Review: P.S. I Spook You (The Spectral Files #1) by S.E. Harmon

Rating: 5🌈

I have had author S.E. Harmon on my auto buy for a while now but somehow I missed this spectacular 3-book paranormal series ! I’m rectifying that now and just finished the marvelous P.S. I Spook You.

It’s the first story in Harmon’s The Spectral Files trilogy about a FBI profiler who can communicate with ghosts (he’s a bridge from living to the dead), the Detective he’s loves, and the cases they are involved in.

P.S. I Spook You lays down the complicated history of and between both men.

Rain Christiansen, FBI profiler, left the man he loved, his family, and hometown of Brickell Bay, Florida behind when he thought he was going crazy, seeing ghosts, ghosts who were talking to him. So he ran…all the way to NYC. A new job, drugs, and a doctor who said it was something to be cured.

Detective Daniel McKenna, cold case cop who was left behind with no idea why the man he loved up and ran to NYC.

Harmon details two damaged, haunted men who still are deeply in love with each other. She gives us a remarkable hippy family for Rain that’s a delight and one for Daniel that’s slowly revealed over the course of the book.

But it’s the amazing cold case of a missing girl that reunites them that really makes this story soar. Harmon’s ghosts are so poignant, from the smallest details in their expressions to the changes that happen as memories return. Harmon’s ghosts become tangible and real. Paranormal beings that need help , and Rain is so slow to accept the role he’s obviously been given.

This is a incredible element and I’m heavily invested in how Rain is going to grow into a role that’s he’s so new and unprepared for.

That goes for his partner and their relationship. Harmon’s characters react very humanly. Denial, the avoidance, then communication. Yet you can see the future areas where this “talent” of Rain’s is is quickly becoming a issue between them.

I was so hooked on the characters and storylines I was reading into the early hours. Then started on the next before I just had to stop. These people just got to me.

If you haven’t read this trilogy already? It’s an absolute must. Outstanding plots, fantastic characters and well developed relationships. It’s all here.

Ok I have Principles of Spookology to finish and then it’s onto Spooky Business. I can’t wait. Read all three in the order they are written to understand the plot and characters progression and development.

I’m highly recommending them all.

The Spectral Files 3 of 3:

✓ P.S. I Spook You #1

◦ Principles of Spookology #2

◦ Spooky Business #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showP.S. I Spook You (The Spectral Files, #1) by S.E. Harmon – Goodreads

Synopsis:

SSA Rain Christiansen used to be the agency’s golden boy. It just takes one moment of weakness, one slight, tiny, itty-bitty paranormal sighting, and all of a sudden, he’s the agency’s embarrassment. His boss gives him one last chance to redeem himself – go down to Brickell Bay, play nice with the local police, and leave the ghost sightings behind. Rain is determined to do exactly that, even if it kills him.

Cold-case Detective Daniel McKenna’s latest investigation is going nowhere fast. Five years earlier, high school student Amy Greene went missing after leaving her part-time job and was never seen again. Daniel is glad to finally have the FBI help his department requested, even if it does come in the form of his ex.

It doesn’t help that Rain is pretty sure he’s falling in love with Danny all over again – if he ever stopped. Add to that the frustration of seeing ghosts at every turn while he works a case that’s stalled in its tracks, and Rain is starting to wonder if second chances and happy endings are just for fairy tales.

Review : Spirited Situation (Ghostly Guardians #1) by Louisa Masters

Rating: 4.75🌈

Spirited Situation is the first book in the new Ghostly Guardians series by Louisa Masters and it’s a wonderfully entertaining paranormal read!

We meet our two main characters in a bar, both looking for a hookup after long sexual dry spells. It’s instant chemistry, a night of insanely hot sex, then they leave the motel the morning after, not even exchanging names or particulars.

Of course , it doesn’t stay that way.

One of the men, Josh, is a man who’s been able to see, and talk to ghosts his entire life. It’s cost him jobs, apartments, and friends. Now he’s interviewing for a job that he’s hopeful will be the answer to all his immediate needs. It’s in a renovated estate that offers tours, including ghosts. Has living quarters attached and a small enough town that its own ghostly population should be fairly small.

What he doesn’t count on is the guy he hooked up with being the blacksmith/historian also employed by the estate and living there too.

That’s Ewan. Huge, happy to see his hookup , until a misconception gets in the way.

Louisa Masters sets the foundation for her new series by building her found family of living employees and very lively ghosts , all residing together at the estate.

While we’re getting to know everyone from Josh, who can see and talk to all our ghostly characters, Ewan our lover and blacksmith, the Manager Kieran, Skye at the front desk , Daniel who runs the historical farm to some of the wonderful ghosts like Hattie, Maisie, Joe , and Johnny.

It’s quite the cast but it’s never overwhelming because each is such a great personality. And each ghost is invested in Josh and Ewan’s romance as much as we are!

That’s so much fun. Especially ghosts like Carter who are late to gay sex and want all the inside scoop!

Overlaying all of this is the series storylines. One that gets neatly resolved but a larger one is left to be part of further storylines in the future books. I can’t wait for those!

Masters has a way of making her books feel like I just picked them up and then it’s over. They are so smoothly written, so well plotted, and the characters so engaging that the time just flies by.

Now to wait until the next which is Kieran’s story. I wonder who he will be paired up with? Hmmmmm

I’m highly recommending this new novel! It’s a great story and a entertaining start to a new series!

Reviewer note: Not a 5 because lack of last names bugs me. Always has. Pls pls give your characters last names. Ty. This note for any and all authors out there.

Ghostly Guardians:

✓ Spirited Situation #1

◦ Vortex Conundrum #2 – coming 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showSpirited Situation (Ghostly Guardians #1) by Louisa Masters | Goodreads

Synopsis:

When you can talk to ghosts, things are bound to get spirited.

The ghosts have been there since before I can remember. When I was a kid, they doted on me, but as I got older, they got more demanding. I’ve spent my whole life seeing and talking to dead people and trying to pretend I’m not, because the living just don’t understand. Nobody wants to be around the freak who claims to see ghosts.
Until I go to Mannix Estate.

Once a private country home, then a posh hotel, it was closed after a suspicious incident but is now an immersive historic experience. It’s also haunted AF, and everyone knows it. Finally, I’ve found a place to work and live where I can be useful. Where I’m actually wanted.

There are only two problems: I spent a hot, sweaty, satisfying night with Ewan the blacksmith before I knew we’d have to work together. Everyone knows sex with colleagues is a bad idea, right? Even if he’s the world’s most ripped cinnamon roll.

Plus, the ghosts are keeping secrets. There’s something going on that’s not normal, even for a haunted estate. And I suspect that when the truth comes out, I’m the one who’ll have to deal with it… and it won’t be good.

Review: Jon’s Boom Shaka Laka Problem (Jon’s Mysteries #4) by A.J. Sherwood

Rating: 5🌈

Jon’s Boom Shaka Laka Problem is the series finale and Sherwood really shakes things up in every way imaginable before seeing Jon and Donovan settling into domestic happiness.

As indicated by the title, it starts with bombs and explosions. Real ones and ones within their relationship. One major decision by Jon that threatens to derail everything they’ve built to date, and Jon’s completely, emotionally unprepared and equipped to handle the fallout.

In the final story, all the damage that Jon’s parents and stepfather, all the deeply felt pain his childhood has instilled over the years returns and in one instant,making him cut Donovan out of a life threatening decision. For them both.

Sherwood is able to bring us into the frightening turmoil of the situation, the fear and nausea inducing arguments that occur between the men. It’s so painful and intimate.

The fact that we’ve come to care so much about these men and their relationship makes this moment of angst, despair, anger, and desperation all the worse. That there’s a bomb and bomber waiting for them too while they haven’t resolved anything between them? Heartbreaking.

The tension, suspense, and life threatening situations here are so well written as are the emotional ones between Jon and Donovan.

There are explosions to diffuse everywhere and just when you think it’s over, another complication pops up.

This is such an excellent story and Sherwood wraps up the series and Jon’s emotional issues realistically and in an unexpected and gratifying way.

It’s not the last of Jon and Donovan as they appear in Brandon’s series.

But for now they’re happy and very very ever after!

Did I love this series? Why yes I did! I’m highly recommending it !

Read them in the order they are written.

Jon’s Mysteries series:

✓ Jon’s Downright Ridiculous Shooting Case #1

✓ Jon’s Crazy Head-Boppon’ Mystery #2

✓ Jon’s Spooky Corpse Conundrum #3

✓ Jon’s Boom Shaka Laka Problem #4

Proposing vs defusing a bomb?

Defusing a bomb is much easier than proposing.

Defusing Donovan’s anger over getting on a plane to defuse said bomb? Harder than the bomb.

Jon is not liking these odds.

Is proposing supposed to be this difficult?

Tags:

Synopsis:

Jon and Donovan have a fight, as expected they’re very bad at it, things go BOOM, my kink is healthy processing and expressing of emotions, relationship lessons, life lessons, love is not based on worth, the dads are awesome, I put Jon on a plane, because I’m evil that way, personal space? What’s that?, cats, Jon has a new toy, no I’m not talking about Donovan, the bomb squad is ready to just keep Jon, roadtrip!, grandparents also rock, absolutely nothing goes according to plan

Now Available on Amazon

Review: Jon’s Crazy Head-Boppon’ Mystery (Jon’s Mysteries #2) by A.J. Sherwood

Rating: 4.5🌈

What I appreciate about Sherwood’s mysteries is the layers she writes into them. We get Jon’s team exhibiting their unique talents, not just Jon.

Then we do get another of Jon’s abilities, and the physical and emotional aftermath of its use.

Which then plays into the furthering growth of Jon’s and Donovan’s relationship and dynamic. A growth and change that always triggers bouts of self doubt and insecurities within Jon.

All this while the overlying mystery plays out around them.

There’s also the multiple secondary relationships charging in and out of their lives. Garrett and Sho, to be exact, another couple slowly working things out as well as the complex Bane family dynamics.

By the end of the story, Sherwood has tied up her many storylines beautifully. The mystery has a nicely complicated ending. Jon and Donovan are taking their relationship to another major stage.

And the reader? Happy and extremely satisfied.

And ready for the next story to come.

I’m highly recommending this book and series.

What a reading pleasure!

Jon’s Mysteries series:

✓ Jon’s Downright Ridiculous Shooting Case #1

✓ Jon’s Crazy Head-Boppon’ Mystery #2

◦ Jon’s Spooky Corpse Conundrum #3

◦ Jon’s Boom Shaka Laka Problem #4

✓ Brandon’s Very Merry Haunted Christmas

https://www.goodreads.com › showJon’s Crazy Head-Boppin’ Mystery by A.J. Sherwood – Goodreads

Synopsis:

I’m rather used to the crazy cases, because let’s face it, most cops can handle the run-of-the-mill with their eyes closed. I’m only called in when the situation is weird or they need to solve the case fast.

This case is a little of both.

Someone’s attacking women as they get off of work, hitting them in the back of the head. What started as a case of battery has steadily built up to homicide. With three murders, six victims, and no leads, the Clarksville PD are desperate to catch the assailant. But there’s no real leads for us to follow, either, and for once my eyes can’t really help.

A madman running around attacking women is bad enough, but the police are demanding answers we can’t give them, and they’re not taking no for an answer. It’s pushing us all past our limits, and frankly, I don’t know what’s going to break first: The case or Donovan’s patience.

Tags:

Explicit sexual content, Relationships, Loss of control, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Domestic, Tenderness, Tooth-rotting fluff, (I didn’t know that was a tag until just now), POV Alternating, Women being awesome, Protectiveness, The fluffiest mystery you’ll ever read, I mean really this is just ridiculous, Bisexuality, Size Difference, Communication, Holding Hands, Healthy Relationships, Pansexual Character, Donovan is Boss AF, Jon is so smitten it’s embarrassing, Aftercare, Jon what are you getting yourself into?, Violence, Because they’re detectives duh, bit of pain, That sounds terrible, it’s brief I promise, Snuggles heal all the pains, most pain, some pain?, Jon basically has to deal with everyone wanting to cuddle him, cuddle porn

Review: How to Elude a Vampire (VRC: Vampire Related Crimes #2) by Alice Winters

Rating: 5🌈

Well, this was an exhilarating, heart in your throat ride!

How to Elude a Vampire wraps up Finn and Marcus’ part of the VRC: Vampire Related Crimes series. It does so by scaring the bejezas out of us!

As How to Vex a Vampire ended, things were quiet so far as the villain related occurrences. But here, he and the plot comes roaring back to terrifying life.

Winters makes this villain truly horrifying because his motives behind his actions that have traumatized Finn and continue to haunt him in the present are unknown.

He’s bested every effort to find him and he’s strong.

Usually I’ve an idea who the culprit is partway through but here? Nothing. It was a complete shock as was the motivations.

As with every story, there’s multiple plots to go along with the overlying one and new relationship dynamics developing.

Claude Church , Marcus’ brother, is becoming an integral part of the series and team. He’s a great character. Flamboyant, literary, a vampire who’s outlook is the antithesis of his brother’s.

Alexei Karsynov has been a huge part of this series from the beginning and is now one of Finn’s closest friends at the VRC unit and outside. He’s also being pursued romantically by Claude. It’s a delightful idea and they will make a wonderful couple . Their story is book three. It starts here.

How to Elude a Vampire has a complicated and extremely painful and scary plot that wraps up Finn and Marcus’ thread. It’s incredible. It also sets the foundation for the next book and couple, How to Lure a Hunter, for Claude and Alexei.

Along the way, there will be adorable animals, snappy dialogue, great action scenes, and some smoldering hot moments.

This is another absorbing series with multiple couples to connect with . I just adore it.

Check it out. Finn is a fantastic character. There’s not many double amputee characters out there that realistically handles all aspects of that disability as well as Winters does here without letting it overpower the rest of that person’s personality and the plot.

I’m recommending this book(s) and series. And Finn.

Buy it on Amazon

VRC: Vampire Related Crimes Series:

✓ How to Vex a Vampire #1

✓ How to Elude a Vampire #2

✓ How to Lure a Hunter #3

✓ How to Save a Human #4

Synopsis:

Finn
When the vampire stalking me sent me a letter, I was prepared for my new life with the man I love to get thrown into chaos. But as the days stretch on and nothing happens, I become determined not to allow that monster to rule my life, and decide that Marcus and I will move on. We can’t always allow the past to haunt us. If that includes pestering Marcus and harassing my fellow detectives, they’d better learn to love it, because I’m not going anywhere even if they like to remind me I’m the only human working in a department filled with vampires. But Marcus loves me for who I am, even if he’s not crazy about the cute pet names I call him like McBitey. Being with him is more than I could have dreamed, and even with the trials thrown in our way, he never fails to make me smile.

Marcus
When Finn joined the VRC, I never expected how everything would change. Now that he’s the brightest part of my days, I’m unsure of how I existed without him. Before Finn and I can settle into our new life together, we’re called in as lead detectives when a body is found in the river, and the case soon hits closer to home than we anticipated. I want to be by Finn’s side to keep him safe, but at the same time, Finn’s fighting for the freedom he’s always wanted after being forced to live a life of fear. What I do know is that my future is with Finn, no matter what happens.

How to Elude a Vampire is the second in the VRC series and contains a display of manly prowess that doesn’t go as desired, reluctant bonding with a new pet, interfering with a snarky Russian’s love life, misuse of office supplies, a vampire with a killer fashion sense but very little game, a total lack of ancient kung fu powers, a feisty human who almost always gets his way and the possessive vampire who adores him.

Review: Gideon (Chosen Champions #2) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.5

Gideon was a better tale, probably because so much of the exposition had been dealt with in Logan’s book that we’re familiar with most of the characters here.

We get the relationships happening and the new dynamics at play around the Warehouse, the headquarters for Logan’s team and new pack.

With a foundation set, a mystery arc laid out for us (again in Logan’s story), Gideon is ready for his next step forward.

For that, it’s also a trip back … towards his past with Taj, the incubus who broke his heart. We met Taj during the big investigation and now we learn the circumstances behind his conditions on this side of the Seal.

Sometimes it’s a tough thing getting a couples chemistry right, especially if it’s needed to be combustible immediately. That’s certainly not a issue here. Taj and Gideon are that romantic incendiary pair that also manages to be tragic and trapped in their past. They make this story.

Taj comes with a human best friend , Erich, who’s ignorant of the supernaturals around him, including Taj. A pair, like adopted brothers, Erich is a character we see a lot of.

The arc mystery started in the first story continues here, building its elements and characters through most investigations and cases. It’s the one aspect that’s adding on the danger and suspense in each book without giving any answers so far.

What is happening is that Logan’s family and pack is growing. Both supernatural and human beings by story and mate.

This was a terrific story and romance. I love seeing everyone and the steps forward they had taken. Including therapy for Bailey, and that his recovery is a process. Great job.

Next up is Aleron. Unfortunately, that’s not til March 22, 2022. I’ll be waiting.

I may check out some of the other connected series.

I’m definitely recommending the Chosen Champions, both stories. Read them in the order they were written.

Chosen Champions series:

✓ Logan #1

✓ Gideon #2

◦ Aleron #3 – coming March 22, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showGideon (Chosen Champions #2) by Macy Blake | Goodreads

Synopsis:

Gideon is a centuries-old vampire warrior with a broken heart…

Which is why he’s vowed never to risk it again. Instead, he’s channeled his passion and his legendary self-control into becoming a skilled protector — one who’s promised to wield his sword alongside a young wolf shifter leader on a mission from the mysterious Oracle to protect the human realm against the broken magic that threatens its very existence. He’s doing just fine without love, thank you very much… at least until his incubus ex reappears in his life.

Taj is an incubus without a home…

And that is every bit as unpleasant as it sounds. Banished to the human realm, Taj is learning the hard way that survival is for the fittest and, um… he’s not as fit as he thought he was. Not when his past keeps coming back to haunt him. Still, it’s only when another incubus is involved in a series of brutal attacks and Taj’s ex, Gideon, rides to the rescue that Taj learns just how dangerous this human realm might be to his life… and to his heart.

But although the fire between Gideon and Taj burns hotter than ever, they’ll need to break through the wall of secrets that divides them if they want a chance to set things right…

A second chance for the human realm.

A second chance at finding a home in the welcoming arms of their new pack.

And a second chance at building a future… together.

Review: Ghost of Truth (Medium Trouble #2) by Alice Winters

Rating: 2.5

It’s always the second book that seals the deal one way or the other. In this case , it the flag that tells me go no further.

I like Alice Winters. Her books are normally characterized by such great elements like well-developed complicated plots, multi dimensional characters with great chemistry , and snappy intelligent dialogue.

None of which is on display here.

Based on the two books I’ve finished, the series reads like something scribbled off while completing other high priority books. The storylines are plodding. The culprits spotted easily and immediately. And any supposed mystery is so far from some being a surprise that it’s less a revelation, more a eye roll.

But the real issue lies with the main characters.

I had an issue with Hiro in the first story but thought that his lack of communication with his partner and friends had been worked through.

No. Hiro is, apparently, what I term a TSTC character. That’s a To Stupid To Communicate character. A type that’s right up there with the TSTL characters, often they are the same .

Aspects of their personality include a inability to tell anyone around them major plot points that they need to know, often to survive, even though every rational person would do so immediately.

Especially the person closest to them, which proceeds to put that person (and others) at the greatest risk. Duh.

Other elements include running into danger ; for example when you suspect a person , someone who has been acting VERY differently ( like pulling a gun on you) , then asks you to get in the car. You know things like that. Then… not telling or communicating that to anyone!

Yep. TSTC. That’s Hiro. For the entire book.

What does poor Maddox do? Spend the book angry and chasing after him. Plus wondering where he is, because, you know, no communication.

Even the ghosts are irritated with him.

I get that.

At the end, with a miserable sort of pulled together finish to their case which gives no one any satisfaction, the author tries to offer up a hint of a mystery about the final days of a major character. But , to show you how bad this series is, you can already guess the answer and who exactly the bad guys are.

Before that third book is even out! Because everything here is one dimensional, even the mysteries. Nancy Drew would have passed on this one as being too easy.

So if you’re like me and you like this author, I’m not recommending this book or series. There are , imo, far superior series and novels in her library.

Instead head over to her Hitman’s Guide or the fantastic VRC: Vampire Related Crimes series. Her character , Finn, a double amputee, is as engaging and complex as they come.

Medium Trouble series:

✓ Ghost of Lies #1

✓ Ghost of Truth #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showGhost of Truth (Medium Trouble, #2) by Alice Winters – Goodreads

Hiro
When I first realized that I could see the dead, I never imagined that it would allow me to help save the lives of others and pull me into Detective Maddox Booker’s path. Through my ability, ghosts have become some of my greatest friends and allies.

But now, someone’s dead and his ghost is gone. Ghosts have sought my help for my entire life, wanting to be heard, but something is keeping them quiet, almost hostile as our search for the ghost of the dead man leads us to a small village. Even though everything looks normal on the outside, I’m starting to wonder what’s happening on the inside.

Maddox
Life is better than it’s ever been. Hiro’s by my side and has brought my best friend Reggie back into my life—if we can consider Reggie’s harassment (even as a ghost) a positive. And even Hiro’s horde of ghosts won’t keep me from asking him to move in with me. The only issue is that work is never quiet, especially when Hiro is able to dive into a whole new side of a case by speaking to the victims of the dead.

But when someone takes Hiro from me in the middle of the night, I know that I will do absolutely anything to get him back, and I will make them pay for what they’ve done.

Ghost of Truth is full of action, mystery, humor, and romance. Though more is planned for this couple, the mystery is solved and there is a happy ending.

Review: The Enchanter’s Flame (The Ellwood Chronicles #1) by Michele Notaro

Rating: 4.5 🌈

It was a gorgeous cover that drew me to another new fantasy series and new author. It’s glorious colors and outstanding design had me stopping and grabbing the synopsis.

Never underestimate the power of a great cover!

Michele Notaro’s first installment absolutely lives up to that cover! Full of magical characters, a plot full of mystery and murders, and a universe that has a foundation that expands to embrace each new revelation as the story continues.

And it starts so mundanely. With a series of murders and a detective looking for clues to the identity to the serial killer.

That’s our introduction to Det. Sebastian Fitz, ex Special Forces, now a recently transferred Detective who’s been assigned a murder investigation that soon turns into that of multiple murders, with the same weird MO.

Drained blood, tortured victims, and symbolic markings bring Ailin Ellwood, a specialist, into Seb’s case and life.

The story and characters start off slow but as the author builds more of her universe and the characters get more involved in both the investigation and each other, then it starts to come together.

The further I read , the more the characters revealed about themselves, the more I connected with everyone and this story until at parts I was sobbing.

The ending sets up the plots and major conflicts coming for the next story. I’m headed that way.

I’m definitely recommending The Enchanter’s Flame (The Ellwood Chronicles #1) by Michele Notaro. What terrific characters!

The Ellwood Chronicles series:

✓ The Enchanter’s Flame #1

◦ The Witch’s Seal

◦ The Enchanter’s Soul #3

◦ The Witch’s Blood #4

◦ The Enchanter’s Heart #5

◦ The Enchanters New Kids #6

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Enchanter’s Flame by Michele Notaro – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Strange things are happening all around Brinnswick. Things that remind me of a piece of my past I’d rather forget. Girls are being killed, drained of blood, and left with strange markings on their bodies. When I finally connect the cases together, a specialist is called in—though, what he’s a specialist of is beyond me.

When the chief assigns him as my new partner for the case, I can’t help but groan on the inside. Why of all people would I be assigned to Ailin Ellwood? The man is a disaster waiting to happen and a jerk to boot. A sexy jerk, but a jerk nonetheless.

What will Sebastian think when he discovers Ailin’s specialty? Will he make a run for it or will he stick around and discover a world of magic hidden beneath the city’s surface?

***The Enchanter’s Flame is the first book in the Ellwood Chronicles. It’s a paranormal romance that contains explicit material and is intended for mature adults 18 and over.***

Review: The Fantastic Fluke by Sam Burns

Rating: 5🌈💫

The first in a series, The Fantastic Fluke is another one of those magical tales that author Sam Burns writes so beautifully.

From the opening sentence and our introduction to mage Sage McKinley, we have an immediate understanding of this man’s current situation, his thoughts on his past, his present predicament, even his self image. It’s intimate and concise. And it serves as both a foundation and way to connect the reader emotionally to Sage.

How could it not? Then we get thrown further afterwards as it gets more evidenced that this story is firmly bound to the magical world by ghosts, mages, familiars and murders most supernatural!

Not all the great characters are human, some are delightfully foxy! Or ghostly! Burns has built this story around multiple magical murder mysteries (alliteration is not a key), fantastic layered characters, and a romance.

The story is so well plotted that it moves along smoothly, all the elements coming together at the end for a perfect “aha” revelation or two!

I was just captivated the entire story. Whether it was Sage’s ghastly adolescence, the trauma he endured, or his future path that was happening , whether he wanted it or not. Magic was coming for him.

The Fantastic Fluke is just the first of The Fantastic Fluke series by Sam Burns. I can’t wait to read on and see where this journey takes Sage and his companions.

I’m highly recommending this. And the author, Sam Burns.

And btw? That cover is gorgeous! Love it.

The Fantastic Fluke Series:

✓ The Fantastic Fluke #1

◦ Fluke and the Failthless Father #2

◦ Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco #3

◦ Fluke and the Frontier Farce #4 – coming in 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Fantastic Fluke #1 – Goodreads

Synopsis:

A lost fox. A gorgeous ghost. And an unlikely partnership to stop a murderer.

Since his mother’s murder, Sage McKinley doesn’t live, he exists. His weak magic has made him an outcast, shadowing his life with self-doubt. All that changes when the spirit of a gunslinger appears in his bookstore with a message that will flip Sage’s world upside down. According to the mesmerizing apparition, a powerful magic lies within Sage… if he can find a way to tap into it.

But dastardly threats accompany this untapped power. Bodies are piling high as a killer hunts for the secrets of the mage that now course through Sage’s veins. Can Sage find the confidence to embrace all he’s capable of? Or will the next life snuffed out be his own?

Review: On the Wings of War (Soulbound #5) by Hailey Turner

Rating: 5🌈

On the Wings of War brings us to the fifth installment of Hailey Turner’s Soulbound series and an ever enlarging canvas of mythology, gods, countries and their treasured heritage sites. As the author’s scope of her arc and

individual story storylines expand exponentially, the events are characters are involved in become more clouded with politics, both human and godly, and therefore, more cruel, costly, and painful.

Here the pack must travel to Europe in search of Morrigan’s staff. It’s not merely an artifact of extreme power but a potential element of imbalance. With its owner looking to reclaim it as well.

This story brought more unexpected surprises and shockers then any of the others yet. That’s as it should be as we’re getting closer to the ending. But these surprises range from the humorous to the emotionally devastating and shocking. What a grand ending!

While the London section was terrific and added to Jono’s history as well as moved their entire pack forward as a unit, it’s the Paris journey that’s such an incredible aspect of this book in every way. From the descriptions of the city and citizens to all the actions that follow…literally a tour de force.

Turner’s murky tapestry of supernatural beings, gods of every pantheon and religious affiliation, demons, witches, power mad humans , and hidden agendas continues to captivate even as the author ramps up the anxiety and fear for all we’ve come to care about.

New gods get added each book and possibly to each Alliance too. I’m keeping a sheet , are you?

What a superb series and book! What a absolutely brilliant journey we are on!

This is one more example of why this is one of the best series I’ve read lately in this genre. Read them in the order they are written. A must read!

Highly recommended!

https://www.goodreads.com › showOn the Wings of War (Soulbound, #5) by Hailey Turner – Goodreads

Soulbound series:

✓ A Ferry of Bones & Gold #1

✓ All Souls Near & Nigh #2

✓ A Crown of Iron & Silver #3

✓ A Vigil in the Mourning #4

✓ On the Wings of War #5

◦ An Echo in the Sorrow #6

◦ A Veiled & Hallowed Eve #7

Synopsis:

Remembering the dead will always give them life.

The coveted Morrígan’s staff is up for sale on the black market to the highest bidder, and SOA Special Agent Patrick Collins will do whatever it takes to ensure the Dominion Sect doesn’t get their hands on it. Returning the weapon to its rightful owner is another step on the long road toward clearing Patrick’s soul debt, but he won’t walk it alone. Jonothon de Vere won’t let him.

Obeying the gods means Patrick must travel to London. For Jono, it means facing a past he thought he’d left behind forever. His return to England isn’t welcome, and neither is their pack, but Jono and Patrick will face the antagonism together. Politics aside, their priority must be the mission, but the bone-chilling secret they uncover in the London god pack will have far-reaching repercussions no one can ignore.

A race against time takes Patrick and Jono from the streets of London to the bright lights of Paris, where hospitality is thin on the ground, the air is filled with whispered prayers for the missing, and the Morrígan’s staff will end up in the one place it should never have gone—a graveyard.

For beneath Paris lie the long-forgotten dead, and when they rise to walk again, the living can only hope to die.

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