Category: Paranormal adventures,

Review:  Bloodlust Blues (Charley Underwood Book 1) by Luanne Bennett

Rating: 4⭐️

I’ve been searching for new authors and series that offer different perspectives or approaches to certain tropes and main characters I enjoy reading.  

I love a good paranormal or urban fantasy universe that focuses on a different kind of location and a character that’s outside of the usual main character frame. 

So a story situated inside an old local bar & grill where its colorful walls are covered in years of signatures and memorabilia and it’s clientele is a mixture of human and supernatural beings, getting their drink on to tunes on the jukebox? Yes, sign me up. 

A town called Crimson, Georgia where the paranormal and humans have come to live in a peaceful place, sort of. 

Charley Underwood owns the bar, The White Stag, locally known as the Stag, which has been in her family. Her employees are werewolves, as well as a human or two. And her mother, a powerful witch, has recently died. 

Bloodlust Blues sees Charley running a covert blood bank out of her back rooms, using donated vampire blood to help the elderly and impoverished people of town. 

I really enjoyed the story. It sets up the foundation knowledge of the town and surrounding areas.  Bennett also brings in all the characters that will form Charley’s found family and the character that is the potential romantic connection. And his familiar. 

There’s a terrific mystery that involves a couple of murders as well as missing people.  And the introduction of a permanent villain type character too. 

Bennett shows the journey that Charley has to take, as she finds out how magical she actually is. And why she wasn’t trained all along. 

I can’t wait to see her next story and how this character is developed.

A definite winner. 

Cover design Damonza.com”

The Charley Underwood series -complete 

Bloodlust Blues 

Bloodlust Bites 

Bloodlust Curse 

Bloodlust Shadows

Buy link

        Bloodlust Blues: A heart-racing and completely addictive urban fantasy (Charley Underwood Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Welcome to Crimson, Georgia. I’m Charley—reluctant witch, and owner of the best bar in town. 

Everyone’s welcome at the Stag—vampire, wolf or human. As long as they don’t make trouble. Or ask too many questions about what we’re selling out of the back room.

I keep the beers coming, and in return the town keeps my secret. But when a gang of deadly vampires shows up at the bar, it’s clear they’re not looking for a drink. They want to take my business. Or my blood.

But this is more than just a shake down. All over town, people are dropping like flies. Disappearing or attacking their neighbors. It’s like they’re possessed. And someone—or something—is pulling the strings.

As if I didn’t have enough trouble, a fancy new restaurant just opened right across the street. And a sexy vampire from out of town seems to think I need protection. I have plenty of dangerous friends already… so why can’t I stop thinking about him?

The whole town is going to hell. Perhaps literally. And it looks like it’s up to me to stop it. 

Discover a thrilling new series that will leave you reading late into the night. With heart-stopping twists and a found family you’ll fall in love with, this urban fantasy is perfect for fans of Annabel Chase, Charlaine Harris, and Patricia Briggs.

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

Rating: 5⭐️

What an outstanding book. A full out rollercoaster fantasy thriller. Laura Hignett just decided to take all the writing tropes, including science fiction, paranormal, Supernatural and mythological elements, add on some mystery thriller material and romance and stuff to go boom, and you have The Wolf Vs The Witch. 

This book finally answers the question what happened to Daphne, what’s in her head, and that’s a fantastic story thread in itself, but still manages to keep this aspect of the series and her character still a bit of a mystery that will flow into the next book. 

Hignett’s characters are deeply damaged and traumatized by events in their lives. So we get a Mwf who’s not dealing well with her exposure, her shifter identity, and the clash of opposing traumas from her own past life.  She’s a mean drunk and Dwayne the chaos goose and her enabler Alpha, got his own issues.  

There’s no scenario, no character that Hignett doesn’t focus on or make a real believable mess of, no matter what situation they’re in or the danger they are facing. 

That includes Romeo, his coven, and a new character, his step sister, as well as Daphne, all of whom are chasing down Christopher the powerful witch threatening the world.

There’s no way I’d describe the incredible, somewhat terrifying, often bizarre and always fabulously violent journey that follows, all the way to Greece.   It’s got battle scenes, mythological creatures, and great moments. And twists too. 

Just a superb story. And that epilogue sets up what will be a momentous tale that I can hardly wait to read when it’s released. 

If you love strong women characters, great storytelling, and compelling situations. This is the series for you. 

Highly recommended. 

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 – May 15,2025

The Wolf Vs Santa: A Little Christmas Mystery

Buy link

        The Wolf Vs The Witch: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth

    

Blurb 

“I can’t open up. Don’t you understand? I’m literally a box. If I open up to anyone, this whole world could be destroyed…”

My worst fear has come to pass. A vicious, sadistic witch has seen the darkness inside me, and he wants it for himself. Christopher Jupiter – the man responsible for the Great Suffocation, the reason why thousands and thousands of my people are dead – he saw the evils. And he wants them.

He’s not a powerful witch, but he’s smart. Too smart. He already knows what he needs to do to crack me open. Now, it’s a deadly race against time to find the artefact he needs so I can destroy it.

But I can’t do this by myself. How can I stop Christopher, if I can’t even tell Romeo what is inside of me?

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

  • Publication date: March 15, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 404 pages

Review:  Dead Heat (Crossroads Queen Book 7) by Annabel Chase

Rating: 5⭐️

Dead Heat really escalates the overall danger that’s been created and implies that the many serious threats towards Lorelei and her found family are more imminent and deadly. 

There are a boatload of plot lines here, from an incubus bartender with a strange mark on his chest that needs a bit of investigation to a new visitor in need of a place to stay, and as always, The villainous Corporation wanting Lorelei and sending its minions after her.  But of course, there’s more, and it’s Kane, her demon boyfriend, who might be in trouble. 

Dead Heat (Crossroads Queen Book 7) by Annabel Chase superbly increases the level of danger, suspense and chaos for all the characters going forward. Chase has brought Lorelei into the Fairhaven fold, made her its guardian, and given her a found family of vampires, assassins, witches, werewolves, ghosts and the odd paranormal beings.  Even a human sheriff and demon boyfriend.

And now the largest threat is to the very people and things she came there to avoid happening and having.

Great job and story.

I’m reading two books at a time. And I’ve heard that Half Dead #8 ends on a cliffhanger and Dead End #9 isn’t released yet. So I’ll wait until both are available and then read right through. 

Until then, this is one amazing series. Binge them or just read them one by one. Fab stuff. Great character development and plotting. A true winner.

Cover by Trif Designs, which has changed to reflect the fact that the word has gotten out that Lorelei Clay is a demigod. So great touch with that head halo/crown addition. 

Crossroads Queen series:

Dead to the World #1

Dead of Night #2

Dead Last #3

Dead Wrong #4

Dead Weight #5

Play Dead #6

Dead Heat #7

Half Dead #8

Dead End #9 – April 17,2025

Buy link

        Dead Heat (Crossroads Queen Book 7)

    

Blurb 

It isn’t easy being the liminal deity of a multirealm crossroads, as Lorelei Clay can attest. There are the typical issues, of course, like a wayward god stumbling into Wild Acres, and then there are the more pressing ones…

Like an incubus who wakes up with a mysterious mark on his chest and a timer on his life.

And the demon with an urgent message for Kane.

And the mysterious flying monsters with vengeance in their hearts that threaten the peace and tranquility of Fairhaven.

And last, but definitely not least, a visit from The Corporation’s latest minion, who might finally make Lorelei an offer she can’t refuse.

Don’t miss Dead Heat, Crossroads Queen, book 7. For fans of quaint small towns chock full of vampires, fae, witches, werewolves, mage assassins, ghosts, and the clueless humans they protect

Review:  Spirit Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Book 3) by Helen Harper

 

Rating: 5⭐️

Ok I read this at 3am in the morning  because I’d just finished Star Witch with its shocking ending and had to rush here to see what happened. 

Whew! 

What is it with this trend of authors killing their main characters? This is the third book in a row and series where this has been a major element.  Not sure my heart is ready for more at this point.

But this sets up Ivy for several new stages in her life. A new romance with Winter, who’s all in now, especially after losing her and getting her back. Because Ivy definitely was dead but was brought back. 

And Ivy can now see and communicate with the dead. And a livelier, albeit dead, group has never been seen. Or heard than here. 

She’s asked for help to find a missing person, which leads her into a serial killer case involving dead witches and a threat to her friends and lover. 

Harper leans into the intimate details of Ivy’s new relationship with Winter, who has resigned from the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, blaming the Order for Ivy’s death, even though she was resurrected.  But he’s struggling, and so is she in the new dynamic, a very realistic scenario.

Comedic relief in this story comes in many forms, sometimes it’s with the ghost who demands Ivy’s attention , with an outdated idea of attitudes towards women and the world. Or , in a scene that still has me giggling, it’s Ivy herself, attempting to enter through a second story window.  I’ll not spoil it, but needless to say, I’ve reread this scene several times. 

The story is harrowing, funny, well executed , full of several layered plot lines that are balanced and compelling. From a tight investigation into various murder mysteries to the intimacy of their personal relationship, the book continuously weaves both together until it reaches a great conclusion. 

Spirit Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Book 3) by Helen Harper is a fantastic book. In many respects it feels like it could be the series finale as it beautifully ties together so many characters storylines and gives them a great ending.  I was so happy when I was done. 

There is another story, a holiday novella to read, which I’m onto next.

Ivy is a character who I wish there were more of in the books I read. She’s outside of the main character norm and I absolutely adore her.  The series is terrific and the characters around her just as compelling.

A must read.

Cover by Yocla Designs. an accurate representation actually . She’s a fantastic character.

The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic:

Slouch Witch #1

Star Witch #2

Spirit Witch #3

Sparkle Witch #4 – a holiday novella 

Buy link 

        Spirit Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Book 3)

    

Blurb 

If anyone appreciates what it means to be dead to the world, it’s Ivy Wilde.

Barely recovered from her brush with necromancy, Ivy is flung once more into a world of intrigue, adventure and potential death and disaster. It’s not her fault – it just so turns out that she’s now the only person in the entire world who can communicate with the dead. And they’re a chatty bunch with a list of demands. 

When the ghosts offer information about a witch-hating mass murderer in return for Ivy’s help, she has no choice but to get involved. She might be getting herself into more trouble than she realises though – and that’s even before she’s dragged to Sunday dinner so she can meet Winter’s family…

This is the third book in The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic series.

  • Publication date: August 23, 2017
  • Language: English
  • File size: 1.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage: Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech: Enabled
  • Screen Reader: Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Enabled
  • Word Wise: Enabled
  • Print length: 288 pages

Review:  Play Dead (Crossroads Queen Book 6) by Annabel Chase

Rating: 5⭐️

This series just keeps getting better, and breaking my heart in places in the process. Over characters that I never expected to care about. 

Chase’s gifts in crafting storylines that are layered in ways that are so deceptive to the reader’s mind and imagination that by now we should know better than to assume anything or have any expectations for anyone. 

Because Chase is almost guaranteed to turn or twist what we think we know around into something totally unforeseen or shockingly horrifying. Or great. I dunno. 

The mythological world of characters and creatures that’s being brought into Fairhaven, through the portals or another mysterious manner, is ever expanding. It’s a fabulous series element that it’s not limited to one culture or any kind of supernatural world element, but multiple pantheons, gods, and their respective realms are coming into play. 

The Corporation is still a big bad and their minions are an ever present realistically visualized threat. What a well crafted horror they are. 

The Wild Hunt is a main event here and its arrival sets off a chain reaction of events including one I didn’t expect, one that saw me crying. Who knew. 

Lorelei is dealing letting her inner circle of friends into her secrets, renovating her crumbling castle, making sure her ghosts and visitor are safe and well, happily doing whatever.  While the Hunt comes in to cause trouble. 

A fantastic read, great character development, marvelous storylines, and the Wild Hunt was an imaginative new element to introduce.  

Another must read series and auto buy author. 

Cover by Trif Designs, which has changed to reflect the fact that the word has gotten out that Lorelei Clay is a demigod. So great touch with that head halo/crown addition. 

Crossroads Queen series:

Dead to the World #1

Dead of Night #2

Dead Last #3

Dead Wrong #4

Dead Weight #5

Play Dead #6

Dead Heat #7

Half Dead #8

Dead End #9 – April 17,2025

Buy link

        Play Dead (Crossroads Queen Book 6)

    

Blurb 

In Fairhaven, there’s no rest for the wicked, the weary, or anyone in between.

The Wild Hunt is on its way to town, commanded by a ruthless leader who leaves only destruction in his wake.

Meanwhile, the Castle has opened its doors as a sanctuary for an unexpected and unwelcome visitor, which puts a damper on Lorelei’s budding relationship with resident demon prince of hell, Kane Sullivan. Even worse, the houseguest brings another hunting party to town, one that Lorelei has been careful to avoid. 

As the threats escalate and secrets are revealed, Lorelei must come to terms with a moment of truth she never anticipated—if she can survive the hunt.

Play Dead is the sixth book in the Crossroads Queen series.

  • Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC (June 20, 2024)
  • Publication date: June 20, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 282 pages

Review: Amber Gambler (The Body Shop Book 2) by Hailey Edwards

Rating: 4.75⭐️

Amber Gambler really was a revelation for me. Where I might have been slow to connect with the universe and the relationships here, maybe even understanding the main character of Frankie Mary as much as I should, this story now immediately has me committing to them, and this series. I’m all in. 

It picks up after the shocking events of Fair Market Value.  The Mary’s are dealing with the emotional and physical damage of the deep betrayal of someone who they thought was a friend. Frankie’s recovering, missing Kierce who’s left to heal his wounds as well as trying to find the right mental state to heal herself from the trauma of Lyle and his son, Harrow. 

There’s Carter’s awful storyline left hanging to bring in here, plus Josie and Matty’s own emotional wounds. 

With all that going on, a ghost comes to Frankie in his need. His granddaughter is missing and he needs Frankie’s help to find her.  

Edwards story is so compelling in that it’s complex and emotional nature allows the author to explore the tragedy of those children who were failed by the society, social care system, or even their own families.  Whether it’s the Mary siblings and their horrific experiences in their foster care system or for the missing girls and abandoned kids Frankie finds along the way, this is a raw, tragic and deeply personal element here. 

Frankie is undergoing physical and psychological changes as well, changes she’s not understanding, something she’s hiding from her family.  

Kierse and his companion crow, Badb , a great character who’s both comedic relief and mysterious being, are back as powerful entities. Kierse is also the potential romantic partner and is more multidimensional. I’m absolutely team Kierse, especially considering the events the play out. Harrow continues to be that toxic personality that everyone regrets. 

Carter is a marvel. She’s quickly becoming a great new surprise as a layered individual who can deliver a new facet of her personality when it’s time. 

As Frankie works with Carter and Kierse to find the missing child, the narrative builds a compelling emotional journey with Edwards creating multiple threads that connect murder mysteries , numerous mythological gods and legends , entwined with deeply intimate personal experiences and characters histories. 

Characters now become more flawed, more complex and wounded. Believable because they’re grounded by revealed histories and ,now, shared trauma, that we too have been a part of. Especially that devastating dramatic event that ends  the book. 

Amazing storytelling by Hailey Edwards. A absolute treasure of a story and cast of characters. 

A must read. 

Great cover art both for storytelling and characters. 

Cover by Damonza 

Illustration by Marouane Hs

The Body Shop series:

Fair Market Value #1

Amber Gambler #2

Midnight Auto Parts #3

Cheater Slicks #4 – Dec 25,2025

Other linked series:

The Potentate of Atlanta (6 book series) – this is set within The Potentate apparently 

The Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy (9 book series) in Savannah 

Buy link

        Amber Gambler (The Body Shop Book 2)

    

Blurb 

The other family business at The Body Shop is slow after word gets out that Frankie had clients die—cease to exist?—on her watch. Considering they were dead to begin with, she understands why the news shook the spirit community’s faith in her, but it’s a hard hit to her bottom line.

When a spirit appears in her office, ready to sign a contract, she’s eager to please. Until she learns why he wants to hire her. He heard about her clients’ deaths, yes, but he also learned Frankie was instrumental in bringing their killer to justice.

The spirit’s human granddaughter has gone missing, and he wants Frankie to find her before it’s too late. Frankie’s no detective, but her schedule is wide open. The job is to save the girl, but with so many gods and monsters prowling the streets of Thunderbolt these days, she’ll be lucky if she can save herself.

  • Publisher: Black Dog Books, LLC. (September 19, 2024)
  • Publication date: September 19, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 306 pages

 

Review:  The Wolf Vs The Shifter (The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth Book 3) by Lauretta Hignett

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The Wolf Vs The Shifter (The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth Book 3) by Lauretta Hignett is a great terrifying book.

It simultaneously gives the reader more insight into multiple characters but starts to move all of the major characters into new stages where you can see the ultimate danger and darkness coming for them. 

We learn who Myf, there is a thrilling dramatic scene at the end where several plots crash together into one chaotic mess and battle. 

Great elements here that make this exciting , or disturbing if you think about it, are Dwayne, the goose chaos god and his dalliances with the Fae Princess, and how they have enormous roles here.  Myf, our closet hiding enigma gets her big reveal. And the vile polar bear Alpha gets his comeuppance, finally.

Hignett doesn’t forget to write in the small emotional moments that make the reader remember that there are many children and vulnerable innocent individuals whose lives are at stake in the outcome of the events here. Not just a part of the Hidden City but a small orc child in danger. 

Then the reader sees that the narrative continues to explore all aspects of  Daphne’s life, both as the paranormal child social worker and as that as yet unknown entity that hasn’t been revealed. 

Romeo and gang is here but recovering from the recent events. 

It’s a grand story, scary and serious. Sets the tone for the next one in the series. 

I’m highly recommending this author and series. So creative and well written. 

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 Santa: A Little Christmas Mystery

Buy link

        The Wolf Vs The Shifter: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth

    

Blurb 

The hunt begins…

I’ve been on lockdown in the Hidden City for weeks now. Everyone thinks I’m hiding from the Alpha because I disobeyed his orders one too many times. And, well… I have. He’s coming for me; I know that.

But he’s also coming for Myf, my mysterious agoraphobic pantry-dwelling Welsh friend, and I can’t let him take her. She’s hiding a dangerous secret — one I need her to share with me so I can protect her.

It might be too late. The Alpha is coming, and I’m not ready to face him.

And the worst part is, he’s not coming alone.

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

  • Publication date: January 15, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 263 pages

Review:  Dead Weight (Crossroads Queen Book 5) by Annabel Chase

Rating: 5⭐️

I gave 5 ⭐️ to Dead Weight because, while Chase accomplishes so many important and exciting narrative goals in this book, she did two things that absolutely smashed it for me. She demolished a villain I couldn’t stand and set up the next story with a twist I didn’t see coming. 

Fantastic!

Both of those events happened at the end but all the many other things and plots that led to them were outstanding as well. Just as gripping, funny, totally absorbing in detail and weirdness. And it, again, moves more of the various characters and their individual lives forward in some respects.

Usually its relationship dynamics being shuffled around, emotional scenes and characters being truthful about their struggles, all of which allow the reader to feel even closer and deeper connected to each of them.  Because while these characters may be assassins, fae, werewolves, witches, ghosts, vampires and such, the issues that they face are often those that anyone can relate to.  Fear of rejection, abandonment, loss, betrayal , and loneliness. It’s in their stories. We get them. 

So when Chase makes this an absolutely slowest burn ever romance, the characters also will give us their emotional reasons why it’s necessary for it.  Same for any other character’s reactions to whatever happens here. It’s a natural progression from believable way they have been from the beginning to the present. 

Chase has a great sense of humor and depth of character. She builds on her stories, and each character becomes stronger and more interesting as the books continue. Especially those assassins from The Guild, her friends Gun and Cam, as well as Kane’s employees. 

Yes to the series, a definite yes to this story.  The author too. 

Cover by Trif Designs, wish it had a  more an accurate portrayal of this complicated character. One who only wears old t-shirts and jeans, boots, and is in her early 30’s.  Usually worn out by no sleep, no budget and constant physical labor on that money pit of a crumbling house.  Put that on the cover. Please. 

Crossroads Queen series:

Dead to the World #1

Dead of Night #2

Dead Last #3

Dead Wrong #4

Dead Weight #5

Play Dead #6

Dead Heat #7

Half Dead #8

Dead End #9 – April 17,2025

Buy link

        Dead Weight (Crossroads Queen Book 5)

    

Blurb 

Lorelei Clay is determined to put down roots in the small town of Fairhaven no matter what the universe throws at her. After all, she’s invested her entire savings in the rundown monstrosity known as the Castle—and she’s on the verge of investing her heart in a certain prince of hell, if he can overcome his literal internal demon.

Lorelei and Kane aren’t the only ones haunted by their histories. When unfamiliar werewolves cause trouble in town, Arrowhead alpha Weston Davies realizes his tragic past is about to catch up with him and threaten the life he’s managed to build.

As their problems continue to mount, it becomes clear that unless they face their respective pasts—they’ll have no future.

Dead Weight is the fifth book in the Crossroads Queen paranormal andurban fantasy series. For fans of feisty females, found family, romance subplots, tortured demon heroes, and a feel-good vibe.

  • Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC (April 11, 2024)
  • Publication date: April 11, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 284 pages

Review: Crazy as a Loon (Yard Birds Book 1) by Hailey Edwards

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Hailey Edwards has quickly become another author who’s an auto read.  So when I saw this amazing cover ( yes,  an absolute classic) I was hooked. 

Yard Birds is an urban fantasy series about a group of retired coven of witches, once a part of powerful undercover force ,WitchLight Hub. 

Now down to five, Ellie Gleason and what’s left of the coven, Flo, Betty, Joan and Ida, have protected the town of Samford, Alabama for decades. 

I love that Edwards has these wonderful women as both realistically worn down by their lives as past magical agents and by life itself. They are widowed in some cases, had hip replacements, suffering various ailments, hardened by their previous employment, trying to hide their past and get by as old women. Who they are and aren’t, in a community that hasn’t a clue as to what they are. 

Then Elle’s great-nephew comes to her in need of help. And the old coven is reassembled to go investigate and solve the mystery of what is attacking the paranormal youth in a summer camp. 

The author has created many questions within the story and given the readers many curious elements and aspects of certain character histories that require further exploration.  The one that immediately comes to mind is the curse and mystery of Wally, Ellie’s dead husband.  He’s or his soul is been stuffed into one of those mounted talking fish that you see on tv. You know, the talking Bass? 

Why and who has cursed Wally isn’t revealed here. Just what the curse entails, what it takes to break it. A heartbreaking element for this couple. 

It’s one of those things going forward that I hope the author will resolve this for them both. 

The investigation was short but satisfactory. The fight scene involved a walker, which was also amazing. 

And there’s a recipe for a Yard Bird Margarita at the very beginning that I intend to try out this weekend. 

This is a book that keeps on giving. 

Another winner, fantastic content and cover.   More please. Especially of books with main characters of different generations.  Not everyone needs FMC or MMC in their 20’s consistently. 

Cover by Damonza. Great cover design and artwork. 

Yard Birds series:

Crazy as a Loon #1

Dead as a Dodo #2

Free as a Bird #3

Buy link

        Crazy as a Loon (Yard Birds Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Ellie Gleason has protected the town of Samford, Alabama for decades. It’s not as glamorous as her glory days as the WitchLight Hub, but it keeps her active during her golden years.

Life is good.

Well, it’s okay.

Fine.

It could be bloodier with a smidge more gore, but retirement is meant to be low-key. It’s not like her fragile bones could handle the strenuous hunt for monsters anymore, even if her current duties are dull as dishwater.

But when her great-nephew shows up on her doorstep in tears—or is he her great-great nephew?—begging for help, Ellie straps on her beloved shotgun, Bam-Bam, and gets the coven back together.

Sure, Betty just had a hip replacement, and Flo would rather flirt than fight, and Ida is busy with her anniversary plans, and Joan is…Joan. But Ellie is certain she can whip the girls into shape in time to defeat the creature preying on kids at a nearby summer camp. She might even have them home in time for dinner.

  • Publisher: Black Dog Books, LLC. (May 5, 2023)
  • Publication date: May 5, 2023
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 133 pages

Review:  Dead Wrong (Crossroads Queen Book 4) by Annabel Chase

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Dead Wrong is another excellent, wonderfully written book in Annabel Chase’s Crossroads Queen series.  The author continues to play with multiple cultures and a variety of mythologies in her work with the result of intriguing characters and storylines that have been explored here. 

Dead Wrong plays with these themes even more.  It opens up after the events of the past book, with Kane, the prince of Hell disappeared after learning Lorelei’s true identity, weeks passing without any explanation. 

Soon Fairhaven’s citizens are under attack by various weird animals, and Lorelei is asked to help find them and answers to why they are there.

Chase is balancing several major plots and character storylines, evolving the overall series thread of Lorelei’s journey from a stance of total isolation from the town and any type of relationship towards multiple connections with other people, ghosts, frenemies, those she’s now regarding as real friends.  

Fairhaven, its portals and many other characters and places is an ever diverse and evolving story of its own. It fits beautifully as a location for Lorelei’s adventures and her base for a home and potential found family. 

The story’s reveal or reveals show that the larger story is going to be even more exciting and darker than imagined. The stakes higher, and the forthcoming storylines full of new characters and potential tragedies. 

I’m so addicted to the story and characters.  

What’s also great is the length. Well written and plotted within a certain length so I can easily read one a night. 

I’m highly recommending this series and author. And will be checking out other books once I’m finished reading this one. 

Cover by Trif Designs, wish it was less a young model and more an accurate portrayal of this complicated character. One who only wears old t-shirts and jeans, boots, and is in her early 30’s.  Usually worn out by no sleep, no budget and constant physical labor on that money pit of a crumbling house.  Put that on the cover. Please. 

Crossroads Queen series:

Dead to the World #1

Dead of Night #2

Dead Last #3

Dead Wrong #4

Dead Weight #5

Play Dead #6

Dead Heat #7

Half Dead #8

Dead End #9 – April 17,2025

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        Dead Wrong (Crossroads Queen Book 4)

    

Blurb

Lorelei Clay has spent a lifetime keeping her secret. Now that Kane has discovered it, the prince of hell has cut her off, but she has no idea why. Not only has he disappeared from her life, he’s also disappeared from Fairhaven, and his cohorts refuse to divulge his whereabouts.

When a series of strange attacks threaten the town, Lorelei is thrust back into the magical spotlight. This time, she isn’t sure she can weather the storm without drawing too much attention to herself and, even worse, endangering the lives of everyone she’s come to care about. 

Dead Wrong is the fourth book in the Crossroads Queen series, featuring a strong female protagonist, a slow burn romance, magic and mayhem, and a coterie of paranormal friends and found family.

  • Publisher: Red Palm Press LLC (January 11, 2024)
  • Publication date: January 11, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 252 pages