Category: Shifters, Weres

Review: Pixie Little Liar (Blackhaven Manor #5) by Arden Steele

Rating: 4.5🌈

I can’t begin to tell you how much I’m enjoying these adorable supernatural romances by Arden Steele. They go by so quickly and smoothly. Although each is a fated mates trope, Steele manages to put such a interesting spill on every new couple’s story and matchup, that I eagerly anticipate what I’ll find with the new tale!

Emerys Whitehill, part pixie and part Fae, has been a staple of all the stories so far. He’s a gorgeous, genuinely happy , blue-haired, bartender with a mysterious predilection for anticipating the future. I love Emerys!

So great he’s getting his mate, especially when he was part of a mystery in the last storyline. It’s resolved here , btw.

That’s when his mate shows up in a totally unexpected role. Cyrus Rathbone, Hellhound and employee of the MOA. That’s the de facto Otherlings Judge/Jury/Jail/Execution Organization who handles all the affairs between species and races.

Seems sweet, adorable Emrys has been accused of multiple murders and his newly revealed mate is there to take him in.

Delicious.

It’s a fabulous story. Exciting, romance on the run, a relationship that’s growing through communication and discovery of remarkable talents. Steele incorporates characters from Grin and Bear It, as well as our usual beings.

Pixie Little Liar is one romantic entertaining, engaging romp. I adored every bit of it.

This series and characters are a real joy.

Meet Emrys and Cyrus. Enjoy their romance and relationship! I’m highly recommending them!

Blackhaven Manor Series:

✓ Purrfect Harmony #1

✓ Night and Fae #2

✓ Dragon It Out #3

✓ Grin and Bear it #4

✓ Pixie Little Liar #5

◦ Dead Over Heals #6

◦ Silent Knight #7

https://www.goodreads.com › showPixie Little Liar (Blackhaven Manor #5) by Arden Steele – Goodreads

Synopsis:

There’s a heaviness to the air, the kind that makes the hairs on the back of Emrys Whitehill’s neck stand on end. Something is going to happen. Something big. Something that will change him forever. Despite his powers of precognition, however, a hellhound walking into the hotel to arrest him for a crime he didn’t commit is the one scenario he never saw coming.

As a seasoned bounty hunter, Cyrus Rathborne thought he had experienced it all, but realizing his most recent target is his mate throws him completely off his game. While he can’t deny the connection, Emrys is wanted for the murder of a royal, and he won’t let those big innocent eyes deter him from doing what is right. Yet, the more he gets to know the sweet pixie, the harder it is to shake the feeling that the guy might actually be telling the truth.

He should have trusted his instincts.

It soon becomes clear that someone is determined to make Emrys disappear—permanently—and the only thing standing in their way is him. Transforming from hunter to protector, Cyrus will risk everything to keep his mate safe, because what started as just another job is now the one mission he can’t afford to fail.

Review: Grin and Bear It (Blackhaven Manor #4) by Arden Steele

Rating: 4.5🌈

Grin and Bear It (just love the names) reverts back to the instant recognition and almost as fast bonding between the fated mates of this terrific story.

But Arden Steele’s novella does change up some elements that I sort of took for granted, given the plots of the other books. I really appreciate the surprise aspect of this.

Thorne McIver, super magical bear shifter and protector of Royal families , in this case a royal Elven prince. He’s a special Guardian, of a renowned and highly feared security team. Now he’s at the annual Summit of Allies Races Council/DARC held at Blackhaven Manor with the Prince who’s representing his Elven race.

Steele has gone both into history and mythology while constructing the character and species for Thorne and his team of Guardians. It’s fascinating and imaginative. Perfect, really, especially when called into action.

Throne’s mate is a human. Wren Covey, concierge at reception area of Blackhaven Manor, along with Kol. He’s a delightful character. With a decidedly painful past, Wren is someone who Steele shows to continually move beyond his own bad experiences to become a gentle, genuine person, with a kind heart and occasional inability to focus.

We adore him immediately as does the others we know from previous stories.

Through Wren, we get the first inkling of growing human backlash against the Otherlings and their status within human society. That’s been a subdued element before but here it’s a big factor in Wren’s family life and the weekend conference.

That’s new. So is the worry apparent in the Dragon siblings.

The drama here is woven through the mating story and the growing new relationship between Wren and Thorne. It kept me absolutely engaged. Especially as new details about Thorne’s species , his MOA security detail, and , what their future plans entail.

Hint? It comes from Dragon it Out. What a fabulous way to end it and give ideas for future stories.

This series and couples just keep getting better and better. And the universe just keeps expanding with new facts, organizations, and , of course, couples.

I’m highly recommending Grin and Bear It (Blackhaven Manor #4) by Arden Steele and the series.

Blackhaven Manor Series:

✓ Purrfect Harmony #1

✓ Night and Fae #2

✓ Dragon It Out #3

✓ Grin and Bear it #4

◦ Pixie Little Liar #5

◦ Dead Over Heals #6

◦ Silent Knight #7

https://www.goodreads.com › showGrin and Bear It (Blackhaven Manor #4) by Arden Steele – Goodreads

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Synopsis:

Thorne McIver is no ordinary bear shifter. He’s the monster whispered about in the dark, the beast feared in battles, and for hundreds of years, he’s used his formidable gifts to protect the royal families of the paranormal world. So, when he’s tasked with escorting the elven prince to a council meeting at Blackhaven Manor, he figures it’s just another assignment.

Until he meets a stunning human who fills in all the pieces he didn’t know were missing.

When he’d first started working at the hotel, Wren Covey had been a mess. He’d known almost nothing about Otherlings, their culture or rules, and everything had terrified him. Barely a year later, there’s not much he hasn’t seen, and hardly anything fazes him. Or so he thought, because nothing could have prepared him for being the mate to a genuine living legend. 

When an attack on the hotel tests his already divided loyalties, Thorne finds himself torn between love and duty. Though honor-bound to protect the prince, his instincts will always be to put his mate first.

Now, he’ll have to find middle ground and figure out how to do both, or his happy ending will be over before it even begins.

Review: Mist and Marrow (Breaking Tradition #2) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 4.75🌈

It’s been a while since I read the first installment in this series about Omegas and their search for HEA.

Finding a HEA is a extremely difficult situation, given the fact that in both books 1 and 2, Omegas are basically property, with little to no rights as a being , within their own species laws and human legal system as well.

First they belong to their fathers, then to whoever their fathers sell them to, regardless of gender and age. It’s a contract between father and whatever Alpha he sells them to. To do whatever they like with.

Linden Van Doren, a omega we met in the first story, had been sexually abused by his father and those his father had sold him to for years before being rescued by the Cyan Alpha of the previous book and his mate.

Much of that abuse is recounted here, in conversations held with his therapist and others. It’s those conversations that account for the trigger warning at the beginning of the novel. It’s warranted. While it happens off page, some of it occurs while he’s just a child and it’s brutal and raw hearing it. So if this is a trigger for you, please think about if you can read these scenes or if this is a story for you.

This is not one of the established Calmes “golden boy type“ character we could expect here. While Linny certainly has golden hair , he’s a wolf who’s lead such a traumatic life that he’s more a wounded soul than anything else. The omega charismatic personality is clear as is the need to establish a home but Linden is also a fighter in ways subtle and witty. I adored him.

Wade Massey, homicide detective and partner to the omega of the first book, is a very neat character. He’s got all the characteristics of a wolf alpha while being a human detective. It’s a mystery that has its answers at the end, although hints are sprinkled throughout the story.

Calmes has included a horrific mystery, with a investigation that will have Lindsey and Wade on a dangerous journey to find the villain behind it.

Calmes has a smoothly flowing, well written supernatural mystery romance that has some very raw and brutal elements to it. I think it is far darker and better than it’s predecessor, Muscle and Bone.

I wonder what the final book will bring to this trilogy. Can’t wait to find out.

I’m highly recommending Mist and Marrow.

Breaking Tradition trilogy:

🔹Muscle and Bone #1

🔹Mist and Marrow #2

🔹TBA#3

https://www.goodreads.com › showMist and Marrow (Breaking Tradition #2) by Mary Calmes – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Trigger Warning: Discussions of repeated sexual abuse of a main character, including when he was a minor. No abuse occurs on page

Linden Van Doren is in a strange position. He’s an emancipated omega holding down two jobs, so he should be out from under anyone’s thumb but in reality, there are still weird lupine rules to follow. For instance, if an alpha wants to court him, he’s not allowed to say no. If that same alpha asks for his hand in bonding, however, as there’s no contract that anyone holds but him, he can certainly say no to that. And would. He trusts no alpha to keep their word even though they’re the only ones who could make his dreams come true. It’s all very confusing and a bit ridiculous but until all omegas are free to do whatever they want with their lives, his odd circumstances are the norm. He’s also doing his very small part to help others—and that just became a problem.

Wade Massey is a homicide detective with the Chicago PD. He’s partners with Avery Davenport, which puts him in close, continual contact with Avery’s friend, Linden Van Doren. Wade isn’t sure what it is about Linden that drives him nuts. And annoying the hell out of the stunning omega should make Wade want to stay away from him. The problem is, he can’t seem to do that. Besides, Linden needs a keeper. Wade has never actually met anyone who needs someone looking out for them more and really, no one but Wade can be trusted to do it and keep their hands off the tantalizing man.

When the FBI comes knocking because omegas have gone missing, Wade finds out that Linden has been far more active in the fight to help other omegas than he imagined. When both men are drafted to help, they are suddenly thrown together in a situation where, for once, neither of them can walk away. Wade’s been great at making excuses and Linny’s been fantastic about hiding his feelings. None of that works anymore.

Linden knows he wants Wade—he knew the night the possessive human carried him out of hell—but loving someone who can never return his feelings is stupid and Linden’s finished with that. Wade’s never been attracted to a man before and perhaps it’s not desire or lust, but simply his protective instincts gone wild. If neither of them can be brave, there’s no hope for the future. But perhaps just winnowing through the mist of confusion down to the marrow where the truth lies will set them both free.

Review: Hell On Earth (Hellhound Champions #1) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.25🌈

I’m on a journey to read all of Macy Blake’s series in the Champions universe as I sort of backed into it from the latest series written. I wanted to get a full foundation and a better understanding of all the characters and their interlocking relationships.

I meant to start at the beginning but Hellhounds! I can’t resist a Hellhound story, doesn’t matter the author. So here I am. At the start of the Hellhound Champions series.

Hell On Earth (Hellhound Champions #1) by Macy Blake is a terrific story. I was immediately pulled into this universe and the characters situations.

This is mid-range the overall multi series arc, so I had an idea of where I was in the interconnected universe timeframe.

We first get a feel for the bar, employees, and Meshaq, the alpha Hellhound, who runs it as a safe haven for unknowing humans and supernaturals alike, as long as all abide by his rules. He’s been slowly gathering a small pack of odd beings who needed sanctuary and found it with his walls and protection. All under the guidance of his Goddess.

Then a hunted human , Drew Metcalf, arrives to change everything.

Blake does a great job of creating sympathetic characters, especially Drew, who draw us to them. But it’s not just Drew. But Cody, Walt, and others there who are vulnerable in different aspects that will make us care for them too. This pack , a special found family, that will continue to grow, quickly establishes a place in a reader’s heart.

Surrounding them is Shaq and the other Hellhounds. Those are equally strong and fascinating. Introduced in the previous novels, which are still on my TBR list, some will be getting their mates in this series. Shaq is a strong personality. His romance with Drew is sweet and sexy , as well as falling into the fated mate category.

There’s a few suspenseful elements here to the storyline and some questions about their relationship as they are really the first of the mated couples to appear. So much of the history of what they are to each other , and to the pack is lost.

I get the idea that may change in the future stories.

I was entertained and enjoyed this story. I’m quickly onto the next! As my journey continues, I’m recommending this book and the series I’ve read to date.

Happy reading!

Hellhound Champions series:

1. Hell on Earth – Hellhound Champions, Book 1

2. Hell To Pay – Hellhound Champions, Book 2

3. Give Him Hell – Hellhound Champions, Book 3

https://www.goodreads.com › showHell on Earth (Hellhound Champions, #1) by Macy Blake – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Hell Hath No Fury…

Protector. Boogeyman. Hellhound. Meshaq has been called it all. As alpha of the hellhounds, his goddess has tasked him with protecting the secrets of the supernatural world. He’s the police of other creatures and the enforcer of the goddess’s rules. If his duty leaves him lonely and longing for a mate and a larger pack, well, the goddess knows the secrets of his heart and she will grant them if it is her will.

Drew Metcalf is a man on the run. When he finds himself in a biker bar surrounded by leather wearing giants, he thinks he’s a goner. But there’s something different about the man slinging drinks. He makes Drew feel safe, something he hasn’t felt in a long time.

When Drew and Shaq’s worlds collide, a different kind of magic happens. Shaq doesn’t understand why he’s so drawn to the human whose life is shrouded in mystery and danger. What Shaq does know is that Drew needs his protection. Magical forces are at work, beginning a battle that will require all of Shaq’s skill as the goddess’s champion. With a terrifying threat looming, Shaq and Drew are in danger of losing more than their hearts.

❤️Chosen Universe Multi-series Reading Order:

1. Sweet Nothings- Prequel
– The Chosen One

2. The Trouble With Love
– Nothing But Trouble, Book 1

3. Santa Trouble
– Nothing But Trouble, Book 2

4. All or Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 1

5. Nothing Ventured
– The Chosen One, Book 2

6. Hell on Earth
– Hellhound Champions, Book 1

7. Double or Nothing

8. Next to Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 3

9. Hell To Pay
– Hellhound Champions, Book 2

10. Give Him Hell
– Hellhound Champions, Book 3

11. Nothing Gained
– The Chosen One, Book 4

12. Stop at Nothing
– The Chosen One, Book 5

13. Sweet Spot

14. All Kidding Aside
– Magical Mates, Book 1

15. Stop Kidding Around
– Magical Mates, Book 2

16. Hell Breaks Loose
– Hellhound Champions, Book 4

17. Logan
– Chosen Champions, Book 1

18. Gideon
– Chosen Champions, Book 2

19. Jamal
– Chosen Champions

20. Cosmo and the King

21. Aleron
– Chosen Champions, Book 3

Review: Night and Fae (Blackhaven Manor #2) by Arden Steele

Rating: 3.75🌈

Night and Fae, the second in Arden Steele’s Blackhaven series about fated mates is another sexy, short supernatural romance. This time it’s a fabulously wealthy corporate vampire and an adorable hairdresser Fae getting their fated mate matchup at Blackhaven Manor!

Courtesy of the meddling owner Dragon siblings ,of course .

I enjoyed Night and Fae (terrific name), and the pair. But what I was missing what a sense of history, layerings for either of them.

With the previous story, each character was grounded in a way. Kol in the small town and Manor. Remington had his brother and a backstory.

But in Night and Fae, with the exception of bodyguards (neat ones, I admit), both Fae Leeland Rivers and Master Vampire Sebastian Delgado exist alone without substantial knowledge of their background. I miss that.

Luckily, Leeland’s personality is vibrant, funny, and endearing. He is a wonderful character. Sebastian is everything you would hope a handsome, commanding, wealthy vampire would be. Their mate connection or mis-connection is interesting and makes sense given their species.

There’s a dramatic element, which is swiftly resolved. And then a epilogue.

These are quick, smoothly plotted stories and they’re over before you can blink . I found the characters, the storyline and the ending satisfying.

I’m moving onto the next. I’m also recommending this for anyone who enjoys a HEA supernatural love story.

Blackhaven Manor Series:

✓ Purrfect Harmony #1

✓ Night and Fae #2

◦ Dragon It Out #3

◦ Grin and Bear it #4

◦ Pixie Little Liar #5

◦ Dead Over Heals #6

◦ Silent Knight #7

https://www.goodreads.com › showNight and Fae (Blackhaven Manor #2) by Arden Steele – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Colorful and eccentric, Leelan Rivers knows he’s a little too “extra” for some people. Since those people are exceedingly boring, he couldn’t care less about their opinion. Yet, when a night out leads him right into the arms of fate, he never expected the broody vampire to deny the connection between them.

Wealthy and powerful, Sebastian Delgado is used to people wanting things from him. He’s not even surprised at the lies they’ll tell to get them. So, when Leelan claims to be his mate, he’s skeptical to say the least. Leelan might be beautiful and enchanting, but Sebastian has been disappointed too many times in the past not to be suspicious.

All it takes is one bite to reveal the truth but claiming Leelan as his own comes with its own set of problems. Especially when he realizes he’s not the only vampire at Blackhaven Manor interested in the faerie.

Review: Purrfect Harmony (Blackhaven Manor #1) by Arden Steele

Rating: 4🌈

Somehow I missed both this author and her supernatural romance series , Blackhaven Manor. I’m rectifying that now.

Each story is a quick satisfying read if the first is any indication.

Blackhaven Manor is an enormous castle-like structure settled on an equally humongous wooded estate . Think ginormous 5 star hotel that’s comprised of Otherly niches , each suitable for a certain supernatural species, be it Vampire, Fae, type of were shifter, or anything else in the Other spectrum. And run by a meddling Dragon family.

It’s human concierge is Kol Livingston. Kol is one of the few humans on staff and the first to get his romance. He’s fresh from a bad breakup and currently swearing off any new relationships.

That’s when famous singer and infamous bad boy cheetah shifter, Remington Raines, arrives at Blackhaven Manor . He’s set to perform at the fabulous annual Festival held at the manor, a event so exclusive that it’s sold out far in advance.

Steele’s story is a fated mates romance with a hint of suspense to it. The author crafts her characters with an eye towards detail. Then, with a narrative smack, quickly nails the powerful impact a mate call has on a shifter and the couple.

It makes the fated mate a very believable element. Which I think was made more impressive given the shorter length of the book.

There’s a mystery and suspense aspect to the story that is something I both like and yet wish was given more time to develop. What we have is terrific but could have been so outstanding with a bit more “seasoning buildup“.

There are more characters I hope will will get to know better in the future novels. This universe has the potential for some very dramatic storylines and romances. I look forward to books.

I’m definitely recommending you start your journey here.

Blackhaven Manor Series:

✓ Purrfect Harmony #1

◦ Night and Fae #2

◦ Dragon It Out #3

◦ Grin and Bear it #4

◦ Pixie Little Liar #5

◦ Dead Over Heals #6

◦ Silent Knight #7

https://www.goodreads.com › showPurrfect Harmony (Blackhaven Manor #1) by Arden Steele – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Kol Livingston believes in the so-called fairy tales, the clichés—love at first sight, soul mates, and happily-ever-afters. He wants it all, but after a series of failed relationships, he’s beginning to think he’ll never meet Prince Charming. He loves his job at Blackhaven Manor, but with all the gorgeous paranormals strutting around the hotel, why would anyone choose him?

When cheetah shifter and infamous bad boy, Remington Raines, is asked to perform for the Heritage Festival at Blackhaven Manor, he can’t say no. Literally. Still, an all-expenses-paid vacation from tour buses and screaming fans might be just what he needs. Falling for the quirky concierge with big, brown eyes and a smile that melts him, however, wasn’t part of the plan. He’s used to people—men, women, supernatural and human—throwing themselves at him, but Kol doesn’t care about his fame or his money. He’s been hurt, and he’s not about to give his heart to just anyone.Image is everything, but if Remington wants to win over this jaded human, he’ll have to dig deep and show Kol the man behind the reputation.

Review: Mongrel (Outcast Mates #1) by Lee Colgin

Rating: 3.75🌈

Several elements drew me to this story. The dramatic cover, a new to me author, and the attraction of seeing how another writer would handle the popular supernatural mate/bonding coupling of a vampire and werewolf. Throw in a historical aspect and a mystery? The book seems ideal.

I enjoyed Mongrel. Lee Colgrin has so many great ideas and terrific story themes here.

Starting with Mongrel who’s name is Andreas. He’s a member of a pack that views him as a freak due to his genetic makeup and treats him accordingly. Except for a wonderful character named Ava, who stands in as a grandmother to him. The scenes between the two are done with heart and real warmth. In fact most scenes involving any family members are believable and heartwarming. This is a wonderful element for this writer.

The brief scenes with the Alpha reinforce the pack’s view of the inferior status the Mongrel plays there. Yet the Alpha insists that he be returned to the Pack after the mission is completed. More on this later.

The time period chosen is 1610 Hungary. Or what that area approximates. Colgin nicely included the political factions and wars into the narrative along with a fantastic literary/historical surprise that I absolutely adored.

I won’t spoil that, but major shout out here to her for that inclusion. It fit in so well here.

The main characters of Andreas and Bowie were well defined, their well crafted personalities and past histories helping to connect us to them and their relationship.

I liked their romance, thought they fit together well , especially as Andreas needed a pack, but the deep “love” as opposed to a mate bond felt a little quick here, given the timeframe.

The mystery of the missing girls , adding in Bowie’s emotional tie in, was a terrific one that I felt wasn’t quite played out to all its promises. The author missed a nice chance at the end to give her readers and several of her characters a cathartic moment of happiness because she forgot to deliver a promised character back home. It was an important part of the story.

And Colgin did this twice. Once for a child who started the mission. And lastly to finish off on any repercussions by not delivering Andreas back to his pack . An entire element about the Mongrel is never satisfied here but left dangling. The Alpha is determined to keep the Mongrel hidden, yet Andreas comes back, leaves again. Never confronts his Alpha about his status. However, the story seems to be finished.

Without actually finishing up some important storylines.

So I’m glad I read this book but I’m not giving it as high a rating as it could have had.

There’s at least two more novels. I’m onto the second about a incubus we meet in this story. I’ll let you know what I find.

If you like supernatural romances with an historical bent and a mystery to boot, this is the one for you.

Outcast Mates:

✓ Mongrel #1

◦ Changling #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showMongrel (Outcast Mates, #1) by Lee Colgin – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Mongrel, a creature more wolf than man, leads a lonely life on the fringes of pack society—until the night a handsome vampire shows up with a mysterious request.

Bowie, a vampire cursed to a life of endless nights, maintains close ties with his human family. When young girls in their village go missing, he must act quickly. But to find them, he’ll need to convince the local werewolf pack to loan him their best tracker—a wolf known as the Mongrel.

Though he hates the slur, Andras is used to being called Mongrel. When Bowie refuses to refer to him by anything but his given name, Andras can’t help a flicker of unexpected trust toward the stranger. He volunteers to help Bowie, risking banishment.

Can two tenderhearted men overcome their traumatic pasts and work together to rescue the girls before it’s too late? Or will the world’s most prolific killer snuff the flames of their passion along with the lives of the captives?

***

This steamy love story spans the country of Hungary as Andras and Bowie journey through cities and wilderness on their quest to right a villain’s wicked wrongs. Mongrel features a sweetly possessive werewolf, a cinnamon roll of a vampire, and the worst killer in history. A surprisingly fluffy MM Paranormal/Historical Romance considering the subject matter.

HEA guaranteed with loads of laughs along the way and no cliffhanger ending!

Review: Poisonwood (Poisonwood & Lyric #1) by Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes

Rating: 3.25🌈

While waiting for the next Sam Burns release in a series, I thought I’d start up another fantasy series she co-wrote that sounds interesting.

Poisonwood has many neat factors that’s grabbed me. The authors, a great description in the blurb and a wow of a cover. All that sold me enough to dive into the first story.

I liked it, mostly. Jasper Jones is a sympathetic character with his hesitation about consensual feeding versus the norm for his species, which might be anything but. Although it does seem more that his family could be a rather abysmal lot, other than his sister.

Caleb, the bear shifter, is also a lovely if undefined character. We get someone with a big heart , who falls immediately for a sick incubus.

What feels lacking around a neat romance is foundation and back history. We don’t know to what lengths Jasper’s gone to see how to feed consensually. He has a cellphone. What about others of his species outside of Lyric? We just don’t have any information. He just runs off. More than once.

And Caleb? His actions? While I get he’s attracted to the man he’s found who just moved in on him and stayed.. and stayed… I’d ask a few questions. He’s still a sweetheart of a bear shifter!

And why did no one help that poor thing in the woods?

So yes… their romance should have had a foundation to stand on. Sometimes love or lust isn’t everything.

But perhaps it’s a start. The characters are enough to make me wonder about what’s coming next , so are the writers.

I’m headed to Wyrmwood.

Follow me there!

Poisonwood & Lyric series:

✓ Poisonwood #1

◦ Wyrmwood #2

◦ Hardwood #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showPoisonwood (Poisonwood & Lyric #1) by Sam Burns – Goodreads

Synopsis:

A starving incubus.

A bear alone.

Jasper Jones is Lyric’s most pitiful incubus. He can’t feed and doesn’t want to if it means hurting people. When a witch gives him a chance at breaking the cycle of hunger, he rushes half cocked into the woods in search of a cure.

Caleb moved into Poisonwood Forest to escape the crowded city of Lyric, but it’s lonely by himself. He doesn’t expect to find his mate when he trips over an unconscious young man in the middle of the woods, but there he is, perfect—except for a peculiar fondness for processed cookies.

Their only problem is that Jasper’s sick, and when he doesn’t get better, his one shot at survival is in the hands of a bear shifter who’ll do anything to save him.

Review: How To Vex A Vampire (VRC: Vampire Related Crimes #1) by Alice Winters

Rating: 4.5 🌈

As far as I can tell, VRC: Vampire Related Crimes is a four book series with book 1 and 2 centered around Finn and Marcus, book 3 Is another pair, and book four still another.

All members of the VRC: Vampire Related Crimes Unit and with close ties to each other.

How To Vex A Vampire scores high just on the character of Finn alone. Finn has a number of unusual elements to his character you don’t normally find in romances, supernatural or otherwise. He’s a double amputee to start off with. He’s missing a leg and arm. How he came to lose both is part of the story and won’t be gone into here.

However, his issues with self image as a amputee are dealt with here realistically. So are the problems that occur with prosthetics, over use, accidents, and the perceptions held by others about amputees. It’s all here. Inside Finn’s head and outside, in the Department and people he’s associating with.

Winters has written a fascinating character with a physical disability in a way that’s realistic and believable. Even though there’s other aspects with supernatural elements to factor in. Finn asks to be treated as a equal , and we come to regard him as much more.

Marcus, the true vampire, who’s adamant that humans not be a part of the unit, is the one who falls for Finn. After Finn, everyone is less layered, but I like Marcus, and thoroughly enjoy their chemistry and relationship.

Winters has created a horrifying plot and a terrifying villain. Both of which are fully revealed in the next story. Here we are just beginning to get the chills and frightening idea of what’s ahead.

That is the thing, along with your total affection for Finn, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Excellent job!

Winters’ marvelous characters, fantastic plots, and dialogue make VRC: Vampire Related Crimes and How To Vex A Vampire both must reads!

And the dogs? Adorable!

Buy it on Amazon

VRC: Vampire Related Crimes Series:

How to Vex a Vampire #1

How to Elude a Vampire #2

How to Lure a Hunter #3

How to Save a Human #4

Synopsis:

Finn
Getting into the vampire-only detective unit was the easy part; what’s going to be more difficult is dealing with my new partner, an ancient vampire who keeps threatening to eat me. The unit has never had a human in it, and Marcus—or as I like to call him, Fangy McFangface—would really prefer to keep it that way. He’s grumpy, short-tempered, and broody, but I have a way with words and I know he’s starting to like me, even if he swears he’s not. But what he doesn’t know is that I didn’t join the unit because I was tired of being a homicide detective, I joined because there is someone after me. They’ve already taken enough from me and I’m afraid they’re going to take all of me if I don’t find someone to help. That’s all Marcus was supposed to be, but now, he’s so much more and I can’t imagine my life without him.

Marcus
The moment the pesky human walked through that door, I knew I had to get rid of him. He’s charming and almost everyone else instantly loves him, but he doesn’t understand how risky it is being part of this unit as a human. But as I get to know the stubborn man, I learn that perhaps he’s not as naive as I once thought. And maybe he’s what I needed to realize there is more to life than just work and my dog. A group arises who is threatening to disrupt the alliance between the humans and the vampires, but Finn is the one who shows me how strong that alliance can be and reminds me why it’s worth protecting. When threats hit closer to home, I realize I would do anything for Finn because he’s brought so much joy to my life—and because he’s mine.

This 105k word book contains: A creative use for undergarments, unintentional splits, a wolfhound who just wants to be a part of things, a vertically challenged human who still manages to wrap every vampire he meets around his little finger, the best date ever, possessiveness, really awkward dancing, some workplace revenge, and just a bite or two. Or three.

How to Vex a Vampire Blurb

Review: Stop Kidding Around (Magical Mates #2) by Macy Blake

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Stop Kidding Around is the second book in Macy Blake’s Magical Mates series and it’s another winner. It gives us plenty of drama and action while still managing to remain focused on a developing small family group , formed by a human teacher and three wolf shifters, two of which are adorable children.

Toby Sanders, the teacher, is such an amazing new character. He’s one of the two povs the story is told from and his is the most refreshing and hilarious. As a human with no idea the supernatural world exists, Toby’s introduction is abrupt and his reaction is everything!

Can we relate? Why yes we can!

For me, Toby’s perspective and character just makes this book. Macy has written a honest, personable, highly intelligent man who’s still hesitant to believe in love for himself. I absolutely Toby. He’s so relatable.

Watching him communicate and open up himself to others and being a part of a family and pack? Incredible.

Brook , the wolf shifter who patiently talks with Toby, communicating the new world around him, and their mate bond? Just as amazing and beautiful.

So too the little girls/wolf shifters, Marigold and Daisy.

There’s other important characters in play here. Most have been referred to or have had huge parts to play in other stories, their own or others in The Chosen universe. Some like the orphan Jeremy , a big element here, might have an interesting future ahead. Just another reason I’m loving this series.

The only issue I had here is that with all the many storylines at work, when it came time to pull them all together, some felt a bit rushed. I felt as though I was missing some of the pieces of the puzzle for a few of the mystery segments at the end. The explanation didn’t seem to cover everything that occurred.

However, the romance, the mate bond, the communication ( a huge thing with me) the children, it made it just plain magical. Love this couple and children.

Magical Mates is a great addition to The Chosen universe and I hope it continues.

I’m recommending both stories written so far! Red them in the order they were written.

Magical Mates:

✓ All Kidding Aside #1

✓ Stop Kidding Around #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showStop Kidding Around (Magical Mates #2) by Macy Blake – Goodreads

Synopsis:

His so-called mate thinks it’s fate. Toby has other ideas.

When Toby Sanders shows up to interview for a teaching job at a mysterious estate, he’s not expecting his world to flip upside down and backward.

Shifters are real… and the hottest, most protective wolf of all is claiming him as a mate.

Toby can’t deny that Brooks is everything he ever wanted and never thought he could have–loving, strong, drop-dead gorgeous–or that the two little girls Brooks wants to adopt give Toby a glimpse of the family he’s always dreamed of…
But how the heck is he supposed to believe in this mating magic stuff when life has taught him that the only person he can count on is himself?

As dangers from multiple sources threaten everything he’s come to care about, Toby learns that being part of a pack isn’t just about accepting his fate, it’s about choice: choosing to trust Brooks, choosing to believe in himself, and choosing to fight for the life and love he deserves, even if he has to cross the entire fae realm to do it.