Review: Midlife Demon Hunter (Forty Proof 3 by Shannon Mayer

Rating: 2.75⭐️

I tried. I tried really hard. And I’ll get around eventually to writing my review for Midlife Fairy Hunter, book 2.

But this book, Midlife Demon Hunter is where I stop. With the series and the author.

I’m done.

And it’s not because there’s not some good elements here or creative aspects of the storytelling. But at its foundation, there’s some very problematic things that, imo, will keep me from going forward.

They circle around how the main character of Bree, her perspective on ageism and gender, and her relationship with men. Specifically the men in her life here in the series.

She’s in her forties but acts as though she’s someone who is in her sixties or seventies, viewing herself as elderly. Yet also excuses the “flirtatious/jump their bones “ way she interacts with men as due to her “hormones” acting up as though she’s in heat. Which is honestly offensive. Normal healthy (whatever you choose it to be) sexuality doesn’t seem to be part of the narrative here.

Don’t get me started on that poor gay werewolf. That’s another issue here.

Additionally, Bree is someone who, no matter what a man has done to her, against her, she’s excused their behavior and actions. This includes some really reprehensible actions. There’s three men, each of them have currently lied to her, been abusive physically and or mentally, and are involved in shady activities. But she’s highly aware and hot for them, physically engaging with them.

Here, Cody, who disappeared for a week without any communication (as has another one, Crash) reveals he’s the person responsible for her despicable ex-husband’s knowledge of the otherworld, which he then used to strip Bree of everything she had. But oh no, Bree says it’s not Cody’s fault. Even absolving Cody of his abusive behavior towards her because he’s related to her ex.

All this while cuddling. Just no.

Between the ageism, the excuses for abusive behavior and seemingly continuous support of patriarchal values (Crash , the Fae blacksmith “saves” a female character by making her his slave), this is a series, character, and author that I can’t go forward with.

The problematic outweighs the good here.

That might not be the case for everyone but it is for me.

There are many other authors and series that have the same elements but without the issues I’ve found here. I’m working my way through those.

The Forty Proof Series (9 book series):

Midlife Bounty Hunter #1

Midlife Fairy Hunter #2

Midlife Demon Hunter #3

Midlife Ghost Hunter #4

Midlife Zombie Hunter #5

Midlife Witch Hunter #6

Midlife Magic Hunter #7

Midlife Soul Hunter #8

Midlife Vampire Hunter #9

Buy link

Midlife Demon Hunter: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel (The Forty Proof Series Book 3)

Blurb

Goblins and ghouls and magic, oh my! Hang tight to your britches, this laugh out loud adventure is about to light you up!

Ousted from the Hollows Group, the shadow world has officially taken notice of me.

With loan sharks sniffing around and knocking on my door, I need to figure out how my ex-husband pushed all his debt onto me, because it stinks of black magic and back alley dealings.

Until I can get some answers there, I distract myself with a new job—working for a goblin. The job is as simple as hiding some paperwork for him. Only . . . someone else wants what he gave me. And they are playing dangerously dirty to get what they want.

Throw in a lovesick bigfoot, a siren going through menopause, a demon next door, and two hot guys vying for my attention, and you’ve got my life in a nutshell.

Well, that is if you don’t count on Robert showing up and saving my bacon again. Which he has to, because this time . . .this time I’ve really put my foot in it.

Review: Managing the Vampire’s Mansion (Magiford Supernatural City story) by K. M. Shea

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I was absolutely delighted to see K.M. Shea’s new book in the Magiford Supernatural City universe, Managing the Vampire’s Mansion.

It’s a fantastically entertaining read, and the main character of Abi is absolutely endearing. I loved watching Abi slowly embed herself into the community around her and into Beckett’s undead life, changing and challenging him to do better.

And the surprise crossover characters was amazing and great in every aspect of the storyline. And each one made me want to go back and read their series again.

There’s a mystery and investigation involved here that will pull various elements of the community together that’s very well crafted. And a hilarious bit from the gnome group that wants Beckett to do things for them and has a special way of asking.

The love aspect I thought was rushed but the relationship was built really solidly, through believable interactions and genuine friendship. With some help from special fae tea.

The author has said that this is a standalone and that other characters in this small lakeside town will have their stories told. I look forward to reading every one.

Definitely recommend reading this and the other series in the universe.

Cover Art by Melody Simmons

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

Related Series Magiford Supernatural City universe series-all fabulous:

Magiford Supernatural City (5 books)

Gate of Myth and Power (3 book series)

Hall of Blood and Mercy (3 book series)

Magic on Main Street (3 book series)❤️

Court of Midnight and Deception (3 book series)❤️

Buy link

https://www.amazon.com/K-M-Shea/e/B005ANPMZU/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Blurb

Starting over as a house manager in a charming small town sounded perfect. Until my new boss turned out to be a vampire.

After burning myself out at my corporate career, I take a job managing a mansion in a picturesque tourist town to reset my life.

The house is historic. The town is charming. The locals are welcoming. And, as I accidentally discover, my unfairly handsome employer, Beckett Kinge, is a vampire in hiding.

Beckett prefers order, privacy, and absolutely no supernatural mishaps.

Unfortunately for both of us, a rogue vampire is attacking the locals. The same people who have been nothing but nice to me. As attacks escalate and secrets unravel, staying uninvolved is no longer an option.

And somehow the only person who steps up to find the vampire is me—the mansion manager with poor people skills who knows absolutely nothing about supernaturals.

At least… I think I’m the only one working this case. But somewhere between tracking a killer and trying not to die, I realize Beckett isn’t just protecting his secret. He’s protecting me. And that might be far more dangerous for my emotional well-being.

Regardless, the rampaging vamp has to be found, or no one in town will be safe. Not even me.

This stand alone cozy urban fantasy story is set in the same world as the Magiford Supernatural City trilogies, but is located in a different (real life!) town in Wisconsin. If you’re searching for a stand alone story with cast of characters that will make you laugh while they try to solve a mystery and muddle with the supernatural, pre-order this book today

April 24, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

271 pages

Review: Warlock’s Menace: Magical Usage Council Misadventures Book 1 by MJ May

Rating: 4.5🌈

MJ May is one of those authors whose books and enlarging universe get keeps getting better and more intriguing with every new addition.

First, May introduces us to the fabulous world of the Perfect Pixies, which wasn’t frankly all that wonderful but full of past trauma and a series plot of enormous horror and unimaginable violence. One that carries over subtly into the next series. We meet incredible characters and their moving stories.

Then it’s the next series.Necromancer Tales, where a character we’ve met, Erasmus Holland, the son of a human woman and one of the world’s most powerful warlock, Nikodemus Holland, gets his story told. It’s a fantastic tale of family, magical creatures, deathly powers and an unexpected path to a great loving relationship with a police detective.

And many of the fantastic characters will cross over into this series, because of the intense storylines, the interconnected plots that the author continues to weave together throughout this universe, and how each of them are part of each other’s lives now.

Warlock’s Menace starts with Nikodemus returning home from Erasmus and Franklin’s wedding. That’s his necromancer son from the series and his detective SIL. And the warlock has picked up an unexpected surprise from the wedding.

Well, not unexpected for anyone who read that last book. Because we’ve been waiting for this.

The Kitsune, Hikaru, who is a tragic character, has taken a very serious interest in Nikodemus. Why is a great element of the story and magical world.

The magic that surrounds the warlock and the usage is revealed and seen from Hikaru’s perspective, which makes him even stronger a character.

The plot, or plots are again tied to various events and other aspects of the world, this is simply one angle that will be explored by May. Its suspense filled, emotional and so well written.

I absolutely adore the way the characters were allowed to build their relationship. And bring in other characters too that Nikodemus usually isn’t well acquainted with.

It’s just another fantastic story and great start into expanding on this outstanding universe. Can’t wait to see more.

Cover design by cheriefox.

Connected Series starting with the first:

Perfect Pixie Series (5 book series)

Necromancer Tales (4 book series)

Magical Usage Council Misadventures:

Warlock’s Menace #1 -Nikodemus Holland and Hikaru

Buy link

Book 1 of 1: Magical Usage Council Misadventures

Blurb

Warlock Nikodemus Holland is a master of his craft. Arrogant, powerful, and reserved, Nikodemus is the epitome of a warlock in every way save one—his love and commitment to his necromancer son, Erasmus Boone.

Hikaru is a seven-tailed kitsune still mourning the loss of his eighth tail and the betrayal that took it from him. Crafty, mischievous, and easily bored, Hikaru needs a distraction, and he needs it now. Lucky for him, he’s found the perfect candidate in a handsome and stuffy warlock. Hikaru just knows he’ll be oh-so-good for his Niki.

Returning from his son’s wedding, Nikodemus has acquired an unwanted tagalong kitsune that he just can’t shake. Walking through his front door, Nikodemus discovers Hikaru is the least of his worries when he finds a letter from the Warlock Council informing him that they’re investigating damning allegations and threatening to bind Nikodemus’s powers if he’s found guilty.

Someone’s been tampering with Nikodemus’s charms, turning them deadly. Nikodemus has no idea what the Warlock Council’s endgame is or what it has to do with the struggling Magical Usage Council. What he does know is that he’ll be damned if he sits back and allows himself to be framed, or worse, his loved ones threatened. Oddly enough, that category has expanded to include an ornery kitsune.

If pressed too far, the Warlock Council won’t just have a livid warlock to contend with, but the unleashed fury of a smitten kitsune. Nikodemus’s enemies are about to learn the word menace isn’t always an endearing sentiment but can be a vicious threat.

Warlock’s Menace is a mm supernatural fantasy/mystery. Expect to find arrogant warlocks (some with redeeming qualities and some sadly lacking), a mischievously ornery kitsune who is confident he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to Warlock Nikodemus Holland, an off the morality rails Warlock Council, seven fox tails that don’t know the meaning of personal space, misbehaving charms, the satisfaction proper payback brings, and HEA’s.

Warlock’s Menace is the first in the Magical Usage Council Misadventures series and is meant for adult readers. Each book will concentrate on a different couple. This is a spin off of the Necromancer series. While characters from this series are mentioned and/or make occasional appearances, one does not have to have read the Necromancer series to enjoy Warlock’s Menace.

March 19, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

331 pages

Book 1 of 1

Magical Usage Council Misadventures

Review: Skulls and Sunlit Secrets (The Haunted Ranch Mysteries Book 7) by Sara Bourgeois

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

The Haunted Ranch Mysteries is my first dive into the writings of Sara Bourgeois but I just love what she’s accomplishing here with her characters, location and overall mystical aesthetic.

Skulls and Sunset is one of the best books in the series so far, combining the all the great elements of the series and the haunting emotional aspects of the story into one beautifully crafted tale of motherhood and obsessive love.

This novel moves Claire’s powers and abilities forward as well as resolves a previous storyline about that huge dark mysterious creature that’s seen flying over the desert in the past story.

But the anchor of this tale is the human being who has lost her life. One we meet briefly and yet immediately becomes someone we know and identify with. Amelia Sanders, so happy and bright.

That’s what is so impressive about this author is her capacity to make a character have such impact on the reader and story in such a short time. Like Amelia does. We are heavily invested in Claire’s investigation and want to know what happened.

It’s a heartbreaking mystery, with absorbing side stories to go along with it. And the ending is just as it should be, poignant and moving.

I love this series and story. It’s not a standalone. Each builds upon the previous one .

Highly recommended! Excellent read!

The Haunted Ranch Mysteries (8 book series)

Death Rides The Desert #1

Bones and Cactus Blooms #2

Spirits of the Saguaro #3

Tombstones with a View #4

Body Beneath the Wither #5

Death Waits at Dead Rock #6

Skulls and Sunlit Secrets #7

The Bone Charm #8

Buy link

Book 7 of 8: The Haunted Ranch Mysteries

Blurb

Everyone in Perdido Springs was looking up when Amelia Sanders died.

A total solar eclipse has turned the little desert town into a tourist destination, and Claire Caldwell just wants to survive the weekend without someone asking if her ranch does birthday parties. But when the moon covers the sun, Claire sees things the darkness reveals… creatures, pathways, and the outline of something vast moving through a world layered on top of her own.

Then the light returns. Amelia is dead outside the bar. The sheriff calls it a scorpion sting. Her friends call it impossible. A massive owl that shouldn’t exist keeps circling a house on the edge of town. And Claire is starting to realize that the murder and the owl might have nothing to do with each other, which means she has two problems, not one.

April 20, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

198 pages

Book 7 of 8

The Haunted Ranch Mysteries

Review: Midlife Bounty Hunter (Forty Proof #1) by Shannon Mayer

Rating: 4⭐️

I throughly enjoyed Shannon Mayer’s Midlife Bounty Hunter story about a divorced woman trying to earn money to save her house from her ex husband’s lawyers and earn a living. As a paranormal investigator/bounty hunter in Savannah, Georgia.

She’s of Irish descent, deeply so as she calls her ex “Himself”, and the fact that she’s Irish is a big deal here for other characters. It seems to be an important component of the series magic that’s playing out.

She had an abusive relationship with her ex husband, to the point he had her hospitalized in a mental institution because she saw the otherworldly beings. He didn’t. Instead of fighting the abuse, she gave in. I’ll let this part of the story to the reader.

Fast forward to the present. He’s had his lawyers take everything possible from her in the divorce, including the house her grandmother left her. This aspect of the divorce is a huge part of the series.

She’s in debt, wants her house back, and is in her late 40’s. But also she’s got her magic back, her past defense training and is, for all her trauma, very competent with certain things like guns and knives. Not a pushover. So she’s likable and very engaging as a person.

Except that Shannon Mayer has some very odd ideas about women’s bodies and ages. This was written in 2020, but for all the attitude on ageism it might be written in the 50’s or 60’s. She sees a woman in her mid forties as being middle aged, someone barely creaking along. A crone.

Shannon Mayer writes as if the character being 40ish years old is someone headed for the grave instead of a woman who is at a great age, especially these days where this is a fabulous time of life. Fifty is more accurate to be called middle aged and still people are working, active and motivated to do more than ever before. This has her sounding like she’s ready for aged care.

“If I’d learned anything at the ripe old age of forty-one, it was that no dream could last forever, and no man can save you from yourself.

“Score one for the old broad.”

Its quotes like this for the entire book. Had she made Breena in her 50’s, this might have been a tad more accurate. Or not. I have seen some 50ish women in yoga that would make many people cry.

Shannon Mayer, do better. Hint, she doesn’t in fact do better in the rest of the series.

The plot is great. Fantastic twists and surprises, with characters personalities and where the reader believes they stand in the storyline. That’s a huge plus for me. It it looks to continue as the “baddies” are exposed for who they are.

Ageism aside, and it’s a definite factor here, the book and character is great. And I’m going forward with it and her.

The Forty Proof Series (9 book series):

Midlife Bounty Hunter #1

Midlife Fairy Hunter #2

Midlife Demon Hunter #3

Midlife Ghost Hunter #4

Midlife Zombie Hunter #5

Midlife Witch Hunter #6

Midlife Magic Hunter #7

Midlife Soul Hunter #8

Midlife Vampire Hunter #9

Buy link

Book 1 of 9: The Forty Proof Series

Blurb

When divorce comes your way, don’t let the ex get you down. Get ready for a whole new laugh-out-loud adventure. Because life is just beginning . . . as a midlife bounty hunter of the supernatural! Now a COMPLETED series!

# 1 in Women’s Fantasy Fiction!
#1 in Fantasy & Futuristic Romance
# 1 New releases Werewolf and Shifter Romance

One day I’m married, living in Seattle, and magic isn’t real. The next, I’m divorced and living in the guest room of my ex’s hotter- than-sin cousin’s place in Savannah . . . and talking to an animated skeleton named Robert.

I have to admit, Robert isn’t my worst date.

At forty-one, I didn’t think I’d be starting over. But I’ll be damned if my ex thinks I’m down and out because he pulled a fast one on me.

When a job comes my way that offers me a chance to use my childhood training in the shadow world, I take it—I need the money more than I care about my sanity.

It’s dangerous.

I have to embrace the magic and dark of my past.

And I need Advil to keep me going.

But those who’d hold me back better sit up and take notice, because a new woman is in town, and she’s not about to be counted out by anyone.

Even if she does groan when she rolls out of bed in the morning.

Hijinks Ink Publishing

Publication date

February 16, 2020

Language

‎English

Print length

340 pages

Book 1 of 9

The Forty Proof Series

Review: Magical Midlife Dating (Leveling Up #2) by K. F. Breene

Rating: 4.5⭐️

“Maybe we’d all had a fire inside us, clawing to get out, and we’d kept it at bay to fit into someone else’s mold of what we should be as women.” – Jessie

Other people have marked this quote and it’s because it’s impactful. To Jessie, the woman still navigating her way through the shambles of her life after the divorce left her homeless, her base of security and family gone in her middle age.

She packed up and moved cross country to a small remote village that she visited with her friend as a child. Now she’s a caretaker of a sentient magical mansion, got powers she needs to learn to control, and an enormous universe of paranormal beings that are increasingly interested in her and Ivy House.

Every aspect of Jessie, her character and emotional challenges is beautifully crafted. She stumbles, fights, figures things out, asks for help. She’s a very real, believable woman.

And the way the author builds up the need for not only Jessie but for Austin, Niahm, Mr. Tom, Edgar and the rest of the crew here to find their own places in the new order being established and help Jessie develop? So remarkable and layered emotionally.

I’m so looking forward to Jessie further exploring this new role and coming into her own in Ivy House, scary dolls and all.

Fabulous storytelling.

Leveling Up (13 book series):

Magical Midlife Madness #1

Magical Midlife Dating #2

Magical Midlife Invasion #3

Magical Midlife Love #4

Magical Midlife Meeting #5

Magical Midlife Challenge #6

Magical Midlife Alliance #7

Magical Midlife Flowers #8

Magical Midlife Battle #9

Magical Midlife Awakening #10

Magical Midlife Rescue #11

Magical Midlife Rogue #12

Magical Midlife Conclave #13 – Nov 12,2026

Buy link

Magical Midlife Dating: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel (Leveling Up Book 2)

Blurb

She must learn to fly, but can she withstand the allure of the handsome new teacher?

The decision has been made. Jessie has taken the magic, and all the weird that goes with it. Including wings. There’s only one problem – she can’t figure out how to access them.

Through a series of terrible decisions, Jessie realizes she must ask for help. Gargoyle help.

But she could’ve never predicted who answers her call – he’s an excellent flier, incredibly patient, and a good trainer. He’s also incredibly handsome. And interested. Maybe flying isn’t the only thing she needs help with. Maybe she needs help getting back on that saddle, too, emerging into the dating pool.

Except, the new gargoyle is also an alpha, just like Austin, and the town isn’t big enough for two.

Turns out, flying is the least of her problems.

date

August 11, 2020

Language

‎English

Print length

468 pages

Book 2 of 13

Leveling Up

Review: Goddess Shifting (Shifter Lords Book 8) by S. E. Babin

Rating:4.75 ⭐️

Babin has done it again and written yet another new favorite in this fabulous series! With each new book and additional storylines, this character of Evie develops into someone who is stronger, more confident in her own abilities, and able to move forward with a future that’s full of potential for love and happiness.

A very hard fought battle, one that’s still ongoing here.

Goddess Shifting sees Evie, with enormous support from her family and friends, make huge strides forward in healing the wounds and trauma from her past experiences, including her toxic relationship with Caelan.

Rowan, her father and mother, Moira ( who honestly needs a side story or two), and now an adoptive Chimera baby who plays a new emotional element between Evie’s trauma and in the ongoing battles with other species targeting Evie.

Rowan and Evie will go further in their journey, and this ends on a happy note. Love this story! It’s so well written.

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords (11 book series):

Shift of Heart #1

Shift of Morals #2

Power Shift #3

Shifting Winds #4

Shifting Resolve #5

Shift of Rule #6

Shift of the Wild #7

Goddess Shifting #8 – April 14, 2026

Final Shift #9 – Aug 26,2036

Shift Happens #10 – 8/26

Shifting Allegiance #11 – Oct 6,2026

Buy link

Goddess Shifting (Shifter Lords Book 8)

Blurb

When you strike a deal with the fae, make sure you read all the fine print…

After nearly draining herself to save Rowan, Evie has called off all training to get some much-needed rest. Once again, the universe has a field day with her plans.

Evie thought she was the last living female Chimera.

She’s wrong.

When a baby is dropped off at the shop, Evie has no idea how to react. As she searches for the parents, it quickly becomes evident the child is no human or fae. She’s full-blooded Chimera, meaning there are at least two others out there like her.

But why would they give her their baby? And why is Evie thinking about keeping her?

Talk about throwing a wrench into her already complicated life.

As Evie and her friends search to uncover the mystery surrounding the child, other forces swirl around them, attempting to unbalance Evie and derail everything she’s worked so hard for.

Once again, everything is changing, but Evie finally knows who and what she wants.

It’s time for a fae bargain, one Evie hopes will finally bring her into her destiny.

Will it be a happy ever after, or is this just the start of Evie’s final downfall?

Oliver Heber Books

Publication date

April 14, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

267 pages

Book 8 of 11

Shifter Lords

Review: Magical Midlife Madness (Leveling Up #1) by K. F. Breene

Rating: 4.5⭐️

“A woman starting over. A new house with an unexpected twist. A cape wearing butler acting as the world’s worst life coach.”

I found this urban fantasy tale totally charming, with its laugh-out loud moments, endearing characters, and wonderfully mysterious plot.

Breene’s series about a divorced woman who takes a chance on a new life by accepting a job in a place she vaguely remembers from her childhood is a brashly funny, often revealing tale of a woman remaking her life, even as her own world view of what’s real is turned inside out.

Jessie is a marvelous character, believable, relatable in her emotions as she navigates the challenges she faces after her divorce from a cheating husband, with no real plans for her life or a place to go. And the job she finds herself doing places her back in a small town where she visited as a child, one with fuzzy fond memories and dreams of strange things.

How I love everything about her, the other characters and the many strange situations Jessie finds herself in. Ivy House, the magical weird structure that’s revealing its secrets reluctantly, is richly detailed and mysterious. As is its inhabitants, Mr Tom, or intriguing members of the community like the alpha Arden, who’s constantly being told to reevaluate his position on women by Jessie, each one has staying power both within the narrative and with the reader.

Jessie and all the others demonstrate personal growth and self development as she discovers what the town and Ivy House is about, as her potential role, if she decides to accept it.

A fantastic story, great characters, and a journey I’m happy to follow.

A winner!

Leveling Up (13 book series):

Magical Midlife Madness #1

Magical Midlife Dating #2

Magical Midlife Invasion #3

Magical Midlife Love #4

Magical Midlife Meeting #5

Magical Midlife Challenge #6

Magical Midlife Alliance #7

Magical Midlife Flowers #8

Magical Midlife Battle #9

Magical Midlife Awakening #10

Magical Midlife Rescue #11

Magical Midlife Rogue #12

Magical Midlife Conclave #13 – Nov 12,2026

Buy link

Book 1 of 13: Leveling Up

Blurb

A woman starting over. A new house with an unexpected twist. A cape wearing butler acting as the world’s worst life coach.

“Happily Ever After” wasn’t supposed to come with a do-over option. But when my husband of twenty years packs up and heads for greener pastures and my son leaves for college, that’s exactly what my life becomes.

Do-over.

This time, though, I plan to do things differently. Age is just a number, after all, and at forty I’m ready to carve my own path.

Eager for a fresh start, I make a somewhat unorthodox decision and move to a tiny town in the Sierra foothills. I’ll be taking care of a centuries old house that called to me when I was a kid. It’s just temporary, I tell myself. It’ll just be for a while.

That is, until I learn what the house really is, something I never could’ve imagined.

Thankfully forty isn’t too old to start an adventure, because that’s exactly what I do. A very dangerous adventure that will change my life forever. I have a chance to start again, and this time, I make the rules.

February 16, 2020

Language

‎English

Print length

316 pages

Book 1 of 13

Leveling Up

Review: Masquerade (Knight and Daywalker Book 3) by Sam Burns

Rating: 3.75🌈

Masquerade finishes out the urban fantasy trilogy of Knight and Daywalker by Sam Burns and I have to admit it’s a little underwhelming.

Both Smokescreen and Façade were excellent. The plots were very well executed and the characters were engaging and the growing relationships between Flynn Knight and his day walker vampire boyfriend, Davin Byrne, just were so well done. And that goes for the intriguing side characters like the scary void kitten Twist and the paranormal siblings who run the confectionery shop. Love them.

But this story feels rushed. As though Burns had so many elements and unfinished storylines that had big implications that were never really explored but had to go into this book anyway. Some were lovely while introducing new characters.

But most of all the storylines were just too one layered. There was no substance to them.

I suppose that’s because there’s no page time for many main series plots to be developed and executed at the last book, often in the very last chapters. So it feels underwhelming and certainly rushed into an ending where the villain gets his comeuppance, the characters their happy ending but the reader isn’t exactly satisfied.

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

The villain is revealed, as is his longtime nefarious plan that heinously threatens to destroy all dragons and a terrible magical machine. None of these are given much as far as depth of in storyline knowledge or exploration of any other laid out foundation. It’s more here they are or someone says they exist. It’s very superficial.

The “dramatic rescue” as well as the preceding arrival of Flynn’s father, missing for decades, again given short shrift narratively speaking. The father is used basically to give Flynn’s mother a HEA, but we know nothing about him or his captivity. He appeared and it’s happy family once again.

The rescue and fight isn’t much fun. No one lives up to any expectations of power or possible magical growth. Even Twist falls short. And worse, when the cells , full of traumatized broken dragons, plus others who’s got wounds to be healed, instead of dealing directly with their injuries, Flynn’s dithering about in his head with “stuff “, for pages. Which makes me lose interest and patience.

Burns has made a big deal of Flynn being neurodivergent, but , imo, this is the worst decision to make narratively in the scene. The dragons and others are suffering and Flynn’s not paying attention to what’s happening instead of getting things done right away. It’s Davin to the rescue instead.

I believe had this been stretched out to four books instead of cramming everything together into a trilogy, things might have been better handled. Or maybe not.

But as is, Masquerade as a finale and a story is too rushed and underdeveloped. Which is unfortunate because this had so much potential to be outstanding.

Read them in the order they were written.

Knight and Daywalker :

Smokescreen #1
Façade #2
Masquerade #3 – finale

Same universe as

THE FANTASTIC FLUKE-complete ❤️

The Fantastic Fluke

Fluke and the Faithless Father

Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco

Fluke and the Frontier Farce

Fluke and the Fantastic Finale

Content Warning: gruesome deaths described in detail, violence, fraught parental relationships, serial killer & kidnapping (prior to book, off-page).

Buy link

Book 3 of 3: Knight & Daywalker

Blurb

Flynn is just out here trying to live his #bestlife. He’s feeding his cat, running his business, and dating his boyfriend . . . well, trying to date his boyfriend. Every time things start to get intimate, something seems to interrupt them, no matter where they are or how many cell phones they turn off.

When the interruption is Flynn’s cousin, having been attacked and drained of energy, Flynn realizes that the monster who’s been killing dragons isn’t just a distant thing, but a clear and present threat.

But can a man who’s always let other people fight his battles handle his own this time?

Masquerade is the final book in the Knight & Daywalker series, starring one scatterbrained detective, a spoiled kitten, a frustrated daywalking boyfriend who just wants a nice quiet dinner, the world’s most overprotective mother, and whole cast of other friends Flynn has made along the way, including a surprise or two.

Review: Death’s Rival (Jane Yellowrock Book 5) by Faith Hunter

Rating: 4.75⭐️

Death’s Rival was a fantastic read! It’s a chilling thrill a minute, a plague that threatens vampires, a powerful enemy with old ties to Jane’s history, and new characters who I absolutely adore.

Did I mention I love this book? And there’s traumatizing moments and betrayal too! I mean, it’s got everything.

One thing I really love is the addition of the Younger brothers, who form not only Jane’s first personal team but her own second foundation of a “family” outside of Molly. They start to act as a her needed buffer at times,when possible, between her, and the paranormal power struggles constantly present.

This also is the beginning of a long process of series reveals about the overall story threads and major plots being uncovered that center around Jane, MOC Leo, and the New Orleans territory.

Incredible storytelling, so exciting and satisfying. Highly recommended! Read them in the order they are written.

I wish I knew more about the artist who created the series covers because I really love them. Consistently great.

Jane Yellowrock (15 book series):

Skinwalker #1

Blood Cross #2

Mercy Blade #3

Raven Cursed #4

Death’s Rival #5

Blood Trade #6

Black Arts #7

Broken Soul #8

Dark Heir 9

Shadow Rites #10

Cold Reign #11

Dark Queen #12

Shattered Bonds #13

True Dead #14

Final Heir #15

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Death’s Rival (Jane Yellowrock Book 5)

Blurb

Jane Yellowrock is a shapeshifting skinwalker you don’t want to cross—especially if you’re one of the undead…

For a vampire killer like Jane, having Leo Pellisier as a boss took some getting used to. But now, someone is out to take his place as Master Vampire of the city of New Orleans, and is not afraid to go through Jane to do it. After an attack that’s tantamount to a war declaration, Leo knows his rival is both powerful and vicious, but Leo’s not about to run scared. After all, he has Jane. But then, a plague strikes, one that takes down vampires and makes their masters easy prey.

Now, to uncover the identity of the vamp who wants Leo’s territory, and to find the cause of the vamp-plague, Jane will have to go to extremes…and maybe even to war.

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