #2
ā¦ Endosymbiont #3
Buy Link:
Blurb:
Vampires and werewolves live long lives. The Sleepless City saga might have ended but the story continuesā¦
Welcome to the Vampire Guard, where legend and myth meet science and technology.
Vampires make the best spies. Throw a smart-mouthed werewolf in with three vampires, mix well, and The Vampire Guard’s newest team is bound to become one of their greatest assets. Super spies with a full range of skills. Warrior, hacker, thief, and scientist. They get in, do the job, and get out before the bad guys ever know what hit them.
Forge, Blair, Declan, and Lucas are thrust into the world of high-tech spies and top-secret espionage conspiracies. Recruited into the worldās most elite and secret organization with one singular mission. Protect those who canāt defend themselves from ruin.
Together they must thwart an assassination attempt on the open waters of Lake Superior while tracking a previously unknown biological weapon controlled by the Qiguanāa weapon which may very well mean death for one of them.
Contested Crown, the second novel in The Empty Throne Trilogy, hits so many high marks. It easily overcomes the usual second book syndrome in a series, by ramping up the multiple storylines Butler has already established in the first book. The author does a great job introducing new characters whose meaning and connections to the men on the run are clouded by the new dark mysteries forming. Some of these new storylines include elements that are of a wildly magical nature while others are deeply rooted within the supernatural drug-related crime world.
It picks up right after the shocking events of Exiled Heir, with mage Cade and werewolf Miles on the run after Cade , Prince of House Bartlett, was betrayed by those closest to him m, stealing his throne and his heritage. But Miles, whose real name is Miles Castillo, is also a dethroned Prince in hiding from the very man heās on the run with.
Butlerās narrative explores this tangled relationship thatās full of potential conflict between two cruelly connected pasts , pasts with dangerous secrets . The authorās dramatic choice to make the suspenseful , angst filled , hunted run the driving force behind the story is a fantastic narrative springboard.
Emotionally, the forced intimacy, their continued dependency under these circumstances, the constant peril, and the growing affection/attachment towards each other that this trip is allowing them to feel, itās everything the reader wants and the authorās storytelling is beautifully achieving. It packs a darkly magical, sexual punch.
Butlerās writing simultaneously moves into new areas here with Cade and Miles, especially with regard to their magic, the use of tattoos, and the return of a old friend. The new creativity here giving their world more depth and diversity in its magical history as well as using it in the current criminal scene.
Thereās so many great twists and shocks here, ones to delight and horrify. This is a book once you get started itās impossible to put down.
That ending especially is a killer.
Now everything is in place for the dramatic events and tumultuous times to come in Ascendant King. That canāt be here quickly enough.
One last note, Contested Crown, as magnificent as it is, is definitely a bridge novel. It doesnāt exist without the first book . Nor the one to come. As a reader you must have read that first book, and have the knowledge to go along with it to understand and appreciate the events and stories that happen here.
Iām highly recommending you read both because both are outstanding.
I canāt give him up, even if it costs me my life…
Miles and Cade are on the run. Without money, protection, or allies they have only each other to rely on as they flee the most powerful mage house in the country. Unfortunately, the outside world is even more dangerous than the lionās den they just escaped from.
No matter how right it feels to have the mage prince relying on him, Miles knows the closer they get to each other the more dangerous it is for both of them.
A new mage house is Cadeās only chance to survive the magical war he started. With House Morrison exclusively interested in Cade, Miles will be left out in the cold. And can he stay with Cade when every moment together risks revealing Milesās deepest secret?
Justice is the second in Taylorās Damned Connections paranormal romance series, a sequel to the original Reckless Damned that featured the sons of Lucifer and their mates. This one focuses on the outlier characters from that series and their own journey to find their mates.
Vampire assassin Sebastian has lurked about the edges of many a story, snarling and sneering, while providing evidence for his deadly powers with his legendary blade Bessy. Now we get his romance as his tragic history.
Taylor has paired him , that most āmonstrous of menā , up with with a man most would consider a true innocent. Thatās Matty, whoās brother and mate got their story in the first book, Patience. Matty is that sunny, effervescent personality, a knitting sunny bundle of emotions thatās recently undergone a severely traumatic experience. One that he still has nightmares about.
Please read the trigger warnings for this story. They happened in a prior story and anything here is off page details but those sensitive to this subject matter should be aware.
Taylorās story gives us two men working through the darkness and damage that lifeās worst has dealt them. Each character has let the traumatic violence , emotional damage and the deep fear of loss/death theyāve experienced impact their lives, but in different ways.
Sebastian has cut himself off from all relationships, removing himself ,and potentially anyone he might come to care for, from repeat of the history that continues to haunt him. Mattyās life has become more circumspect, heās got protection 24/7 whether he wants it or not. Plus heās unaware of the paranormal world and beings that exist in and around him. Theyāve all kept him ignorant for his safety.
In Justiceās fast paced storyline, Clark brings everything together on a collision course. The previous plots from the Damned Connection series weaves together with the story here to bring Sebastian and Matty together.
Itās heartbreaking, tortuous, a definite hurt/comfort, but so satisfying when it all finally comes back together as the characters work through their own struggles and emotional damage to a realistic mating the reader feels fit them both as it should.
Sebastian was never going to be an easy fix but I didnāt realize how hard Clark was going to make the journey for Matty too. That balance was needed for this to be true for them both.
Now for the next novel, Temperance. I canāt wait.
Blood. Torture. Murder. Theyāve been my only companions for centuries. I havenāt needed or wanted anything else.
Until I see Matty smile. Then something in me, something thatās been dormant for centuries, begins to reawaken.
Matty doesnāt belong in my world. Heās loving, innocent, and full of joy. The darkness of my life would corrupt him in a heartbeat, but when heās dragged into it against his will, nothing can stop me delivering my personal brand of justice.
Matty keeps fighting for things I canāt give him, for things Iām no longer capable of. I canāt come between him and his family. I canāt give him what he needs.
But I also canāt stay away from him.
Matty
Iām surrounded by couples in love.
Once, I thought thatād be me. That Iād be swept off my feet and experience the kind of epic love you only see in movies.
Now, I know better.
A horrific night taught me to look for other things in a partner. Someone whoās predictable. Safe. Stable.
Sebastian is anything but.
Everyone tells me to stay away from him, but I donāt understand their concerns. How can he be a villain when all heās shown me is kindness?
He makes me want things I thought Iād given up on. Things Iām too scared to admit I still want.
The trouble is, I canāt figure out what Sebastian wants. He tells me he canāt say no to me, but he wonāt open up. He says to stay away from him, but he keeps coming around.
One thing is for sure, Sebastian is who I want in my future.
But how can I keep fighting for us if Iām the only one doing it?
Justice is a MM PNR romance about a grumpy vampire assassin and the sunshine human he canāt stay away from. The second in the Damned Connections series, each book will follow a different couple as they find their HEA. Although better read in order, these books can stand alone.
The Mobster’s Mate by Kiki Clark is a terrific paranormal romance. I enjoyed it immensely. Anyone whoās a fan of shifters/mate romances will enjoy the story but thereās a slight caveat.
This book takes place within Clarkās Kincaid Pack universe. Itās helpful to have an understanding of the events and characters from that series as it impacts heavily upon the storyline and couple here. Important Kincaid Pack members are also a part of this story, although Clark does a good job of explaining who they are and how they figure into the plot.
Getting all that out of the way, this book is launched is a great way. With a dramatic scenario and introduction to all the major characters.
Mob boss Quinten Amato is having to adapt to the new world order since the Kincaid Pack took down the corrupt paranormal government that kept things orderly and predictable. A structure that suited him and all his businesses just fine.
Clark gives us a ruthless man at the top, in an uncertain world where heās got to negotiate a new path without any loss of prestige or credibility. Then a dramatic scenario opens up, where we meet Caden, a deeply damaged shifter, one guaranteed to make an impact on Quintenās future.
Caden is such a vulnerable, wounded character. Itās impossible not to connect with him, either for the reader or for Quintenās employees who surround him. Clarkās supporting cast is as intriguing and layered in their personalities as the main couple. They grab our interest too with their interactions with Caden and Quinton, making us want to know more about each of them.
The plot lines equally interesting, up to the great characters. If itās all over a bit too quickly, then head over to the other series to read more about this universe and the events mentioned here.
Hopefully, this couple will pop up again in another book and series. The characters have a way of doing that.
This is a wonderful read and itās got my recommendation.
Related Series
ā Kincaid Pack (6 books)
ā The Mobsterās Mate – single story
ā Silver Oak Pack-2 books so far (also within the same universe)
A human mob boss and an injured jaguar shifter brought together by a cruel enemyā¦ and fate.
Caden hasnāt believed in fated mates since he was a cub. He figures itās more of a fairytale that shifter parents tell their kids than the reality of what passes for mates in some of the packs heās seen.
But then he comes face-to-face with a human man who smells like orange blossoms and radiates authority and safety.
And Cadenā¦ Well, he hasnāt felt safe in a long time.
While the rest of the world fears and reviles Quinten Amato and the things he does under the guise of his business, Caden is drawn to him like a cub to an alpha. He doesnāt care what anyone says or what Quinten does, he and his jaguar know the kind of man he is.
The kind who saved his life.
The kind who comforts him when he wakes up terrified.
The kind whose calm commands set his blood on fire.
Convincing his bossy human theyāre meant to be together isnāt going to be easy. Especially not when Quintenās certain Caden needs things he canāt get from himāand that being a part of Quintenās life in the shadows is too dangerous.
And he might be right.
The Mobsterās Mate is a full-length novel featuring a human with questionable morals and a jaguar shifter who only sees the best in him. Youāll find an age gap, found family vibes, fated mates, and gobs of possessiveness.
This title is a standalone novel set within the Kincaid Pack universe. It can be read and enjoyed on its own. However, if youād like to understand the nuances of the world, then start your journey with The Alpha and His King (Kincaid Pack Book 1).
The Mobster’s Mate by Kiki Clark is a terrific paranormal romance. I enjoyed it immensely. Anyone whoās a fan of shifters/mate romances will enjoy the story but thereās a slight caveat.
This book takes place within Clarkās Kincaid Pack universe. Itās helpful to have an understanding of the events and characters from that series as it impacts heavily upon the storyline and couple here. Important Kincaid Pack members are also a part of this story, although Clark does a good job of explaining who they are and how they figure into the plot.
Getting all that out of the way, this book is launched is a great way. With a dramatic scenario and introduction to all the major characters.
Mob boss Quinten Amato is having to adapt to the new world order since the Kincaid Pack took down the corrupt paranormal government that kept things orderly and predictable. A structure that suited him and all his businesses just fine.
Clark gives us a ruthless man at the top, in an uncertain world where heās got to negotiate a new path without any loss of prestige or credibility. Then a dramatic scenario opens up, where we meet Caden, a deeply damaged shifter, one guaranteed to make an impact on Quintenās future.
Caden is such a vulnerable, wounded character. Itās impossible not to connect with him, either for the reader or for Quintenās employees who surround him. Clarkās supporting cast is as intriguing and layered in their personalities as the main couple. They grab our interest too with their interactions with Caden and Quinton, making us want to know more about each of them.
The plot lines equally interesting, up to the great characters. If itās all over a bit too quickly, then head over to the other series to read more about this universe and the events mentioned here.
Hopefully, this couple will pop up again in another book and series. The characters have a way of doing that.
This is a wonderful read and itās got my recommendation.
Related Series
ā Kincaid Pack (6 books)
ā The Mobsterās Mate – single story
ā Silver Oak Pack-2 books so far (also within the same universe)
A human mob boss and an injured jaguar shifter brought together by a cruel enemyā¦ and fate.
Caden hasnāt believed in fated mates since he was a cub. He figures itās more of a fairytale that shifter parents tell their kids than the reality of what passes for mates in some of the packs heās seen.
But then he comes face-to-face with a human man who smells like orange blossoms and radiates authority and safety.
And Cadenā¦ Well, he hasnāt felt safe in a long time.
While the rest of the world fears and reviles Quinten Amato and the things he does under the guise of his business, Caden is drawn to him like a cub to an alpha. He doesnāt care what anyone says or what Quinten does, he and his jaguar know the kind of man he is.
The kind who saved his life.
The kind who comforts him when he wakes up terrified.
The kind whose calm commands set his blood on fire.
Convincing his bossy human theyāre meant to be together isnāt going to be easy. Especially not when Quintenās certain Caden needs things he canāt get from himāand that being a part of Quintenās life in the shadows is too dangerous.
And he might be right.
The Mobsterās Mate is a full-length novel featuring a human with questionable morals and a jaguar shifter who only sees the best in him. Youāll find an age gap, found family vibes, fated mates, and gobs of possessiveness.
This title is a standalone novel set within the Kincaid Pack universe. It can be read and enjoyed on its own. However, if youād like to understand the nuances of the world, then start your journey with The Alpha and His King (Kincaid Pack Book 1).
Itās Valentineās Day and Heart2Heart is at it helping lonely hearts get their perfect match. Here, Cupid has agreed to partner with them to ensure a magical experience for the Heart2Heart database is had by all on their journey to a HEA, whatever that means.
A Devilish cover for the paranormal volume of stories, with a fabulous group of authors for Volume 7-part 2 (volume 1 is all contemporary romance and different authors).
The stories are listed in the order found within the Anthology.My favorites and must reads of this anthology are Alice Winters story which begins the anthology. Itās pure Winters in style and characters. Love it. Love Me Love My Dogs by Macy Blake is my next, such a heartwarming tale. And my other absolute best is The Hidden God of Open Doors by Tavia Lark, which, imo, should have been the story to end this collaboration as its theme and storytelling is amazing. And itās my thought that all anthologies should begin and end with strong storytelling.
Stories:
šThank You , You Canāt Spell Necromancer Without Romance by Alice Winters
šHot Date by Eliot Grayson
šSweet Treats by Grae Bryan
šLooking 4 Furever by Kiki Clark
šLocked in Love by Lark Taylor ššLove Me Love My Dogs by Macy Blake
šNot So Cupid by Mika Nix
šStarry Night by Pandora Pine
šThe Hidden God of Open Doors by Tavia Lark
šLove Under the Sea by Taylor Rylan
A Letter From the H2H Team
1. Thank You , You Canāt Spell Necromancer Without Romance by Alice Winters ššššš
Axton , witch with miniature horse, Hades as a familiar , Sylvan, the cute white-haired necromancer with an undead found family find love and happiness on a murderous mystery.
2. Hot Date by Eliot Grayson
Davidās migraines are cured by demonic sex and lotsa love by summoning Ren. Cute, sexy story.
3. Sweet Treats by Grae Bryan such a lovely story about a half pixie Perri and an introverted wonderful gentleman, Tobias, whoās been secretly watching each other but finally connects thru H2H. Adorable š
4. Looking 4 Furever by Kiki Clark
Rance, coffee shop Magic Bean,
Dean, Lynx shifter, English prof. Age gap, 23/40, mate bonding, cute, but not a lot of character or relationship depth.
5. Locked in Love by Lark Taylor
Ash, vampire, looking for love after a bad ex, Lochlan, a Scottish water mage, an escape room afternoon adventure , and a tale with a surprising twist. Really enjoyed it.
6. Love Me Love My Dogs by Macy Blake ššššš
Wolf shifter George Duko, with his French Bulldog, Gaston, runs Dukoās Den animal sanctuary. Braxton, nonbinary, dragon, and Georgeās match on H2H . A gentle, warm-hearted, laugh filled love story that I absolutely adore.ššššš
7. Not So Cupid by Mika Nix
Ruairi, Cupidās little brother and
Weston, human, on a Cupid arranged Valentineās Day date find out theyāre perfect for each other. The authors do a terrific job of developing the romance.
8. Starry Night by Pandora Pine
Immortal demigod Orion Starborn, 5031 yrs old , cursed, and looking for love, is matched with Kaden Devereaux, head librarian in the folklore division of the Boston public library, also a werewolf. With an allergy problem. Not as easy as Cupid might think. I wish it had been longer because itās got so many fascinating elements. Terrific story.
9. The Hidden God of Open Doors by Tavia Larkššššš
Rune, an imprisoned demon
Raider, ritual contractor, owner of Artifacts, Alchemy etc
Iāll say nothing except itās perfectly amazing, quietly heartbreaking if you think about the layers, and beautifully crafted.
10. Love Under the Sea by Taylor Rylan
Silver, gorilla shifter and Charlie, koala shifter , find their mates at a zoo Valentine lunch. Cute story.
Overall, a great anthology with wonderful stories by some of my favorite authors. Thereās three 5-star tales that could easily be extended into larger books, but stand as fabulous paranormal short stories here. The rest have so much to recommend that this is a must read.
Once upon a time, a bunch of authors wonderedā¦ what would happen if Heart2Heart, the mystical matchmaking app adored across the supernatural world, brought in an absolute legend to help them find true love?
This Valentineās Day, the sunshiny necromancer, the lonely vampire, and the nonbinary dragon will put their trust in H2H and a certain cheeky cherub of romance. Will Cupidās arrows strike true?
As always, all proceeds from this anthology will benefit LGBTQ+ charities to ensure that love in all its incarnations will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!
Stories included in this collection are:
You Canāt Spell Necromancer Without Romance, by Alice Winters Hot Date, by Eliot Grayson Sweet Treats, by Grae Bryan Looking 4 Furever, by Kiki Clark Locked in Love, by Lark Taylor Love Me Love My Dogs, by Macy Blake Not So Cupid, by Mika Nix Starry Night, by Pandora Pine The Hidden God of Open Doors, by Tavia Lark Love Under the Sea, by Taylor Rylan
Hiers is an author thatās a hit or miss writer for me. I really liked the last book I read , Twelve Days of Squidmas by H.L. Hiers . Thought the characters and plot were well developed and had depth. But one before that was a DNF and I didnāt even review it.
Shoulda Swiped Left by K. L. Hiers came much, much closer to a DNF than the previous holiday romance. I am astonished because the plot is an interesting one. But itās how the author chooses to implement this narrative that makes the story stumble.
With mythical overtones, Hades needs a ābrideā to collect his parts after he disintegrates as he must once a year. The person he āmarries and disappears on, lives in splendor while going on a body part adventure.
Oh joy! Here a body part, there a body part!
For this he needs a bride. Apparently they arenāt very willing . Here comes the issues. Well more issues. The gods werenāt picky about who they had sex with so why the term bride? Anyway.
It starts with the characters. Primarily,
Joseph Abrams whoās checking out profiles on an online dating site when the absolutely most perfect man appears. I mean, this guy is PERFECT. Heās a match for our guy Joe in every aspect, and heās drop dead gorgeous. Rich.
Joe has the situational awareness of a piece of pea gravel.
Hiers is writing another TSTL character and Iām gobsmacked. Because the author is also writing in major warnings flags for dangerous relationships in this story as though itās a romantic oblivious joke.
Hereās a couple. They meet after exchanging some texts. No real information. Guy gives over the top gifts asap. First date. He drives, supplies the drinks. His place. Flags! Thatās check mark for several dangerous activities, including sexual assaults and trafficking.
Zale Petropoulos, the gorgeous, hot mystery man, immediately gifts oblivious Joseph an extraordinarily beautiful, bejeweled gold watch. Says over the top compliments over Joeās halfhearted attempt to say thatās too much a gift. Whisks him away in his own limo with guards. To a club where it seems no one is actually having fun, with dark atmosphere. Where heās given several drinks. In a club that Zale owns.
Does Joe trust what tiny self preservation instincts Hiers wrote in? Nope. Heās all for sex in the back room. As I said TSTL.
If Hiers had been writing a scenario for a kidnapping by a serial killer, this entire thing would have worked. Been realistic. And Joe, naturally, would have been body number 1.
But as a romantic comedy? Absolutely not. Thereās flags on the field. Letās be wooed by someone who is literally lying about the situation, drugging you into a nonconsensual relationship, beginning with trapping you into this setup. Yes, so fun and amusing in this day and age of vulnerability and high incidence of abuse and trafficking. Only things missing are elements like ketamine in the plot line.
Which considering what the Greek gods got up to in the mythology wouldnāt be out of line if updated to current times. Oh, wait.
So no, Shoulda Swiped Left by K. L. Hiers is a miss and a mess, narratively speaking.
Thereās more I could say about the story but the fact that they end up together after this, is just another example why this just doesnāt work for me.
Joseph Abrams can’t believe he’s found his perfect match through online dating. Zale Petropoulos is hot, charming, and just the right amount of mysterious.
They meet for their first date and the sparks fly all the way through dinner and right through dessert.
But Zale has a confession to make and finally reveals his secretā¦
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 