Category: Shifters, Weres

Review:  Magic & Misdeeds (Starry Hollow Witches Book 11) by Annabel Chase 

Rating: 4.5 ✨🪄

I dearly love this series and wish the last 9 books came in a box set much like the first 10 books did, as it makes binging them so much easier. 

Each novel is approximately 19 chapters or give or take, so it’s easy to read one or two books a day. And they blend together beautifully, with each one picking up from the events of the previous story.

What I love about this is that they can be enjoyed on multiple levels. Chase has crafted terrific murder mysteries that Ember gets involved with , and the investigations are intriguing and often lead to a conclusion that’s surprising and satisfying. 

But it’s the personal relationships and dynamics that drive the series and make the characters so strong and compelling.  Each story and book reveals more about Ember, the Rose family and including the seemingly rigid Aunt Hyacinth. 

Even the familiar dynamics, like those between Ember and Raoul, aren’t the same as those I’ve come to expect from other writers and fantasy universes.  It’s just different and that makes me take even closer note on everything else in this series.

Love it. And binge reading it way too quickly. 

A highly recommended book and series to be read in the order they are written in. 

Starry Hollow Witches series:

Box set 1-10:

Magic & Murder, Book 1

Magic & Mystery, Book 2

Magic & Mischief, Book 3

Magic & Mayhem, Book 4

Magic & Mercy, Book 5

Magic & Madness, Book 6

Magic & Malice, Book 7

Magic & Mythos, Book 8

Magic & Mishaps, Book 9

Magic & Maladies, Book 10

—-

Magic & Misdeeds (Book 11)

Magic & Monsters (Book 12)

Magic & Misfits (Book 13)

Magic & Misfortune (Book 14)

Magic & Marriage (Book 15)

Magic & Midnight (Book 16)

Magic & Mirrors (Book 17)

Magic & Mistletoe (Book 18)

Magic & Mutiny (Book 19) – finale 

Buy link:

        Magic & Misdeeds (Starry Hollow Witches Book 11)

    

Blurb 

Welcome to Starry Hollow, where spells were made to be broken.

When a gaming tournament comes to Starry Hollow, everyone is thrilled with the influx of tourists–until a player ends up dead. Meanwhile, Ember makes an important discovery in connection with her mysterious ancestor and the Rose family deals with a visit from an old relative who gets under Aunt Hyacinth’s skin, which means everybody’s tip-toeing on eggshells to avoid her wrath. Thanks to the many distractions, Ember fails to notice that Raoul is involved in something over his furry head.

Can Ember stop the madness and identify the killer before the end of the tournament or will it be game over? 

Magic & Misdeeds is the eleventh book in the Starry Hollow Witches paranormal cozy mystery series.

  • Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: December 6, 2019
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 208 pages

Review:  The Wolf Vs The Monster: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth by Lauretta Hignett

Rating:  5⭐️

What a fully immersive and jammed packed story The Wolf Vs The Monster turned out to be.  I was thinking this might be the last book but instead Hignett ramped up the suspense, the plot lines, gave us high action, white knuckle anxiety for our main characters, including multiple anonymous villains, unforeseen events and situations, magical powers and creatures, and a new teenage vampire I absolutely fell in love with. 

This book is a fantasy Toad’s wildest adventure ride with a cliffhanger ending and every single part of the story is fabulous. 

Plus a certain character gets a long overdue comeuppance. 

And other things, huge plot points are revealed here too. 

So it’s absolutely satisfying and that cliffhanger will lead to an amazing story.  So I’m excited to read this next book. 

The Wolf Vs The Monster: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth by Lauretta Hignett might be my favorite story of the series so far.  It’s extremely well written, the characters and tightly packed narrative is perfectly balanced, and that ending really adds to the overall momentum here. 

Love it. And it’s a highly recommended book. 

Book Cover by Atra Luna Graphic Design”

Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth:

The Wolf Vs The Vampire #1

The Wolf Vs The Warlock #2

The Wolf Vs The Shifter #3

The Wolf Vs The Witch #4

The Wolf Vs The Monster #5 

The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae #6 – July 15,2025

The Wolf Vs Santa: A Little Christmas Mystery

Buy link

        The Wolf Vs The Monster: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth

    

Blurb 

Sometimes it’s hard to tell who the real monsters are…

A strange creature attacked Romeo last night. A huge beast unlike anything anyone has ever seen in Philly before – an alien monster with natural armor, organic high-tech weaponry, and poison dripping from its limbs.

My intuition is screaming at me. It’s telling me the monster is not here for Romeo.

It’s here for me.

The Wolf Vs The Monster is book five in the Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth, a hot new Urban Fantasy series by bestselling author Lauretta Hignett.

  • Publication date: May 15, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 320 pages

Review:  Magical Midlife Mom Boxed Set: Books 1-4 by DM Fike

Rating: 4⭐️

Magical Midlife Mom series is a low heat, high action urban fantasy series that has the first four novels available in a box set for a great binge read.  Which, of course, I did, after having given book 1 a try. 

A middle aged single mom of a teenage girl, living in the Pacific Northwest, is just trying to get by. Melissa Hartley has worked her way up to become the respected office manager of a IT company, her daughter is doing well in high school, and she owns her own home, small as it is.  Then everything changes. 

The author, DM Fike, has a great ear for mother/daughter dynamics as well as the ability to create that same energy in a relatable, engaging dialogue that feels realistic. 

Listening to Melissa and her daughter, Regan,banter and argue, whether it’s about school or the magic that’s happening in their lives, it’s exactly what you’d expect from that relationship. 

Even if in parts I absolutely was frustrated by the choices that Melissa made or how she, as a character, wasn’t ruthless enough, I had to think about if it was the writer or the actions. And I believe it’s the character’s actions, in which makes Melissa real enough but a puts me a little disconnected from her because I’m getting frustrated with her and her character “flaws”. 

The otherworldly characters are good but because they’re less well known, they don’t have the same level of character development that Melissa, Regan, their friends and Melissa’s mother have. All those characters? Feel drive by their emotions and life choices. 

Very little of the fantasy world does with the exception of the sirens does. 

So the Magical Midlife Mom series has 5 books out with what I believe is the finale novel due out shortly, Mom Seals Her Fate.

If you’re looking for a fast paced, humorous, low heat fantasy series, this is one to check out. The main characters are out of the typical fantasy series, the feel believable in their mother/daughter dynamic and their journey together is one to cheer  for. 

A definite recommendation!

Love the covers. 

Cover design by: Avalon Labs LLC”

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comMagical Midlife Mom (6 book series) Kindle Edition

Blurb 

What would a single mom do to protect her only daughter from a hidden world of dangerous, magical fae? 

I love my smart, kind, and funny daughter. We may not have much, but we get along without any of the normal teenage drama.

Or at least we did, until my daughter got curious about her biological father.

Now our world is falling apart. A handsome client threatens my employment. A monstrous black wolf shows up on our doorstep. A mysterious masked woman begins stalking us.

And that’s not mentioning the fae.

I didn’t expect to have a midlife crisis involving magic, but it doesn’t matter. I may be just a single mom, but I’ll do anything to protect my daughter.

Even if it kills me.

Join Melissa Hartley as she goes on a magical journey only a mother could take. For readers of Paranormal Women’s Fiction who like strong female protagonists, witty banter, and a hint of romance. 

The Magical Midlife Mom Boxed Set contains the following 4 books:

Mom of the Chosen One, Book 1

Mom on a Quest, Book 2

Mom in Shining Armor, Book 3

Mom’s Last Stand, Book 4

Books not included in the set:

Mom’s Worst Nightmare #5-new release

Mom Seals Her Fate #6 – Aug 14,2025

  • Publisher: Avalon Labs LLC (April 15, 2025)
  • Publication date: April 15, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 1224 pages

Review: Starry Hollow series Box Set (book 1-10) by Annabel Chase

Rating: 5⭐️✨🪄

I’m absolutely entranced by Annabel Chase’s completed witchy series Starry Hollow about a widowed woman with a young daughter, struggling to keep them afloat in New Jersey whose life changes forever when her repo job goes wrong. 

I’ve read multiple books by Chase but after reading, ok binging ten books here, I can say that no voice is as memorable, as regionally vibrant and hilariously true as this Jersey mom, Ember Rose. And of course, that holds true as well for her anxiety prone, hyper aware and uber intelligent 10 year old daughter, Marley, and her ancient irascible Yorkie , PP3 , the three of them who are make up the small family that’s transported magically into the hidden SC town of Starry Hollow,  their new home and future. 

Each book is a quick, highly entertaining grand tale! From meeting this widowed New Jersey mom grappling with her mounting bills and a daughter too smart for her public school, a aging terrier and a job that has a lot of risk associated with it as a repo person, we immediately connect with her. And if I could hear that Jersey accent and imagine a bit a Marisa Tomei. The colloquial voice is pretty great as is her sense of humor and physicality. 

Can you tell I fell in love here? 

Then Chase contrasts this “fish out of water “ Jersey family in every aspect with their new found relatives that are powerfully magical, wealthy and look like the American version of the Targaryens, with all their various dynamics and layers of love and relationships. 

The town itself, which expands in every book with new shops, fantastic areas and community citizens, is a fully developed and unique character in its own right. 

Ember herself is a woman who has suffered great loss in her life. While she never knew her mother, her father raised her and she was devastated by his death. Then by her husband’s death in a car accident 5 years ago, a man she’d known for her entire life. 

These losses are a huge part of her personality and as the story is from her perspective, Chase uses the conversations and insights from other characters to show the readers how much hard it is for Ember to move forward from the tragedy of her past, that she herself isn’t dealing with it. 

These losses and Ember’s journey through her new world, that of navigating the new one of magic (often with hilarious moments) and that complex world of coming together with an extended powerful family of expectations and responsibilities you never knew or imagined existed. 

These storylines are both light and powerful, funny and poignant. They are full of surprises and unexpected scenes that, while fleeting, make quite the emotional impact and connection.

And they make you think and feel good, especially before going to sleep. 

Nothing comes easy, relationships, magic lessons, cooking. It takes time, work and patience. 

Turns out 19 books might not be enough for me.  Ten definitely was not

Some relationship but not real spicy as they say.  More emotional towards working things together. 

Highly recommended. I love them , this universe. And read them any way you want. As singular books or as I did , one reading through the box set books 1-10.

Covers are very cute. 

This collection includes the first 10 books in the 19-book cozy fantasy series:

Starry Hollow Witches series:

Box set 1-10:

Magic & Murder, Book 1

Magic & Mystery, Book 2

Magic & Mischief, Book 3

Magic & Mayhem, Book 4

Magic & Mercy, Book 5

Magic & Madness, Book 6

Magic & Malice, Book 7

Magic & Mythos, Book 8

Magic & Mishaps, Book 9

Magic & Maladies, Book 10

—-

Magic & Misdeeds (Book 11)

Magic & Monsters (Book 12)

Magic & Misfits (Book 13)

Magic & Misfortune (Book 14)

Magic & Marriage (Book 15)

Magic & Midnight (Book 16)

Magic & Mirrors (Book 17)

Magic & Mistletoe (Book 18)

Magic & Mutiny (Book 19) – finale 

Buy link:

SponsoredAmazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › fantasy › booksStarry Hollow Witches Box Set

Blurb:

Welcome to Starry Hollow, where spells were made to be broken.

If you’ve ever dreamed of being whisked away to a charming town where the stakes are low and the magic is high, this enchanting series is for you.

Ember Rose is a feisty young widow who’s transported to Starry Hollow, along with her teen daughter and ancient Yorkshire terrier, and discovers she’s descended from a long line of powerful witches. She also lands smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation, and the sexy werewolf sheriff isn’t falling for her charms…yet. 

This collection includes the first 10 books in the 19-book cozy fantasy series:

Starry Hollow Witches series:

Box set 1-10:

Magic & Murder, Book 1

Magic & Mystery, Book 2

Magic & Mischief, Book 3

Magic & Mayhem, Book 4

Magic & Mercy, Book 5

Magic & Madness, Book 6

Magic & Malice, Book 7

Magic & Mythos, Book 8

Magic & Mishaps, Book 9

Magic & Maladies, Book 10

—-

Magic & Misdeeds (Book 11)

Magic & Monsters (Book 12)

Magic & Misfits (Book 13)

Magic & Misfortune (Book 14)

Magic & Marriage (Book 15)

Magic & Midnight (Book 16)

Magic & Mirrors (Book 17)

Magic & Mistletoe (Book 18)

Magic & Mutiny (Book 19) – finale 

  • Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC (July 17, 2024)
  • Publication date: July 17, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 1959 pages

Review: Monochrome: An MM Shifter Romantic Suspense Novel (ORCA Book 4) by Vinni George

Rating: 4.5🌈

Monochrome is the finale story of Vinni George’s ORCA series about a group of orca whale shifters , the agency they form (ORCA ) to find and return stolen artifacts and artwork and the fated mates the find at each case and investigation. 

I really enjoyed this as it tied up the overall series mystery of the missing artwork, brought out the revelations behind several deaths, the last brother, Julius found a mate and a family, and the grandmother finally comes home. 

Julius Hunter is the last brother to find his fated mate. When he does, it’s his client, a panda shifter, Ethan Lin , who has guardianship of his young niece and nephew. 

It’s a great romance, the children who become part of the growing Hunter family, are absolutely adorable, and Ethan as an overwhelmed, stressed and anxious man is a relatable character. 

All the brothers and mates, as well as cousins and mates are here working together on the investigations and mysteries. It’s a fantastic story, pulling together every aspect of all the books and characters to create an absolutely amazing and satisfying finale.

Loved this and it’s one I’m definitely recommending. 

I wish the covers were story or character oriented in some form. They honestly could be applied to any other genre or book.

Cover Design: Alison Millsaps, Ozark Witch Cover Design

ORCA series:

Black & White #1

Grayscale #2

Full Color #3

Monochrome #4: finale 

Buy link

        Monochrome: An MM Shifter Romantic Suspense Novel (ORCA Book 4)

    

Blurb:

After a career on Wall Street, Julius Hunter is content to live his life as a modern Robin Hood. Getting corrupt corporations to invest with him while he siphons their money into charitable organizations makes his blood pump, so when he’s sent in to find out what the new CEO of a global company knows about money being used to fund the search for a priceless piece of artwork connected to his family, he’s all in.

Ethan Lin never wanted to be CEO of the company his great-great-grandfather founded. He also never wanted to be a parent, but when his sister died in a car accident, he inherited her title and her two adorable children. Balancing life as the head of a corporation and as a new dad is a challenge, and with diminishing returns at home and in the boardroom something has to give.

When Julius shows up, offering help in both areas of Ethan’s life, they learn they have more in common than they think. Including a shared enemy. Whoever is targeting the Hunter family also has their sights set on Ethan, and Julius will stop at nothing to make sure the man he’s falling for and his children stay safe as the final pieces fall into place.

Monochrome is the final book in the Organization for the Return of Criminals and Assets (ORCA) series, featuring an orca shifter financier who had no idea he liked kids, a panda shifter hellbent on making sure his family’s legacy doesn’t end with him, and a final showdown that changes everything.

  • Publication date: June 5, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 239 pages
  • Book 4 of 4: ORCA

Review:  The Other Realm :The Court Series Omnibus(3 books): An Urban Fantasy Collection by Heather G. Harris

Rating: 5⭐️

What an outstanding series and way to read this series/collection! I was able to watch the characters develop their powers, continue to work through deep personal issues and deal with betrayal and shocking twists in their lives through all the stages in their journey. Without stopping.

All the stories flow together seamlessly and reading them becomes a joyful marathon experience, shortened only because my dog has needs and I wanted coffee. 

I don’t want to give away more of the many plot lines described than are listed in the blurbs because Harris delivers characters that are so much more complex and interesting than they initially appear to be.  

We get a long overdue visit and meeting with the Dragon Court, complete with locations, lots of politics and historical or just ancient beings. 

Trials, mysteries, and more importantly , engaging new characters and threats to Emory and Jinx’s relationship and lives, as well as the status quo of the otherworldly beings by the anti-beast faction.

This has everything one could want, and written so fantastically. Action, suspense, mystery, romance, and much more. 

And the ending is so satisfying I was left grinning with deep delight. 

My bookshelf is groaning in anticipation because I’ve already decided I need these in hardback.  

Love, love, love this and the preceding omnibus too. Grab these up!

Cover images by Christian Bentulan

Buy link:

 Book 3 of 3: The Other Realm Universe – Omnibus Editions 

The Other Realm – The Court Series Omnibus: An Urban Fantasy Collection (The Other Realm Universe – Omnibus Editions Book 3)by Heather G. HarrisBook 3 of 3: The Other Realm Universe – Omnibus Editions

Blurb 

Books five to seven in The Other Realm series!

I’m supposed to be meeting with Emory’s dragon Court and amazing them with my suave wit and shining intellect. Instead I’m on the trail of a kidnapper. Someone has stolen away a centaur teenager, Alfie, from a magical circus. The circus master has hired me and Gato to find out who took him – hopefully before Alfie swims with the fishes.

The problem is, no one in the circus is who they say they are. The Other Circus is a front for a magical underground, helping those that want to leave their magical lives far behind. They’ve spent years keeping their heads down and their mouths shut and it’s going to take more than asking nicely to get this bunch to crack.

The clock is ticking, not just to find Alfie, but also for me to impress Emory’s dragon Court. When I finally meet them, I’m going to have to pass through a series of consort challenges before they’ll recognise me as Emory’s intended mate. Oh, and they won’t tell me what’s a challenge, and what’s not. Nothing is what it seems, but luckily I come with an inbuilt lie detector. I’m itching to prove to the standoffish dragon-shifters that I’m more than a pretty face but finding Alfie has to come first.

I’m juggling things as best I can, but all it will take is one wrong move to bring everything crashing down on my head …

Burn through this fun, fast-paced, laugh-out-loud mix of urban fantasy and mystery.

This collection contains the following books:

Challenge of the Court

Betrayal of the Court

Revival of the Court.

These are books five to seven in The Other Realm series. It is strongly recommended that you read Books one to four first, starting with Glimmer of the Other.

If you like humour, heart, a strong heroine and a slow burn fade-to-black romance, check out The Court Series – the addictive urban fantasy series by internationally best-selling author Heather G. Harris.

Don’t miss all the books set in the Other Realm!

The Other Realm Series

Glimmer of the Other

Glimmer of Dragons

Glimmer of Hope

Glimmer of Christmas

Glimmer of Death

Glimmer of Deception

Challenge of the Court

Betrayal of the Court

Revival of the Court

The Other Wolf Series

Protection of the Pack

Guardians of the Pack

Saviour of the Pack

The Other Witch Series

Rune of the Witch

Hex of the Witch

Coven of the Witch

Familiar of the Witch

Destiny of the Witch

Written in British English.

For the maximal reader experience, it is recommended that you read The Other Wolf series before you read The Court series, though the events in The Other Wolf series are explained if you prefer to dive right in.

  • Publication date: February 4, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 777 pages

Written in British English.

Don’t miss all the books set in the Other Realm!

The Glimmer Series

Glimmer of the Other

Glimmer of Hope

Glimmer of Death

Glimmer of Deception

The Other Wolf Series

Protection of the Pack

Guardians of the Pack

Saviour of the Pack

The Court Series

Challenge of the Court

Betrayal of the Court

Revival of the Court

The Other Witch – An Amber DeLea grimoire

Rune of the Witch

Hex of the Witch

Coven of the Witch

Familiar of the Witch

Destiny of the Witch

Review:  Bet on the Waif (Merlin’s Waif Book 2) by Renée Jaggér and Michael Anderle

Rating:  5⭐️

This outstanding series continues with Bet on the Waif, a story that continues with Merritt’s journey towards discovering more about their own species. This storyline has become a deeply compelling one, especially in a scene here. It also makes its way into the narrative through Merritt’s interactions with an older reclusive baker, an absolutely emotionally memorable part of the story. 

The baking and recipes will make you drool, so have snacks handy. Just letting you know.

There’s new characters to embrace, moments of joy, grace, gratitude and ferocity. 

Bet on the Waif shows Merritt developing trust and confidence in those around them and in the fact that, finally, Merritt might be home. 

Merlin, who I have wanted to smack more often than not for his abrupt treatment of Merritt somewhat redeems himself here.  I get it, he’s all powerful but that’s a traumatized child he’s been dealing with for years in a manner that’s borderline dismissive.  

Sigh. Anyway. Love the characters here, and the growing community. So I’m heading directly to the next book in the series. 

Another great cover. 

Highly recommended for all lovers of fantasy fiction and fantasy adventures. 

Outstanding covers and artwork. One of the things that drew me to this book. 

Cover by Mihaela Voicu

Merlin’s Waif (4 book series):

Little Waif Justice #1

Bet on the Waif #2

Waif Too Much #3

No Waif Out #4

Related/preceding series:

Valerie Stonehold (9 book series)

Buy link 

        Bet on the Waif (Merlin’s Waif Book 2)

    

Blurb 

Magic thrives in the heart of the city… and so do its dangers.

Merritt Vale is the last of her kind, a Leshbolg trying to carve out a new life in Little Avalon, the paranormal haven hidden in Brooklyn. Baking by day and embracing her magic by night, she longs to belong in a world teeming with fae, werewolves, and ancient mysteries.

When an old legend resurfaces—a relic of King Arthur’s time—Merritt is drawn into a tangled web of secrets and power. Friends stand by her side, yet shadows lurk in the alleys, and unseen forces plot in the dark.

The city hums with magic, but not all of it is kind.

To claim her place and protect those she loves, she must step beyond the safety of the life she’s built. The path ahead is uncertain, the enemies are relentless, and the cost of failure is more than she can bear.

Will she unlock the truth of her past and wield her magic before it’s too late? Or will the forces hunting her snuff out her light forever?

Dive into Bet On the Waif today and uncover the magic, mystery, and danger waiting in the shadows of New York City!

  • Publisher: LMBPN Publishing; 1st edition (March 20, 2025)
  • Publication date: March 20, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 345 pages

Review:  A Little Waif Justice (Merlin’s Waif Book 1) by Renée Jaggér and Michael Anderle

Rating:  4.75⭐️

I am absolutely in love with this series and the main character of Merritt Vale.  While Merlin’s Waif exists within an established mythology and multi-series universe, this is one that can easily be read on its own entirety.  

Authors Renée Jaggér and Michael Anderle have done a fantastic job in creating the universe, and when necessary, supplying the information that is needed from the preceding series so that the reader feels comfortable with the events and characters of the story. 

How to describe exactly incredible Merritt Vale is, the details, the absolute devastating background of her story and the beauty and believable growth of character she shows here throughout this book. 

She’s the last of her kind. And she’s lost her memory of her species, her family. And this traumatic loss pops up here in unexpected and heartbreaking moments .  It brings Merritt’s pain and loss closer to the reader and our connection to her becomes stronger and deeper. 

A misplaced orphan who has been rehomed multiple times, never fitting in. Little Avalon, a community in Brooklyn, of likewise misplaced otherworldly beings, becomes her last refuge. 

 This has great elements to the story. She is ignorant of technology so that is a journey, she’s got prejudices left over from the war, and so much to learn about her own life and powers as well as her ability to make decisions and become part of the community. 

Each element and aspect of this narrative is rich in emotion, imagery and colorful details. And don’t get me started here on the food. 

There’s no romance. But adventure, mystery and found family. 

I’m so happy I found this book and series. 

Highly recommended! 

Outstanding covers and artwork. One of the things that drew me to this book. 

Cover by Mihaela Voicu

Merlin’s Waif (4 book series):

Little Waif Justice #1

Bet on the Waif #2

Waif Too Much #3

No Waif Out #4

Related/preceding series:

Valerie Stonehold (9 book series)

Buy link 

        A Little Waif Justice (Merlin’s Waif Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Blood doesn’t recognize magic. Earth magic doesn’t recognize rules.

Merritt Vale guards a devastating secret: she’s the last of a legendary species, with powers that could get her killed—or enslaved.

When she stumbles into Little Avalon, a hidden sanctuary thrumming with ancient magic, the earth itself responds to her presence. Roses burst through concrete. Trees bend to her whispers.

For the first time, Merritt dares to hope she’s found a home among its extraordinary residents.

As vicious gangsters terrorize nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park, Merritt discovers her uncontrollable earth magic might be exactly what the city needs.

She prowls the shadowy paths as something ancient and terrifying—a protector the likes of which neither world has seen. Yet every transformation risks exposing her true nature to her newfound family, and the darker truth of why she’s really the last Leshbolg alive.

Can Merritt protect both worlds without losing control of her devastating powers? Or will saving innocent lives mean sacrificing the first place that’s ever felt like home—and the chosen family she’s always dreamed of?

Don’t miss this spellbinding new urban fantasy series that readers are calling “a fresh voice in supernatural fiction.” MERLIN’S WAIF introduces a bold new heroine who must learn that true belonging means embracing every wild, untamed part of yourself—even the parts that terrify you.

DISCLAIMER: If you’ve started the Valerie Stonehold series but haven’t finished it, this contains spoilers. However, it can be read as a stand-alone series.

  • Publisher: LMBPN Publishing; 1st edition (February 20, 2025)
  • Publication date: February 20, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 340 pages

Review:  The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series Book 6) by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare

Rating: 5⭐️

As what I believe is the penultimate book in the series, The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag is a fantastic story.  

The plot takes the characters and readers into a different area of Portlock that hasn’t yet been explored, the Chrome Mines and the dwarves that spend their lives inside. 

Of course it starts off with a murder case, an investigation by NOMO’s Sheriff Gunner and Officer Bunny, and an introduction to a great new character, Hag Matilda who lives deep inside the mines. 

There’s so much to admire about this book and the beautifully crafted storylines.  Bunny’s a person who has consistently shown that she’s able to grow and thrive in her new role and environment, finding a found family and strength in her life. Every one of these characters feature heavily here in the story, as the investigation evolves into unexpected moments and challenges. 

Even the enigmatic characters like Shadow and Fluffy, the curses wolfshifter uncomfortable with his human presence, are here in complicated ways. 

This ends on a heartbreaking cliffhanger which will lead directly into the final story, The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid, to be released later this summer. 

What an amazing story and series. I’m sure when it comes out as a compendium or set  I’ll read completely through it again. 

Highly recommended and now waiting for the next one to be released. 

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

The Portlock Paranormal Detective series:

The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death, a prequel.

The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf, Book 1.

The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren, Book 2.

The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee, Book 3.

The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine, Book 4.

The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergiest, Book 5

The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas, Book #5.5

The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag #6

The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid #7 – July 3,2025

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        The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series Book 6)

    

Blurb 

Welcome to Portlock: where the dead don’t always stay that way.

When a human inspector drops dead in the Chrome Mine, things get messy fast. The dwarves are up in arms, swearing the mine is cursed, and when a second body turns up—this time without its head—all fingers point to the local hag.

But I’ve met Matilda. She’s terrifying, sure, but she doesn’t seem like the elaborate crime scene type. More of a ‘crush you under a landslide’ kind of gal. Still, with the dwarves baying for blood and a murderer on the loose, I need answers before this case spirals out of control.

Tracking killers is hard enough without worrying about a cryptid monster lurking beyond the town’s magical barrier, my four-legged best friend struggling with his humanity, and my infuriatingly attractive vampire mate trying to keep me out of trouble (good luck with that, Connor).

With a town full of suspects and secrets, I’ll have to dig deep to unearth the truth. Let’s hope I don’t end up buried—undead.

Dive into this fast-paced urban fantasy series if you love mystery, humour, found family, and a slow-burn romance.

Don’t miss the other Portlock Paranormal adventures!

The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death

The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf

The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren

The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee

The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine

The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag

The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid

  • Publisher: Hellhound Press Limited (March 7, 2025)
  • Publication date: March 7, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 403 pages

Review:  How to Tame a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls #3) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4🌈

How to Tame a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls #3) by Shannon Mae continues this fated mates series with the next couple, two damaged people, Atlas the Hellhound who’s mostly feral, and Aiden, the human being who is still recovering from his ordeal from his time as a prisoner and kidnap victim. 

Shannon Mae, an author who’s written many of the series I have reviewed and highly recommended, writes here about some very disturbing and very sensitive topics with genuine compassion and respect.  She does it well and I think within a therapeutic framework.  FYI for those readers who should look at TW going forward. 

Fluffy and Aiden’s growing relationship started in the previous books, with Aiden going on walks in the woods and dog-like Atlas as his companion, Fluffy.  Aiden not yet understanding who or what Fluffy really is, a mostly feral Atlas who’s found his mate in the wounded Aiden.

Mae has always done a good job in presenting the Hellhounds, or a section of them, as truly otherworldly beings lacking the necessary social knowledge or understanding that allows humans to interact with others and interpret their behavior. 

So the scenes and dialogue between the Hellhounds and their mates or SO’s are humorous but serve a better purpose to underscore their own Otherworldly ignorance. It works here really well. 

Aiden and Atlas’s personal experiences with trauma and pain help them to find their own way through to a deeper relationship. It makes sense to us as readers. 

The author has multiple storylines included here, ones that are still playing out for the next book.

It’s a highly emotional, suspense filled and satisfying story. 

I was so happy for Atlas and Aiden to get their HEA.  

Paradise Falls is Shannon Mae’s favorite location to play in. Can’t wait to see what happens next here. 

A definite recommendation!

Hellhounds of Paradise Falls:

How To Flirt With A Hellhound #1

How To Hack A Hellhound #2

How To Tame A Hellhound #3

How To Trust A Hellhound #4 – Oct 4,2025

What else takes place in Paradise Falls? 

Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures (8 book series)

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        How to Tame a Hellhound (Hellhounds of Paradise Falls Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Aiden

Apparently, the trauma from being kidnapped doesn’t end when you’re rescued, although I’m doing better. I have a roommate who has become family, and we’ve been adopted by a pack of otherworldly creatures who protect us. I’m still a little jumpy, and most people make me uncomfortable, but baking, therapy, and my daily walks are all helping. The sweet guard dog who follows me around in the woods helps, too. I can tell him anything I want—even how scared I am of my own family. I’m afraid to bring trouble to my new family’s doorstep, but I can’t end up caged again.

Atlas (aka Fluffy)

I have never belonged. I never knew my parents, and I grew up with a pack of wolves. (Yes, I was literally raised by wolves. Believe me, I see the humor in that too.) Wilder found me and adopted me, and I have a pack and a good life. People still make me uncomfortable, though, unless I’m torturing and killing them (only hellbound people—I’m not just some random serial killer). I just like solitude. But there’s something about Aiden that calls to my hellhound, and I can’t help wanting to protect the sweet human. I’ll even put up with being nicknamed Fluffy so long as I get to stay close to him. When I find out he’s in danger, I know I can’t sit back any longer. The only problem? How will my traumatized human react to finding out I’m not just a guard dog?

Tags: Both characters have tragic backstories and need lots of comfort; Aiden loves cuddles and Fluffy is totally cuddle material; Atlas kind of likes being called Fluffy by his human, but he’ll maim anyone else who tries it; there’s torture and death (but only of really bad people); hellhounds have tails, and they know how to use them.

  • Publication date: May 1, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 234 pages