Review:  Where There’s Smoke (Elementally Yours, #4) by F. N. Manning 

Rating: 4🌈

Where There’s Smoke continues F.N. Manning’s Elementally Yours series about elemental mages learning to use their powers, get their brand, and finding love in the process.

Where There’s Smoke is about two supposedly opposite elements, Fire and Water.  Water is represented by the exiled Argyle, half-water nymph and half-human, who is on campus taking courses to help him and others like him adapt to their magic. That’s where he meets with Samson, a fire mage who can’t control his element.

Manning puts together a wonderful romantic story, with well defined magical elements, a horrific magic themed mystery that has huge implications for Argyle and Samson. In the course of investigating the mystery, the story provides the necessary background and missing family information for them both.

I really enjoyed this story and couple.  It was very well plotted and the couple was engaging and easy to relate to. 

Absolutely looking forward to the next one in this series.

Elementally Yours:

  • Frost or The Bite #1
  • Strikes Twice #2
  • Bold As Brass #3
  • Where There’s Smoke #4

Buy link

        Where There’s Smoke: M/M Paranormal Romance

    

Blurb 

When fire meets water, can love extinguish the turmoil?

Argyle is more familiar with schools of fish than a college education. Half-water nymph and half-human, Argyle is building a life on land for the first time at age 42, which includes taking classes in order to help others with his magic. But when his studies hit rough waters, he partners with an irresistibly hot fire mage for tutoring.

Samson knows how to bring the heat. The 26-year-old fire caster seems interested in Argyle despite their age difference and he’s quick to flirt, but the man has trouble opening up about his own magical issues. And while the chemistry between them is undeniable, their fire and water powers clash, creating only smoke.

Just as their bond begins to blossom, trouble brews under the surface in Argyle’s seaside home. Cruel magic poisons the water and threatens Argyle’s family. Argyle and Samson may be the key to combating the damage, if they can find a way to unite their conflicting elements. Will their connection save everyone, or will it all go up in smoke?

  • Publication date: January 5, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 196 pages

Review:  How to Hack a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls #2) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4.5🌈

I’m so enjoying this series, a sequel to Mae’s fantastic Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures (8 book series).  Same location, many crossover characters and fascinating interactions between them that make this series a great read.

It’s dark and violent but without being graphic, sexy with fated mates and magical otherworldly characters. Many of the characters have tragic or otherwise damaged pasts that still currently haunt their lives.  And that  factors into the narrative of their stories and romantic relationships.

Yes, I’m throughly invested here.  

Mae’s done a fantastic job in creating the new interlocking cast of characters that’s launched the series.  A found family of Hellhounds that’s moved to Paradise Falls and will start to find their mates.

First , they ended up moving next door to human horror author, Toby, and HellhoundDexter ended up helping Toby with his writing but saving him too from a trafficking ring. 

That storyline continues with two of the survivors , Quinton and Aiden, who’ve been adopted into the small group of otherworldly friends, including the Hellhounds.  

While this is Quinton and Liam’s story, it’s also Aiden’s because Aiden’s trauma and Quinton’s is linked by their captivity and now survivor closeness, a deep relatable friendship.  I love how Mae handles this aspect of the story as well as the different facets that’s introduced to the relationships that exist within the group that’s developing here.  There room for so many types of relationships and understanding of each other and how they relate to various dynamics within the group. 

It’s lovely. And I look forward to more of this and these types of conversations happening.

The other thing is that the Hellhounds, a well defined and diverse group of individuals, have been created as distinctly non human entities. They come across completely, in their language and actions as otherworldly beings.  And we’re still learning about them and their history.

I love this story, the world and the characters.  Shannon Mae ties up the trafficking storylines here satisfactorily and sets up the narrative for the next couple to come. It should be fascinating , and full of emotions.

I can’t wait. 

I’m highly recommended this series and book. Read them in the order written for plot and characters development.

Hellhounds of Paradise Falls:

  • How to Flirt with a Hellhound #1
  • How to Hack a Hellhound #2 
  • How to Tame a Hellhound #3 – May 1,2025

Related series, same universe:

🔹Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures (8 book series)

Buy link

        How to Hack a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls Book 2)

    

Blurb 

Quinton

Getting kidnapped and held hostage in a human trafficker’s basement was not on my bingo card. Getting rescued by a paranormal being was also not on my bingo card. (Apparently I needed to trade in bingo cards.) The guy who took me may be dead, but I know there are more people behind the operation, and I plan to shut it down. If I need to get the help of one of the creepy glowing eyed dudes to do it, I will. It turns out Liam is incredibly sexy and really good with technology, too. He may be great at hacking into computers, but I’m determined to hack my way into his life.

Liam

Ever since I looked into the feisty human that Dexter rescued from a basement, I’ve been a little… obsessed. Is it wrong that I watch him all the time and hack into all his technology? I’m just trying to keep him safe. After all, he’s sticking his nose into some troubling areas, and I can’t deal with the thought of him getting taken again. Of course I offer to help him when I discover his mission to take down a trafficking ring, although my motives aren’t exactly pure. The little human attracts me in a way that I can’t explain, and my hellhound thinks he’s mine, whether he wants to be or not.

Tags: Emotionally traumatized, feisty vigilante and hacker hellhound fall in love; Liam has Quinton under surveillance 24/7 and will protect him; Quinton doesn’t mind being watched if the dude with the glowing eyes will keep him safe; there’s torture and death (but only of really bad people); hellhounds have tails, and they know how to use them.

  • Publication date: January 2, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 240 pages

Check out the new release “Resurrecting My Magic“ by Timoteo Tong (tour and excerpt from Other Worlds Ink Tours)

Resurrecting My Magic - Timoteo Tong Magicals Alliance

Timoteo Tong has a new MM paranormal fantasy romance out, Magicals Alliance book two: Resurrecting My Magic.

Book one, “Magic, Monsters and Me” is available for just 99¢ January 6th-12th!

In the thrilling sequel to “Magic, Monsters and Me,” Elijah Delomary forges new abilities with new mentors, seeks to reunify with Austin, and faces the terrible truth behind losing his powers. As war rages between Devlina and Zid’dra, Elijah and his family are drawn into the conflict.

Zid’dra grows stronger and brings Elijah to the precipice of destruction. Faced with a terrifying revelation, Elijah is pushed to protect his family, Austin, and the very fabric of existence. The weight of these challenges tests Elijah’s strength, forcing him to confront the darkest forces while proving the unwavering strength of his love to Austin.

As the evil plan comes to light, Elijah forges new abilities with new mentors, seeks to reunify with Austin, and faces the terrible truth behind losing his powers. As war rages between Devlina and Zid’dra, Elijah and his family are drawn into the conflict. Zid’dra grows stronger and brings Elijah to the precipice of destruction. Will he survive? Can he trust himself to do the right thing? Will he believe that love can conquer darkness and save the world?

Warnings: homophobia, racism, bullying, fat phobia, LGBT slurs, fade to black sex

About the Series:

The Magicals’ Alliance series revolves around the influential Delomary family, known for their massive corporation, philanthropy, and charity work. But unbeknownst to the public, they’re also the secret defenders against dark forces, facing off against monsters like Vampires and Werewolves in an age-old battle between good and evil. “Magic, Monsters and Me” is the thrilling first installment in this epic saga. Join them in their mission to protect humanity from perilous extinction.

Universal Buy Link

Get Book One Now For Just 99¢


Giveaway

Timoteo is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour:

a Rafflecopter giveawayhttps://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47322/


Excerpt

Resurrecting My Magic banner

“One night, I sat in the window seat in my room, watching the rain falling outside my window, when I heard a cry for help.

“Someone help me!”

I glanced at the clock: 3:00 AM. I padded to the door, peering outside to the long hallway stretching from Aunt Christine’s suite on one end to Mom’s on the other. The darkness was punctuated every few feet from the dim chandeliers overhead. Silence. The house and everyone in it were asleep except me. I returned to the window.

“Help!” a voice shouted, weaker this time.

“Shit,” I complained. I returned to my room, walked over to the closet, then jammed my feet in my running shoes and headed downstairs. I grabbed my raincoat from the front hall closet and stepped outside.

Where was security? They usually patrolled the grounds at night. Maybe there was a shift change. Rain thundered down on the roof of the veranda and on the brick walkway winding down the front lawn to the main gates. I stepped onto the stairs and into the rain. I hurried to the wrought iron fence separating our property from the street. I paused, noticing a strange pink light illuminating the jacaranda trees lining the street. I turned to see where it was coming from. I gasped. The house glowed with a fluorescent pink light from the runes Mom had recently cast over the house in the Jotomoarlo Sangrancto. The ancient characters appeared as if projected on the house moving up along the façade and disappearing on the mansard roof.

“Please, help little old me!” a voice called. I looked back at the house. The house was actively fighting some evil force itself. I turned and made my way to the empty street. A half block away, I spotted a figure, shrouded in shadows between the streetlights, waving to me.

“Help! Monsters!”

“I can help you!” I called, patting my pajama pockets for my PlasmX. Puxhàredo! I left it on the dresser in my closet. I stretched out my arm and raised my hand on the off chance my PlasmX would levitate out of my room and into my hands. Nothing happened. Crap. Máurso had drilled it in my head to never be without my PlasmX. And I had forgotten that rule already. I grumbled. Okay, I would just use my fists and body to battle any monster. My Xem Sen Ou improved every week. I was a walking weapon, I told myself.

I closed in on the figure.

“Come and help me.”

The stench of ashes and sulfur wafted into my nose. I gagged. Okay, a chain smoker needed my help. Mom had drilled it into my head to never smoke.

“You want yellow teeth? Wrinkles when you’re eighteen? Smell like cigarettes?”

“No?”

“Good, don’t smoke, ever!”

I could do this. I paused in front of a shadowy figure.

“Elijah Delomary, Bane of the Gloom, here to help..uh..ma’am, sir, they?”

The figure reached up to their hood with their hands, only the skin was blistered and black and oozing. My eyes widened, seeing rotting flesh on their arms. I stopped in my tracks. I began to back away.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you remember me?” A raspy voice called as the hood fell off the head of the figure. The face of an old woman with wrinkled skin and washed-out blue eyes peered at me. Fungus crusted half the woman’s face.

“Come here, honey. It’s me, your great-great aunt Mady!”

I turned and began to run. That couldn’t be Aunt Mady. She had died when I was eight years old at the ripe old age of 102. My foot hit a rut in the sidewalk, sending me tumbling forward. I crashed onto the lawn of my friend Letitia’s house. I sprawled on my back, rain beating down on my face. My heart lodged in my throat. I wanted to cry out for help. I wanted to run, but for some reason, every muscle in my body was paralyzed. I heard the sound of Aunt Mady’s walker clacking on the sidewalk.

“Come and give me a hug, honey!”

I closed my eyes. I should have woken Barn, called Sunny. Security. No, I— Stop, Elijah. You didn’t know any better. You meant well. The path to hell is lined with good intentions. No, stop. Stop. Stop beating yourself up.

The clacking stopped. Aunt Mady, or whoever she was, stood over me. I was helpless. Thunder rumbled. Our twelfth atmospheric river of the rainy season. The vernal equinox passed weeks ago. Springtime. It never rained this much in Southern California. Something was wrong, someone was trying to drown the land of milk and honey. Drown La La Land and wash California into the sea.

Wheezing filled the air. I pressed my eyes closed as a hand reached for me. A vision bloomed in my head. Two pinpoints of red light that grew and grew and grew filled my mind.

“You proved yourself quite capable,” the voice said. “I was hoping you’d run yourself ragged, trying to prove to yourself you’re not some piece of crap like your father. I hoped to watch you collapse and die. You didn’t. Then I was sure you would give up. You surprised me. So now I am here to destroy you, so Devlina is weakened, and I can grow stronger!”


Author Bio

Timoteo Tong

Timoteo Tong’s imagination has always run wild, growing up in Burbank, CA, dreaming of battling vampires, werewolves, and witches in a Victorian mansion. Inspired by literary giants like L. Frank Baum, CS Lewis, and JRR Tolkien, he wrote his first book at eight, featuring his stuffed cocker spaniel marrying a playful duck. Now living in San Francisco with his husband, Timoteo surrounds himself with plants and books, enjoying cheese pizza, donuts, and long naps. He balances his creative pursuits with a healthy lifestyle, working out regularly. Timoteo dreams of flying one day and aims to enchant readers with his storytelling, just as his favorite authors did for him.

Author Website: https://www.magicalsalliance.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/timoteo.tong

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timoteoktong/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/34837913.Timoteo_Tong

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Timoteo-Tong/author/B0C7JVD1H7

Other Worlds Ink logo

Review: False Comeback  (Goliaths of Wrestling book 4) by Lily Mayne

Rating:4.5🌈

False Comeback continues to expand and explore Lily Mayne’s unique paranormal romance series set in an otherworldly underground wrestling world, Goliaths of Wrestling. 

The intense energy and high emotions that have been resonating between the lord high elf wrestler, Crossbody, and the egregious ghoul with a chip on his shoulder, Vince Burke, come crashing into a head in this crazy, great story, False Comeback.

The set up for this romance starts in the previous book with a huge argument between the two characters that requires a court Wrestling mediation and in-house counseling sessions from the fabulous Corey. 

The absolutely combustible, compelling relationship that Mayne is building between Crossbody and Vince captures our entire attention as  the layers of history and depth of their personalities are revealed. As their animosity lessens and their intensity of attraction/intimacy becomes even stronger, the characters become increasingly complex and relatable.

Their interactions with the other wrestlers, their fears, and unvoiced feelings, it’s all there, beautifully laid out by Mayne.

And I have to say that last quarter of the story is a fantastic narrative ride! Part thrilling adventure, all sustained suspense and wild moments! Along with some great comedy and sublime characters and storytelling.  I read several parts of this twice. Gotta love Ethel. 

For additional world expansion, we also get a group of new wrestlers added to the Goliaths of Wrestling found family.  What a fascinating new group they are! I can’t wait to meet them in depth.

This has grown to be a favorite new series for me this year.  Highly recommended.

Read the warnings. Sexy, kinky, in this case a D/s relationship, otherworldly, hilariously spew worthy, and a definite recommendation.

Cover illustration: Vic Gray/Bloodwrit

Goliaths of Wrestling: 

🔷Impromptu Match #1

🔷Clean Finish #2

🔷Cheap Heat #3

🔷False Comeback #4

🔷Double Shot #5 – tbd release 

Buy link

        False Comeback (Goliaths of Wrestling Book 4)

    

Blurb 

High Lord Crossbody

I’ve given up a lot to pursue a career in professional wrestling, and I’m not going to have it all derailed by an uncouth ghoul with a huge chip on his shoulder, who decided he disliked me for no reason on his very first day at Goliaths.

Vince Burke has been the thorn in my side for five long years, but things have taken a turn for the worse. The management is threatening to get involved. I refuse to let Burke take the life I’ve worked so hard to build from me, so I try to be on my best behaviour at work, but something about him just gets to me. He consumes my thoughts. I can’t stand him.

And when something happens between us that leaves me feeling completely unmoored, I find myself thinking about him constantly. He’s taken all the control, and I need to get it back. Because I liked it too much, and I can’t let myself feel that way about him.

Vince “Rolling Rimmer” Burke

I love everything about my job as a professional wrestler at Goliaths of Wrestling, an underground supernatural wrestling organisation. I love the showmanship. The costumes. The crowds. The ring and the arena. My co-workers.

Well, except one.

High Lord Crossbody, the royal fae who’s an actual prince, is a pompous snob and a pain in my backside. Everything about him rankles me—his clipped drawl, his disdainful sneer, his stupid long legs and eerily perfect face and sultry hooded eyes…

I hate everything about him. I do. So when our mutual dislike boils over in a very public argument, then explodes into something even hotter and completely inappropriate, I’m left confused and even more annoyed.

Because now I want him. And I hate that I want him.

  • Publication date: December 6, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 515 pages

Review: Hellfire and Bowties (Hellfire Book 1) by A.M. Rose

Rating: 4.5🌈

“Dating. For demons.

It goes about as well as you’d think.”

A.M. Rose has a 2-book paranormal romance series, Hellfire, that’s about as cute and entertaining as a reader would want.  

The stories are short, the characters well defined, and the plot’s highly entertaining and written with enough detail and depth that it’s easy to become invested in the characters and storylines.

Oren’s journey is the first.  A innocent who ends up before a bemused Lucifer who’s not sure what to do with him.  Turns out Oren’s resourceful, needed, and a delightful character.

I really enjoy his story and romance.  If you’re a fan of the trope and authors, you will find this one for your TBR list!

A winner!

Hellfire series:

Hellfire and Bowties #1

Hellfire and Tinsel #2

Buy link

        Hellfire&Bowties

    

Blurb 

Oren doesn’t really belong in Hell. But the Devil is so hot he’s willing to make it work.

  • Publication date: November 15, 2024
  • Language: English 
  • Print length: 152 pages

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Most Memorable Series and Books of 2024

Making Best of Lists has always been problematic for me, especially when it comes to books and series.  That’s such a broad range of categories, tropes, themes, and spectrums of characters to whittle it down to a favorable few for such a long time period.

There’s so much I love about many genres and read so different tropes and authors, so many characters and stories that to reflect and refine them down to those that I have taken to heart during this year is close to impossible.

I always forget about the ones early on in the year or even smaller series that had a couple of books to them instead of an ongoing collection.  And this year I’m adding some books I have found so beautiful and memorable but not necessarily that fall under the LGBT umbrella. I’m including them in my year in lists here because they are now forever comfort reads or books that will remain near my bedside for re-reading. 

Among them is the magnificently written novel, The Women by Kristin Hannah, along with a fantastic dragonrider series that has some LGBT characters but not the main characters. That’s The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros.  And a book that I read and then immediately read again, as it resonates with me so. That’s the incredible Whiskey and Warfare: The Team Huntress Flights by E. M. Hamill.

Then there are series that had finale stories and series that have just begun.  With the exception of the multiple authors series, all series listed here are ones whose books should be read in the order they were written. No matter was some descriptions said. Just no. 

These aren’t in any kind of order btw when listed under certain categories. Chaos is my name here.   Enjoy and let me know what books and series you recommend.

My Must Read/Bedside Books Found In 2024

🔷The Women by Kristin Hannah Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Wome…The Women: A Novel – Hannah, Kristin: Books

🔷Whiskey and Warfare: The Team Huntress Flights by E. M. Hamill

 Book 1 of 1: The Team Huntress Flights 

🔷The Pairing by Casey McQuiston

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Pairing…The Pairing: Special 1st Edition: McQuiston, Casey: 9781250862747

I own these books in several formats, including hardback. That’s the impression they have made on me. I wanted them permanently in my library. And now I do. 

Fantastic  5 Star Series /Stories

Paranormal , some dark fantasy with horror elements, some humor: 

🔷Beyond the Veil by K. M. Avery 

 (In particular for this year, Turning of the Tables and Badger in his Burrow-amazing )

        The Badger in His Burrow (Beyond the Veil Book 8)

    

🔷SOS HOTEL: series by Adam Vex (Ariana Nash)-7 books complete

        

            Adam Vex

             and 1 more

        

    

🔷Goliaths of Wrestling series by Lily Mayne

        Impromptu Match (Goliaths of Wrestling Book 1)

    

🔷The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx series by Shelby Rhodes 

 Book 4 of 5: The Unwilling Adventures of Harlow & Foxx 

Fantasy 

🔷Mammoths At The Gates (The Singing Hills Cycle Book 4) by Nghi Vo- all the novels 

 Book 4 of 5: The Singing Hills Cycle 

🔷Fourth Wing (The Empyrean Book 1) by Rebecca Yarros (not LGBT specifically)

        Fourth Wing (The Empyrean Book 1)

    

🔷Kings of Chaos by Jocelynn Drake 

        Two Thousand Promises (Kings of Chaos Book 5)

    

🔷Gary of a Hundred Days: MM Fantasy Romance (The Unwanted King Book 1 and 2) by Isabel Murray

 Book 1 of 2: The Unwanted King 

🔷On the Wind series by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes 3 books 

 Book 3 of 3: On the Wind 

🔷The Summertide Chronicles by Sam Burns 

 Book 2 of 4: The Summertide Chronicles 

🔷How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned him to Villainy Book 12) by A. J. Sherwood – 13 books?

 Book 12 of 13: How I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned Him to Villainy 

🔷Deadly Lineage: Necromancer Tales Book I by MJ May (sequel to the Pixie series)

        Deadly Lineage: Necromancer Tales Book I

    

🔷Smoke and Mirrors (Fortune Favors the Fae novel) by Kai Butler 

See series below 

🔷Silver & Gold : Seth and Raider Book 2 by Katherine Diane (the entire duology in fact)

 Book 2 of 2: Seth & Raider 

🔷Tournament Mage (Fledgling God Book 5) by Michael Taggert 

        Misfit Mage: Fledgling God: book 1

    

🔷Enchanting Exposition (Demon Magic Book 4) by Alice Winters- finale 

 Book 4 of 4: Demon Magic 

Contemporary Romance – Novels and Series 

Many of the ones I read and loved fell under holiday collections, including the great Christmas Falls, season 2. 

🔷Winnie Takes Paris (Love and Travels #2) by Lane Hayes

🔷The Christmas Keeper (Laurel Holidays Book 6) by V.L. Locey

🔹Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice (Once Upon a Holiday story) by R L Merrill 

🔹Second Song: Second Chance School by Con Riley

🔷The Nannies of Manhattan by K Sterling -7 books so far 

🔹The Play (Charleston Condors Book 4) by Beth Bolden – finale 

Fiction 

The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson- LGBT book list of the year/ Quietly stunning 

Historical 

🔹Death In The Spires by K. J. Charles 

🔹A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall

http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8040641/type/dlg/http://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781538753767

Science Fiction 

🔹Chaos Station series by Jenn Burke and Kelly Jensen

        Chaos Station

    

🔹Cosmic Soul: A MM Sci-fi Romance (Cosmic Romance 2) by Mars Quinn

 Book 2 of 3: Cosmic Romance 

🔹Why Did The Alien Cross The Galaxy? To Find a Fake Boyfriend and Befriend a Vacuum Cleaner by A. M. Rose (yes, 2023 but I found it this year and wheezed laughed the entire book) 

Terrific Multi-Author Collections ( I’m still working on the larger collections)

🔹Tales from the Tarot – 22 books

 Part of: Tales from the Tarot (22 books) 

🔹Christmas Falls, season 2- 10 books 

 Part of: Christmas Falls: Season 2 (10 books) 

🔹Once Upon a Holiday Story – 

 Part of: Once Upon a Holiday Story (8 books) 

🔹Fortune Favors the Fae series – 15 books 

 Part of: Fortune Favors the Fae (15 books) 

🔷Subpar Heroes- 15 books 

 Part of: Subparheroes (14 books) 

There were several books I wanted to include here from the beginning of the year but when I went to check out the links I found that they weren’t available, anywhere.  Even the small press that had published them was no longer in business.  And these were remarkable first books for the authors. I’d lost track because I read so many.

It’s a hard reminder of how hard it is for these incredible authors to keep writing and keep publishing stories that we love to read and hold dear.  And every book and author’s voice lost is a lessening of the rich narrative fabric that they bring to us daily.  One that lets us escape or become more thoughtful and aware or just more. 

I’m so thankful for the authors and books I’ve read this year. Those listed and those who are not but still held dear.  You have made and continue to make a difference in my life.  You are treasured. 

🫶

Happy New Year and Happy Reading from Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Review:  Fool Me Twice (Cursebreakers, Inc. Book 2) by A. M. Rose

Rating:  4.25🌈

If I thought the dark curses of Like a House on Fire were terrifying, Rose takes this story and goes into another magical lane of darkness and curses.

Fool Me Twice by A. M. Rose, the second book in the Cursebreakers, Inc. series, has two main characters we met in book one. Cain, the brutal, anger filled owner of an illegal underground fighting club (where Ash fought in book 1), and Hart, the uber polished, always controlled unofficial head of his family of Cursebreakers.

Of the two main storylines, the relationship aspect between Cain and Hart doesn’t really work (imo) as well as the magical curse plot line. 

Aside from a instant heavy D/s element, there’s other parts of this relationship, that as written, makes it harder, imo, to create a connection between them as a couple and a reader.  One is the missing history or background between them.  It’s implied here but it’s not clear what happened. There’s a short story that a reader can access after finishing the book that fills this in, but it’s lack of details in the narrative leaves a deep gap between the present day emotional complexity and intensity of the actions of the characters to make their interactions believable. For Hart to break down, abandoning his character, there needed to be a foundation laid out for this to be something that could be understood. Especially when Cain is the key. 

I don’t think that happened. The characters apart are intriguing. Together, not so sure.

What was incredible about the story is the curse , the mystery and once again, the escalating suspense and horror that surrounds the curse and those affected by it. It’s so well written, the tension and horror so intense as well as the puzzling nature and scrambling for a solution.

That last part of the narrative is a true white knuckle ride.  It’s emotional, compelling ,and very dangerous. And the reader is all in. 

Aside from the romantic thread, there’s other things that really matter here. The authors bring us more background information about how the Cursebreakers were formed as a unit, we see more of the agency and its members, and get a feel for stories to come. 

The various members of the remarkable Cursebreakers are still being fleshed out. The first being Ash with Morgan. Now Hart, still polished house family manager alongside his partner Cain. Next up is the affable Fix, the large Cursebreaker who’s helped hold them together during a formative period/history that’s slowly being revealed. 

Wren, an intriguing Cursebreaker who works with cursed creatures, has important clues released here about his past and a new character that was introduced. Can’t wait for their story to be released.

I’m excited for this series and recommending this story. Read them in the order they are written for character development and event content.

Cover designed by BCJ Art & Design 

Cursebreakers, Inc.:

  • Like a House on Fire # 1
  • Fool Me Twice #2
  • A Thousand Cuts #3 – March 12, 2025

Buy link 

        Fool Me Twice (Cursebreakers, Inc. Book 2)

    

Blurb 

“Be a calm wave in the ocean of chaos.”

Hart, perhaps, took that quote a bit too much to heart. In the midst of drama and the constant restlessness of his family, he chose to present himself as unwavering. Poised. Controlled. Even when inside, he’s anything but. There are layers to him underneath the perfection. Layers he’s desperately craving for someone to peel away.

It’s just his luck that the only person who knows how to do that lives his life in shades of gray. Morally gray.

Cane punches first. Period. What question would he even need to ask? 

Only, it seems like his tried-and-true method isn’t working so well for him anymore. With an empire to run in the underbelly of Slatehollow, the last thing he needs is a curse placed on his head and drawing attention to the details of his…business ventures.

But when it starts to do more than just that, he knows there is only one person he can call. Hart. And with Hart, inevitably, comes a realization. Cane wants so much more than cursebreaking from him. 

Will Hart let him have it? Or will the curse destroy them both first?

  • Publication date: June 10, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 379 pages

Review: Like a House on Fire (Cursebreakers, Inc. Book 1) by A.M. Rose

Rating: 4.5🌈

Cursebreakers, Inc is a series that has released books 1 and 2 in the terrific new paranormal fantasy romances from the authors known as A.M. Rose.  Sexy, fascinating, dystopian in the world setting, magical and often horrifying, Rose grabbed me from the beginning of this novel.

 The Cursebreakers, a group of men (in this case) who are born with a mark that lets the magical governing agency know what they are and what they might be capable of magically as they develop.  The history and backgrounds of each Cursebreaker is  relayed by the characters in their stories, in most cases not very pleasant ones. And, as we find out in Book 2, how exactly this group was formed. 

Like a House on Fire sets down the basic foundations of the world and agency. It’s a tantalizing framework that immediately begs for more exploration and detailed knowledge because of the defining features Rose lets us see through the lens of their creations.

The first of the Cursebreakers is Ash, who has an affinity with fire and fighting. He’s impulsive and highly skilled in a certain type of curses as is everyone in their group. Each having a specific skill set or sets of magical abilities to breaking curses.  

It’s a two person POV, and the magical drama, which is horrifyingly subtle at first, is built skillfully as the scenes bounce between the two protagonists. 

Morgan and his bff, Brea, arrive at a dilapidated house he’s just inherited by an aunt he barely knew.  It’s not an ordinary house, fyi. Various things happen and he’s trapped inside. 

In a panic, Brea calls the Cursebreakers and Ash is sent to handle what’s assumed to be a simple case. It’s not.

From the central point of a strange situation, an unknown magical force which happens to be a house, Rose writes a novel that tells multiple stories.  Ash and Morgan develop into fascinating layered characters, people with depths able to develop different aspects of their personalities as they explore and deal with each new frightening situation. 

Then there’s all the magical elements, the spells and craftwork, the tools and techniques created to enhance the characters and world building. It’s remarkable and feels believable in such a dark fantasy environment. 

As the terror and suspense keeps multiplying, more series knowledge and intense magical energy becomes available that pulls in other members of the Cursebreakers so we meet them and lays a foundation for new plots going forward.

There’s a trigger warning for people with issues with tight spaces and claustrophobia. Take note because I found parts, ok many parts, of this story terrifying. 

I just was so invested in this story and the characters. A definite page turner and a must read for all lovers of paranormal or fantasy dark romance. 

Cover designed by BCJ Art & Design 

Cursebreakers, Inc.:

  • Like a House on Fire # 1
  • Fool Me Twice #2
  • A Thousand Cuts #3 – March 12, 2025

Buy link 

        Like a House on Fire (Cursebreakers, Inc. Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Right, so…let’s see how he got himself in this mess.

An estranged family member left him a house. Which is great. The house looks like it’s a soft breeze away from crumbling. Less great. The house is cursed and now Morgan is trapped inside it. Anything BUT great.

Cursebreaker, please! And make him hot. Morgan’s been through a lot.

Herbs? Check. Fire? Check. Being the best at his job and knowing it? Double effing check.

Ash had everything he needed to get his client out of a cursed house. So how in the world did he get himself trapped inside with him? Why is the house so against them leaving? And why is his client the hottest thing since wildfire?

Time for a new plan.

One that involves breaking the curse, and breaking the bed. Not necessarily in that order.

  • Publication date: March 8, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 301 pages

Review:  The Badger in His Burrow (Beyond the Veil, #8) by K. M. Avery 

Rating: 5🌈

K.M. Avery’s Beyond the Veil series is one of my favorites, not only because of its narrative complexity in terms of the themes, intensity of its layered paranormal characters, and the well crafted conceptual elements that Avery has created for the series and continues to explore as each new book releases. 

It’s also the interesting way the author has formatted the series. Avery sections it into 3 book miniseries that revolve around a certain character or couple’s arduous emotional journey.  Each one moves the many plot lines of mystery and drama of the series forward through the various lives of the couple and characters we are focusing on.

Currently, the one that we’re in is the one of the most emotionally charged and compelling segment of the series so far. Mostly due to the nature of the narrative and we see intimately and feel full connected to a person who has contracted the virus during the series. That’s huge in a group of brilliantly written storylines with full of memorable characters and oftentimes heartbreaking scenes.

It starts with the unforgettable events in The Turning of the Tables that lead to shattering changes to Seth Mays, and the beginning of his relationship with Elliott Crane, badger shifter and best friend of Hart. 

The Badger in His Burrow follows Seth in his quest for new beginnings, including a job and control to the small Wisconsin town where Elliott Crane lives, Hart is from, and Seth has a tiny familiarity with because of his association with Hart’s investigation into the murder case involving Elliot’s father. 

Avery picks up the storylines, characters and township from that previous story and weaves it into something deeper, different but still familiar.  It’s now a mystery, a search for Seth for a new start, and for Elliot too. 

All the emotions, physically charged elements in adapting to the new identity, the having to adjust to others judgements, it is all worked realistically into this world and Seth’s character.

There’s also more horror, more mystery and suspense to go with a developing relationship as the Arcanavirus continues to divide the populace.  What makes Avery’s series so relevant and compelling is that the reactions and immediate responses to the Arcanavirus, for those it’s impacted in every aspect, can be viewed through the lenses of the current events today. Racism, sexism , highlighting the deep fears and hatred that is directed towards the LGBTQIA by some people, AIDS, all the experiences the pandemic’s produced are reflected in the ways the Arcanavirus has affected the world in the series.

The story is raw, moving, complicated and thoughtful. And there’s another story to come in Seth and Elliott’s 3-book group.  

I highly recommend this entire series. They must be read in the order they are written in order to understand the events, the relationships and the developments in the series themes. 

I’ll be reading the preceding book again as I want to go back to the beginning of Seth’s journey. 

What an epic deeply rooted emotional experience this book turns out to be.

And one I highly recommend. Always.

Series couples to date (not standalone):

Ward’s story (1-3): 

The Ghost in the Hall 

The Boy in the Locked Room 

The Skeleton Under the Stairs. 

Hart’s story (4-6): 

The Dog in the Alley 

The Bones in the Yard 

The Elf Beside Himself 

Seth’s story (7-9): 

The Turning of the Tables 

The Badger in his Burrow 

The Past in the Present (coming 2025) 

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

Buy Link

        The Badger in His Burrow (Beyond the Veil Book 8)

    

Blurb 

I moved halfway across the country for this guy—knowing that he wasn’t interested. And that’s probably not even the stupidest thing I’ve ever done.

The stupidest thing I’ve ever done is seriously contemplate telling him that I’m falling in love with him. While also trying to find a job and keep my new coworkers from finding out that I’m a shifter. In a small town where everybody knows everybody else… except me.

The same small town where Elliot’s dad was murdered, where Elliot was almost murdered, and those people have family and friends who are still openly anti-shifter. The town is divided over whether it wants to embrace its shifter citizens or watch them literally be torn apart. I know which side has my vote, but I’m clearly the outsider here.

So here I am, in a tiny midwestern town with more cows than people, trying not to get fired, not to get outed, and not to get killed… all while hoping to somehow figure out a way to make Elliot Crane fall in love with me.

I’m going to need a lot more than luck.

  • Publication date: December 21, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 519 pages

Review:  Impulsive Connections (Elemental Bonds #2) by Marie Reynard

Rating: 4.5🌈

The second book in Marie Reynard’s excellent paranormal fated mate mystery series, Impulsive Connections is one of those stories that kept me up til the early morning hours. Then ended on a thrilling cliffhanger. I wasn’t expecting that.

Reynard has been building a superb paranormal mystery that borders on the horror for this series.  It’s a fated mate romance that has an overlying series plot about a disappearing shifters, shifter territories under siege by mysterious dark forces, and entire packs suffering or  sometimes failing from odd magical symptoms. 

With each new book and couple (a mage/shifter fated mate storyline), more of the complex arc plot and its elements are revealed. 

Reynard’s characterizations and plot lines are excellent. Both in terms of how the author builds the relationship between scholarly mage Liam Batiste and the extroverted romantic wolf shifter, Kade Mills, weaving series foundation knowledge and mystery elements into it while maintaining the core plot of a fated mate couple. Our attention is secured, our emotions engaged. 

The author never fails to let her characters grow as the relationship develops, letting them reveal more of their inner lives and desires be communicated as the story progresses.  This is true for not just the main characters but the equally important side characters as well, like Aran, and the other mages and shifters. 

Another well done aspect of the series and the story is the magical elements.  The various spells, the crafting abilities, and even the deep lore and research,  stressing the importance for resources, it’s all realistic and exciting.  It makes sense and grounds this magical world.

Liam and Kade’s relationship is one I absolutely connected with, while enjoying their friendships with other people, including the close knit group of mages that arrived to help the Mills pack with their dark spirits troubling their territory. 

There’s a cliffhanger I hadn’t expected after the first book, and it’s a heartbreaking moment.  It’s times like this when I love having a fully finished series to read. 

However, I’ll be waiting in mad anticipation for the third book to arrive and probably re-visiting this one to be ready!

I’m highly recommending this series and story for all lovers of the fated mate trope and paranormal romance novels. No mpreg.  There’s plenty of great suspense and magical battles to look forward to. 

Read them in the order they are written for plot and character development. 

Elemental Bonds:

  • Accidental Bonds #1 (Victor and Elijah)
  • Impulsive Connections #2 (Kade and Liam)
  • Unexpected Alliances #3 – (Aran’s story) coming soon 

Buy link

        Impulsive Connections (Elemental Bonds Book 2)

    

Blurb 

Ignited by accident, fueled by fate. Some bonds burn brighter than any flame.

Kade Mills has spent over a decade dreaming of his ideal meet-cute. Surely the universe wouldn’t toss the perfect mage at him while he’s a scarred shadow of his former flirtatious self, recovering from his last encounter with the malicious spirits haunting his pack’s territory.

Liam Batiste is a man of simple pleasures; a quiet room and a stack of books are all he needs to be happy. He’s only in Lost Creek to help his friend save the Mills pack from the unknown evil infesting their land, but everything changes when he and Kade are paired up to capture the supernatural threat.

After a run-in with a spirit leaves them entangled—physically and magically—they must learn to control the newfound power their unwanted connection grants them. As they struggle to resist the heady pull of their bond, they begin to realize it may hold the key to defeating the dark forces that are endangering far more than just Kade’s pack… and perhaps it’s not as unwelcome as they first thought.

Impulsive Connections is a steamy 149k M/M paranormal romance featuring a playboy wolf shifter, a nerdy mage, and friends who are trying their very best not to meddle. This simmering slow burn is perfect for readers who love reluctant mates, unintended bonds, forced proximity, unfortunate bed shortages, and knotting. While it guarantees a happy ending for its main couple, the overarching plot does contain cliffhangers, and the series should be read in order. Please look inside for content warnings. (This series does not contain mpreg.)

  • Publisher: Peace Garden Publishing, LLC (December 14, 2024)
  • Publication date: December 14, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 576 pages