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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
The is the prequel to the new urban fantasy series that takes place in Heather G. Harris’ Other World universe. We’ve seen its beginnings in The Other Witch series when the Ogre King meets with the witch Crone Amber DeLea and circumstances from that meeting leads here.
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this series and this is a delightful taste of what’s to come. It introduces the character and situations of the series.
It definitely helps to have a firm knowledge of the overall universe and magical world that this series is slotted into as other events and characters from crossover series will feature prominently, I’m sure.
The smutty talking dove is a great new character, especially as I think it will lead into a deeper dive into the mythology and magical world.
Another winner.
The Other Detective Series
Frustrated Justice, a prequel story, Veiled Justice-Book 1
Murder, magic, and a talking bird with an attitude—justice has never been this complicated!
When a body is found pulverised beyond recognition, I’m called to investigate. As Chester’s only magical Detective Inspector, it’s my job to handle the cases the Common police can’t. This one has all the hallmarks of the Other Realm—especially when I find a talking bird caged at the scene.
The avian is a cheeky, foul-mouthed creature with a knack for insults and an alarming amount of information about the murder. His claims are as dubious as his vocabulary, but he might just be the key to solving the case.
Things get even messier when Krieg, the King of Ogres, strides into the investigation. He’s imposing, infuriating, and entirely too distracting for my peace of mind. With magical factions on edge, a murderer on the loose, and a bird who won’t stop talking, I’ll need all my wits—and my rare magical gifts—to stay ahead of the chaos.
Justice might be my job, but staying alive—and keeping my heart intact—is personal.
Please note that this story was previously published as part of the Magically Wild anthology.
Immerse yourself in The Other Detective Series—perfect for fans of fast-paced, witty paranormal police procedurals, complete with a fierce heroine, gripping murder mysteries, and a slow-burn fated-mates romance.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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
I really enjoy this author and her characters and series in Midnight Empire: The Tower are getting more interesting with each book.
Three Dog Night’s best elements are involved in its main mystery and investigation, that of what’s making the local werewolf population go out of control.
It’s both a werewolf Alpha that seeks out Knights of Boudicca, specifically London Hayes, to solve the mystery. And that means bringing, unfortunately, the vampire royalty into this in the form of Prince Callan.
Chase has this investigation go incredibly complicated, takes the odd couple on the road, across territorial borders, which gives the author a chance to expand her universe and explore additional possibilities for other paranormal creatures and magical powers.
London herself emotionally doesn’t evolve that much but everything else around her is changing and it ends in a bit of a cliffhanger. Not unexpected as this story has some wonderful twists and surprises to it.
Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
Cover design by Trif
Books in the Midnight Empire: The Tower series include:
I survived a job for royal vampires with my life and identity intact. That means I can return to my normal life as a knight, right?
Wrong.
When a group of werewolves goes berserk in our local pub, there’s a new threat in the city and the local pack hires me to find out what it is.
Unfortunately that decision draws the attention of a certain vampire prince who likes to keep tabs on the most powerful pack in the city. Just when I thought I was free of the Demon of House Duncan, we’re embarking on a road trip together to investigate.
And what we discover changes everything—as well as each other.
Three Dog Knight is the second book in the Midnight Empire: The Tower series. Don’t miss this supernatural joy ride that features a kick-butt heroine, a powerful hero with a deadly past, and a quirky cast of characters.
I made the mistake of reading this universe out of order. I started with The Other Wolf series, which focuses on secondary characters from The Glimmer series. And to be honest, after reading this fantastic introductory series, I’m still not a fan of those characters.
But I’m a huge fan of these. And luckily Harris has two series that are very much all about the extremely well written main FMC, Jessica Sharp (Jinx), a truth finder and empath, as she discovers her true identity, the hidden world around her, and the truth behind her parents deaths.
Everything I’d been missing in that last series is here. Harris’s world building is amazing and impressive, encapsulating multiple dimensions and even times, from detailed descriptions of locations and various other creatures and characters.
What I really love about a omnibus is being able to read through the cliffhangers, the wild twists (really great ones) and proceed with the story and characters moving forward with their journey and whatever is happening in the world.
And there normally a lot going on.,
Jinx is so well written, she has depth, and is scrambling to learn how she fits into her new role and life while maintaining who she is fundamentally. We believe in her personality and her core character. And it comes with a Great Dane companion who is extra!
To go further is to ruin some of the most important and well plotted threads of the series. I was absolutely delighted and invested in this series and character because I read this right through.
This is the writing and storytelling I was looking for when I went to see what this author had to offer outside of her work that she is co-authoring with Jillian Dolbeare.
This is fantastic storytelling with main characters to keep you invested in their journey, no matter how long it takes. I’m there for her .
Highly recommended. And headed to The Court Omnibus next.
The Other Realm – The Glimmer Series Omnibus contains the following books:
I can tell when you’re lying. Every. Single. Time.
I’m Jinx. As a private investigator, being a walking, talking lie detector is a useful skill – but let’s face it, it’s not normal. You’d think it would make my job way too easy, but even with my weird skills, I still haven’t been able to track down my parent’s killers.
When I’m hired to find a missing university student, I hope to find her propped up at a bar – yet my gut tells me there’s more to this case than a party girl gone wild. Firstly, she’s a bookish soul who’s as likely to go off the rails as Mother Theresa. Secondly, I’m not the only one on her trail; she’s also being tracked by the implacable and oh-so-sexy Inspector Stone.
Stone and I team up, and he shoves me into a realm where magic is real – a place where there are vampyrs and werewolves, dragons and trolls. And where my skills are more than just detecting lies…
Oh, and my dog? He’s a freaking hellhound who can manipulate the magical realms themselves.
I need to find the girl.
I need to discover who killed my parents.
And I need to find out more about the attractive but mysterious Zachary Stone…
Burn through this fun, fast-paced, laugh-out-loud mix of urban fantasy and mystery.
This is the complete Glimmer series e-boxset. Don’t miss this internationally best-selling series if you like humour, heart, a strong heroine and a slow burn fade-to-black romance.
Written in British English.
The complete box set of the Other Realm Series contains the following books:-
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 