Demon House by Mia Monroe is a quick mildly entertaining Holiday read. Itâs a short story with no real drama and , nothing thatâs going to ask anything of a reader more then a casual connection to the characters.
Thereâs some nice elements, and the witch character has real promise but Monroe doesnât go into any depth of detail in character layering or foundation that would elevate Demon House above the uninspired or just another passable paranormal story.
Issues (Spoilers ahead fyi)
đčDemon Zeno is sad. He must stay inside the house for breaking demon rules. His prior relationship could have been mined for real depth of character and foundation. Was it? Nope. We get pieces. Nothing on the person. Or them together.
đčDemon sad. So human ghost hunter thinks letâs have sex asap because, you know. Sexy Demon sad.SMH.
đčinstant love- no depth. No relationship. I wuv you. Letâs have more sex.
đč problems solved instantly. While thereâs no wands there might as well have been.
So basically. While it is a paranormal romance, thereâs ways to bring depth to the characters and layering to any foundation a author is trying to create. Didnât happen here imo.
If you donât care, just want to zip through a story, and put it down. This just might be your story.
This house has BDE all over it. That is one big⊠Demon.
Bash:
One night in the most haunted house in the country could be our ticket to fame and fortune. As a group of paranormal investigators, this could be our big break. If the hauntings are real, Peaches, Chaos, and I are expecting to be terrified and catch all of it on video for our fledgling channel.
When the rumors prove to be true, and I come face to face with the resident demon, all bets are off. Turns out, demons have feelings too, and this one is possessive, touchy, and huh, kind of hot. Did I mention he has big⊠horns?
To make it through this night in one piece, I have to do what I can to keep him happy. Looks like our viewers are going to get way more than they signed up for, but hey, gotta do what you gotta do.
Now the only question is, when the sun comes up, will I want to walk away and will the demon let me.
Demon House is an MM paranormal romance featuring a horny demon with a taste for mortals, a paranormal investigator in over his head, a haunted house that lives up to the rumors, and enough heat to make Hades jealous. It is a standalone novella.
Stone Wings, the first book in a new Jenn Burke paranormal romance series, is a quick, entertaining tale.
The premise? A old Irish family is cursed. The parents killed and their sons become gargoyles. They sleep for 100 years and are awake for 25 before returning to another 100 years slumber cycle.
Interesting story and Burke uses both English and Irish spellings for names and descriptions in keeping with her theme and universe. The family is the Oâ Raghaillighs, now the OâReillys in the US. Originally five sons, due to circumstances explained in the story, the family is down to Teague, Drew, and Rian OâReilly.
They have been awake and now have just two years to go before they must sleep again. But the magic of the curse is off, things are going off schedule and they are worried.
Aside from the brothers, thereâs a human guardian family to watch over them through the years while they slumber. The latest guardian is Josh Palleson, whoâs father was guardian before him.
Burke does a interesting job with the brother Gargoyles. Each has a different look, and magical ability. Over the years theyâve adapted to human society as much as possible. One, Teague, is a police officer. Drew, the romantic lead here, is a mechanic with his own shop.
Plus thereâs a hidden supernatural world of shifters, witches etc. that humans arenât aware of.
The curse can be broken by finding true love. Like most fairytales.
However, I always had issues with that.
And I do here.
I like the gargoyles. Why do breaking curses mean giving up whatâs the coolest thing about them?
Curse broken. Boom . You are now a vulnerable, non magical prey animal Congratulations.
Iâm sure thatâs a grand thing. Especially if , say, you or anyone you care about is at odds or maybe war with a bunch of paranormal beings.
But you be the new you.
Why does everyone think being human is all that grand? Why not something new , fairytale wise? Change the human into a gargoyle?
I donât know. Iâd like to see some fresh elements, some new territory explored.
Maybe in the next story. Burkeâs series is just getting started. Iâll see where it goes.
The characters are interesting. The storyline too. And I like gargoyles. If this sounds like something youâd like, check it out.
His curse can only be lifted with true love, but can true love come from a fake date?
Being the personal assistant to a trio of cursed gargoyle brothers who sleep for a hundred years and wake up for twenty-five wasn’t a career proposed by Josh’s high school guidance counselor, but it’s a job that heâs eminently suited for. Not to mention a job his family has been doing for generations. The brothers are truly excellent bosses, but Josh is surprised when Drew offers to pretend to be his date for his high school reunion. And even more surprised by a supposedly fake kiss that feels as real as a kiss can get.
Drew and his brothers owe Josh and his family for watching over them each time they turn to stone for a hundred years, and for helping them reintegrate into the world when they wake up. The least he can do is pose as Josh’s boyfriend for a night. Even though true love can break his curse, he knows he won’t find it with Josh. Nothing that real can come from a lie. Or can it?
When the fake boyfriend situation stretches into two nights, and then more, Josh and Drew canât fight the attraction blazing between them. There’s no harm in exploring it, right? No expectations. But when paranormal danger comes to Arrington, Josh and Drew are going to have to battle for every moment of peaceâŠand maybe a real happily ever after too.
STONE WINGS is a 50,000 word male/male paranormal romance featuring a mechanic who happens to have wings and is a literal monster in bed, a personal assistant who’s always had a crush on him, stone skin or not, and a relationship that’s going to take a leap of faith to give the fairytale a happy ending.
The Deputy and his Enforcer is another good installment in Kiki Clarkâs Kincaid Pack series.
Marcus Rivera is the Kincaid Packâs Enforcer. Trusted with helping keep the secret of the supernaturals from the local humans as well as protecting his pack, thatâs getting increasingly complicated when The Kincaid pack comes under constant surveillance and outside attacks.
These attacks come to the attention of the local law enforcement, of which some are human.
Deputy Robson Medina is someone who doesnât understand why when dead bodies are found , Marcus Rivera is called in to handle it instead of himself.
This is a terrific mystery romance within the paranormal series. It has a mating bond, suspenseful scenes, mystery, and enough new information to move the series arc forward.
The characters are well written and the plot tightly crafted. Another plus in this growing series.
A deputy bent on finding the truth and the Enforcer whose job it is to stop him…
Nothing is more important to Marcus Rivera than protecting his pack, so he doesnât understand why he has the sudden urge to tell a nosy human deputy things he shouldnât. Marcus follows the rules. Always. But something about Robsonâs scent has him tempted to break them.
The gorgeous red-head Deputy Robson Medina has been following has a secret. He just knows it, and he wonât stop looking until he finds out everything he can about the alluring man. Even if the idea of Marcus being a criminal seems less and less likely the more Robson learns.
As the tension between them continues to grow, it stokes a fire inside Marcus heâs never felt before. One thatâs driving him to trust his wolfâs instincts and release the stranglehold Marcus has always had on his control. But when Robson gets a painful glimpse of the magical world Marcus lives in, they have to decide how much theyâre willing to risk to have it all.
The Deputy and His Enforcer is the third book in the Kincaid Pack series and features a wolf shifter in need of a family, a Puerto Rican human with more than his fair share, furry cuddles, creative mating practices, and a happily ever after.
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, The Werewolfâs Heart which set the universe and ongoing horrific mystery arc for the series. But the second story really succeeds in pulling me fully into the drama and group of characters Manning introduces us to by way of the younger brother of the head of the Supernatural Affairs agency.
We met Chase Slate in his brotherâs story, and got a brief impression of a young man who avoids relationships and permanence as well as having an air of irresponsibility about him despite being a agent himself.
That superficial layer is pulled back to reveal a man/shifter with deeper dimensions to his personality. It comes about when he crosses path with Lucas Milton, a man on the run, but from what exactly?
Lucas Milton is a terrific character. Scared, terrified that what heâs afraid of isnât real, that itâs his mind breaking down, Lucas is a portrait of exhaustion, stress, and fear.
Manning starts to weave a story with many twists from their meeting point. It will include the overall mystery arc that hasnât been completely solved yet, another one regarding Lucasâs fears, and still yet another. The last being a real surprise and sets up the next book.
I thought this was a great couple, the relationship and their storyline was well plotted, and kept me totally captivated until the end. Plus it was wonderful seeing everyone from the first story together as well.
The ongoing mystery and serious dangers everyone still faces from the mages and kidnapped shifters is still unresolved. I look forward to seeing how this expands further in the next book.
Iâm definitely recommending this series and story to all lovers of paranormal romance.
Two heads are better than one. What about two hearts?
Lucas Milton is usually good with numbers, but nothing is adding up quite right after a nasty car accident five months ago. Paranoid and afraid heâs in danger, the formerly brainy man is surely nuts⊠until a strange incident involving a fireball nearly leaves him extra crispy.
When Chase Slate finds a troubled beauty and smells another shifter on the scene, heâs sure thereâs a supernatural cause for Lucasâs problems. So the detective investigates⊠even though heâs supposed to be busy with another case. He may not always play by the rules, but the werewolf does care about protecting others. And he might care about protecting Lucas more than he should.
When their fateful meeting leads to a case of mistaken identity, a greedy mage sets his sights on Lucas. As both men struggle to fight their growing attraction, theyâll need to keep their wits about them. Because a secret in Lucasâs past might make him valuable in his own right, and thereâs a predator who will stop at nothing to claim him.
Can Lucas and Chase put their heads together and follow their hearts to find happiness, or will being outsmarted turn deadly in Shifter for Brains?
This is the second book in the Supernatural Affairs series of explicit M/M paranormal romance novels that follows the agents of the Ashvale Department of Supernatural Affairs. While familiar characters from the first novel will reappear, this story revolves around Chase and Lucas.
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
The Hunter and His Mates is the fourth book in The Kincaid Pack series. Clark has been hinting at the triad she has at the center of this story for a while, ever since Gabriel the Hunter arrived on the scene.
Gabriel, someone not trusted by pack as part of the family, more foe then friend. Drake, the permanently injured shifter, a amputee since a enemy witch attack blew up his house, car and himself. Itâs a change Drake is having trouble adjusting to emotionally and physically. Thatâs a great part of the story and relationship dynamics. Add to that Jamie, a hawk shifter, whoâs crazy about both men and you have a complicated road to romance.
Along side the turbulent attraction they feel for each other, thereâs the arc storylines of a mystery villain who is bent on tearing apart the Kincaid pack, and all the attacks happening on allied packs around them.
Itâs a fast moving story, lots of action. Very entertaining. I just wish there was a bit more buildup between the three men, before bonding. I felt the Gabriel and Drake bond was very hot, but Jamie a bit less connected. I donât know why Jamie doesnât come across as strong a character as the others but he doesnât. Which doesnât really work when talking about someone whoâs a red tailed hawk shifter. Something is off there.
Overall, another strong story and terrific installment moving the arc forward.
As personal assistant to a powerful alpha of a large pack, there are certain rules Jamie has for himself to make sure heâs successful at his job.
First, nothing and no one gets to the alpha without his say so.
Second, schedules will be enforced for everyone. At all costs.
Third, a certain Enforcer with an enticing scent and scarred face is not to be stared at, drooled over, and/or daydreamed about.
And fourth, human hunters are never, ever mate materialâno matter what their smiles or Southern drawls do to him.
But what if his own rules are preventing Jamie from finding something unique and magical and hotter than he could ever imagine? Because being caught between a grumpy cougar and a dangerous hunter was the last place Jamie thought he should be⊠but it might just be exactly where he needs to be to find both of his fated mates.
The Hunter and His Mates is the fourth book in the bestselling Kincaid Pack series, which is most enjoyable when read in order. This installment is an MMM romance featuring a scentless human trying to make a home in a pack of shifters, an Enforcer with mild PTSD and a possessive streak a mile wide, and the sweet little hawk who adores them both.
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Kiki Clark continues the saga of a blended shifter pack struggling to survive against a unknown powerful enemy continues with The Second and His Bonded.
With each new installment, the author adds a new layer to the ongoing arc mystery, deepening the suspense and danger to the growing Kincaid pack, especially as more seem to be heading towards the pack as sanctuary.
The McAlllistairs were proven to be enemies. How much is revealed here. But Kieran, a son, also pulls back the abusive nature of his fatherâs rule as Alpha.
The story is as much about Kieranâs dealing with his own personal history as a McAllistair, his feelings of being an outsider in a new pack, and a survivor of abuse.
That along with a Tiger shifter whoâs certain Kieranâs his mate but uncertain that tigers are even capable of a mate bond that wolves have.
Lots of complications here to go with the arc storylines and dramatic events to move everything forward.
Itâs fast paced, exciting, and the characters easy to connect with. I read right through and was ready for the next book in the series.
As the son of an enemy, Kieran never expected to find a family with the Kincaid Pack… or a true mateâs bond.
After barely escaping his abusive family, wolf shifter Kieran McAllister struggles to find his place in the Kincaid Pack. Especially with the pushy but gorgeous second-in-command showing up every time Kieran turns around⊠and making him want things he shouldnât.
The traumatized wolf who continuously refuses Bennett Youngâs help has begun to haunt his dreams. But if thereâs one thing he knows, itâs that tiger shifters donât have mates. So why canât Bennett get Kieranâs sad eyes out of his head?
Despite their differences, Kieran and Bennet find something they never expected in each other. Just as their bond begins to grow though, Kieran’s past threatens to destroy the very pack they both have been fighting to protect.
The Second and His Bonded is the second book in the Kincaid Pack series and features an overprotective tiger, a touch-starved wolf, lots of purring, an excessive amount of sunbathing, and a happily ever after.
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Cochet and Blake start a new paranormal series with Notorious, a story that combines shifters, Regency romance, political intrigue, murder, and a series arc mysteries.
Thatâs a lot to handle but it works somehow. Even with a universe ,whoâs foundation that needs more weight in terms of solid information and history , the current Shifter Monarchy is intriguing, with its modern perspective and Regency structure. I really appreciated how the authors adapted certain aspects of this era of this to their story and look forward to seeing more.
The emotional components, especially that which sets off the heartbreaking events to follow the rest of the book and series, is so well written. You donât even know the characters, yet they and the situation pulls at your heart.
I really enjoyed getting to know both characters and their respective âfamilies â from each personâs pov. So different, Caspian Drake, Fox shifter, and , Saphir Vepkhia, tiger shifter. Each with their various roles to play in the Royal familyâs life before the tragedy, and then afterwards.
Watching them apart and then together is entertaining, romantic, and, highly addictive as they both investigate the events of the past.
Notorious ends with this pair in a very satisfying situation (no spoilers), but the mystery, which is part of the series arc, continues.
I canât wait for the next story and couple. Until then, Iâm definitely recommending Notorious!
Caspian Drake knows what it takes to get ahead in modern-day shifter society. He is an Earl, after all, and known for his wit, style, and ability to charm the pants off of anyone he chooses. Getting his best friend Brandr, the Prince of the Dragons, in and out of trouble is only one of his many talents. When a horrible attack shakes Casâs world, heâs forced to pair up with Saphir Vepkhia, the esteemed tiger shifter and former Captain of the Royal Guard.
Upon retirement, Saphir is granted the title of Baron Archer and, much to his dismay, becomes part of royal society. Years later, when heâs summoned to the palace, the last thing Saphir expects is for the king to request a favor that ties him to the scoundrel, Caspian Drake. Despite his misgivings, Saphir accepts the assignment, knowing it will give him the access he needs to infiltrate the wealthy and powerful while trying not to get outfoxed by the exasperating Earl.
Forced into a fake relationship by an outdated matchmaking ritual, Cas and Saphir each face the upcoming season with their own agenda. The secrets pile up as the two mates navigate the complexities of a modern world that plays by historic rules. But the closer they get to the truth, the greater the dangerâand their attraction to each otherâgrows.
With their lives on the line and the very foundations of their society at risk, Cas and Saphir must unravel the mystery, even if it means creating a scandal more notorious than their newfound love.
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
I enjoyed Annabelle Jacobsâ Regency Park Pack series so I jumped onto her latest release and first book in her Dark Forest Pack series.
A strong mixture of magical mysteries, secrets, second chance at love with old lovers reunited, it goes further by bringing in another Realm and the Fae. The Fae, arenât considered treacherous but a species where extreme care needs to be taken so as to not be indebted to them.
Rys Calder is a wolf shifter, a being with a past he hasnât shared with those heâs closest too. That past betrayal has haunted him through the years.
Gabriel Mason is Calderâs past , one thatâs deep inside the kidnappings and mysteries that are happening around them.
Jacobs storylines creates a suspenseful atmosphere, one wrought with strong character dynamics, chemistry, often a lack of communication, and a string of revelations.
I read it all the way to the end, then wanted more. Iâm highly recommending this story and waiting on the ones to come. Happy reading.
All that time apart and yet the pull between them is as strong as everâŠ
Rys Ten years ago Gabriel Mason betrayed me in the worst way. He made me question my instincts because Iâd trusted him with a bone-deep certainty, and for that I will never forgive him.
Seeing him again after all this time sparks memories I thought Iâd buried so far down theyâd never surface. Heâs as beautiful as I remember, but Iâm older and wiser now, and I refuse to make the same mistakes again.
Gabriel Rys Calder, wolf shifter and the biggest regret of my life. I loved him, and yet I didnât share with him the one thing that eventually became our undoing. I broke his trust and Iâve carried that guilt for years. I knew seeing him again would hurt, but no matter how many times Iâd imagined it, being on the receiving end of his cold stares and indifference hurt more than Iâd anticipated.
Thrown together again with a killer on the loose, will the past continue to haunt them, or can they move past it and claim the future that fate always had in store for them?
Claiming Rys is an MM paranormal romance with second chances, fated mates, pining, angry alphas, and feisty ex-hunters.
If youâre a lover of werewolf paranormal romances, then this new release, The Werewolfâs Heart by F.N. Fanning might just be the story for you.
The first in Fanningâs Supernatural Affairs series, itâs a quick flowing read that features a mystery, a mate bond, and magical evil doings.
Fanning doesnât add any new elements to the werewolf accumulated species history here but does give us some very engaging characters in Aaron Honeywell, new to the neighborhood, and supernatural detective Merritt Slate, whoâs team is âparkedâ across the street as part of a ongoing investigation into missing werewolves.
I enjoyed their romance but was missing a lot of world building and background on the universe they lived in, the sort of organization that employed Merritt, and well, just a good grounding in basics.
So I came away with having a enjoyable experience here with a romance that asks little from its reader other than a superficial entertainment. Sometimes thatâs just fine.
It will continue in a book that focuses on Merrittâs brother, Chase, also a detective with the agency. This was fun so I expect to pick that one up as well.
A supernatural detective goes undercover to catch a predator⊠love was never part of the plan. Being a new homeowner is nothing like Aaron Honeywell imagined. Instead of unpacking and decorating, heâs suddenly dodging handsy fox shifters and getting a crash course in the supernatural world. And his teacher is a drop-dead sexy werewolf who seems to crave him too. Except heâs sworn to put Aaronâs safety above everything else, including their desires.
Merritt Slate loves his job. Usually. Itâs just impossible to remember why when stuck posing as bait in suburbia to catch a kidnapper powerful enough to abduct werewolves. He wonât let an innocent person get caught in the crossfire, so protecting Aaron is more important than his feelings, no matter what his wolf thinks.
But the threats lurking outside their cozy street are getting closer to home. Kidnapping shifters is just the beginning of a sinister magical plot that may require Aaronâs help to succeed⊠whether heâs willing to provide it or not. Can the werewolf protect his heart, or will evil forces shatter it forever?
The Werewolfâs Heart is the first spellbinding book in a series of passionate M/M paranormal romances. Fans of Eliot Grayson and The Chosen Champions Series by Macy Blake will love this modern fantasy novel featuring a fiercely protective wolf shifter, a sweet human searching for a place to call home, and the kind of love thatâs worth risking everything for.
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
The Boy in the Locked Room is a good example of second book syndrome. The first story sets the characters and world building. The second story needs to continue that momentum going, while further developing the storylines (if thatâs the format the authorâs chosen) as well as allowing for character growth.
It definitely shouldnât raise more issues than it does contribute towards a bettering a relationship with the characters and the series arc the authorâs laying out.
Which is my problem with The Boy in the Locked Room . See full list at the bottom.
At the end of The Ghost in the Hall , a book I loved btw, the MC the medium, Edward Campion, had become paralyzed from the waist down, due to a battle with a evil spirit.
Averyâs descriptions of Ward dealing with his long recovery, his disability and itâs very real impact on every aspect of his life is raw, filled with tears, darkness, and is absolutely believable.
Ward isnât thinking about the boy who needs saving. And still visits him nightly, albeit rarely in the beginning of the book. Ward is rightfully concerned with his own personal issues. His business, which is taking a hit because of his recovery. Heâs depressed and feeling too dependent on others, like his orc Professor boyfriend, Mason . Theyâve moved in together but even thatâs feeling out of sync. The adjustment isnât going smoothly.
This is where Iâm conflicted because Avery does an incredible job with Ward in this situation , once having made the decision to injure Ward so severely in the story. However, it now becomes so much a part of the current story that any other subjects or threads are relegated to a lesser narrative status.
Including the boy in the locked room.
What comes next in the high percentage of scenes after the turmoil of Ward adjusting to his disability and new reality is his sex life. Or rather his and Masonâs. This does dovetail into how both parties are relating to each other physically and emotionally after Wardâs trauma.
But, thereâs so many that just as we start with a scene or storyline thatâs connected to Rayn, the tormented boy thatâs dream walking, and crying out for help, itâs stopped. And weâre back to yet another sex scene.
The entire subject of the bookâs title is given very little space until the story is halfway finished which is a shame because the horror and mystery is a excellent idea, but truly not given the depth or details it needs.
So where did the space go to? Chapter 19. A chapter the author themselves states, in a Dear Readers note within the book , can be skipped over because it includes,âan attempted sexual assault in Chapter 19. Readers who have survived similar experiences may be more comfortable skipping ahead to Chapter 20.â Avery has written a raw, graphic scene thatâs hard to read, where a vulnerable person is being sexually assaulted. This includes a suspenseful build up as well as the scene itself. Itâs the entire chapter.
This also includes a trip to the hospital, rape kit scene, and police investigation. Raw and brutal, as it would be.
Thereâs one impactful magical element thatâs of note. It could be referenced or brought into this story another way outside of this chapter.
So my issue and question is, if a full chapter and entire major aspect of a plot and character storyline be skipped over, is it really necessary to begin with? Especially one thatâs so traumatic, carries with it triggers, and deep emotional pain ?
Was it just needed to bring that one magical development to light?
Thatâs a chapter that could have been used to further the complicated history and horror thatâs Rayn. Or any of the other ghosts or families asking Ward and Mason for assistance. Some including Sylvia are fantastic.
And letâs not forget the fantastic elf Detective Hart. His role here was enlarged, remarkable, and again makes me want a series just for him.
So for me? The Boy in the Locked Room (Beyond the Veil #2) by K.M. Avery suffered from :
â too many sex scenes, which leads to
â a lack of concentration on the actual title subject matter,
â the fact it contains an entire chapter devoted to a brutal attempted sexual assault that the author said could be skipped . So is it really necessary?
Final question. If a book has wonderful characters, great ideas, and moments where it seems to come together but just didnât because of every reason I just stated, would you be recommending it?
The boy begging for help in my nightmares is very real. Heâs trapped, and itâs up to me and Mason to get him out. The trouble is, we have to find him first.
It would be a lot easier if we werenât also trying to solve a series of magical murders and deal with my horrible ex-boyfriend at the same time.
Oh, and on top of that, Iâm trying to make this relationship work, but thatâs not the easiest thing to do when youâre a magnet for ghosts and murderers, your ex is a complete narcissist, and your boyfriend is an orc witch.
As they say, when it rains, it pours.
A HFN, M/M Paranormal Romanceâbook two in Mason and Wardâs story.
Book Two of Beyond the Veil.
Book One: The Ghost in the Hall
(TW: Attempted on page graphic sexual assault)
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 