Category: M/M Paranormal Fiction

Review: Scales and Song (Monsters in My Bed #2) by L Eveland

Rating: 3.25🌈

Scales and Song is the second in L Eveland’s Monsters in My Bed series and the third I’ve read so far.

It’s also the book that’s left me with the most mixed feelings about the storyline and writing of the novels of this series.

Scales and Song deals with a character outside of the original quartet of vets dealing with the aftermath of a IED explosion in Afghanistan that killed everyone but themselves in their unit.

It’s still got a traumatized soldier at its heart, but one that came from the military’s Elite Specimen Containment Unit, the one that captures , tortures , experiments on , and kills alien/nonhuman beings. Like Ollie the Krampus. That’s where the reader first encountered soldier Phoenix Walker, first as an antagonist in Kissed by the Krampus. In that book, Walker’s one of the unit sent to recapture Ollie. After he’s captured himself by Kringle and Ollie, is rescued, then undergoes a change in attitude, flipped sides and helped save Ollie and Kringle.

I’m not sure I liked him totally here in this story. Eveland presents Walker as a troubled, traumatized soldier, AWOL from his unit due to the events of the previous book.

It’s Walker’s personality that I found hard to connect to. I understand that he’s had a lot of issues to work through but his fall back to denial, anger, and frustration prohibits us from getting emotionally invested. It’s not until later, we learn that included in all the other emotional baggage Phoenix is carrying is self loathing about his sexuality, being gay. But it’s so late in the story to help us understand why he is acting so aggressively towards his friends and Bud.

So his poor treatment of his friend, who is sheltering them , of Bud, ends up being just confusing to the reader instead of an element that helps us engage with his character.

Another real issue for me here is a lack of balance in the exposition with Bud. The author gets so caught up with the exploration of Bud’s sexual organs, how they are used, especially when it comes to sex with Walker , that Bud’s natural history, the world Bud came from is left lacking. It’s troubling because Eveland starts to give us real insight into Bud’s life there. That their species are colorful creatures, with flamboyant color the needed element to attract mates. And that Bud’s lack of color made it unlikely that they would survive in their society, that finding a mate is a necessity there.

Also Eveland started to describe the life within Bud’s habitat, the predators, including a sentient one that hunts for entertainment. And that Bud’s race “eats” by photosynthesis. But has a hive existence. So we get a hodgepodge of facts about the species and nothing more? They are loyal and mate for life? Where’s all this coming from?

Does a photosensitive winged being have a less or better ability to eat given their lack of accepted pigmentation on that planet?! Bud was attacked by the ferocious carnivorous predator on their world, did something happen to them? Why have jaws at all when they use wings to eat? Questions!

But it’s always back to the sexual activity between Walker and Bud before we get any further information.

And the issues don’t stop there. They are hiding from the military, the same ones, they escaped from. That is an intense section here. And we see people from the original four show up to assist.

Chappie, who’s lost his faith. And of course, Ollie and Chris will make an appearance.

Which will bring up inconsistencies in between what Walker says happened here in that story and what we read happened in that story when he was a “temporary” guest or prisoner.

They aren’t big things like the change in Hotdog’s RL last name from one book to his, but it’s enough of a reoccurring one that I wonder why the author’s not taking care to have someone catch these errors.

And finally, the ending of poor Parker. It was swift, and the ending honestly didn’t make any sense. Crystals? It felt rushed , as though Eveland wanted to get through this part of the arc and onto the real happy end with Bud and Walker.

For me, Scales and Song (Monsters in My Bed #2) by L Eveland was a bit of a miss and a mess. It was full of promise but with all the elements, characters, and plot lines, they never felt complete and in depth. That they gelled together.

Read it if you like completing a series, but this really exists outside of our four vets and their stories.

Monsters in my Bed series:

✓ Kissed by the Krampus #1

✓ Scales and Song #2

◦ Hearts and Halos #3

✓ Lassos and Lace #4

Buy Link:

Scales and Song: M/M Paranormal Fantasy Monster Romance (Monsters in my Bed Book 2)

Description:

We were supposed to protect the world from monsters, not become them.

All I’ve ever wanted was to protect the people I love. That’s why I joined the military’s Elite Specimen Containment Unit.

When I learned they were experimenting on sentient monsters, however, everything changed.

Now, I have a new mission: protect a scaly winged monster named Bud and escort him to somewhere he’ll be safe from my superiors.

Yet, Bud’s so sweet and perfect, I can’t help but fall for him, even though I know it’s too dangerous for us to be together. It’ll be safer for us to go our separate ways, especially when we’re being hunted.

But I’ve only got so much willpower…

Though Scales and Song is the second book in the Monsters in my Bed series, it can be read as a standalone novel. It features a closeted and traumatized special forces soldier, the sweet cinnamon roll monster who loves him, and a HEA. Please see the interior for content warnings.

Review: In Death Together (The Undead Detective Agency #3) by Shelby Rhodes

Rating: 4.75🌈

In Death Together is everything I expected it to be and yet it’s more!

I’ve come to have high expectations for this series. Rhodes has layered in a chilling storyline of a psychological horror thriller that has elements of pathological violence and stalking, abuses and non consent, obsession and death.

There’s a fabulous found family of paranormal beings headed by an ancient vampire who’s unlike any I’ve met in other works of fiction. Octavius and his human lover , Turney’s path to a forever relationship has been eventful and , here, shockingly horrifying. I shed so many tears. Why I didn’t think I would, I honestly don’t know. But I was as shattered by the first part of this story as was Octavius. It’s that Rhodes has done such an exemplary job in making us care for Turney that the events at the end of Keep It Together, those that double as the beginning of In Death Together, are emotionally draining and so full of pain even as they are expected.

The author’s skillfully wrought dynamic that’s so outwardly sexy and humorous between these two characters gets peeled away at the most powerful moments to reveal the depths of feeling and love that truly exists within their bond. One that death cannot break. Although it tries.

There’s other characters, and romantic relationships. Most within the found family. Some are promising, some are tragic, and one is unexpectedly lovely. The last is an explicit F/F romance. If this is an issue, skip over it, or this isn’t the book for you. I adore the couple.

There’s a battle unlike any other. But as Octavius is involved in the planning, wild things ensue! And horrible things as well. Rhodes’ narrative balancing act between comedy and pathos/horror teeters delicately even when bones are being smashed, and explosions are going off.

The ending is a cliffhanger. It sets up the final book , Forever Together.

I love In Death Together. I wept throughout all that excellently executed horror, and expected moments of untold emotional agony and guilt. Rhodes has given us , with Octavius and Turney , romantic relationships and deep love, hilarity and glitter, sexual hijinks and role playing moments that are so memorable they need bookmarks!

And a found family full of characters to treasure and journey with to their own destiny with happiness and love.

We have but one more book to see that happen.

I’m highly recommending In Death Together (The Undead Detective Agency #3) by Shelby Rhodes but make sure to read all the preceding books first. They must be read in the order that they were written.

I also love the covers.

The Undead Detective Agency:

✓ Get It Together #1

✓ Keep It Together #2

✓ In Death Together #3

◦ Forever Together #4 TBD 2024

Buy Link:

In Death Together (The Undead Detective Agency Book 3)

Description:

You’ve returned… good! Octavius Evander here, your lovable vampire detective. So, where we ended things last time, everything had gone horribly wrong. What can really be said, besides that change is a fact of life, and unlife. Turney, my love, my heart—unfortunately, he has much change to deal with. No matter, we will all get through it together! Some of us will be getting through it together, much closer than we ever expected, if you know what I mean.

But, enough about that. On to the cases! We will have a new one come up, one with love and questionable family relationships, and even a murder! We don’t get to witness the murder, but we can’t always get what we want. Either way, it’s going to be fun.

Lastly, I suppose there is also the old case looming over us. The ‘pain in the ass’ case. Prepare yourselves for pain, blood, betrayal, glitter, and devastation. No, hint’s as to whose…but remember, this is a love story. Stop worrying, you silly humans. It will be fine.

CONTENT WARNING: This is an M/M paranormal romance book, with a little F/F on the side. There will be blood, violence, gore, mention of SA (no on-page details), and death. Please do not read if you find any of the previous situations triggering.

Review: Luck of the Devil ( The Reckless Damned Book 4) by Lark Taylor

Rating: 4.75🌈

Luck of the Devil is the finale to Lark Taylor’ The Reckless Damned series. Each book has been the story of how each of the four rebelling sons of Lucifer has found their fated soulmate as a war has begun against Lucifer himself by his own high demons wanting to take control.

Luck of the Devil has the largest slate of items to accomplish, narratively speaking. And it’s get it done so well.

First off, there’s Dagon, fourth son of Lucifer and the last to be mated. He’s involved in a prophecy that includes Demetrius, an angel, who has appeared to be someone important to Dagon through the previous books but their full relationship wasn’t revealed until now.

And the fact that they are fated to be a triad. It’s the only way they can be together happily.

This is a M/M/M storyline, one that highly sexy, and, as written, makes sense, emotionally, for all the people involved. A demon, an angel, and a human.

Taylor’s story has to include the build up of a relationship between the three characters, and the discussions between the original two characters as to why their original bond failed as well as how Lucky is the missing part to make all three complete.

Not even close to being done with major storylines, there’s the major rebellion going on in Hell against Lucifer, one that’s threatening their own mates and lives above, there’s revelations from Demetrius’ past to deal with, Lucky’s present danger, and more.

All to flesh out, and then satisfactorily bring to a conclusion, while delivering battles, emotional high drama, sexual tension and hijinks, and deep loving soul bonds.

This is pure entertainment. It’s got something for everyone . And if you loved a couple from another book, well all the brothers and their mates are here and playing huge roles in this book. As are other noteworthy characters.

It seems Taylor is writing a new series that picks up with some of these characters when the events here conclude.

I can’t wait.

This series was a fabulous wild ride of fated mates, emotional drama, some well written traumatized characters and four HEA’s.

I’m hoping that they will pop up as visitors in the upcoming series.

Until then, I’m highly recommending this series and book. Read them in the order they are written for development of characters relationships and events.

The Reckless Damned series:

✓ Devil’s Mark #1

✓ Devil May Care #2

✓ Deal With The Devil #3

✓ Luck Of The Devil #4

Buy Link:

Luck of the Devil (The Reckless Damned Book 4)

Description:

One demon. One angel. A relationship that’s failed so many times. Could it really be just one human they’ve been missing?

Dagon

For centuries, Dimitri and I have tried to make it work. Each time we’ve been torn apart by our dominant natures, neither of us willing to back down. A hundred years ago, I thought he’d betrayed me in the worst possible way. In a fit of anger, we made a deal that led to my downfall.

Now Dimitri is back in my life, reshaping our history with the truth. But love still isn’t enough to make it work, not when being together tears us apart.

When he tells me he’s met our human mate, I can’t help but hope that Lucky will be the key to loving Dimitri the way I’ve always wanted.

But with Hell knocking at our door and an uprising threatening us all, can we persuade Lucky to give us a chance before it’s too late?

Dimitri

I haven’t given up on Dagon for one hundred years, and I won’t now.

When Lucky crosses my path, I finally understand why Dagon and I have never quite worked. Fate never intended us to be a couple…we were destined to be a triad. Lucky is the piece we need to complete us.

Winning Lucky over won’t be easy. Someone is hurting him, making him put up walls that are nearly impossible for us to cross.

But chasing Dagon has taught me that I’m a stubborn angel. I won’t give up on either of my mates.

Lucky

What an ironic nickname. Never in my life has anything lucky ever happened to me.

But everything changes when I meet Dagon and Dimitri. Two super-hot guys who aren’t put off by my inexperience? All my dreams are coming true.

Not for long though. Even with my boss and his family looking out for me, I know it’s only a matter of time before my past catches up to me.

So, for now, I’m going to soak up every drop of happiness Dimitri and Dagon have to offer.

Drink it up and pray they forgive me when I do what I always do.

Run…and don’t look back.

Luck of the Devil is an action-filled, fated-mates MMM paranormal romance with an HEA and no cliff-hanger. It is the final instalment in The Reckless Damned series, which is best enjoyed in order due to the overarching plot. Each book focuses on a different couple or triad and has an HEA

Review: Lassos and Lace (Monsters in my Bed #4) by L Eveland

Rating: 4.75🌈

‘Oh, sweetie. You have no idea just how loud I can be.

“You need to work on your people skills, Brokeback Bunny.”

Yes, this author had me at Brokeback Bunny!

L Eveland has such a way with these characters and their dialogue.

I’m talking about a traumatized group of vets, four survivors of a IED blast in Afghanistan, that destroyed their convoy. It’s left one with debilitating PTSD, one a double amputee, one whose life is scrambled, and a Chaplain who’s lost his faith.

Each has his own story in which he‘s met a being , a monster, and fallen in love. The themes flowing through each romance has explored what defines a monster, the military that push for experimentation on paranormals, on orders to war or being’s because of their unique abilities?

Mind you this is an alternate version of the world, with a rift.

The themes are well written, the characters beautifully executed. Especially here.

The human character is one Robert “Hotdog “ Smith. He’s a double amputee, having lost both legs in the blast. Taylor has written layer upon layer for Hotdog.

We go through his depression, his inability to leave his house. His frustration with his prosthetics, that not enough rehab, etc, reddened stumps, all makes him believable. But Robert becomes more so when we see that he’s loves to wear lace.

And so much more. What an amazing character. What a revelation before us.

And equal to him is a stunner of the Monster of the book.

Robert and friends have traveled to Jackalope Ranch. I don’t know how many have seen a so called touristy thing from out west called a Jackalope. Jackrabbit and an antelope combined.

Here it’s real. The being is a jacqeroi, Hopper Meadows, owner of the ranch. With a surprise of a herd!

He’s bitter about humans for good reason, an amputee himself, and has a devastating history.

Everything about him, Robert , and this story is moving, emotionally charged, sensitively handled considering the elements, and so well written.

Two men with missing limbs, both with memories of the past that haunt them. Eveland ‘s story lets both slowly start to trust and understand each other first, then move forward with a relationship, along with a ranch and land full of magical creatures and surprises.

I just love this story and couple.

And the author.

I’m so hooked.

Yes, absolutely recommend!

More pls.

Monsters in my Bed series:

✓ Kissed by the Krampus #1

◦ Scales and Song #2

◦ Hearts and Halos #3

✓ Lassos and Lace #4

Buy link:

Lassos and Lace: M/M Paranormal Fantasy Monster Romance (Monsters in my Bed Book 4)

Description:

Save a dragon, ride a cowboy is about to become my new motto.

After hearing about a dragon ranch and monster haven out in Wyoming, I set off on a road trip with my roommates and two goals: pet a dragon and live out my cowboy riding fantasy.

There’s just one problem: Hopper Meadows, the monstrous owner of the Jackalope Ranch. He’s got a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas and seems to have it out for me in particular. Sparks fly the moment we meet, and not the good kind.

Even though he hates me, I can’t get him out of my head. Fantasizing about Hopper is the only thing keeping me sane after being cut off by my rich parents, and abandoned by my roommates. If I’ve got to be stuck in the middle of nowhere for a week, might as well enjoy the view, right?

But there’s trouble brewing on the ranch. When I find myself pulled into a vendetta thirty years in the making, and the mastermind behind it might just be the only thing Hopper and I have in common…

Lassos and Lace is an MM monster romance featuring a sassy double amputee twink who loves drag, and a stoic jackalope-based monster rancher. It is highly recommended that the books in this series be read in order.

Review: Brimstone (a Culinary Creatures novella) by L. Eveland

Rating: 4.25🌈

L. Eveland was a new author for me when I stumbled across the covers for this series. Another example of never underestimating the power of great graphic cover design .

Then come the blurb. Food, high grade restaurant , cooking, and demon chef. Like that doesn’t confirm something I’ve suspected for years! I was definitely checking it out.

Human Chef Adam has worked and strived and cooked his entire life in order to achieve his dream of becoming a professional chef and working with the universally renowned restauranteur and chef, Chef Inzo Amoretti, owner of the famous 3 star Michelin restaurant, Brimstone.

Chef Inzo, an immortal incubus, hired the immensely talented human chef, Adam, when the passion Adam has for his profession and the meals he creates, ignited Chef Inzo Amoretti ‘s flagging energies and own passions .

But the the presence of Adam in Inzo’s restaurant reveals something far greater, and dangerous to them both.

Eveland has delivered a delicious, kinky paranormal romance. It’s awash with sensuality, threaded with the riches of the senses through foods, sauces, aroma, differing sexual desires and kinks. The author doesn’t fail the romance, powering up an equally fierce love for each other as well as all the high quality ingredients and sensational flavors .

Be prepared to drool over the preparation and recipes of the new dishes that have unexpected touches inspired by Adam and his demon Chef.

All the above combines into a mate bond tale of lusty romance and satisfying relationship, at least in that we have only a few questions left unanswered about their life spans together.

This story will happily continue into the next book, Beefcake. That will feature another couple and a wedding cake.

Can’t wait.

This is a definite recommendation!

Culinary Creatures:

Brimstone #1

Beefcake #2 – Dec 31, 2023

Buy Link:

Brimstone: A High Heat, Low Stakes MM Monster Romance Novella (Culinary Creatures Book 1)

Description:

One taste is never enough.

Becoming Brimstone’s head chef is a dream come true, even though I’m the only human on the staff.

Working for Chef Inzo Amoretti? Not so much. Sure, he’s a talented genius and distractingly gorgeous, but he’s also a demanding incubus with impossibly high standards, especially when it comes to me. It seems nothing I do in the kitchen is good enough for Chef Inzo.

Yet he’s so sinfully attractive, I can’t stop thinking about him, even when he’s shouting at me.

Falling for my boss is bad enough, but for an incubus? Is it worth putting my soul on the line for a little taste of heaven?

Brimstone is the first book in the Culinary Creatures series. Each novella in this series is a standalone MM monster romance that features high heat, low stakes, and a delicious recipe you can try at home!

Review: Kissed by the Krampus:(Monsters in my Bed Book 1) by L Eveland

Rating: 4.5🌈

Eveland is a new author for me so I did what I always do with new authors I enjoy. Read everything they’ve written. And I’m so happy that I did because I discovered Eveland’s Monsters in my Bed series.

A paranormal fantasy Monster series, it starts at its heart, a group of young soldiers, on duty on Christmas Eve in Afghanistan, heading from from base camp to another when their convoy hits IED’s buried in the road. Only 4 of them survive. The emotional and physical wounds are deep,brutal and for some, permanent. Survivor’s guilt, PTSD, depression and grief runs deep throughout the men. One loses both legs , another, the chaplain, his faith.

One of the themes explores the discussion of whose should be labeled a monster in this universe? Those generals and the military in this world exploiting both humans and nonhumans for power and control or is it the paranormal beings labeled Monster because of their appearance, languages, and abilities?

Each story take one veteran, all still carrying the pain and burden from that day’s trauma in different ways, and pairs them up with a Monster or nonhuman being .

In Kissed By The Krampus, the vet is one Chris Kringle. Angry, depressed, his PTSD overwhelming him to the point he can’t keep a job, and is alienating those closest to him, the three friends who survived with him. It’s Christmas Eve and they are checking up on Hotdog, the double amputee who’s become a hermit, never leaving his house.

That night Chris meets his monster. The Krampus his grandmother warns him will be about that night. But nothing turns out as you expect. The Krampus isn’t the mythical beast of scary stories but a lonely, sad being with a painful past history.

Together, after much mental and emotional sharing , they help each other understand the heart of their pain and how to cope with the burdens of their past.

It’s such a moving journey for both of them. Ollie, the Krampus, and Chris , the vet. Each a warrior in their right and each with a burden they must be able to lay down at the end.

Eveland has many more elements to this story that will carry over to the other books. Themes as well as actual storylines concerning big plot points.

There’s action, suspense, military subterfuge, and more. It’s a fast paced tale.

It’s also very sexy. The author’s very inventive when it come to the sexuality and organs of nonhumans.

And Eveland never forgets the warfare and brutality that starts the book and series, the explosions that forever changes these men’s lives . Its impact is realistically felt through all their actions, emotions, their dialogue, and in what they aren’t able to handle. It’s raw and real.

There are trigger warnings at the beginning of each book. Heed them because this novel is one you will get emotionally caught up in.

And it’s one I’m highly recommending.

One mistake the author made . Not sure why it wasn’t caught. This is , of course, the first in the series, so the author named Hotdog as Robert Jones in real life.

“ So everybody just kind of gets a nickname. Hotdog’s real name was Robert Jones, about as common a name as you can get, so we got to naming him real quick.”

Unfortunately, by the time his book arrives, he’s become Robert Smith. No explanation. Someone should have caught that.

Otherwise, outstanding storytelling. Great concepts, and I love these four men.

Run, don’t walk or slide or whatever, and grab the series up. More reviews will follow.

Monsters in my Bed series:

✓ Kissed by the Krampus #1

◦ Scales and Song #2

◦ Hearts and Halos #3

✓ Lassos and Lace #4

Buy Link:

Kissed by the Krampus: M/M Paranormal Fantasy Monster Romance (Monsters in my Bed Book 1)

Description:

Some wounds, only a monster can heal.

I’ve always hated Christmas. With a name like Chris Kringle, it’s hard not to.


It’s only gotten worse since I’ve been back from the war. Christmas is supposed to be jolly, but for me, it’s a grim reminder of past failures.

I need to get away from it. To be somewhere quiet. To heal.

When I wake up in the South Pole after an accident to a Krampus tending my wounds, it feels like the perfect opportunity to get some much-needed R&R.

Yet this gentle giant is so achingly sweet, I can’t help but fall for him, even though he’s a monster.

But another, more sinister monster may be lurking much closer to home, and if we don’t hunt it down in time, this could be the last Christmas ever.

Kissed by the Krampus is a holiday MM monster romance for adults featuring a cinnamon roll monster and a veteran grappling with his PTSD.

Review: Must be Clowning Me (Once Upon A Bite Book 3) by Charity Parkerson

Rating: 2 🌈

Must be Clowning Me needs trigger warnings.🚩

Review contains spoilers.

Charity Parkerson’s Once Upon a Bite series are meant, in her words, to “be short, fun paranormal romps to brighten your day.”

I think I’d like to ask the author if she knows what a romp is? If you consult a dictionary it’s often found as something that’s enjoyable and lively, often humorous. Maybe sexual and fast paced.

That does describe her first story, Little Pest.

But after that the series definitely removes itself from the romp category. And while the middle story has some interesting elements and a relationship that evolves from bite /bang into something approaching realness, this finale book is a series of moments where I ask myself should I DNF here.

And it’s a very short story.

This story has a teenage vampire , Aaron (Cosmic Cardio) who hasn’t recovered from the rape he suffered when he was turned . He falls into instant lust/love with a traumatized older psychologist who was bitten and turned by a vampire clown.

Wait it gets worse. And spoiler alert 🚨

The older psychologist, Jake, who’s now a baby vampire himself and dealing with that forced change , is also hiding the major issues. One being that he’s a heavily traumatized man, dealing with years of domestic abuse and violence. Oh yes. And he’s instantly having sex with, yes, the teenage vampire who found him.

The teenage vampire can hear Jake’s thoughts but he doesn’t tell him he’s listening instead he’s just pretending he’s hearing normally. Any flags here?

But wait there’s more! The teenager, Aaron ,who found Jake, the psychiatrist, was on his way to see his new , yep, psychiatrist. Who is Jake. Who starts to counsel him.

Much is made of the fact that now they are vampires, that changes perspectives on many things. Uh maybe not. I stopped throwing flags a while back. My arm got sore.

Then to wrap up, tiny fast forwards in time where everyone is in love, a bad guy has been vanquished, and HEA.

It’s a story where you read and you think it can’t be this bad. It will redeem itself and then it doesn’t.

Nothing narratively flows. That bit with the ex boyfriend is horrifying and should come with ginormous trigger warnings. Especially for anyone who has been a victim of Domestic violence or abuse. Especially the use of a deeply seated phobia against the victim to further increase the physical /emotional traumatic damage his stalker is causing. All of which the reader will experience with the victim on the page through his eyes and emotions.

That’s as far from funny or a romp as anything I can think of.

So no recommendations here, except for the first one in the series, Little Pest. Skip the rest.

Especially the last. It should come with trigger warnings for domestic violence and abuse, as well as rape recovery.

Once Upon A Bite:

✓ Little Pest #1

✓ Cosmic Cardio #2

✓ Must be Clowning Me #3 🚩

Buy Link:

Must be Clowning Me (Once Upon a Bite Book 3)

Description:

All Jake wants is a fresh start. He REALLY gets his wish. Now he’s trapped for eternity as a night dweller.

Only Jake could get attacked by a vampire clown the moment he moves his therapy practice to New Orleans. Fortunately, the town is rife with supernatural clients to keep his business afloat. But life has always enjoyed a good laugh at Jake’s expense, and he can’t stop thinking about one client in particular. The vampire who found him and saved him.

Having a vampire therapist is a bit of a dream come true for Aaron. He’s been needing one for a while. Aaron has a barrel full of issues to work out, and it’s easier if his therapist knows about the supernatural world. Unfortunately, Aaron never expected his therapist to be so hot, and they have a connection from day one. There’s no way for him to stay on task. Aaron doesn’t know if he’s getting better or if he’s falling in love. Truthfully, he’s also not sure if he cares anymore, as long as he gets to keep seeing Jake.

Must be Clowning Me is the third book in Charity Parkerson’s Once Upon a Bite series. These books are meant to be short, fun paranormal romps to brighten your day.

Review: Cosmic Cardio (Once Upon A Bite Book 2) by Charity Parkerson

Rating: 3.75 🌈

Charity Parkerson has written a darkly funny trio of sexy vampire romances. Short tales of life cut unexpectedly, savagely short for three young men who end up with their HEA, no, it’s a true forever ever after, unless they see the sunlight, as they each get a vampire forever after.

I really adored the first story, Little Pest. I thought the author was able to bring about so many layers to her characters, let us into what made the unusual relationship between a “little” vampire who needs to be loved and taken care of and a ancient vampire who’s been lonely and lost in bitterness. The Daddy kink is well done, the humor works, the plot just came together. All in Las Vegas.

Cosmic Cardio just doesn’t rise to the same levels. The comedy is missing, and I understand that, given the elements. But something similar was also in place in book 1, and Parkerson found a way to insert a humorous scene or two. Here it’s death, revenge, instant sex, and instant love/affection. All as a way to control a murderous teenage vampire on a rampage. A stepdad vampire as a revenge act. A overwhelmed single dad agreeing because he can’t control his teenager. Oh my.

Hmm. Nope, maybe if there had been a longer scenario, more time for the men to get together, lay out the plan to control angsty vampire teen with an attitude problem. The author has a huge comic relief element there and never explored it. That might taken this a more likable and interesting way.

Instead it’s all let’s have quick sex for the adults. Tiny exposition, and boom step vampire.

For me , it harder to care about any of them this way. Even Cosmo who we met briefly in Little Pest.

At the 75 percent level, Parkerson’s characters take a turn into realistic form. We see a believable sense of multi-dimensional interpersonal relationships, and a true understanding of family dynamics arrives. That remaining part of the book is perhaps its best . It’s certainly it most emotionally real and satisfying.

I liked it but didn’t adore it. Still a great cover.

Now onto Must be Clowning, book 3.

Clowns. I hate Clowns. Thank you, Dumbo, very much. But I’ll read it and hope that the humor , wit, and well rounded storytelling I found In Little Pest makes a return.

Until then, I’m recommending Once Upon A Bite series of quick paranormal vampire tales. Like romantic horror Bonbons, make a swift snack with them!

Once Upon A Bite:

✓ Little Pest #1

✓ Cosmic Cardio #2

◦ Must be Clowning Me #3 – May 8, 2023

Note: love these covers!

Buy Link:

Cosmic Cardio (Once Upon a Bite Book 2)

Description:

Cosmos feels like he’s just found himself. Then a young vamp rips everything away from him. Now he must get his revenge.

In his twenties, Cosmos fluttered around, doing every odd job imaginable. Only recently has he discovered his passion: fitness. He’s started his spin class, Cosmic Cardio, and—for the first time—everything in his life feels complete. Until one bite at a club ruins everything. Now, there’s only one thing Cosmos can do to reclaim his pride. He has to find the vampire who bit him and destroy his life.

When Vega’s ex left him with a teenaged son years ago, he thought being a single dad would be his biggest challenge. Then his son came home a vampire. Now his son won’t stop turning people against their will. When Cosmos shows up angry and bent on teaching his son a lesson, Vega is just fed up enough to let it happen. After all, it’s not like Cosmos plans to kill him. He simply intends to marry Vega and be the step-vampire from hell. Vega has already had one nightmare marriage. At least Cosmos intends to co-parent. What does he have to lose? Only maybe his heart. That’s nothing he hasn’t lost before.

Cosmic Cardio is the second book in Charity Parkerson’s Once Upon a Bite series. These books are meant to be short, fun paranormal romps to brighten your day.

Review: Necromancing with a Ghost (Haunted Love #8) by Cari Z

Rating: 4🌈

I just can’t resist a dog story. Even one where the dog is dead. And a ghost. Or two ghostly dogs.

The Haunted Love series are stories of ghostly romance told by ten different authors.

Cari Z gives us a alternate universe where necromancers were used on both sides of WWII, magic , especially necromancy, is common place as to have specific roles and abilities, even a power qualifier that would enable one to get into the highest ranks of society and business levels.

Having skills that allow one to communicate with animals, specifically dogs, or having companions that facilitate the interaction with ghostly animals, doesn’t rate high for most people. Except those with the need for help and love that involves dogs in some case’s.

Pet psychic Carsen McAllister works for a company that handles all types of cases that call for a necromancer. In his case, he , along with his two trained canine companions get handed those specific files that involve animal spirits.

The author has a special backstory for Carsen’s trained canines. One, Ruby is a Belgian Malinois, who just happens to be a ghost herself. The other is Bess, a darling very much alive Pomeranian especially breed to work with spirits. Carsen’s himself has a fascinating history with a near tragedy that he shares with his brother.

I really wanted to know more about what happened to cause Ruby’s death, and the events surrounding the incident that’s caused a rift between brothers. This short story just can’t handle the questions the great elements the author’s set afloat.

It starts with a job to clear a haunted property of its ghost. The family that owns it and a developer need the ghost gone so they can get in to clear the place. Problem is the ghost is a scary dog who’s kept everyone out for decades, even physically threatening them.

The author’s story turns into a layered investigation into a historical romance. Two soldiers and a dog.

I’ll be honest and say I definitely needed some tissues. Carsen’s intervention into one , make that two ghosts grief and then the recognition that love , being loved is enough.

The ending is lovely but I was left with questions. It’s in the details. As in what happens to that moving grave marker and Rafael Medrano’s body?

I’m mean, the plan is to bulldoze the place. It’s the small items like those that I need closure for.

On the whole? Necromancing with a Ghost (Haunted Love #8) by Cari Z is a heartwarming ghostly tale and I’m delighted to recommend it for all lovers of the paranormal stories.

Yes, dead dogs. But they’re splendid! And ghosts! And already dead when the story starts , so don’t let that stop you from reading. ( As it does me in the movies and TV shows).

Haunted Love series (10 books)

◦ Stargazing With A Ghost by K.L. Hiers

◦ Sexting With A Ghost by Ashlynn Mills

◦ Screwing With a Ghost by Morgan Mason

◦ Gardening with a Ghost by Amanda Meuwissen

◦ Baking With A Ghost by RM Neill

✓ Necromancing with a Ghost by Cari Z

◦ Dancing with a Ghost by Alex J. Adams

◦ Haunting With A Ghost by B. Ripley

◦ Flunking with a Ghost by Baylin Crow

Note: I realize 9 books are listed but unfortunately unable to find the 10th.

Buy Link:

Necromancing With A Ghost: An MM Paranormal Romance (Haunted Love)

Carsen McAllister isn’t much of a necromancer. He doesn’t lay spirits to rest or handle dangerous hauntings. He’s more of a dog guy—a pet psychic, to be precise, with a tiny Pomeranian familiar on one side and his childhood (un)dead dog on the other. So when his boss asks him to handle a haunting at an abandoned farm in rural Kansas, his first instinct is to say “Not only no, but hell no!” But when the spirit doing the haunting is a dog, Carsen can’t just leave it to suffer.

The farm turns out to have far more secrets than anyone knew, even the ghost of the man haunting the place. Rafael Medrano is handsome, funny, kind…and he died more than seventy years ago. What’s keeping him here? Why did his dog stay, driving away anyone who came here? And how does he keep pulling Carsen into visions from the past—not only the violence of war, but the tenderness of true love?

Most importantly…will their dogs get along?

Review: A Hellhound Called Derek (Mated to a Human Book 1) by Michelle Frost

Rating: 3.75🌈

I’ve recently stumbled into several new short paranormal romance series, each by a different author. The authors are new discoveries as well. So a novella works so well to get a feel for their writing style and love for the subject matter.

A Hellhound Called Derek (Mated to a Human Book 1) by Michelle Frost is about 87 pages. Frost gives us a barebones framework for the universe, humans and paranormal beings are, for reasons political and social, given mates from each other’s species. Names plucked from folders, mated, and hopefully, a HEA.

We meet the three paranormal beings getting their mates sitting in a bureaucrat’s office, waiting for their names. Each will have books in the series. First up is Derek, Alpha Hellhound. The way in which he chooses his mate from the folder pile makes sense.

His human mate is adorable. Hollis runs along the lines of the cute, human in need of a protector character but he’s still engaging and earns our sympathy.

The storyline does a good job of building a relationship given it’s a short story. Same goes for the dramatic elements.

There’s a subplot with a human hate group that needs more foundation, more details to come in future books I’m sure.

But in 87 pages, we get a quick romance, terrific characters, and an ongoing dramatic arc. I enjoyed it. Very entertaining and looking forward to the other stories.

Pick them all up and read them in one fell swoop!

A definite recommend!

Mated To A Human series:

✓ A Hellhound Called Derek #1

◦ A Warlock Called Jacob #2

◦ A Vampire Called Leander #3

Buy Link:

A Hellhound Called Derek (Mated To The Human Book 1)

Touch his mate and you’ll wish for the fires of hell.

Alpha of the Hellhound enforcers, Derek doesn’t think he has time for a mate until the Paranormal Council of the city gives him one.

Hollis is smart, funny, vulnerable…human, and his police commissioner uncle has designs to use Hollis’s new mating for his own ends.

He’ll learn quickly not to mess with a hellhound’s mate.

A Hellhound Called Derek is the first in this fast-paced novella series where the paranormals are all deliciously protective of their humans…no matter what type of trouble they get into.