Category: Paranormal adventures,

Review: License to Curse (The Merlin Mysteries, Book One) by Kim Richardson 

Rating: 3⭐️

I have written and rewritten this review several times.  And finally decided to try and keep it as concise as possible. 

This was a DNF multiple times for me for many reasons but ultimately I finished it and enjoyed it. But I won’t be going further with this series. 

Main issues revolve around the characterization and plot issues. Things and elements that repeatedly occur throughout the story or seem to be a part of the main character makeup which makes any credibility of a magical law enforcement officer impossible. 

Arcane witch Rhea Morven is a newly credited Merlin. That’s a Magical Enforcement Response League Intelligence Network. Basically they’re the magical law enforcement agents who police the paranormal world. Rhea’s got a sketchy family history and wildcard powers. And she’s a newbie. But still an agent with a badge. 

And she’s sent out to an equally sketchy town, Gallows Gate, where a fellow agent disappeared and 3 teenagers have gone missing. 

Should be a great mystery and law enforcement storyline. 

However, author Kim Richardson gives little insight or foundation into the political structure or powers here. So instead of the Merlin coming into town as a powerful magical force or police officer, there’s nothing to this aspect of the plot. 

The agency has given no resources and dumped her. Might as well be a civilian. And she’s whiny. When the Council (and parents) blame her for certain crimes/events that have happened in her absence and without an investigation, she immediately agrees she’s a failure. She’s been there one day. 

People refuse to listen or talk to her. Fine. Off she goes. No procedure. What training? Zero credibility as a Merlin for me as a reader. 

Rhea’s personality too is lacking. Absolutely gullible as written, especially for a trained agent and magically powerful person. Rhea who listens to the person who’s got “big bad Villain“ stamped on their forehead while suspecting the person who’s saved her repeatedly and reeks of ancient great being.  Let’s do that. 

While there are some funny moments and engaging characters, like the ghost who’s attached to the dilapidated house that called the local Merlin office/ home, they’re swamped by scenarios and situations that are frankly eye-rolling. 

The narrative continues to grow less credible as events unfold that the reader recognizes aren’t well developed mysteries but rather easily explained events.  But the author keeps insisting that Morven can’t have the intelligence to guess immediately who and what is going on. 

Example: The previous Merlin who was investigating several cases disappeared ten days ago. Now a new body of a man has been discovered. Looks like he’s been there a while. Week, maybe ten days . Oh no! Whoever could it be? Not like there’s a missing person or something. SMH. 

Then in the dramatic climax and battle, a character turns into a well used trope. Why not. No foundation laid but ok. 

For me this became a kitchen sink paranormal narrative, with little cohesion thrown together with some likable characters but not enough to make me go forward. 

Read it if you’re a fan of this author. 

Cover design by Kim Richardson

The Merlin Mysteries:

License to Curse #1

Witch on Probation #2 – Oct 31,2025

Magical Misconduct #3 – Nov 30,2025

Buy link:

 Book 1 of 3: The Merlin Mysteries 

Blurb 

First day on the job? Missing teens. Dangerous magic. Zero backup.

I’m Rhea Morven, rookie Merlin agent, walking magical anomaly, and proud owner of a cursed bloodline no one trusts.

My first case dumps me in Gallows Gate, a hidden town full of secrets, politics, and creatures that bite. The assignment? Find three missing paranormals before the town tears itself apart. The twist? They’re not just anyone. They’re the children of the ruling council.

Now I’m stuck navigating vampire egos, witch rivalries, and suspicious council members who’d rather see me fail.

Good thing I’ve got a sharp tongue, a dangerous kind of magic, and a very low tolerance for bullsh*t.

Also, there’s a broody shifter with eyes like gold and a tendency to save my life. Not helpful for focus.

They sent me here to fail, but I’m not leaving without a fight.

Love found-family, magical suspense, and snarky witches who bite back? Welcome to The Merlin Mysteries, where a cursed bloodline meets a case from hell.

  • Publication date: July 22, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 281 pages
  • Book 1 of 3: The Merlin Mysteries

Review:  Shift of Morals (Shifter Lords Book 2) by S.E. Babin

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Shift of Morals was another good story, fast paced and action packed. There are new terrific characters, added fascinating story threads, and further exploration of this character’s back history and traumatic experiences that led to this situation and her evolving physical status, whatever it may be. 

I liked Shift of Morals better than Shift of Heart. Evie is growing more multi dimensional and relatable as she faces ever greater challenges and personal dangers. Especially when her worst enemy comes to town. 

Highlights are scenes that include Seymour, the sentient venomous flycatcher plant with major personality, and more fantastic magical powerful elements, especially those of plants where they exhibit the ability to move and think for themselves. Toxic plants are everything!

I’m still not sold on shifter lord, Caelan. He’s still a bit problematic, especially when the author has such other strong good male characters available. Caelan is still being reactive, obsessed, secretive, non communicative, violent. And a bit dimwitted at the end. 

Sigh. Why, why do authors love to write these main characters so much?SMH. 

Still, so terrific writing and elements here. Heading forward! 

Check it out! Especially if urban fantasy or paranormal romance is your thing.

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords :

Shift of Heart #1

Shift of Morals #2

Power Shift #3 – Oct 26,2025

Shifting Winds #4 – Feb 10,2026

Shifting Resolve #5 – March 31,2026

Shift of Rule #6 – May 26,2026

Shift of the Wild #7 – July 28,2026

Buy link

 Book 2 of 7: Shifter Lords 

Blurb 

What do you get when you mix one hot shifter, one angry god, and an absolutely zero chance of keeping things low-key? 

A whole bunch of trouble, that’s what.

Life was so much simpler when Evie’s problems consisted of picking the perfect peony. Now she’s got the gods on her tail and shifters trying to sniff out her secrets.

Then there’s the smoking hot Shifter Lord who has never once thrown a party, hiring her for all kinds of pack events and doing his best to convince her to trust him. But he has an agenda of his own, and Evie is far too smart to let her guard down.

On top of that, there’s a new god in town, one who’s way too good at identifying bloodlines and scenting out lies. She’ll have to dig deep and muster up some of her rusty acting skills to escape his notice, while trying to keep her identity hidden from the rest of the world so intent on finding her.

And if that wasn’t enough, someone is trying to kill her, and they’re getting close to succeeding.

Surviving will require placing her trust in the unlikeliest of allies and deciding just how long she can keep pretending she’s only a demure little florist who has an unfortunate black thumb for drama.

Evie is still a florist. Still a fraud. And still trying to pretend she’s not falling in love.

  • Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
  • Publication date: September 2, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 256 pages
  • Book 2 of 7: Shifter Lords

Review:  Shift of Heart (Shifter Lords Book 1) by S.E. Babin

Rating: 4.25⭐️

S.E. Babin is an author I’ve read before with mixed feelings. Some series I’ve really connected with and others not so much. 

Shift of Heart, the first in Babin’s Shifter Lords paranormal romance series, is one I’m excited about and currently enjoying. 

The description of this book drew me in but, now headed to the next book in the series, I feel that it’s a bit misleading. And needs clarification to begin with on an element that should come with trigger warnings. 

Here’s the lead in.

“In-hiding hedgewitch florist by day. Powerful demigoddess by blood. Shapeshifting immortal by accident.”

That last bit? No accident but a horrifying assault, vividly captured, and for some, as it’s a reoccurring part of the story and a traumatic experience for the character, a element I think should have a trigger warning.  Assault and potentially death. FYI.

Onto the other aspects of Shift of Heart.  The world building is one that’s being assembled as part of the process of storytelling. So we don’t know how humans and nonhumans cohabitate separately as well as they do. Especially as humans aren’t supposed to know about the paranormal beings. And readers just get an understanding of otherworldly politics and governance as events happen. 

It’s a characters that make the story. Especially the found family that exists around the main character of Evie Quinn, a Flouromage who runs a flower shop with her best friends, a vampire, a banshee, and a dryad. With a main goal of being successful while trying to stay hidden from the horrors she’s fled from. As well as her Mother. 

The best friends, are beautifully crafted. Each one has a unique personality as well as fascinating otherworldly qualities due to their species and history. And they’re all very close to Evie. They know her secrets, her past. 

For me they are fantastic and support the story even when I feel that the author has Evie being self destructive and close to a TSTL character. 

Most of that is due to her involvement and interactions with the Alpha of all Shifters in her area.  Toxic relationship is how most people would describe it. 

Although it’s a staple of some romance tropes. Outlooks are changing. 

The Alpha is all “everything/everyone is mine” rawr! If I don’t like it or get it. Let’s destroy it.  So of course, things around Evie are destroyed. 

He fixes it. She tries to or pays for it. Pattern says that it continues. 

To be fair. Caelan, the Alpha, recognizes that there is a problem with his approach. And her friends and a mentor are the ones who will tell Evie that she’s jeopardizing herself and them in this situation. 

But it’s that relationship and story so it’s going to continue on this path. If you find it as frustrating as I did be warned. 

What is worth continuing forward is the multiple mysteries, the mythology and the interwoven relationships between the gods, current events and the characters. That’s intriguing and suspenseful. 

And it’s got me fully engaged in the series and process, and this group of characters. 

Check it out! Especially if urban fantasy or paranormal romance is your thing.

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords :

Shift of Heart #1

Shift of Morals #2

Power Shift #3 – Oct 26,2025

Shifting Winds #4 – Feb 10,2026

Shifting Resolve #5 – March 31,2026

Shift of Rule #6 – May 26,2026

Shift of the Wild #7 – July 28,2026

Buy link

 Book 1 of 7: Shifter Lords 

Blurb 

In-hiding hedgewitch florist by day. Powerful demigoddess by blood. Shapeshifting immortal by accident.

After a terrible divorce left her blindsided, all Evie Quinn wants is a relaxing girls’ trip to Scotland, not a fight for her life with a Chimera shifter—an ancient, secretive enemy with the power to shapeshift into anything with a pulse.

Surviving the attack is a plus, but her goddess mother drops a bomb on her: Living will change everything.

And…it does.

Now she’s hiding out in a small town running a popular flower shop, doing her best to resist the urge to gnaw on raw meat every chance she gets, and badly pretending she’s the same ol’ lovable hedgewitch she always was.

Except, spoiler alert: She’s not.

When a foraging trip reveals a dying shifter in the woods, Evie breaks all the rules to heal him and vanishes before he wakes up. Cue immediate panic when that dangerously attractive shifter walks into her shop a few weeks later, and she finds out he’s the Alpha of every single shifter in the state.

Eep.

Fortunately, he’s only looking for a florist, not Evie. Not yet. But divine magic brews in the skies, and the wild gods are on the prowl, searching for the source of a long forgotten ancient magic they sense stirring once again.

As Evie’s secrets claw their way to the surface, she realizes she may have to team up with the one man who can save her life.

If he doesn’t destroy it first.

For fans of dangerous supernatural tension, enemies-to-lovers romance, and reluctant heroines, Shift of Heart is the beginning of a dangerously addictive and magical new series. 

  • Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
  • Publication date: July 29, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 278 pages
  • Book 1 of 7: Shifter Lords

Review:  Espresso Yourself (Maya’s Blog’s Book 1) by Lara McKenzie

Rating: 5⭐️+

“Follow Maya Rivers, an anxious human barista with a gift for latte art and a blog full of chaos, as she navigates life in the Umbrafore Complex: part supernatural stronghold, part magical mayhem zone.”

That’s the hook, along with a great cover, that pulled me into this brilliantly written series by Lara McKenzie.  A supernatural/paranormal universe that incorporates both human and otherworldly elements and characters, author McKenzie writes it from the standpoint of a very human Maya Rose Rivers, a barista in a new job who has decided to blog about her life and work adventures. 

As McKenzie puts it “ADHD in my family, which often comes with concentration struggles. I wanted to create something for people who still love to read and want to disappear into a world, but need shorter bursts and the freedom to jump in and out without losing the thread. Whether you’re neurodivergent, suffer from brain fog, or prefer things served with fewer info dumps, this one is for you.”

So each chapter is a blog post. You can read it and watch as Maya struggles through her journey, with laughter, tears and coffee foam art. Gaining followers, friends of every species, and growing into new strengths and abilities. 

I was really not prepared for the depths of the topics and challenges Maya faces. And how the author weaves these issues into her story. They are hardly noticeable at first, but as Maya grows and explores her own personal struggles through her blog, the revelations are both heartbreaking and then become a beacon of hope for many. 

When I say you can laugh/cry here, yes, you can do exactly that. And write down sentences to savor. 

Another book to buy for my bookshelf and to give as gifts. 

Yes, highly recommended. If I had more stars in the rating, they’d be there. 

Love this so much! 

Why have I just found this author?

Cover Illustration Main image by Manuka Madushan, Digital Illustrator.

MAYA’S BLOGS:

Espresso Yourself #1

Brew Diligence #2

Uncharted Grounds #3

Flat White Flag #4

Little Bean #5 (coming soon)

Buy link

        Espresso Yourself: A Paranormal Comedy with Heart (Maya’s Blogs Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Follow Maya Rivers, an anxious human barista with a gift for latte art and a blog full of chaos, as she navigates life in the Umbrafore Complex: part supernatural stronghold, part magical mayhem zone.

——

One human barista. One supernatural fortress.

When Maya Rivers takes a job at Pulse, a coffee shop in the heart of the Umbrafore Complex, she expects busy shifts and maybe the occasional grumpy vampire.

What she doesn’t expect is accidentally stumbling into supernatural fame or being targeted by a serial killer with a flair for theatrics.

It’s hard to keep a low profile when you work alongside supernatural warriors who protect humanity from magical threats.

Join Maya as she blogs her way through the ups and downs as a human in a supernatural world.

  • Publication date: May 23, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 294 pages
  • Part of Series: Maya’s Blogs

Review:  Veiled Justice (The Other Detective Series Book 1) by Heather G Harris

Rating: 4.75⭐️

I have read all the preceding series as well as the prequel for this book but I was still very surprised and throughly thrilled by how great this series looks to be.  

It might be my favorite of them all. 

It’s not just that the author has done a fantastic job with creating horrifying murder mysteries with accompanying emotional effects and deeply poignant moments but how it brings the quietly powerful Det. Stacy back together with the ogre High King Krieg is incredibly well written. 

Those familiar with the prequel story know why Krieg is so intensely focused on Stacy even though she’s unaware of his agenda. It’s the investigations and murders, as well as keeping her family safe, that’s her goal.  Both of them are credible, powerful characters getting to know each other and their respective lives, while dealing with a dangerous and unpredictable investigation. 

This makes for a fast paced, entertaining and just plain fabulous piece of storytelling. 

I love that feathered snarky caladrius, Loki. Just hilarious. And the cameo appearances from other series.  Plus you can see the beginning of a foundation of the group that will form around Stacy and Krieg here. 

Just a great story and I can’t wait to read the next in the series. 

Highly recommend this and dive into this universe if you’re not familiar with it already.  I’ve listed the reading order below. 

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

The Other Realm Universe: Should be read in order to understand the world and characters .Events and relationships build upon each other.

The Other Realm series 

⭐️Glimmer of Dragons- Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Glimmer of The Other- Book 1, Glimmer of Hope- Book 2, 

Glimmer of Christmas – Book 2.5 (a Christmas tale), 

Glimmer of Death – Book 3, 

Glimmer of Deception – Book 4, 

*It is recommended that you read The Other Wolf books 1 to 3 before continuing with

Challenge of the Court– Book 5, 

Betrayal of the Court– Book 6

 Revival of the Court– Book 7. 

⭐️The Other Wolf Series 

Defender of The Pack– Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Protection of the Pack– Book 1, Guardians of the Pack– Book 2, Saviour of The Pack– Book 3, Awakening of the Pack – Book 4, Resurgence of the Pack – Book 5; and Ascension of the Pack – Book 6. 

⭐️The Other Witch Series 

Rune of the Witch – Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Hex of the Witch– Book 1, 

Coven of the Witch;– Book 2,

Familiar of the Witch– Book 3; and Destiny of the Witch – Book 4.

⭐️The Other Detective Series

 Frustrated Justice – Book 0.5 (a prequel story), 

Veiled Justice – Book 1

Mystic Justice – Book 2-Oct 2,2025

Arcane Justice – Book 3 TBD

Savage Justice – Book 4 TBD

Buy link

 Book 1 of 2: The Other Detective Series 

Blurb 

Murder has crashed the party, so justice won’t wait for an invitation.

Champagne, caviar… and a corpse. This high-society party wasn’t meant to end in murder. When my brother calls me to investigate the brutal stabbing of a female ogre at the charity ball of the season, the glittering magical elite quickly become a sea of suspects.

Everyone who’s anyone was there, but glamour has given way to something far darker. Someone’s playing a deadly game, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s my job to cut through the beauty and lies to find a killer hiding among the rich and powerful.

As a police inspector with the Connection, I’ve seen plenty of strange things, but this case reeks of entitlement, secrets, and old money with something to hide. Then the King of the Ogres storms in. Furious and formidable, he demands justice. Stopping him from tearing through the guest list is almost as hard as keeping my mind on the case, because rage and power look annoyingly good on him.

But when a dryad turns up dead at another elite event, I realise I’m chasing a serial killer who thinks they’re too rich to face consequences… and they’re setting my brother up to take the fall.

With a rookie partner finding his feet and my talking-bird sidekick offering sharp advice (and sharper insults), I’m racing against the clock to solve the case before my brother faces the lethal justice of the Other realm…

Immerse yourself in The Other Detective Series – perfect for fans of supernatural crime, complete with a fierce heroine, gritty murder investigations, and a slow-burn romance.

Written in British English.

The Other Detective Series

Frustrated Justice, a prequel story,

Veiled Justice – Book 1

Mystic Justice – Book 2-Oct 2,2025

Arcane Justice – Book 3 TBD

Savage Justice – Book 4 TBD

  • Publisher: Hellhound Press limited
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: August 28, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 342 pages
  • Book 1 of 2: The Other Detective Series

Review:  Magic Stars (A Kate Daniels universe story) by Ilona Andrews 

Rating: 4.75⭐️

I put a reading order for this and the titles of all the collected books below because while there’s a main series list of novels, the side stories factor greatly into this highly elaborate, incredibly detailed character driven narrative. 

Think of the books more like one of those detective white boards, with pictures, notes and strings running through them, attaching to each other, like an enormous tapestry of characters , stories and unusual mysteries that will eventually come together in one whole.  But you need all the pieces first. 

This short story, 4 chapters, featuring Julie and Derek, provides important information and background for the upcoming drama and storytelling for events that will happen in forthcoming novels. 

It also contains some emotional moments and new insights into these characters relationship, especially as Julie’s growing up and Derek’s role in her life and that with her adopted parents is changing too. 

Julie is 16. Derek 20. Neither is an accurate reflection of what their lives have been like, some of which is recounted here. 

Both will be seen again in Blood Heir, another step in their journey together. I can’t wait to see what the authors have in mind for them both. 

Fantastic. 

Reading Order : Kate Daniels Universe series:

Kate Daniels Series 

MAGIC BITES 

MAGIC BLEEDS 

MAGIC BURNS 

MAGIC STRIKES 

MAGIC MOURNS 

MAGIC BLEEDS 

MAGIC DREAMS 

MAGIC SLAYS 

GUNMETAL MAGIC (Andrea and Raphael)

MAGIC GIFTS 

MAGIC RISES 

MAGIC BREAKS 

MAGIC STEALS 

MAGIC SHIFTS 

MAGIC STARS (Julie and Derek)

MAGIC BINDS 

IRON AND MAGIC #1 (The Iron Covenant /Hugh d’Ambray  & Elara Harper) a must before the finale 

MAGIC TRIUMPHS – OG finale

Kate Daniels World 

BLOOD HEIR (Julie and Derek)

Roman’s Chronicles SANCTUARY Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years MAGIC TIDES 

MAGIC CLAIMS 

UNTITLED IRON AND MAGIC (The Iron Covenant /Hugh d’Ambray  & Elara Harper #2) -NRD

Buy link 

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comMagic Stars (Grey Wolf Book 1) eBook : Andrews, Ilona

Blurb 

Scarred, solitary Derek Gaunt has separated from his Pack, and is truly a lone wolf. With no family he answers to no one; but is fiercely loyal to a chosen few. So, when several of those close to him are murdered, he’ll stop at nothing to hunt their killer through the magic-drenched streets of Atlanta.

Never one to be left on the sidelines, equally determined—some might say stubborn—Julie Lennart-Olsen soon joins in his pursuit; and what began as revenge turns into a race to save the city. Their search pits them against powers they never imagined and magic so old, it predates history. It may cost Derek his life, but there are things for which even he would risk everything.

  • Publisher: NYLA
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: December 8, 2015
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 89 pages
  • Book 1 of 1: Grey Wolf

Review: Dead Air: A Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries) by K. Sterling 

Rating: 3.25🌈

While I’m really enjoying this subset of paranormal fantasy novels in the Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery universe, this book doesn’t have the same level of complexity and depth for all the main characters as previous stories. And that lack hurts my connection to the narrative. 

K Sterling is a fantastic author. Her ability to weave together a coherent and compelling narrative is a huge factor in her success. She uses her unique background of investigations, murders then adds more layers of natural history, geography, multicultural history, and mythology to create a unique world and experiences. 

This is where I recommend readers not to forget to include reading all Sterling’s author’s notes at the beginning of this book. On this being a love note to our parks and its Rangers, but also to their own complex, oppressive history with our indigenous people and communities over lands that were confiscated by the government.

And, there’s a dictionary for those who want to know how to pronounce some of these Irish Gaelic words seen throughout the novel and series.  Honestly, I loved this. 

Now to the pluses and minuses of the book. 

The plot is excellent but almost too removed from actual action and its deep roots in a nefarious bargain. We should have seen more of that. And perhaps less sex, more detailed work on a real relationship.

It’s framed in that the Oracle has seen that an innocent, a Park Ranger in the Shenandoah’s, will be in danger from a demon. 

That’s more than enough for the crew of Demi Sun god MacIlwraith, Nelson, Merlin, the two hellhounds and their mates to make the trip to investigate and save him. This group is always a great source for the story and dialogue. And we see Nox MacIlwraith’s powers growing.

However, thing is , the main story revolves around the Ranger, Niall, and the demon, Cenn, aka Lord Smoak.  Of the two, we get one fascinating character and one bland one dimensional character. Guess who is the one note person? Niall the human.

He’s got a great background story, but that not well represented in his actual personality. The dark damage he fled from wouldn’t be the same as someone who really just comes across as an introvert from a conservative background. It’s not believable as written.

Who is on point is Cenn, the demon Lord Smoak. First of all demons, arguably murderous, arrogant, dark and complex. And flexible in his ways and character to show the ability to make choices and changes as he sees fit. 

Silas, a Sheriff and new character has the next book in the series and it’s already an interesting one from the small excerpt included here. 

This left one aspect of Cenn and Niall’s relationship open as well as what happened to the first villain, an ongoing conflict. 

So my take on Dead Air: A Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries) by K. Sterling is that it’s interesting but doesn’t hold up well next to the preceding stories. 

Read it as a bridge between the books, for the new characters and to see how the group is evolving. Nox especially. 

Exquisite covers.

Cover art by @KillerLaurent

Moon Mysteries 1 – 3 (first series)

Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries sequel series)

Back in the Hunt #1

The Tides of March #2

Dead Air #3 

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comDead Air: A Nelson & MacIlwraith Mystery (Moon Murder Mysteries)

Blurb 

He hid in the woods to escape a monster but found a demon in his bed.

Six years ago, rising political star Niall Gilpatrick was living a lie. A fearless and vocal activist, he hid that he was himself a victim. After a brush with death, Niall ran, starting over as a park ranger in the Shenandoah Mountains.

But now, strange dreams and an impossibly dashing biologist have upended his tranquil existence.

And that was the point.

An ancient Irish demon, Chance Curn was sent to tempt this surprisingly wholesome mortal into selling his soul. 

He’s haunting Niall’s dreams and playing with his heart, but it is Chance who finds himself in a dangerous trap.

Since when did demons have feelings?

Now, Chance has to decide if he’s willing to risk it all for a mortal and Niall must face his fears to trust a demon with his heart and his life. Can they save each other or will they become dead air?

Dead Air is a paranormal MM romance set in the mountains of rural Virginia. There’s Celtic mythology, an evil plot to foil, and an isolated cabin where no one can hear you scream. Dead Air is set in the world of Nelson & MacIlwraith, but can be read as a standalone.

  • Publisher: Bawdy Books
  • Publication date: August 19, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 247 pages

Review:  The Demon’s Due: An Enemies-to-Lovers Urban Fantasy (Bedeviled Book 5) by Deborah Wilde

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

The Demon’s Due is the finale to Deborah Wilde’s Bedeviled series about a Jewish half demon supernatural agent and her Vampire Prince boyfriend who have to save the world, deal with their , admittedly extremely serious father issues, and a sort of shady government agency that Aviva and her mother work for. 

And her identity problems and self acceptance, which finally happens here at the end.

There’s so much to unpack here, starting with how that cliffhanger at the end of book 4 is resolved. Luckily Demon’s Due picks up right away, an almost seamless transition from that narrative to this, so those binging can follow through.

Without any spoilers, Wilde doesn’t disappoint.  This is a highly entertaining, great dialogue, fast paced novel. 

Tons of moments that involve scenes of intimate moving moments, bloody action battle sequences, and plenty more of investigative work and plot twists that are satisfying and surprising. 

The various fathers issues between Ezra and his father, then Aviva and hers are handled differently. Ezra and his father’s history and their relationship is a far more complex and tormented one. As is the outcome. Their dynamic was one of the most powerful emotional moments here.  Aviva’s relationship never gets that same level of attention. And is left open for the most part. Unlike her relationship with her mother. 

There’s always been that aspect of her personality where she’s separated her demon self into another “character “, Cherry Bomb, to keep from integrating with it as part of her. Finally, it’s acceptance time. An overdue moment actually. I thought it would come in book 4. Here it’s almost too late in this storyline. 

There’s a great many action scenes towards end as everyone works to save the world.  The magic was interesting and imaginative. I wish there was more of a follow up to this to  see the aftermath. 

The Demon’s Due: An Enemies-to-Lovers Urban Fantasy (Bedeviled Book 5) by Deborah Wilde is an excellent book. A fantastic way to finish the series and see these great characters off. 

Highly recommended, the author too!

Cover by: Covers By Christian.

Bedeviled:

Big Demon Energy #1

Demon on Deck #2

Better the Demon You Know #3

Demon in Disguise #4

The Demon’s Due #5 – series finale 

Buy link 

        The Demon’s Due: An Enemies-to-Lovers Urban Fantasy (Bedeviled Book 5)

    

Blurb 

Magic has a price, and Aviva’s running out of ways to pay.

When an ancient healing ritual goes nuclear and vampires start short-circuiting, the supernatural world begins unraveling faster than you can say “apocalypse now.” Aviva isn’t just investigating a disaster—she’s living in the blast zone.

Meantime, with demon magic threatening her boyfriend’s life, Aviva makes a desperate choice: she forges a magic bond with him. Nice idea. Too bad it complicates everything. Now tethered to each other and racing against time, they must find a way to contain the chaos unleashed by the ritual—assuming their connection doesn’t destroy them first.

Time to fight fire with fire. Literally.

To save the world, Aviva must embrace both sides of herself: the dedicated operative and the demon who’s done playing nice.

Enter Cherry Bomb. The world better brace for impact.

Featuring a smart, funny heroine and a banter-fueled vampire romance, this wickedly addictive urban fantasy will keep you reading way past bedtime.

Binge the complete series now!

  • Publisher: Te Da Media Inc.
  • Publication date: August 18, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 353 pages

Review:  Demon in Disguise: An Enemies-to-Lovers Urban Fantasy (Bedeviled Book 4) by Deborah Wilde

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

In the series penultimate story, author Deborah Wilde really kicks things up into the  anticipated narrative high gear as the characters and storylines head towards the end.

Yes, this finishes on an agonizing climax and cliffhanger. Just a FYI. 

Wilde does excellent work in continuing to make the Jewish faith, culture and religion, as well as history a major factor and foundation for the world building and characters. It’s seamless storytelling while still being able to create a compelling paranormal universe that has vampires and demons, half demons and other otherworldly beings as a part of the plot and as citizens.

This is a rich tapestry of beings that inhabit a complex layered universe of political magical powers, scheming, racial dynamics, and horrors.  To go along with the typical vices of greed, overwhelming need for power and revenge. 

Agent Aviva, her Maccabee director mother, Michael, hopefully bf Vampire Crimson Prince Ezra, and team are fighting multiple battles and investigating each crimes. Her demon father and his vampire mob boss father are both threatening each of them in various ways. 

And a new , more complicated villain has appeared. 

Aviva has yet to totally accept her demon self, still referring to herself as Cherry Bomb, a separate entity rather than herself.  Hiding her true nature is getting to be a bigger part of her story and the overall theme here.   It’s so important and well done. 

Each character has depth and damage in their background. Issues they are very much still working through as events unfold. It’s challenging and a realistic growth in a paranormal world. 

Highly recommended, the author too!

Cover by: Covers By Christian.

Bedeviled:

Big Demon Energy #1

Demon on Deck #2

Better the Demon You Know #3

Demon in Disguise #4

The Demon’s Due #5 – series finale 

Buy link 

        Demon in Disguise: An Enemies-to-Lovers Urban Fantasy (Bedeviled Book 4)

    

Blurb 

Welcome to Vancouver, where the coffee’s strong, the magic’s stronger, and the murders are getting personal.

With tensions between the magic and non-magic communities already at a breaking point, Aviva goes undercover on a murder case that could shatter the city’s fragile peace. As if that weren’t enough pressure, she uncovers a deadly connection to demons—and her own past.

But why have one code red crisis when you could have two? Enter the Ashbishop: a shadowy figure convinced a vampire breeding ritual is a good idea.

Spoiler alert: it’s not.

And forget juggling stolen moments with Ezra between supernatural smackdowns. Fed up with her work-life chaos, Aviva realizes that sometimes, the best disguise is no disguise at all.

Cherry Bomb is ready for her close-up.

Featuring a smart, funny heroine and a banter-fueled vampire romance, this wickedly addictive urban fantasy will keep you reading way past bedtime.

Binge the complete series now

  • Publisher: Te Da Media Inc.
  • Publication date: January 20, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 348 pages

Review: Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Elf (The Unconventional Heroes Book 1) by L. G. Estrella

Rating: 4✨

This was a well written and imaginative fantasy story.  The first in a new series , The Unconventional Heroes by L. G. Estrella, Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Elf at first glance sounds more like a bar joke than a plot of a story.

But that’s exactly what it is. The beginning of a formation of the group of Unconventional Heroes, starting with an infamous Necromancer and his very young, very capable intern, who have decided that the life they are living needs a total change. But to do that they need the approval of their Kingdom’s council.

Luckily, a war approaches. And a special army of highly skilled criminals is required by the Kingdom. Pardons, getting to keep their own castles and goodies if they work together for the Kingdom? A definite plus. 

 

This novel launches the series so we meet Timmy, the world renowned infamous Necromancer and his scarily powerful but adorable preteen intern, Katie, and her squad of Ninja rats. Then it’s the intriguing bureaucrat, Gerald, with amazing bureaucratic skills and powers who go on a quest to get the very terrifying elf witch Avraniel (and enemy of Timmy) to join them. And kill a dragon along the way. 

At only 81 pages, this has the feel of a much larger and wider range story. The characters and world is well written and the challenges as well as battles are exciting and vividly detailed. 

This series is a great read. One I’m excited to share and recommend.  High adventure! Fun, and great storytelling. A complete series. 

Love the covers, simple and eye catching. 

Cover by L. G. Estrella.

The Unconventional Heroes Series (5 book series)

Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Elf #1

Two Necromancers, an Army of Golems, and a Demon Lord #2

Two Necromancers, a Dragon, and a Vampire #3

Two Necromancers, a Dwarf Kingdom, and a Sky City #4

Two Necromancers, a Fortress, and a Titan #5 

Buy link:

        Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Elf (The Unconventional Heroes Series Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Two necromancers, a bureaucrat, and an elf – it sounds like the start of a bad joke, only the joke is on Timmy.

Timothy Walter Bolton – better known as Timmy – has spent most of his life as a necromancer. When he isn’t terrorising his enemies, he’s plotting inside his castle, which is built on top of lightless chasms filled with nameless horrors and beings of a generally malevolent and megalomaniacal nature. But after one of his latest creations, a zombie hydra-dragon-bear, tries to eat him, he decides that maybe it’s time to find a new, less dangerous, career.

But that’s easier said than done. He’s a wanted criminal with no shortage of powerful (and crazy) enemies, and he has a bone or two to pick with the Everton Council of Mages.

Hope arrives in the form of a new law. War is coming to Everton, and the Council is desperate. In exchange for providing some help, Timmy might just earn that pardon he’s been looking for. Of course, just because it’s possible to earn a pardon doesn’t mean that it’s going to be easy.

To earn his pardon, Timmy is going to have to take down some of Everton’s most dangerous enemies and put together a quirky group of unconventional heroes, most of whom want nothing more than to mangle him and/or the Council in as vicious a way as possible. It’s a good thing that he’s got some help: an obnoxious ten-year-old apprentice who thinks that pink glasses are appropriate for a budding necromancer and a bumbling bureaucrat who may or may not make it through their first real fight without puking his guts up.

Wonderful.

Still, Timmy’s never been one to back down from a challenge even if their first recruit is basically the elf version of the bogeyman.