Review: Evan (The Wild Edges Book 2)

by Lark Taylor

Rating: 4.5🌈

Evan is the second in Taylor’s crossover series in her fabulous Reckless Damned universe. I’m highly fond of the foundation series and its sequel featuring Lucifer’s sons and their fated mates. Just incredible tales.

The Wild Edges contains characters from many of their stories and preceding events which have been woven into newer characters and their search for their own fated mates.

Evan and his clan are werewolves with ties to the original characters who are mentioned here. The dramatic storyline carries over from Finlay’s book and his tragic story, the ripples of which continue on centuries later.

There are trigger warnings associated with Reid story that are listed on Taylor’s website and I suggest that a reader should take the time to check them out. It includes DV, child abuse, and physical violence.

Reid suffers from his childhood trauma and the damage inflicted by his father and clan. He’s has untreated ADHD as well as a terrible self image issues from years of neglect and continual abuse. This includes his depression. All of which are handled throughout the storyline with sensitivity and a clear understanding of these issues by the author.

So although it’s titled Evan, the book is really about Reid, the human born into the jaguar clan. And how Evan, the werewolf, handles his involvement in Reid’s past and reappearance in Evan’s clan’s territory.

Because that’s as hurtful and traumatic to them, but especially to Reid.

I really enjoyed their romance and the entire storyline with multiple new characters, family members as well as some of my old favorites. Like Logan.

Taylor’s setting up several different couples for their fated mates storylines, all of which look intriguing. Calan’s next up. A glimpse of his is a bit of a cliffhanger.

I’m so looking forward to it.

Another winner.

Book cover design: BreathlessLit

The Wild Edges:

Finlay #1

Evan #2

Calan #3 – Dec 9,2026

Complete universe in the order it should be read:

▪️Reckless Damned Series ( the OG foundation series /Lucifer’s sons)

Devil’s Mark 1

Devil May Care 2

Deal With the Devil 3

Luck of the Devil 4

Damned Collections: Volume One

▪️Damned Connections Series – 2nd series:

Patience 1

Justice 2

Temperance 3

Humility 4

▪️Hopeless Blessed (crossover):

Conflicted 1

Devoted 2

Guarded 3

Enchanted 4

▪️The Wild Edges (crossover ):

Finlay 1

Evan 2

Calan 3

Buy link

Book 2 of 3: The Wild Edges

Blurb

Thirteen years ago, I made a terrible mistake.

One I’ll never repeat again.

When I first met Reid, I failed to see the signs that were right in front of me. He asked me to do one thing–take him away and keep him safe.

I turned my back on him.

Now I have to live with the guilt and shame of knowing I let him down. He can’t forgive me, and that’s okay.

Because I’ll never forgive myself.

When Reid’s family comes to take him away, I have a chance to redeem myself. I can keep him safe. But the more I watch him, the more I fall for the man who doesn’t see his self-worth.

Trouble is, can either of us forget the past in favour of the future? Or did my mistake all those years ago cost me any chance with the man of my dreams?

Either way, I’m not giving up until I find out.

Evan is a heartfelt hurt/comfort, M/M shifter x human romance. The second in the Wild Edges series, these books are best enjoyed in order. Each story follows a new couple, and always ends in a HEA.

Publisher

Lark Taylor

Publication date

January 2, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

466 pages

Book 2 of 3

The Wild Edges

▪️Reckless Damned Series ( the OG foundation series /Lucifer’s sons)

Devil’s Mark

Devil May Care

Deal With the Devil

Luck of the Devil

Damned Collections: Volume One

▪️Damned Connections Series – 2nd series:

Patience

Justice

Temperance

Humility

▪️Hopeless Blessed (crossover):

Conflicted

Devoted

Guarded

Review: The Little Shop of Curiosities Cursed Object 1 The Music Box – Part 1. (Crawshanks Guide to the Occult) by Vawn Cassidy)

Rating: 4🌈

With this crossover series in the The Dead Serious Universe, two previously supporting characters are finally getting their own story and relationship series.

That’s which Harrison Ames, recently relocated to town to look for his mother. And former DI, now PI Sam Stone, with his own connections to Danny and Tris, and magical powers of his own.

Both characters have figured largely in prior stories, and author Cassidy takes many of these impactful moments and dramatic events from these novels and repurposes them here. The reader gets to see certain scenes again, only this time from either Harrison’s or Sam’s perspective.

I have to admit I loved (spoiler alert) seeing Chan meet Death all over again. I can’t get enough of this couple, so this was an enormous surprise and plus for me.

I think Sam turned out to be my favorite character, more mature and better defined character of the pair.

Or maybe it’s because Harrison spends the entire story lying to everyone around him. Sam, Tristan, Danny. Even as the mystery and investigation surrounding the magical bookstore, the portal, and other aspects of that storyline, Harrison, knowing full well he had important information and details about the events surrounding the ongoing crisis, kept quiet.

He’s not a teenager. He’s in his thirties. Not communicating highly needed information to people who consider him a friend in a time of crisis.

No, I long ago learned that I’d had enough of this type of character. Whether the author needed him to be incommunicative due too plot purposes or considered it a necessary part of his personality, either way it led to a disconnect for me.

Yes to Sam, no to Harrison. And there are things I do like about him. Like his dynamic with his dads. So funny. But everything else? No.

I’ll continue to read because all the wonderful crossover characters and scenes. Maybe Harrison will win me back over. Who knows.

A definite winner otherwise.

Cover design by Natasha Snow

Crawshanks Guide to the Occult:

The Little Shop of Curiosities Cursed Object 1 The Music Box

Connected series:

The Dead Serious Universe,

Crawshanks Guide to the Recently Departed (6 book series)

Crawshanks Guide to Mischievous Spectres & Spirits(2 book series)

The Grim Adventures of Death & Chan Vol 1-3 (on the author’s website)

Buy link

Book 1 of 1: Crawshanks Guide to the Occult

Blurb

The Music Box – Part 1.

Despite being raised and well loved by his two adoptive fathers Harrison Ames has always felt alone. As an incredibly powerful witch he’s never come across anyone else who can do the things he can. Moving to London from Devon, he’d hoped that if he finally gathered the courage to confront the biological mother who’d given him up as a baby, he might finally have some answers.

Sam Stone, carries scars of his own, both physical and otherwise, but he’s determined to ignore them and get on with his life. But when fate drops a gorgeous prickly red haired witch in his life, he figures his luck is finally changing.

With mediums, dead drag queens, and supernatural beings as his new friends Harrison finds himself drawn into a world of magic and chaos. But amidst all the insanity that is his life, there’s Sam, his anchor when the secrets of his biological family begin to tear his life apart…

Underside Press

Publication date

December 25, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

320 pages

Book 1 of 1

Crawshanks Guide to the Occult

Book 1 of 1: Crawshanks Guide to the Occult

Review: Monster Mayhem (A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery Book 1) by Amanda M. Lee

Rating: 3.5⭐️

Monster Mayhem (A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery Book 1) by Amanda M. Lee was an interesting read for me. The first book in Lee’s Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery series, I wasn’t aware when I picked it up that it was a part of an interconnected universe of series. Sometimes that’s not an issue but here the characters and recent impactful events come from those series and not having the knowledge of them leaves serious gaps for the new reader here.

A Pan (god) led invasion and huge battles?Not a clue but many references are made here to this. Same for the Grimlocks, the Reaper family the main character was “adopted” by. They too have a series. See below.

Here we have no idea what their full abilities or duties are. It’s an incomplete picture while putting this family in a huge position in the narrative and MFC’s life.

Author Lee has created many terrific elements for this character of Luna Thorn and the mystery that is her life’s story. Her shocking arrival in a blast of pink explosive power, as a tiny teenager-looking being. Her enigmatic one sentence statement and then complete amnesia. For five years.

I enjoyed the found family aspect of the story, the surrounding personalities were a lively group of not fully developed characters. Each either had a history I wasn’t aware of or required further foundation here to be fully fleshed out.

The Greek mythology included involving some different aspects of the pantheon that other similar fantasy stories haven’t explored so that’s a plus here. And that battle was fast paced and entertaining. But over way too quickly for all its buildup.

If you’re hearing a “but” or hesitation coming about an element here, you’re correct. I think that the lack of foundation is a real stumble here but can certainly be dealt with by a note saying this is not a standalone and part of a connected narrative.

My main issue is with Luna. In many aspects of her character. She’s “tiny” to the extent of often being mistaken for someone minor in age. 🚩. A abnormal hair color (bright white) made her decide to dye her hair pink. Which also makes her look younger in appearance. Despite being a building owner and running a lifestyle commune. Too many dichotomies have been written into her to maintain a believable/credible character.

“I think I’m a little old to be chastised like a teenager,” I complained when we were alone. “Can you not do that?” Reid looked caught between annoyance and embarrassment. “I’m sorry,” he said after several seconds. “I wasn’t trying to infantilize you.”

Immediately after, she’s treated like a child. As well as accepting that she’s been acting less responsibly. Then does an about face.

She’s surrounded by people who treat her like a child or at least like a younger teenager while she’s constantly insisting that she’s an adult. A repetitive behavior that gets old quickly.

Although, and this is a issue I have with the author’s crafting of the character, she’s a magical badass then someone who’s crying before her “adoptive father “ then proceeds to go in a different direction altogether script wise in the next scenario with a different pair of characters. She’s consistently inconsistent. And the dynamic carries over into every aspect here and all relationships. I just couldn’t connect.

Again, this seems to be a very popular connected universe. Just not one I’m familiar with. Perhaps if I’d started with another series I’d have a different opinion and reading experience.

Maybe I’ll try again with another series and circle back to this.

Connected series:

A Death Gate Grim Reapers Thriller (9 book series)

Aisling Grimlock (9 book series)

An Elemental Witches of Eternal Springs Cozy Mystery (4 book series)

A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery (7 book series):

Monster Mayhem #1

Perilous Portions #2

Undead Urges #3

Hexy Hijinks #4

Karma Killer #5

Sinister Séance #6

Vexing Vampires #7

Buy link

Book 1 of 7: A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery

Blurb

Welcome to the Cathedral!

Luna Thorn’s past is a mystery … even to herself.

She arrived in Detroit amidst a swirl of lights and magic. She had no memory of where she came from. No idea why she was there.

Years later, she’s established herself as a force to be reckoned with on the Detroit magical scene. She ingratiated herself with the local reapers. She set up a community called the Cathedral to help those who had been displaced from their homes and families, declaring that nobody would fall through the cracks.

Still, doubt remains. Luna is determined to figure out why she’s in Detroit. She needs to know what she’s supposed to accomplish within the city’s crumbling boundaries. Her story is nowhere near finished.

When a body shows up on the grounds of the Cathedral, her quest kicks into overdrive. Ritual murders aren’t her forte, but this one is going to haunt Luna. Also haunting her is Jesse Wilder, a young detective who has been paired with an old friend. He has specific beliefs about what’s happening. Luna’s opinion doesn’t match up in the least.

He’s a “by the rules” guy. Luna likes to fly by the seat of her pants. She’s never met a problem she didn’t want to improvise.

It’s going to take both of them to solve this case. Even then, it will only be the beginning of their tale.

Settle in for excitement. Luna Thorn is about to change everything you know about the magical world.

There’s no going back … for any of them.

WinchesterShaw Publications

Publication date

April 4, 2023

Language

‎English

Print length

292 pages

Book 1 of 7

A Luna Thorn Witchy Mystery

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

Rating: 5⭐️

Of the many interconnected series in The Other Realm Universe, The Other Detective has definitely become my favorite, which is amazing because this is a great universe full of complex characters and richly crafted storylines.

Arcane Justice is the penultimate book, which sort of breaks my heart, in the story of magical Inspector Stacy Wise and her ongoing romance with Robbie Krieg, the Ogre King.

I’m really not ready for this series to come to an end.

Harris uses Arcane Justice to cement and celebrate certain bonds and relationships. Loki the caladrius has an important storyline as well as a resolution to his previous issues. Robbie and Stacy’s relationship is deeply affected by the events of this story. And a bigger villainous plot is revealed behind the many of the horrific incidents and murders that have happened.

Amber and Bastion appear to add additional drama and weight to the new development of the overall storyline. And tie it into previous series.

And while the main plot of the book ends happily. There’s an ominous epilogue that follows.

So Harris manages to make me as a reader incredibly happy then crushing me simultaneously with that epilogue. Got it.

Arcane Justice (The Other Detective Series Book 1) by Heather G Harris is superb. Highly suspenseful, full of action packed scenes, beautifully crafted characters, emotionally laden moments and satisfying scenes.

I do not want this series to end.

I’ve listed all the connected series below. It’s an absolute wealth of entertainment and reading enjoyment.

All recommended.

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

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

The Other Realm series

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

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

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

Glimmer of Death – Book 3,

Glimmer of Deception – Book 4,

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

Challenge of the Court– Book 5,

Betrayal of the Court– Book 6

Revival of the Court– Book 7.

⭐️The Other Wolf Series

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

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

⭐️The Other Witch Series

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

Hex of the Witch– Book 1,

Coven of the Witch;– Book 2,

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

⭐️The Other Detective Series❤️

Frustrated Justice – Book 0.5 (a prequel story),
Veiled Justice – Book 1
Mystic Justice – Book 2
Arcane Justice – Book 3
Brutal Justice – Book 4 -March 5,2026

Buy link

Arcane Justice: A Supernatural Crime Thriller (The Other Detective Series Book 3)

Blurb

When I find a powerful political figure dead in his home, I know the pressure is going to be on. His death was brutal, and anything but swift. The brass want answers yesterday, so it’s going to take the combined might of Unit 13 to bring the killer to justice.

In the meantime, things are heating up with Robbie Krieg, King of the Ogres, my fated mate, and general pain in my ass. He’s been keeping secrets, and they may be inextricably linked to the corpse I’ve just found.

And what the hell is up with my damned bird?

Some days, it’s better just to stay in bed.

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

Written in British English.

The Other Detective Series

Frustrated Justice, a prequel story,

Veiled Justice – Book 1

Mystic Justice – Book 2

Arcane Justice – Book 3

Brutal Justice – Book 4

Hellhound Press Limited

Publication date

December 26, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

234 pages

Book 3 of 4

The Other Detective Series

Review: The Wizard’s Cat (The Wizard’s Butler Book 2) by Nathan Lowell

Rating: 4.5⭐️

The Wizard’s Cat is a great sequel to the wonderful urban fantasy novel, The Wizard’s Butler by Nathan Lowell.

Picking up right after the dramatic events of that book, Shackleford House should be settling back into its original shape but that’s not the case.

As Roger notes immediately as he goes through his day as butler to Shackleford himself, in his multitude of duties, the house seems “off”. A bit of dust there, a dandelion there, unheard of when everything is maintained meticulously by pixies and fairies.

But as more things go awry, the narrative building suspense and mystery, it’s up to Roger, cousin Barbara, and a new character to solve the problem and come to the aid of the House.

Lowell builds on Roger’s character development as well as Barbara’s along with the House’s, giving the story and group a fuller sense of them as a unique family, with Roger, perhaps as a fundamental element as a non-talented person but a important grounded member here.

Gideon is equally impressive in his role, one that will be more fully explored in future stories. As one would expect from a magical being of his years.

Barbara is interesting but still needs some more layers. Or maybe interaction with other characters in central roles here. I really like her when she’s discussing roles and jobs with Roger as his profession as a Butler was making her uncomfortable at one point.

Just an engaging story and one I highly enjoyed. Will be watching for the next one to be released.

Read the series in order they are written. No romance or violence. Great characters and terrific writing.

Cover Art: Alexandre Rio

The Wizard’s Butler:

The Wizard’s Butler #1

The Wizard’s Cat #2

Buy link

Book 2 of 2: The Wizard’s Butler

Blurb

It started with a dandelion.

Innocuous. Ubiquitous.

Who knew it was a warning?

After claiming his big bonus, things are coming up roses for Roger Mulligan. A job he loves. A house that feels like home. Money in the bank. A solid roof over his head and job security.

But when he finds a dandelion on the pristine grounds of Shackleford House, he starts down a twisted, garden path. Old man Shackleford says the fairies have a problem, the pixies keep falling down on the job, and the house seems to grow weaker by the day.

He’s soon tossed into a confusing mixture of fact and fantasy, accompanied by Shackleford’s cousin and – of all things – a stray cat. Surrounded by the fantastical, it’s hard to tell magic from mundane.

Publisher

Durandus, Ltd

Publication date

December 7, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

344 pages

Book 2 of 2

The Wizard’s Butler

Review: The Wizard’s Butler by Nathan Lowell

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I stumbled across this story by accident and I’m absolutely thrilled I did because I love both the story and finding a new prolific author to explore.

This highly entertaining and gently immersive series is one that builds slowly, pulling us into the magical world along with the non-magical ex soldier Roger Mulligan.

Desperately searching for a new start, after 3 tours of duty with the military in Afghanistan and as a EMT once home, a ad for a butler sends Roger upon a new path.

That the author is himself a former military veteran is telling in the crafting of Roger Mulligan. He is absolutely believable in this book, his appreciation for the uniform, the manner in which his role as a butler has similarities with his previous duties, without the hazards and risks. He’s a good man, a guardian. Which as it turns out is exactly what is needed most.

Told from Roger’s perspective, we meet the house, his “employers”, the elderly owner of the house and the magical situation he’s entering into.

I think what I love about this the most is Roger’s ability to adapt to ideas and concepts that would shatter others and, in how Lowell has written him and this story, I found him and how everything flows together totally credible.

We don’t “see” the pixies or fairies because Roger can’t. He’s not talented. A element that turns into an unlikely strength for all.

This isn’t a romance. But a terrific book full of fascinating characters and found family, as well as a magical place.

The sequel, the recently released, The Wizard’s Cat, is an excellent read and I’ll review it shortly.

I really hope that Lowell has several more books planned for this series. I’m definitely hooked.

A winner and one I’m happy to share.

Cover Art: Alexandre Rio

The Wizard’s Butler:

The Wizard’s Butler #1

The Wizard’s Cat #2

Buy link

Book 1 of 2: The Wizard’s Butler

Blurb

“He thinks he’s a wizard,” they said.

For five grand a month and a million dollar chaser, Roger Mulligan didn’t care how crazy the old geezer was. All he had to do was keep Joseph Perry Shackleford alive and keep him from squandering the estate for a year.

They didn’t tell him about the pixies.

Publisher

Durandus, Ltd.

Publication date

March 19, 2020

Language

‎English

Print length

350 pages

Book 1 of 2

The Wizard’s Butler

Review: Shifting Resolve (Shifter Lords Book 5) by S.E. Babin

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Shifting Resolve basically undoes all the forward movement of the preceding novel for the characters in terms of their relationships.

And this was to be expected given the twisted plots and various natures of the characters involved with the main character of Evie Quinn.

With her growing powers exposed, during the climatic events with the Life Tree, multiple threats and challenges are leveled against her. And her un-acknowledged partner, lord of shifters, Caelan as well.

There’s so many complex storylines woven into the narrative to keep track of. Various Lords with their own agendas, Evie’s father and mother whose hidden secrets and paths for Evie are also unknown.

Those secrets the reader has been told and know they are explosive in their own ways, are elements that have storylines that haven’t been factored in yet. It’s labyrinthine structure that makes this series so gripping and compelling.

That’s the case here where stress and anxiety are the common theme, secrets are key, and everyone is trying to control Evie and claim a part of her . When she doesn’t want to be claimed or controlled.

And everyone around her has an hidden or not so secret agenda.

It’s high action, high suspense, high mystery and it ends in a cliffhanger of sorts. But one that the reader honestly will expecting. Because we saw it coming.

I love the characters and this very layered, complex story. And I’m rooting for Evie and her small group of friends.

Highly recommended and I can’t wait for the next one in this series.

So well written and beautifully executed.

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords 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

Buy link

Book 5 of 8: Shifter Lords

Blurb

Evie Quinn is a survivor, but she’s tired of being a pawn in everyone else’s game.

She never asked to be the heir to the fae throne, a walking, otherworldly bridge for the gods, or the hottest bachelorette in the supernatural realms. But here she is—dodging dozens of random marriage proposals and doing her best to keep Caelan from committing paranormal genocide.

Everyone wants a piece of Evie these days. The Council’s patience has worn off, and they’re ready to marry her off to the highest bidder. The gods want to use her for their own gain, and Caelan is growing ever frustrated with her attempts to keep things between them paused. But Evie still isn’t ready to be a queen or a bride or a bridge, or anything forcing her to give up her autonomy.

But time has run out, and her only hope might be to do the one thing no one expects—finally taking control of her world-shaking power, her fate, and most important of all, her heart.

Oliver Heber Books

Publication date

December 23, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

272 pages

Book 5 of 8

Shifter Lords

Review: Deadly Arrogance: Necromancer Tales #4 by M.J. May

Rating: 5🌈

Deadly Arrogance is the series finale that brings the journey of Necromancer Erasmus Boone to an exciting and happy conclusion.

I’ve been absolutely thrilled by this fantasy/paranormal universe of May’s since the first Perfect Pixie novel, a series which introduced necromancer Erasmus Boone.

So it’s fitting that many of those characters play roles here in Boone and Franklin’s battle against a terrifying enemy. It’s emotional and wonderful to see each one, settled into their own lives and relationships, as they come together to fight and support their friends and own communities.

And May, who has created throughly villainous characters in the past, has exceeded herself here in crafting shadow bourne Tenzen Huxley, a seemingly unbeatable and immortal being. Huxley is an ominous figure whose role is one that’s always in the game, even when absent from the current situation. The enormous threat he brings to the couple and those around them is a real concern, no matter what else they are dealing with.

They are mentally, emotionally and spiritually under pressure and attack all the time and the reader, who’s intimately connected with them, feels that same overwhelming stress and suspense.

On top of Huxley’s magical threat to everyone, there’s a multiple murder investigation that requires the attention of both Franklin and Boone. It’s highly unusual, incredibly rare in its sheer scope of detail and complexity.

I won’t elaborate further because there’s many twists here that spin beautifully within the plot. The story is highly suspenseful, compelling emotionally, and has some truly heartbreaking scenes.

And yes, it does end happily with everyone in attendance. I absolutely love it.

And there’s a new connected series on the horizon. Thrilled about that too!

Check out all the books below if you’re new to this universe. Read them in the order they are written. Enjoy them! Highly recommended!

Cover design by cheriefox.

Perfect Pixie Series

Perfectly Imperfect Pixie

Perfectly Perfect Pixie: Peaches’s Story

Perfectly Charmed Pixie: Parsnip’s Story

Perfectly Perplexing Zombie: Wendall’s Story

Purrfectly Peculiar Pixie: Phlox’s Story—finale

Perfectly Petite Shorts: Short Stories from the Perfect Pixie Series M/M

Necromancer Tales Series: Spin-Off from the Perfect Pixie Series

Deadly Lineage: Necromancer Tales Book I

Deadly Deception: Necromancer Tales Book II

Deadly Avarice: Necromancer Tales Book III

Deadly Arrogance: Necromancer Tales Book IV—End

Warlock Nikodemus Holland’s Book—Coming Spring 2026

Buy link

Book 4 of 4: Necromancer Tales

Blurb

Necromancer Erasmus Boone’s life is on hold—every shadow suspect, every trip outside his warded home a gamble. Afraid of bringing more attention to already wary necromancers, Erasmus has stopped hunting for his own kind. Unwilling to place an even larger target on his back, Erasmus has even delayed his own wedding.

Human homicide detective Franklin O’Hare wants nothing more than to be there for the necromancer he loves. Unfortunately, he’s neck-deep in not one but two separate multiple-body dump scenes. With little more than skeletal remains to go on, Franklin’s days are consumed with work, and his sleepless nights are spent wishing he had more time for his fiancé.

Waiting and wondering when Tenzen Huxley will make his move is physically exhausting and emotionally draining. Information regarding shadow borne is slim and little more than hearsay, and what is known is horrifying.

Will Erasmus and Franklin be ready when Tenzen finally makes his move? Is there truly any way to be prepared for the hell a shadow borne can unleash? Despite the support of powerful friends and family, Erasmus and Franklin desperately need to find a shadow borne’s weakness.

Sometimes, weakness comes from within, not without, and often, arrogance is the deadliest flaw of all.

Deadly Arrogance is the fourth book in the Necromancer Tales series and should be read in order. This series is a spin-off of the Perfect Pixie series and takes place in the same world but can be read as a stand-alone series. Deadly Arrogance is a m/m romantic fantasy mystery with an unusually sane necromancer just trying to make a living, a humble human detective attempting to keep his necromancer fiancé alive, an arrogant but redeemably overprotective warlock father, a questionably moral all-powerful djinn who may just get her scuttlebutt wish, a welcome Mississippi spring, and an ancient being who desires more power than any creature should wield and has decided a certain necromancer is key to satisfying that greed.

Review: The Diamond in the Rough (Beyond the Veil Book 10) by KM Avery

Rating: 4.75🌈

This is one of the best written, and often times hardest to read series and universe because of the topics and complexity of damaged histories of the main characters here.

I often start with saying that the readers must read the trigger warnings for each novel as well as for the universe that Avery has created and continues to explore in such horror detail.

Here bad things happen, often to children. First by disease, the Arcana virus which acted like a plague, transformed the World’s population, reducing its numbers drastically. Some remained human, others were transformed into fantasy or horror beings. Vampires, elves, werebeings of all kinds, orcs, ghouls, the virus , if the human survived, became whatever the Arcana provided. Adults or children. Didn’t matter. And the human race terrified acted accordingly.

Beyond the Veil is divided into mini-series where different characters have their own stories told while adding to the overall series world view and theme that’s being presented. They interact and sometimes the same events happen in different perspectives.

Now it’s Rayn’s turn. Rayn, a death witch, who was rescued from an horrific situation was first introduced in Ward’s series (The Boy in the Locked Room #2). It’s book 10, Rayn has had time to grow up, adjusting to their powers and life outside the cage and hospital. (Trigger warnings).

Avery does an excellent job in relaying a character without any social skills, or understanding of how some situations work. Rayn’s lack of knowledge and inability to understand the signals given feels believable and honest. And Raj’s reactions to Rayn are part of a whole picture that has to be assembled the more they interact. A neat feat.

One person pov, it’s fascinating to see how Rayn has matured but still is learning how to use and manage their magic and various powers.

I love seeing Hart here, in his role as partner with Raj. He’s still my favorite. The mystery, while good, doesn’t have as much of a complex role as Rayn’s development and growth with those characters around the agency and with the investigation. It’s more of a personal journey, which I really enjoyed and thought was really exceedingly well written.

And certain aspects are left open enough for the investigation to continue further.

Amazing series and fantastic characters. One of the best paranormal group of storylines I’ve read. Certainly one that has the most impact on current events.

Highly recommended.

Beyond the Veil Series

💀Ward’s story (1-3):

The Ghost in the Hall

The Boy in the Locked Room

The Skeleton Under the Stairs.

💀Hart’s story (4-6):

The Dog in the Alley

The Bones in the Yard

The Elf Beside Himself

💀Seth’s story (7-9):

The Turning of the Tables

The Badger in his Burrow

The Past in the Present

💀Rayn’s Story (10-12)

The Diamond in the Rough

The Rut in the Road (coming 2026) The Rock and the Hard Case (coming 2026)

💀Dan’s Story (13-15) Coming 2026-2027

Buy link

Book 10 of 10: Beyond the Veil

Blurb

My life has been… rough. I spent most of my childhood in an asylum, and I’ve spent the better part of the last six years trying to deal with the fact that everything I touch tells me something about the last person who owned it, the person who made it, and sometimes several people in between.

It’s exhausting, and I hate it. I will do pretty much anything to avoid doing it, in fact.

Until a six-four, golden-eyed FBI agent walked through the door and dropped literal diamonds into my hands. Well, a diamond necklace. And he asked me to tell me everything I could about who’d owned it, who’d given it to her, and so on.

I guess I have to learn how to control my abilities fast, or a murderer might go free.

And I might lose my chance to impress the FBI agent who haunts my dreams.

An M/M paranormal romance.

December 19, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

396 pages

Book 10 of 10

Beyond the Veil

Review: Façade (Knight & Daywalker Book 2) by Sam Burns

Rating: 4.5🌈

Sam Burns is an auto buy/read author for me, a consistently excellent writer whose stories never fail to engage my imagination as well as my heart.

Knight & Daywalker is another fantastic hit of a paranormal/urban fantasy trilogy from Burns with one last novel to go.

In Façade, the second book in this series, Burns moves her characters into new territory, exploring new powers, expanding their relationships, and diving further into their respective backgrounds to bring them and this series into a broader and richer world and with a darker mystery to investigate.

Flynn Knight has multiple problems ahead of him, new friends and neighbors to explore and help get settled, along with maybe bf/business partner, Davin Byrne to sort things through with. Plus he’s got his scary kitty of unknown origins, to feed.

How Burns beautifully develops the new storylines alongside the evolution of the characters growth in their relationships and powers is a joy to read. This is a great read and one I couldn’t put down until it was finished.

And that teaser at the end? That intro into the first chapter of Masquerade? How I want that book right now!

Low spice romance, high adventure, fantastic characters and amazing storytelling.

Highly recommend this book and the series. Read them in the order they were written.

Knight and Daywalker – a planned trilogy:

Smokescreen #1
Façade #2
Masquerade #3 – April 2,2026

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

Façade (Knight & Daywalker Book 2)

Blurb

Flynn Knight has a million things to do. From the mundane, like helping his new friends open the restaurant next door, to feeding his cat—a near full-time job. Then there are the unexpected things, like trying to find out about his father’s people, now that one has tried to kill him.

When someone adds yet another attempted assassination to the mix, the only thing he knows for sure is that he can’t hide in his back office until everything blows over.

Right?

No, of course not.

Besides, if he’s in danger, then so are his friends, and he can’t have that; he’s attached. Especially to his new business partner, Davin Byrne, the world’s weirdest vampire, who has dark secrets of his own.

Façade is second in a new series set in the Fantastic Fluke universe. It settles Flynn into his new life with his friends and family, begins to explore the slow burn romance plot, and continues the main overarching plot, which will complete in book three, Masquerade.

date

November 23, 2025

Language

‎English

Print length

258 pages

Book 2 of 3

Knight & Daywalker

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