Category: Uncategorized

Review: Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy by K. M. Shea 

Rating: 5⭐️✨

I’m finished with two of these series and seriously considering a wall of shelves devoted just to K. M. Shea ‘s Magiford Supernatural City Universe series. I’m that addicted to these characters, their stories, and relationship dynamics that keep me reading until way too long into the early morning hours. 

Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy by K. M. Shea begins it all with the journey of Hazel Medeis.  She’s a wizard with a tragic past, fighting against those who have taken over her house. A remarkable woman who develops with the unexpected power and help of Killian Drake, Vampire Lord . Vampire Lord and Wizard. What a tale over three books!

And it includes the vampires of Drake house and the wizards of House Medeis, all of which we get to know and love in the coming battles. And intertwined relationships. 

I laughed out loud at the dialogue and conversations. The action scenes are swift and engaging and magical. 

This is where we start to see exactly what and where all the elements of Magiford come together. 

And other characters that will have their stories told appear as well. 

Imaginative, hugely powerful, funny, romantic and full of characters that I will revisit over and over. 

A new urban fantasy must author and universe for me to love and rec!

Hall of Blood and Mystery:

Magic Forged #1

Magic Redeemed #2

Magic Unleashed #3

Connected Sequel series in order of reading: All Magiford Supernatural City Universe.

  • Court of Midnight and Deception: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)❤️5
  • Pack of Dawn and Destiny: The Complete Trilogy
  • Gate of Myth and Power: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)
  • Magic on Main Street: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)

Cover Art by Natasha Snow Designs Edited by Deborah Grace White

Magiford Supernatural City is a registered trademark of K. M. Shea LLC. 

Buy link

Hall of Blood and Mercy: The Complete Trilogy (Magiford Supernatural City)

Blurb 

I’m one scrappy wizard.

As someone with barely a flicker of magic, I’ve spent my life being mocked and surviving fights with bullies. But when my parents die in an accident, and I find myself responsible for our whole wizard house and family, I know my usual tactics aren’t going to cut it.

The situation veers from bad to catastrophic when my backstabbing cousin stages a coup and takes my family hostage.

I barely manage to flee, but the only supernatural willing to help me is Killian Drake–the most feared vampire in the region, and a far more deadly villain than the jerk threatening me.

Is Killian sexy and charismatic? Heck yeah.

He’s also so powerful that my flight or fight instincts kick in every time our eyes meet.

But he is also the first person to believe I might have more than just a scrap of magic. And if I can convince him to train me, I might get strong enough to free my family and get my house back.

I’m not sure what happens when a scrappy wizard is taught how to fight by a hall of deadly vampires, but I’m about to find out.

With over 30,000 ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, and millions of pages read, this completed urban fantasy trilogy is packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a vertically challenged wizard and the most lethal vampire in town.

The Magiford Supernatural City universe features vampires, wizards, fae, and werewolves! Start reading this bingeable series now!

This bundle includes all three books in the Hall of Blood and Mercy Trilogy: Magic Forged, Magic Redeemed, and Magic Unleashed.

  • Publication date: September 26, 2022
  • Language: English
  • File size: 3.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage: Unlimited
  • Screen Reader: Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Enabled
  • Word Wise: Enabled
  • Print length: 879 pages
  • Page Flip: Enabled
  • Part of series: Magiford Supernatural City

Review:  Cajole (The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist Book 4) by Jenny Schwartz 

Rating:  4✨

Cajole is the penultimate book in The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist by Jenny Schwartz and I’m finding it very entertaining, while making me think a bit more about how some of the more “familiar” Earth elements made the passage through the gate and successfully established themselves in the new Human Section. 

Donkeys, horses, many types of earth fauna as well as fauna is essentially as well known as they are as an Earth species. Which given the history, as colony ships so long ago, seems unusual. I wish their background had been explained as fully as some of the other “alien elements “ that Schwartz does so vividly. 

The relationship dynamics, the Forgotten, those people in hiding, the entire storyline of how and why they are used and acquired through the galaxy is a fascinating story, and emotional one. It drives many of the characters and their interactions here. 

And it’s also the hidden aspects behind the power of the thrones. 

Driving the characters , the need to cage and the equal opportunity to flee for freedom. 

Another exciting story and move towards the finale. Throughly entertaining. 

I really love these covers. 

Cover designed by MiblArt”

The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist:

Astray #1

Doubt #2

Rebel #3

Cajole #4

Resolve#5

Continuing Series:

With sister Cherry:

2years after the first series 

The Delphic Dame (3 book series)

Buy link

        Cajole (The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist Book 4)

    

Blurb 

If life on the border was complicated, life on Capitoline is insane. Nora and Liam struggle to reconcile her abilities and his duty, while caught up in the dangerous games of the powerful.

Political intrigue, family drama, and ancient alien technology combine in the fourth novel of the Human Sector.

Review:  Rebel (The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist Book 3) by Jenny Schwartz 

Rating: 4✨

Jenny Schwartz is really such a great go to author for me lately. And I’m having a blast reading this science fiction series about a strong woman building a new family and eventually a new life together for a found family clan that also includes a alien AI , an adopted daughter, and now a military or ex military war hero as a husband. 

The science fiction and world building is a fascinating combination of familiar elements and imaginative burr alien science, one that includes intergalactic space currents that ships travel like rivers , space arrays that operate like doorways , and a veritable explosion of complex environments and scientific knowledge that builds, book upon book as the series progresses.

It’s interesting to see how Schwartz balances what’s essentially a galactic monarchy system so familiar with readers, along with its inherently continuous plotting of heirs, powers, and connections with that of a alien science, unknown realms, and potentially a unknown human world they’ve been unable to reconnect with. 

The found family of Nora, Jonah, and Liam remain my favorite elements. Jonah being an alien IA. 

Each book is around 14 to 15 chapters, so they go quickly.  And it’s great to binge read them, one after another. 

Which I’ve done. 

Fabulous work. Creative, entertaining, and the universe is one that could be easily explored further with secondary characters. 

I really love these covers. 

Cover designed by MiblArt”

The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist:

Astray #1

Doubt #2

Rebel #3

Cajole #4

Resolve#5

Continuing Series:

With sister Cherry:

2years after the first series 

The Delphic Dame (3 book series)

Buy link

        Rebel (The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Life is complicated along the Hadrian Line. Decisions made on the border will decide the fate of the entire Human Sector.

Nora is adjusting to her new role as a player in the games of the powerful. She’s gained some interesting enemies and some even more dubious allies. She has also been presented with a unique opportunity, courtesy of Jonah. The question is, who can she trust to explore it with her?

Independent action is a necessity for the sole Royal Capitoline Navy captain patrolling the border region. But Liam will have to defend his actions later in front of the Admiralty board. How can he best serve his realm? By a rigid definition of duty and defense of the status quo, or is there a greater cause, one worth his career and his very life?

Review:  The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 3 by Matt Dinniman

Rating:  5⭐️

This author continues to amaze me with the depth of his writing.  It’s a fast paced science fiction/game Lit story, so jam packed with mind boggling elements, new technology gifted or created, and incredible characters who at this point it doesn’t even matter what species they or were after the alterations made to their bodies during the game. 

It’s a brutal, messy, murderous and very sad slog from point to point as the players, including now the NPG players, try to keep going, until they get the chance to reach the next stage and level of the game. 

Each book is one travel experience to the next level, with enormous losses, some wins with explosive attacks and equally devastating consequences. 

The players we know and are familiar with can level up their skills and equipment, get sponsors, and also find a bigger bounty on their heads as they become popular. Carl, Princess Donut, Donut’s pet raptor Mongo, new player Katia have formed a team, albeit temporarily until Katia gets reunited with her old team of women players. One with a leader of many agendas. 

This time the focus is on trains and subways. That’s how the players must travel to the next destination, their safe spaces, and the elevators to the next level when the designated time comes. 

It’s full of new horrors, so so many body parts, and just when it’s a bit too much, things like this happen. 

Carl is speaking to a NPG who just wants to read and has only a few books. 

“I’ll tell you what,” I said. I pulled five Louis L’Amour books from my inventory. I’d read each of them already, from Sackett’s Land to Lando. I’d actually read almost all of them already, but I didn’t want to give them all up. “I’ll trade you these five for five of your books. Straight-up trade.””

So happens I love these myself. And some of the books Carl chooses? The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin and The Forever War by Joe Haldeman. All beloved reads of mine. 

The narrative of quietly familiar scenes offset those that can immediately flow from high action intense scenes to the dramatic ones of fear, frustration or rage when Carl has a raw break alone to react with the reality of their situation and the insane amount of loss that they have suffered and will continue to endure going forward. 

It hits the reader then equally hard. Keep the tissues nearby. 

It’s hard not to care about the players. But this game is one where you find it hard to believe anyone will survive it. 

I’m heading quickly to the next level and story. 

The cover illustration is incredible. It’s so well done and exact to the characters and storyline. Honestly, you rarely see this fantastic artwork these days. 

Cover Illustration by Luciano Fleitas Cover Design by Toby Dinniman

Series not complete/Dungeon Crawler Carl:

Dungeon Crawler Carl #1

Carl’s Doomsday Scenario #2

The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook #3

The Gate of the Feral Gods #4

The Butcher’s Masquerade #5

The Eye of the Bedlam Bride #6

This Inevitable Ruin #7

Buy link

        The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 3

    

Blurb 

The top ten list is populated. The sponsorship program is open. The difficulty is ramping up. The first three floors were nothing compared to what Carl and Donut now face. 

The Iron Tangle. An impossibly-complicated subway system built out of the world’s subterranean railway systems, all combined and then tied together into a knot. Up is down. Down is up. Close is far. The cars are filled with monsters, the railway stations are less than safe, and the exit is always just a few stops away.

But there is hope. For the first time, the crawlers are all working together. The loot is better than ever. And the secret to unraveling it all may be hidden in the pages of a seemingly-useless book. Welcome, crawlers. Welcome to the fourth floor of the dungeon

  • Publisher: Dandy House
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: April 2, 2021
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 534 pages
  • Book 3 of 7: Dungeon Crawler Carl

Review:  Onyx: A Twisted Fairy Tale (Inkbound Book 2) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 5⭐️

And with a literal turn of the page, Mae has landed us in the fairy tale world of Peter Pan, Tinkerbelle, and Captain Hook with this second book as Harmony Fallowell, best friend Molly, and falcon Fetch leaping out over the edge of the page of the Kingdom of Alabaster just as the darkness was closing in. 

It’s a splashdown into some familiar territory with wonderful creatures and fantastic twists! 

Mae keeps moving the overall theme of getting Harmony back to her original kingdom in time to save it from the evil sorceress, letting her required knowledge and skills return as this journey continues. She is getting magically more powerful as she gathers the necessary items to complete her quest. ,As is Molly who’s undergone devastating events and is emerging from them a different, stronger woman, shifting into her own style and strengths.  And there’s Fetch,Harmony’s  feathered companion to add excitement to each adventure and adversarial moments. 

It’s hard to say anything more about the characters due to their unique roles in this book. And the many twists in this storyline. 

Onyx: A Twisted Fairy Tale (Inkbound Book 2) by Shannon Mae is the middle book in this trilogy so the author starts tying up a few of the characters stories.  This aspect of Onyx makes for a really satisfying read and leaves one feeling great for several reasons, while still leaving the reader with the impression of suspense and excitement as Harmony is left with a companion tumbling off another page into the next kingdom and trilogy finale. 

If you are a fan of these amazing covers like I am, you will have peaked at the last one, Inked in Emerald, and know exactly where she’s landed! Absolutely perfect. 

I can hardly wait for this one to be released! 

See you there. Clicking my heels. 

Highly recommended. But they must be read in the order they are written. 

Cover by HiJinks Ink Publishing

Inkbound trilogy series:

Inked in Ashes #1

Inked in Onyx #2

Inked in Emerald #3 – Sept 23,2025

Buy link 

        Inked in Onyx: A Twisted Fairy Tale (Inkbound Book 2)

    

Blurb 

One fairytale down, one pirate-infested nightmare to go…

Molly, my ever-loyal falcon, Fetch, and I barely survived evil wizard Relyk and escaped Alabaster, only to get cannon-bombed into our next story. 

Literally. Peter Pan and Tinkerbell swoop in with a rescue, whisking us off to Neverland. At first, it’s all glitter and good times on an island straight out of a daydream…until they mention a magical clock they’ve been hunting.

The same clock I need to fulfill my destiny.

So we do what any desperate main characters would do—we steal their boat and vanish into the night to get a jump on finding the clock. Too bad we sail straight into the hands of pirates.

And here’s the real kicker: Their captain is the man I’ve been dreaming of since childhood.

The twist? He’s not charming. He’s not kind. He’s not even remotely sane.

He’s the most dreaded pirate of all time.

And he thinks I’m a boy.

Now we’re tangled in secrets, trying to blend in, plotting yet another escape—until I find out the man of my dreams is after the same enchanted clock. The one he stole from Peter Pan a decade ago and lost to a massive, man-eating crocodile…along with his hand.

With reluctant alliances, sea monsters, and an unholy attraction to an even unholier pirate, this story might end with a bang or me walking the plank.

  • Publisher: Hijinks Ink Publishing
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: June 10, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 369 pages
  • Book 2 of 3: Inkbound

Review: Inked in Ashes: A twisted fairy tale retelling (Inkbound Book 1) by Shannon Mayer

Rating:  5✨

I love stories where the author has twisted known fairy tales into their own interpretations of these beloved characters and takes on their universes and themes. 

Inked in Ashes is author Shannon Mayer’s first novel in her new Inkbound series about a princess hidden in a book of Fairy Tales until the time is finally come for her to make her way back home and save her kingdom. 

From such a simple sounding premise comes an incredible story, starting with a devastating scene of sacrifice, death , and the magic that sends a toddler princess into a book of fairy tales just as her father’s enemy destroys everything around her.  It’s heartbreaking and terrifying as any a prologue. 

Harmony Fallowell is the young woman we meet in a slum town, Hollow, along with her best friend, Moll, trying to get her friend out of going to the ball. Harmony’s got a stepfather, stepmother, and her kids. Yes, she’s not been treated well as an extra mouth or adopted sibling. 

Things go badly at the ball for Moll and then Harmony who is there for her. 

Mayer beautifully pulls in many of the familiar themes and fairy tale staples here, ones that will make the reader nod in acknowledgment.  But those are just a fantastic framework for a deeper story. 

One that has inspired characters, including falcons, violence, gore in action scenes, and some detailed deaths. There’s also an off the page mention of a SA. 

So think Grimm’s instead of Disney and you would be more prepared for the type of characters and scenarios found here. 

The journey that propels Harmony throughout this book is so well written. It combines a number of different elements, all perfectly executed to give the feeling of multiple layers being utilized at the same time to help her develop and become the person needed at the end of her journey. The one needed to save her kingdom. 

How I love this book and characters. Absolutely amazing. 

Molli too. She’s a tremendous character. 

I need Inked in Onyx asap!

Highly recommended!

 Cover by HiJinks Ink Publishing

Inkbound series:

Inked in Ashes #1

Inked in Onyx #2 – June 10,2025

Buy link

 Book 1 of 2: Inkbound 

Blurb 

For fans of Once Upon a Time, and Wicked.

Escape the page, or die trying…

I’ve spent twenty-five years in the Hollow, poor as dirt, cursed with a stepmother who hates me, and dreaming about a faraway land that I don’t understand. Only two things that make life worth living are my falcon, Fetch, and my best friend, Molly.

But when Moll’s plot to land a royal husband at the palace ball goes horribly wrong, I find myself staring at a king with a glass stiletto buried in his chest and a blood-covered Molly standing over him. We’ve got to move…and fast, or we’ll both wind up swinging from the hangman’s noose.

Worse? The palace sorcerer is using everything he can to find the culprit including raising the dead.

More complicated? Duncan…brother to the King, whose eye I’ve unintentionally caught, a man whose secrets might be deadlier than the undead soldiers breathing down our necks, is making me second-guess everything I’ve ever known.

With revolution brewing and a mysterious man calling to me from my dreams, I have no choice but to embrace my fate…

But what if my fate is beyond anything I could ever imagine? What if the only land I’ve ever known isn’t home at all?

What if I’m trapped inside a fairytale, and the only way out…is through?

  • Publisher: Hijinks Ink Publishing
  • Accessibility: Learn more
  • Publication date: May 13, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Book 1 of 2: Inkbound

Review:  Guardians of the Pack (The Other Wolf, #2) by Heather G. Harris 

Rating: 3.5⭐️

Book 2, and my issues with this series and characters continue. Mostly due to the character of Lucy, but the lack of foundational knowledge about the world building is also a big part of the problem here. 

Turns out there’s 4 different Other Realm series that have carryover characters and overlapping roles and storylines here.  If you’re not familiar with them, then it’s a problem because  Harris isn’t one of those writers who spends the necessary time in their stories filling in knowledge about their other work/universe.  You either know or you don’t.

Which leaves any new readers lost or scrambling for information, a trying aspect of the book when there’s already several others to deal with. 

The interesting elements here, such as the werewolves actually having two distinct personalities or beings within them, is a very good one. The wolves have names,  personalities and in most instances, have been denied by their “human counterparts” , suppressed by werewolf history and pack mythology to a certain roles that had denied them their identity. Lucy and Esme are, currently, the only highly functional communicating pair. 

This is a great storyline and it will be the one that carries me forward if I do so, into the series as I hopefully see it further expand and detailed. 

I rated this novel higher because the main theme of kidnapped children and its investigation was suspenseful and kept me invested. It was especially due to the side story of the young werewolf and the gargoyles. The leader Bob and the youngest cub were east to relate to and feel emotionally attached to as well. 

But, once again, that ending was not satisfying. The villain ended up as much a product of why this MF character is so problematic and the issues that continue to plague her. (“I didn’t feel so sorry for him anymore “). No words. 

Just one more huge SMH moment and scenario. 

I’m actually considering heading back to the Glimmer series, the first in the Other Realm universe to see if beginning with the main series will eliminate the world building issues and carryover problems.  

Not sure Lucy had shown much development as a person yet so it’s hard for me to want to invest further time in reading her series. 

Guardians of the Pack (The Other Wolf, #2) by Heather G. Harris is a bit of a mixed bag of narratively good elements and nicely executed storytelling threaded through with a questionable main character moments, and an unsatisfying ending. 

Le sigh. 

Cover Design by Christian Bentulan.

The Other Wolf Series – now complete!

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

Ascension of the Pack, Book 6

Buy link

        Guardians of The Pack: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Other Wolf Series Book 2)

    

Blurb 

I hate finding corpses. For some reason, my enemies think dead bodies work as a communication method. Call me old fashioned, but I prefer a letter.

When I find a pulverised gargoyle on my lawn, I can’t help but think things are about to get rocky. The gargoyles don’t expect me to look into the death, but who can ignore murder on their doorstep? Ex-soldier Greg Manners knows all about violence and he thinks that the ogres are involved. Deadly or not, I’ll go toe-to-toe with their lethal king if I need to. I’m determined to find justice – but just when I start investigating, one of the pack’s children is snatched.

I’m in a race against time to find him when it turns out that Bobby isn’t the first stolen child. I’ll have to navigate Other world politics to work out what the purloined children have in common. Maybe if I know why they’ve been taken, I’ll discover who took them. Because the clock is ticking and I am all out of suspects.

Esme and I have to work together to find the kids, before it’s too late…

Burn through this fun, fast-paced, laugh-out-loud mix of urban fantasy and mystery.

This is the second book in the Other Wolf series. Don’t miss this internationally best-selling series if you like humour, heart, a strong heroine and a slow burn fade-to-black romance.

Written in British English.

Don’t miss all the books set in the Other Realm!

The Glimmer Series

Glimmer of the Other

Glimmer of Hope

Glimmer of Death

Glimmer of Deception

The Other Wolf Series

Protection of the Pack

Guardians of the Pack

Saviour of the Pack

The Court Series

Challenge of the Court

Betrayal of the Court

Revival of the Court

The Other Witch – An Amber DeLea grimoire

Rune of the Witch

Hex of the Witch

Coven of the Witch

Familiar of the Witch

Destiny of the Witch

  • Publisher: Heather G Harris (October 6, 2022)
  • Publication date: October 6, 2022
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 358 pages

Review:  The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series Book 3) by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare

Rating: 5⭐️

The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee has it all. High action packed scenes, great mystery investigations, enough emotional drama to pack into a cargo hold, and a highly anticipated carryover that many people could empathize with. Cause Bunny’s mother is coming to visit her with all the dysfunctional trauma she’s bringing. Plus her annoying dog.

The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee has so many complicated storylines that fit perfectly into a single paranormal tale of a town under attack by multiple threats, inside and out of the barrier that has protected it. A family of banshees at odds, and Bunny facing several personal crises at the same time.

The authors remember that it’s not just the larger powerful magic elements that keep us engaged but the intimate aspects of the storytelling that pulls us in and makes us connect with the characters and the journey that each of them are on. 

Some people are lost here, some still in mourning for relationships that fell apart, and some are still trying to find their peace in this new life. It all feels remarkably normal. Even in an urban fantasy environment. 

Beautifully crafted, so well executed that I had to stop myself at book 4 at 3 am. Mostly because my dog said so.  Fluffy would approve. 

Highly recommend this and the series. Read them in order. They fly by so quickly because I’m absolutely invested with the series and characters. 

Loving these covers. And Fluffy. 

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

The Portlock Paranormal Detective series:

The Vampire and the Case of her Dastardly Death, a prequel.

The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf, Book 1.

The Vampire and the Case of the Secretive Siren, Book 2.

The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee, Book 3.

The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine, Book 4.

The Vampire and the Case of the Perilous Poltergiest, Book 5.

The Vampire and the Case of the Cozy Christmas, Book 5.5.

The Vampire and the Case of the Hellacious Hag #6

The Vampire and the Case of the Malevolent Mermaid #7 – July 3,2025

Buy link

        The Vampire and the Case of the Baleful Banshee: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Portlock Paranormal Detective Series Book 3)

    

Blurb 

I thought I was finally getting the hang of being a paranormal policewoman, but when one of the gemstones powering the barrier around the town is stolen, I’m as terrified as the average Joe. Of course, there’s nothing average about the Joes in this town. It’s chock full of mythical creatures, and some of them think the barrier is a waste of time.

Well, I’ve seen the cryptid monster beyond and I know we’re doomed if the magical palisade ever fails. Calling what would follow a massacre would be a gross understatement. The race is on. I need to find the gemstone before the weakened barrier fails forever and the fiend devours us all. No pressure then.

It’s a simple theft… how hard can it be to solve? Answer: Very hard. Especially when theft turns into murder.

There’s also the little outstanding matter of my date with the vampire leader, Connor, not to mention that my best friend seems to be falling apart at the seams. And if all of that isn’t enough to be cracking on with, I have a visitor due imminently. My mother.

I’d rather face the monster.

Dive into this fast-paced urban fantasy series if you love mystery, humour, found family and a slow-burn romance.

  • Publisher: Hellhound Press Limited (May 24, 2024)
  • Publication date: May 24, 2024
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 528 pages

Review:  Sun and Stone (Elementally  Yours Book 5) by F.N. Manning 

Review: 4.5🌈

Sun and Stone is the finale story for F.N. Manning’s terrific paranormal romance series about a group of elemental mages getting their branding (think magical acceptance from each of their own magic elements) and finding love in the process. Often with other mages or paranormal characters. 

The series started with a series mystery and wrapped it up within a couple of books then went on to tell stories with characters from the university of magic that’s a prominent location. 

But Sun and Stone might be my favorite. The characters are older, and when the story opens up, Perry is leaving the building where his magic is checked and reviewed for potential and power levels. At his later years, he knows he’s running out of time to become a mage and that his now  limited magic will be locked soon. And he’s devastated. 

These early moments connect the reader into Perry’s broken heart so quickly 

Elementally Yours (5 book series)

The Frost Or The Bite #1

Strikes Twice #2

Bold As Brass #3

Where There’s Smoke #4

Sun and Stone #5 – finale 

Buy link

        Sun and Stone: M/M Paranormal Romance (Elementally Yours Book 5)

    

Blurb 

Can love outshine magic when time runs out?

Perry has spent a lifetime chasing magic, but the clock is ticking, and he’s still not a full-fledged wizard. As his window to earn elemental stone power closes, he’s struggling to imagine a life without magic. But when he bumps into a kind stranger and meets Fynn Callahan, everything changes.

Once a lover of sun magic, Fynn shows Perry that it’s possible to move on and build a new life. And the more Perry gets to know the cheerful graphic designer with a sweet tooth, the easier it is to believe he’ll be just fine—especially if he winds up in Fynn’s arms.

But something strange is happening with Fynn’s powers. If they get to the bottom of what’s wrong, then Fynn will get another chance to gain magic. But if only one of them can become a caster, is their relationship doomed? 

Will Perry find a way to keep his magic and his man, or will he lose both forever

  • Publication date: March 23, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 186 pages

Check out the latest release , for “Chaos Kin“ by Sheryl R. Hayes (Other Worlds Ink Tour and excerpt)

New Release: Chaos Kin - Sheryl R. Hayes

Sheryl R. Hayes has a new MMF paranormal book out (bi, poly), Jordan Abbey book 3: Chaos Kin.

In the town of Rancho Robles, can one werewolf protect the Children of the Wolf and the Bat? Chaos Wolf Jordan Abbey has made friends among the Black Oak Pack even though she refuses to join it. The same can’t be said of the vampires, but her life has taken a turn for the better.

That is until Enya Blevins, sister to the werewolf who turned Jordan, arrives in Rancho Robles. She wants to know who killed her baby brother and is less than impressed by the Chaos Wolf. Enya wants revenge, starting with Jordan and ending with the vampires infesting the area.

Jordan is prepared to flee, but a technicality makes her an Alpha Werewolf. Now she must stand her ground to protect her nascent Pack and those she loves.

The past has come back to bite her. Does she have the fangs to bite back?

About the Series:

In the Northern California town of Rancho Robles where the Children of the Wolf and the Bat share an uneasy coexistence. One werewolf woman threatens to upset that balance.

Universal Buy Link | Liminal Fiction | Goodreads

Giveaway:

Sheryl is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour:

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Excerpt:

MEME 2 - Chaos Kin

“You ready for this?”

Jordan nodded. She and Montgomery had pulled over three blocks from the entrance to the Black Oak Pack’s compound for one last quick discussion. “Got the Uber request programmed in to meet me here. If things go wrong, we run.”

Montgomery shook his head, hand tightening on the steering wheel. “No, you run.”

Jordan’s expression tightened. “I’m not leaving you.”

“Jordan, you have to run without me.” Montgomery stared at her until she looked away. “I know you’re afraid of what will happen to me. But they won’t harm me. To do so is to risk open conflict with Elder Marcus.”

Jordan bit back her response. Alpha Shane may have a vested interest in living in peace with the Elder of the Conclave of Rancho Robles. That didn’t mean that these strangers who came from far away would have the same desires. Add to the fact things were personal between Montgomery and Enya, and the odds were that they wouldn’t be thinking about insulting the vampires in the area.

She sighed and recited the plans they had come up with the night before. “If things go south, I run back to the Cataluña and wait for you or Thorn. If after twenty-four hours, neither of you show up, I ask Elder Marcus for help getting someplace safe. You and Thorn will join me once you’re able to.”

Montgomery smiled and nodded. She noticed a tear in the corner of his eye. “Hopefully, it won’t come to that.”

She didn’t bother to say that he didn’t sound like he believed it any more than she did.

Jordan closed her eyes but lifted her head as she and Montgomery drove up to the gate of the Black Oak Pack’s home territory. As if by mutual consent, neither of them spoke as Sentry Rodriguez waved them through. There was no point hashing out their plans further. In the next ten minutes, they would know if she would have to run and hide with her tail between her legs.

The silence continued as they walked to the front door. Angela opened the door before she had a chance to knock on it, focusing on Jordan instead of Montgomery. The blonde blond werewolf arched her eyebrows in a question.

Jordan shook her head ever so slightly.

Angela’s lips pressed together as she narrowed her eyes. Jordan could hear her thoughts. Why am I not surprised? Instead, she gestured them inside. “This way please.”

The entire pack was gathered, clumping together in little knots around the room. Pamela met her eyes and then turned her attention back to her conversation with Tran. Alpha Shane, Envoy Blevins, and Talespeakers stood by the cold, dark fireplace. Angela took her place with the rest of the younger people in the room. The tension in the room ramped up as the four highest-ranking werewolves focused on her and Montgomery. Alpha Shane dipped his head in greeting. “Chaos Wolf Abbey, Mr. Cooper.”

Enya was far less formal, not giving Montgomery and Jordan a chance to greet them. She assessed Jordan, head lifted so she stared down her nose. “Were you able to retrieve the fangs?”

Jordan drew herself up to stand straight and as tall as she could. “No.”

Everyone around her tensed, which she expected.

“This isn’t her fault,” Montgomery said. “She didn’t know—”

“Silence, vampire!” Enya snapped. Her focus was on Jordan as she paced forward. “It’s not completely your fault. I blame you as much as I blame him.” She nodded towards Alpha Shane. “And him.” Her gaze turned towards Montgomery.

Alpha Shane’s shoulders hunched. He shifted his weight but said nothing.

She felt her ears flatten, an impressive trick as she was in her human form. Jordan opened her mouth, trying to force her words through her snarl. To her surprise, Billy, Juan, Tran, and Maria surrounded her and Montgomery with Angela taking the point in front of Jordan. Jordan couldn’t see her expression, but the young woman stood stiffly, legs apart, and fists braced on her waist.

Confused, Jordan looked at Billy on her right, eyes wide. “What’s going on?” she whispered as Montgomery put a hand on her shoulder.

“We’re saving your skin,” he said. “Now, shush.”

Angela looked at Enya. “Jordan shouldn’t be treated as a chaos wolf. She is—”

“Angela!” Alpha Shane barked, glaring at her.

His daughter didn’t stop speaking. “—An alpha wolf in her own right.”

Author Bio

Sheryl R. Hayes can be found untangling plot threads or the yarn her three cats have been playing with. She is equally likely to be shooing one of them off the keyboard as she is working on her novels and short stories. In addition to writing, she is a cosplayer focusing on knit and crochet costumes.

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