Say it isn’t so! The final story In authors Cari Z and L.A. WItt series, Hitman Vs Hitman is here. Those two irascible, delicious, utterly murderous, incredibly wealthy couple, August Morrison and Ricardo Torralba, are getting married.
Of course, it’s utter mayhem and madness when you have the large, warm hearted Torralba family hosting the wedding and meeting August’s parents, the patrician and decidedly less enthusiastic billionaire business billionaires for the first time.
Add in a ex wife, ex detective, ex Mafia boss, all friends now, and what could go wrong?
The authors lay in the humorous aspects of this story but also, not surprisingly, give us the doubts, the family dynamics issues, and all the deeply human elements that erupt during such a momentous time. Areas where the men need to examine their own lives and relationships in order to move forward.
I adored this. It showcased exactly why we’ve come to love this couple and continue with their journey book after book.
So, do I believe the authors are really done with them? Hmmm. Let’s just say if the men start speaking loudly after retirement, I won’t be surprised to see another story eventually emerge.
They are truly hard to say goodbye to.
I’m recommending you read the series and then this story. It’s got the best of both men, the heart and the soul. Great way to see them out.
Hitman Vs Hitman series:
✓ Hitman Vs Hitman #1
✓ Sniper vs Spotter #2
✓ Killer vs Kingpin #3
✓ Cop vs Capo #4
✓ In-Laws vs Outlaws #5 – finale. That’s what they said.
Got Me Talking is the penultimate story in Casey Cox’s heartwarming series about a small Virginia town Veterinary Clinic’s doctors search for and finding their HEA.
You can feel the series winding down as the last of the characters find their partners and lasting relationships. Yet Cox’s stories remain strong and compelling, with each person getting a new chapter of their lives to move forward with their biggest dream, a person to love who loves them back.
Jeremy has been a staple in the series as this quiet baker behind the wonderful baked goods at Daley’s Bakery, a place that’s been featured throughout the series. He’s grown as a character but now gets his story and HEA.
One of the major element here is stuttering. Jeremy has suffered in the past because of the rejection and mistreatment he’s endured due to his struggles with speech. Only with Tyler, a former Vet Shop Boy veterinarian and his best friend, and the other vets and partners, does he feel accepted.
The newest hire at the Vet Shop Boys is an older English veterinarian, who’s relocating to the US for personal reasons. Montgomery is in storage, emotionally and almost physically. He’s committed to a rental property and still grieving the loss of his mother, as well as getting over his divorce.
Cox sets up a chance meeting with both men that’s believable, incredibly sexy, and lets us inside each of their minds as something unexpected happens between them.
It also helps us understand the need for communication when the logical moment arrives where they meet again. And the difficulties that arise when it doesn’t happen.
I love the way Cox is able to pull the reader into the world of these characters to the point where we sense their insecurities, their need for shielding themselves from being exposed emotionally. That’s on both sides. Montgomery is also frail, but his quiet, almost frozen demeanor hides the turmoil threatening to come out whereas Jeremy’s fears carry forth with every word he utters.
Their relationship is slow and moving. I wish it was longer. The age gap and health issues had some surprises towards the end.
It’s that ending that’s shows more than anything the series is almost at a close. We’re not in Virginia anymore.
And that’s ok.
One more unhappy vet to get his HEA in Got Me Feeling and then the series is done.
It’s a lovely show. I’m thrilled to see Jeremy get his romance and happy ending. There’s realistic elements but I expect that from the series and author.
It’s why I’m recommending this and the entire series. Well written, wonderful characters and plots of interesting elements, moving scenes, sexy, and warm-hearted. Love it!
What do you call a herd of rhinos? A crash. That about sums up my life, too.
Having spent the last three years caring for my dying mother, I need a new leash on life. So I say goodbye to the UK and take a job opening at a small-town vet clinic in the US.
Via a layover in New York. Where I get, ahem, laid over.
With a man.
Not something I’ve ever done in my forty-three years.
Not something I intend on repeating.
Which won’t be a problem since I’ll never see the guy again… Until I step into the local bakery.
There’s no way anything can happen between Jeremy and me. I’m lost, grieving, and, oh yeah, straight. He also happens to be fifteen years younger than me. So what is it about the sexy baker that’s suddenly got me talking?
Got Me Talking is book 7 in the Vet Shop Boys series and can be read as a stand-alone. Expect a silver fox British vet having a bi awakening, an adorable baker with a stutter, age gap, plenty of humor, found family, and a heartwarming happily ever after!
Got Me Talking is the penultimate story in Casey Cox’s heartwarming series about a small Virginia town Veterinary Clinic’s doctors search for and finding their HEA.
You can feel the series winding down as the last of the characters find their partners and lasting relationships. Yet Cox’s stories remain strong and compelling, with each person getting a new chapter of their lives to move forward with their biggest dream, a person to love who loves them back.
Jeremy has been a staple in the series as this quiet baker behind the wonderful baked goods at Daley’s Bakery, a place that’s been featured throughout the series. He’s grown as a character but now gets his story and HEA.
One of the major element here is stuttering. Jeremy has suffered in the past because of the rejection and mistreatment he’s endured due to his struggles with speech. Only with Tyler, a former Vet Shop Boy veterinarian and his best friend, and the other vets and partners, does he feel accepted.
The newest hire at the Vet Shop Boys is an older English veterinarian, who’s relocating to the US for personal reasons. Montgomery is in storage, emotionally and almost physically. He’s committed to a rental property and still grieving the loss of his mother, as well as getting over his divorce.
Cox sets up a chance meeting with both men that’s believable, incredibly sexy, and lets us inside each of their minds as something unexpected happens between them.
It also helps us understand the need for communication when the logical moment arrives where they meet again. And the difficulties that arise when it doesn’t happen.
I love the way Cox is able to pull the reader into the world of these characters to the point where we sense their insecurities, their need for shielding themselves from being exposed emotionally. That’s on both sides. Montgomery is also frail, but his quiet, almost frozen demeanor hides the turmoil threatening to come out whereas Jeremy’s fears carry forth with every word he utters.
Their relationship is slow and moving. I wish it was longer. The age gap and health issues had some surprises towards the end.
It’s that ending that’s shows more than anything the series is almost at a close. We’re not in Virginia anymore.
And that’s ok.
One more unhappy vet to get his HEA in Got Me Feeling and then the series is done.
It’s a lovely show. I’m thrilled to see Jeremy get his romance and happy ending. There’s realistic elements but I expect that from the series and author.
It’s why I’m recommending this and the entire series. Well written, wonderful characters and plots of interesting elements, moving scenes, sexy, and warm-hearted. Love it!
What do you call a herd of rhinos? A crash. That about sums up my life, too.
Having spent the last three years caring for my dying mother, I need a new leash on life. So I say goodbye to the UK and take a job opening at a small-town vet clinic in the US.
Via a layover in New York. Where I get, ahem, laid over.
With a man.
Not something I’ve ever done in my forty-three years.
Not something I intend on repeating.
Which won’t be a problem since I’ll never see the guy again… Until I step into the local bakery.
There’s no way anything can happen between Jeremy and me. I’m lost, grieving, and, oh yeah, straight. He also happens to be fifteen years younger than me. So what is it about the sexy baker that’s suddenly got me talking?
Got Me Talking is book 7 in the Vet Shop Boys series and can be read as a stand-alone. Expect a silver fox British vet having a bi awakening, an adorable baker with a stutter, age gap, plenty of humor, found family, and a heartwarming happily ever after!
Charity Parkerson has written a darkly funny trio of sexy vampire romances. Short tales of life cut unexpectedly, savagely short for three young men who end up with their HEA, no, it’s a true forever ever after, unless they see the sunlight, as they each get a vampire forever after.
I really adored the first story, Little Pest. I thought the author was able to bring about so many layers to her characters, let us into what made the unusual relationship between a “little” vampire who needs to be loved and taken care of and a ancient vampire who’s been lonely and lost in bitterness. The Daddy kink is well done, the humor works, the plot just came together. All in Las Vegas.
Cosmic Cardio just doesn’t rise to the same levels. The comedy is missing, and I understand that, given the elements. But something similar was also in place in book 1, and Parkerson found a way to insert a humorous scene or two. Here it’s death, revenge, instant sex, and instant love/affection. All as a way to control a murderous teenage vampire on a rampage. A stepdad vampire as a revenge act. A overwhelmed single dad agreeing because he can’t control his teenager. Oh my.
Hmm. Nope, maybe if there had been a longer scenario, more time for the men to get together, lay out the plan to control angsty vampire teen with an attitude problem. The author has a huge comic relief element there and never explored it. That might taken this a more likable and interesting way.
Instead it’s all let’s have quick sex for the adults. Tiny exposition, and boom step vampire.
For me , it harder to care about any of them this way. Even Cosmo who we met briefly in Little Pest.
At the 75 percent level, Parkerson’s characters take a turn into realistic form. We see a believable sense of multi-dimensional interpersonal relationships, and a true understanding of family dynamics arrives. That remaining part of the book is perhaps its best . It’s certainly it most emotionally real and satisfying.
I liked it but didn’t adore it. Still a great cover.
Now onto Must be Clowning, book 3.
Clowns. I hate Clowns. Thank you, Dumbo, very much. But I’ll read it and hope that the humor , wit, and well rounded storytelling I found In Little Pest makes a return.
Until then, I’m recommending Once Upon A Bite series of quick paranormal vampire tales. Like romantic horror Bonbons, make a swift snack with them!
Cosmos feels like he’s just found himself. Then a young vamp rips everything away from him. Now he must get his revenge.
In his twenties, Cosmos fluttered around, doing every odd job imaginable. Only recently has he discovered his passion: fitness. He’s started his spin class, Cosmic Cardio, and—for the first time—everything in his life feels complete. Until one bite at a club ruins everything. Now, there’s only one thing Cosmos can do to reclaim his pride. He has to find the vampire who bit him and destroy his life.
When Vega’s ex left him with a teenaged son years ago, he thought being a single dad would be his biggest challenge. Then his son came home a vampire. Now his son won’t stop turning people against their will. When Cosmos shows up angry and bent on teaching his son a lesson, Vega is just fed up enough to let it happen. After all, it’s not like Cosmos plans to kill him. He simply intends to marry Vega and be the step-vampire from hell. Vega has already had one nightmare marriage. At least Cosmos intends to co-parent. What does he have to lose? Only maybe his heart. That’s nothing he hasn’t lost before.
Cosmic Cardio is the second book in Charity Parkerson’s Once Upon a Bite series. These books are meant to be short, fun paranormal romps to brighten your day.
Soul Bound is a moving fantasy tale, a short story that just begs for a sequel because of the intriguing universe and fascinating characters.
Two desperate men, each in need of a magical solution to a horrible fate. They meet on the road to enter The Marvel, where the person chooses to undergo a series of trials to earn the right to a prize of their asking. However, the chances of being awarded the right to enter are limited and even less are those who survive The Marvel and exit to win the prize.
Cari Z’s story drew me in for many reasons. She did a wonderful job creating a world where magic had gone, or was disappearing. What was left was a world of the mundane, the suffering, poor people, the powerful and the rich. We understood the characters, especially that of the warrior Caz. A scarred mercenary hiring himself out to help where needed, how he became cursed immediately puts us on his side. As does his actions every day. He’s a good hearted man, weary of being a warrior.
The other one wishing to enter The Marvel is a courtesan, Lias. Lias is traveling with a tiny bird companion on the way to the Marvel when they meet. His history is revealed slowly through out the story and conversations with Cas.
Of the two characters, for me , even when important details are revealed about their lives and reasons for the need Marvel trails, Cas remains the more sympathetic personality. I can see clearly how Cari Z’s story will play out, although not the minutiae.
But she’s such an empathetic writer, that, even knowing how it will most likely proceed, I’m still invested in the characters, their emotional state, and their relationships.
I like the world, the people and want them to succeed.
Was I ever fully on board with Lias? Probably not. Was I still satisfied with the ending? Yes. Sometimes that’s the way it happens.
I’m recommending Soul Bound by Cari Z for its sympathetic characters, moving scenes, emotional depth , and fascinating themes.
Magic has faded out of everyday life. Only in the darkest corners of the world, or the richest coffers, does the power of magic endure.
Everyone says it’s for the best.
When rogue magic lashes out, though, there’s only one place the afflicted can go to solve their problems—the Marvel.
Whoever is chosen to enter the Marvel has to endure a trial unlike any other—a trial that most people fail, leaving their hopes and their bones behind to feed the wild magic of the place.
When two people are chosen, soul bound, to endure the trial simultaneously…well, either the gods have a sense of humor or the magic is angling for a feast. Can warrior Caz and courtesan Lias, men with wildly different magical problems, survive the trials if they work together?
Or will the magic feed on two souls instead of one?
Murder Without Magic is a stellar story. Third in Ripley Hayes’ Tuder and Stewart Cosy Mystery series, it’s one that is so much more than its 169 pages numerically would have you believe.
Within a plot to find out who murdered the person in the garden next door to their new home, Hayes’ story encompasses a newly established relationship that deepens through adversity, personal differences over things held basic to Lorne like magic and ghosts, emotional doubts , and abiding love.
Yes , there’s a ghost. Our favorite horse from Abergwyn makes a hugely important contribution, as does Uncle Wint.
The mysteries, multiple, are poignant, terrifying , and fascinating. Hayes’ narrative lays out this element so well that it’s easy to get involved in the process of discovery. Ade, our detective from Abergwyn, is also part of the supporting cast.
But the heart is our couple, Peter and Lorne. Having a new home, establishing themselves in place where they don’t know anyone, a new dream job for Peter with all its stresses, a dream kitchen for Lorne. Only to have everything start to come apart.
That personal struggle to grow together as a couple while solving the mysteries is what makes me love this story, this series and author so.
The people have flaws, they don’t always react well, but because they do love each other, they eventually find a way to make it work and get the culprits.
I think this might be the final book in the series. Hope not. But if it is, I’m happy to see them off in their new kitchen and place by the sea.
Highly recommend this entire series. Read them in the order they are written.
Also don’t miss the recipe for Lorne’s Emergency Refrigerator Cake at the end! It’s a winner!
Peter and Lorne have taken the plunge: moved in together in a little house by the sea.
Peter has his dream job, and Lorne has his dream kitchen, and so what if things go bump in the night next door? they can ignore it. The ghost with a violent streak isn’t so easy to ignore. Nor is the dead body in next door’s garden.
Much against their better judgement, and the advice of their friends, Peter and Lorne are dragged kicking and screaming into another investigation.
Only two questions remain: do the bad guys have any idea how hard it will be to to defeat Peter and Lorne, and second, has Peter finally started to believe in magic?
I just can’t resist a dog story. Even one where the dog is dead. And a ghost. Or two ghostly dogs.
The Haunted Love series are stories of ghostly romance told by ten different authors.
Cari Z gives us a alternate universe where necromancers were used on both sides of WWII, magic , especially necromancy, is common place as to have specific roles and abilities, even a power qualifier that would enable one to get into the highest ranks of society and business levels.
Having skills that allow one to communicate with animals, specifically dogs, or having companions that facilitate the interaction with ghostly animals, doesn’t rate high for most people. Except those with the need for help and love that involves dogs in some case’s.
Pet psychic Carsen McAllister works for a company that handles all types of cases that call for a necromancer. In his case, he , along with his two trained canine companions get handed those specific files that involve animal spirits.
The author has a special backstory for Carsen’s trained canines. One, Ruby is a Belgian Malinois, who just happens to be a ghost herself. The other is Bess, a darling very much alive Pomeranian especially breed to work with spirits. Carsen’s himself has a fascinating history with a near tragedy that he shares with his brother.
I really wanted to know more about what happened to cause Ruby’s death, and the events surrounding the incident that’s caused a rift between brothers. This short story just can’t handle the questions the great elements the author’s set afloat.
It starts with a job to clear a haunted property of its ghost. The family that owns it and a developer need the ghost gone so they can get in to clear the place. Problem is the ghost is a scary dog who’s kept everyone out for decades, even physically threatening them.
The author’s story turns into a layered investigation into a historical romance. Two soldiers and a dog.
I’ll be honest and say I definitely needed some tissues. Carsen’s intervention into one , make that two ghosts grief and then the recognition that love , being loved is enough.
The ending is lovely but I was left with questions. It’s in the details. As in what happens to that moving grave marker and Rafael Medrano’s body?
I’m mean, the plan is to bulldoze the place. It’s the small items like those that I need closure for.
On the whole? Necromancing with a Ghost (Haunted Love #8) by Cari Z is a heartwarming ghostly tale and I’m delighted to recommend it for all lovers of the paranormal stories.
Yes, dead dogs. But they’re splendid! And ghosts! And already dead when the story starts , so don’t let that stop you from reading. ( As it does me in the movies and TV shows).
Carsen McAllister isn’t much of a necromancer. He doesn’t lay spirits to rest or handle dangerous hauntings. He’s more of a dog guy—a pet psychic, to be precise, with a tiny Pomeranian familiar on one side and his childhood (un)dead dog on the other. So when his boss asks him to handle a haunting at an abandoned farm in rural Kansas, his first instinct is to say “Not only no, but hell no!” But when the spirit doing the haunting is a dog, Carsen can’t just leave it to suffer.
The farm turns out to have far more secrets than anyone knew, even the ghost of the man haunting the place. Rafael Medrano is handsome, funny, kind…and he died more than seventy years ago. What’s keeping him here? Why did his dog stay, driving away anyone who came here? And how does he keep pulling Carsen into visions from the past—not only the violence of war, but the tenderness of true love?
Another in the multi-author thriller series, The Elite, I found Leave No Trace to absolutely be a fun, sexy murderous romp of a novella.
A young cute man, who dearly needs someone to take care of him ISO assassin. Killer Daddy pls apply!
Well actually he goes on the hunt for the killer to hire him and finds a Daddy to love. The Daddy finds a boy with an obsession to do good. What could go wrong?
This story is way too short for these wonderful characters and great premise. It’s needs more exposition and maybe a sequel. I’m up for both.
Trace took a job at The Anonymous—the most exclusive club in the city—for a very specific reason. Only now that he’s there, he’s not sure how to get what he needs. He sure didn’t expect a killer Daddy to help him figure it out.
Kol always closes his contracts, and he never leaves loose ends. The powerful families of the city pay him to clean up their messes and keep their secrets—an arrangement that only works because he gives his allegiance to no one. Being a lone wolf has kept him alive, but even lone wolves get hungry.
A simple contract and one wrong turn bring Trace and Kol crashing together with a twist neither of them saw coming.
Leave No Trace is a novella in the multi-author series The Elite. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Anonymous, a club beneath the gritty city where only the elite are welcome.
I’ve recently stumbled into several new short paranormal romance series, each by a different author. The authors are new discoveries as well. So a novella works so well to get a feel for their writing style and love for the subject matter.
A Hellhound Called Derek (Mated to a Human Book 1) by Michelle Frost is about 87 pages. Frost gives us a barebones framework for the universe, humans and paranormal beings are, for reasons political and social, given mates from each other’s species. Names plucked from folders, mated, and hopefully, a HEA.
We meet the three paranormal beings getting their mates sitting in a bureaucrat’s office, waiting for their names. Each will have books in the series. First up is Derek, Alpha Hellhound. The way in which he chooses his mate from the folder pile makes sense.
His human mate is adorable. Hollis runs along the lines of the cute, human in need of a protector character but he’s still engaging and earns our sympathy.
The storyline does a good job of building a relationship given it’s a short story. Same goes for the dramatic elements.
There’s a subplot with a human hate group that needs more foundation, more details to come in future books I’m sure.
But in 87 pages, we get a quick romance, terrific characters, and an ongoing dramatic arc. I enjoyed it. Very entertaining and looking forward to the other stories.
Touch his mate and you’ll wish for the fires of hell.
Alpha of the Hellhound enforcers, Derek doesn’t think he has time for a mate until the Paranormal Council of the city gives him one.
Hollis is smart, funny, vulnerable…human, and his police commissioner uncle has designs to use Hollis’s new mating for his own ends.
He’ll learn quickly not to mess with a hellhound’s mate.
A Hellhound Called Derek is the first in this fast-paced novella series where the paranormals are all deliciously protective of their humans…no matter what type of trouble they get into.
Asher, the first in Masters’ new Demons-In-Law series about the fabulously wealthy Bailey clan of demons, see Gideon now mates to Lucifer Sam in the connected Hidden Species/Here Be Dragons series.
It all happens in the very isolated picturesque village of Hortplatz, high in the snowy, very snow mountains of Switzerland, where it has housed an entire settlement of demons.
After a visit by a verified surprises Lucifer Sam , there to meet his bf’s family, it becomes a mission to help them understand the world they live in, it’s diverse paranormal activity and species.
Enter Garrett Smythe! Masters excels at the instant connection, the chemistry that also brings a personal bond. The sex and the emotional touches that come from that first night between Garrett and Asher set the tone for what follows.
They are magic together. Absolutely believable as a couple bonding and in love.
The formidable Bailey family is led by Damaris, the family matriarch. Warrior, politician, all around scary person who adores her family, I love this character! The many Baileys , all the cousins to grandchildren are beings you want to spend time with. I enjoy the species history and physical biology that Masters has written that makes this and them so fascinating.
The other half is, of course, Hellhound. That’s Garrett. And his cousin Alastair. His cousin is a well known character, part of several books. As much as I love him exuberance and way out there actions, here Alastair was actually too much. He had lost some of his charm and veered into being a bit of an irritant. He’s just getting used too much without the necessary underlying depths that made him a better person.
Garrett has those qualities and it makes him a fully dimensional Hellhound. And teacher, anthropologist, and loving new husband.
The relationships between the many characters, teachers to students, children to their large families, families to their community, it’s real protective, and loving. I smiled through the entire read.
This story is funny, surprising, sexy, and has a great twist at the end to bring in familiar faces and a bridge to the next book.
I’m only sorry I can’t go directly onto the next book. But I’ll wait and perhaps reread some of the stories from the two previous series. It’s a great universe!
When your imaginary boyfriend turns up in your hometown, marriage is the only option.
I’m not anti-relationship, but my life is good right now, and love is not a priority. Too bad my grandmother disagrees. People say she’s scary, and sure, some of her enemies went missing under mysterious circumstances, but she loves me and wants the best for me… which, right now, is marriage. The matchmaking is a lot, and she’s not letting up. What’s a demon to do except invent a long-distance boyfriend?
That backfires hard when the one-night stand I based my fake boyfriend on arrives in our tiny village. Garrett’s here to help our cut-off town assimilate with the rest of the Community of Species. He’s not expecting to find he has a boyfriend he knew nothing about.
It doesn’t take me long to convince him to agree to my new plan. I need the matchmaking to stop; he needs our insular little community to accept and trust him. The perfect solution: marriage. A business agreement with a time limit.
Just business.
Until he demands more. A sexy, nerdy hellhound in my bed isn’t a deal breaker.
But as we get closer to our end date, it gets harder for me to imagine life without him. And when my little cousin goes missing, it’s Garrett who saves the day… and reveals secrets the village didn’t know we had.
In this hilarious spin-off from the Hidden Species series, Gideon’s cousins get their time to shine… beginning with Asher and his brand-new hellhound husband.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 