Secrets Are Out! Adam, Vee, and Victor are all finally on the same page! Theyâre all together romantically and in battle! Bad beings beware!
This maniacally wonderful world gets even crazier in a sexy, action packed, âlet all the secrets fly â story. Itâs jammed full with our fav bunch of fantastic paranormal characters from the SOS hotel, a mission to save a family that ends up becoming so much more!
In the meantime, thereâs explosions, debris, lots of cleaning, Adamâs secrets are out and our favorite triad comes together, finally! With a lot of snark and sexy stuff. Love this narrative so much.
No Rest for the Wickedâs absolutely
yeets the prophecy into forward motion with astonishing speed here, also with some of my favorite scenes and conversations.
The ending is so satisfying and sets up the next installment in the series, Luxury To Die For. Iâm hooked so I hope this dramatic finale gets dragged out a bit longer.
If you havenât been reading the notes that come before and after the novel itself, youâre missing out. Check out the messages and ramblings from Adam and Vee where all the credits are listed at the beginning and the texts at the end. Priceless!
Yes, this is a must read and definitely recommended series and story. But do read the trigger warnings!
In Smoke and Mirrors, a novel in the Fortune Favors the Fae fantasy multi-author fantasy series, Kai Butler creates a group of characters and a place called Flower that just begs for a series of its own.
In what starts out as a magical undercover mission that goes sideways, Butler then takes the characters on a journey of healing, homecoming, and revelations. That itâs incredibly action-packed, romantic, and full of layered character growth and development is also what drives this story and its numbers of threads forward. We connect with them and the place. We become so invested in their journey.
Damian Reyes is our narrator. A undercover special agent for SPA, Strange Phenomenon Agency. When a barefooted Cassander,dethroned Shadow Prince of Moonlight and Whispers, runs into him ,itâs his mission that badly comprised.
The effects of which will lead Damian, Cassander in tow, back to the one place he never expected to return to, his home and family. The Reyes family, from mother Rosario, sister Candy, and the children, are realistic, well defined in their emotions, and reactions to Damianâs reappearance. The old history between them all, the perspectives on the past, and the manner in which Butler has Damian slowly start to question his own memories and ideas about his mother and his adolescence feels so raw and deep.
While itâs Damianâs growth and revelations we have the biggest window into, itâs also the reflections of Cassanderâs changing as he interacts with the family and Damian thatâs so important as well.
Butlerâs story gives out so much more than just the insight and depth that goes into the family dynamics. The urban fantasy elements are fabulous. The coin is a major factor here and I love how the author has woven it into the storytelling.
Plus all the other characters that come together, whether they are from the bar, or the family, they have been created with care and given life as they are memorable.
So is the desert when seen through magical eyes.
More please. Much more.
A fantastic book and one universe I hope the author decides to write in again.
Cover art by Natasha Snow. I love the covers. Fabulous.
Fortune Favors the Fae – 15 books:
A Fae Coin Transported Me Into Another World and Now I’m the Gay Holy Maiden by AJ Sherwood #1â¤ď¸
The Wolf’s (Un)Lucky Fae by Michele Notaro #2 â¤ď¸
Bound to the Wild Fae by Tavia Lark #3 June 13â¤ď¸
The Sorcererâs Thief by Lee Colgin #4 â¤ď¸đˇ
The Fae Menagerie by Edie Montreaux #5
Never Darling by Sam Burns #6
Prince of Poison by Alice Winters #7 â¤ď¸
Grave Misfortune by Nazri Noor #8 â¤ď¸
Fae for Pay by Meaghan Maslow #9 – July 23,2024
Kisses at the Crossroad by Morgan Lysand #10
Smoke and Mirrors by Kai Butler #11 â¤ď¸
Siren in the Rain by Chloe Archer #12 – Aug 15,2024
I Destroyed the Elf Princeâs Harem by Jocelynn Drake #13 – Aug 22,2024
A Fae Called Wylder by Michelle Frost #14 – Aug 29,2024
Lucky or Knot by Eliot Grayson #15 – September 5,2024
Secret Agent Damian Reyes has two problems: he just lost his job and now he’s babysitting a deposed prince.
When Damian ran straight into a firefight to save an attractive civilian, he didnât realize he was also sacrificing the career heâd spent twelve years building for a man whose flirting is only slightly less lethal than his blades. Now theyâre stuck in Damianâs childhood bedroom as he tries to salvage his job, avoid his mother, and keep Cassander from getting murdered.
Oh, and a phenomenally powerful magical coin has decided it wants a ride in Damianâs pocket. At some point, his luck has to change, right?
Smoke and Mirrors is a part of the multi-author series, Fortune Favors the Fae. From spicy to sweet, zany romps to epic adventures, thereâs something for everyone in this mystical series. Discover destiny and true love and follow the coin on its fickle journey to the next world and a new magical adventure.
What Could Go Wrong? By Toshi Drake is another in the multi-author series about a group of people labeled subpar superheroes who work for the secret agency SPAM.
Most of them have abilities that are considered less essential or powerful to society or the agency, hence the label.
In Drakeâs book, What Could Go Wrong?, the best elements of this story are the two main characters and their new developing relationship. It starts with Ezra, an awkward records clerk for SPAM. Enthusiastic about his unseen employer, April, naive about exactly SPAM does, and sort of unaware about his own weird powers, Ezraâs attempts to prove himself to himself and his boss powers the events.
And itâs how he accidentally but not really meets Chauncey âChazâ Adams, retired subpar agent with a weird power of his own.
Itâs a case of goofy, enthusiastic , out of his depth employee meets grumpy, bitter retired agent, they have a instant attraction, get ensnared in a muddled investigation involving Big Foot, that further develops into just a narrative plot line quagmire.
What does work here is the dynamic between Ezra and Chaz. Itâs built slowly as they get to know each other under adverse conditions, further adjusting to each otherâs expectations and differences in sexualities. Itâs developed around respect and mutual understanding. They treat each other as responsible adults and with support for each otherâs issues, whatever they feel they might be.
Itâs a lovely romance and Ezra and Chaz make the story entertaining and sweet.
But the investigation and case they fall into is a narrative bungle. It makes little sense, itâs choppy in execution, and its overall plot is muddled. Even their powers arenât clearly defined.
So read this if youâre a fan of the author, the series, and for the relationship, which is lovely.
Subpar Heroes series- 15 books:
đˇThe Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt
đˇBehind the 8-Ball by A. E. Wasp
đˇTransparent Is a Color by Kaje Harperâ¤ď¸
đˇImpossible Things by Alexa Land
đˇMy Not-So-Super Blind Date by Allison Temple â¤ď¸â¤ď¸
đˇAn Ex-Hero’s Guide to Axe Handling by Jenn Burke â¤ď¸â¤ď¸
đˇIn The Nick of Time by Elle Keaton
đˇStatic/Cling by Jaimie Samms
đˇSpiritual Guidance Not Required by Jacy Braegan 8/1/2024
đˇWhat Could Go Wrong? By Toshi Drake
đˇLicense to Chill by Chantal Mer 8/8/2024
đˇCode Name Dolittle by Lynn Michaels. 8/22/2024
đˇSigned, Iâm Yours! By Rhys Lawless 8/29/2024
All Ezra has to do is deliver a message to retired clean-up agent, Chauncey Adams, and he’ll become the go-to person for SPAM’s Canadian office. Drive to Chauncey’s, hand off the papers. That’s the mission.
What could go wrong?
Everything. Everything could go wrong. A random phone call, unexpected magic words and a grumpy retired agent are just the beginning. The end? Finding Bigfoot on the Bruce Peninsula.
Between dead bodies popping up and being kidnapped by incompetent bad guys, Ezra and Chaz have to solve the mystery of what happened before they get stomped out for good. These secret agents are more laughable than lethal, but they’ll have to rely on each other–and the growing spark between them–if they want to survive.
What Could Go Wrong? is a part of the multi-author Subparheroes MM romance series.
Humility is the finale book to Lark Taylorâs Connections series and itâs definitely worth the tissues needed to read it.
While on the surface, itâs about two commitment phobic best friends finally understanding each is the others HEA, the underlying issues, a heart wrenching event, and the backstories are the reasons that will have you reaching almost nonstop for the tissue box.
Riley, human with a history of a human stalker and dysfunctional parenting, is a series staple as heâs a best friend of Matty (Justice #2). Danny, wolf shifter firefighter, is a wounded soul with a broken history thatâs revealed in this book. He too has had many scenes throughout the series as a best friend/ co firefighter with Leo (Patience #1). So weâve been given glimpses of both characters in the preceding novels as they helped their friends through to resolving their problems and getting their mates.
With Riley and Danny , they meet, immediately click before having intense sex. Best ever. But because of various factors, each has resolved to stay commitment free. So itâs buddy only.
Until itâs not.
Taylor skillfully leads the characters through a heart wrenching and life changing event. The aftermath of which forces revelations of the past, old wounds come to light, and they journey back to Scotland where it all began for Danny , in his pack.
Lark creates a number of new and interesting characters to inhabit this new location in Scotland, and perhaps, one that will travel back to England to meet the rest of the paranormal group that resides there. Logan is an amazing shifter.
This ends one series but launches two more. One about the Seraphim and one about the wolf shifter we met in the book.
There was an absolutely wonderful epilogue that I hope gets a follow up in some way to let us see what happened next. With everyone.
Put this series on your list, including the finale. But read them in the order they are written.
Two commitment-phobes. One ridiculous plan. A decision that changes everythingâŚ
Riley
If a no-strings hookup is required, then Iâm the perfect guy.
When I meet Danny, I canât believe my luck. A sexy wolf shifter whoâs also a fireman? Who runs from relationships just as fast as I do? Sign me up.
The night that follows is one for the history books, and the best part? Neither of us is looking for a repeat.
That doesnât mean we donât see each other again. Without even realising it, we become friends. Friends who do everything together.
Everything with Danny is perfect, but when I start to yearn for more from my hookups, I know something needs to change.
So I come up with a plan. A genius plan. I sign up for an app that arranges anonymous encounters. No names. No faces shown.
No danger of pesky feelings getting involved.
What could possibly go wrong?
Danny
Unlike Riley, my desire to avoid a relationship has nothing to do with commitment issues.
Taking a mate would mean returning to the clan who betrayed me. Iâd have to leave behind this life Iâve built, a life Iâm very happy with. One where Riley occupies most of my free time.
Everything is going swimmingly until Riley tells me his plan. His genius plan, he calls it. He canât see it for what it isâan idiotic idea thatâll land him in danger.
I canât let him go through with it. My wolf wonât allow it. Problem is, Rileyâs as stubborn as they come. Once heâs decided on something, thereâs no changing his mind.
Not wanting him in danger, I realise thereâs only one thing I can do. One thing thatâll keep Riley happy while also keeping him safe.
I can be his anonymous hookup.
Itâs idiot-proof. At least, it would be, if I wasnât an idiot.
Turns out Riley isnât the only one who should be scared of hooking up and realising you want more.
Humility is the thrilling fourth instalment in the Damned Connections series and can be read as a standalone. Featuring a wolf shifter x human pairing, this spicy MM PNR romance will make you laugh and cry. Each book follows a different couple with a guaranteed HEA.
Kisses at the Crossroad by Morgan Lysand has a lot of good elements going for it. Multiple storylines, a universe that includes at least three highly diverse realms (demon, Fae, and human) with a variety of different, interesting characters that thread in and out of the plot lines.
The main storyline thatâs centered around the enslaved Fae, Lark, and the crossroads demon, Pike, has enough to it with the characters back stories and current plight, that it should have been more detailed and the entire focus of this book. Plus the coin as well. Thatâs a major part of their story.
What is nice is Lark and Pike, along with the hellhound, together. They are both very different yet sweet characters. Larkâs background is a bit better defined than Pikeâs but the story behind his capture still feels lacking, as though a villainous act was committed. By maybe that fae Prince who popped up to say he wasnât bad anymore and disappeared. A absolutely strange thread and dismissible character. But one which the author made a point about several times during the book.
So many aspects to the story like this. Odd decisions that come out of the narrative void and leaves the reader wondering. Like the huge one towards the end with Drake. Thatâs a major question for me. But it speaks to the overall issue here.
That Lysand has a larger overall expansive character cast and narrative in mind that effectively makes this story come off as less developed and finished. You can tell which elements and characters have been highlighted by the author for new stories or additional roles in books (in multi-author series) to come. So while their roles here in scenes are as important secondary characters , what happens to each of them is incomplete or left unresolved.
Wren isnât mentioned but demons Wick, Van, and the interspecies human town of Hex, Indiana, get upcoming stories in two completely different series (see below).
Thereâs enough loose ends or unresolved issues here that it leaves other aspects of Larkâs and Pikeâs romantic relationship and journey just weirdly disjointed in many sections.
So while I enjoyed it, I was equally occupied by thinking about all the things that felt underdeveloped and characters left behind.
The coin was a major part of the story. I appreciated this fact.
Cover art by Natasha Snow. I love the covers. Fabulous.
Fortune Favors the Fae – 15 books:
A Fae Coin Transported Me Into Another World and Now I’m the Gay Holy Maiden by AJ Sherwood #1â¤ď¸
The Wolf’s (Un)Lucky Fae by Michele Notaro #2 â¤ď¸
Bound to the Wild Fae by Tavia Lark #3 June 13â¤ď¸
The Sorcererâs Thief by Lee Colgin #4 â¤ď¸đˇ
The Fae Menagerie by Edie Montreaux #5Â
Never Darling by Sam Burns #6Â
Prince of Poison by Alice Winters #7 â¤ď¸
Grave Misfortune by Nazri Noor #8 â¤ď¸
Fae for Pay by Meaghan Maslow #9 – Aug 21,2024
Kisses at the Crossroad by Morgan Lysand #10Â
Smoke and Mirrors by Kai Butler #11 – August 8, 2024
Siren in the Rain by Chloe Archer #12 – Aug 15,2024
I Destroyed the Elf Princeâs Harem by Jocelynn Drake #13 – Aug 22,2024
A Fae Called Wylder by Michelle Frost #14 – Aug 29,2024
Lucky or Knot by Eliot Grayson #15 – September 5,2024
Lark has the worst luck. After stumbling through a thin spot in the veil between realms, heâs been stuck in the human world for a decade and forced to perform parlor tricks for the witch that captured him. Luckily, the witchâs power wanes and Lark hopes to run for his freedom during the next full moon. But he needs help. What could it hurt to summon a crossroad demon to get him back home to the Faelands?
When Pike gets summoned for the first time in decades, heâs sure itâs for something ridiculous. Humans never think of consequences. However, the moment he lays eyes on the pretty Fae, heâs determined to help the ethereal one, no matter the cost, even if itâs his own heart.
Kisses at the Crossroads is a part of the multi-author series, Fortune Favors the Fae. From spicy to sweet, zany romps to epic adventures, thereâs something for everyone in this mystical series. Discover destiny and true love and follow the coin on its fickle journey to the next world and a new magical adventure.
Publication date: August 4, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 157 pages
đšThe Nephilimâs Touch (Vanâs story and the location of Hex,Indiana
Covington Acre is another low-angst, sweet contemporary romance in Riley Hartâs Briar County series. Located in Hartâs beautifully realized town of Harmony in Briar County , North Carolina. In this series, the author has written about the Covington family, their children and partners, their own children, as well as the extended family and towns members of Harmony to the point everyone within these stories had become familiar and real.
Covington Acres charts the romantic journey of two different men, each of whom the readers have met through previous books.
One is Vincent OâBrien, mid 40âs, former boyfriend of Holden, now best friend, who has moved to Harmony. Vince works on the Covington farms and lives with Colby Covington, a man who secretly believes himself broken.
Colby thinks that because all his romantic relationships have been unsuccessful heâs unable to find and fall in love. Heâs frustrated with his life and canât figure out why.
For both men, itâs their deep friendship and feelings about each other thatâs one of the most powerful and satisfying things about their lives.
Covington Acres is a warm-hearted, sweet, friends to lovers romance. These two make perfect sense, have great chemistry, and itâs a slow realization that brings together past histories, a new awareness of demisexuality, and acceptance that allows them to grow together.
It culminates in the wedding of the original couple, Monroe âRoeâ Covington and Holden Barnett. We see all the other couples, the teenagers, and family members who have been part of this series and multiple stories. This has all the feel of a series finale. If so, itâs a genuinely terrific one. In the same lovely, gentle tone as the town and its people .
If you love contemporary romance, check out this series and book. Itâs a sweet, satisfying read.
Colby Covington has no clue if thereâs anything in the world for him beyond Briar County. His family assumes heâll do as they do: work Covington Acres, get married, have kids. Colby doesnât want children, and seeing as heâs never felt even an inkling of romantic love for another person, he sure as hell isnât interested in marriage.
In his mid-forties, Vincent OâBrien is starting over in the small town of Harmony. After being cheated on, again, heâs sworn off ever falling in love. As fate would have it, Vince needs a place to stay, and Colby has a spare room.
With an immediate connection that shakes up Colbyâs sheltered world, neither man expects their friendship to blossom so fastâŚor for a semi-public hookup to make Colby realize heâs bi. Friends with benefits is perfect. Itâs easy, itâs fun, they trust each other, and neither Vince nor Colby wants anything serious.
But the more their lives intertwine, the more Colby starts to feel something heâd thought himself incapable of. Something like love, with VinceâŚthe man who will never feelâor wantâthe same.
Covington Acres is a small-town, bisexual/demiromantic awakening, friends-with-benefits romance with mature characters, home-brewed beer, and secret kisses.
They’d always suspected there might be something special about Willow Lake, and now there isn’t just magic in the air, but love too!
If only all the jerks in the world would leave them alone, everything would be perfect… â
Cats Never Fly is the fourth book in Lori Ames Willow Lake Supernatural series, where fated mates find each other, but not before theyâre involved in the series (and townâs) ongoing conflicts, mysteries, and magical criminal investigations.
I never know who Ames is focusing on next at the end of the last book. All threads lead to a certain individual but that doesnât seem to be the one who âspokeâ to her. So itâs Simon, the cat shifter who made minor appearances thatâs getting his story and fated mate here.
Honestly it turns out to be a wonderful choice and a great story in terms of character development, new intriguing elements introduced, and a overall expansion of the series thread and arc mystery.
Simon is a particularly interesting being. When Simon showed up in other books, he wasnât an appealing figure. A timid creature who looked out for himself. Here where we can hear his voice, its different. Simonâs actions are now hard to determine if heâs being overly cautious, truly fearful, or if something undefined is actually determining the course of his activities. He doesnât seem cowardly, but his personality maybe stem from ingrained patterns of his familyâs beliefs, ones that drive him away from the direction he often knows or feels is the right one to take. Itâs frustrating at the beginning but deeply satisfying to be invested in as Simon grows and strengthens as a person and part of a relationship.
Simon is the strongest character here and makes the greatest strides in development. Dragon Ogden Walsh, a singing, passionate, albeit ancient , fated mate is a fascinating character but has less of an emotional journey here. I wished we had more of him with regard to his abilities and personal experiences, especially given the trauma he has to go through. Ames does a really great twist in making Simon, a cat shifter, the physically larger of the two people in human form, while Ogden, the ancient powerful dragon, is the smaller, colorfully dressed man. Yet shifted, itâs the opposite thatâs true. That dichotomy impacts their dynamic in interesting ways throughout their relationship and their storyline.
The ongoing supernatural trafficking investigation and storyline introduces several new elements and characters in Cats Never Fly while expanding further into the series arc and villainy. It potentially opens up a new dimension and pairing who I hoped would come next.
Unfortunately, per the authorâs note, yet another one has spoken out first. Hayden, the would be Alpha looks to be next.
Either way, Iâll be there to grab up the book. Iâm absolutely invested in Willow Lake, its inhabitants, the magic and its fated mates storylines.
Protect his nine lives. Check. Find a pretty treasure. Check. Summon a dragon. Ch– Wait, what?
Cat shifter Simon refuses to jeopardize any of his nine lives, thank you very much. That saying âcuriosity killed the catâ wonât ever apply to him. No way, no how.
ExceptâŚ
When heâs out hunting for field mice one night, he finds the most wonderful whistle. Itâs magical and intriguing and so very, very pretty. He knows he should return it, but whatâs the worst that could happen if he blew on it first? Just once.
Months later, he finally has the courage to do just that, and when he does, the craziest thing happens. He summons a dragon, of all things.
Now what is he supposed to do? Particularly when Simon would rather keep the gorgeous dragon shifter than send him back to where he came fromâŚ
Tags: MM Fated Mates Paranormal Romance, a scaredy cat who needs to find his inner lion, a flirtatious dragon, more caged supes, gray sweatpants, shiny magical whistles do amazing things, cats donât fly, having nine lives is the best, are â50s songs better than â80s songs?
Note: This book will be best enjoyed if you’ve read the first books in the series.
The Turning of the Tables by KM Avery begins Seth Mays connecting trilogy of the Beyond the Veil series, a journey thatâs got a perspective on the Arcanavirus weâve not seen before.
KM Avery âs Beyond the Veil universe is a dark, highly complex world. Itâs steeped in harsh human fears against those who are different, a divergence that has resulted from the Arcanavirus thatâs wiped out a portion of the worldâs population, the remaining population that has been exposed and is affected can change in otherworldly ways. Maybe they can hear the dead or maybe theyâre a vampire.
In its wake , the world and society roils with bigotry, specism, racism, an increasingly amount of hatred based acts, as well as inflammatory politics that seem so dangerous and familiar these days. Read the authorâs Notes on the universe information and trigger warnings before the book begins.
More so than any other books, except for Wardâs, Sethâs story , his beginning, has really moved me. Avery manages to so realistically, and with devastating exquisite clarity, covey a portrait of this gentle, sweet man coming physically, mentally, and emotionally apart in every aspect of his life. Just when he thought he had reached a good and satisfying point about his career, friends and family.
The pain is so intense as Avery does a deep emotional dive into the internal life of Seth Mays . Its from Sethâs point of view that we see his life , the events, the unthinkable aftermath, alongside a complicated, horrifying investigation, and the introduction of Elliot Crane, badger shifter, best friend of Hart, into Sethâs world.
Elliot arrives to craft a summoning table for Ward and an intense relationship is struck up between Seth and Elliot. One that is notably temporary due to their differences in locations and current circumstances, but thatâs not how this works.
We know Elliot from Valâs books but we get a deeper understanding of him here even without reading his POV. Avery gives the reader a perfect window into this character, an insight into how the relationship between them is effectively changing him too. And itâs done, part way, through a series of texts. Some sent casually, others during the worst moments of Sethâs life.
The Turning of the Tables (Beyond the Veil Book 7) by KM Avery brilliantly follows Seth as through a journey so moving and engaging that often times, I found myself having to pause in my reading because I was so wrapped up in Sethâs story that I needed a moment to reflect.
Here a life is changed so profoundly itâs shattering, both for the character and for the reader.
The ending? Exactly what it should be. Hopeful. And now Iâm exhausted but ready for the next book and step forward for Seth . Thatâs The Badger in his Burrow, no release date yet.
If you havenât read this series yet, start reading it. Itâs a must read in its entirety. Read them in order to understand the characters, their stories and relationships, the evolution of this world in terms of politics and magic. Itâs complex, highly addictive, ingenious, and often dark as well as beautifully written.
I try to be an easygoing kind of guy, but sometimes things happen that really throw you for a loop. It turns out that meeting a certain badger shifter is one of those things.
Iâd agreed to pick him up at the airport to help out a friend, and I had no idea what Iâd gotten myself into. I figured Iâd pick him up, drop him off at his hotel, and that would be that. Instead, I canât stop thinking about himâand it doesnât help that he keeps texting me, asking for my help.
The other problem is⌠he lives a thousand miles away and is only going to be here for a few weeks. Except that it hasnât taken long for me to fall hard for those hazel eyes and white-streaked hair. To say nothing of the callouses on those strong hands.
I should be paying attention to workâto the killer using the Arcanavirus as a murder weaponâbut I keep getting distracted by thoughts of Elliot Crane. Hopefully that doesnât come back to bite me in the butt.
Who am I kidding? Everything comes back to bite me in the butt. And not in a fun kind of way, either.
Iâve been desperately waiting for this book since Erasmus Boone , the Necromancer, and Aurelia, the djinn made their first appearances in the fabulous Perfectly Pixie series. Now, tied by past events , and magical connections, Erasmus and Aurelia have their own unique series, along with Erasmusâ human mate/romantic partner, Detective Franklin OâHare.
Deadly Lineage is a superb introduction to Erasmus and Aurelia if youâre not already familiar with them from the previous series. May beautifully develops the storyline around Booneâs family, Booneâs neighbors and location, the necromancer history, and gives us new well defined characters in terms of the local MS police force where Detective Franklin OâHare works and the investigations that come into play.
Booneâs complicated family just happens to include Nikodemus Holland , the feared, powerful warlock, father to Erasmus and his mother, Lydia Boone. Mayâs characterizations are well developed, vividly described and layered with personality. Itâs doesnât matter whether theyâre human or paranormal, theyâre believable in their love and concern for their son.
The Mississippi location is steeped in Southern sweet tea, wrap around porches with light blue ceilings, fans constantly swirling amidst the summer sweltering heat. The paranormal crimes committed are horrifying. The intense murder investigations are suspense filled and terrifying, and the romance between Erasmus and Franklin slowly burning.
Aurelia is an absolute gem of a character. A djinn who doesnât act or even speak as anything other than what she is, an immensely powerful being, ones who has lived through the worst of origin stories and centuries of ownership. Each appearance sees more unexpected moments with her. More development, more revelations.
Thereâs so many great elements in this story. Whether itâs the side cases that Erasmus takes, his incredible neighbor, Mrs. Hart, and her tiny dog, Miss Pattycakes, each are a narrative treasure.
I was ready for book two as soon as this one was over. I love the universe, the characters and crossovers with the Pixies, and everything new May is creating here for Erasmus, Franklin as well as Aurelia.
This is a must read, as it the series before it. Highly recommended!
Another excellent cover design by cheriefox
Related/Preceding Series:
Perfect Pixie Series
đšPerfectly Imperfect Pixie
đšPerfectly Perfect Pixie: Peachesâs Story
đšPerfectly Charmed Pixie: Parsnipâs Story
đšPerfectly Perplexing Zombie: Wendallâs Story
Shunned by most species and abandoned by their warlock fathers, necromancers are marginalized, feared, and reclusive. Erasmus Boone is different. His warlock father chose love instead of abandonment. Unusually powerful and talented, Booneâs embraced his necromantic abilities and managed to carve out an existence within a world that would rather he not exist at all.
Humans arenât the most respected species. Hell, theyâre just a step above termites in the eyes of most. Detective Franklin OâHare has never taken derision towards his humanity to heart. Determined to do the best given his human limitations, Detective OâHare does whatever it takes to right the wrongs of the worldâno matter the species concernedâeven if that means working with a necromancer. Besides, Erasmus Boone isnât so bad. In fact, heâs temptingly perfect.
Seeking solace after a difficult case, Boone walks the typically peaceful gravesites of Trinityâs Holy Cross Cemetery. The gentle hum of contented, long-dead souls ease Booneâs mindâuntil heâs hit with an unearthly cry unlike any heâs heard before. Unfortunately, that first soulful cry isnât Booneâs last, each wail revealing a disconcerting pattern. Thereâs a serial killer in the wind, and their murders are resulting in souls with painful, missing pieces, leaving their voices incoherent and
indecipherable.
Boone and OâHare must work closely together if theyâre going to stop the killings. OâHare learns quickly that keeping Boone safe from disgruntled clients and serial killers is a never-ending and nearly impossible task.
As OâHare and Boone grow closer, so does the killer. They need to figure out whoâs indiscriminately murdering seemingly unrelated species, and why the victimsâ souls are devastated beyond repair, before Boone becomes another victim on the ominous list.
Deadly Lineage is the first book in the Necromancer Tales series. This series is a spin-off of the Perfect Pixie series and takes place in the same world but can be read as a stand-alone. Deadly Lineage is a M/M romantic fantasy mystery with an unusually sane necromancer just trying to make a living, a humble human detective attempting to ignore his attraction to the aforementioned necromancer, an arrogant but redeemably overprotective warlock father, a twisted serial killer, a questionably agreeable all-powerful djinn, damaged souls, humans-some redeemable and some not, a steamy Mississippi summer, and far too much sweet tea. Deadly Lineage has a HFN ending.
Mentions of violence, murder, souls bruoght back from the beyond, speciest bigotry, and a few characters of questionable morals and sanity.
Static/Cling by Jaime Samms is another in the Subpar Heroes multi-author series about a group of people who have specific abilities that have been deemed just not âsuperâ enough for high level status. Theyâre subpar heroes or heroes whose abilities are diminished in some respects.
Samms story involves a group of characters, first a pair of friends/lovers that eventually ends up as a triad when they find the third that completes them. Along the way, a team of like minded and powered characters is formed, thereâs a scary mission to undertake, and an evil villain to be foiled.
Static/Cling has terrific characters, interesting storylines, and the potential for additional novels, packed as it is with loose ends and underdeveloped plot lines and character elements.
I really enjoyed it.
Characters like Bjorn Bielke, âelectricity runs through my bodyâ and Leif, his best friend/lover and personal current discharge unit, who end up working for SPAM (the superhero agency) where all the rest of their future team is working, are great in their respective roles. Also fascinating, if not equally well developed, is Kassian, IT SPAM specialist, but heâs more. What exactly is not delved into.
The developing Bjorn/Leif/Kassian romance is interesting in how the author pulls it off and it makes sense for all the people involved. This could have taken up more of the plot, especially since Leif and Kassian each need more narrative development than is given towards the end.
Sal, Robert (two more intriguing members of this found family) as well as actual family members, contribute to a action packed, emotionally driven story.
Only the fact that Samms had left unexplored or unresolved some major plot lines at the end of the story did I feel unsatisfied with the finish and HFN given to the characters.
Perhaps, like other writers, Samms intends to revisit this universe. At any rate, if you are enjoying the series and are a fan of the author, I recommend reading Static/Cling (Subpar Heroes story) by Jaime Samms. Itâs very entertaining.
Subpar Heroes series- 15 books:
đˇThe Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt
đˇBehind the 8-Ball by A. E. Wasp
đˇTransparent Is a Color by Kaje Harperâ¤ď¸
đˇImpossible Things by Alexa Land
đˇMy Not-So-Super Blind Date by Allison Temple â¤ď¸â¤ď¸
đˇAn Ex-Hero’s Guide to Axe Handling by Jenn Burke â¤ď¸â¤ď¸
đˇIn The Nick of Time by Elle Keaton
đˇStatic/Cling by Jaimie Samms
đˇSpiritual Guidance Not Required by Jacy Braegan 8/1/2024
đˇWhat Could Go Wrong? By Toshi Drake 8/6/2024
đˇLicense to Chill by Chantal Mer 8/8/2024
đˇCode Name Dolittle by Lynn Michaels. 8/22/2024
đˇSigned, Iâm Yours! By Rhys Lawless 8/29/2024
Best friends Bjorn and Leif help each other out. Whether itâs blowing off some steam in bed (as friends do), or helping each other find a new job, theyâve always been there for eachother. So when Leif points out an ad for a janitor team at SPAM itâs a perfect fit.
Bjorn will be able to work where his strange ability to gather static electricity wonât be a problem, and Leif will still be by his side to make sure nothing bad happens.
Turns out, Bjorn should have read the fine print.
Working at SPAM is like no other job theyâve ever had, and then there is Kassian. Tacitern. Unfriendly. Half computer geek, half muscle-head, heâs way more appealing than he has any right to be, and maybe the spark between them theyâve often looked for but never found.
But Kassian the computer geek is clear. He doesnât need any more friends, and he doesnât need a lover, never mind two. Kassian the muscle head has a different take on the idea.
When they have to track down a missing computer file and stop a madman from ruining the lives of everyone at SPAM, itâll take the whole team, a multi-layered plan, and no small amount of luck to succeed.
It will also take the three of them combining their skills to stay alive and save, not just the day, but each other.
Static/Cling is a part of the multi-author Subpar Superheroes MM romance series.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 