Category: paranormal romance

Review: Whose Midlife Crisis Is It Anyway? (Good To The Last Death Book 2) by Robyn Peterman

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I am so in love with this series and these characters. And I’m consuming them like bonbons. They are so addictive . 

They are quick reads and flow beautifully into each other, mostly because the last chapter of each book  is the first chapter of the next novel, catching the reader on the narrative and any cliffhanger that might have happened. 

My favorite part is that the character development is so good along with the magical elements. Daisy’s adjusting to her new abilities , supergluing body parts to ghosts and helping them on their way, and her growing relationship with the Grim Reaper, to say nothing of her own found family of mixed humans and otherworldly beings. And now it includes Daisy’s gay dead ex husband, Steve, who is terrific! He’s got his own story. 

Don’t forget Clarisse, who’s truly evil acts . Her plot will carry over several books.

This is exciting, well written, emotional, and fast paced. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reading through the entire series unable to stop. 

Amazing! A great time and highlight as a reader. 

Cover by Cookies. 

Good To The Last Death (16 book series)

It’s A Wonderful Midlife Crisis #1

Whose Midlife Crisis Is It Anyway? #2

A Most Excellent Midlife Crisis #3

My Midlife Crisis, My Rules #4

You Light Up My Midlife Crisis #5

It’s A Matter of Midlife and Death #6

The Facts of Midlife #7

It’s A Hard-Knock Midlife #8

Run For Your Midlife #9

It’s A Hell of A Midlife #10

A Leaner Meaner Midlife #11

Having the Time of My Midlife #12

Someone Save My Midlife Tonight #13

Semi-Charmed Midlife #14

Got To Get You Into My Midlife #15

Spice Up Your Midlife #16

Buy link

 Book 2 of 16: Good To The Last Death 

Blurb 

A Paranormal Women’s Fiction with a bit of class, and a lot of sass, for anyone who feels like age is just a number! Midlife’s a journey. Enjoy the ride. Crisis included. 

Never knew that life after death was far more dangerous than real life. Never in my forty years did I think my new normal would be gluing body parts back onto ghosts and hosting a houseful of dead squatters. Thank God for superglue and a strong stomach. Never thought I’d date the Grim Reaper and that I would be the one to blow it. I mean, how idiotic does one have to be to get dumped by a dude who lives in Hell? Going about business as usual is not usual in any way. No one is who they seem to be… and to be honest, neither am I. What I’d known to be true has turned out to be myth. The Angels are frightening and the Demons are hot. 

Wait. I mean not. Who am I kidding? The Grim Reaper is very hot—like a freaking pre-menopausal hot flash hot. Now I’m in a race against time and all sorts of unsavory supernatural horrors to save my deceased gay husband’s afterlife. And that was a sentence I never thought would leave my lips. Whatever. I’ll yank up my big girl panties, stock up on wine and lean on my girlfriends as needed. As they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get inebriated… or something like that. With everything to lose, I have no choice but to grow some lady balls. That I can do. I just hope balls will be enough. I had planned to live midlife in peace, not in pieces. Good luck to me…

Robyn Peterman

Publication date

May 18, 2020

Language

‎English

Print length

308 pages

Review: It’s A Wonderful Midlife Crisis (Good To The Last Death Book 1) by Robyn Peterman

Rating: 4.5⭐️

There’s multiple books and series about middle aged women (and surprisingly that age varies wildly) who find themselves launched onto new paths and into new lives from many authors, now available to pick from. And in several different genres. 

Some I enjoyed reading and others not so much. 

It’s A Wonderful Midlife Crisis (Good To The Last Death Book 1) by Robyn Peterman is a definite delight. While I’m not sure I agree with a woman in her early 40’s as middle aged these days, (there’s another series whose writer has it as late 30’s), the characters and stories are so well written, the dialogue crisp and fun, and the emotional depth real and relatable, well, it’s just a winner in every way. 

There’s so many positive aspects to the story and characters that I read quickly through and started immediately into the second book. 

It opens with Daisy, a widow of one year, immediately having a tough morning. It starts bad and turns worse when she finds a hand in her laundry basket. 

That’s the opener. We learn she sees ghosts, they inhabit her house to an unsettling degree and her life’s a mess. The bright side of her life are her friends and her grandmother who lives in a nursing home. 

That’s the bare bones of a fantastic story that will include a Grim Reaper, portals, KrazyGlue, ghosts, angels, her ex-husband, a paranormal romance, and strange pets, and wonderful relationships. 

Each book ends with a cliffhanger that the next book will pick up on with a rehash of the last events.  It flows smoothly which works perfectly as all the books of the series are available now to binge on. All sixteen of them!

Gram is a definite favorite but I can easily see that others will grow on me as the development here is excellent. 

And because ghosts and life and death are a part of the story, just know that there will be some characters who will pass on as part of the plot. 

That too is as it should be. 

I am thrilled to have found this author and series. And now can share it with you. Another happy recommendation!

Cover design by JJ’s Design & Creations

Good To The Last Death (16 book series)

It’s A Wonderful Midlife Crisis #1

Whose Midlife Crisis Is It Anyway? #2

A Most Excellent Midlife Crisis #3

My Midlife Crisis, My Rules #4

You Light Up My Midlife Crisis #5

It’s A Matter of Midlife and Death #6

The Facts of Midlife #7

It’s A Hard-Knock Midlife #8

Run For Your Midlife #9

It’s A Hell of A Midlife #10

A Leaner Meaner Midlife #11

Having the Time of My Midlife #12

Someone Save My Midlife Tonight #13

Semi-Charmed Midlife #14

Got To Get You Into My Midlife #15

Spice Up Your Midlife #16

Buy link

 Book 1 of 16: Good To The Last Death 

Blurb 

A Paranormal Women’s Fiction with a bit of class, and a lot of sass, for anyone who feels like age is just a number!

Whoever said life begins at forty must have been heavily medicated, drunk, or delusional.

Thirty-nine was a fantastic year. I was married to the man I loved. I had a body that worked without creaking. My grandma, who raised me, was still healthy, and life was pretty damned good. 

But as they say, all good things come to an end. I’d honestly love to know who ’they’ are and rip them a new one. One year later, I’m a widow. My joints are starting to ache. Gram is in the nursing home, and dead people think my home is some kind of supernatural bed and breakfast. Gluing body parts onto semi-transparent people has become a side job—deceased people I’m not even sure are actually there. I think they need my help, but since I don’t speak dead, we’re having a few issues. 

To add to the heap of trouble, there’s a new dangerously smokin’ hot lawyer at the firm who won’t stop giving me the eye. My BFF is thrilled with her new frozen face, thanks to her plastic surgeon, her alimony check, and the miracle of Botox. And then there’s the little conundrum that I’m becoming way too attached to my ghostly squatters… Like Cher, I’d like to turn back time. Now. 

No can do. 

Whatever. I have wine, good friends, and an industrial sized box of superglue. What could possibly go wrong? 

Everything, apparently. 

All in all, it’s shaping up to be a wonderful midlife crisis…

Robyn Peterman

Publication date

February 17, 2020

Language

‎English

Print length

394 pages

Book 1 of 16

Good To The Last Death

Review: A Killer Heart (The Cat Lady Chronicles Book 5) by Helen Harper

Rating: 4.75⭐️

I just love Helen Harper’s The Catherine Lady Chronicles and this might be my favorite book of the series so far. 

In A Killer Heart we finally get to explore more of cat sith Kit McCafferty’s history, both her dangerous past and her current life’s work with MET, the Magical Enforcement Team,besides Captain Montgomery.

Kit’s past history as an assassin has often been referenced in other stories but here it’s an integral part of the book. The EEL, or Eagle Enforcers and Liquidators where Kit was employed and later retired from after 20 years as an assassin, is under attack. 

And whoever is targeting the people who work or worked there are harming others around them, innocents, as well as. Kit is immediately involved, both as a secretly retired assassin and as someone who is working with the MET, who is investigating the attacks. 

This is a great story. Kit is trying to balance her life, her past family as a EEL assassin and her new life in the Coldstream community which she’s embraced. Along with her new lone wolf boyfriend. 

Harper is terrific at showing Kit in her multiple identities, cat sith, dangerous assassin , an older woman who’s body is being uncooperative when she needs it most, and the “harmless cat lady “ persona she uses when she’s trying to make herself look like a helpless woman.  It always feels credible to the reader, valid and occasionally hilarious. 

The cats remain as cat like as ever, intriguing and mysterious. I love them. 

The investigation is a good one. And ends satisfactorily. 

The book ending however, oh my. An hilarious cliffhanger of sorts. It’s not fair to have to wait until next year to see the outcome of this one! 

An absolute delight of a book. Highly recommended. A romantic relationship with no spice is included. 

Book Cover created by Covers By Juan

The Cat Lady Chronicles (6 books)

Waif and Strays #1

The Dark Hiss of Magic #2

A Skirl of Sorcery #3

Night Maze #4

A Killer Heart #5

Kith and Kin #6 – April 30, 2027

Buy link

        A Killer Heart (The Cat Lady Chronicles Book 5)

    

Blurb

What happens when the hunters become the hunted?

Kit McCafferty is an upstanding citizen of the magical city of Coldstream.

She’s a good neighbour. She has a fabulous partner, an occasionally tidy home, and only a moderately alarming number of cats. Her days as a professional assassin with Eagle Enforcers and Liquidators are behind her. Or so she thinks.

When Kit volunteers to assist local law enforcement with crowd control, she comes face-to-face with her former life. Someone is trying to destroy EEL — the discreet but deadly firm of assassins she once called home — and they’re not concerned about collateral damage. They’re willing to raze Coldstream to the ground to finish the job.

Whoever is targeting EEL knows its inner workings and its secrets. Kit’s old friends and colleagues, as well as the citizens of Coldstream, are at risk. To stop blood from spilling onto the city’s glittering streets and shadowed alleyways, Kit must decide who she is now – a heroic citizen determined to protect her city or a stone cold killer.

Walking away from her past might not be an option.

This is the fifth book in the urban fantasy series The Cat Lady Chronicles. Expect magic, adventure and a whole lot of cats.

September 18, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

288 pages

Book 5 of 6

The Cat Lady Chronicles

Review: Crimson Moon Falling (Riley Blackthorne #3) by J.L. Brannick

Rating:3⭐️

Crimson Moon Falling finishes up the Riley Blackthorne series with a story that’s just remotely better than the dreadful second book. 

It’s got Riley dealing with her sentient implant which is depressing her emotions. And it’s scientist/creator stalking her to get her back. Along with the investigation into the abductions of other supernaturals, her father’s disappearance and government corruption, there’s no let up on the dangers to herself and those around her. 

Once again Conall, his brother, who has been a dangerously out of control element for 3 books and remains one here, are among the worst of the storylines. In a pack where the Alpha is the final boss, here Conall consistently has let his brother undermine his authority, his ability to rule, and even his choices. Without a single real confrontation or consequence. Yes, let’s believe that. 

And that Riley’s decision to constantly forgive those actions makes sense. Because yes, being a passive doormat in a relationship where you’ve been the constant victim but made to be the one who has to give in is healthy. 

That’s the overriding dynamic here. Three books of it. 

There’s an open ended aspect of this where the stalker is still out there, still writing to her, she’s still in contact with him. Yeah, that’s great. Should talk about that too. 

That great young woman who wanted to finish her degree? Wanted nothing to do with the Alpha? I liked her. Too bad she’s completely lost at the end.  Vanished under a sentient brain implant by a male doctor that has its own agenda and a bond with a selfish Male Alpha who can’t or won’t communicate. Don’t even recognize her. 

Too bad.  I’m done anyway. 

No recommendations. 

Cover designer Maggie G. Jackson

Riley Blackthorne series:

Black Moon Rising #1

Cold Moon Burning #2

Crimson Moon Falling #3

Buy link

Blurb

Silent frost creeps through me as my new mate bond slowly dies.

The implant embedded in my cortex at Roswell suppresses my emotions while sharpening my intellect.

At the cost of my mate bond.

When another park ranger goes missing in Yellowstone, I come full circle to my father’s disappearance. 

My troll partner and I uncover a conspiracy so dark that only the most cunning and ruthless will survive.

And my agonizing choices will help keep the supernaturals safe, but the aftermath could haunt the Alpha and Pack for years to come.

If I stay alive long enough to make it back to them.

Book 3 in the Riley Blackthorne thriller urban fantasy romance trilogy, where an Alpha and his mate work to uncover a corrupt government’s insidious plot before war erupts.

Review: Cold Moon Burning (Riley Blackthorne #2) by J.L. Brannick

Rating:2⭐️

Spoilers. Don’t read further if you don’t want to know. 

As much as I liked the first book in the series, that’s as much as I dislike Cold Moon Burning, book 2 of the Riley Blackthorne series. 

It’s primarily due to the relationship dynamics between Riley and the Alpha Conall Segerson which imo, worsens here. Starting with his own decisions about strict rules on no contact with Riley within the Pack or himself,  having disastrous consequences for Riley’s health and his own. All without any communication on his part about why this happened. One of my top reasons for DNF novels. 

The reasons he will give for this decision later are ,honestly, extremely cowardly and irresponsible. He told someone else to do it. Then didn’t follow up. On and on here. The author seems to find this behavior only somewhat toxic, in a SMH way, instead of the  enormous truckload of red flags that it represents. 

The Alpha Male as set forth here is all important here that his actions are forgiven . Not every Alpha male that I’ve read is written in other books is as selfish or self interested or non communicative as this one.

However, Riley’s character, once an interesting , independent woman is about to be subjected to even more multiple traumatic events. Each reduces her to a man’s obsession and/or object of possession, which honestly she never recovers from. I’m talking about the end of the series as well. 

She’s made a horrifying special experiment subject. Brain implants that make her feel like she is less emotionally attached to people and more physically strong. With a mad “maker” scientist now  throughly obsessed with his new possession. Who’s seen as this man’s “pet” in his eyes. 

But wait there’s worse. 

The trigger warnings for this are there at the beginning. Yes it’s a graphic SA scene. But worse? And this sums up for me what’s wrong with the whole book, is that in my opinion, it’s a gratuitous plot element. Not that I ever think that it would be relevant. But here it’s especially heinous in its use. 

It happens towards the about the last fourth of the story to Riley who is kidnapped, again. During a scenario where it makes no sense for it to happen. 

The reader is “there”  while she’s getting assaulted by a doctor and the other doctors are watching. Absolutely no need for it. Yes we know they are evil. But is there any emotional reaction from Riley to this? Any real visceral response that feels believable? No. Anything that doesn’t make it feel like SA porn?

Where’s the rage you want and expect to see come from on the page? Women? No. The men. Her uncle and of course, Conall, because his mate was SA. 

If you write about trauma and actual act of SA with your story, then it’s about the real impact, on the victims, the damage and trauma that should be dealt with as well. The aftermath of the emotional damage, the trauma the victim has suffered. Not the men. 

Instead it’s Riley  who feels like she’s been used as a ploy here, a tool to for the sake of the story. 

Do I even need to say more?

Does Riley even get to take revenge against the doctors herself? Like the badass she is? No, that’s up to her Alpha Male. She gets to have a press conference. 

Talk about a book that is written essentially focused on a patriarchal system that is supposed to be about a strong woman but uses her as a tool. 

This was close to a DNF so many times. 

I actually finished the book and the series. The third book is only marginally better. 

No recommendations. 

Cover designer Maggie G. Jackson

Riley Blackthorne series:

Black Moon Rising #1

Cold Moon Burning #2

Crimson Moon Falling #3

Buy link

Blurb 

The Pack Alpha abandoned me to suffer the bond-withdrawal sickness alone.

Conall imposed an interdiction on his Pack and forced me to take the brutal Federal Registration test alone. But when I’m critically injured, he’s the only one who can save me. The truth comes out, but I’m leary of him and his Pack.

When my first investigation takes a deadly turn, I’m compelled to work with the Alpha of the Northwestern States Pack again. Can I trust him to help keep me safe and track down an insidious operation before war erupts? Or will betrayal, deceit, and deadly enemies win?

*The second book in the thriller-urban-fantasy romance trilogy, where betrayal and a deadly plot lead to open war and devastating losses.

Cold Moon Burning is book two of the Riley Blackthorne Series trilogy. For fans of smart STEM FMC’s and urban fantasy romance. The second book in a trilogy and contains power imbalances, a slow-burn romance, spice, and violence.

Review: Black Moon Rising (Riley Blackthorne #1) by J.L. Brannick

Rating:4⭐️

I enjoyed Black Moon Rising, the first in the Riley Blackthorne urban fantasy series by J. L. Brannick. Brannick’s another new urban fantasy author for me so I was excited about this book.

The character of Riley Blackthorne doesn’t disappoint here. She’s 24 I believe, trying to finish her degree in college while staying under the “radar “ of law enforcement agencies of all kinds due to her as yet unregistered powers. 

That’s about to end. 

Werewolf children are missing and the Alpha needs her help with the investigation. He won’t take no for an answer. 

I absolutely love Riley. Life has been tough for her, she’s been raised by her uncle. Her background is filled in more in the second novel than the bits the author allows here. But it’s tantalizing hints that give depth to Riley and strengthens her character. She’s independent, intelligent and with the ability to make decisions for herself. 

She’s absolutely the best thing about the book.

Now to the most problematic. That would be the Alpha. And their dynamic. Conall Segerson is the overbearing Alpha here. I’m sure in the trope he’s the powerful dominating male. But let’s be real.

In any other context, he’s toxic. He doesn’t let her make her own decisions. He withholds key information “because it’s for her own good “. He isolates her because it’s for “her own welfare “. And continues to ignore real issues within his pack that put her life at risk. 

And when things go south, as they do.

It’s all about what his “wolf” wants and what he wants. Not exactly what is good for her. 

Hint: This aspect of the series and the characters relationship is going to be even worse in book 2.

So for every character, Ash, or the hellhounds, that I found engaging, there was Conall sapping the joy right out of the narrative because I found his so offensive. 

Yes to her. Yes to the plot minus any aspect of the story about Conall. 

It ends on a cliffhanger. Which you know won’t end well for her. 

The other books are out. Read it for a terrific woman character, and an interesting plot. The author has spent some time defining her different types of Cognizant traits. Check out the beginning of this book.   Too bad she didn’t start with DARVO. 

Cover designer Maggie G. Jackson

Riley Blackthorne series:

Black Moon Rising #1

Cold Moon Burning #2

Crimson Moon Falling #3

Buy link

 Book 1 of 3: Riley Blackthorne Series 

Blurb 

The federal agents waiting outside my ecology classroom are here for me.

One of them is an enraged Alpha.

I’ve been dodging the agents for days, and Conall Segerson seethes with impatience. His Pack children are disappearing, but the wolf shifter has few clues and no leads.

He doesn’t care about exposing an unregistered, no-name Cognizant like me if it will help him find his missing cubs.

As we race to recover the children, I become an invaluable tool in his arsenal.

His wolf’s obsession.

And a target.

Conall pledges to protect my secrets, but enemies are closing in. And the most vicious betrayals are those we never see coming.

*The first book in the thriller urban fantasy romance series where a deadly investigation leads to seduction and betrayal.

Black Moon Rising is book one in the Riley Blackthorne Series. For fans of smart, STEM FMC’s and urban fantasy romance. This book ends on a cliffhanger and contains power imbalances, a slow-burn romance, spice, and violence.

Smart Mouth Publishing LLC

Publication date

February 12, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

346 pages

Book 1 of 3

Riley Blackthorne Series

Review: Veil of Doom (Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow #7) by Sara Bourgeois 

Rating: 4⭐️

Veil of Doom was good but left too many questions about the plot and characters to be a really fully executed story. It just feels rushed.

It starts with everyone getting ready for Blythe to be walked down the aisle at her wedding.  Last minute preparations are getting underway, everyone is there. Blythe’s best friend, Paine’s family is there and Adelma Stonehart, matriarch and head witch is acting uncharacteristically giving and gentle. 

But soon there’s screaming and someone has been murdered. Adelma Stoneheart herself. And the wedding is over before it’s begun. 

Trust the author to throw a twist right at the beginning. Adelma started the series as a sort of enemy/frenemy to Blythe or at least to her previous family members. But Adelma has slowly become more welcoming and supportive towards Blythe, especially after Blythe has become a close friend to her granddaughter.  So to see Adelma murdered at the beginning was a shocker.

And then comes even more twists of events. One right after another. 

No spoilers but there’s new characters. A resolution, of sorts, to an ongoing question about the house. And frankly, more questions raised than are answered here by the storylines. 

It’s too fast paced to make sense and feel satisfying. It feels rushed, especially at the end. 

It left me feeling like ok that happened, now where’s the rest of it? 

And I didn’t get it.  And we usually do .

So it’s a good or interesting storyline but not the best. 

I’m looking forward to the next one to see what happens and if we get our questions answered. 

A wild ride to be sure. 

Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow (4 book series)

If the Hat Fits #1

Under The Hat #2

Hat Out of Spell #3

Hat Trick #4 

Bear Many Hats #5

Drop of a Hat #6 

Veil of Doom #7 

Hats off To Boo #8 – Oct 31,2026

The Hat Before Christmas #9 – Dec 23,2026

Buy link

Review: Veil of Doom (Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow #7) by Sara Bourgeois 

Rating: 4⭐️

Veil of Doom was good but left too many questions about the plot and characters to be a really fully executed story. It just feels rushed.

It starts with everyone getting ready for Blythe to be walked down the aisle at her wedding.  Last minute preparations are getting underway, everyone is there. Blythe’s best friend, Paine’s family is there and Adelma Stonehart, matriarch and head witch is acting uncharacteristically giving and gentle. 

But soon there’s screaming and someone has been murdered. Adelma Stoneheart herself. And the wedding is over before it’s begun. 

Trust the author to throw a twist right at the beginning. Adelma started the series as a sort of enemy/frenemy to Blythe or at least to her previous family members. But Adelma has slowly become more welcoming and supportive towards Blythe, especially after Blythe has become a close friend to her granddaughter.  So to see Adelma murdered at the beginning was a shocker.

And then comes even more twists of events. One right after another. 

No spoilers but there’s new characters. A resolution, of sorts, to an ongoing question about the house. And frankly, more questions raised than are answered here by the storylines. 

It’s too fast paced to make sense and feel satisfying. It feels rushed, especially at the end. 

It left me feeling like ok that happened, now where’s the rest of it? 

And I didn’t get it.  And we usually do .

So it’s a good or interesting storyline but not the best. 

I’m looking forward to the next one to see what happens and if we get our questions answered. 

A wild ride to be sure. 

Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow (4 book series)

If the Hat Fits #1

Under The Hat #2

Hat Out of Spell #3

Hat Trick #4 

Bear Many Hats #5

Drop of a Hat #6 

Veil of Doom #7 

Hats off To Boo #8 – Oct 31,2026

The Hat Before Christmas #9 – Dec 23,2026

Buy link

Blurb 

You didn’t think there would be a wedding without a murder, did you?

Blythe Fairfield is finally getting her happy ending.

The dress fits. There’s a groom waiting. Even the cat is wearing a bow tie.

Then someone dies at her wedding.

Adelma Stonehart, matriarch of one of Cauldron Hollow’s oldest witch families, is found murdered before Blythe can complete her vows. By morning, most of the town has forgotten. Blythe can’t.

Nobody said “I do” yet. But somebody’s going to answer for this.

September 8, 2026

Language

‎English

Book 7 of 9

Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow

Blurb 

You didn’t think there would be a wedding without a murder, did you?

Blythe Fairfield is finally getting her happy ending.

The dress fits. There’s a groom waiting. Even the cat is wearing a bow tie.

Then someone dies at her wedding.

Adelma Stonehart, matriarch of one of Cauldron Hollow’s oldest witch families, is found murdered before Blythe can complete her vows. By morning, most of the town has forgotten. Blythe can’t.

Nobody said “I do” yet. But somebody’s going to answer for this.

September 8, 2026

Language

‎English

Book 7 of 9

Wicked Witches of Cauldron Hollow

Review:  Moonbright by Leah Ryan

Rating: 3.75⭐️

Moonbright by Leah Ryan is a paranormal werewolf romance, the first book that I’ve read by this author. And there’s so much that I absolutely love about it. And a couple I don’t. 

The main character is one, a small woman, a healer of mysterious origin who has been alone in the dark woods since childhood. She’s hand built herself a small homestead over the years, chickens and herbs, carefully tended. And she’s mended the wolves that have come needing medical care, and her specially crafted medicines that she’s  created over her years tending them. 

Ryan hints at a dark history behind a child , 12 years old that had to live alone in the woods, learning to build herself a makeshift home, forging for herself and learning enough to survive to craft and maintain her livelihood. 

But we never find out what happened to Mel the Healer , now 22, in her past life to bring her to the existence she living now.

The book is full of these unexplained mysteries, around characters and the world history. It’s just there, part of the story. If this sort of thing is something that you as a reader find irritating, then really this book, and probably the writer, are not for you. 

What I love about this book? That it honestly made me laugh out loud in many instances. The dialogue is dry, sarcastic, and funny. Guffaw funny at times. Scenes too, including ones with Mel’s pet chicken Nugget. And the relationship between Mel and her best friend, a rough woman hunter, Kestria, who stops by with venison and other items to help Mel keep going. Their friendship feels real and established, believable in their past history and conversations. 

Events shake up Mel’s current situation as the local healer, and care givers to the wolves in the woods. Who aren’t exactly wolves but werewolves.

Ryan brings in a long ongoing war between humans and werewolves, with the humans being unaware that the wolves are actually supernatural beings with families.

And a romantic relationship between a young Mel and the older Alpha Keer, which I don’t feel is as strong an element here or as believable in a romantic sense.  The role that Mel eventually transitions into for the pack works at the beginning and then seems to be lost towards the end. 

That’s much of what I have issues with the story here. It starts off extremely strong, terrific characters and interesting plot choices, albeit with missing parts to major characters back history that’s never filled in. 

But towards the ending, the narrative speeds up, crashing towards a dramatic buildup that’s never quite right. There’s one scene where, a climactic moment occurs. There’s talking, and the villain gets driven (stalks) off. 

Oddly unsatisfying because nothing is really settled for good. It’s a temporary fix. 

And that real ending? Think the end of The Sopranos. That sort of mid-sentence abruptness. Because this literally ends mid-sentence. 

Yes. It absolutely feels incomplete.  And I didn’t like the way that show ended either. 

Moonbright by Leah Ryan starts off strong, has some great characters, especially in Mel the healer and her best friend, Kestria. Even Nugget the chicken. 

But the romance didn’t exactly work and that the story felt rushed, while an unfinished ending will never be ok with me. Finish the sentence! And the ending is.

Interesting.

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comMoonbright: A Standalone Werewolf Romance eBook : Ryan, Leah: Kindle Store

Blurb 

I have a cottage, a garden, a pink chicken named Nugget, and a strict personal

policy against asking questions.

That last one is why it took me years to notice that the wolves I’ve been

stitching back together are not, technically, wolves.

In my defense, nobody told me.

In their defense, they were trying very hard not to.

Now my cottage is rubble, my best friend has a tail, and thirty werewolves are

standing in my herb beds having a collective crisis about how much I know.

Their Alpha is taking it worst. One eye. All scars. No interest whatsoever in

humans, in healers, or in a woman who talks this much.

He also won’t stop watching my hands while I work.

Neither of us plans to mention it.

Then someone starts turning moonbright into poison. The flower I grow. The one

I’ve been using to keep every single one of them alive.

And it turns out there’s exactly one person left who knows how to turn it back.

It’s me. It’s the one with the chicken.

🌙 Standalone fantasy werewolf romance with a full HEA

🌙 Laugh-out-loud funny — banter-heavy, dual POV

🌙 Grumpy/sunshine · touch-starved alpha · forced proximity

🌙 Found family · fated mates · healer heroine

🌙 Slow burn, explicit, takes its time getting there

🌙 One (1) pink chicken. One (1) homicidal rooster named Keer Jr.

May 9, 2026

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Review:  Move Your Ash: A Midlife Paranormal Dark Comedy (The Scales of Justice Book 2) by Lara McKenzie

Rating: 5⭐️

Move Your Ash is my favorite book of this series and of the recently released connected novels associated with the same universe characters. 

It’s reminiscent of the early Maya Blog stories in which the character was really introspective, here journaling instead of blogging, through some major personal issues with relatable humor, often deep rooted pain, and continuing fears from her past family history of family violence and abuse.

Charlotte has a new home, new neighborhood and is working with Nico to rebuild their relationship after his betrayal and the devastating events in the first book. It’s only going so so, along with her perimenopause and all that brings with it. 

It’s a lot. 

McKenzie gives us a woman who is trying to, once again, establish herself in a new situation, one where she’s in control, but not letting the past fears restrict her ability to live her life. She’s in therapy, trying to understand how to handle her emotional pain as well as the perimenopausal symptoms that are associated with her fluctuations in emotions, rage being the most common, unacknowledged fears being one of the others. 

Her new neighbors, a mixed bag of human beings and otherworldly beings are a fascinating group that add humor, tightly written tension, and a lot of relatable community dynamics to the story. Absolutely loved this and the characters. 

But, as with this author and universe, it’s always about the main character, her development and personal growth. Charlotte has been through enormous tragedy, betrayals, and damaging emotional abuse by her kidnappers/traffickers. And she’s continuing dealing with the trauma and aftermath of this experience. The journaling is a very important part of this. 

They impart her intelligence, insight into her moods, daily thoughts and even hot flashes. These entries start each chapter and remain the highlight of the book for me.  Tidbits of joy, hilarity and often, poignant stories. 

Nico’s part here is equally important. He’s aware of his role in working to make their relationship better, equal and communicative with understanding that was missing from it before. Their fights and interactions are just as important as anything else here but the discussions between them are deeply rooted in being adults and handling each other’s flaws and feelings. 

For some reason Move Your Ash: A Midlife Paranormal Dark Comedy (The Scales of Justice Book 2) by Lara McKenzie reads like a finale book to me. So many characters make appearances.  It’s absolutely satisfying and I love it. 

I really hope not. I’m so fond of this universe and these people. I want to see what happens to them next. But if McKenzie leaves them here, I’m ok with that. 

Highly recommended. But read the books in the order they are written. 

Cover Illustration by Mansitha

MAYA’S BLOGS

Espresso Yourself

Diligence 

Uncharted Grounds 

Flat White Flag 

Little Bean 

Stir Crazy 

 

THE SCALES OF JUSTICE 

Kiss My Ash #1

Move Your Ash #2

Buy link 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H7XPHS29?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1788730014&sr=1-1&ref=dbs_dp_awt_sb_pc_tkin

Blurb 

The toughest thing a perimenopausal woman with no patience left can grow—other than chin hair—is roots.

Charlotte has a new house, nosy neighbours, and a mission to live her life without fear.

But her new life is proving tougher than she expected, especially when her work at White Flag House’s new legal clinic brings her more attention than she’s comfortable with, her hormones play havoc with her emotions, and her relationship with Nico still hasn’t recovered after his betrayal.

Can Charlotte learn to stand on her own without shutting out the people who want to stand with her?

Perfect for fans of midlife paranormal comedy with just a touch of darkness.

September 2, 2026

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Book 2 of 2

The Scales of Justice

Review:  Call of the Blood (Everly Abbott #4) by K.N. Banet

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The fourth book in K.N. Banet’s new Everly Abbott series, I thought it was the best one where the characters are finding their rhythm and how their relationships are going to evolve. 

I also found the author’s Tribunal Archives timeline for this and how it fits into the other series. So I have a better understanding of the overall storyline and what is happening with the Tribunal here. Yes, it really does make sense now. 

Alexius and Everly head out to see her brother and encounter some surprises after the events of the last novel. 

Isaiah has disappeared, dealing with the death of his longtime companion and lover, Jacob. Which leaves Everly and Alexius at loose ends and when a call comes in from the other coast from a Vampire Master requesting assistance from Alexius, they are traveling away from Savannah and home. 

Banet packs so much into this terrific adventure. We meet Declan, Everly’s brother and his girlfriend. That’s a fantastic storyline. 

Callahan is head of the Werewolves and on the Tribunal with his mate Carissa. The Tribunal Archives time line can be found on the author’s website. I have listed it on the longer version of this review on my website as well. The author is going to add to it as new releases come available. 

But back to Call of the Blood because it packs a punch. Full of action, more than a few twists, and some extremely powerful drama here, including new relationship dynamics between the main characters. 

I’m so thrilled to see this author writing again. Wonderful novel and great addition to the universe. 

⭐️Series in the connected Tribunal Archives Universe (crossover characters and storylines);

Kaliya Sahni (6 book series)

Jacky Leon (12 book series to date-waiting for the 13th)

Everly Abbot – 4 books atm/9 books planned :

Servant of the Blood #1

Blood of the Wicked #2

Tainted Blood #3

Call of the Blood #4 

Tribunal archive Timeline – to date for Everly Abbott series:

Jacky Leon book 1

Kaliya Sahni Book 1

Kaliya Sahni Book 2

Jacky Leon #2

Kaliya Sahni #3

KS #4

Jackie Leon #3

KS#5

KS#6

Jackie Leon #4

Ancient and Immortal Standalone story 

Everly Abbott #1

Everly Abbott #2

Jackie Leon #5

Everly Abbott #3

Jackie Leon #6

Jackie Leon #7

Hearts & Wars/Tribunal Archives story 

Jackie Leon #8

Buy link

 Book 4 of 4: Everly Abbott 

Blurb 

Book overview 

Madness lives at the edge of every vampire’s mind.

We’re driven by a need to hunt and feed on the blood of what we once were. Blood, though, is not the only thing that can drive us to madness.

Alexius and I are learning that firsthand, stuck together for months, unable to leave Savannah, trapped in tight corridors as the tension rises. Conversations grow difficult and need becomes a painful thing that we both avoid. So when the opportunity arises to escape the quasi house arrest Isaiah condemned us to, we take it. My brother, my last living family member, wants to see me and I can’t resist the call.

The call of the blood brought me here.

It is also the source of a madness that can break me.

And we’re not the only vampires who ran to escape madness.

August 28, 2026

Language

‎English

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326 pages

Book 4 of 4

Everly Abbott