Review:  Curse of Silver & Blood: An Infinite Arcana Novella by Sheena Jolie

Rating: 4.5🌈

I thoroughly enjoyed Curse of Silver & Blood: An Infinite Arcana Novella by Sheena Jolie ( formerly writing under the pen name SJ Himes).  It’s been a long while since I read their Infinite Arcana novels, so getting to dive back into this universe was exciting.

It’s not essential to have read the other books to understand the world of the characters and the foundation behind the storytelling. Jolie’s narrative does a splendid job of explaining the history of the world and otherworldly beings living there.

Curse of Silver & Blood literally has an explosive start, one that has our main characters on a collision course with fate.

Alec, an elf is escaping horrific captivity, and Leif, a cursed ancient werewolf, who hears the explosion on the edge of his territory, are two fantastic, well defined characters.  Beautifully rendered, from their personalities to their own backgrounds, it’s easy to slip into connecting with each of them and their fated mates relationship.

Their fated mate relationship is built in the story in a way that’s makes the reader accept their bond and their growing chemistry. These characters work together. Jolie also creates magical elements that feel realistic in that situation but fascinating enough that I would want this couple to have additional stories.

The ending is solid and holds so much promise for the characters and their future together.  I loved it.

I highly recommend Curse of Silver & Blood: An Infinite Arcana Novella by Sheena Jolie and the others in this universe.

Cover designed by Kelley York of Sleepy Fox Studio

An Infinite Arcana Novel series:

The Beacon Hill Sorcerer* 

The Necromancer’s Dance 

The Necromancer’s Dilemma 

The Necromancer’s Reckoning 

A History of Trouble Collection Mastering the Flames 

Love Springs Eternal 

Blood Omen 

The Necromancer’s War 

The Edge of Fate 

Infinite Arcana Novels* 

Curse of Silver & Blood 

Wolfsbane (Werewolves of Boston) 

The Wolfkin Saga 

Wolves of Black Pine 

Wolf of the Northern Star

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Curse-…Curse of Silver & Blood: An Infinite Arcana Novella eBook : Jolie, Sheena: Kindle Store

Blurb 

Alec has been held prisoner for months, coerced into using his magic to manufacture illegal drugs for the mountain mafia. His gifts are profitable and dangerous, and his captors have no intention of letting him go. Alec engineers his escape–which lands him in the territory of a local legend–an ancient werewolf, a lone alpha cursed by silver and blood.

Leif has been alone for a thousand years. Forced to keep his distance from his own people, Leif settles into the depths of the Appalachian Mountains and spends his endless days patrolling his territory. One night the forest is rattled by an explosion, and the sudden appearance of a bedraggled fae running for his life.

Neither expected to come face to face with their fated mate in the cold, dark woods.

Fate has a hand in uniting Alec and Leif–but it’ll be up to them to forge the nascent mate bond between them, and Alec and Leif have a fight on their hands–the mafia wants Alec back, and the curse laid on Leif is out for blood.

The expanded version of the FATED MATES Charity Anthology short story, set in the Infinite Arcana Universe by bestselling author Sheena Jolie (formerly SJ Himes.) Contains new content. Novella, MM Paranormal Fantasy Romance. 36k words.

  • Publisher: Sheena Jolie Books (December 27, 2024)
  • Publication date: December 27, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 154 pages

Review:  Recalling My Demon: An MM paranormal romance by Colette Davison

Rating: 4🌈

Recalling My Demon: An MM paranormal romance by Colette Davison is part of a multi-author 12 book paranormal series called Possessive Love. 

Colette Davison does several things here with this charming kinky novella that make it surprisingly different in many ways from the rest of the typical stories involved demon romances. 

It’s a ex priest and demon romance with many twists.  There’s a daddy kink, an innocent character, and the church isn’t involved in the story.  

Who’s the innocent? Well, it’s the demon.  That’s Brin, a bratty, loving demon who lives with his human mother, isolated behind wards for his safety and hers.  In Brin, Davison has created such a lovable engaging character. Naughty and innocent. A total scamp.

Ian, the ex-priest turned nurse is an interesting personality. He’s a caring individual, made his peace with his faith, and went into nursing to continue to help others.  But he’s got a kinky side.  Guess who gets to explain sex to a demon?

There’s more emotional side stories, including the one that involves Brian’s aging mother. 

I didn’t find the end as well realized as the rest of the story but it’s definitely a HEA. 

If you are a fan of the author and trope, don’t pass up Recalling My Demon: An MM paranormal romance by Colette Davison. A fun entertaining read.

Possessive Love series:

A Slice For My Demon by K.L. Hiers Cuddly Demon by Aster Rae 

My Demon Husband by Jan Stuart Exercising a Demon by H.L Day 

Drop Dead Demon by B. Ripley 

The Demon’s Dealbreaker by Delaney Rain 

My Demon Rebound by Ashlynn Mills Curiosity Caught the Demon by Travis Beaudoin 

My Saintly Demon by RM Neill Terrible Lovely Demon by Odessa Howell 

Son of the Arch Demon by Amanda Meuwissen 

Recalling My Demon by Colette Davison 

The Demon Undertaker by Alex J. Adams

Gift for a Demon by Emily Alter

Buy link

        Recalling My Demon: An MM paranormal romance

    

Blurb 

I’m told Nethermire House is haunted, but the truth is even stranger.

Nethermire is home to an eccentric 80-year-old and the young man she claims is her great-nephew.

Except he’s not.

He’s a demon.

Brin’s chaotic, bratty ways draw me to him. When he calls me Daddy, I’m a goner. I want to protect him, take care of him, and call him mine.

But when he gets summoned to hell, our happiness is shattered.

Can I recall him to my side, or will I lose him forever?

Recalling My Demon is a standalone MM paranormal romance in the Possessive Love multi-author series. It has an age-gap relationship between a bratty demon who needs someone to love him more than he realises and an ex-priest who’s now a Daddy.

  • Publisher: Amazon Digital Services (October 19, 2023)
  • Publication date: October 19, 2023
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 182 pages

Review: How to Start the New Year Right: According to the Minions (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees) by Jennifer Cody

Rating: 4.5🌈

Santano’s been away from his mate and boyfriends, now it’s the New Year. It’s time for his family and all the minions to celebrate with a special party! Mostly sans clothes, lots of sex and energy to celebrate his return and the New Year!

It’s all charming characters on board and their new family dynamic on sexy loving display. 

Fun, sexy and a great addition to this series. 

Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees :

  • The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer #1
  • The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin #2
  • The Trouble with Trying to Love a Hellion #3
  • The Trouble With Trying to Hook a Harbinger #4
  • The Adventure of Sterling Jones: A Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Sidequest
  • How to Start the New Year Right: According to the Minions

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › How-S…According to the Minions (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees)

Blurb 

Gregory:

In preparation for Santanos’s return from a retreat in the Alps, the minions are putting on a New Year’s Eve party, but if one more person touches Edovard, the celebration is going to get bloody.

Hassan:

My mate is adorable, but he’d be even cuter with bloody hands. If only that wouldn’t upset Edovard.

How to Start the New Year Right is a 6k short story featuring a New Year’s Eve party with fewer clothes than people and the minions’ evil New Year’s resolutions.

  • Publication date: December 31, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 31 pages

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