Category: M/M Supernatural Fiction

Review: A City of Swords and Fangs (A Spirit Mage’s Journey Book 2 ) By BR Kingsolver 

Rating: 4⭐️

A City of Swords and Fangs picks up almost immediately after the events of Demon Dance and Other Disasters, the novel where we meet 16 year old Katy Brown. Street toughened by loss, hardened by homelessness and abandonment and trauma, she’s a powerful self taught mage and hunter surviving alongside the monsters in the streets of the city. 

But now she’s on a different path, one that’s brought her to Zurich as the student of one of the world’s most powerful mage’s of the Guild. She’s 17, soon to be in college and eager for her new adventures and life.

Unfortunately politics and the religious order has a different plan for Europe and magic that will disrupt her life and those who have taken her in. 

I found this story very interesting and absorbing. It moves at an extremely fast pace, packed with history and current events of the world this is situated in. The paranormal, mundane and religious aspects of the European setting are very familiar coded, if that makes sense.  The elements that are stirring up the political atmosphere and hatred here, while layered with magical or paranormal overtones, still have that racial and religious and ethnic tension and bigotry that’s been present throughout history.  It’s urban fantasy and current reality. 

The school and all the various other groups within the Guild are interesting but, like much of the relationships between the characters, don’t get the same detail and exploration as the political aspect of the story. She’s sent to certain groups and we see her as being part of a larger community but there’s no depth in the design of this particular part of her life. We know nothing about these characters or the school or even her lessons. Which is why she was sent there to begin with.

Everything other than the political instability becomes a non-element in the story. That means a whole lot of narrative is left behind or discarded in favor of another plot line that loses track of her character development.  She’s moved quickly from A to Z without any further learning, real believable relationships with others, and although she’s said that Zurich feels like home, I’m astounded. Because the author hasn’t made her case for it. 

And there’s no realistic connection between a vampire she’s just worked with on a dramatic short time case and immediately overcoming her issues about trust etc. That entire scene felt entirely unrealistic.

So yes to the action packed adventure, yes to the political drama and magical moments. But this was disappointing after the well crafted characters seen in the first novel. Those relationships were absent. 

A mixed bag but enjoyable.

Cover art by Lou Harper

(Note: Pls take time to appreciate the wonderful cover art for both novels done by Lou Harper who has passed recently. She will be missed. )

A Spirit Mage’s Journey:

  • Demon Dance and Other Disasters #1
  • A City of Swords and Fangs #2

Buy link

        A City of Swords and Fangs (A Spirit Mage’s Journey Book 2)

    

Blurb 

“In my world, keeping my head on my shoulders has always required paying attention to what goes on around me. I’ve seen chaos, and I’ve seen evil…”

In Zurich—the wealthy, peaceful city where I plan to attend university—I walk into a war zone. Vampires, werewolves, Knights Magica, and the Mage Guild battle for supremacy. Apprenticed to a man considered the greatest living mage, I have a lot to learn—if I survive.

“Balance is messy. Freedom is messy. People and their social constructs aren’t always pretty.”

A dark, character-driven urban fantasy where magic is power, alliances are fragile, and survival means walking the line between order and chaos.

Perfect for readers who love:

  • Dark, immersive urban fantasy with political depth
  • Complex heroine with untamed magic
  • Magic vs. morality stories where no side is clean
  • High-stakes danger, evolving friendships, and hard-earned power

date

May 21, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

254 pages

Book 2 of 2

A Spirit Mage’s Journey

Review:  The Snow Yeti’s Grouchy Werewolf (Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala Book 3) by Michele Notaro

Rating: 3🌈

The Snow Yeti’s Grouchy Werewolf (Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala Book 3) by Michele Notaro is a perfect example why I’m finding it hard to continue reading this series.  I enjoyed the first book but it’s gotten more difficult to stay connected with each new release. 

The Tales From Gauhala series is a crossover from the Brinnswick series and is deeply rooted in the universe. It’s characters and their relationships are intertwining with each other’s relationships in each other stories, so it’s often hard to remember these complex family dynamics. Thousand year old mates claiming hundreds (or more, I can’t keep track) of children and their children’s children lend towards a seriously over populated universe. 

Yes, many outlying characters from other the series show up here in ways that add nothing to the plot. They are just references for the reader. Look, so and so, the ancient powerful mages are here. I’m not that invested in them here. That’s part of the issue as I see it. 

The story, about fated mates werewolf Dain, and shy Yeti Avalanche “Lanche” has its own issues. The characters are cute. But the author has included a dramatic storyline that’s seems underwhelming, or not well written. After all the work going into the suspense of the climax and drama behind the villain, there’s a huge letdown and considerable lack of foundation laid down for this aspect of the story.  Makes little sense because there’s no solid narrative behind it.

That whole icicle thing itself was problematic. 

Every other element feels hastily assembled. Let’s give the Yeti family cute names and throw them together in an ice palace.  Ok, but where’s the natural history? Any real grounding? Absent.

When a reader is distracted from the story, even the smallest detail or aspect in a scene can make the reader look again at the story a different way. 

Example:

“I didn’t blame him for it. It wasn’t his fault that the people under him who were supposed to carry out his will had been lying to him for so long.”

Talking about the King here who while grieving, abdicated all responsibility for his Kingdom and ruling to those below him, not checking for decades, to see what monstrous things were going on.  Up in his tower, while horrifying acts and events were being carried out in his name. 

Whose responsibility? It’s his. The fault is his. 

Something even the author isn’t saying.  SMH. 

So this clearly isn’t the book for me. Cute . But too many things I find problematic. 

If you’re a fan, I’m sure you’ll like it. 

Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala :

The Witch’s Grumpy Dragon #1

The Vampire’s Delicious Fae #2

The Snow Yeti’s Grouchy Werewolf #3

The Dragon’s Devoted Defender #4-March 17,2026

Buy link

 Book 3 of 4: Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala 

Blurb 

Being shy sucks. Being shy and having a crush sucks even more. But I can’t get the grouchy werewolf out of my head, so I need to do something… as long as it doesn’t include talking… 

Step One: Leave my crush a gift. Check. 

Step Two: Wait for him to open it. Check. 

Step Three: Try to convince him we’re meant to be. Ugh, I definitely have my work cut out for me.

Dain caught my attention the moment I walked into the bookstore. Tall. Broody. Growly in that definitely-a-werewolf way. The more time I spend near him, the more certain I become of one impossible truth:

He’s my viramore. My soulmate.

Too bad I can barely string two words together in his presence. 

When I finally tell him about our connection, he doesn’t believe me. But he does agree to a date. Hopefully I can turn one date into two, then three, and then maybe, just maybe, he’ll see that I’m right. We’re viramores, and no matter what trouble comes our way, nothing will change that.

The Snow Yeti’s Grouchy Werewolf is Book 3 in Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala, an MM urban fantasy romance filled with grumpy/sweet energy, fated mates, gentle humor, and cozy found-family vibes. The series follows a new couple in each book with a guaranteed HEA. It takes place in the Brinnswick world, but you don’t need to read the other series first, although there will be familiar faces along the w

Review: A Knack for Metal and Bone: An Epic Fantasy Steampunk Adventure (The Knack Book 1) by Kim McDougall 

Rating: 4.5⭐️

“A royal tinker and a rogue soldier must unite to stop the monsters threatening their city—and unravel the secrets lurking within it.”

I’ve been incredibly lucky lately as the books I’ve grabbed up by “new to me” authors have turned out to be fabulous novels and, in some cases, great series. This is one of those. 

I wasn’t familiar with Kim McDougall before but she’s firmly in my TBR list now.  A Knack for Metal and Bone, the first in her series, The Knack, is a fantastic steampunk fantasy novel. Inventive, full of magnificent characters and epic storytelling, once I started I couldn’t put it down. 

The characters are richly detailed and beautifully crafted in their variety of backgrounds and forms. From mech to shifters to elves to extraordinary creatures that emerge from the Meadow, the world is full of characters the engage both mind and heart with their journey and their own unique abilities. 

Rowan is one I count as my favorite character and a uniquely crafted hero in this genre. She’s a royal princess who prefers her mechanics and workshop, avoiding her role in society and court. She’s a mech engineer, with a unique talent and touch, one that comes with an own story. She lost her arm as a child in an attack, one that sent her older brother, the heir into a 20 year coma, and cost the Kingdom their father who died. 

Now she works in her tower workshop, with her mech arm and mech bird as companion, visiting her comatose brother daily and beloved Aunt. Until a mission changes her life.

Rowan is a masterful character. Multilayered, believable, grounded by her intelligence and ability with machines. Brace without stupidity, thoughtful and just an impressive personality. And her equal is the wolf shifter, Conall. An ex-commander in the Kingdom’s Rangers, he’s been hiding due to his actions in a past war. But this mission brings them together with others of equally strong or strange abilities. 

The mission, their journey through wildly unpredictable situations and weird environments is exciting, dangerous and compelling. It’s breathtaking reading. And watching the growth of the individuals coming together, well most of them, into a cohesive unit is everything. The relationships between them are believable, grounded and real.

Which often makes the events suspenseful and nerve wracking. Because the danger is high at each stage of the journey.

The ending sets up the next story. It’s a steady progression as they set out to continue forward on the knowledge they’ve gained. 

They’ve finished one stage but the next one, the very dangerous one is just starting. 

This is such a fantastic story, full of outstanding characters and epic storytelling that I’m excited to share it.

Grab it up.  The second book too. 

Published by Wrongtree Press. 

Cover art and design by Christian Bentulan

The Knack (2 book series to date)

A Knack for Metal and Bone #1

Mech and Magic #2

Buy link

        A Knack for Metal and Bone: An Epic Fantasy Steampunk Adventure (The Knack Book 1)

    

Blurb 

A royal tinker and a rogue soldier must unite to stop the monsters threatening their city—and unravel the secrets lurking within it. 

Rowan doesn’t just work with machines—she hears them. The hum of engines, the whisper of gears and wires—they speak to her through the magic that flows from her mech hand. Whether she’s fine-tuning the colossal automaton that protects New Torwood City or toiling in her workshop, being a mechanic is the only life she truly enjoys. But the Regent’s Council wants more. They demand a princess who will embrace the pomp and ceremony of royal duty, not a tinker with oil-stained hands. 

When she’s unexpectedly recruited into Ranger Squad 54 for a mission deep into the wild Meadows, Rowan leaps at the chance. Finally, a way to serve her city and put her unique talents to use—far from the glittering halls of royalty. 

Conall, an ex-commander, knows the dangers of the Meadows firsthand. Discharged from the Rangers when his inner wolf broke free during battle, he now makes a living running rare artifacts between New Torwood and the southern cities. But the Rangers have a new mission for him—one that could clear his tarnished record. A group of international scientists has vanished, and recovering them is critical for the future of New Torwood. Failure could push the city into a war it cannot afford.

Thrown together on a high-risk mission, Rowan, Conall, and the Rangers of Squad 54 will face unimaginable dangers in the wilderness and uncover dark secrets that could shake the foundations of the city they’ve sworn to protect. But the real menace might be at the heart of New Torwood itself. 

Embark on a thrilling adventure with A Knack for Metal and Bone, the first book in an epic new fantasy-steampunk series from the author of The Valkyrie Bestiary.

December 5, 2024

Language

‎English

Print length

450 pages

Book 1 of 2

The Knack

Fantasy, steampunk/fantasy, epic fantasy adventure, steampunk science fiction/fantasy, 

Review: Evan (The Wild Edges Book 2)

by Lark Taylor

Rating: 4.5🌈

Evan is the second in Taylor’s crossover series in her fabulous Reckless Damned universe. I’m highly fond of the foundation series and its sequel featuring Lucifer’s sons and their fated mates. Just incredible tales. 

The Wild Edges contains characters from many of their stories and preceding events which have been woven into newer characters and their search for their own fated mates.

Evan and his clan are werewolves with ties to the original characters who are mentioned here. The dramatic storyline carries over from Finlay’s book and his tragic story, the ripples of which continue on centuries later.

There are trigger warnings associated with Reid story that are listed on Taylor’s website and I suggest that a reader should take the time to check them out. It includes DV, child abuse, and physical violence. 

Reid suffers from his childhood trauma and the damage inflicted by his father and clan. He’s has untreated ADHD as well as a terrible self image issues from years of neglect and continual abuse.  This includes his depression. All of which are handled throughout the storyline with sensitivity and a clear understanding of these issues by the author. 

So although it’s titled Evan, the book is really about Reid, the human born into the jaguar clan. And how Evan, the werewolf, handles his involvement in Reid’s past and reappearance in Evan’s clan’s territory. 

Because that’s as hurtful and traumatic to them, but especially to Reid. 

I really enjoyed their romance and the entire storyline with multiple new characters, family members as well as some of my old favorites. Like Logan.

Taylor’s setting up several different couples for their fated mates storylines, all of which look intriguing. Calan’s next up. A glimpse of his is a bit of a cliffhanger. 

I’m so looking forward to it.

Another winner.

 Book cover design: BreathlessLit

The Wild Edges: 

Finlay #1

Evan #2

Calan #3 – Dec 9,2026

Complete universe in the order it should be read:

▪️Reckless Damned Series ( the OG foundation series /Lucifer’s sons)

Devil’s Mark 1

Devil May Care 2

Deal With the Devil 3

Luck of the Devil 4

Damned Collections: Volume One 

▪️Damned Connections Series – 2nd series:

Patience 1

Justice 2

Temperance 3

Humility 4

▪️Hopeless Blessed (crossover):

Conflicted 1

Devoted 2

Guarded 3

Enchanted 4

▪️The Wild Edges (crossover ):

Finlay 1

Evan 2

Calan 3

Buy link

 Book 2 of 3: The Wild Edges 

Blurb 

Thirteen years ago, I made a terrible mistake.

One I’ll never repeat again.

When I first met Reid, I failed to see the signs that were right in front of me. He asked me to do one thing–take him away and keep him safe.

I turned my back on him.

Now I have to live with the guilt and shame of knowing I let him down. He can’t forgive me, and that’s okay.

Because I’ll never forgive myself.

When Reid’s family comes to take him away, I have a chance to redeem myself. I can keep him safe. But the more I watch him, the more I fall for the man who doesn’t see his self-worth.

Trouble is, can either of us forget the past in favour of the future? Or did my mistake all those years ago cost me any chance with the man of my dreams?

Either way, I’m not giving up until I find out.

Evan is a heartfelt hurt/comfort, M/M shifter x human romance. The second in the Wild Edges series, these books are best enjoyed in order. Each story follows a new couple, and always ends in a HEA.

Publisher

Lark Taylor

Publication date

January 2, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

466 pages

Book 2 of 3

The Wild Edges

▪️Reckless Damned Series ( the OG foundation series /Lucifer’s sons)

Devil’s Mark 

Devil May Care 

Deal With the Devil 

Luck of the Devil 

Damned Collections: Volume One 

▪️Damned Connections Series – 2nd series:

Patience 

Justice 

Temperance 

Humility 

▪️Hopeless Blessed (crossover):

Conflicted 

Devoted 

Guarded 

Review: Monster Mayhem (A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery Book 1) by Amanda M. Lee

Rating: 3.5⭐️

Monster Mayhem (A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery Book 1) by Amanda M. Lee was an interesting read for me.  The first book in Lee’s Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery series, I wasn’t aware when I picked it up that it was a part of an interconnected universe of series.  Sometimes that’s not an issue but here the characters and recent impactful events come from those series and not having the knowledge of them leaves serious gaps for the new reader here. 

A Pan (god) led invasion and huge battles?Not a clue but many references are made here to this. Same for the Grimlocks, the Reaper family the main character was “adopted” by. They too have a series. See below. 

Here we have no idea what their full abilities or duties are. It’s an incomplete picture while putting this family in a huge position in the narrative and MFC’s life.

Author Lee has created many terrific elements for this character of Luna Thorn and the mystery that is her life’s story.  Her shocking arrival in a blast of pink explosive power, as a tiny teenager-looking being. Her enigmatic one sentence statement and then complete amnesia. For five years.

I enjoyed the found family aspect of the story, the surrounding personalities were a lively group of not fully developed characters. Each either had a history I wasn’t aware of or required further foundation here to be fully fleshed out.

The Greek mythology included involving some different aspects of the pantheon that other similar fantasy stories haven’t explored so that’s a plus here. And that battle was fast paced and entertaining. But over way too quickly for all its buildup.

If you’re hearing a “but” or hesitation coming about an element here, you’re correct.  I think that the lack of foundation is a real stumble here but can certainly be dealt with by a note saying this is not a standalone and part of a connected narrative. 

My main issue is with Luna. In many aspects of her character. She’s “tiny” to the extent of often being mistaken for someone minor in age. 🚩. A abnormal hair color (bright white) made her decide to dye her hair pink. Which also makes her look younger in appearance. Despite being a building owner and running a lifestyle commune. Too many dichotomies have been written into her to maintain a believable/credible character. 

“I think I’m a little old to be chastised like a teenager,” I complained when we were alone. “Can you not do that?” Reid looked caught between annoyance and embarrassment. “I’m sorry,” he said after several seconds. “I wasn’t trying to infantilize you.”

Immediately after, she’s treated like a child. As well as accepting that she’s been acting less responsibly. Then does an about face. 

She’s surrounded by people who treat her like a child or at least like a younger teenager while she’s constantly insisting that she’s an adult. A repetitive behavior that gets old quickly. 

Although, and this is a issue I have with the author’s crafting of the character, she’s a magical badass then someone who’s crying before her “adoptive father “ then proceeds to go in a different direction altogether script wise in the next scenario with a different pair of characters. She’s consistently inconsistent.  And the dynamic carries over into every aspect here and all relationships. I just couldn’t connect. 

Again, this seems to be a very popular connected universe. Just not one I’m familiar with. Perhaps if I’d started with another series I’d have a different opinion and reading experience. 

Maybe I’ll try again with another series and circle back to this. 

Connected series:

A Death Gate Grim Reapers Thriller (9 book series)

Aisling Grimlock (9 book series)

An Elemental Witches of Eternal Springs Cozy Mystery (4 book series)

A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery (7 book series):

Monster Mayhem #1

Perilous Portions #2

Undead Urges #3

Hexy Hijinks #4

Karma Killer #5

Sinister Séance #6

Vexing Vampires #7

Buy link

 Book 1 of 7: A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery 

Blurb 

Welcome to the Cathedral!

Luna Thorn’s past is a mystery … even to herself.

She arrived in Detroit amidst a swirl of lights and magic. She had no memory of where she came from. No idea why she was there.

Years later, she’s established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the Detroit magical scene. She ingratiated herself with the local reapers. She set up a community called the Cathedral to help those who had been displaced from their homes and families, declaring that nobody would fall through the cracks.

Still, doubt remains. Luna is determined to figure out why she’s in Detroit. She needs to know what she’s supposed to accomplish within the city’s crumbling boundaries. Her story is nowhere near finished.

When a body shows up on the grounds of the Cathedral, her quest kicks into overdrive. Ritual murders aren’t her forte, but this one is going to haunt Luna. Also haunting her is Jesse Wilder, a young detective who has been paired with an old friend. He has specific beliefs about what’s happening. Luna’s opinion doesn’t match up in the least.

He’s a “by the rules” guy. Luna likes to fly by the seat of her pants. She’s never met a problem she didn’t want to improvise.

It’s going to take both of them to solve this case. Even then, it will only be the beginning of their tale.

Settle in for excitement. Luna Thorn is about to change everything you know about the magical world.

There’s no going back … for any of them.

WinchesterShaw Publications

Publication date

April 4, 2023

Language

‎English

Print length

292 pages

Book 1 of 7

A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery

Review: Arcane Justice (The Other Detective Series Book 1) by Heather G Harris

Rating: 5⭐️

Of the many interconnected series in The Other Realm Universe, The Other Detective has definitely become my favorite, which is amazing because this is a great universe full of complex characters and richly crafted storylines. 

Arcane Justice is the penultimate book, which sort of breaks my heart, in the story of magical Inspector Stacy Wise and her ongoing romance with Robbie Krieg, the Ogre King. 

I’m really not ready for this series to come to an end.

Harris uses Arcane Justice to cement and celebrate certain bonds and relationships. Loki the caladrius has an important storyline as well as a resolution to his previous issues. Robbie and Stacy’s relationship is deeply affected by the events of this story. And a bigger villainous plot is revealed behind the many of the horrific incidents and murders that have happened. 

Amber and Bastion appear to add additional drama and weight to the new development of the overall storyline. And tie it into previous series. 

And while the main plot of the book ends happily. There’s an ominous epilogue that follows. 

So Harris manages to make me as a reader incredibly happy then crushing me simultaneously with that epilogue. Got it. 

Arcane Justice (The Other Detective Series Book 1) by Heather G Harris is superb. Highly suspenseful, full of action packed scenes, beautifully crafted characters, emotionally laden moments and satisfying scenes. 

I do not want this series to end. 

I’ve listed all the connected series below. It’s an absolute wealth of entertainment and reading enjoyment. 

All recommended. 

Cover design by Christian Bentulan. Published by Hellhound Press Limited.

The Other Realm Universe: Should be read in order to understand the world and characters .Events and relationships build upon each other.

The Other Realm series 

⭐️Glimmer of Dragons- Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Glimmer of The Other- Book 1, Glimmer of Hope- Book 2, 

Glimmer of Christmas – Book 2.5 (a Christmas tale), 

Glimmer of Death – Book 3, 

Glimmer of Deception – Book 4, 

*It is recommended that you read The Other Wolf books 1 to 3 before continuing with

Challenge of the Court– Book 5, 

Betrayal of the Court– Book 6

 Revival of the Court– Book 7. 

⭐️The Other Wolf Series 

Defender of The Pack– Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Protection of the Pack– Book 1, Guardians of the Pack– Book 2, Saviour of The Pack– Book 3, Awakening of the Pack – Book 4, Resurgence of the Pack – Book 5; and Ascension of the Pack – Book 6. 

⭐️The Other Witch Series 

Rune of the Witch – Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Hex of the Witch– Book 1, 

Coven of the Witch;– Book 2,

Familiar of the Witch– Book 3; and Destiny of the Witch – Book 4.

⭐️The Other Detective Series❤️

  •  Frustrated Justice – Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 
  • Veiled Justice – Book 1
  • Mystic Justice – Book 2
  • Arcane Justice – Book 3 
  • Brutal Justice – Book 4 -March 5,2026

Buy link

        Arcane Justice: A Supernatural Crime Thriller (The Other Detective Series Book 3)

    

Blurb 

When I find a powerful political figure dead in his home, I know the pressure is going to be on. His death was brutal, and anything but swift. The brass want answers yesterday, so it’s going to take the combined might of Unit 13 to bring the killer to justice.

In the meantime, things are heating up with Robbie Krieg, King of the Ogres, my fated mate, and general pain in my ass. He’s been keeping secrets, and they may be inextricably linked to the corpse I’ve just found.

And what the hell is up with my damned bird?

Some days, it’s better just to stay in bed.

Immerse yourself in The Other Detective Series – perfect for fans of supernatural crime, complete with a fierce heroine, gritty murder investigations, and a slow-burn romance.

Written in British English.

The Other Detective Series

Frustrated Justice, a prequel story,

Veiled Justice – Book 1

Mystic Justice – Book 2

Arcane Justice – Book 3

Brutal Justice – Book 4

Hellhound Press Limited

Publication date

December 26, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

234 pages

Book 3 of 4

The Other Detective Series

Review: Shifting Resolve (Shifter Lords Book 5) by S.E. Babin

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Shifting Resolve basically undoes all the forward movement of the preceding novel for the characters in terms of their relationships. 

And this was to be expected given the twisted plots and various natures of the characters involved with the main character of Evie Quinn. 

With her growing powers exposed, during the climatic events with the Life Tree, multiple threats and challenges are leveled against her. And her un-acknowledged partner, lord of shifters, Caelan as well. 

There’s so many complex storylines woven into the narrative to keep track of. Various Lords with their own agendas, Evie’s father and mother whose hidden secrets and paths for Evie are also unknown. 

Those secrets the reader has been told and know they are explosive in their own ways, are elements that have storylines that haven’t been factored in yet. It’s labyrinthine structure that makes this series so gripping and compelling.

That’s the case here where stress and anxiety are the common theme, secrets are key, and everyone is trying to control Evie and claim a part of her . When she doesn’t want to be claimed or controlled. 

And everyone around her has an hidden or not so secret agenda. 

It’s high action, high suspense, high mystery and it ends in a cliffhanger of sorts. But one that the reader honestly will expecting. Because we saw it coming. 

I love the characters and this very layered, complex story. And I’m rooting for Evie and her small group of friends. 

Highly recommended and I can’t wait for the next one in this series. 

So well written and beautifully executed. 

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords series:

Shift of Heart #1

Shift of Morals #2

Power Shift #3

Shifting Winds #4

Shifting Resolve #5

Shift of Rule #6

Shift of the Wild #7

Buy link 

 Book 5 of 8: Shifter Lords 

Blurb 

Evie Quinn is a survivor, but she’s tired of being a pawn in everyone else’s game. 

She never asked to be the heir to the fae throne, a walking, otherworldly bridge for the gods, or the hottest bachelorette in the supernatural realms. But here she is—dodging dozens of random marriage proposals and doing her best to keep Caelan from committing paranormal genocide.

Everyone wants a piece of Evie these days. The Council’s patience has worn off, and they’re ready to marry her off to the highest bidder. The gods want to use her for their own gain, and Caelan is growing ever frustrated with her attempts to keep things between them paused. But Evie still isn’t ready to be a queen or a bride or a bridge, or anything forcing her to give up her autonomy.

But time has run out, and her only hope might be to do the one thing no one expects—finally taking control of her world-shaking power, her fate, and most important of all, her heart.

Oliver Heber Books

Publication date

December 23, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

272 pages

Book 5 of 8

Shifter Lords

Review: The Diamond in the Rough (Beyond the Veil Book 10) by KM Avery

Rating: 4.75🌈

This is one of the best written, and often times hardest to read series and universe because of the topics and complexity of damaged histories of the main characters here. 

I often start with saying that the readers must read the trigger warnings for each novel as well as for the universe that Avery has created and continues to explore in such horror detail. 

Here bad things happen, often to children. First by disease, the Arcana virus which acted like a plague, transformed the World’s population, reducing its numbers drastically. Some remained human, others were transformed into fantasy or horror beings. Vampires, elves, werebeings of all kinds, orcs, ghouls, the virus , if the human survived, became whatever the Arcana provided. Adults or children. Didn’t matter. And the human race terrified acted accordingly. 

 Beyond the Veil is divided into mini-series where different characters have their own stories told while adding to the overall series world view and theme that’s being presented.   They interact and sometimes the same events happen in different perspectives. 

Now it’s Rayn’s turn. Rayn, a death witch, who was rescued from an horrific situation was first introduced in Ward’s series (The Boy in the Locked Room #2).  It’s book 10, Rayn has had time to grow up, adjusting to their powers and life outside the cage and hospital. (Trigger warnings).

Avery does an excellent job in relaying a character without any social skills, or understanding of how some situations work. Rayn’s lack of knowledge and inability to understand the signals given feels believable and honest. And Raj’s reactions to Rayn are part of a whole picture that has to be assembled the more they interact. A neat feat. 

One person pov, it’s fascinating to see how Rayn has matured but still is learning how to use and manage their magic and various powers.  

I love seeing Hart here, in his role as partner with Raj. He’s still my favorite. The mystery, while good, doesn’t have as much of a complex role as Rayn’s development and growth with those characters around the agency and with the investigation. It’s more of a personal journey, which I really enjoyed and thought was really exceedingly well written.

And certain aspects are left open enough for the investigation to continue further. 

Amazing series and fantastic characters. One of the best paranormal group of storylines I’ve read. Certainly one that has the most impact on current events.

Highly recommended. 

Beyond the Veil Series 

💀Ward’s story (1-3): 

The Ghost in the Hall 

The Boy in the Locked Room 

The Skeleton Under the Stairs. 

💀Hart’s story (4-6): 

The Dog in the Alley 

The Bones in the Yard 

The Elf Beside Himself 

💀Seth’s story (7-9): 

The Turning of the Tables 

The Badger in his Burrow 

The Past in the Present 

💀Rayn’s Story (10-12) 

The Diamond in the Rough 

The Rut in the Road (coming 2026) The Rock and the Hard Case (coming 2026) 

💀Dan’s Story (13-15) Coming 2026-2027

Buy link

 Book 10 of 10: Beyond the Veil 

Blurb 

My life has been… rough. I spent most of my childhood in an asylum, and I’ve spent the better part of the last six years trying to deal with the fact that everything I touch tells me something about the last person who owned it, the person who made it, and sometimes several people in between.

It’s exhausting, and I hate it. I will do pretty much anything to avoid doing it, in fact.

Until a six-four, golden-eyed FBI agent walked through the door and dropped literal diamonds into my hands. Well, a diamond necklace. And he asked me to tell me everything I could about who’d owned it, who’d given it to her, and so on.

I guess I have to learn how to control my abilities fast, or a murderer might go free.

And I might lose my chance to impress the FBI agent who haunts my dreams.

An M/M paranormal romance.

December 19, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

396 pages

Book 10 of 10

Beyond the Veil

Review : Demon Hunter (The Collegium Book 1) by Jenny Schwartz 

Rating:3⭐️

I enjoy author Jenny Schwartz’ work, especially her recent series. But Demon Hunter is an example of how the age of a novel can date the story and how certain aspects of society can change our perspectives on how we view a story.

This was written in 2014.  How readers look at diversity and women in particular has certainly changed. While the majority of Schwartz’s main female characters tend towards white, blonde and powerful, magically, not all have fit within that tight box. 

However, Fay Olwen, the MFC here does. While there’s an ever so brief mention of a great great grandmother being of color, that’s dropped afterwards. And her jaguar shifter boyfriend/future husband/partner is said to look like having Arabian influences, that’s it.  He’s based in Cyprus for what that’s worth. 

The bigger issues are with accountability, responsibility and how women are treated and perceived here as opposed to the men in this world and their lives. 

Spoilers ahead. This is a novella so not all aspects of the story and world as well developed as you might expect from a longer version.

But her father, the head of the Collegium and one who has been directing the events of the past and current storyline, one that includes some devastating moments, is at the end, not really held totally accountable.  For her traumatic upbringing, her current situation, the attacks against her etc. He says his version of “ my bad “ but then goes on to place the blame his secretary. It’s her fault! Bad secretary!

Yes, indeed. His power hungry, sex driven secretary. Poor little(big power hungry ruthless) guy. She did all number of bad things and deeds. Which she acknowledges her part. However,she didn’t raise Fay, keep her from her mother. Or any of the other heinous acts. Turns out it really doesn’t matter, because now everything is alright between father and daughter. It’s the secretary’s fault. She just wants to be powerful. Oh no. Just like the father. But it’s worse when the secretary wants it. 

Doesn’t seem to matter the abuse he put his daughter through, that he was going to turn her into a demon. All’s well. 

And the last? After she had sacrificed herself , then tada! It worked out, she, the most powerful mage ever, is going to become the “little woman “ standing next to Leopard shifter Steve Jekyll,  the next in line ruler to be. That’s extremely frustrating to see that her storyline is playing out in this manner. Both story threads are much in keeping with a patriarchal narrative with father and boyfriend’s role. Very 2014.

When i read this, there weren’t any additional stories and no “series “. So I have no idea if this character or the dynamics evolved from this basic plot and foundation. 

It does appear that not seven books are about this couple. Only book 2, which has husband shifter Steve getting a mission, and needing help from his wife/mate. So nope. 

The last was written in 2016 with different characters. I don’t think so. 

Sometimes the year a book was written in dates a story and sometimes it doesn’t. Here it definitely does. 

For me, it diminishes it.  It might not for everyone. 

Cover design by Lou Harper Designs

The Collegium – 7 books

Demon Hunter #1 2014

Buy link

 Book 1 of 7: The Collegium 

Blurb 

The most powerful mage in the world has been betrayed. So where is she hiding? What happens when she returns?

You can bleed and die banishing a demon, but Fay Olwen discovers there are worse hurts. Betrayed by the Collegium and by her father, she must build a new life away from New York.

Leopard shifter Steve Jekyll would have her build it with him. But loyalties are never simple and new love never easy.

When demons are unleashed, Fay tracks the evil back to the Collegium, and now all hell will break loose because Fay fights for the innocent, and Steve will protect what is his.

Jenny Schwartz

Publication date

December 15, 2014

Language

‎English

Print length

141 pages

Book 1 of 7

The Collegium

Review: Howling for Trouble (Sassy Shifter Shenanigans #1) by Isabel Campbell and Michael Anderle

Rating: 3.5⭐️. 

The first in a new paranormal mystery shifter series by prolific authors and co-writers, Isabel Campbell and Michael Anderle, Howling for Trouble has some interesting ideas and engaging elements. I’m just not sure the main character is one of them. 

She’s a young coyote shifter on the run from a past life that’s mentioned often but never in anything but an ominous reference type of way.  Sort of “oh no, I’m afraid of my secret past life being found out or finding me “, or “I can’t be caged anymore”. 

Which when the character seems to actually go out of her way to make it easier for her past life to just stumble onto where she’s now living and investigating murders, well, you know you’re in the TSTL category.

It’s not as though the whole story isn’t engaging. The person at the heart of the investigation was a good person and the reader genuinely feels sorry for his loss. And sorrow for his pet. 

That’s another terrific aspect of the story. Roxie, the coyote shifter can communicate with the animals in her care at the Doggy Daycare/Wine Bar she’s employed at. The animals, when they are talking to Roxie aren’t coming across as anthropomorphized animals but more a realistic animal. These aren’t magical or familiars,they are beloved pets. 

The townspeople are well crafted and believable in their quirky ways and various jobs. And the town’s well known festival adds to the atmosphere and sense of overall credibility. 

And takes away from Roxie’s. Here’s a shifter on the run. She’s only been there a short while. The background information the authors and character feeds the reader is minimal. But, annoyingly, Roxie reminds herself (and us) continually that she’s got huge secrets, she’s a coyote shifter, and she has fled to the town from idk something and somewhere dark. 

However, does she upon arriving, do her own investigation into safe places to “shift and run”? No she doesn’t. 

During the investigation, does she come up against multiple reporters and photographers getting the “scoop” on celebrities who are in the same mix of the murder investigation? Yes,gets her picture taken, answers the questions. SMH. Just what I’d do if I were hiding. 

And it gets worse actually. To the point I thought, I can’t finish it. But by then I was so close, I did. And came back to the conclusion that for me, Roxie is the issue here. 

So it’s a 3-book series at this point but I’m stopping here. If you’re a fan of the series or authors, check it out. 

Cover by Mihaela Voicu

Sassy Shifter Shenanigans 

Howling for Trouble (Book 1) 

Moon, Murder, and Mesquite (Book 2)

Buy link

 Book 1 of 3: Sassy Shifter Shenanigans 

Blurb 

Hiding my coyote-shifter secret? Easy. Avoiding romantic disasters every time the moon goes full? I deserve a medal.

Three weeks into my attempt at normalcy (aka hiding from my past), my résumé now includes mocha wrangler, wine pourer, and dog-sitter extraordinaire. Who knew blending lattes, chardonnay, and corgis would be my definition of peace?

When local photography enthusiast and coffee shop regular George Harper is found dead beneath the starlit railway trestle—one I may or may not have been sniffing around myself—the townsfolk swap cozy gossip for rumors about killer coyotes. And guess who’s first in line for suspicion?

Between dodging Animal Control, keeping my furry secret under wraps, and navigating the flirtatious distraction of the annoyingly dimpled delivery guy, my plate’s fuller than Millie’s wine cellar during tourist season.

With the annual Star-Watch Festival teetering on disaster, my only choice is to unleash my inner coyote detective—before the real killer strikes again. Because, seriously, running from trouble is hard enough without having to dodge pitchforks and silver bullets too.

Can Roxie solve the murder and find justice for George without exposing her true nature? Or will her own secrets become the next target in a town where nothing stays hidden for long?

Grab your copy of Howling For Trouble today and dive into this delightful paranormal mystery where small towns harbor the biggest secrets!