Category: Shifters, Weres

Review: Bite This (The Kurtherian Gambit Book 4) by Michael T. Anderle 

Rating:  4.5⭐️

It’s time to take to the seas, start building a navy, a multi-paranormal species army and gamble on a AI that might be able to help you when the scientists working on it get it done.

But first there’s Anton to deal with, his evil zombies and plans for vampire domination. Plus the missing Michael. 

The author’s twists on how vampires and werewolves were created using alien nanotechnology is a fascinating element that’s going to be explored further as the series continues and we learn more about the origins of the spacecraft and its history. 

Another high octane winner of a story. 

Cover by Gene Mollica and Sasha Almazan

The Kurtherian Gambit (21 book series)

Death Becomes Her #1

Queen Bitch #2

Love Lost #3

Bite This #4

Never Forsaken #5

Under My Heel #6

Kneel Or Die #7

We Will Build #8

It’s Hell To Choose #9

Release The Dogs Of War #10

Sued For Peace #11

Buy link 

        Bite This (The Kurtherian Gambit Book 4)

    

Blurb 

Bethany Anne and crew are back! 

They need to grab a ship, figure out who is trying to dig into her businesses, get their hands around the potential for creating an A.I. and the ongoing mess with Anton and South America.

One of these days, she will get a break. Fortunately for us, it wasn’t today.

Got an attitude? That’s nice. Just don’t show it around Bethany Anne. When she slaps a face off, the whole head goes with it.

Bite This, The Kurtherian Gambit 04 follows the story after Love Lost. If you haven’t read the preceding books YOU PRETTY MUCH HAVE TO. These are a series and many of the characters have been introduced in preceding volumes.

Amazon Reviewer MistyDawn says: “I’m surprised. I thought when I read the first book in this series, that it couldn’t get better…. I was wrong. I read almost continuously, and for the past year and a half, I haven’t read a series (or even one) book that I’ve loved as much. With such loyal characters, friendship, and badassery… just don’t wait to start reading these. So just, just wow.”

**Please note, as mentioned in another review, there is flagrantly foul language in this novel. The main character does not have a problem with cussing, just uninspired cussing.

Review: Love Lost (The Kurtherian Gambit Book 3) by Michael T. Anderle 

Rating:  4.5⭐️

This book begins with a deep emotional loss for Bethany Anne. It’s not one that will register with the reader until a couple of books later with the same narrative impact when we meet his widow. 

But this murder sets in motion a series of events that has Bethany Anne further developing her team, enlarging her plans for revenge and preparing for the next phase of her journey.

It’s multiple stages, storylines and points of view and it all works. 

Thrilling and exciting!

Cover by Gene Mollica and Sasha Almazan

The Kurtherian Gambit (21 book series)

Death Becomes Her #1

Queen Bitch #2

Love Lost #3

Bite This #4

Never Forsaken #5

Under My Heel #6

Buy link 

 Book 3 of 21: The Kurtherian Gambit 

Blurb 


When one of Bethany Anne’s loved one gets caught in the crossfire between her and the Forsaken, she goes rabid in rage.

** AMAZON Top 100 Best Selling Author **

She doesn’t believe in seeking peace and harmony, but rather revenge and mayhem.

Continuing the story of Bethany Anne and TQB team, Love Lost picks up after Queen Bitch. She works to complete both her business and military team leads and we meet Stephen’s daughter Gabrielle as plans are made to exact revenge South of the Border.

You don’t touch one of Bethany Anne’s loved ones and get away with it, no matter how far away you live.

**Please note, as mentioned in another review, there is flagrantly foul language in this novel. The main character does not have a problem with cussing, just uninspired cussing.

—

NOTE: This book contains cursing. Perhaps humorous cursing, but cursing nevertheless. If this offends you, I don’t suggest reading this book.

LMBPN Publishing

Publication date

November 26, 2015

Edition

3rd

Language

‎English

Print length

238 pages

Book 3 of 21

The Kurtherian Gambit

Review: Shadowspell Academy: The Culling Trials (Book 1) by K. F. Breene and Shannon Mayer

Rating: 4⭐️

I’m pretty much done with certain tropes because I feel they’ve been overdone by authors recently in many genres. It’s the academy or trial settings or trials taking place in academia settings, throw in a romance, shifters , vampires and magic and you can probably find or name over 50 books that fit that category alone, maybe more if you consider series. 

But I adore Breene and while I am waiting for her next book (Magical Midlife series) to be released, I thought I’d give this one a try. 

The setup is compelling. A farm family that’s worn down by its losses of their mother and older brother, a broken father barely making it, with debts piling up and plenty of mouths to feed. 

We meet the oldest daughter, Wild, who’s really running the farm as her father is physically in a bad state and her siblings are much younger. Her mother is dead as is her oldest brother, Tommy, who left for an academy but was killed in a mysterious accident there.

Now that same academy is demanding that her younger brother attend and Wild is equally determined that they not lose any more children to a school they don’t know about. 

Of course, it’s never that simple. There’s plenty of secrets and things that have been hidden from her. 

I absolutely adore the character of Wild, a brave and intelligent young woman, determined to save her family from another loss.

The found family aspect of the academic life and group that’s formed isn’t anything new but still very interesting and entertaining. 

It’s the first book. She’s hiding her gender and lack of knowledge in a group of misfits. And the authors don’t seem to draw this out very far with a cliffhanger ending. 

It’s got a terrific main character, predictable elements and an entertaining plot. 

Recommended for those who love the authors and this type of storytelling. It’s a good read. 

Shadowspell Academy (6 book series)

The Culling Trials #1 through 3

Year of the Chameleon #4 through 6

Buy link 

 Book 1 of 6: Shadowspell Academy 

Blurb 

You Don’t Choose The Academy. The Academy Chooses You.

I had no idea how those words would change my life. Or how they’d changed my life already…

Until the day the most dangerous man I’ve ever met waltzed onto my farm and left us a death sentence.

In an invitation.

My younger brother has been chosen for the prestigious, secret magical school hidden within the folds of our mundane world. A place so dangerous, they don’t guarantee you’ll make it out alive.If he doesn’t go our entire family will be killed.

It’s the same invitation my older brother received three years ago—the same place he mysteriously died.

The academy has already killed one sibling. I’ll be damned if they take another.

 

Hijinks Ink Publishing

Publication date

April 9, 2019

Edition

1st

Language

‎English

Print length

238 pages

Book 1 of 6

Shadowspell Academy

Review:  Queen Bitch (The Kurtherian Gambit Book 2) by Michael T. Anderle 

Rating:  4.5⭐️

The fabulous bloody high action hijinks of Bethany Anne continue as she earns her title of Queen Bitch and starts to gather up a multi-species team around her. 

Need a helicopter? Check! Gorgeous mansion? Check! Smack down the werewolves and gain some allies? Check and check! 

Bethany Anne is rewriting the rules and those that have an issue with that are finding out how much trouble they might be in. 

Another high action story with new characters, added locations and new developments that just make this even better. 

Love it. 

Cover by Gene Mollica and Sasha Almazan

The Kurtherian Gambit (21 book series)

Death Becomes Her #1

Queen Bitch #2

Love Lost #3

Bite This #4

Never Forsaken #5

Under My Heel #6

Buy link 

        Queen Bitch (The Kurtherian Gambit Book 2)

    

Blurb 

America has been losing good men since their teams don’t have a Vampire to help them and Frank is hoping Bethany Anne can, and will, help.

Further, the American Pack Council is having internal problems with their own “young and dumb” Were’s who want to ignore Michael’s strictures.

With no one seeing Michael, the fear of the ‘Boogeyman’ is starting to recede.

That’s ok with Bethany Anne, it means she will personally deliver the message there is a new vampire in town.

Immediately following the story of Bethany Anne from ‘Death Becomes Her’, Queen Bitch rides a rollercoaster of action and a heavy dose of creative cussing. Bethany Anne starts to get a team in place to help her affect change.

Because, whether the UnknownWorld wants it or not, change is coming.

LMBPN Publishing

Publication date

November 12, 2015

Edition

3rd

Language

‎English

Print length

234 pages

Book 2 of 21

The Kurtherian Gambit

Review:  Death Becomes Her (The Kurtherian Gambit Book 1) by Michael T. Anderle 

Rating:  4.5⭐️

Well, this was unexpected. Picked this up when looking for another series and found an awesome series that I’m binging. 

Honestly, it’s the best, like discovering a new favorite bag of popcorn or chips for that late night snack. One you can’t stop eating when you’ve opened the bag.

Yes, I’m way past this book. 

This series is great for those who love action movies and paranormal stories. All that mixed in with military stuff, helicopters, things that go boom, vampires and werewolves and even science fiction space travel. And it’s awesome. 

No I don’t take any of this seriously but what fabulous fun. 

“Bethany Anne Reynolds is dying”

That’s the hook. She’s a very smart, beautiful and highly qualified woman in Intelligence. Her father? A general. 

Turns out all through the history of the USA, a very powerful “family” has been helping the country succeed in turn for a certain favor. Now it’s time for that favor to be paid back again. 

This is a really interesting take on vampires, their origins and how they reproduce. 

The first novel sets the stage, the characters and Bethany Anne’s first steps in taking the role that will define her character. And give her a team. 

The story is a quick read and it’s over before you know it. 

Luckily it’s a complete series and you can swiftly move on to the next one. Which I did.  And then the next. 

It absolutely wrecked my sleep and my dog’s I can tell you. 

It’s a bloody, high action, foul mouthed, blast! Loved every minute of it and Bethany Anne too! 

I need more snacks!

Highly recommended. 

Cover by Gene Mollica and Sasha Almazan

The Kurtherian Gambit (21 book series)

Death Becomes Her #1

Queen Bitch #2

Love Lost #3

Bite This #4

Buy link

        Death Becomes Her (The Kurtherian Gambit Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Bethany Anne Reynolds is dying. The monsters should be relieved she’s running out of time.

A vampire with secrets older than the legends offers her one way out: pain, power, and a place in a hidden war the government pretends doesn’t exist. Bethany Anne takes the deal with both hands and a loaded weapon. The transformation kills most who attempt it. She survives it—and wakes up with fangs, superhuman strength, and an alien consciousness living rent-free in her head.

Once she steps through the door, werewolves, black ops, alien tech, and bloodlines that rewrite the dark start crawling out of the shadows. These aren’t the vampires of legend. And Bethany Anne isn’t here to whimper, bargain, or behave. If the monsters want to run the world, they’ll have to get through the woman Death couldn’t keep—the one her enemies will learn to call the Queen Bitch.

Profane, violent, and funny as hell—the first shot in a sprawling urban fantasy / military sci-fi universe readers tear through in batches.

Scroll up and one-click to meet the Queen Bitch herself

LMBPN Publishing

Publication date

November 3, 2015

Edition

3rd

Language

‎English

Print length

248 pages

Book 1 of 21

The Kurtherian Gambit

Review: Bear Many Hats (Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow Book 5) by Sara Bourgeois 

Rating: 4⭐️

The author sets many different plots in motion with Bear Many Hats, the fifth book in the fantastic Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow series.

One storyline, the main plot that centers around the wandering bear in the town, is the one that carries the most interesting elements while also being the most easily solved mysteries of the story.  It’s a carryover from the previous book and you could pretty much see it even then.

What keeps the reader engaged is the new characters, the dry, layered dialogue between Blythe Fairfield and her familiar, Pippin, either when commenting on customers in her shop or events in their community. It’s warm, well written, and even the smallest interaction is beautifully executed.

The mystery, who shot the sheriff, is more emotional than much of a mystery. The author introduces a ex-girlfriend who I expect to add further drama and the ending is a bit of a shock for all. A definite cliffhanger of sorts. That’s extremely well done.

Love the author and series. Can’t wait to read the next book.

Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow (4 book series)

If the Hat Fits #1

Under The Hat #2

Hat Out of Spell #3

Hat Trick #4 

Bear Many Hats #5

Drop of a Hat #6 – Sept 22,2026

Buy link

        Bear Many Hats (Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow Book 5)

    

Blurb 

Blythe Fairfield was just starting to settle in.

She has a tea shop on Main Street. A talking cat who critiques her blends. A boyfriend who runs a fever nobody can explain but kisses her like he means it. And a town that’s almost stopped whispering about her.

Then someone shoots the sheriff.

Paine is found on the side of a country road with a bullet wound and no explanation for how he got there. The town is terrified. Deputy Dewey is in over his head. And Blythe is not going to sit in a hospital waiting room while whoever did this walks free.

Between an ex-girlfriend who keeps calling the hospital, a parolee who won’t explain where he was that night, and an elderly woman loudly telling everyone at the post office that the sheriff had it coming, Blythe has too many suspects and not enough answers.

But something about the case doesn’t fit. The evidence points in too many directions. And Paine, when he’s awake long enough to talk, keeps mentioning dreams he’s been having. Vivid ones. The kind that feel real.

Pippin says the dreams mean something. Pippin says a lot of things. And Baba Grimm has started showing up with gifts that aren’t entirely safe and advice that isn’t entirely free.

Some mysteries are about who did it. Some are about what’s been hiding in plain sight. And some answers change everything, including the person you thought you knew best.

date

June 7, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

216 pages

Book 5 of 6

Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow

Review:  Night Maze (The Cat Lady Chronicles Book 4) by Helen Harper

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

Night Maze was excellent. And it builds around the plot from connected series /story, Squib (The Coldstream Chronicles Book 1). It’s not necessary to read that book but it’s fun and adds layers to this story.

Kit McCafferty is sent out on a mission to discover what happened to the Vampires missing giant worms who travel the Understream, the worms being a vital part of their undead community. 

One aspect of Night Maze that makes this so special and well written is that the vampires up until now have been a lesser known or even a one-dimensional entity. And the Understream, an entire city and mysterious community that exists behind secretive entrances has been an enigma. Only briefly in previous stories has Kit and others journeyed into it and then swiftly out noting the dangers and hidden tunnels. 

Harper shines a narrative light, if you’ll excuse me, on the emotional depths and hidden history of the vampires and their communities in the Understream, including the fabulous giant worms. Really, I wanted so badly to have more of them once I got to see intriguing glimpses of their personalities. 

And the vampires too, especially one. She’s magnificent.

The investigation is terrific, dark and fascinating. And gives us a new feline character to mull over and know that he’s going to pop up in the oncoming novels. 

But we get to see Kit flex her skills in multiple ways and in different challenges. She’s a powerful paranormal being and she plays a role,  “cat lady persona” , most of the time. Only occasionally does she really her “true self” out in these situations. It’s fantastic here to see her being able to be that type of shifter that none suspects she is. 

The relationship between Kat and  Thane Barrow, the lone werewolf, is admirable. They understand each other, their need for individual lives and space while also supporting each other,  insuring separate territories within Coldstream.  It’s a great element here. 

I love Night Maze and Kit. The next novel threatens to shatter the stability that Kit has built so hard for herself. I can’t wait. What an incredible character and series. 

Highly recommended! A winner and one for those who love urban fantasy series. 

Book Cover created by Covers By Juan

The Cat Lady Chronicles (5 book series):

Waifs And Strays #1

The Dark Hiss of Magic #2

A Skirl of Sorcery #3

Night Maze #4

A Killer Heart #5 – Sept 18, 2026

Related series:

Squib (The Coldstream Chronicles Book 1)

Buy link 

 Book 4 of 5: The Cat Lady Chronicles 

Blurb 

It’s one thing to be dealing death. It’s quite another to deal with the undead.

Kit McCafferty has never been fond of vampires but she can’t refuse the opportunity to learn more about their kind. When she is invited into the clandestine underground world of the Understream to investigate the mysterious disappearance of some giant worms, she soon discovers there is far more to the fanged creatures than she’d ever realised.

Danger, secrets and mysteries abound in every dark, twisting tunnel. Is there anyone in the depths who Kit can trust? Or will she have to rely on her wits – and her cats – alone?

This is the fourth book in the thrilling urban fantasy series The Cat Lady Chronicles.

May 29, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

286 pages

Book 4 of 5

The Cat Lady Chronicles

Review: Magic Tides (Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years Book 1)  by Ilona Andrews 

Rating: 4.25⭐️

Only the brevity of the story kept the rating from being higher. There’s a second book and they could have been put together for one outstanding story. 

Magic Tides charts the journey of Kate, Curran and their son, Conlan after leaving Atlanta and winning the battles between her father and the clans there for territory and more. 

Now trying to keep a low profile in the Carolinas, it’s not easy for Kate or Curran or their son, given their powers and history. 

A kidnapped boy is the catalyst for a new path for the family and Kate. 

I was so excited for this. I love Kate Daniels, she remains one of my favorite characters and her we see her development as well as the accompanying acceptance of her abilities. 

It’s a quick read and best if you want to read through to the next book, Magic Claim as if it’s one story. 

Love it and it makes me want to return to the beginning and start reading the series over again. 

And it fills in some plot gaps and answers to questions that previous books asked. 

Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years :

Magic Tides #1

Magic Claims #2

Kate Daniels (10 book series)

As well as:

Magic Mourns: A Novella in the World of Kate Daniels

Magic Dreams: A Novella in the World of Kate Daniels

Gunmetal Magic: A Novel in the World of Kate Daniels

Small Magics (Kate Daniels)

Magic Gifts: A Kate Daniels Novella

Magic Steals (Kate Daniels)

Buy link

 Book 1 of 2: Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years 

Blurb 

Kate, Curran and their son, Conlan have left Atlanta, vowing to keep a low profile, and are settling into a new city and new house…but some things never change! Magical mayhem is about to erupt when Kate undertakes the rescue of a kidnapped youth, while Curran guards the homefront.

It should be a simple retrieval, but with monsters on land and sea, Kate’s got her work cut out for her. Still, she’s never let her blade dull or her purpose falter. And that low profile? It’s about to wash away with the raging tides!

NYLA

Publication date

January 17, 2023

Language

‎English

Print length

158 pages

Book 1 of 2

Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years

Review: Magical Midlife Meeting (Leveling Up #5) by K. F. Breene

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The deeper into this series I dive, the deeper the characters manage to get into my head and affections. It makes me appreciate the writing and craftsmanship of K. F. Breene that much more. 

This is one of those series where the revelations continue to get bigger and more intense, interesting in their elements and complexity. The reveals not just about the expected characters but those we had previously known. And plotting that takes us to new areas.

This story showcases how to manage a complex duo of characters, with a dubious beginning, and absolutely make the reader think about what drives them, their past lives and motivations. 

And how they might fill new roles going forward with our developing found family of paranormal characters, with Jessie and Austin at the helm. 

Of course, both of them are still very new in their own mate relationships and powers. That’s presenting its own challenges.

It’s a a fabulous tale and left me running quickly to the next. I love this series. 

Highly recommended! 

Leveling Up (13 book series):

Magical Midlife Madness #1

Magical Midlife Dating #2

Magical Midlife Invasion #3

Magical Midlife Love #4

Magical Midlife Meeting #5

Magical Midlife Challenge #6

Magical Midlife Alliance #7

Magical Midlife Flowers #8

Magical Midlife Battle #9

Magical Midlife Awakening #10

Magical Midlife Rescue #11

Magical Midlife Rogue #12

Magical Midlife Conclave #13 – Nov 12,2026

Buy link

        Magical Midlife Meeting: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel (Leveling Up Book 5)

    

Blurb 

It’s time for a magical battle Jessie isn’t sure she’s prepared for.

Elliot Graves has been a thorn in Jessie’s side since before she agreed to take the house magic. He has constantly brought the fight to her doorstep.

Not this time.

With the help of Austin’s shifters, the Ivy house crew will meet Elliot Graves in one of the most dangerous places imaginable – his home turf.

But not before another creature joins the circle.

April 27, 2021

Language

‎English

Print length

362 pages

Book 5 of 13

Leveling Up

Review: Magical Midlife Love (Leveling Up #4) by K. F. Breene

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I’m so enjoying this series and growing group of paranormal characters. And each story just keeps getting better and better, the characters evolving their roles into a deeper dynamic and the storyline developing into something richer and more complex.

Magical Midlife Love was fantastic because of its many great elements. Jessie and Austin, who have been dancing around each other, finally get their relationship. It’s two complicated people with tough personal relationships in their pasts and who are in the middle of negotiating tricky current situations who finally realize they can make it through as loving equals . 

Then we get Austin’s brother and a further understanding of Austin’s past that drove him to where he is emotionally and physically. This is also a huge part of the series arc going forward. 

Plus Jessie made a magical request for a mage to help her with her magic. And that request was answered. And leads to an incredible shocking climax in the story.

Just amazing! 

Love, love the author’s plotting and characterizations here. Fabulous work that keeps me engaged throughout the story but scrambling for the next book!

A absolute winner!

Leveling Up (13 book series):

Magical Midlife Madness #1

Magical Midlife Dating #2

Magical Midlife Invasion #3

Magical Midlife Love #4

Magical Midlife Meeting #5

Magical Midlife Challenge #6

Magical Midlife Alliance #7

Magical Midlife Flowers #8

Magical Midlife Battle #9

Magical Midlife Awakening #10

Magical Midlife Rescue #11

Magical Midlife Rogue #12

Magical Midlife Conclave #13 – Nov 12,2026

Buy link

        Magical Midlife Love: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel (Leveling Up Book 4)

    

Blurb 

The fourth book in the Wall Street Journal bestselling Leveling Up series. 

The Ivy House team is shaping up, but there are still holes to be filled, and a magical summons outstanding. Jessie needs a teacher. Someone who can fit in with the whacky Ivy House crew.

And that was going just fine…until she gets a request to host a powerful, neighboring mage. A teacher isn’t going to be enough.

She needs more power in her crew. She needs some might. This time, Austin Steele might not be able to dominate what she calls in, creatures no shifter has ever dominated before.

But that isn’t all Austin has to worry about.

After a skirmish in the bar, suddenly his whole world is turned upside down. He can no longer ignore the feelings that have been growing for Jess. He also can’t ignore the town’s complete lack of readiness for the neighboring mage’s visit.

He must call in his brother to help lock down the town. And when his brother arrives, he must finally hash out the past that has split them apart so that he can claim his future.